Nov 19 - Nov 21 News

November 19

Noise Pollution: Lagos State Seals 8 Mosques And Churches

The Lagos State Government
3 hrs ago

World Tolerance Day: LASEPA seals religious centres over noise pollution

As Lagos State joined other countries of the world to commemorate the 2019 United Nations
International Day of Tolerance, the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency, (LASEPA)
embarked on a clampdown of some religious outlets comprising of mosques and churches across
different areas of the State for causing noise pollution and disruption of peace within their vicinity.

Following the clampdown exercise of these religious outlets by LASEPA, the General Manager of the
Agency, Dr. Dolapo Fasawe said there is no hiding place for any religious organisation that cannot
operate within the ambit of the law, regardless of their faith inclinations.

She said that mutual respect of views, culture and religion, which the annual Tolerance Day celebration
symbolises across the world, must be adhered to by all residents of the State, particularly religious
organisations that should be the bastion of good conduct, tolerance, brotherliness and godly
neighbourliness.

Fasawe assured residents that LASEPA will not rest on its oars in bequeathing a noiseless city to all
inhabitants of the State, stressing that those recalcitrant organisations or worship centres, known to be
disturbing the peace of Lagosians, will face the full wrath of the law.

She maintained that the government will not condone infringements on the rights of other residents of
the State in the name of religious activities.

Recalling the inundating petitions and outcry from residents of the State over the insensitivity and
intolerance of some religious outlets in different areas, the LASEPA boss regrettably noted that several
warnings issued to the management of these churches and mosques had not yielded the expected result.

“The government recognises that the State thrives on peaceful co-existence among practitioners of the
major religions across the State, but of great concern to the State Government is the need for religious
activities to be conducted in a manner that worshippers and citizens would not infringe on each other’s
rights”, the General Manager reiterated.

According to the LASEPA GM, the illegal and unauthorised conversion of residential property for
religious use without recourse to the wellbeing of other residents and the State of the environment is of
great concern to the present administration.

Speaking further, on the sealed worship centres, Dr. Fasawe explained that for the facilities to reopen,
the leaders of these organisations must reach an agreement of compliance with the Agency and also
satisfy other necessary conditions as may be prescribed by LASEPA.

The General Manager, however, warned ownership and management of any sealed property to desist
from unsealing same without government approval to avoid severe sanctions.

Some of the facilities sealed are located at 68, Old Otta Rd, Orile Agege; 4, Ademola Oshinowo, Off
Loveall Street, Ketu; Dele Amuda Street, Lekki;17, Ajileye Street, Ilaje Bariga; 39, Kusenla Road,
Elegushi; Ajayi Bembe Street, Abule Oja, Yaba, among others.

The Lion Found In An Indian's Lagos House Tranquilized And

Evacuated

The 2-year-old lion cub which was found in a residential apartment at No 229 Muri Okunola Street in
Victoria Island has been tranquilized and evacuated by the Lagos State Government.

The lion which is reportedly owned by an Indian national was evacuated from the building by 1:30pm
today November 18.

Chairman of Lagos State Taskforce on Environmental and Special Offences, Yinka Egbeyemi who
confirmed that the lion has been removed from the residential apartment said the Indian national is yet
to honor his invitation for questioning. The owner of the lion reportedly sent his three Nigerian workers
to stand-in for him instead.
Timipreye Sylva: How Dickson Made APC’s Victory In Bayelsa
Much Easier
The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Mr Timipreye Sylva has `thanked’ Gov. Seriake
Dickson of Bayelsa for making it much easier for the governorship candidate of the All Progressives
Congress (APC), David Lyon, to win the Nov. 16 election.

He disclosed this after presenting the Bayelsa Governor-elect, David Lyon, to President Muhammadu
Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja on Monday.

Sylva attributed the electoral victory of the APC candidate to what he described as “poor performance
by the Bayelsa State government”.
He said: “It’s been a very hectic week but I will like to bring in this Eritrean proverb, that if you marry
a wife very well, you will be blessed with another wife.

“Gov. Dickson, unfortunately made our job very easy because he married the wife very badly. Of
course this proverb pre-supposes that if you marry a wife badly, you will not get another wife. So he
did not marry the state very well, so the state roundly rejected him.

“Like it’s been said earlier, we had a good candidate and when you have a good product, it’s very easy
to sell it. So, we went round and sold this good to Bayelsans and the result was an overwhelming
success.

“We are happy with this victory because for us it is very significant. This gives our party a footprint in
the Niger Delta, which is very key to us. It gives us more of a national outlook, we have always been a
national party but this gives us even a bigger national outlook.’’

Gov. Atiku Abubakar of Kebbi, who alongside his Jigawa counterpart Badaru Abubakar, presented
Lyon to the president, commended Buhari for his consistent preaching of fair and transparent elections
in the country.

“Many people worked hard in making this happen, most importantly, Mr President, who has always
shown the party that win or lose we should aim for free, transparent and fair elections.

“Because, that is what will guarantee peace, confer legitimacy and support for elected persons to
proudly execute the mandate that they are given. And in Bayelsa we have seen a demonstration of that.

“Everyone is talking about how free, transparent and fair the elections were.

Abubakar, who is the chairman of All Progressives Congress Governors’ Forum, said the APC victory
in Bayelsa was well received by almost all citizens of the state.
He said: “We were in Bayelsa for over 72 hours, we didn’t see a tyre burning, we didn’t see people
running, we didn’t hear a gunshot, everyone was celebrating in all the areas we passed, which shows
the acceptance of our candidate, our party and the process itself.

“It is equally noteworthy that Bayelsa is a home of a former president of Nigeria and this election won
by a party different from the one he belongs, has been accepted by all including people around him.

“And so far, from what we hear, he is also happy with the outcome irrespective of the difference in the
party, which is an indication of the transparency of the process.’’

The National Chairman of the APC, Comrade Adams Oshiohmole, who also spoke at the event, said
apart from presenting the Gov-elect to the president, they also thanked him for insisting that the
elections must be conducted in a peaceful and transparent atmosphere.

“As the President and our father, he has a brand new baby boy who will be sworn- in on Valentine Day
February 14, 2020, as governor of Bayelsa State.

“We thanked the president for his fatherly role and he insisted that we must ensure that while we are
determined to win the election that we must play by the rule and ensure that the process is transparent.

“Above all the president has always been concerned about peaceful election and we were proud to
inform him that besides very isolated cases of ballot box snatching, the election in Bayelsa can be
described as the most peaceful.

“I believe since 1999, you as very seasoned journalists who have covered elections in Bayelsa in the
past, you will agree that this is the only time we can say the election is truly transparent and peaceful.

“Again, our candidate attracted supports across the political divide when you see territories and
communities where his victory was being celebrated you will agree that not only did he had the support
of the APC family, he had support beyond the APC family,’’ he added.

Ahmed Yerima Plans To Succeed Buhari As President

A former governor of Zamfara State, Ahmed Yerima, has declared a presidential ambition, saying
already some Mallams (kinds of marabouts) are already working to actualise the plan.

In lengthy interview aired on Pride FM, Gusau on November 13, the former governor chronicled his
achievements as a civil servant, politician and Shariah promoter.

The audio of the interview was sent to DAILY NIGERIAN on Monday, and this newspaper had
verified from the producers of the programme and Mr Yerima’s associates that the clip was original.

In the no-holds-barred interview, Mr Yerima said he would not run for any political office at the state
level again, saying his only political interest is to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari in 2023.

“I am done with contest at state level, but will hopefully contest for president. Already some political
elite and some Mallams are working to bring the idea into fruition.

“Even last night, one of the Mallams called me and swore that I appeared in his dreams as a president,
chauffeur-driven in a black presidential car.

“Then I told the Mallam a related story my secondary school friend who was a former commissioner
during Mahmuda Shinkafi administration told me,” the former governor told his interviewer.

Quoting the friend, Mr Yerima said: “A chalky white aboriginal Arab man suddenly appeared near
Harem, greeted my friend and declared ‘you must be from Zamfara’.

“He then asked ‘where is our father Senator Ahmad Sani Yeriman Bakura? And my friend responded
that I was fine.

“He asked my friend to extend his high regards to me, and then told them that God willing, I will rule
Nigeria, except if I died.

“The man then bade them goodbye and as they turned to leave the point, my friend’s wife suggested
that they should ask for his name so it could be easy to relate the message.
“To their utmost surprise, the man disappeared, and was nowhere to be found.

“When my friend told one of his Mallams [marabouts] about the incident, the Mallam declared it was a
revelation conveyed by God [through the mystery Arab man].”

Kogi Election: INEC Cancels 149,576 Votes

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said that 149,576 votes were cancelled in
Kogi State due to violence, ballot box snatching and other incidences that characterised last Saturday’s
governorship election.

The commission declared Governor Yahaya Bello as the governor-elect for another four-year term.

Bello, who contested on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), scored a total of 406,222
to defeat the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate Musa Wada, who polled 189,704 votes.

Natasha Akpoti of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) came third with 9482 votes.

The State Collation Officer and Vice-Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Prof. Ibrahim
Garba declared Bello as the winner, adding that he met the requirement of the law to be so declared.
He put the margin of victory at 216,518. A total of 636,202 voters were accredited from the 1,646,356
registered voters with 610,744 valid votes cast, while 13,770 votes were rejected.

Bello got majority votes in 12 of the 21 local government areas.

The governor got majority votes in Ogori Magongo, Ijumu, Adavi, Okene, Kabba Bunu,
Kogi/Kotonkarfe, Okehi, Mopa Moro, Ajaokuta, Olamoboro, Ibaji and Lokoja local government areas.

The PDP candidate won in Dekina, Bassa, Ofu, Ankpa, Yagba West, Yagba East, Idah, Igalamela Odou
and Omala local government areas.

Bello also got the mandatory one third in 20 local governments.

The agent of the PDP at the Collation Centre, Captain Jerry Agada, refused to sign the result sheet,
saying he did not agree with the figures.

According to him, the party would take the process further by testing the outcome at the tribunal.

He claimed that about three people died in Lokoja metropolis due to violence, stressing that a report of
the casualty figure was not reflected in the result presented by the collation officer for the local
government.

He added that the party agents submitted a report on four areas within Lokoja, the state capital, where
election did not take place.

Agada said what is contained in the report by the local government collation officer is a report of three
places.

He demanded to know from the Inspector-General of Police what happened to the policeman arrested
for shooting a voter on the line, adding that elections were cancelled in about 147 polling centres.

He also claimed that the Collation Officer did not include in his report that a helicopter flown by an
officer of the Counter-Terrorism Unit (CTU) of the police shot and killed a voter waiting to cast his
vote and was later brought down and the officer arrested.

He presented the State Collation Officer a report from his PDP agents in the local government to back
his claim.

But the presentation was politely declined by the Collation Officer, Prof. Ibrahim Garba.

Prof. Garba told him that after completing his assignment of collating the results and announcing the
winner of the election, he would have nothing to do with the electoral process as he was not an
authority.

He asked him to compile his evidence and submit to the appropriate authorities at INEC, which has the
powers to examine his presentation and act on it where necessary.

Bello described the outcome of the election as a victory for true democracy.

In a statement by his Director-General, Media and Publicity, Kingsley Fanwo, the governor said the
victory will spur him to do more.

He said: “This victory is for Kogi people that value true democracy. And, we can assure that Governor
Bello will not abandon his campaign slogan, which expresses his desire to do more for Kogi people.

“We thank Kogites who voted for us. We also thank Kogi people who did not vote for us; they have
challenged the governor to do more for them to earn their confidence.

“We urge the Peoples Democratic Party to act to exemplify the spirit of sportsmanship by accepting the
verdict of Kogi people. We also thank the party hierarchy for throwing their weight behind the
governor.

“We thank INEC, security operatives and other public institutions for ensuring that the election was
free, fair, credible and peaceful. Governor Bello will do more for Kogi, Kogites will be better for it.”

Also yesterday, Wada described the election as a coup against the Kogi people.

At a news conference in Abuja, he vowed to challenge Governor Bello’s victory.

The PDP candidate said the overwhelming majority of the people rejected the election’s outcome.

Wada said: “It is clear to all that there was no election on Saturday, November 16th 2019 but a
declaration and execution of war against the people.

“What happened in Kogi was an organised war against democracy; coup against the people and seizure
of power through brigandage and the barrel of the gun with members of the police and other security
agencies coordinating the stealing of people’s votes.

“The police aided armed APC thugs to invade polling units with impunity, shoot and kill voters and
carted away ballot boxes to government facilities where results were written in favour of APC and
handed over to INEC (Independent National Electoral Commission) to announce against the will of the
people.

“Police helicopters were used to attack polling units, fire tear gas on voters and provided cover to APC
hoodlums and policemen who brutalised the people of Kogi state and stole their mandate.

“The APC turned our state into a theatre of war. No fewer than nine innocent Nigerians were killed.
Many more were maimed and injured by the APC in their desperation to seize power at all cost.

“It is, therefore, distressing that INEC went ahead with a shameful collation and declaration of
fabricated results despite the glaring disruptions that characterised the shambolic exercise.”

Wada accused INEC of cancelling votes cast for the PDP in the party’s strongholds, subtracted from
PDP votes in many other areas and padded the votes of the APC to give a semblance of victory to APC.

He said the people of Kogi were horrified, brutalised and dehumanised during the exercise.

“We, therefore, stand with the people of Kogi to state without equivocation that this brigandage and
stealing of our mandate cannot stand.

“We will never despair but remain strong in our determination to retrieve the mandate freely given to us
by the people in their desire for a change. We will pursue this course to its logical conclusion within the
confines of the law of this country,” he added.

8 Implications Of Kogi/Bayesa Elections In Nigeria

Nigeria, a country endowed by God, would have become one of the best countries of the world. But
since her independence, her leadership has been her Nightmare.

In 1999, over 20years ago- Nigeria returned fully back to democracy, but still, the leaders have been
terrible.

Democracy, where the will of the people should be the hallmark has been destroyed by power mongers,
so Nigeria democracy can be termed as autocracy.

Looking back, we saw the inglorious election of Morris Iwu, but we develop gradually during the time
of jega, because we knew our vote counted then. But the recent INEC under Mahmoud has conducted
elections that is taking us backward.

2 days ago, the election conducted in Kogi and Bayelsa, has raised eyebrows, because of the Impunity,
Rigging, killings , security agencies compromise etc.

Listed below are 8 implications on Nigerians

1. In the future elections, there will be voter A party __

because voting is like wasting our time and risking our lives, because at the End, Power-that-be
determines the Winners, people won't come out to vote again

2. Politicians will more take election as war __

because they will always want to march fire for fire..forget about the ceremonial peace accord

3. Thuggery will be more lucrative

Going by the recent elections,I wonder how these thugs and hoodlums that are used are empowered
with arms and ammunition, vehicles, and I know they will smile to Bank

4. Many people become hopeless on Nigeria__

It's a fact that, with this show of sham, people become hopeless on having good leaders who can
transform our country

5. Good people will run away from politics ---

Yes, I have seen many people who don't want to talk on politics, because its traumatic to them

6. Governors won't bother to perform to be reelected ---

This is true, because if I can't talk on anywhere I can talk on Kogi, it is a place I do visit. I almost cry
whenever I visit, but at the end, the Governor won with wide margins..you know more!!!

7. Nigerians won't believe on anyone's Integrity anymore...

Na so o, I know many people who still think they are dreaming , because they believe so much on
BUHARI integrity, and wonder what is happening in his era?

8. More Security danger---

Its another implications because in all these elections , the thousands of hoodlums that were
empowered won't want to be idle, so they start arm robbery or kidnapping

Add your own too

...God bless Nigeria

PPPRA: Open Market Price Of Petrol Hits N163.68

The Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency said that the current open price market of the
Premium Motor Spirit also known as Petrol as of November 15 was N 163. 68 .

The agency disclosed this in its Petroleum Products Pricing Template released on its website , on
Monday in Abuja .

According to the template , the amount is N 18 . 68 higher than the N 145 price fixed by the Federal
Government for the product to be sold at the petrol stations .

The template put the landing cost of the commodity at N 147. 95 per litre , while total distribution
margins of N 19 . 37 per litre brings the total cost of the commodity to N 163. 68 per litre .
The PPPRA report noted that the cost of the commodity plus freight stood at 618 .47 dollars per metric
tonne , an equivalent of N 141 . 54 per litre .

It added that the lightering expenses and Nigerian Port Authority ( NPA ) , charges stood at N 2 .75 and
N 0 .84 per litre respectively.

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency ( NIMASA ) charges , according to the
PPPR , stood at N 0 .22 per litre while the Jetty Throughput charge N 0 . 60 per litre and storage charge
N 2 .00 per litre .
( NAN )

Hate Speech Bill: Aliyu Abdullahi Says He Has Been Receiving

Threats
IgbereTV reports that Senator Aliyu Abdullahi, the lawmaker representing Niger North Senatorial
District and the Deputy Chief Whip has disclosed that he's been receiving threatening messages since
the hate speech bill he sponsored passed its first reading.

Recall that Senator Abdullahi proposed a National Commission for the Prohibition of Hate Speech Bill
and death by hanging as punishment for hate speeches.

The Niger Senator who stated that he won't shy away from his responsibility because of the threats,
added that the bill was not passed in the eight Senate because he left it alone at that time because the
political atmosphere was already getting charged at its first reading.

“Like somebody wrote to me, over the past ten days or so since the bill was read for the first time, I
have received all kinds of messages some even including threats. But I am not bothered about that. In
all of these, if I receive one commendation, it gladdens my heart and I did receive many
commendations and one stood out and said there is so much hate in this country. We must check it.

“If you meet those who have lost their loved ones arising from religious or ethnicity, intolerance, and
the like, I don’t think they will be smiling with you when you tell them hate speech is nonsense or does
not exist. They have felt, seen and are living as victims of hate speech,” he said.

“I reckon in my thinking that the atmosphere was not right for even debating the subject matter
because, at the end of the day, we will be missing the point. So I did not pursue it.

“On assessing the reason why I introduced the bill in the 8th senate in the first instance, I have seen that
these reasons are not abated. If anything, they are actually assuming a life of their own. So I decided
that this bill be reintroduced and it was on the 12th of this month.
“They will demonise me, I am not moved because this is the subject of life and no one buys life in the
market. Nobody came with a spare" Abdullahi added.

Bayelsa, Kogi Governorship Elections Lack Requirements Of

Viable Democracy, Says YAKASAI
Elder statesman and foremost northern leader, Alhaji Tanko Yakasai on Monday in Kano declared that
the just concluded governorship elections in Bayelsa and Kogi states did not meet the requirements of a
viable democracy.
Yakasai who spoke from his Yankaba residence in Kano also called for immediate reforms in Nigeria’s
political system, expressing fears that elections in Nigeria will not be any better if action is not urgently
taken to establish standards that will ensure viable democracy.
247ureports.com reports that the All Progressive Congress (APC) recorded landslide victories against
the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Bayelsa and Kogi states.
According to Yakasai, “there are three important pillars upon which democracy survives. One of those
pillars is vibrant, strong and independent political party system.
“Political parties ought to be controlled by the members; but in Nigeria today, the story is different.
“The second pillar is the electoral umpire—that is the Independent National Electoral Commission
(INEC). If the organization responsible for organizing election can be manipulated, then the whole
system is shattered.
“The third pillar is the judiciary. The judiciary should have integrity. The judiciary ought to be
controlled by men of integrity. Today in Nigeria, I do not think such is happening.”
Yakasai who was Political Adviser to former President Shehu Shagari of blessed memory, said he was
not sure of a credible election in Nigeria in the nearest future if nothing is not done to rebuild the three
pillars of democracy as he identified.
According to him, for democracy to strive in Nigeria, there must be reforms that will bring about a
system that is trusted and driven by the will of the people, not the interest of very few politicians.

Kogi Poll: 16 Candidates Accept Results, Congratulate Bello

Sixteen of the candidates that participated in the November 16 governorship election in Kogi State
have accepted the results of the election as announced by the Independent National Electoral
Commission (INEC).

Some of the parties include: Green Party of Nigeria, Accord Party, Young Democratic Party, Justice
Must Prevail Party, Peoples Party of Nigeria, Africa Action Alliance and National Conscience Party
among others.

Forty-five political parties fielded candidates in the election.

Incumbent governor of the state, Yahaya Bello of the All Progressives Congress (APC) won the
election by polling a total of 406,222 votes to defeat the PDP candidate, Musa Wada of the Peoples
Democratic Party, who scored 189,704 votes.

READ ALSO: Bayelsa, Kogi Polls: Voters selling PVCs for N500, N1,000 – YIAGA

Addressing a news conference in Lokoja on Monday shortly after the announcement of the election
results, the coalition of 16 candidates led by Sani Teidi, the candidate of the Young Democratic Party.
urged losers to work with the winner for accelerated development of the state.

“We congratulate His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello for the overwhelming victory at the poll and all
those who participated in the election.

“We appeal to the winner to be magnanimous in victory and prepare to mend fences for an all-inclusive
governance.

“We are also appealing to all Kogi stakeholders to accept the winner for participatory governance,” Mr
Teidi said.

The candidates condemned the call for cancellation of the election by civil society groups, saying that
they did not consider the enormity of waste and loss of lives that may occur in the course of re-running
the election.

“All aggrieved political parties should play the game by the rule. Kogi is our state, and the only
panacea for development is peace,” he said.

Let's Celebrate And Congratulate PDP National Chairman

Prince Uche Secondus
Let's us use this Opportunity to Congratulate the PDP National Chairman Prince Uche Secondus for
Holding an Unbreakable Record of Always Coming 2nd in Every Election since He Assumed Office. 8
straight 2nd position and He will Continue to Live Up to His Name.
Prince Uche secondus is a SECONDary Hero.

Now you know what's in a Name.

NB

"Parents should Mind the Kind of Names they give to there Children"
Bayelsa Election: Douye Diri Asks INEC To Declare Him
Winner Of Poll
I’m the authentic winner of Bayelsa gov’ship poll — PDP’s Diri

Governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the just concluded election in
Bayelsa State Senator Douye Diri has asked the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to
declare him winner.

INEC had on Sunday declared APC candidate, Chief David Lyon, as the winner of the election, having
polled a total of 352,552 votes to defeat his closest challenger, Douye Diri of PDP who polled 143,172
votes.

Diri, who led some governorship candidates of other political parties to addressed a press conference in
Yenagoa, yesterday, said the results obtained from the PDP situation room showed that he was the
original winner of the poll, and urged INEC to declare him winner immediately.

According to him, the results from the PDP situation room showed that the party scored a total of
98,502 votes to defeat APC, with 55,903, before the entire results were allegedly later changed in
favour of APC.

He said: “INEC should declare my humble self and the PDP as winner of the election, but before we
talk about that, I want to express my gratitude to Bayelsans who turned out in their large numbers to
exercise their franchise and ensure that the will of the people to elect who should lead them prevailed.

“I am not just saying that PDP is the winner of the just concluded election. You recall that during my
press conference yesterday, I informed you that we have a situation room that was monitoring the
exercise across all the local governments and all the wards in the state. As we speak today, we have the
result of that monitoring,” he said.

Reno Omokri Dumps Politics: Nigerians Are Ungrateful, They

Deserve Buhari Govt
Reno Omokri, former aide to ex-president to Goodluck Jonathan has given reasons he has been silent
on the outcome of Kogi election.

Omokri on Monday announced that his silence was as a result of the attitude of Nigerians towards him
and the likes of Femi Fani-Kayode and Dino Melaye.

Describing Nigerians as being ungrateful, the former presidential spokesman further announced that
henceforth he will stop criticizing President Muhammadu Buhari government and concentrate on
evangelism.

According to him, Nigerians deserved the Buhari-led government.

Omokri on his Twitter page wrote:
Some say I am not speaking on Kogi elections. I‘ve tried. I sponsored buses for democracy
to ferry Nigerians to vote. I fed them, I have talked and done.

It‘s now time for me to accept that Nigerians deserve the government they have. Let me
focus on evangelism.

Do you now see why I have given up? I‘m one of the few who went into government
without stealing, yet the same Nigerians I am fighting for will accuse me of stealing.

The same Nigerians accuse me of making money from Free Leah Saribu. Now, the latest
one: I’m being paid by Apple.

I once thought General Buhari and APC were Nigeria’s problem. In deciding to wash my
hands off Nigerian politics, I concluded that we ourselves are the problem. Christ already
died for Nigerians, I would not join him to die, I will follow Him and live!

If Nigerians are grateful people, many people will be willing to die for Nigeria but suppose
Femi Fani-Kayode and I are arrested today, who will put their property and money at risk to
bail us out the way both of us have put our lives and liberty at risk for Nigeria?

Fourth and final- Nnamdi Kanu fought for Biafra, and Biafrans appreciate him. If you fight
for Nigeria, will Nigerians appreciate you?

Ask GEJ, Dino Melaye and Shehu Sani. General Buhari, Yahaya Bello and El-rufai are
looking at them and me and laughing. Would you blame them?

Kogi, Bayelsa Polls: Governor Akeredolu Congratulates

Bello, Lyon
The Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, has
congratulated his Kogi state counterpart, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, on his re-election for another term
in office.

He also congratulated the governor-elect of Baylesa State, Chief David Lyon, over his victory in
the just concluded Bayelsa governorship election.

A statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the governor on Media and Publicity, Mr Ojo
Oyewamide
said the Governor, while expressing delight over the outcome of the exercise, equally
congratulated the All Progressives Congress (APC) on the wonderful outing at the two elections.

Governor Akeredolu said:

“The outcomes of the elections in the two states have once again deepened the APC in the hearts
of the people. It is particularly heart-warming that my good friend and brother, Alhaji Yahaya
Bello, is returning as governor of Kogi State. I congratulate him and wish him all the best as he
continues to lead the good people of Kogi state.

“For Chief David Lyon, the governor-elect of Bayelsa state, his emergence is a major turning
point. Although Edo state had blazed the trail for long, the journey to plant the seeds of our great
party in the Niger-Delta has not been easy, understandably.

“But the Bayelsa feat is a great leap. All those who toiled to bring to fruition this comforting
berth deserve commendation. This, undoubtedly, is the needed elixir for our great party to take
firm roots in the Niger-Delta.

“Much as I savour this enthralling moment, the real victory belongs to those who sacrificed their
time and energy for the successful conduct of the two elections.

“Most profoundly therefore, I specially salute and commend the quality leadership individually
provided by my good friends and brothers, Governor Nasir el-Rufai and Governor Abubakar
Badaru of Kaduna and Jigawa states respectively.

“As Chairmen of the APC National Campaign Councils for the two elections, they displayed their
usual dexterity on all fronts with candour and thoroughness. All members of both Councils
deserve no less commendations.

“From INEC to the security agencies and even participants, they have also contributed in no
small measure, to the outcome.

2015 vs 2019: APC votes increase by over 600% in Okene

alone
As the gubernatorial election process in Kogi state comes to a gradual halt, Yahaya Bello, the
incumbent governor has been returned elected by the Independent National Electoral
Commission (INEC).

TheCable takes a quick look at the electoral figures and highlights some important twists and
turns, which may be baffling to any statistician and interesting to politicians — but not
statistically impossible or new to Nigerians.

We compare the results from 2015 gubernatorial in the state with the just concluded elections in
the region, and here are some quick takes:

In 2015, the All Progressives Congress (APC) with the late Audu Abubakar as its flagbearer
polled 14,786 votes in Okene local government area, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)
polled 15,968 to win in the local government. The total number of voters accredited stood at
35,143.

By 2019, the APC ticket holder and incumbent governor of the state polled 112,764 votes in the
same local government, recording a 662.6 percent increase in votes for the party. The PDP on the
other hand polled only 139 votes. This means the PDP lost 99.1 percent of its voters from 2015.
The party has called for a cancellation of votes in the region.
It is worthy of note that Yahaya Bello is from Agassa in Okene.

PDP LOSES 97 PERCENT OF ITS 2015 VOTERS IN ADAVI

In Adavi local government area, the PDP went from 11,902 votes in 2015 to only 366 votes in
2019. These figures suggest that the erstwhile ruling party has lost 96.92 percent (approximately
97 percent) of its voters in the region in the past four years.

Inversely, the All Progressives Congress, which polled 15,636 in 2016 recorded a surge of 313.51
percent within four years, bring the party’s 2019 votes to 64,657.

APC BAG OVER 89 PERCENT OF OKEHI VOTES

Natasha Akpoti, the SDP gov candidate, is from Okehi LGA

The narrative in Okehi local government was also the same as the Musa Wada of the PDP saw a
drastic reduction in his party’s vote, when compared to the results recorded in 2015.

The PDP recorded 8,504 votes in 2015 from 24,645 accredited voters, while the numbers fell to
only 478 votes in 2019 — shedding over 8,000 votes.

Natasha Akpoti of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) polled 3,095 votes in the local government,
which also happens to be her home LGA.

Yahaya Bello of the APC, who was declared winner in the LGA, polled 36,954 votes — up from
APC’s 10,170 votes in 2015. The total number of accredited voters stood at 41,384.

Statistically, Bello polled over 89 percent of votes, assuming all accredited voters eventually cast
their ballot.

OVER 1 MILLION REGISTERED VOTERS DIDN’T VOTE

Yahaya Bello and his running mate, Edward Onoja

The voter turnout in elections across Nigeria has been reducing over the last decade, and Kogi
will be no different. According to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), 1.6
million (1,646,350) people registered to vote in Kogi state.

At the end of the election, only 636,202 were accredited to vote on election day. This means
1,010,148 people did not show up for the vote, accounting for 61.36 percent of those registered to
vote.

Less than 39 percent of eligible voters turned out to be accredited, while even less eventually
voted correctly.

In 2015, 1,379,971 people registered to vote, but only 511,648 were eventually accredited to vote,
representing a little over 37 percent voter turn out. While the percentage of voters who turned out
to vote in 2015 is lesser, the actual number who stayed home in 2015, compared to 2019 is
smaller. Over one million stayed home in 2019, while 868,323 stayed home in 2015.
Jonathan Faces Suspension Over PDP’s Defeat In Bayelsa -
Daily Trust
Hosts APC leaders in Yenagoa
• Oshiomhole thanks ex-president
Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan may be suspended from the Peoples Democratic Party
(PDP) over his alleged romance with the All Progressives Congress (APC) which contributed to the
defeat of his party in last Saturday’s governorship election in his home state of Bayelsa.
APC’s candidate David Lyon polled 352,552 votes to defeat PDP’s Senator Douye Diri who scored
143,172.
To some PDP chieftains, the loss of the state to APC after PDP’s dominance for the past 20 years was
chiefly as a result of Jonathan’s indifference to what would happen to the ruling party in the state
during the election.
Stalwarts of the party who spoke to Daily Trust yesterday lamented the abysmal performance of the
party at the just concluded elections, calling for a probe.
The hosting of Lyon and other chieftains of the APC by Jonathan at his Yenagoa residence, hours after
the declaration of the results heightened the suspicion about the role he played in the defeat of his party.
PDP set to probe Bayelsa’s fall to APC
Credible sources told Daily Trust that the National Working Committee (NWC) of the PDP has
concluded plans to meet and review the conduct and outcome of the Kogi and Bayelsa states
governorship elections held on Saturday.
It was gathered that the meeting would review both external and internal factors that led to the party’s
defeat, especially in Bayelsa which had been a PDP stronghold for many years.
PDP National Publicity Secretary Kola Ologbondiyan, in a telephone chat with our correspondent last
night, confirmed the development.
“The National Working Committee (NWC) will meet soon to conduct a post-mortem on the elections in
Kogi and Bayelsa states,” he said.
He, however, declined comments on the agenda of the meeting and whether Jonathan and other
stakeholders were to be probed over their roles in the Bayelsa poll.
However, a foundation member of the party from the North, Alhaji Aminu Yakudima, said the NWC
should in conjunction with other organs of the party investigate and fish out those who worked against
the party’s interest in Bayelsa.
“Some people worked against the interest of the PDP, therefore, the national leadership should
investigate and discipline them to serve as deterrent to others.
“Those found guilty should be suspended or sanctioned in line with the provisions of the PDP
constitution. By and large, there was this issue of persistent thuggery but also, there was a problem
within the PDP.
“Secondus as the national chairman had been the major problem to the organisation of the party. He
was supposed to call a meeting of various organs of the party to see how we can provide a double-
barrel approach to the electioneering process.
“He was supposed to organise the PDP very well after the primaries before the elections. In fact, there
was no election in Bayelsa because it was a game of power supremacy,” he said.
A former member of the PDP Board of Trustees (BoT), Chief Sam Nkire, said the party lost Bayelsa
because of greed on the part of Governor Seriake Dickson.
“I blame it on greed on the part of Governor Dickson and I think it should be a lesson to other
governors and god-fathers.
“The governor singlehandedly chose an unpopular candidate to come from the Senate to become
governor while he goes to the Senate himself, and it was against the wish of the people.
“Again, I think it is high time Nigerians stopped arrogating the power of God to themselves… They
think the states are now chiefdoms. Everybody wants to be.
“But the best thing to do is to thank your God and thank the people for giving you the opportunity to
serve and you go away quietly. But you want the state to now become your personal property.
“He should have learnt from other god-fathers who kissed the dust recently. I have no cry for him,” he
said.
On whether those who worked against the interest of the party would be sanctioned, he simply asked,
“How do you know them?”
On whether the visit by some top APC leaders to Jonathan after the declaration of results meant he
helped the party, Chief Nkire said,” I don’t think so. Jonathan is a former president; he is an elder
statesman. They cannot come to that state and not pay him homage, which will be undemocratic.”
But a source in the Legal Department of the PDP National Secretariat said Jonathan had nothing to do
with the outcome of the elections and should be spared all embarrassing gimmicks.
“People should live beyond politics. Jonathan is a global citizen now. So whoever goes to Bayelsa and
he is at home, he could be visited.
Also, a chieftain of the PDP in Bayelsa State said the complain of anti-party activities against Jonathan
which allegedly resulted in the defeat of the party during Saturday’s poll cannot be proven because the
ex-president cast his vote and delivered his unit for the party.
Though Jonathan lost his local government to Lyon, he has never associated with the opposition party,
the APC, in the state.
What PDP constitution says on anti-party
Section 58(1) of the PDP Constitution 2017 (as amended) says, “Subject to the provisions of this
Constitution, the party shall have power to discipline any member who:
(a) Commits any breach of the party’s Constitution, and or Manifesto; (b) Says or does anything likely
to bring the party into disrepute, hatred or contempt; (c) Disobeys or neglects to carry out lawful
directives of the party or any organ or officer of the party; (d) Engages in dishonest practices, defrauds
the party, its members or officials; (e) Is persistently absent from meetings or other official duties; (f)
Engages in anti-party activities; (g) Engages in disorderly conduct at meetings or rallies or at any party
function; (h) Engages in any conduct likely to cause disaffection among members of the party or is
likely to disrupt the peaceful, lawful and efficient conduct of the business of the party; (i) Engages in
unauthorized publicity of disputes within the party or creates a parallel party organ at any level. (j)
Promotes factions or belongs to any group under the guise of the party and by whatever name called,
not being one provided for in this  constitution; (k) Organizes, retains, trains, equips or encourages the
organization, retention, training, equipping of any member or group of members for the  purpose of
employing violence or coercion or any form of intimidation whatsoever; (l) Resorts to court action or
litigation on any disputes or on any matter whatsoever concerning rights, obligations and duties of any
member of the party without first availing himself or herself of the remedies provided  by the party
under this constitution; or (m) Fails, refuses or neglects to treat a petition, complaints or appeal
timeously.
Sanctions
Section 59 (1) said, any member of the party who commits any of the offences listed in Section 56 (1)
of this Constitution shall be liable to any or a combination of the following penalties: (a) Reprimand (b)
Censure (c) Fine (d) Suspension with a fine (e) Debarment from holding any party office (f) Removal
from office (g) Expulsion from the party.
Jonathan’s grievances
Jonathan’s grievances with the PDP in the state started after the party governorship primaries. There
were allegations of manipulation of the ward congresses and other irregularities as Senator Duoye Diri
polled 561 votes to defeat former Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission
(NDDC), Timi Alaibe, who had the backing of the former president.
Jonathan was also alleged to be bitter after the state elders’ popular consensus candidate, Alaibe lost out
in the primary election.
Daily Trust reports that it was after the crisis of the primary that Jonathan visited President
Muhammadu Buhari where they held a closed door meeting at the Presidential Villa.
The agenda of the meeting between President Buhari and Jonathan remained unknown to newsmen.
The former president was absent at the PDP mega rally on November 6, despite being named ‘Father of
the Day’.
Also, Alaibe who came second in the governorship primary was absent at the rally, including Governor
Nyesom Wike of neighbouring Rivers State.
Days to the election, Jonathan’s mother, Eunice prayed for Lyon’s victory at the poll.
“David my son, on behalf of my entire family, I have blessed you, Almighty God wants to use you to
change the story of Bayelsa State,” she said.
Analysts believed that she wouldn’t have blessed an opposition candidate without the consent of her
son considering the implication of whatever she would say.
Hosts gov-elect, others
Lyon and the Minister of State for Petroleum, Chief Timipre Sylva led the leaders of APC including
serving governors to pay a “thank you visit” to Jonathan yesterday, heightening suspicion over the level
of support he granted him.
The APC stalwarts were said to have gone to the former Nigerian leader’s residence to appreciate him
for his support and that of his family members towards the emergence of the governor-elect.
Speaking during the visit, Sylva, having recognized the position of Jonathan as the father and leader of
the state, said they found it necessary to visit him and present the incoming governor of the state to
him.
He noted that as a former president and leader of the state, Jonathan deserved respect and honour by all
Bayelsans, irrespective of their partisan party leanings, hence the need to present the governor-elect for
his blessing and guidance.
He said: “Being a former president of the country and a past governor of the state, Jonathan remains an
asset to the state and his inputs will always be needed to advance the course of governance in Bayelsa.”
Responding, Jonathan tasked the governor-elect to put the welfare and interest of Bayelsans above
every other issue.
He said: “As a former President of Nigeria, I am a father to all Bayelsans, hence my doors are open to
all citizens irrespective of their political affiliations.
“I urge you to make the welfare of Bayelsans a top priority and carry all Bayelsans along irrespective
of the party they voted for.
“Elections are over now, so I want you to see yourself as the governor of all Bayelsans and not only to
the sections that voted for you. This is the way to move Bayelsa forward,” he said.
National Chairman of the APC Comrade Adams Oshiomhole has also thanked Jonathan for the warm
reception he accorded the party’s governor-elect Lyon together with the national campaign team led by
Governor Badaru. Oshiomhole spoke at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, yesterday after presenting Lyon
to President Muhammadu Buhari.
He said the reception given to the team that included Governor Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi State, who is
the Chairman of Progressive Governors Forum and co-chair of the Bayelsa election, was in line with
Jonathan’s character of simplicity and commitment.
Governor Bagudu, while speaking, said those around former President Jonathan were also pleased with
the outcome of the election.
He said the former president was also happy from the information they received.
“It is equally noteworthy that Bayelsa is the home of a former president of Nigeria and this election is
won by a party different from the one he belongs to. The election has been accepted by all, including
those around him and so far, from what we hear and what we are, he also is happy with the outcome
irrespective of the difference in party, which is an indication of the transparency of the process.
“This is a victory for Nigeria because it shows that parts of the country that have been under another
political party, can in a free and fair election make their democratic choice and vote for another party
with the right candidate,” he said.
Again,Seyi Makinde fulfils campaign promise
in Oyo, sends strong message to APC
The Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde has again fulfilled one of his
campaign promises as he flagged off the reconstruction of the 65-kilometre
Moniya-Ijaye-Iseyin Road in Oyo State.
The governor also advised the main opposition, the All Progressives Congress (APC)  and its
candidate in the 2019 gubernatorial election, Adebayo Adelabu, to wait till 2023 for another
opportunity to challenge him at the polls.
According to Governor Makinde, the All Progressives Congress (APC), was rejected by the
people of the State because they failed in their responsibility of bringing development to the state.
In his words “We have told them to meet us in 2023. Though they got money, they did nothing. They
spent the money on elections but did you vote for them? If they come to ask for your votes, will you
vote for them?
“I appreciate you for giving us the opportunity to serve you. During our campaign from here [Moniya]
to Oke-Ogun, I promised that I will reconstruct the road if I become the Governor and, today, I am
happy that it is the same project we are flagging off.
“You can recall that I also promised that the money we will spend on infrastructure will be targeted on
expanding our economy and this road is a major road that can boost the economy of Oyo State.
“When we got into office, we discovered that the money that was awarded to carry out the road project
was shared among those who held offices in the past administration. They spent the money on
campaign and the last election and, upon that, you did not vote for them.
“This road was abandoned for eight years. Countless number of people have died on the road. Time has
been wasted.
“In 2015, during the electioneering campaign, we had accident on this same road too but we thank God
that no life was lost. It was because of that incidence that made me promise that if I eventually get the
people’s mandate to serve the state, we won’t spend beyond 45 minutes to reach Iseyin from Moniya in
the morning, afternoon and night. We will also mobilize security operatives to be patrolling the road.
“I want to assure you my people in Akinyele and Oke-Ogun, jobs are coming. Be united and be
ready to work because being able to work is the antidote to poverty. I want to implore the
contractor, KOPEK, to employ our youths. We want Oyo State’s money to remain in the State. I
also want to tell the youths too to cooperate with the contractor.
“Try and be organized so that you can be given jobs that can give you earnings within the next one
year.
“We don’t want this project to be abandoned again and that was why we had to make upfront payment
of 60 per cent to the contractor. We want Messrs KOPEK Construction Company to complete this
project within a year. By this time next year, I am coming to commission the road.
“I implore you all from Moniya to Iseyin to take care of the road. The standard of the road we want the
contractor to do is the one we will adopt throughout the whole of Oyo State.
For those who are familiar with Engineering work, 40mm is the thickness of the asphalt they did before
but we have instructed the new contractor to make it 50mm because we expect that trailers will begin to
ply through the road after completion.”

Ex-President Jonathan happy about APC's

victory in Bayelsa- Kebbi Governor
Governorship. Atiku Abubakar of Kebbi says former President Goodluck Jonathan is satisfied
and happy with the Bayelsa governorship election conduct and outcome.
On Monday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, said despite being in another party, Jonathan was pleased
because the victory of the All Progress Congress (APC) was transparent.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared David Lyon of the All Progressives
Congress (APC) as the winner after polling 352,552 votes.
Lyon defeated his closest rival, Duoye Diri of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who scored 143,172
votes.
Abubakar said: “We were in Bayelsa for over 72 hours, we didn’t see a tyre burning, we didn’t see
people running, we didn’t hear a gunshot, everyone was celebrating in all the areas we passed, which
shows the acceptance of our candidate, our party and the process itself.
“It is equally noteworthy that Bayelsa is a home of a former president of Nigeria and this election won
by a party different from the one he belongs, has been accepted by all including people around him.
“And so far, from what we hear, he is also happy with the outcome irrespective of the difference in the
party, which is an indication of the transparency of the process.
“Many people worked hard in making this happen, most importantly, Mr President, who has always
shown the party that win or lose we should aim for free, transparent and fair elections.
“That is what will guarantee peace, confer legitimacy and support for elected persons to proudly
execute the mandate that they are given. And in Bayelsa we have seen a demonstration of that.
Everyone is talking about how free, transparent and fair the election was.”

Kogi/bayelsa Elec: CDD Records 10 Deaths, 129 Incidents Of

Violence, Malpractice

A NON-PROFIT research and advocacy group, the Centre for Democracy and Development,
CDD, has said it recorded the killings of at least 10 people and over 129 cases of electoral
malpractice during the governorship elections in Kogi and Bayelsa States last Saturday.

In a press conference held on Monday, the group urged President Muhammadu Buhari-led
administration to “redeem the sanctity of the ballot”.
“On November 16 in Kogi and Bayelsa States, the very foundation of our 20-year-old democratic
order came under a grievous assault. Enthusiastic citizens trooped out to vote for candidates of
their choice, but they were absolutely disappointed,” Idayat Hassan, CDD’s director, told
journalists.

“Many voters were disenfranchised as a result of a constant threat to life and limb throughout the
process.”

Election Analysis Centre, the situation room operated by CDD for the purpose of monitoring
elections in Kogi and Bayelsa, received field data from various observers.

In Kogi alone, it deployed over 300 observers to areas with a higher number of registered voters
and where irregularities were expected, Idayat told The ICIR.

It also engaged 35 fake news monitors.

“The sheer magnitude of the violent assault on the sanctity of the ballot was shocking beyond
description. The outcome of such a process that was so criminally subverted should not actually
be allowed to stand. At the last count, our observers report from Kogi State have recorded the
death of 10 people in various shooting incidents and attacks across the state,” she said.

Over 79 incidents of malpractice were recorded in Kogi, ranging from hijack of electoral
materials to kidnap of ad-hoc staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC),
vote-buying, attack on observers and journalists, and so on.

Violence and disruption of voting constituted 66.21 per cent of the reported cases of electoral
violations, vote trading constituted 28.38 per cent, while underage and multiple voting accounted
for 5.4 per cent. It was also noted that 55 per cent of the incidents took place in Kogi West
senatorial district, 27 per cent in Kogi East, and 18 per cent in Kogi Central.

On the other hand, violence (manifesting as thuggery, ballot box snatching and destruction of
voting materials) constituted 66.7 per cent of the cases reported in Bayelsa, vote trading
constituted 22.2 per cent, and underage voting constituted 11.1 per cent.

“On the whole, what we saw on the field defies reasonable logic, especially coming after the
2019 general elections, feeling that we as stakeholders would have learnt key lessons,
experiences that would actually improve the quality of the electoral process,” Idayat said. “The
conduct of the Kogi and Bayelsa polls is indicative of an electoral process that is fast
deteriorating.”

She said figures of the voters’ turnout declared by the electoral commission for some local
government areas are suspicious when compared with figures from previous elections from 1999.
For example, in Okene, as many as 87 per cent (114,001) of the total registered voters were
accredited, “an incredible increase of around 69.1 per cent” compared to 2015 figures.

CDD called for a robust, multi-stakeholder response in rescuing Nigeria’s electoral process.

“We dare not choose the convenient path of silence,” Idayat urged.
“As a generation of Nigerians, history will reserve very harsh judgement for us if we stand by
and do nothing as citizens are being increasingly stripped of their fundamental right to decide
who govern them. It has become so bad that parallels are being drawn between the elections
being conducted now and the infamous elections of 2003 and 2007. We cannot afford to return to
the lowest points in our electoral experience.

“CDD calls on President Muhammadu Buhari to urgently provide the leadership needed to rescue
the electoral process and by extension the entire democratic system from imminent collapse. This
call becomes imperative because Buhari was only able to ascend the presidency through the
historic 2015 elections because the electoral process allowed the votes to count. That watershed
was a culmination of the electoral reform initiated by late president Umar-Musa Yar’adua and
former president Goodluck Jonathan.

“At the moment, Nigeria’s electoral process requires similarly bold and courageous leadership to
chart a way forward and resolve the lingering challenges threatening to derail it. President Buhari
owes this duty to all Nigerians. He cannot stand by and allow the continuous degeneration of our
electoral system.”

Over 20 fake news reports published about Kogi election

Hassan said CDD’s monitors observed over 20 pieces of misinformation in relation to elections in Kogi
that were “capable of further inflaming the already volatile state”.
“I think it’s high time both INEC, the Nigerian state, and other stakeholders took very seriously the
impact of disinformation in elections. This weaponisation of information was really pervasive in the
elections,” she said.
She said the large deployment of security agents for the elections did not translate to the improvement
of security in Kogi.
According to her: “In some places, they actually turned their faces while the onslaught was going on,
while in some they were completely overpowered.”
Jibrin Ibrahim, a professor of political science and senior fellow at the CDD, agreed that security
agencies, despite their responsibility to protect citizens and the rule of law, were complicit in disrupting
the elections and allowing attacks at polling units.
“Specifically, we are concerned about the direct contradiction we saw of massive police deployment,
over 30,000 for both Kogi and Bayelsa states, but on the ground that massive deployment was not
visible to eyes,” he lamented, adding jokingly: “Maybe they took another form because we know we
are in Africa.”
He added: “We went through a lot of the key roads leading out of Lokoja and there were no
checkpoints. And precisely because the police was not there to check, those who were moving around
were armed thugs in Hilux vans, carrying weapons, and moving systematically from polling unit to
polling unit.
“This is a direct indication that there was state complicity in what happened.”
He urged President Buhari to set up a panel to probe into why state agencies failed to act appropriately
during the elections, stressing that democracy is gravely endangered by current happenings in the
country.
Also at the event were Femi Falana, Senior Advocate of Nigeria and human rights activist, as well as
Adele Jinadu, a professor and the chairman of the CDD.

Obaseki Vs Oshiomhole: Politics Of Godfatherism Or

Betrayal?
"I am not the state; I am only one out of about four million Edo people. So, his (Obaseki’s)
obligation and loyalty should be to the people of Edo State. The oath of office he is going to
subscribe to says he will defend the constitution of Nigeria, he will do everything to uplift the
quality of life of Edo people. Nothing in his oath of office will include, ‘I shall not betray my
predecessor’, because I have no interest to be betrayed.”– Adams Oshiomhole, October 25, 2016.

The above was the response given by Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, former governor of Edo state
when journalists enquired from him if he is worried about being betrayed by Godwin Obaseki,
the man he assiduously worked to install as his successor in Edo state.

However, recent developments in the state has belied Oshiomhole’s claims as he feels betrayed
and has determined in his heart to thwart the second term ambition of Obaseki using his influence
as the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Speaking on his grouse with Obaseki in a recent interview, Oshiomhole claimed that the governor
sacked the only commissioner he nominated into his cabinet. He said the irony was that Obaseki
took the drastic action after a reconciliatory meeting which was attended by some APC stalwarts
including Governor Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi State.

“We have no argument over money or appointment… In the meeting we held with four
governors, including Governor Bagudu, I asked the governor, how many commissioners I
nominated into his cabinet. He agreed that I only nominated one person out of more than 20
commissioners.

“Not many Nigerians will believe that because for me I was out of government and I have
convinced myself that the day I step out of government, that is it. After that first meeting, the
governor decided to remove that one commissioner along with seven others. But that is not my
business.”

Oshiomhole also accused Obaseki of abandoning some of his projects. He said, “The governor
can never tell you that I have interfered in his choice of projects and so on. The only thing I feel a
bit worried about is that some of the projects we started together have been abandoned. There is
no way to solve disagreements without talking to the aggrieved parties”.

However, responding to Oshiomhole’s claim, Obaseki who spoke through his Chief of Staff,
Taiwo Akerele, denied the claims that he did not continue with his predecessor’s projects and
policies.
Akerele said Governor Obaseki has focused on good policies on the education sector,
infrastructure development, which were not in the plans of the Adams Oshiomhole
administration.

“There are certain things that were bad in the previous government that we cannot continue. The
good ones we will continue. They should leave the governor to work and allow him to be the
leader of the party in the state”.

Obaseki also gave a clue into what may have been the genesis of his problems with the national
chairman and his loyalists. While speaking at the graduation of teachers under the Edo
Supporting Teachers to Achieve Results (Edo STAR), an arm of the Edo Basic Education Sector
Transformation (Edo-BEST) programme, he vowed not to share funds meant for development to
greedy individuals trying to blackmail the government.

He also stressed that his party, the APC was fully in support of his administration, and he was not
standing alone in his decision to pursue sustainable development.

He said: “I assure you that my party is behind me; I am not standing on my own. So ignore and
forget reports by people who want me to give them money that should be used to train our
teachers, provide for our children and develop the state. I will never give our people’s money to
them.

“We do not have all the money in Edo, but whatever we have – no matter how little – we will
prioritise education and healthcare. What is important to us are things that affect the ordinary Edo
citizen. Those are the things the APC and I stand for”.

On the issue of the House of Assembly crisis, where 14 lawmakers-elect loyal to Oshiomhole
have stayed in Abuja, Obaseki said the lawmakers should come to the Assembly and be
inaugurated like their colleagues who have been sitting in the chamber.

“I am not stopping them from being inaugurated. I have issued the proclamation and their
colleagues who showed up have since been inaugurated and carrying on with their legislative
duties,”

Speaking in an interview with our correspondent, Chief Charles Idahosa, a former Commissioner
for Information in Edo state and APC chieftain said Oshiomhole’s grouse with Obaseki is borne
out of envy. While calling on him to stop distracting the governor, he also warned against attempt
to deny the governor a second term saying doing so will lead to the end of APC in the state.

“I have said a lot on this matter and I don’t want to be sounding like a broken record. But I want
to assure you that nobody can stop Obaseki from doing his two terms. I am behind him morning,
night and day. Uhunmwonde people are behind him”.

“Oshiomhole said Obaseki is not carrying people along, I don’t know what he meant by that but I
just discovered that this whole thing will not end now. If two friends are quarreling and you
cannot settle the quarrel, there must be something behind it that nobody can talk about and that is
envy and jealousy”.

“There are no two ways two friends can come and during quarrel and one will say I am jealous, I
am envious of him, nobody will say so; what is happening is that Oshiomhole is envious and
jealous of Obaseki’s achievements, there is no way he is going to come out boldly to say that is
why they are quarrelling”.

“Oshiomhole was governor here for eight years nobody challenged him. The ones that tried it, he
messed them up thoroughly. He brought Dr. Samuel Ogbemudia and messed him up; he brought
Chief John Odigie-Oyegun and messed him up”.

When asked the way forward out of the crisis, Anselm Ojezua, the state chairman of the APC in
Edo state said the only solution is for Oshiomhole to stop interfering in the party’s affairs and
allow Obaseki to govern peacefully.

“The only solution is that, let Oshiomhole just leave Edo State APC to run itself. He has a huge
job in Abuja as the national chairman of the party. With all that is going on in the party
nationwide, he needs more than 24 hours to do his job. So, why is he concerning himself with
what we used in making stew in Benin City? Why should he worry himself with our affairs,
trying to interfere in every issue?” Ojezua asked.

However, Kassim Afegbua, a former Commissioner for Information in the state said the governor
was wrong by dismissing and alienating those who worked for his victory.

According to him “All those people that Obaseki calls thugs and touts today were all foot soldiers
during the period. Godwin Obaseki worshipped them, visited their homes to solicit for their
support, and in return they too helped in mobilisation and canvassing for votes”.

“No sooner he won than he immediately abandoned them. Who does that? No matter what, you
need to promote politics of inclusion rather than exclusion. There is every role for the good, the
bad and the ugly in the political game”.

For Paul Ohonbamu, the Edo state Commissioner for Commissioner for Communication and
Orientation, Oshiomhole’s desire to be in charge of affairs of the state after leaving office as
governor is what is largely responsible for the crisis.

“The national chairman of APC, Adams Oshiomhole has a dominating posture when he was
governor of Edo state. He was a colossus and all other men merely peeped under his huge feet to
find themselves dishonourable graves”.

““Oshiomhole was a governor maximally. But now here is a new governor in Edo that
Oshiomhole does not want. Despite leaving office as governor and Governor Obaseki in charge
as the number one citizen of Edo, Oshiomhole wants that dominance to continue” .

“Oshiomhole must realise that he is no longer the governor and there is no way you can have the
best of two worlds. There is nowhere in the world that we have a permanent champion. What
exists in the world is the current champion and Obaseki by virtue of his position is the current
champion in Edo”he said.
Kogi Election Was Civil War – Dino Melay
Senator Dino Melaye has said that he would report Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State and
several others to the international community and then to the International Criminal Court (ICC)
over the violence that occurred during the November 16 elections.

Melaye lost his nephew in the violence after gunmen opened fire at his Aiyetoro ward.

The lawmaker said in a tweet on Tuesday that he would take the matter up to the international
community, saying the exercise in Kogi was a civil war, not an election.

“What we had in Kogi is no election, what we had was a civil war that has claimed 16 lives so
far. I will report Bello, Smart Adeyemi, Taofik, Speaker Kolawole and Sunday Faleke to the
international community and then proceed to Hague. This I promise,” he wrote.

Bello was on Monday declared winner of the governorship election while Kogi West senatorial
rerun election, which was held simultaneously on November 16, was declared inconclusive.

Melaye, a member of the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), is being challenged
for Kogi West senatorial seat by Smart Adeyemi of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

‘I Am Not Owing Workers Any Dime’ – Yahaya Bello Speaks

After Election Victory
The Kogi State Governor-Elect, Yahaya Bello, on Tuesday, rubbished claims that he was owing
salaries, stressing that such were “lies.”

Bello said his administration met salary backlog owed workers in the state, but insisted that his
administration was not owing workers.

The governor-elect, who said this while featuring on Channels Television, also alleged that thugs
of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, stabbed a resident after he was declared winner of
Saturday’s election.

Bello also alleged that the wife of his deputy was also shot at after he emerged winner of the
election.

He said: “All these reports of me owing salaries are lies. Past governors of Kogi State were
owning salaries starting from Audu to my immediate predecessor. Kogi state is not owning any
dime at the state level, what is left is the ten percent from the previous government.

“As for El-Rufai kneeling, he was begging that Kogi people should forgive Bello for ensuring
security and ensuring the state was peaceful and not because he could not pay salaries.”

On the claim of people being killed during the election, Bello said: “After I was declared winner,
a PDP thug stabbed somebody and ran into the house of their women leader but he was caught
and dealt with.
“My deputy governor-elect’s wife was shot at but thank God she didn’t die, the police are looking
into it and would bring the culprits to book.”

Recall that the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, had on Monday declared
Governor Yahaya Bello of the All Progressives Congress, APC, winner of the Saturday’s
governorship election in the state.

INEC’s Returning Officer in the state, Prof. Ibrahim Garuba had declared Bello winner after
polling 406,222 votes to defeat his closest rival, Musa Wada of the Peoples Democratic Party,
PDP, who scored 189,704 votes.

Kogi Election: Melaye Heads To International Court Of

Justice At The Hague
The Independent National Electoral Commission INEC on Monday declared Yahaya Bello as the
winner of the Governorship election while the result of the Kogi West Senatorial election remains
unknown.

However, Dino Melaye who contested against Adeyemi Smart of the All Progressive Congress
APC in a supplementary election for the Senatorial Slot is not happy with the turn out of event.

Melaye in a statement on Tuesday promised he would report Bello, Adeyemi and others to the
International community and then head to the International Court of Justice in Hague, the
Netherlands.

He said:.
What we had in kogi is no election,what we had was a civil war that has claimed 16 lives so
far. I will report Bello, Smart Adeyemi, Taofik, Speaker Kolawole and sunday Faleke to the
international community and then proceed to Hague. This i promise..SDM

Igbo Presidency in 2023 gets a boost and an endorsement

2023: Frank Korori reveals region that should succeed Buhari.

Former General Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers
(NUPENG), Chief Frank Kokori has stated that the Igbo has the right to produce the next
President of the country.

He, however, advised the Igbo to focus on either the All Progressives Congress (APC) or the
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and get the ticket.

Chief Kokori told Sun that politicians in the South East region must join the ruling party to
achieve their aim of ruling Nigeria.

“Normally, South East issue is very unfortunate. I grew up in the old Mid-West and my parents
were in the National Council of Nigerian Citizens (NCNC), which at that time was under the
leadership of Nnamdi Azikiwe,” he said.

“Some of the ethnic tribes were punished because they were NCNC. Chief Obafemi
Awolowo of that time punished us for that

“So, if you don’t belong to the ruling party, then you will have problems. But, the golden years of
the South East were during Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan’s administrations. They
had everything to themselves.

“They had all the key ministries – the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), the
Inspector-General of Police (IGP), head of the army and everything. They should have been able
to put themselves in the right position to fight for the presidency.

“You can’t just sit alone, especially now that the Igbo are unfortunately not with the APC apart
from Okorocha and few others who staked their neck at that time. They enjoyed the PDP; they
were enjoying the PDP, but they could not make the PDP shift the government to them.

“So, now the government is with the APC, the party they don’t belong to, I wonder how they are
going to shift it because you will go for primaries and it is the person who wins the primaries that
holds the ticket.

“So, let the Igbo focus on one strong party, either the APC or the PDP and get the ticket and with
that, they can get the presidency. They must focus because at the time they had everything; all the
whole powerful positions in the country, they could not get the president.

“And, I can also see now that most of the developments in the South East are carried out by the
APC government like the second Niger Bridge, which has been on the drawing board for many
years during the PDP era, but now they are doing something about that. The Zik’s Mausoleum
was there and nothing happened.

“Some of the leaders of the South East are taking the people for a ride. I think one of the few
patriots the Igbo actually had were people like Ikemba Nnewi, Chief Chukwemeka Odumegwu
Ojukwu.

“Even though I grew up as a fan of Nnamdi Azikiwe, Zik faced the whole Nigeria; he wasn’t
talking about the East alone in his own time.

“So, the Igbo have a right to produce the next president but they must work hard for it,” he stated.

Sowore May Be Knocked Down By Vehicle If Released By

Us, DSS Claims
In yet another ridiculous twist, the Department of State Services on Tuesday said that it was yet
to release pro-democracy campaigner and Publisher of Sahara Reporters, Omoyele Sowore, from
its detention facility in Abuja because it doesn't want him to get knocked down by a vehicle on
his way out.
Spokesperson for the agency, Peter Afunanya, also told journalists in Abuja on Tuesday that
Sowore's lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), was yet to come fetch him from their facility.

Afunanya said, "We cannot just release Sowore and ask him to go because he may be knocked
down by a vehicle at the gate."

Afunanya noted that Falana had not been to the headquarters of the service since the activist was
granted bail, a claim the popular rights lawyer vehemently rejects.

Afunanya claimed that the DSS was following administrative procedures by asking the sureties to
come forward for proper documentation.

He said, "We respect rules and orders of the court and there was never a time the Director-
General said he would not release Sowore."

The secret police continues to hold on to Sowore despite two court orders directing it to release
him after meeting bail conditions on both occasions.

Femi Falana, senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN), says Yusuf Bichi, director-general of the
Department of State Services (DSS), has stopped taking his calls.

“I confirm that I have an official relationship with the DG of SSS. But since the commencement
of the case of Sowore and Bakare the DG has refused to pick my calls while I have since become
a persona non grata in the office of the SSS,” Falana said.

Sowore was arrested in Lagos on August 3, 2019 for calling on Nigerians to take to the streets in
peaceful demonstrations to demand a better country from President Muhammadu Buhari’s
administration.

John Mahama To Nigeria: Reopen Border, Strengthen Your

Weak Institutions
The former President of Ghana, Dr. John Dramani Mahama has come hard on the Nigerian
government, calling on the immediate reopening of the the borders, which were closed a few
months ago.

Mahama made the call while speaking as the guest speaker at the 7th Anniversary Lecture of
Realnews magazine held at the Sheraton Hotel in Lagos, Nigeria.

He said: “In Nigeria, the unilateral closure of the borders since August is a worrying development
for the growth of free trade in the ECOWAS sub-region. Off course, one can understand the
harmful effects of unbridled smuggling goods on the growth of local production. But it is
problematic that sub-regional economic activity and trade should suffer because of domestic
institutional weaknesses.

“Nigeria must invest in strengthening its institutions and systems that are responsible for
preventing the importation of illegal or prohibited goods

“The total closure of, especially, the Benin border is having a significant toll on many small and
medium businesses especially in Togo, Ghana and Cote D’Ivoire that rely on this inter-country
trade. I am sure that businesses in Nigeria that rely on supplies from these countries are also
suffering.

“With the signing of the joint border task force agreement between Nigeria and her neighbours, I
would like to take this opportunity to appeal to Nigeria to open up her border so that economic
activities can resume.

“As the largest economy in West Africa, I believe it is not by accident that Nigeria is home to the
headquarters of the Economic Community of West Africa States. The import of the following
quote from the objective principles for establishment of ECOWAS cannot be lost on us.”

President Buhari Seeks Passage Of 6 Aviation Bills By Senate

President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday, transmitted a letter to the Senate, seeking
consideration and passage of six Aviation Bills.

The President of the Senate, Dr Ahmad Lawan read the letter during plenary.

The President, in the letter said: “Dear Distinguished Senate President; Transmission of Six
Aviation Sector Bills to the National Assembly for consideration and passage into law.

“Pursuant to Section 58 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended,
I formally request that the following six bills be considered for passage by the Senate.”

The bills include: Civil Aviation Bill 2019, Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria Bill 2019,
Nigerian College of Air space Management Agency Establishment Bill 2019.

Others are: Nigerian College of Aviation Technology Establishment Bill 2019, Nigerian
Meteorological Agency Establishment Bill 2019 and Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau
Establishment Bill 2019.

“While I trust that these bills will be expeditiously and favourably considered by the Senate,
please, accept Mr Senate President the assurances of my highest consideration.”

In his remark, Lawan urged the Clerk to the Senate, Nelson Ayewoh to ensure that the bills were
gazetted and distributed to all the Senators for consideration.

Senate Swears In Ibrahim Danbaba, New PDP Senator

The Nigerian Senate has sworn in a new senator of the Peoples Democratic Party, Mr. Ibrahim
Danbaba, into its fold.

Igbere TV reports that Danbaba was on Tuesday sworn-in to represent Sokoto South by the Clerk,
Nelson Ayewoh.

He replaces Senator Shehu Abubakar Tambuwal of the All Progressives Congress, whose election
was recently voided by the Court of Appeal.

With the latest development, the APC now has 62 Senators, PDP 45, and YPP 1.

Yahaya Bello Won A War Not An Election – Kogi PDP

Chieftain
The Spokesperson of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Campaign Council, Kogi State, Faruk
Adejoh-Audu says he cannot congratulate Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello because Kogi State
was turned into a war field during the Saturday election.Adejoh-Audu said the election was
marred by violence, claiming that nine PDP members were killed during the election.He also
explained how the PDP women leader of Ochadamu Ward in Ofu Local Government Area,
Salome Abuh, was burnt to death in her home by political thugs.“I will have congratulated
Governor Yahaya Bello but unfortunately, I cannot because he won no election. What he won was
a war waged by him and the Nigerian Police, so I cannot congratulate him.“His claim that there
were just pockets of violence is incorrect. There is hardly any ward in Kogi State except a few
that did not experience violence.“Violence is not necessarily when people die, but in this case,
people died. At least nine people died, all of them were PDP members. The 10th person was
killed after the announcement of result yesterday and it was the PDP woman leader of Ochadamu
ward,” Audu said.He also insisted that the Kogi election was a war and not an election.“We came
out for an election but it turned out to be a war with the Nigerian Police, the security agencies and
Yahaya Bello members of staff.”Meanwhile, the PDP governorship candidate in Kogi State, Mr
Musa Wada, have rejected the results announced by the Independent National Electoral
Commission (INEC).He described the election as a declaration of war against citizens of Kogi
State and insisted on using every legal means to reclaim his mandate.

Oyo Government Moves To End Open Defecation

The Oyo State Government says it is putting in place measures to stop open defecation by
providing mobile toilets and water in rural communities in the state.

The Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Mr Kehinde Ayoola, made this
known in Ibadan on Tuesday while addressing newsmen at the commemoration of the 2019
World Toilet Day.

Ayoola said that government was taking proactive steps to stop open defecation in the state
through the state’s Rural Water and Sanitation Programme.

He said that the present administration would take seriously the business of recycling in the state,
saying that the step would enhance its waste-to-wealth potential.

He appealed to residents of the state to cooperate with government, “as the transition to a new
waste management era would result into community-based waste management in the state’’.
“We appeal to our people to please co-operate with Gov. Seyi Makinde-led administration.

“We are transiting into a new waste management era and we would start experiencing
community-based waste management system,” Ayoola said.

The commissioner further said that government had mobilised trucks across the state and was
gladly helping in clearing refuse and waste till the menace of indiscriminate dumping of refuse
would be resolved.

Ayoola said that the state government through the Ministry of Environment had identified
prospective transfer loading stations, which would help the waste-to-wealth initiative of the state
government.

Igbere TV reports that the World Toilet Day is an official United Nations International
observance day on Nov.19, to inspire action to tackle the global sanitation crisis.

FG Earmarks Over N4bn For Reconstruction Of Kano-

gwarzo-dayi Road
The federal government has earmarked over N4 billion for total reconstruction of the dilapidated
Kano-Gwarzo-Dayi road, which had been neglected for a long time.

The senator representing Kano North, Senator Barau Jibrin-Maliya, who disclosed this in an
interview with The Nation in Kano on Sunday, expressed concerns over the deplorable condition
of the road, which links Kano with Katsina, Sokoto, Zamfara and Kebbi states as well as the
neighbouring Niger Republic.

Jibrin-Maliya, who is the chairman Senate committee on Appropriation, said all arrangements
had been concluded for immediate take-off of the reconstruction of the 70km road with initial
release of N2 billion.

According to him: “I have been engaging the Federal Government over the deteriorating
condition of that important road adding that in the first quarter of 2020, the contract for the
project will commence.”

He added the bill for the road project is before the National Assembly and as such N2 billion
would be provided for the award of the contract.

He said the road, which suffered neglect for too long, when completed would boost social and
economic activities of communities living along the the road and also the states that are linked to
Kano state.

The road, which had not witnessed any major rehabilitation since it was constructed by the
administration of former Military President, General Ibrahim Babangida, when completed, would
reduce the number of accidents that are being recorded almost on daily basis.
Yahuza Tijjani Remanded In Prison For Criticising Kabiru
Isma’il On Facebook
A magistrate court in Kano has remanded a student of Bayero University Kano over a Facebook
post criticising a state lawmaker.

Yahuza Tijjani, a second-year student in the Department of Science and Technology Education,
has been held since September 30 after he was arrested by the police in Madobi Local
Government Area, his brother, Murtala Tijjani, told us Mr Tijjani said his younger brother spent
seven days at the Police ‘Zone 1’ regional headquarters in Kano and the state criminal
investigation department before he was sent to jail by the magistrate.

The lawmaker, Kabiru Is’mail, and the Tijjanis are natives of Madobi Local Government Area. A
group loyal to the lawmaker had earlier attacked the student, Mr Tijjani, on Facebook, the brother
said.

“We are more concerned that the student may be expelled from the university for missing the
whole semester examination while being in jail,” he said. “We fear that he would continue being
in jail as we have exhausted seeing all the personalities we know yet we cannot secure his
released.”

In the Facebook post seen by PREMIUM TIMES, Mr Tijjani, in an apparent reference to the
lawmaker who he did not mention by name, said in Hausa, “You know he’s not well educated, as
a result of which he doesn’t know how to calculate figures. He said 1230, he later said 1500 and
at the ended saying 2000.”

In another post, Mr Tijjani said, “I pray to God almighty that the election petition tribunal [will]
declare the election of state’s assembly member representing Madobi as inconclusive”.

The Court

The brother also narrated how Mr Tijjani was denied bail and sent to jail on day one after he was
charged with defamation of character before the magistrate, Aminu Gabari of Court 72 in
Noman’s Land in Fagge local government area.

He said a week later the judge granted Mr Tijjani bail on strict conditions they were unable to
meet.

“Whenever the judge slated time for the case, he wouldn’t come, this makes us suspicious that
the judiciary, the last hope for Mr Tijjani has been compromised,” he said.

“The last time we saw the judge he told us that the case has been transferred to the office of the
state’s chief judge; there’s nothing he can do about it. We rushed to the Ministry of Justice to see
the chief judge; we were denied access to him.”

When contacted, the lawmaker representing Madobi state constituency, Kabiru Isma’il, told us
Tuesday that the student offended him through the Facebook post and he reported the matter to
the authorities. He said no human would allow the offender to walk free without taking
appropriate measures.

“I was offended, instead of taking the law into my hand, I decided to invite the police because I
don’t have the power to arrest,” Mr Isma’il said.

Court slams N100,000 against Nigerian govt

over Melaye’s alleged falsehood trial - Daily
Nigerian
An FCT High Court Maitama on Tusday ordered the prosecution to pay N100, 000 for stalling
trial of the Senator Dino Malaye in alleged falsehood filed against him.
Mr Melaye, the senator representing Kogi West in the National Assembly, is charged with two counts
bordering on giving false information to the police.
The Federal Government arraigned Melaye, alleging that he, sometime in April, 2017 deliberately gave
false information to the police.
The judge, Justice Olasumbo Goodluck gave the order after the prosecution informed the court that
their witnesses were not in court.
Goodluck held that by the provisions of Section 396 (4)(6) of the Administration of the Criminal
Justice Act, 2015, parties are entitled to five adjournments and nothing more.
The judge said she was not pleased with the attitude of the prosecution in the matter, especially when
the matter was placed on fast track, day to day hearing and the defendant’s counsel comes from outside
jurisdiction.
”A cost of N100, 000 is therefore awarded against the prosecution instead of N250, 000 prayed by the
defendant’s counsel,” she ordered.
The judge said the trial was slated for November 19 and 20 and both dates of trial are stalled for failure
of the prosecution to bring their witnesses to court.
Goodluck then adjourned the matter until December 5, for continuation of trial
Earlier, the prosecution counsel, N.O. Ezra informed the court that her witnesses were not in court.
Mr Ezra then prayed the court for an adjournment to enable them bring their witnesses.
Responding, defence counsel Olusegun Odubela, SAN, told the court that this was unfair to the
defendant because the witness could not be more involved in Kogi election than the defendant who was
a candidate in the election.
Mr Odubela added that the prosecution did not inform the court the whereabouts of their fourth
witness.
” The court should be guided by the provisions of sections 396 (4)(6) of ACJA and 36 (4) of the 1999
constitution as amended.
” The prosecution has not adduced any cogent reasons why their witnesses are not available in court, in
case the court grants them an adjournment, we will be asking for a cost of N250, 000, he said.
Mr Odubela further told the court that since last sitting on July 4, the prosecution could have known
and inform the court and the defendant’s counsel who comes from another jurisdiction.

How Edo Dep Gov, Shaibu, Betrayed Me —Oshiomhole

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Adams Oshiomhole, on Tuesday,
lamented the political crisis rocking Edo State and the alleged betrayal of the deputy governor of
the state, Philip Shaibu.
Oshiomhole shared his feelings in Iyamoh, his country home when supporters paid him a
solidarity visit.
The APC chair expressed disgust over the crisis that has engulfed the party in Edo and blamed
Shaibu and some other persons from his Local Government Area, who he claimed betrayed him.
Addressing his supporters, Oshiomhole urged the people to continue to embrace peace and not
allow themselves to be used for the wrong reasons because of money just as he also advised them
to continue to support the government of President Muhammadu Buhari who he said stands for
truth and justice.
Shaibu was at the centre of a recent altercation between youths in Iyamho and suspected thugs
allegedly brought to the community during the recent convocation ceremony of Edo University,
Iyamho in Etsako West Local Government Area.
Oshiomhole said, “It is about the truth, we have a president who believes in the truth, who
believes in fairness, who believes in justice, who believes that government should fight for the
poor.
“There is nothing I have done in life that I didn’t have to fight but as you can see by the special
grace of God there is no fight that I was forced into that I have not prevailed because I do not go
out of my way to look for trouble. I actually do my best to make peace but if it fails, God will
give the enablement to stand and defend the truth.
"The only thing I will say today to anyone who is here, who is an agent of my son; when I talk of
my son, I'm talking of Philip Shiabu, who now thinks that his own political future requires that he
attacks me and import thugs to disgrace me in my village.

"The Hausas have a saying that when people are possessed and they do things like that, just say,
'God take control.' Supposing I was dead after 2016 and somebody tells me that my son Philip
will organise people to attack my house or to attack my village, to disrupt the convocation,
maybe my body will be turning in heaven and I will not believe but the fact that I'm alive to see
someone who did not win his own (polling) booth because his own people in his own village in
his own community of Jattu did not want him because they apparently know him better than I do. 
But I stood by him, I stood for him and he became the deputy governor.
"If all that transpired now is to use that power to humiliate me but God didn't allow it. As you can
see, who can fight the battle? It is only God so I leave the burden of guilt to them and I will not
repay evil with evil. I will stand on the path of peace, I will stand on the path of unity. I will stand
on the path of justice because I know that God in heaven will never allow the evildoer to prevail.
"I'm very happy that God has given me good health and that I can see some people who fought
me in 2007 and God gave me victory and from victory I made them commissioners, I gave them
jobs, I assisted them whenever they were in need. That I'm alive to see them because of a small
pot of pepper soup calling for signatures to say Oshiomhole should not be.(sic)"

BREAKING: Governor Emeka Ihedioha

wins at Appeal Court as Uche Nwosu,
Uzodinma Loses
Governor Emeka Ihedioha has won at the Court of Appeal

Court fines Uche Nwosu for waste of time

Apart from dismissing the petition brought before it against the election of Gov. Emeka Ihedioha,
for lack of merit, the Appeal Court which gave its ruling in Abuja on Tuesday also fined the AA
gubernatorial candidate, Mr. Uche Nwosu to the tune of five hundred thousand naira (N500, 000),
for waste of time.

The court reasoned that Nwosu should have had no business appealing the verdict of the Tribunal
which had earlier affirmed Gov. Ihedioha victory in the March 9, 2019, gubernatorial election in
Imo State.

Also, The appeal Court struck out the petition of Sen. Hope Uzodimma against the election of
Gov. Ihedioha of Imo State.

Uzodimma who contested the March 9  gubernatorial election in the state had approached the
court seeking to be declared winner of the poll, despite placing 4th.

More details later…

Ghana’s Ex-president Mahama Appeal To Nigeria Gov’t To

Open Up Borders
Mr John Mahama, Former President of Ghana on Tuesday appealed to the Nigeria Government to
open up her border so that economic activities can resume in West Africa.

Mahama made the plea while delivering the 7th Anniversary Lecture, Investiture into The
Realnews Hall of Fame and The unveiling of the Book: Pathways to Political and Economic
Development of Africa in Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports the title of the lecture is `Beyond Politics: An Economic
Narrative for West Africa’.
He said that the total closure of, especially, the Benin border was having a significant toll on
many small and medium businesses especially in Togo, Ghana and Cote D’Ivoire that relied on
inter-country trade.
“I am sure that businesses in Nigeria that rely on supplies from these countries are also suffering.

“With the signing of the joint border task force agreement between Nigeria and her neighbours, I
will like to take this opportunity to appeal to Nigeria to open up her border so that economic
activities can resume,” he said.

Mahama said as a former Chairman of the Economic Community of West Africa States, and
Authority of Heads of State and Government, he had an abiding interest in the progress of
ECOWAS and its people.

He noted that it was not by accident that Nigeria was home to the headquarters of the ECOWAS
and the largest economy in West Africa.

According to him, the import of the following quote from the objective principles for the
establishment of ECOWAS cannot be lost on us.

“ECOWAS was set up to foster the ideal of collective self-sufficiency for its member states.

“As a trading union, it is also meant to create a single, large trading bloc through economic
cooperation.

“Integrated economic activities as envisaged in the area revolve around but are not limited to
industry, transport, telecommunications, energy, agriculture, natural resources, commerce,
monetary and financial issues, social as well as cultural matters,” he said.

The ex-president expressed optimism that as an economic and regional bloc, a lot of economic
opportunities were available to ECOWAS and they must take advantage of them.

Nigerian Wheat Imports From US Up By 367,000mt

Wheat importation by Nigeria is defying the President Muhammadu Buhari regime’s trend of
cutting down on import of food crops. 

Data released by the United States Department for Agriculture shows a 367,000 metric tonne
increase in purchase of various wheat brands from the US. 

The country purchased 936,000mt of wheat as at October 2019, as against 569,000 bought at the
same time last year.

Inversely, America’s economic rival China, has drastically reduced its import of wheat which is a
strategic commodity for the US economy. 

The USDA figures, which are current as at mid-October 2019, shows a 14 per cent surge in
exports. 

On all brands of wheat exported by the US highlighted by Thefencepost, imports from Nigeria
dropped on only a grade called durum. 
The variant favoured by Nigerian importers is known as Hard Red Winter.

The country more than doubled its importation of the brand to 567,000 as at October 10, 2019. 

It was second in the purchase of HRW to US’s neighbour – Mexico. 

The next brand Nigerian importers preferred is Soft Red winter.

Again, its volume of import rose by 50 per cent to 142,000mt. 

Nigeria was once again second to Mexico. 

The other product favoured by Nigeria was Hard White wheat.

Nigeria’s interest in Hard White grew by nine per cent to 123,000mt. 

Its purchase of Durum however, decreased by 58 per cent to 28,000 as at Oct 11, 2019.

Besides the US, Nigeria also imports as much wheat as it exports its citizens to Canada. 

The country has since 2007 tried unsuccessfully to diversify away from the use of wheat in flour
making to cassava where it has competitive advantage. 

The Buhari administration has been silent on the implementation of the High Quality Cassava
Flour. 

Appeal Court Reserves Judgment In Abba, Governor

Ganduje Suit
Appeal Court Reserves Judgment In Abba, Governor Ganduje Suit

The Kaduna division of the Court of Appeal on Monday reserved ruling on a suit filed by Kano
PDP governorship candidate, Abba Kabir Yusuf challenging the electoral victory of Governor
Abdullahi Ganduje.

The governorship election petition tribunal headed by Justice Halima Shamaki had on October 2
upheld the electoral victory of Governor Abdullahi Ganduje.

The PDP and its governorship candidate Abba Kabiru Yusuf, not comfortable with the judgment
appealed the ruling.

Court Dismisses Suit Against Kano PDP Governorship Candidate.

The five-member panel of the appeal court led by Justice Tijjani Abubakar after listening to the
argument of the parties said the date of judgment would be communicated soon.
Cabinet: Aisha Buhari, Bisi Fayemi Lead Standing Ovation
For Gov Abdulrazaq
Nigerian women on Tuesday gave a standing ovation to Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman
AbdulRazaq as his administration was announced winner of the 2019 Voice of Women (VOW)
Award in the capital city Abuja.
 
The award followed the Governor’s recent nomination of nine women as members of his cabinet
and another woman, Mrs Folashade Omoniyi, as chairperson of the Kwara State Internal Revenue
Service, among others.
 
The Kwara State Government won the ‘Government Agency Supporting Women and their
Families’ category of the prestigious award at the 4th VOW Conference held at the Nigerian Air
Force Conference Centre Abuja.
 
AbdulRazaq received the award on behalf of the Government, pledging to do more to support the
women and girl child and charged Women to deliver.
 
Attended by various international organisations, First Ladies from across the states and prominent
Nigerians, First Lady Aisha Buhari also received the Woman of the Year award in honour of her
Future Assured innovative which speaks ups for and empowers women and girl child.
 
The late Stella Ameyo Adadevoh, who saved many lives during the Nigerian Ebola outbreak,
bagged a posthumous Lifetime Achievement award while Allen Onyema, chairman of the Air
Peace, got a Lifetime Achievement for evacuating hundreds of Nigerians from South Africa
during the recent xenophobic attacks in Pretoria.
 
The award organisers cited AbdulRazaq as a “living example of every woman’s aspiration who
has done what no other public servant has done for women in Nigeria”.
 
First Lady Aisha Buhari and wife of the Ekiti State Governor Erelu Bisi Fayemi got the audience
to give the Governor a standing ovation for his courage and support to the women and child.
 
“We urge development agencies and the international community to support the Governor to
further empower women, the girl child and develop Kwara,” said Toun Okewale Sonaiya,
Managing Director of Women Radio 91.7, organisers of the 4th VOW conference and awards.
 
The award is the latest in the series of countrywide acknowledgment of AbdulRazaq as a great
supporter of women empowerment and gender parity — a key focus of the UN Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs).

Top 10 Highest Paid Leaders In The World (no. 1 Is 35% Of

Our 2020 Budget)
There are so many countries in the world which are classified into the Developed, Developing
and under developed category, despite the wide margin between the Income of the economically
healthy countries and countries who are trying to catch up there are only few of the countries you
expected on this list.

The likes of U.S.A made the top 30 list but Nigeria is far below 30, this list is solely for the top
10 highest paid leaders in the world

Our Data are based on financial reports and publications of various countries and also with the
help of Wikipedia. Now the countdown.

10. Country: BAHRAIN

Position: KING
Salary Per Annum in Dollars: $ 22,400,000
Salary Per Annum in Naira: N 7,728,000,000
Monthly salary: $1,866,667
Monthly salary in Naira: N644,000,000

9. Country: NORWAY
Position: KING
Salary Per Annum in Dollars: $ 33,237,000
Salary Per Annum in Naira: N11,300,580,000
Monthly salary: $2,769,750
Monthly salary in Naira: N941,715,000.

8. Country: QATAR
Position: EMIR
Salary Per Annum in Dollars: $ 36,000,000
Salary Per Annum in Naira: N12,400,000,000
Monthly salary: $3,000,000
Monthly salary in Naira: N1,035,000,000

7. Country: MONACO
Position: PRINCE
Salary Per Annum in Dollars: $ 53,065,000
Salary Per Annum in Naira: N17,961,735,000
Monthly salary: $4,422,083
Monthly salary in Naira: N1,496,811,250

6. Country: SWAZILAND
Position:
Salary Per Annum in Dollars: $ 56,051,336
Salary Per Annum in Naira: N19,337,710,920
Monthly salary: $4,670,945
Monthly salary in Naira: N1,611,475,910

5. Country: THAILAND
Position: KING
Salary Per Annum in Dollars: $ 84,000,000
Salary Per Annum in Naira: N28,980,000,000
Monthly salary: $7,000,000
Monthly salary in Naira: N2,415,000,000

4. Country: UNITED KINGDOM

Position: QUEEN
Salary Per Annum in Dollars: $ 107,392,287
Salary Per Annum in Naira: N37,050,339,015
Monthly salary: $8,949,357
Monthly salary in Naira: N3,087,528,251

3. Country: KUWAIT
Position: EMIR
Salary Per Annum in Dollars: $ 165,000,000
Salary Per Annum in Naira: N59,925,000,000
Monthly salary: $13,750,000
Monthly salary in Naira: N4,993,750,000

2. Country: BRUNEI
Position: SULTAN
Salary Per Annum in Dollars: $ 1,986,768,000
Salary Per Annum in Naira: N685,434,960,000
Monthly salary: $165,564,000
Monthly salary in Naira: N57,119,580,000

1. Country: SAUDI ARABIA

Position: KING
Salary Per Annum in Dollars: $ 9,600,000,000
Salary Per Annum in Naira: N3,312,000,000,000
Monthly salary: $800,000,000
Monthly salary in Naira: N276,000,000,000

President Buhari Honours Bashir Abubakar And Josephine

Ugwu
President Buhari has presented Integrity awards to two public servants, Bashir Abubakar and Mrs
Josephine Ugwu of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, for exhibiting Integrity in the
performance of their official duties.

Buhari presented the awards to the recipients at the opening of the two-day National Summit on
Diminishing Corruption in Public Sector held at the State House Banquet hall, Abuja.

The event is being organized by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation
in collaboration with Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission
(ICPC).
The Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Abubakar rejected 412,000 dollars (N150
million) bribe offered to him by drug traffickers to import 40 containers laden with Tramadol, a
controlled and highly addictive drug.

Ugwu, a former cleaner at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos had on
different occasions returned millions of naira found in the course of her duty, including the sum
of N12 million dollars forgotten in the toilet by an airport user.

Speaking at the event, Buhari stressed the need for Nigerians to uphold the traditionally cherished
values of honesty and integrity.

‘‘Let me again note with concern the need to uphold the values of loyalty, honesty, trust, and
integrity that were once cherished in our public service. Ethics and integrity are the foundation of
an enduring society.

‘‘Nigerian culture does not tolerate dishonesty. Therefore, we must reclaim our traditional values
of honesty, integrity and hard work. In spite of the few bad eggs, I am delighted that many
Nigerians still hold on to our traditionally cherished values of honesty and integrity,” he said.

Buhari called on the National Assembly to fast-track the passage of the Special Crimes Court
Bill. He also urged the judiciary to embrace and support the creation of the Special Crimes Court.

He said: ‘‘the fight against corruption is of course not only for government and anti-corruption
agencies alone. All arms and tiers of government must develop and implement the anti-corruption
measures. I invite the legislative and judicial arms of government to embrace and support the
creation of Special Crimes Court that Nigerians have been agitating for to handle corruption
cases.’’

President Buhari noted that the passage of the Bill was a ‘‘specific priority’’ of this
administration’s Economic Recovery & Growth Plan 2017-2020. The President also used the
occasion, which marked the launch of the Constituency Projects Transparency Group (CPTG)
Report Phase One, to reiterate his appeal to all well-meaning Nigerians to join in the fight against
corruption.

‘‘The war against corruption cannot be won without prevention, enforcement, public education
and enlightenment. I encourage the ICPC and other law enforcement agencies to intensify their
efforts in public education, enlightenment and engagement with citizens.

‘‘I also urge our development partners, civil society organizations, and the media to continue to
support our efforts to strengthen ethical values and integrity in Nigeria,’’ he said.

Appeal Court Affirms Ihedioha’s Victory As Imo Governor

The Appeal Court has affirmed Emeka Ihedioha’s victory as the Governor of Imo State.

A five-man panel of the appellate court, led by Justice Oyebisi Omoleye, delivered the judgment
on Tuesday following an appeal filed by the Action Alliance, All Progressive Grand Alliance and
the All Progressive Congress challenging the election of the governor.

All appellants argued in their appeal that the governor did not obtain the constitutionally required
one-quarter of the votes cast in at least, two-thirds of the 27 local government areas of the state,
as provided under Section 179 of the Constitution.

The appellants, therefore, prayed the court to set aside the decision of the tribunal and declare
them the winner of the election or in the alternative order a rerun.

The court commenced the hearing with the appeal of Mr Uche Nwosu of the Action Alliance but
the later upheld the preliminary objection by the PDP and Governor Ihedioha that the appeal was
faulty.

According to the court, it ought to ordinarily dismiss the appeal but in line with the Supreme
Court’s guidelines it decided to go ahead and determine the appeal.

After listening to and resolving all the issues raised by Mr Nwosu and the Action Alliance against
the PDP, Justice Omoleye, ordered him to pay a sum of N500,000.

Determining the appeal filed by Senator Hope Uzodinma and the All progressive Congress, the
court held that the tribunal had looked at the evidence loophole placed before it and that it is
settled law that hearsay evidence is not admissible in court.

Consequently, issues 1,2,3 and 4 are resolved against Senator Uzodinma and the APC.

On issue three which bordered on the dismissal of documents, the appeal court resolved it in
favour of Senator Uzodinma.

According to the court, the tribunal went out of its jurisdiction to resolve the issues but that
notwithstanding, the appeal was lacking in merit and was, therefore, dismissed.

Consequently, a cost of N500,000 was awarded against the appellants.

However, in a dissenting judgment, one of the judges rejected the cross-appeal, filed by Governor
Emeka Ihedioha and ordered him to pay the sum of 1 million naira to Senator Uzodinma and his
party.

The court also dismissed the appeal filed by Senator Ifeanyi Arareume and the All Progressive
Grand Alliance. and equally awarded a cost of N500,000 against the appellants.

Buhari Attacks Lawmakers For Misused N1trn For Projects

IgbereTV reports that President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday said that there was nothing to
show for the over N1trn spent on constituency projects over the last 10 years.

According to Buhari, data obtained from Nigerians in rural communities across the country
indicated that there was no impact of such projects by members of the National Assembly on the
lives of the people.

He said, “N1trn has been appropriated in the last 10 years for constituency projects but the impact
can hardly be seen.”

Speaking further, President Buhari called on the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related
offences Commission to go after contractors and their collaborators in government, who collected
money for such projects but abandoned them.

There have been series of debates in recent times over what Nigerian lawmakers take annually as
funds for constituency projects.

While some have argued that such funds allows lawmakers complement the efforts of their state
governments in providing basic amenities, others continue to call for its abolition, arguing that it
ends in the pockets of legislators, who either abandon projects midway or don’t embark on any at
all.

Asset Management Company Takes Over Ex-minister,

Ademola Seriki's Assets
Properties belonging to Ademola Seriki, in Lagos and Abuja, have been taken over by the Asset
Management Corporation of Nigeria.
the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria has taken over two properties belonging to
Ademola Seriki, in Lagos and Abuja, over an outstanding indebtedness of nearly N1bn.

This is sequel to the order of Justice Chuka Austine Obiozor of a Federal High Court in Lagos.

The case between AMCON and Seriki, who was a former Minister of State for Defence as well as
a former Supervising Minister for Mines and Steel Development, had lingered for awhile.

AMCON said in a statement that it did not in the first instance resort to the court except when the
obligor defiled all overtures from the corporation for a peaceful resolution of an obligation.

It stated, “But the case between AMCON and Ademola Seriki eventually ended up in court
because all efforts made by AMCON to have the issue resolved peacefully did not yield the
desired result.

“Therefore, the corporation pursued justice in court and in compliance with the order of the court
of competent jurisdiction, AMCON on Monday through Oak Partners, who works for the
corporation as one of its partners, having also received protective orders from the court, took
possession of the said properties belonging to the former minister.

“The affected properties are those located at No. 1a & 1b, Jalupon Close, Surulere, Lagos and
another at No. 4, Djibouti Crescent, a highbrow area of Wuse 2, Abuja.”

It added that the non-performing loans of Ademola Seriki were sold to AMCON by the defunct
Oceanic Bank and Skye Bank.
The corporation stressed that when all efforts to amicably resolve the loans were frustrated by the
former minister, prominent member of the ruling All Progressive Congress, it was left with no
other choice than to refer the matter to the court.

Having looked at the case over time, the court ordered AMCON to take over the assets of the
APC chieftain.

Head of Corporate Communications, AMCON, Jude Nwauzor, confirmed that corporation on

Monday carried out the order as directed by the court.

Kogi PDP Women Leader Burnt In Her Home APC Thugs In

A Revenge
Spokesperson of the Kogi State Police Command, DSP Aya Williams, has confirmed the burning
to death of PDP campaign woman leader Mrs Acheju Abuh, in Ochadamu, Ofu Local
Government by thugs loyal to the All Progressives Congress, APC.

Read the statement below: “CULPABLE HOMICIDE/MISCHIEF BY FIRE:

On 18/11/2019 at about 1630hrs, one Musa Etu of Ochadamu, Ofu LGA reported at the Station
that, at about 1030 of same date, there was a misunderstanding between one Awolu Zekeri aged
35years member of APC and one Gowon Simeon a member of PDP both of Ochadamu.

In the process Gowon Simeon stabbed Awolu Zekeri with a knife on his Lap. He died on his way
to the Hospital.

As a result, angry youths in the area mobilized to the house of one Simeon Abuh of same address
who is an uncle to the suspect, set it a blazed, thereby burnt one Salome Abuh aged 60 years.
Three other houses were equally burnt.

The corpse has been moved to the University Teaching Hospital Mortuary Anyigba for Autopsy.

Meanwhile, the Police Mobile Force and Police Special Forces have been drafted to the area to
prevent any breakdown of law and order.

The investigation is ongoing.”

Jonathan's Media Team Break Silence On

Him Dumping PDP For APC
The media team of former President Goodluck Jonathan has debunked claims that he(Jonathan)
was concluding plans to dump the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for the All Progressives
Congress, APC.
Following a reported disagreement between the former President and the Governor of Bayelsa
State, Seriake Dickson, there are clear indications that the former president, his family and
kinsmen backed the candidate of the APC, David Lyon in the just concluded governorship
election in the state and also celebrated his victory.
Amidst rising speculations that Jonathan is about to decamp to the ruling party, his media, team, led by
Reno Omokri, has refuted the claims, describing the ex-President as a loyal party member.
In a statement signed by Omokri and made available to DAILY POST on Tuesday, the ex-aide to the
former President on New Media, said “Former President Goodluck Jonathan is a member of the
Peoples Democratic Party.
Throughout his sojourn on Earth, he has been a member of only one political party.
“Dr Jonathan is known for his stability and loyalty. These are character traits that have been lifelong
companions of his. He is also an elder statesman and that role requires that he accepts all Nigerian
citizens, and indeed all the world’s peoples, in the spirit of the brotherhood of man’’.
“As an elder statesman and Chairman of the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation, Dr Jonathan will receive
people of goodwill who apply to pay him a courtesy visit, irrespective of their political or religious
leanings. Though a Christian, he has received Muslim groups and other diverse visitors.
“Dr Jonathan intends to devote the rest of his life on Earth to building unity, and engendering
opportunity for Nigerians and Africans and he has no desire, or reason to engage in partisan politics
beyond being a loyal member of the Peoples Democratic Party.
“His being a member of the Peoples Democratic Party is institutional. In fact, it is more accurate to
state that his eternal party is Nigeria, for which he reminds all Nigerians that they are brothers and
sisters born from the womb of one Nigeria.”

Joi John Blasts Dickson For Sitting 'Disrespectfully' With

Obasanjo & Jonathan
Award winning journalist, Joi John has slammed the outgoing Bayelsa State governor, Henry Dickson
for ''sitting disrespectfully'' before two former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan.

Sharing a photo of Obasanjo, Jonathan and Dickson in a living room, Joi John (pictured above) wrote;

"Pictures speak a thousand words they say. Look at how Mr. Seriake Dickson of yesterday sat in front
of two former Presidents of Nigeria. No atom of respect whatsoever.

“I’ve struggled to refrain myself from Dickson related posts. This one was hard to overlook.
Eku election, my dear Governor.

“Just hurry and start packing your load. Buffoon!"

Senate Directs FG To Construct Public Toilets Across Nigeria
The Senate has directed the Federal Government through its relevant agencies to Increase the
construction of public toilets throughout the 36 states of the federation.

The red chamber said the facilities should be provided in states where open defecation is more
prevalent.

The red chamber also urged the Ministry of the Environment, Water Resources, Health and other
related agencies to increase awareness and sensitisation on the dangers of open defecation.

The Senate took the decision after a debate on a motion by Senator Clifford Ordia on the “World Toilet
Day”, an annual global event.

Ordia emphasises the importance of expanding sanitation access to the more than 4.2 billion people
living without safely managed sanitation options.
He said toilets save lives because human wastes spread killer diseases.

He added that the World Toilet Day about inspiring action to combat the global sanitation crisis.

He said that open defection poses serious economic, social, health hazards effect on the people,
community and the environment.

He said, “An expert in water, sanitation and hygiene who works with the United Nations Children
Fund, Mr. Bioye Ogunjobi, said Nigeria loses about 1.3 per cent of its GDP amounting to N455bn
annually due to poor sanitation.

“A third of that cost is as a result of the practice of open defecation.”

He expressed concern that besides the exposure to diseases, there was a lack of dignity that is inherent
in open defecation practices, particularly with regard to women and girls.

He said, “If effective solutions are not found, the non-availability of sanitation facilities inadvertently
further exposes women and girls to violence including rape, when they are forced to go out at night to
defecate in the open.”

Ebenezer Babatope: Jonathan Will Regret Working For APC's

Victory In Bayelsa
Chief Ebenezer Babatope, a former Minister of Transport on Tuesday said former President Goodluck
Jonathan will regret working for the success of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the just
concluded governorship election in Bayelsa state against his party, the Peoples Democratic Party
(PDP).

Speaking in a chat with Daily Independent, Babatope also faulted those calling for the resignation of
Prince Uche Secondus over the party's loss in Kogi and Bayelsa, saying the APC shamelessly
manipulated the elections.

" I hope it is not true that former president Goodluck Jonathan worked against the party in Bayelsa. If
he did so, I'm sure that he is going to regret it" he said.

David Lyon of the APC was declared as the governor-elect after defeating Sen. Douye Diri of the PDP.

Kaduna Assembly Passes N259.25 Billion 2020 Budget

Kaduna State House of Assembly on Tuesday passed the state 2020 budget of N259.25 billion into law.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the lawmakers approved N75.14 billion for recurrent and
N184.10 billion for capital expenditure.

The Chairman, House committee on Appropriation, Ahmed Muhammed. told journalists that the budget
was passed with an increment of N8 billion.

He explained that the increment was to accommodate requests made by most Ministries, Departments
and Agencies such as RUWASSA, Barau Dikko hospital, Teachers Service Board, SUBEB among
others.

Mr Ahmed said the increment will enable all the MDAs carry out their activities effectively.

He assured the people of Kaduna state that the House of Assembly would ensure that the funds are
spent judiciously.

It would be recalled that the state Deputy Governor, Hadiza Balarabe, presented the 2020 budget of
N190.03 billion to the assembly on October 15, for approval.

The sitting which was presided by the Speaker, Aminu Shagali, also passed into law a bill to
established Sir Kashim Ibrahim Fellowship programme.

The programme is to develop and nature network of high potential young people expected to rise to top
leadership positions in the public and private sectors.

We Can No Longer Ignore Poor Sanitation Practices - Osinbajo

*VP adds: the costs are too huge

*Ending open defecation in 2025 realisable

*States urged to adopt common sense policy measures

The loss of lives and billions of naira to preventable water and sanitation related diseases as a result of
inadequate basic water supply and sanitation services is huge and should be brought to an end by an
active collaboration between States and the Federal Government, according to Vice President Yemi
Osinbajo, SAN.

Prof. Osinbajo stated this in Abuja on Tuesday at the official roll out of the ‘Clean Nigeria: Use the
Toilet’ Campaign under the National programme to End Open Defecation in Nigeria.

At the event attended by several governors and their representatives, ministers and market women,
amongst others, the Vice President said, “…we all must redouble our efforts and work together in order
to meet the nation’s Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene needs.”
“As a Nation we simply cannot afford the huge costs including fatalities caused by preventable water
and sanitation related diseases as a result of inadequate WASH services. In contributing to the
government’s efforts, citizens must take action to avoid open defecation.

“There is no need to debate the point that sanitation is a major public health issue and that poor
sanitation adversely impacts us all. The World Bank report on the economic impact of poor sanitation
due to use of unsanitary or shared toilets and open defecation, estimates that Nigeria loses N455 billion
annually, with open defecation accounting for a third of this amount. These costs include health care,
loss of productivity, premature deaths, poor educational outcomes, among others.

“But perhaps some of the more dire costs of open defecation are those that cannot be quantified in
monetary terms, the social costs, loss of dignity, lack of privacy and increased vulnerability to physical
attacks and violence especially for women and girls,” the Vice President added.

Speaking further about the commitment of the Federal Government in addressing the menace the Vice
President said the goal of putting an end to open defecation in Nigeria is a shared responsibility.

According to him, “Although we all know that the primary responsibility for provision of Water,
Sanitation and Hygiene Services lie with the States and Local Government Areas, the Federal
Government remains committed to supporting the States initiatives aimed at improving access to these
services for the populace.

“To this end, States and the Federal Capital Territory should consider common sense policy measures
such as ensuring that construction sites are equipped with toilet facilities.

“Property development control regulators can also make it mandatory for buildings to include external
toilet facilities for staff such as security guards. These and other such measures will reduce the
incidence of public defecation.

“As the President said during the launch of the National Action Plan last year, Federal Government’s
support to States will be based on their commitment to implement the National WASH Action Plan in
their respective states and to end open defecation by 2025. It is our expectation that this national launch
will trigger State and LGA level launches leading to mass mobilization of all Nigerians.”

Speaking further, the Vice President said the Federal Government’s support to States will however be
dependent on the efforts and shown by States in implementing their action plans for the WASH sector.

On the measures initiated to by the Federal Government to boost Water, Sanitation and Hygiene
(WASH) across the country, the Vice President said, “this administration has consistently affirmed its
commitment to the development of the WASH sector in Nigeria.”

According to him, “the launch of the National Action Plan for the revitalization of the WASH sector
and the declaration of a State of Emergency by the President last year was among the many initiatives
of Government in addressing the challenges confronting the sector.

“The National Action Plan is phased into Emergency, Recovery and Revitalization stages”.

The first and current phase, he said, “is the emergency phase of the Action Plan. In the emergency
stage, it is our desire to aggressively mobilize the entire country towards ending the practice of open
defecation”.

Earlier in his remark, the Minister of Water Resources, Alhaji Suleiman Adamu commended the
collaboration with State governors and development partners in Nigeria’s quest to end open defecation
by 2025.

He reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to actualize the target of ending open defecation
across the country by 2025.

Laolu Akande

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity

Office of the Vice President

19th November, 2019

Elisha Abbo: Court Admits CCTV Footage, Statements As

Evidence
A Magistrates’ Court sitting in Zuba, Abuja on Tuesday admitted two discs from a CCTV footage and
Certificate of Compliance as evidence in the trial of Sen. Elisha Abbo.

The police charged Abbo on July 8 for criminal force and assault which is contrary to section 263 and
264 of penal code law.

Magistrate Abdullahi Illelah held that the documents tendered were relevant and admissible in
evidence.

”It is left to the court to determine if a particular document or exhibit tendered before it complies with
the requirement of the law or not.

”The court hereby admits the statements of Sen. Elisha Abbo and medical report which the nominal
complainant obtained from Mega EyeSight as exhibits in the trial,” he held.

Illelah adjourned the matter until January 9, 2020, for the continuation of hearing while the bail granted
to Abbo continues on the same terms and conditions.

Earlier, the prosecution witness, Mr James Idachaba tendered the exhibits through the second
prosecution witness Assistant Superintendent of Police Mary Daniel.

The witness told the court that she was attached to the Criminal Investigation Department, FCT Police
Command and was the Investigating Police Officer in the case against the defendant (Sen. Abbo).

Daniel alleged that on May 14, the case criminal force and assault contrary to section 262, 263 and 264
of the Penal Code Law was reported at Maitama Divisional Station by the nominal complainant Ms
Anyata Wormate.

She added that the case was transferred to the FCT Police Command and it was assigned to her to
investigate, subsequently she went to the scene of the crime at Pleasure Chest Shop, FA45, Banex
Plaza.

According to her, the shop was then locked and one Mr Onyekachi Chukwu told me that the owner of
the shop travelled out of Abuja.

“On July 3, the invitation letter was sent to the nominal complainant and the defendant through the
Clerk of the National Assembly.

“On July 4, the voluntary explanatory statement was obtained from the nominal complainant and the
defendant also provides his statement under caution and later the defendant was later granted bail on
the same day,’’ she said.

The witness told the court that the nominal complainant brought CCTV footage discs with a certificate
of compliance and forensic analysis could not be obtained because the camera where the video was
extracted was with one Kemi.

Daniel added that all efforts to get across to Kemi (a salesgirl in the shop where the incidence
happened) proved abortive.

The witness said that she also went back to Maitama Divisional Police office to obtain the statement of
Mrs Alaba Udeme the mother of the nominal complainant.

She added that she went to the mega eyesight to confirm whether or not the nominal complainant was
treated there, and the clinic confirmed to the witness that the complainant was treated there.

The Defense counsel Mr Adegbite Adeniyi objects to the admissibility of the discs, medical certificate
from mega eyesight when the prosecution counsel (Idachaba) attempted to tender the documents.
Adeniyi told the court that the medical report certificate sought to be tendered did not comply with the
provision of section 257 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act.

He added that the CCTV footage discs also did not comply with the provisions of section 84 sub B and
84 sub 5 (A) of the Evidence Act.

In his response, the prosecution counsel urged the court to discountenance the objection of the defense
stressing that the objections were misconceived because the witness was not the maker the documents.

Breaking!! Power Crisis: Senate Rejects Temporary Ban On

Generator Importation
Shouts of “Nay” rented the air in the Red-Chambers during Tuesday’s plenary session as the Senate
tremendously shut down a temporary ban on generator importation into the country. The motion which
was an additional prayer moved by Senator Francis Fadahunsi (Osun East) was aimed at curtailing the
activities of generator importers as a means of making the Government sit up to address the nation’s
power problems.Fadahunsi in his contribution to a motion moved by Senator Utazi Chukwuka titled
“Addressing Nigeria’s Power Problems” made the prayer during a call for additional prayers by the
Senate President Ahmed Lawan the prayer was however shut down in a voice vote by the Senators.

Sponsor of the motion, Senator Chukwuka Utazi (PDP, Enugu North) said Nigeria, with a population of
200 million and an annual growth rate of 2.6 percent per annum, is the seventh most populous nation
on earth.

According to Utazi, the power generating or installed capacity of Nigeria in relation to its population
and Gross Domestic Product cannot place the country to compete favourably in terms of development
with other nations.

He, therefore, called on the Federal Government to find solutions to the power deficits faced by the
country.

Citing Indonesia and Philippines as examples, the lawmaker noted that both countries with a population
of 267 million and 107 million, respectively, have installed power capacity of 60,000 megawatts and
generating capacity of 42,465 megawatts as well as installed capacity of 20,055 megawatts and
generating capacity of 16,271 megawatts.

The lawmaker while expressing optimism that Nigeria can set a realisable target of generating capacity
of 100,000 megawatts in the next ten years, said the same can be achieved through a mix of energy
sources such as natural gas, hydro, coal, wind and renewable energy.

He added that the various zones in the country are naturally positioned to take advantage of the various
energy mix and renewables, particularly solar energy.

“The northern part of the country with vast expanse of land can tap into large solar farms while the
southern parts of the country with significant reserves of natural gas and cola can generate power from
same.

“Both the North and South have large water bodies that can still be dammed for hydro,” Utazi said.

The lawmaker further posited that Nigeria can improve on its transmission infrastructure by up-scaling
its networks from the current 330kv and 132kv to 765kv super grid to enable big power plants to send
power through such grid over long distances.

He added that beyond generation and transmission, Distribution Companies (DisCos) lack the financial
and technical capacities required, thereby resulting in their inability to pay for power which Generation
Companies (GenCos) delivered to the grid.

However, Senator Francis Fadahunsi (Osun East), in his comments said :

“We have to look into the activities of generator importers, this has been our problem since we have
alternatives. Our international airports are still running on generators. If we rely solely on our nation’s
power generation we shall know how to revive it . If the government can at least for five years ban the
importation of generators we shall sit tight and get serious. Senator

Francis further expressed that nation’s power sector was privatized in haste error to people who had no
expertise in power. He’s said”the problem is the way power generation and distribution was
concessioned hurriedly in the past to certain people who did not know about power just because they
had money.

Senator Danjuma Goje (Gombe Central ), in his comments urged the Federal Government to look into
other sources of power generation.

He said ” We can generate energy from other sources like coal , hydro,gas and solar . We needed to for
example to determine how much percentage of power can we generate using coal”. If we take Gombe,
Enugu , Kogi we have enough coal in those states to generate this 100 000 megawatts that we seek, but
we have decided not to take any action”. Let’s go ahead and dismantle whatever needs to be
dismantled, let’s make sure that if we divide this according to the six zones we have maybe Southeast
Electric distribution company, Southwest Electric distribution company and so on.
The Senate resolved to set up an adhoc committee on the problems of power generation, transmission
and distribution in Nigeria to investigate the various power issues and report back within four weeks , it
also resolved to organize a national roundtable discussion on the problems and solutions on the nation’s
power .

Governor Seriake Dickson Attacks President Jonathan, Says It’s

Strategic For APC
Seriake Dickson, governor of Bayelsa state, says it is strategic for leaders of the All Progressives
Congress (APC) to use ex-President Goodluck Jonathan “to legitimise the illegitimacy that happened
on Saturday”.
Following the victory of David Lyon, candidate of the APC in the Bayelsa governorship election, APC
leaders visited the former president at his Bayelsa residence.
But speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Dickson described Jonathan’s alliance with the APC as
regrettable.
He said the perception that he alienated PDP stakeholders, including the former president, was
unfounded, adding that he made attempts to meet with Jonathan 16 different times yet the former
number one citizen chose to support a candidate that did not mean well for him.
“Jonathan remains my oga and I respect him, but there are lots of efforts by certain interest to create a
rift between us, there is no politician that has been there for the former president than me,” he said.
“He has also helped me but it is unfortunate that I am being misconstrued in this matter of the election.
I tried to meet Jonathan 16 times and he opted to support a candidate that does not wish me well.
“I will soon write my memoirs and people will have a fair view of what happened, the visit of some
APC governors to Jonathan who congratulated the APC candidate without congratulating the candidate
of his party.
On the election, Dickson described “what happened on Saturday” as undemocratic, maintaining that
Douye Diri, candidate of the PDP in the election, defeated his APC opponent.
“Our candidate, Sen. Douye Diri and the party chairman have been speaking about the charade called
election that took place in Bayelsa on Saturday, and the invasion of our state by security forces,” he
said.
“The dehumanisation of our people and how the majority of the areas and in places, where our people
were denied the right to vote for the candidate of their choice.
“The story is all out there that what took place in the state on Nov. 16 was not a democratic election.
“So, today, I’m here to add my voice to all that has been said already, and it was so brazen, it has never
been like this in this state before.
“I know that in 2015, we went through a very tough time, there was displayed of federal might, but at
least, it was not as bad as this.”
Helicopter Dropping Teargas In Kogi Was For Preventive
Purpose – Police IG
The Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, has said the helicopter sighted dropping teargas
during last Saturday’s governorship election in Kogi state was deployed for crimes prevention purpose.

Adamu, who said this while briefing journalists after a meeting of Service Chiefs with President
Muhammadu Buhari, on Tuesday added that the helicopter which was on patrol had to intervene to stop
those fighting and snatching ballot boxes.

He said the police prepared heavily for the elections in Kogi and Bayelsa states because the outcome of
its security trend assessment had revealed that there would be violence in the two states.

I’m Your Good Political Son, Shuaibu Replies Oshiomhole

National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Comrade Adams Oshiomhole
Osagie Otabor, Benin

Edo State Deputy Governor, Hon Philip Shuaibu, has replied comments credited to former Governor
Adams Oshiomhole that he (Shaibu) betrayed him.

Shuaibu said he is only following the path of what Oshiomhole taught him politically.

Speaking through his Chief Press Secretary, Musa Ebomhiana, Shuaibu said he stood by Oshiomhole’s
tenets of “No more godfatherism and Let the people lead”.

He stated that as a good son of Oshiomhole’s politics, he is following the path of a good father.

Shuaibu stated that Oshiomhole is a respected leader and father he could not have betrayed.

He also denied allegations that the party leaders in Estako West that signed the vote of no confidence
against Oshiomhole were threatened to do so.

“The Deputy Governor is a gentleman. He could not have threatened or coerced anybody to sign any
letter.

“Those people that signed it are matured men and women that do not feed from the table of the DG,”
he added.
Nigeria Should Just Put An End To Election – Former
Lawmaker, Sani Madaki
A former member of the House of Representatives representing the Dala Local Government, Hon Aliyu
Sani Madakin Gini, has expressed frustration over the way elections are conducted in the country under
President Muhammadu Buhari.

Madaki made the remarks on his Facebook account, saying election should be stopped in the country.

In his article titled "The Future of Politics in Nigeria under President Muhammadu Buhari" he
commented on elections held in Kano State and those in Kogi and Bayelsa states.

Joe Igbokwe Takes Swipe At Air Peace After Completing His

Trip via ARIK and DANA
Read exact statement as posted on his Facebook timeline following his rejection to board and fly with
AIR PEACE

“JUST TO INFORM THE MANAGEMENT OF AIR PEACE THAT I GOT A 9am ARIK AIR TO
ABUJA AND STILL COMPLETED MY ASSIGNMENTS. I AM HEADING BACK TO LAGOS
WITH DANA AIR. THERE IS AN ALTERNATIVE IN NIGERIA. I KNOW IT IS DIFFICULT TO
MANAGE SUCCESS THAN FAILURE. NIGERIA WILL DEFEAT BOKO HARAM
Edward Hillary, the first man to climb Mount Everest did not succeed at the first attempt. He addressed
a World Press Conference thereafter with the enlarged photograph of Mount Everest behind him. He
turned back to look at the huge photograph and said: “ MOUNT EVEREST YOU DEFEATED BUT I
WILL COME BACK TO DEFEAT YOU” and he did and became the first man to climb Mount
Everest. Air Peace will not defeat me.
IAM NOT TOO SURE THE CEO OF AIR PEACE CHIEF ALLEN ONYEMA INSTRUCTED THE
OVERZEALOUS AND UNCULTURED WORKERS OF THE AIRLINE TO BLOCK ME. IAM
WAITING TO GET A RESPONSE FROM THE MANAGEMENT.”

JUST IN: 21 Ibadan Kings Lose Crowns As Court Set Aside

Ajimobi Gazette
Fifty-three months after they were elevated and coronated as crown wearing obas in Ibadanland by
former Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State, a State High Court judge, Justice A. Aderemi on
Tuesday sets aside all gazettes to the effect.

In granting the terms of settlement jointly filed by the State Government and the claimant who doubles
as the Osi Olubadan of Ibadanland, High Chief Rashidi Ladoja, Justice Aderemi said since the parties
had met and agreed, he was left with no option than to set aside the gazette.
Ladoja had in 2018 won a landmark judgment which quashed all the processes that led to the
coronation of his colleague-high chiefs and some Baales numbering 21 on August 27, 2017 by Ajimobi.

Ajimobi who was not satisfied with the lower court’s judgment, appealed same; which was still
pending as at the time May 29, 2019 when he left office.

His successor, Governor Seyi Makinde recently set the ball rolling for an amicable resolution of the
dispute which pitted all the 21 ‘kings’ against the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji since
2017.

The government confronted the court of appeal with terms of settlement and the latter on August 23
this year referred parties in the controversial coronation of the kings to a lower court.

On Tuesday, the State High Court 2 in the suit no. M/317/2017, between Ladoja as claimant and
Governor of the stage with retired Justice Akintunde Boade for himself and on behalf of all members of
the Judicial Commission of Inquiry on Olubadan chieftaincy, as defendants, put seal on the terms of
reference brought before it.

The judgement read by Justice Aderemi reads; “that all the gazettes affecting the chieftaincy laws of
Ibadan land particularly gazette Nos.14 Vol.42 of 23rd August 2017;15 Vol 42of 24 August 2017 and 3
Vol 43 of 29th March 2018 and the subsequent elevation of High Chiefs and Baales in Ibadanland as
Obas during the pendency of this suit be and are hereby set aside.

“That the right to wear beaded crowns and coronets granted by the state government during the
pendency of the suit, are hereby revoked. ”

Bomb Found Behind A School In Awka, Anambra State

An undetonated explosive device probably from the Civil war, was found few days ago at Adabebe
village Amawbia in Awka South local government, Anambra state by some workers who were
constructing a building.

According to the man in the pictures below, he is a mason man and he found the device while digging
the foundation of the said building.

At first he thought it was a tubber of yam, but after digging it out very well, he discovered it was
grenade (Ogbunigwe).

Watch the video below

https://m.facebook.com/groups/467834710410784?view=permalink&id=688798644981055
November 20

Femi Falana Speaks On Kogi, Bayelsa Elections

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BR9kjMK-Tqo

Oyetola Commissioned Iron pots (Aperin) to mark first year in

office
Finally, Osun state governor is commissioning a project! Governor Oyetola Commissioned Iron pots
(Aperin) to mark first year in office.
#O'pot #O'meal
Osun ti n dara ooo
same day governor seyi makinde commissioned 100 patrol vehicles for police. oyetola is a disaster in
osun state. he doesn't understand what government entails. he's just a figure head governor.

We Did Not Block Joe Igbokwe From Travelling With Our

Airline – Air Peace
Air peace has responded to Joe Igbokwe’s claim that he was blocked from travelling with their Airline.
In a statement Released by Air peace, they debunked the claims, stating that Joe Igbokwe Arrived Late,
that no body blocked him from travelling.
Odince blog Reported that Joe Igbokwe claimed that Air peace blocked him from travelling with their
Airline. READ HERE
READ THEIR STATEMENT BELOW:
“Our Attention has been drawn to a Facebook post by one Mr Joe Igbokwe who is alleging that Air
peace deprived him of his 6:30am flight (P47120) from Lagos Abuja on November 19, 2019.
“His Post says “Air Peace blocked him from travelling. We are stating categorically here that this
allegation is untrue. we could not have blocked and individual that flies with us, even last week.
Also Read: Anyone who says Buhari is not doing well is a bloody Liar – Joe Igbokwe
“It is untrue that Mr. Joe Igbokwe was at Air peace counter to get his boarding pass but he arrived late.
For a 6:30 am Flight, Mr Joe Igbokwe got to our counter 6:15am whereas check-in had closed at 6am.
“When we could not check him in, he requested to be on the Next flight (8am) to Abuja but it was
already full. This was clearly explained to him. This is exactly what played out.
“How could we have blocked him for criticizing us for a event that happened a year ago? How could
Air Peace have blocked him all of a sudden when, in fact, he has never ceased flying Air peace since
the said event of Last year? We are still at loss as to the reason and motive behind the avalanche of
attacks on this Airline by this same man at every given turn.
“As a government official, we expected that Mr. Joe Igbokwe should have known better than he did by
using the social media to defame an Airline, especially in an era that the government is trying to
sanitize the social media space.
“Mr Joe Igbokwe’s post is Malicious and unacceptable. The Toyoso Akerele Ogunsiji whom he cited in
the post has denied saying or doing what Mr Igbokwe attributed to her.
“Passengers confirmed that he came late. We make bold to say that even the Chairman/CEO of Air
peace, has been missing his flights and never called for procedures to be shortened for him even though
he owns the Airline.
Also Read: I Would Rather Remain A Slave To Yoruba than Igbo – Joe Igbokwe
“Air peace is strongly committed to giving its passengers an excellent service and will never treat any
passenger unfairly. Mr Joe Igbokwe’s perspective is a misrepresentation of the reality and should be
disregarded. We still regard him as our customer and will never block him from patronizing us.

2023: Political Market - The Bayelsa Case

May he live long and in wellness! ...when Baba Obasanjo passes, who are the eligible candidates to fill
his political shoes? They need to be identified while Baba is still around.

Many have wondered what GEJ has been doing since leaving government, what his legacy would be
and whether or not he is able to redeem his image from the prodigal Presidency he led. GEJ once called
OBJ the godfather of godfathers, the boss of bosses! This is true! No past Nigerian leader has attained
the notoriety that follows Obasanjo, whether in military, as a political figure or even as a private
citizen. None of the heavy weights thrown in prison by Abacha came out alive but OBJ did....more than
that, OBJ survived Abacha! When we look outside our shores, no African leader, from North Africa to
South Africa, from West to East and the Central, commands as much credibility and trust with foreign
governments as Baba OBJ. Can GEJ be our next political OBJ? If he has what it takes it was not
demonstrated during his rule as President, but what happened in Bayelsa's 2019 Governorship election
is an outcome that is potent with many interpretations. What is GEJ doing?

We Yoruba call it displacement in the political market. Let me describe it.

I have 5million ordinary shares of Yam Flour Inc (Amala)Cassava Mills Inc is competing with Yam to
dominate market share for grains and mills, so it offers 50million ordinary shares to raise capital and
expand production. I quickly buy 35million of the 50 and hold on to it for two years. Third year, I
dumped all 35million and flooded the market. The supply will overwhelm demand, and so naturally
price falls rapidly. 15million of those shares is out there somewhere in private hands. Panic hits the
Cassava Mill shares and the 15million plus many more previously invested were further dumped by
their owners to further plummet value and confidence in Cassava Mill. In this scenario my interest is
the success of Yam Flour but I want to displace Cassava and make it fail so I can monopolize market
and price in future. I first gave Cassava a short term market boost ahead of my market (Yam)
equity....three years later I unleashed strategy and displaced Cassava from market domination.

In advanced countries government usually put in place a trade protection policy that caps how much of
capital (real estate, gold, corporate stocks) foreigners can hold.

Could GEJ's action be taken as a pro-APC stance? Not so fast! I return to OBJ and his pandora bag of
tricks. OBJ wanted to blanket SW with PDP. The first thing he did was to sleep in same bed with
Governors in AD. He first gave them victory ahead of his own party PDP...and then came from behind
to displace them and put in their place PDP Governors. Tinubu was the only survivor!

Displacement is nature's way of crowning new rulers and empires. Those who perfect the art of
displacement rule the political market. GEJ has earned his first displacement in Bayelsa, and it is very
meaningful as well as very strategic for the political shift in 2023. Could he anoint who will be PDPs
next flag bearer...and score more displacements between now and 2023?

We shall see....a new Lion King is in the making!

Senate Moves To Approve E-Voting For Future Polls

The Senate has begun a fresh electoral reform which has mandated the Independent National Electoral
Commission (INEC) to adopt the much-awaited electronic voting method for future polls.
The lawmakers also compelled INEC to operate an electronic database into which all results in an
election should be transmitted. A bill to amend the Electoral Act 2010 through which the reform would
be achieved has already been published in an official gazette and debate on its general principles may
begin on the floor of the Senate during the week.

A copy of the bill exclusively obtained by The Guardian also stipulates that data of accredited voters
must be transmitted to the central data base upon the conclusion of the accreditation of voters which
would be done through the use of the card reader.

“At the end of accreditation of voters, the presiding officer shall transmit the voter accreditation data by
secure mobile electronic communication to the central database of the commission kept at the national
headquarters of the commission.

“Any presiding officer who contravenes this provision shall be liable, on conviction, to a minimum of
imprisonment of at least five years without an option of fine,” the bill also stipulates.

It prevents INEC from shutting down the central data base until all petitions arising from the elections
are determined by a tribunal or court.

“In respect of data of accreditation of voters, including polling unit results, for an election, the
commission shall not shut down its central database kept at its national headquarters until all election
petitions and appeals pertaining to that election are heard and determined by a tribunal or court.”

On the specific provisions for the adoption of the central database, the bill, which is being sponsored by
the Deputy President of the Senate, Ovie Omo-Agege and Abubakar Kyari (APC, Borno State), seeks
amendment of section 65 of the Electoral Act 2010 by introducing a “National Electronic Register of
Election Results.”

It states: “The commission shall compile, maintain and update on a continuous basis, a register of
election results to be known as the National Electronic Register of Election Results which shall be a
database of election results from each polling unit, including collated results of each election conducted
by the commission.

“National Electronic Register of Election Results shall be kept by the commission at its national
headquarters and any person or political party may obtain from the commission, on payment of
reasonable fees as may be determined by the commission, a certified true copy of any election result
kept in the National Electronic Register of Election Results for the federation, a state, local
government, area council, ward or polling unit, as the case may be and the certified true copy may be in
printed or electronic format.”

On electronic voting, the Electoral Reform Bill seeks amendment of section 52 (2) of the 2010
Electoral Act and introduced a new provision stating that “the commission may adopt electronic voting
or any other method of voting in any election it conducts as it may deem fit.”

It was learned that many lawmakers are not comfortable with the additional clause which permits INEC
to use any other method it deems fit and may delete that option during the consideration of the bill.
The current law completely prohibits the use of electronic voting as it states: “The use of the electronic
voting machine, for the time being, is prohibited.”

The reform bill has also slashed the nomination fees charged by political parties. Presidential aspirants
are to pay not more than N10 million while governorship aspirants are to pay N5million.

Specifically, the bill states: “For the purpose of nomination of candidates for election, the total fees,
charges, dues and any payment howsoever named imposed by a political party on an aspirant shall not
exceed: N150,000 for a ward councillorship aspirant in the FCT; N250,000 for an area
councilchairmanship aspirant in the FCT; N500,000 for a house of assembly aspirant; N1,000,000 for a
House of Representatives aspirant; N2,000,000 for a senatorial aspirant; N5,000,000 for a
Governorship aspirant; and N10,000,000 for a presidential aspirant.”

The Bukola Saraki-led National Assembly had attempted the electoral reform but failed to get the
presidential approval at the end. The bill sought to strengthen internal democracy, reduce the cost of
politics, widen political participation and the conduct of free fair and credible elections through
technological innovations and an electronic database.

However, there were concerns raised over the enforceability of some of its provisions.

President Muhammadu Buhari, in refusing to sign that bill, had said: “I am declining assent to the bill
principally because I am concerned that passing a new electoral bill this far into the electoral process
for the 2019 general elections, which commenced under the 2015 Electoral Act, could create some
uncertainty about the applicable legislation to govern the process.

“Any real or apparent change to the rules this close to the election may provide an opportunity for
disruption and confusion in respect of which law governs the electoral process.”

Silifat Sule: Nasarawa First Lady Reading Her Speech With

Difficulty (Video)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YsCze3blT0g

Appeal Court Sacks Two Kaduna Lawmakers, Orders Fresh

Election
The Court of Appeal sitting in Kaduna, on Tuesday, sacked two Kaduna State House of Assembly
members.

The appelate court ordered that a rerun be conducted by INEC to determine who will represent
Kagarko and Sanga constituencies in the state assembly.
In Kagarko, the appellate court ordered for a rerun in 22 polling units located in two wards of the
constituency.

In the judgement read by Justice Daniel Kaliop, the appellate court affirmed the earlier ruling of the
state assembly election Tribunal in respect of Kagarko constituency.

News Agency of Nigeria recalled that Mr. Nuhu Shadalafiya of the All Progressives Congress (APC)
had challenged the victory of Mr Morondia Tanko of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the March
9 election at the Tribunal.

The Tribunal had ordered for fresh election in the 22 polling units, but Tanko of the PDP ran to the
Appeal Court, asking it to set aside the tribunal judgement and affirm his election as declared by INEC.

The Appeal Court in a unanimous decision dismissed the case for lacking in merit and ordered the
Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct fresh election in the 22 polling units.

Counsel to Shadalafiya, Mr Ussy Edikhiola said they were happy with the appeal court’s judgement,
describing it as the triumph of the rule of law.

Similarly, the Appeal Court has ordered for re run in Sanga constituency after it upturned the earlier
ruling of the Tribunal, which affirmed the election of Mrs Confort Amwe of the PDP.

Amwe is the only female lawmaker in the state assembly.

Alhaji Gambo Danga of APC had challenged the tribunal decision at the appeal court.

Babajide Sanwo-Olu Seeks Alliance Of Gree Electric's

Manufacturing Plant, China
IgbereTV reports that Governor Babajide Sanwo Olu of Lagos State visited China on tour of Gree
Electric's manufacturing plant where he met with the company executives to seek alliance with the
company in order to boost infrastructural and industrial Development and also enhance economic
growth in Lagos State.

Sanwo-Olu posted the news on Twitter.

Below are his tweets:

Partnerships are the key to accelerating infrastructural development in Lagos at the scale that is
required.

I went on a tour of Gree Electric's manufacturing plant in China in company of their leadership as we
explore a strategic alliance in line with our goals for 2020.

Lagos State is committed to innovation and excellence in everything we do. We have our eyes on the
ball and the Government I lead is leaving no stone unturned in ensuring that business processes are
simplified enough to support investment in our state.

Beyond inviting these partners to participate in infrastructural development, we want to boost

employment by bringing their manufacturing to Lagos.

The State’s Public-Private Partnership policy has been reviewed to create stress-free market access for
long term investors.

Lagos state is the major driver of Nigeria's improvement on the global ease of doing business index
and we want to continue to make strides in securing new partnerships as we improve the lives of our
residents.

Our #2020LagosBudget has also provided for infrastructural development at a scale in Lagos we
havent seen before.

We have also increased capital allocation to education and technology as we improve schools
infrastructure, teachers training and hiring in the state.

As we secure strategic partnerships to boost healthcare,infrastructural development and employment,

our government is solving perennial issues in Lagos.

Our #2020LagosBudget is focused on tackling flooding and drainage issues by tripling spending from
N3b in 2019 to N9b.

Amuda Adeleke Sues PDP, Atiku, Saraki, Obi For ‘Unauthorised

Use Of Photos'
A Lagos-based trader, Mrs Amuda Adeleke, Tuesday filed a suit at a Federal High Court in Lagos,
against former Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki for allegedly using her picture on campaign
billboards without her consent.

Saraki was the Director-General of the Atiku Abubakar Campaign Organisation for the 2019 General
Election.

Joined in the suit marked FHC/L/CS/./19, are the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku, who was the
party’s presidential flag bearer, and his running mate, Mr. Peter Obi.

Amuda, in the suit filed by her counsel, Kingsley Iheakaram, is claiming N45 million from the
respondents jointly and severally as compensation for the “unlawful, unauthorised and unconstitutional
use of her image by the respondents.”

The applicant is also seeking an order of the court directing the immediate withdrawal and destruction
of the campaign materials containing her unauthorised images anywhere within and outside Nigeria.

She is also seeking a court declaration that the alleged unauthorised “use, publication and display of her
image as advertisement” by Saraki as head of the Atiku, Obi Presidential Campaign Organisation
constitutes a breach and an infringement of her fundamental right to privacy as enshrined, guaranteed
and provided for in the 1999 Constitution.

The applicant in an affidavit in support of the Originating Motion averred that last December 4, agents
of the Atiku Abubakar Campaign Organisation (AACO) under the leadership of Dr. Bukola Saraki led a
campaign on behalf of Atiku and Obi to Oyin Jolayemi Street Victoria Island, Lagos, to draw support
for the candidacy of Atiku and Obi in the 2019 presidential race.

It was further averred that in the course of the campaign, AACO and and Saraki began to personally
engage the individuals, traders entrepreneurs and other citizens on the said street including the plaintiff
on their expectations in respect of the forthcoming 2019 general elections.

The plaintiff said during the interactive engagement, most of the individuals in the locality of the
campaign including herself pledged support for Atiku and Obi due to the harsh economic situation in
the country.

She further stated that during the interaction Saraki and his agents took photographs without informing
her that they were going to put them to any use and that she did not think much of it, thinking the first
respondent took the picture just to commemorate the event.

Adeleke said that it was afterwards that she started seeing her pictures being used on campaign Bill
Boards both in Lagos, Abuja and other places in the country while people strated calling her from
different places.

She added that sequel to the infringement on her privacy; she had to take time to explain to friends,
relatives and well-wishers who had been inundating her with calls of the true state of affairs in regard
to the unauthorised display of her image on billboards.

The plaintiff said all her friends who saw the advert said it portrayed her as a woman stricken by
poverty that had lost all hope and was prepared to commit suicide.

However the respondents in their counter affidavit to the suit, while they all denied some of the
plaintiff’s averment, said the Atiku and Obi did not meet the plaintiff physically or in any other manner
in the course of their campaign in Lagos State and neither took snapshots or photographs with her.
The defendants stated that all matters of electronic/billboards campaigns were contracted out to Messrs
AHC Production Limited and so she was contacted and interviewed by that company.

The first and second defendants said they were informed by Mr Tokunbo Omulekulo of the said AHC
Productions Limited at the PDP office in Abuja that the name of the applicant is not Mrs Amuda
Adeleke, but Tope Olukolu with GSM phone number 08035059775 which is the name she gave to
Omulekulo during the interview as contained in the consent agreement she signed with AHC
Productions Limited.

The Defendants averred that the applicant was so excited about this possibility of a change of
government.

They claimed that the applicant, his friends and neighbours knew that their pictures were going to be
used for electronic campaigns for Atiku and Obi and that each person’s used for the electronic
campaigns advertisement were duly paid and made to sign an agreement before their photographs and
names were used.

They urged the court to dismiss the suit.

Justice Ayokunle Faji fixed January 27, 2020 for further hearing.

Magu: Buhari Keeps Lobbyists In Suspense As Battle For EFCC

Top Job Steps Up
The intense lobbying for the chairmanship of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)
has heightened since the return of President Muhammadu Buhari from his private time in London.

Lobbyists seeking to get their nominee to replace acting EFCC Chairman Ibrahim Magu, have
recommended two Commissioners of Police (CPs) for the position.

Some governors are also said to be among those against Magu’s substantive appointment.

President Buhari is, however, keeping his decision on Magu to his chest while his body language is
giving sleepless nights to the arrowheads behind the plot to remove Magu.

But Buhari may have to take a decision on Magu on or before December 4 when the Federal High
Court in Abuja will deliver judgement on the consolidated suits challenging the continued stay of
Magu.

If President Buhari decides Magu’s fate before December 4, he would have beaten the court to it and
make the judgment an academic exercise.
Magu was appointed by President Buhari on November 9, 2015. But the Eighth Senate under former
Senate President Bukola Saraki twice declined to confirm his nomination.

A source confided to our correspondent that influential individuals have brought the names of the two
CPs (names withheld) to the Villa on many occasions for the President’s consideration.

The source said: “It is an open secret in the Villa that those against Magu have not relented. They took
the two CPs to an Emir, asking him to prevail on the President to choose one of them as Magu’s
replacement.

“But the royal father declined and politely told them to take the gentlemen to the President themselves
since they also have access to him.
“But the President is taking his time on the matter. He is not unmindful of the stellar performance of the
EFCC under the watch of Magu in terms of remarkable convictions and recoveries of stolen assets.”

It was also gathered that some governors and lawmakers are not happy with the idea of Buhari re-
presenting Magu for confirmation.
They alleged that Magu “does not weigh political implications of some of the investigations being
conducted by the EFCC.”

These governors and senators from the ruling APC and opposition PDP were said to be uncomfortable
with the retention of Magu on the grounds that the anti-corruption czar would move against them once
his confirmation process is concluded.

The senators were said to be apprehensive of Magu’s incorruptible stance on corruption matters. A
governor, who spoke in confidence, said: “There is no doubt about it, the acting chairman of EFCC has
done well, but the problem with Magu is that he does not appreciate that he is working in a political
environment.

“If there are delicate issues at hand, Magu proves difficult. Fighting corruption in an environment like
this requires some tact and diplomacy.
“The EFCC chairman has not been sparing those who are even making a strong case for his substantive
appointment.”

But some stakeholders have argued that there is the need for Buhari to forward Magu’s name without
further delay.

They also insisted that the retention of Magu would enable him to complete certain sensitive cases for
the benefit of the country.

It was gathered that Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu of the Federal High Court in Abuja will rule on the suits
against Magu before her on Dec 4.
The judgment will be on consolidated suits challenging Magu’s stay in office in acting capacity.

Justice Ojukwu adjourned to decide Magu’s fate after the court heard and adopted final briefs of
argument in five separate suits bordering on the legality or otherwise of his tentative leadership of the
anti-graft agency.

Whereas four of the suits that came up for hearing prayed the court to declare Magu’s stay in office as
illegal since his nomination by President Muhammadu Buhari was twice rejected by the Senate, the
fifth suit urged the court to hold that he could validly remain as the Acting Head of the agency despite
Senate’s decision against him.

Defendants in the case are President Buhari, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of
Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami (SAN), the Senate, as well as Magu and the EFCC.

Though a total of 12 legal actions were filed before the court after President Buhari gave Magu the nod
to remain in office, notwithstanding the rejection of his nomination, seven of them were subsequently
struck out for want of diligent prosecution.

The court in 2017 consolidated all the suits, based on a joint application that was filed by President
Buhari and the AGF.

Sections 2 and 3 of the EFCC (Establishment Act) 2004 on the composition of EFCC and appointment
of chairman read in part: 2: (l) The Commission shall have a chairman who shall be the Chief
Executive and Accounting Officer of the Commission, who should be a serving or retired member of
any government security or law enforcement agency not below the rank of Assistant Commissioner of
Police or equivalent, among other conditions.

I Am Not Afraid Of Death – Olusegun Obasanjo

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has said he won’t act like a coward for fear of death. According
to him, he will continue to raise the alarm when things are not right in the country.

Obasanjo said these at the two-day interactive session of the Presidential Youth Mentorship Retreat
held at the Youth Development Centre, Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Abeokuta.

The former army officer, who spoke at the event on Monday and Tuesday, said his major concern was
to build leaders who would lead Africa to the Promised Land.

He said God had favoured him to live long after serving as Head of State and President of the country.

Obasanjo said the purpose of the retreat was to facilitate the release of the creative energies of young
people.
He said African youths needed to interact with their leaders.

The ex-military ruler however advised the youths to made individual and collective sacrifices to make
Africa a great continent.

Obasanjo said, “I ‘m not afraid of death at my age. God has favoured me and I appreciate God’s
blessings on me over these years.

“My concern over the years is to build leaders of Africa. My greatest concern is tomorrow and that
tomorrow begins today.”

Wike: PDP’s Loss Of Bayelsa Poses Serious Threat To Rivers

Governor Nyesom Wike yesterday expressed concern that the capitulation of the Peoples Democratic
Party in neighbouring Bayelsa by the All Progressives Congress (APC) portends danger for Rivers
State.

He said with the defeat of the Governor Seriake Dickson-led PDP in Bayelsa, it was apparent that the
“next onslaught of the APC would be to capture Rivers State at all cost.”

He relived the fears when the new Amayanabo of Wakrike kingdom and prominent chiefs of Okrika
visited him at the Government House, Port Harcourt.

“Unfortunately, one of our states is gone to the enemies. But God will help us. For us who are from
Rivers State, we should know that there will be attack on us because the enemy has entered our
territory. They will attack us, but with your prayer, Rivers State will prevail,” Wike stated.

The governor said while he tarries in office, anything that would promote the interest of Rivers State
would remain his drive.

According to him, “you can be my sister state, if you want to take what belongs to Rivers State, I will
not agree. I will not sell Rivers State for any cost. Let us be our brother’s keeper.”

Wike stated that his government belongs to all Rivers people and not for any particular group in the
state, lauding the Okrika people for the role they played during the last elections

“The role you played during the last elections showed that when you give your support, you give your
support. People should be known for something. If you give your word, you give your word. In my
entire political career, I have seen that when Okrika people say they want to do something, they will do
it. You are different and I commend you, “ he added.

The governor warned the people against bearing arms, saying that it negates the principle of peace.
To him, the only reason why people get arms was because the “Nigerian Army is now part of elections
in Nigeria.”

He charged the monarch to use his position to promote peace and development in Okrika and appealed
to him to carry all interest groups along.

Wike explained that the state government would approach the House of Assembly for the amendment
of the name of the stool to read: “the Amanyanabo of Okrika “ as requested by the traditional ruler.

Responding, King Alfred Sementari Abam congratulated the governor on his re-election and
confirmation of his victory by the Supreme Court.

He said his return was on account of his outstanding performance and projects’ delivery.

The monarch also thanked the governor for the recognition granted his stool after the court judgment.

School Feeding: Oyetola Inaugurates 2,210 New Food Vendors

Osun State Governor, Adegboyega Oyetola has inaugurated 2,210 newly-recruited food vendors to
boost the home-grown school feeding programme initiative of the government.

Oyetola stated that his government resolved to continue the school feeding programme so that “efforts
at making education accessible and pleasurable for our children will not be defeated.”

The governor also distributed cooking utensils, uniforms, feeding bowls among other materials to the
new school food vendors to ease their services.

Oyetola who spoke at the flag-off ceremony in Osogbo, the state capital on Monday, said his
administration was giving a boost to the Osun Elementary School Feeding and Health Programme
(O’MEALS) initiative by empowering the newly-recruited food vendors to deliver service in a
professional, efficient and effective manner.

He commended the O’MEALS management for putting in place a transparent procedure to select the
new food vendors, noting that the government is empowering the vendors by procuring cooking
utensils and other materials through a soft loan from the bank.

Oyetola disclosed that the bank loan will be repaid by the state government in order not to put any
burden on the vendors, noting that the welfare of all food vendors in the state is paramount to his
administration.

He, however, urged the vendors to reciprocate the government’s gesture by providing good services
through the serving of required quality and quantity of food to the pupils.
“You must not compromise the prescribed rules and regulations of service, including acceptable
hygiene rules, general condition of the kitchen and neatness of the cooking environment,” the governor
said.
The governor also revealed that he had directed officials of the State Water and Environmental
Sanitation (WES) to visit the cooking sites of the vendors to check their level of neatness.

“We can neither afford to give our children unhygienic food nor supply them with nutrient-deficient
meals. Therefore, anyone of you found wanting in the delivery of their services will be sanctioned.”

The caterers were recruited under the Osun Elementary School Feeding and Health Programme
(O’MEALS) as part of the government efforts to promote quality, functional and qualitative education
and as well help to make education more attractive and appealing to the pupils in the state.

The recruitment of the new food vendors across the 30 Local Government Areas and One Area Office
was an initiative conceived by the government to augment parents’ care-giving efforts and essentially
to produce children who are “physically and mentally balanced.”

How Kogi Pdp’s Internal Crisis, Power Rotation Fuelled

Support For Bello
Fresh indications have emerged that apart from the violence unleashed on voters and the opposition
parties in Kogi State during last Saturday’s gubernatorial election, internal crisis within the Peoples
Democratic Party (PDP) and the possibility of power rotating to Kogi West Senatorial zone in 2023
also contributed to the re-election of the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Governor
Yahaya Bello.

This is coming as a PDP Woman Leader for Wada Aro Campaign Council, Ochadamu Ward, in Ofu
Local Government Area, Mrs Acheju Abuh, has been burnt to death in her home by suspected political
thugs.

THISDAY gathered that the seed of discord was sowed in the PDP on September 3, after Musa Wada, a
younger brother of a former Governor of the state, Captain Idris Wada, emerged the winner of the
party’s governorship primaries in the state.

Wada had polled a total of 748 votes to defeat his main opponent, Abubakar Ibrahim, the son of another
former Governor of the state, Ibrahim Idris (popularly called Ibro) who polled 710 votes.

Wada’s elder brother, Idris came third with 345 votes while Dino Melaye polled 70 votes to emerge
fourth.

The governorship primary election had initially ended abruptly when gunmen invaded the Lokoja
Confluence Stadium venue of the election.
Investigation revealed that Ibrahim Idris who was the main financier of PDP in the state felt that his son
was cheated out of the governorship ticket.

To worsen the crisis, Abubakar, the second runner up in the PDP primaries, also went to court, asking
the court to declare him the winner of the September 3 primaries.

The former governor, it was gathered, was also said to have withdrawn his huge financial support for
the main opposition party.

“The former governor felt that despite all his contributions to the party, his son was cheated out of the
race. Not only that his son went to court, he also withdrew his financial support and PDP went to the
main election to face Yahaya Bello with virtually empty pocket,” a source within Kogi PDP told
THISDAY.

THISDAY gathered that though the former governor delivered his local government area, Omola, to the
PDP, he did not deploy his enormous resources and contact to ensure the victory of his party in the
other parts of the state.

It was also gathered that the victory of Wada in the PDP primaries did not go down well with his
brother, Idris Wada.

Investigation revealed that despite the efforts of other family members to reconcile them before the
governorship poll, the former governor did not support the aspiration of his younger brother with
enough commitment to guarantee victory at the polls.

Also an aggrieved Melaye showed his disaffection with the outcome of the primaries when he rejected
his appointment by the PDP as the Director-General of the Kogi State Governorship Campaign
Council.

“Let me state categorically that I have turned down the position of Director-General of the PDP Kogi
State Governorship Campaign Council. I wish PDP all the best. When truth is a casualty there is chaos.
Senator Dino Melaye,” Melaye had tweeted.

THISDAY gathered that apart from the crisis in the PDP, the hope of Kogi West Senatorial zone to
possibly have one of its people emerge as governor in 2023 also fuelled support in favour of Bello who
has just won a final term of four years.

Investigation showed that the people of Kogi West believed that supporting Wada means waiting for
another eight years before it would get to their turn to produce the governor.

Bello defeated Wada in Kogi West with a margin of 33,578 votes.

In the seven local government areas that make up Kogi West – Kogi LGA; Lokoja LGA; Yagba West
LGA; Ijumu LGA; Kabba/ Bunu LGA; Yagba East LGA; and Mopamuro LGA, APC polled 89,699
votes, while PDP scored 56, 121 votes.

A source within the Kogi PDP told THISDAY that the people of the senatorial district did not want to
wait for another eight years for it would be their turn.

“Kogi West did not want another candidate that will come and rule for another eight years before it will
be their turn. If Musa Wada wins, he will stay for eight years but Yahaya Bello has only four years. So,
they opted to go with Bello,” he explained.

PDP women Leader Set Ablaze in Kogi

Meanwhile, THISDAY learnt that trouble began for the PDP chief when thugs started shooting when
they arrived at her house and surrounded it, blocking every escape route.

It was gathered that the suspected hoodlums sprayed the building with petrol and set it ablaze as
terriffied villagers watched from far away.

The woman was said to have attempted to escape through a window but was prevented by the metal
burglar proof while dodging gunshots fired in her direction.

A source in the village said that “the blood thirsty thugs waited, shooting and watching with relish
while Mrs Abuh cried from inside the inferno until her voice died out.”

It was gathered that the hoodlums left only when the entire house and Mrs Abuh had been razed down.

The Kogi State Police Command has confirmed the incident through a statement by the Public
Relations Officer, William Aya, a Deputy Superintendent of Police(DSP).

Aya, in the statement entitled “culpable homicide/mischief by fire,” said: “On 18/11/2019 at about
1630hrs, one Musa Ety of Ochadamu, Ofu LGA reported at the station that, at about 1030 of same date,
there was a misunderstanding between one Awolu Zekeri aged 35 years member of APC and one
Gowon Simeon, a member of PDP both of Ochadamu, in the process Gowon Simeon stabbed Awolu
Zekeri with a knife on his lap, he died on his way to the Hospital.

“As a result, angry youths in the area mobilised to the house of one Simeon Abuh of same address who
is an uncle to the suspect, set it ablaze, thereby burnt one Salome Abuh, aged 60 years.”
He said three other houses were equally burnt, adding that the body of the deceased has been moved to
the University Teaching Hospital Mortuary Anyigba for autopsy.

According to him, the police have drafted personnel to the area to prevent any breakdown of law and
order.

President, Governors, Senators, Others Risk 3-Year Jail Term

•Senate moves to criminalise forceful declaration of election results
The Senate has initiated moves to impose criminal sanctions on any person who threatens or coerces an
electoral officer into declaring results of an election.

Under the proposed law, presidents, governors, senators and others seeking political offices would be
jailed for three years if found guilty of forcing electoral officers to declare results under duress. The
law also proposes a fine of up to N1 million for offenders.

The Bill comes amid allegations by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that its
officials are often forced by candidates of political parties to declare them winners.

Senator Uche Ekwunife who represents Anambra Central is the sponsor of the Bill.

The move is part of an Amendment Bill of the 2010 Electoral Act. It is tagged: “A Bill for an Act to
amend the provisions of the Electoral Act (2010) to impose criminal sanctions on any person who
coerces am electoral officer to declare results under duress, and other matters related thereto.

The Bill which has already passed its first reading states: “Section 131 of the Principal Act is amended
in subsection (d) by deleting the phrase “commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of
N1,000,000 or imprisonment for a term of 3 years.”

“Section 13 of the Principal Act is further amended by introducing a new subsection as follows-
assaults, threatens, intimidates or coerces an Electoral Officer into declaring the results of an election
under duress, or against his will, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of N1,000,000
or imprisonment for a term of three years.

Meanwhile, the Senate has directed its Committees on Special Duties, Ecology and Climate Change
and Environment to investigate the effectiveness of the National Emergency Management Agency over
disaster response in 2019.

It has also directed NEMA to implement a response programme for flood disaster affecting
communities in Demsa, Numa, Guyuk and Lamurde local governments of Adamawa State.
These were resolutions reached on Tuesday sequel to the consideration of a motion sponsored by
Senator Binos Yaroe (APC, Adamawa South).

The lawmaker who lamented the flooding which occurred in October 2019 as a result of release of
excess water by the authorities of Lagbo dam in Cameroon, accused NEMA of being selective in its
disaster response interventions.

“NEMA performed a disaster response action by distributing relief materials to communities in Furore,
Yola South, Yola North and Girei local governments of Adamawa affected by the floods.

“This intervention by NEMA was not extended to other local governments along the River Benue
valley equally affected by the flood disaster.

“Although the attention of the Director-General of NEMA was drawn to the need to provide relief
materials to communities of the four local governments in Adamawa severely affected by the October
floods, nothing has been done; NEMA would appear to be selective in its disaster response
interventions,” Yaroe said.

The Senate, yesterday, also considered a Bill for an Act to amend the National Council on Public
Procurement and Bureau of Public Procurement Act No. 14 of 2007.

I Offered To Drive Sowore Out Of DSS HQ But Was Turned

Down -falana
Rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), has said that operatives of the Department of State Services turned
down his request to drive out detained pro-democracy campaigner and Publisher of Sahara Reporters,
Omoyele Sowore, from the headquarters of the agency in Abuja.

Falana said that he was at the DSS facility following an appointment he booked with the agency to
enable him visit his client.
DSS spokesperson, Peter Afunanya, had on Tuesday morning claimed that the service was yet to
release Sowore because he could be knocked down by a vehicle if left to go on his own.
Falana while reacting to Afunanya's claim, advised the agency to stop misleading and giving false
information to members of the public.
He debunked claims by the DSS spokesperson that he had not called the Director-General of the
service, who had failed to respond.

National Assembly Summons Akpabio Over Illegal Spending

The House of Representatives has begun another investigation of the Niger Delta Development
Commission over alleged #illegal #expenditure without #appropriation.

The House also invited the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and the board of
the NDDC to explain the alleged unapproved spending.

At the plenary on Tuesday, a member, Mr Benjamin Kalu, moved a motion to call for an investigation
of the alleged “failure and refusal” by the NDDC to submit its budget for 2019 to the National
Assembly for approval.

The House also mandated the House Committee on the NDDC to conduct a comprehensive
investigation into the financial activities of the commission and report back within four weeks.

The Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila, who spoke before the motion was put to voice vote, said, “I really do
not want to believe that the NDDC will be making expenditure without appropriation. Sometimes, it is
an indictment on the House itself.”

APC condems the killing of PDP Woman Leader

in Kogi State
All Progressive Party (APC) has condemned the killing of the woman leader of Peoples Democratic
Party (PDP) in Kogi State, stating that anybody who would be found culpable would face the music
irrespective of party affiliation.
Jibril Abu, Publicity Secretary of the party in Kogi State told Daily Independent on Tuesday that APC
as a peaceful party would never tolerate violence in any form, maintaining that Governor Yahaya Bello
had told law enforcement agencies to fish out the perpetrators of the heinous act and bring them to
justice.
The APC chieftain said it was a case of post election violence and the party did not like that because it
was the life of someone that was involved and the governor on a television programme on Tuesday said
that whoever was responsible, no matter their connections or status, would not be spared. He said that
was enough to tell anyone that the APC had never supported violence.

Henry Boyo Is Dead

Nigerian economic analyst and popular columnist, Henry Boyo, has died.

Boyo was 72 at the time of his death.

He was reported to have died on Monday after a brief illness.

He was a popular critic of the government’s policies on the economy.

How Osinbajo Used SIPs Programme To Empower The Poor –
Wike
Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State has praised Vice President Yemi Osinbajo for the successes
recorded by the Buhari government Social Investment Programmes (SIPs) in empowering the poor and
improving the welfare of beneficiaries.

Governor Wike who was represented by Rivers State deputy governor, Dr. Mrs. Ipalibo Harry-Banigo
commended the Vice President for the great work he is doing for the nation.

The encomiums by the Rivers governor comes weeks after the Emir of Daura, Alhaji Faruk Umar,
commended Prof. Osinbajo for being the most trustworthy Vice President who has Nigeria’s best
interest at heart.

He also lauded the Vice President for his loyalty and commitment to the administration of President
Muhammadu Buhari.

Speaking during the Great Minds Summit in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where the VP was Special
Guest of Honour and delivered the keynote address, Harry-Banigo said Osinbajo has been doing a great
work for the Nation, noting that the VP connected with all Nigerians everywhere he went.

She said, “Your Excellency, when our Daddy in the Lord, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian
Church of God, Pastor Adeboye, was speaking about how we are going to be from great might to
greater might and how we should use this to help the poor, immediately I thought about our Vice
President and all the good work he has been doing in this great Nation.

“I remember vividly the effects of the Social Investment Programmes all over this country and Local
Government Areas. I recall on an occasion, I had the privilege of riding with him (VP) in Bonny where
I represented His Excellency, the Governor, at the flag off of the Bonny-Bodo road and we got to a
section of the road and there were so many men and women carry N-Power placards and in all his
humility, he stopped the convoy, he needed to come down and talk to them and ask them how the
programme had impacted their lives.”

Expressing delight in Osinbajo’s presence in the State, the Rivers Deputy Governor said she believed
that the Vice President “is a man whom God has given the vision and he is giving to the country what
he knows, what the country should have as his own contribution of what God has blessed him to be.”

She added, “We are very proud and happy, honoured to have him in Rivers State and in this part of the
State. In fact, Marine Base is a good place Your Excellency to come and talk to us, because he was
asking me, ‘what section of this town is this?’ I said it’s called Marine Base. I had not gotten in the
discussion of telling him about Marine Base, but I am sure the pastor sitting next to him would tell you
how much several outreaches have done in the area. Only last week Sunday, I was speaking in a church
in Marine Base and telling us how we have to reach out, reach in and reach further and see our
churches not just as buildings, but as building without walls.”

CONSTITUENCY PROJECTS: ICPC Uncovers Unspecified

N3.9b Allocation In 2019 Budget
THE Independent Corrupt and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) says it has discovered a
total sum of N3.9b embedded in the 2019 zonal intervention projects budget that is not allocated to any
project or sector.

Professor Bolaji Owasanoye, Chairman of ICPC disclosed this in Abuja on Tuesday while speaking at
National Summit on Diminishing Corruption in the Public Sector and Presentation of Integrity Awards.

“We can see the states where this money may be potentially taken if it is released,” Owasanoye said.

“Needless to say, we are persuaded sir that Mr. President will not allow the release of money embedded
in the budget for no particular purpose.”

According to him, the breakdown of budgetary allocation for 2019 revealed that empowerment and
capacity building take over 50 percent of the budget for Zonal Intervention Projects.

“If releases are made, these allocations cannot be effectively tracked except we adopt a different
implementation approach,” he said.

Speaking on the tracking of constituency projects which the Commission commenced in April, the
ICPC Chairman said Constituency Project Tracking Initiative covered the first term of President
Muhammadu Buhari (2015 and 2018).

Explaining that Zonal Intervention Projects enjoy annually a captive budgetary vote of N100billion,
Owasanoye, said the Constituency Projects Tracking Groups (CPTG) team monitored and completed
the pilot phase consisting 255 projects out of 424 projects in 12 states spread across the six geo-
political zones.

He said the total appropriation for the selected projects was N24.32billion out of which N22.27billion
was awarded in contracts.

Owasanoye said his agency has saved the government about N2billion in the recovery of diverted
assets, such as equipment for schools, hospitals, farms, water or energy projects, marginal improvement
from use or supply of substandard materials, recovery of money from overvaluation, identification of
vulnerabilities and preventive measure for future projects.

He said the CPTG team also forced 34 contractors back to the site in several states and not fewer than
200 contractors have gone back to sites on their own volition.

“… we discovered that some agencies of government are favorites for embedding of constituency
projects irrespective of their core mandate and capacity of these agencies to deliver or supervise
projects. The attraction appears to be either corrupt tendencies within such agencies or the inherent
weaknesses within them. Most notorious in this regard are Border Communities Development Agency
and Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria.”

'The Elections In Kogi And Bayelsa Were Not Credible' -CDD

The executive director of Centre For Democracy And Development(CDD), Idayat Hassan has stated in
a press conference that the elections in Kogi and Bayelsa states were not credible. She didn't mince
words when she said that the elections in both states were "violently and crudely undermined by an
unrelenting band of partisans outlaws"

She stated that election observers deployed to both states reported back to the CDD election analysis
centre cases of widespread stuffing of ballot boxes, ballot snatching, multiple voting, thuggery, rampant
vote buying and the use of firearms to intimidate and scare away voters.

She accused the two main parties of using mayhem and violence to subvert the popular will of the
people. She also stated that the figures declared in Okene in Kogi state, defies logic. She said that the
results shows an 87% turn out of voters in Okene, an incredible increase of over 60% when compared
to the 2015 elections.

She warned Nigerians not to keep silent in the face of the brazen violation of electoral process that
characterized the November 16th elections in Kogi and Bayelsa.

She ended by asking President Buhari to urgently address the issue of electoral malpractice in Nigeria
as the Kogi and Bayelsa elections have shown that democracy is dying in Nigeria and future
generations will judge the present generation harshly for standing by and doing nothing as their
democratic rights are stripped of them

Reps To Probe NDDC Expenditures From 2017, Says Reps

Spokesman, Ben Kalu
The House of Representatives on Tuesday said it will carry out a comprehensive investigation into the
financial activities of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) from 2017 till date.

Igbere TV reports that the resolution followed the unanimous adoption of a motion of “Urgent Matter
of Public Importance” by Reps Spokesman, Hon. Benjamin Kalu at plenary.

The House mandated the Committee on NDDC to invite the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Sen.
Godswill Akpabio to explain why the Commission had been spending monies which were not
appropriated for, by the National Assembly.

Speaking on the floor of the House, Kalu said that spending monies not appropriated for, was in
violation of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The Abia born lawmaker said such actions also contravened the Niger Delta Development Commission
Act of 2000 (As Amended).

He explained that the NDDC was established with a clear mandate of developing the oil-rich Niger
Delta region.

According to him, the NDDC is charged with the responsibility, among others, to conceive and
formulate policies, guidelines and comprehensive master plan.

Kalu said that the NDDC had lived up to its responsibility in developing a plan covering key sectors
ranging from Agriculture, Health and Environment to Energy, Telecommunications and Transport,
among others.

This, he said, has resulted into substantial expenditures including the awards of huge contracts.

Quoting Section 80(3) and (4) of the Constitution, the lawmaker said “no money shall be withdrawn
from any public fund of the Federation, other than the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation,
unless the issue of those money have been authorised by an Act of the National Assembly.”

“Money shall be withdrawn from the Consolidated Revenue Fund or any other public fund of the
Federation, except in the manner prescribed by the National Assembly,” added Kalu.

He said it was mandatory for the National Assembly to authorise any and all manner of expenditures
from all public funds of the Federation, including the funds of the NDDC.

The lawmaker said that the Board of the Commission was mandated to submit to the National
Assembly, an estimate of the expenditure and income of the Commission during the next succeeding
year for approval not later than Sept. 30, each year,

He said that Section 82 of the Constitution empowers the President to authorise withdrawal of moneys
from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation for a period not exceeding six months.

Kalu explained that the amount should not exceed the amount authorised by the National Assembly for
the same corresponding period in the previous year.

“As at today, more than 13 months after the time required by law, the commission is yet to submit an
estimate of its expenditure and income for the year 2019.
“Thereby grossly failing to comply with the aforementioned statutory provision by which the budget
estimates should have been presented to the House before Sept. 30, 2018.

“In spite of their failure to submit the 2019 budget estimates to the House, the commission has for a
whole year, been operating, making expenses and awarding contracts further to its master plan, with
certain awarded contracts worth up to N10 billion without an approved budget as required by law,” he
said.

He said that incurring expenditure far beyond six months as required; the NDDC had spent monies in
excess of half the amount approved by the National Assembly in its 2018 budget.

He recalled that an ad hoc Committee on the NDDC had earlier uncovered a total of 250 contracts
awarded to phony companies in May, 2019 without appropriation or due process.

The lawmaker said in spite of series of invitation by National Assembly upon the expiration of the 2018
budget of the commission, NDDC refused to honour the invitations regarding its 2019 budget
estimates.

“The failure and refusal of NDDC to submit its budget estimates for 2019 has created opaqueness in
the operations of the commission which has encouraged corruption, mismanagement and
embezzlement of funds.

“The delay in the submission and passage of the NDDC budget as well as the continued expenditure of
the commission beyond the constitutional threshold amounts to fiscal indiscipline, engenders
corruption and provides the platform for arbitrariness.”

In his ruling, Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila mandated the House Committee on
NDDC to conduct a comprehensive investigation and report to the House in four weeks.

Fulani Leaders Are Our Problem – Zamfara State Police

IgbereTV reports that the Zamfara State Commissioner Of Police, Mr Usman Nagogo has lamented
that cattle sellers and Fulani people are yet to adhere to the peace accord and reconciliation initiatives
by the state government.

Addressing cattle sellers and market leaders at the state police command in Gusau, the state capital, the
commissioner said that Fulani people could not be using reprisal attacks by killing innocent citizens
who have committed no crime to warrant death.

“We have been doing all we could to ensure relative peace in the state but some people are bent on
sabotaging all our efforts,” he said.
According to him, the security agencies did not want to use fire for fire operation, hence they resorted
to peaceful negotiations for bandits to have a second thought.

Nagogo urged the Fulani leaders, cattle sellers as well as the market leaders to educate their members
as a way of embracing peace and ensuring respect for the peace accord and reconciliation initiated by
the state government.

“We would not want the security agencies to be pushed to the wall but if we are pushed to the wall, we
will use force of arms and we will have no alternative than to react negatively because we were
trained” the police boss lamented.

“There is nowhere in the whole world where development and progress can reign without relative
peace ”

He, however, cautioned the leaders groups to help both the security agencies and the government to as
a matter of necessity consolidate on the achieved peace being enjoyed in the state.

Meanwhile, the Fulani leaders, market leaders and cattle sellers agreed to give their members sound
education in order to ensure peaceful and harmonious living.

Senate, Reps Face Off Threatens 2020 Budget

•Angry Reps boycott public hearing

•Finance Bill may hurt $15bn investments in oil sector, others –Experts warn
President Muhammadu Buhari’s Finance Bills, yesterday, suffered a major setback following a face off
between the Senate and House of Representatives committees on finance .

Committee members from the House of Representatives boycotted the public hearing held by the
Senate Committee on Finance.

Daily Sun learnt that the aggrieved lawmakers were alleging that they were sidelined by the Senate
Committee on Finance in the run up to the hearing.

They also claimed that funding of the hearing was shrouded in secrecy.

The aggrieved lawmakers said they were not briefed on how much was approved for the exercise.

It was gathered that the boycott was approved by the leadership of the House which felt bad that it was
only informed about the exercise on Sunday night.

Despite the boycott, the Senate Committee went ahead with the day’s business.
Bills considered were Petroleum Profit Tax, Custom and Excise Tariff Act, Company Income Tax Act,
Personal Income Tax Act, Value Added Tax, Stamp Duties Act and Capital Gain Tax.

A National Assembly source said the Senate may run into troubled waters if issues surrounding the
seven Bills were not resolved before the passage of the 2020 budget.

“The leadership of the Senate is under pressure to fast-tract the speedy passage of the Bills on Thursday
to avoid any possible hiccups,” the source said.

A forthright ago, the senators complained of how they would debate and pass the seven Bills when they
did not know the content.

Despite the complaints, President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan overruled.

The proposed Finance Bill initiated by the Federal Government seeks to raise revenues through
increase in taxes.

But experts feared it might threaten local and foreign investments in the oil and gas sector.
It could also erode Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global oil and gas industry to the advantages of
other countries.

Oil Producers’ Trade Section (OPTS) of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, told the Senate
that the Bill could jeopardise the future of the country’s economy.

Jackson Ojo: Buhari Will Handover To Northerner In 2023 ―

APC Chieftain
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Chief Jackson Ojo, has advised the South to forget
their dream of producing the President of Nigeria in 2023, saying at the expiration of his tenure,
President Muhammadu Buhari would handover to another northerner.

Ojo stated this yesterday in Abuja in a chat with our correspondents. The APC chieftain while
counselling the South to build a common front ahead of the next election cycle noted that South lacks
the capacity to politically engage the North in a battle of supremacy.

In his words, politicians of South-West extraction currently agitating to replace President Buhari in
2023 lack the visibility and national acceptance to make good their dream saying, “who is there in the
South that has the national clout? There are some people in the South-West that are making noise today,
wanting to be President.

“The truth is that they cannot be President. That is it! Mark my word! APC Presidential candidate in
2023 will emerge from the north. The South-West will be given the Vice Presidential slot. And if the
PDP takes its candidate from the South, then they have given the opportunity to the APC to win again.
The south does not have the political capacity to fight the North.”

Justifying his reason for rating the south so poorly, Ojo, who doubled as Coordinator, Yoruba Youth
Alliance added that the north has since left the south behind in terms of togetherness and unity; factors
he claimed would determine who gets the Presidency in 2023

He continued: “The people of the South are agitating to be President of Nigeria in 2023. Is it by mere
verbal expression? The North has 19 states including the FCT. The South has 17. There is no political
synergy between the South-East, South-South and South-West. Each of them is standing independently
as a pillar that cannot be moved but when you go up north, you will always get the traditional bloc vote
because there is a unifying factor among them.

“Religion can unify them and they have leaders that can unify them. In the north, you have the
Northern Governors Forum, the Northern Senators Forum and all that. Do we have these unifiers in the
South? South-South is standing on its own, same with South-East and South-West. In the South, there
is a multi-dimensional dichotomy, politically that is. Such a dichotomy can never be found in the
North.

“Let us not deceive ourselves. What is the voting capacity of the North? The voting capacity of the
South-South and the South-East cannot withstand the voting capacity of Kano, Katsina and Kebbi
states.”

There are agitation by Southern politicians, particularly from the South-West and South-East for the
zoning of the APC Presidential ticket at the expiration of President Buhari’s second tenure in 2023,
with the likes of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and Tunde Bakare being seen as likely aspirants.

"I Was Under Pressure To Arrest & Persecute Buhari" - ex AGF,

Adoke
Burden of Service, the explosive best seller, authored by Former Attorney General of the Federation
and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Bello Adoke has continued to generate frenzy on the news space.
The tell-it-all memoir has garnered interesting reviews globally, as the Ex AGF revealed some unusual
secrets that went down during his time in Service.
The book is a wonder box of highly explosive revelations on a number issues of national concerns,
including the infamous Malabu OPL 245 oil well scandal.
Find below some interesting and shocking excerpts from the book:
Senate: How To End Power Crisis In Nigeria - Sen. Orji Kalu
...Exposes Past Administrations

Senate Chief Whip, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu has proffered solutions on how to end the
lingering power crisis in Nigeria, even as he exposed some dealings by past
administrations.

Contributing to a motion at plenary on the protracted epileptic power supply that has
enveloped the country over the decades, the former Governor of Abia said Nigeria can
achieve an enhanced power supply to boost the country’s economy.

He said if Nigeria is indeed ready to have an improved power supply, it is important to

create eight zones that will generate and transmit power across the nation in partnership
with competent foreign companies.

The federal lawmaker expressed regret that a similar suggestion he made in 1999 was not
 paid due attention.

“If eight companies are created across the country for the purpose of generating,
transmitting and distributing power supply, each of them will be merged with foreign
companies who will have a larger percentage of the shares”, he said.

The Abia North senator said indigenous companies should have at least 15 per cent shares,
federal government 25, while the foreign companies interested in partnering with Nigeria
should hold about 51 per cent.

Speaking further, Kalu said the privatization of the power sector by previous administration
was not properly done, hinting that it was given out to family and friends who could not
manage them very well.

He expressed regret that despite the privatization processes, the federal government still
spends huge sums of money in the sector, calling on the government to immediately revisit
the privatization of the power sector.

According to him, “doing friendship will national asset is inimical to the growth of the
country”, insisting that the companies have not posted any guarantee bill.

He, therefore, called on the federal government to take decisive steps to ensure that the
sector is repositioned for optimum performance.

He also called for a quarterly update of the National Assembly by all the Nigeria companies
involved in power generation, transmission and distribution to know the level of progress
recorded.

Dino Melaye Arrives INEC Headquarter With Petition, 21

Video Clips
Senator Dino Melaye who participated in Kogi West Senatorial election on Saturday November
16, has demanded its cancellation after he stormed the national headquarter of the Independent
National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja with 21 video clips.

The Kogi Senator who was sacked by the Court of Appeal said the 21 video clips he presented to
INEC secretary, Rose Orianran-Anthony and the national commissioner Festus Okoye
documented electoral malpractices witnessed during the election.

“National commissioner of INEC Festus Okoye and Secretary of INEC receiving my petition
today with 21 video CD’s documentary evidence,” Dino Melaye tweeted.

Social Media Bill Scales Second Reading In Senate

The Senate on Tuesday passed the bill for an Act to make provisions for the protection from
internet falsehood and manipulations and related matters, for a second reading.
It is opularly known as anti-Social media bill, sponsored by the Senator representing Niger East
Senatorial District, Sani Musa.

Only Senator Chimaroke Nnamani, a former governor of Enugu State, spoke against the bill
while Senator Bala Ibn Na’Allah raised a constitutional point of order to caution the red chamber
against its passage.

However, Senators Ibrahim Gobir, Elisha Abbo, and Abba Moro supported the bill in their
various contributions during the debate that lasted about 10 minutes.

The Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, put the passage of the bill for a second reading to a voice
vote after confirming that no senator was ready to speak against it.

The majority of the lawmakers in the chamber unanimously voted in support of the bill and it was
read the second time.

Ending Open Defecation By 2025: Buhari Signs Executive

order 009
President Muhammadu Buhari has just signed Executive Order 009 to end open defecation in the
country by 2025.

The new order states, among others, “That by this Order, Nigeria is committed to being open
defecation-free by 2025.

“That the National Open Defecation-Free (ODF) Roadmap developed by the Federal Ministry of
Water Resources with support from other key sector players across Nigeria be put into effect.

“There is established in the Federal Ministry of Water Resources a National Secretariat called
‘Clean Nigeria Campaign Secretariat.’

“The Secretariat is authorised on behalf of the President to implement this Order by ensuring that
all public places, including schools, hotels, fuel stations, places of worship, market places,
hospitals and offices have accessible toilets and latrines within their premises.

“All Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of government shall cooperate with the
Clean Nigeria Campaign Secretariat.

“The National Assembly and the State Houses of Assembly shall enact legislation on the practice
of open defecation, with appropriate sanctions and penalties.”

Guru Maharaj Ji: Tinubu Fit For 2023 Presidency

Founder of One Love Family, Guru Maharaj Ji, has described the national leader of the All
Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, as fit and suitable for the presidency in 2023.

Debates have been widespread over the possibility of the APC fielding the former Lagos State
governor as its presidential candidate after President Muhammadu Buhari’s tenure expires in
2023.

Maharaj Ji, however, on Wednesday at a news conference held at Maharaj Ji village to herald his
ministry’s golden age festival, said he would offer support for Tinubu if he is chosen by his party.

“Anybody can become the president of Nigeria as long as he or she places the interest of the
country above personal interest.

“If there is anyone who is fit in the south, it is Sen. Bola Tinubu. So, I will offer him for president
if the presidency is going to come from South-West.

“This is because he has been able to play the role of a mobiliser and bridge-builder across the
country. Also, Peter Obi is a fine choice from the South-East,” he said.

Maharaj Ji added that there was no rift between President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice
President Yemi Osinbajo, saying reports of a crisis between the duo are being created by a fifth
column.

He called on government to establish education bank to avail indigent Nigerians access to quality
education.

The religious leader expressed support for the government’s closure of borders, saying such move
would add economic value to the country.

He issued a three-day ultimatum to the Miyetti-Allah Cattle Breeders Association (MACBAN) to

retract its threats to southern governors over their refusal to make grazing land available in their
respective states.

Alex Ekwueme: Enugu Govt Immortalizes Late Fomer Vice

President
Two Years Anniversary: Enugu govt immortalizes late Ekwueme

…Renames street after former VP

The administration of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, yesterday, immortalized the
late former Vice President of Nigeria, Dr. Alex Ifeanyichukwu Ekwueme, by renaming the
popular Ezikwo Street in Independence Layout, Enugu, to “Dr. Alex Ekwueme Street”.

In a statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Simon Uchenna Ortuanya, the
decision was in commemoration of the second anniversary of the death of Dr. Ekwueme - the Ide
of Oko Kingdom in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State - who passed on
November 19, 2017.

The statement described late former Vice President as a “passionate patriot, foremost statesman,
committed nationalist, uncommon leader, distinguished scholar, political bridge-builder,
outstanding manager of men and materials and a quintessential gentleman”.

It added that the Enugu State Government will continue to celebrate the life and times of the icon
of peace and national unity “who bestrode our political, intellectual and social spaces like a
colossus in many ways”.

The statement by the SSG disclosed that the state government has directed the Chairman of
Enugu North Local Government Area to “immediately rename Ezikwo Street, Independence
Layout, Enugu, to Dr. Alex Ekwueme Street, Independence Layout, Enugu” and ensure the
implementation.

Aisha Buhari To Set Up Radio Station In Abuja

Wife of the President, Aisha Buhari has revealed plans to start a radio station for women in Abuja
soon.

The First Lady revealed this on Tuesday after receiving an award as Woman of the Year 2019 at
the 4th Edition of Voice of Women (VOW) Conference. In her message, she promised to support
the advocacy of the founder of Women Radio, Lagos, Toun Okewale Sonaiya by starting her own
radio for women in Abuja.

“Today, I was honoured as Woman of the Year 2019 at the 4th Edition of Voice of Women
(VOW) Conference. I am grateful to the organisers of the event, Women Radio and Voice of
Women Foundation,”Aisha Buhari tweeted on Tuesday.

“The award will spur me to do more to protect, advocate and defend Nigerian women and girls. I
wish to specially commend the founder of Women Radio, Lagos, Toun Okewale Sonaiya for
giving women a voice, I promise to support the advocacy by setting up a women-focused radio
station in Abuja soon,” she continued.

2020 Budget Contains N150bn Wasteful, Unclear

Expenditure — Group
The Centre for Social Justice on Wednesday faulted the 2020 budget presented by President
Muhammadu Buhari to the National Assembly, stating that the fiscal document contained about
N150.07bn expenditures that are “frivolous, inappropriate, unclear and wasteful.”

The group stated this in a report made available to our Correspondent by its Lead Director, Eze
Onyekpere.

The report analysed the 2020 budget of about N10.33trn, which is currently before the National
Assembly.

The group in the report called on the lawmakers to critically review the fiscal document in order
to remove “all the expenditures that would not impact positively on the lives of the people.”

It recommended that many expenditure in the budget should either be slashed for being “too
high” or removed for “being duplicated” in the expenditure of another agency of government.

Onyekpere noted if the recommendations of the report are implemented, it would save the
country about N150.77bn.

Speaking on the report, he said that at a time when Nigeria has been rated as the poverty capital
of the world,every item of expenditure in the federal budget should reflect the best value for
money.

He said, “The executive budget is still suffused with projects described as meaningless jargons,
words that have no fixed meaning, duplication of projects under different names; projects without
locations and others that have nothing to do with the mandate of the ministry, department or
agency which they are proposed.

“When the Ministry of Agriculture has a project on the promotion and development of the rice or
wheat value chain, what exactly is the deliverable.

“The use of loose words like empowerment, capacity building, skills acquisition and upgrading
without a contextual description of what the expenditure will achieve is simply not the terminal at
to expend public resources.

“When the Nigerian Stores Products Research Institute in Ilorin is engaged in the construction of
solar motorised boreholes in selected locations in the six geopolitical zones, supply of operations
utility vehicles, tricycles, upgrade of stadia, an alarm cell should go off.

“What is the mandate of the research institute and how will the foregoing facilitate the realisation
of that mandate.

He added, “Ministries like works and housing, water resources are suffused with too many
projects which available resources cannot support and therefore the resources are so thinly
spread.

“It is inappropriate to continue wasting money on projects that will not deliver results due to very
thin funding. The funds are wasted and the people service no value.”

Giving a breakdown of some of the expenses that made up the unclear expenditure, the report
said in the state house for instance, the sum of N526.23m which was allocated for replacement of
vehicle spare parts and tyres was bogus and should be reduced by 50 per cent to N263.11m.

It added that the N4.06bn which was also budgeted for annual routine maintenance of the villa
should be reduced by 50 per cent to N2.03bn.

“Annual routine maintenance cannot cost so much. And there is a second sum for maintenance of
office and residential quarters.

The report also stated that the huge vote of N652.26m for concession of Ajaokuta Steel Company
should be removed as such fund was not needed to concession the project.
Police, Other Security Officials Complicit In Kogi Election
Violence – CDD
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ej-0Vgloqs

Amnesty International Declares Sowore, Bakare, Jalingo

Prisoners Of Conscience
Amnesty International has declared #RevolutionNow protest convener, Omoyele Sowore, his
compatriot, Olawale Bakare and a journalist, Agba Jalingo prisoners of conscience.

It said the men have faced ongoing arbitrary detention and unfair trials solely for exercising their
right to freedom of expression.

The Media Manager of the international human rights organisation, Isa Sanusi, in a statement in
Abuja on Wednesday said the Nigerian authorities at both federal and state levels have repeatedly
targeted human rights defenders, activists and journalists, by stifling dissenting voices and
passing repressive legislation to restrict the civic space.

Sowore, Bakare and Jalingo have been in detention since August 2019 for expressing views
critical of the government.

Despite meeting the stringent bail conditions, the Department of State Services has failed to obey
a court order to release Sowore and Bakare.

Jalingo’s bail applications have also been repeatedly and unjustifiably rejected.

Programmes Manager, Amnesty International Nigeria, Seun Bakare said, “We consider Sowore,
Jalingo and Bakare to be prisoners of conscience detained solely for exercising their human
rights. The Nigerian authorities must drop all charges against them and release them immediately
and unconditionally.”

He added, “Sowore, Jalingo and Bakare’s continued detention is a matter of shame for Nigeria.
Their cases show just how far the authorities in Nigeria can go to silence their critics.

“The government of President Muhammadu Buhari needs to stop filing bogus and politically-
motivated charges against critics, and start listening to what they have to say.”

The AI also asked the authorities to stop using the security agents and judiciary as a tool for
persecuting people who voiced dissenting opinions, challenged abuse and call for accountability.
N1 Trillion Projects: Lawmakers Jittery As Constituents
Demand Explanations
LAWMAKERS are in jitters over their constituents’ demands for explanation over President
Muhammadu Buhari’s statement that there is nothing to show for the N1 trillion voted for the
National Assembly’s constituency projects in the last 10 years.

House of Representatives Minority Leader Ndudi Elumelu (PDP, Delta) told his colleagues at
plenary on Wednesday that his constituents had been calling him to know what happened to the
money.

He said he was finding it difficult explaining to them that while N1 trillion was budgeted in the
last 10 years for the projects, the amount released was below 50 percent.

Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila said the President’s statement emanated from a report by the
Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

The Speaker said the ICPC failed to distinguish between budgeted fund and actual releases,
asking the commission and other related agencies to be diligent in their investigations and not put
the people’s welfare at stake.

He said “I think it is a breach of our collective privilege as a House and not one person. My
concern is the unintended consequences of words spoken. These are words emanating from a
report by ICPC.

“There could be unintended consequences that could come out of it. You put people ‘s wellbeing
at risk. I feel it is okay to use the National Assembly as the whipping boy. The fact is that there is
the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act.

“The ICPC could easily invoke their power of investigation and look at releases as compared to
what was budgeted. The ICPC that made the report. I don’t think they will appreciate if the
House, in the discharge of its constitutional responsibilities, did an oversight on ICPC based on
what was budgeted as opposed to what was released to them.

“When you break an egg, it is going to be difficult to put it together. I will use this medium to
send this message across to ICPC and other agencies to do their work of investigation well. There
is a difference between money budgeted and money released. It is as simple as ABC.”

Presenting the matter under order 6 rules 3 and 4, which deals with privileges, Elumelu said: “I
saw a statement in the newspapers all dated 20th November 2019 and one thing is very consistent
in them and that is the comment credited to our amiable President saying that N1 trillion was
made available in the last 10 years to the National Assembly for constituency projects and that
there was no value for the money spent.
“Yes, in the last 10 years, N1 trillion was actually made available by way of budgeting N100
billion annually for constituency projects. Truly, our constituents do not have value for such
provisions.

“But one thing I am worried about is that words have meanings. My constituents called to ask me
to give account of the money that came to my constituency. I had so many calls and it was
difficult for me to explain.

“My worry and why I am bringing this up is that, yes N100 billion was budgeted annually, but
actual releases were not up to 50 percent. In actual sense and even this year, we have not gotten
releases of more than 40 percent. I can conveniently tell you that only about 30 percent has been
released”.

The lawmaker noted that section 4 of the 1999 Constitution as amended says: “we should make
budgets and if we pass budget in this house, the onus is now on the executive to implement and
award contract.

“We don’t award contracts. I don’t know of any member who is a member of the Tenders Board.
In effect, the National Assembly has nothing to do with the execution of any contract.

“It is painful that the agency that generated that information failed to state that while it is true that
N1 trillion was budgeted in the last 10 years, this money has not been released.

“I am not happy because the information is capable of giving me a bad name before my
community. The ICPC that wrote this report failed to tell the truth of how much was actually
released.

“When you say N1 trillion is budgeted like the President said, if that money was released
completely, there will be value commensurate to the money. I wonder why the ICPC man failed
to look at what was released. Why should ours be a subject of debate that they will tell Nigerians
we received N1 trillion when that was budgeted, but not released.

“My message is that we should let them know that while N1 trillion was budgeted for
constituency projects, by way of releases, we did not receive that because what was released was
less that 40 percent.”

Tobi Okechukwu (PDP, Anambra) said when you say N1 trillion was made available for
constituency projects, it presupposes that you will expect to see a worth of such amount.

He insisted that in the last 10 years, the House had appropriated an average of N70 trillion budget
for the country, stressing that it also presupposes that there should be commensurate performance.

He said: “The issue is very important because words have meanings. In all the papers, the
President said N1 trillion was wasted on constituency projects in 10 years.

“Of course, Mr. President would have been responding to information given to him. I am a
student of public policy analysis. I understand that projects and policies of government go
through interrogation.

“When you say N1 trillion is released, it presupposes that the equivalent value of that money
should be on the ground. There is also a presupposition that this money is given to members. Our
responsibility is to make laws and pass budget and once that is done, it goes to the executive and
the execution is the responsibility of the executive.
“On the average, we have about 50 percent of that money that has been released in the last 10
years. The reason why we have so many abandoned projects in our communities is because of
lack of releases.

“You award contract and you pay 50 percent. What happens to the remaining 50 percent. How
can you complete them? I know that in the last 10 years, this House has appropriated an average
of N70 trillion and that presupposes that you spent N70 trillion and there should be
commensurate performance.

“In the 2019 budget about N220 billion was budgeted for roads and what was released was N45
billion. If you are expecting the value of N220 billion when you give N45 billion, I don’t know
what you will see.”

The President has asked the ICPC to go after contractors who failed to execute the constituency
projects awarded to them.

Sule Lamido: Jonathan Compromised Bayelsa Poll To Avoid

Malabu Oil Scam Probe
A former governor of Jigawa State, Sule Lamido, has accused former President Goodluck
Jonathan of working against the interest of his party, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the
just-concluded governorship election in Bayelsa State.

In a short Facebook post sent by his media aide, Mansur Ahmed, the former governor said
Mr Jonathan supported the ruling All Progressive Congress, APC candidate in order to
avoid probe in the famous Malabu oil scam.

“And finally compromising Bayelsa State with the Malabo oil 1billion Dollar scam for his
freedom!,” Mr Lamido posted.

Malabu Oil Deal

The Malabu oil scandal involved the transfer of about $1.1 billion by Shell and ENI through the
Nigerian government to accounts controlled by a former Nigerian petroleum minister, Dan Etete.

About half the money ($520 million) went to accounts of companies controlled by Aliyu
Abubakar, popularly known in Nigeria as the owner of AA oil, suspected to be fronting for top
officials of government and Shell and ENI collaborators.

According to a PREMIUM TIMES report, the transaction was authorised in 2011 by Mr Jonathan
through some of his cabinet ministers and the money was payment for OPL 245, one of Nigeria’s
richest oil blocs.

Although Shell and ENI initially claimed they did not know the money would end up with Mr
Etete and his cronies, evidence has shown that claim to be false.

Shell, Eni, Mr Etete, Mr Aliyu and several officials of the oil firms are being prosecuted in Italy
for their roles in the scandal.A British judge had also said she was convinced the ‘fortunato’
referenced in various OPL 245 mails referred to Mr Jonathan.

EXCLUSIVE: DSS Spokesperson, Peter Afunanya, Calls

Nigerian Professor "Bastard"
Spokesperson for the Department of State Services, Peter Afunanya, has described a Nigerian
professor, who called to inquire about the continued detention of rights activist, Omoyele
Sowore, a "bastard".

In the 41-second telephone conversation exclusively obtained by SaharaReporters, Afunanya

could be heard verbally insulting the caller, who identified himself as Prof James Segun, who had
made an attempt to get an update on Sowore's case.

Excerpt of conversation

Afunanya: Hello, who this?

Caller: This is Prof James Segun from Campaign for Democracy. I want to find out more about
Sowore's issue.

Afunanya: You are a bastard, get off my phone, idiot.

Caller: Hello...

Afunanya: Get off my phone, you are a bastard, get off my phone, idiot.

Caller: Why can't you respond in a civil manner?

Afunanya: You are a bastard, don't call my line again.

In recent days, Afunanya has been at the forefront of DSS' ridiculous bid to turn the tables around
in their favour over the continued detention of Sowore and Olawale Bakare widely known as
Mandate.

On Tuesday, the DSS spokesperson told a gathering of journalists in Abuja that they have refused
to release Sowore despite two court orders directing the agency to do so because they fear he
could be knocked down by a speeding vehicle if allowed to go.

On previous occasions, Afunanya had said that their refusal to obey the court orders was because
nobody showed up to collect Sowore.

In yet another instance, the image-maker of Nigeria's dreaded secret police said that Sowore was
yet to be released by them because he preferred to stay with the DSS.

Afunanya also recently told the world that Sowore was yet to be freed by them because his
sureties had failed to come to the DSS for verification.

Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, who is representing Sowore, on Tuesday disclosed that
all efforts by him to collect his client from DSS' facility in Abuja had been frustrated by the
organisation.

Sowore, famed globally for exposing Nigeria's corrupt politicians, was arrested in Lagos on
August 3, 2019 for calling on Nigerians to take to the streets in peaceful demonstrations to
demand a better country from the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.

The government is accusing him of insulting Buhari and planning to bring down his regime,
charges observers around the world have described as frivolous and laughable.

Despite two separate orders by the Federal High Court in Abuja ordering his release after meeting
stringent bail conditions, the DSS has refused to release Sowore, casting a huge shadow over the
human rights record of Buhari’s regime

http://saharareporters.com/2019/11/20/exclusive-dss-spokesperson-peter-afunanya-calls-nigerian-
professor-bastard-inquiring?fbclid=IwAR0V-
HQt2NrelqT8ZD6EYn0HW0IXuInOfMevwAIgScjkOQXg8p9kb8hRGg4

November 21

Chadian Army Buys 20 Armoured Vehicles From Proforce

Nigeria
Nigerian defence manufacturer Proforce has signed a contract for the sale of 20 of its new Ara 2
mine-resistant ambush-protected (MRAP) vehicles.

The company did not wish to disclose the name of the customer, only acknowledging that the purchase
was made by an African country. However, a source with knowledge of the deal told Jane’s that the
client is Chad.
According to the same source, the deal was finalised in June 2019 and deliveries are expected to begin
before the end of the year in successive batches of five vehicles.
Chadian interest in the Ara 2 was reportedly prompted when Chadian President Idriss Déby observed
Nigerian Police Proforce PF2 armoured vehicles in Abuja during a visit last year. Talks were then held
in Chad regarding the Chadian Army’s need for MRAPs, which eventually led to the capital
N’Djamena’s decision to procure the Ara 2.

It Is Now Difficult To Loot Public Funds — Sagay

The chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption (PACAC), Professor Itse
Sagay, on Wednesday said it is now difficult to steal public funds, due to the efficacy of the anti-
corruption war of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration. He made this known at the
Abuja headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) when he led other
members of PACAC on a visit to its acting chairman, Ibrahim Magu. Sagay commended the effort of
the EFCC under the leadership of Magu in fighting corruption and recovery of looted funds back into
government coffers.

He called on President Buhari to re-submit the name of the acting chairman of the EFCC, Mr. Ibrahim
Magu to the Senate, for confirmation as substantive head of the anti-graft agency. He said since taking
over the leadership of the Commission in late 2015, Magu has demonstrated firmness and courage in
the fight against corruption. He said, “The EFCC (under Magu) is a body that has surpassed every
other organization, past and present, in the fight against corruption.”

He said, “When something is good; when you see merit, dedication, courage…I think it’s (not fair) to
say you are looking for something else. “In our view, the acting chairman deserves everything,
including being given a substantive appointment. Magu is an uncompromising person, as far as
corruption is concerned. We (PACAC) are solidly behind Magu and the EFCC”.

CBN, FIRS, NNPC Get Seven Days To Submit Accounts

The Central Bank of Nigeria , the Federal Inland Revenue Service , the Nigerian National Petroleum
Corporation and 22 other revenue generating agencies have been given seven days ultimatum by the
Senate to submit their audited accounts.

The Senate Committee on Public Accounts issued the ultimatum to the 25 federal agencies on
Wednesday.

The panel said the firms should forward their records regarding their income and expenditure
operations from 2017 to 2019.

Chairman , Senate Public Accounts Committee , Mathew Urhoghide , said the agencies were given the
last opportunity to respond to the call for submission of their audited accounts.
He said making public the accounts of the agencies was necessary to ensure accountability and
transparency in the management of public funds as well as guarantee economy , efficiency and
effectiveness.

He listed the Office of the Accountant- General of the Federation , Federal Capital Territory
Administration, Assets Management Corporation of Nigeria , and the Niger Delta Development
Commission as defaulting agencies.

Others, according to him , include the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure and
the Nigerian Investment Promotion Council.

Also on the list are Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria , Nigeria Football Federation , Federal Roads
Maintenance Agency , National Space Research & Development Agency , Nigerian Building and Road
Research Institute , and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency.

They also include Petroleum Equalisation Fund Management Board , Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs ,
and Presidential Amnesty Programme .
The rest are the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency , Federal Road Safety Corps ,
Nigerian Airspace Management Agency , National Insurance Trust Fund , Industrial Training Fund ,
Nigerian Railway Corporation , and National Primary Health Care Development Agency.

Urhoghide said the correspondences had been sent to relevant institutions of government seeking their
responses .
He said it would enable the committee to carry out special oversight functions in line with Sections 85 ,
88 & 89 of the Constitution of the . Federal republic of Nigeria.

He said , “ In the light of this , all the defaulting agencies are by this notice given the last opportunity to
make submissions before their invitation to the scheduled public hearings .
“In view of the fact that some agencies have already defaulted in their submission deadline , notice is
hereby issued to defaulting MDAs and other organisations of government.

“They should without further delay make submissions within seven days that is, 27 November , 2019
on their responses to the issues raised by the committee in its various correspondences regarding their
income and expenditure operations from 2017 to 2019 . ”

AccountabilityNG: Bail Order Does Not Demand A Surety For

Sowore's Release
IgbereTV reports that a civil society organisation known as Leadership and Accountability Initiative
has said that there was nowhere stated in the bail order that a surety is required for the release of the
detained Revolution Now Activist, Omoyele Sowore.

Recall that the Spokesperson for DSS, Dr. Peter Afunnaya, at a media briefing in Abuja on Tuesday
urged those who stood as sureties for Sowore to present themselves for his release

Leadership and Accountability Initiative said that the international community is gradually getting
interested in the case of Sowore's continued detention and in no distant time Nigeria may be viewed as
a dictatorship state.

The organization made this news available on Twitter. It reads:

The attention of the Int'l Community is hereby drawn to the brazen disregard of a court order by the
Nigerian govt releasing Sowore. Nowhere in the bail order was the DSS asked to release him to a
Surety.
Nigeria is in danger of becoming a full scale dictatorship. @StateDept

https://twitter.com/transparency_ng/status/1197384363631087617?s=19

It’s Hate Speech To Call IPOB Members Nigerians –nnamdi

Kanu
Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has said it would amount to
hate speech to call him or members of the pro-Biafran group Nigerians.
Speaking against the backdrop of the Hate Speech bill before the senate, during his regular weekly
broadcasts, Kanu said it was sheer madness for anyone to propose death penalty on people convicted
for hate speech, adding that it was a clear proof that Nigeria is governed with a clandestine agenda.
Making mockery of the proposed bill, Kanu said the fact he and members of his group were still being
called Nigerians, a name he said was forced on them, was a hate speech against him and millions of his
followers.

“This Hate Speech bill is exactly the same thing with Decree No 4 of 1984. What’s happening in
Nigerian courts is enough to set any country ablaze. Calling me a Nigerian is hate speech.”
He said it was out of place for the ninth Senate to have even allowed such a bill to be introduced in a
country where he said people were angry and must have to speak out or perish.
He lambasted the senate saying instead of legislating on jobs creation and infrastructural development,
for people of the country to have basic necessities to live decent life, they went into frivolities.

“They’ve not hanged Fulani herdsmen, they’ve not hanged the bandits in the North, they’ve not hanged
their fellow corrupt politicians, they’ll not hang governors that have not paid salaries and are causing
untimely deaths to millions of homes. But what they’ll do very gladly is to say that they’ll hang people
for free speech…People are busy talking about 2023 when danger is right before them,” he said.
While urging people to oppose the bill, the IPOB leader said: “Each time you remind them of their
kleptomaniac psyche, it’s hate speech. Each time you remind them that Ruga will not work in our land,
it’s hate speech. If you say there will be no movement of Fulani cattle in our farmland, it’s hate speech.
When we say we’re being killed and slaughtered for no reason, it’s hate speech.
“But when it’s coming from the Fulani, nobody will say anything because it’s love speech. That’s the
level of hypocrisy in Nigeria. People don’t reason very well anymore. If people do, the excesses of
these current cabals would have been curtailed.”

The IPOB leader said the only solution to all the unpleasant things happening in the country presently
was for each section of Nigeria to go its own way as IPOB is pushing for Biafra which he said would
soon be a reality.
PDP Senators Reject Bayelsa, Kogi Election Results
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Caucus in the Senate yesterday rejected the outcome of the Bayelsa
and Kogi states’ governorship election.

The Senators, led by the Minority Leader Enyinnaya Abaribe, announced the caucus’ position at a news
conference in Abuja.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had declared the candidates of the All
Progressives Congress (APC) – David Lyon and Governor Yahaya Bello-winners of last Saturday’s
Bayelsa and Kogi governorship elections, respectively.

Other PDP Senators with Abaribe during the briefing include Senators Sahabi Yau, Matthew Urhoghide
and Philip Aduda.

Abaribe said: “We totally reject the pronouncement made by the Independent National Electoral
Commission (INEC) and we are worried about the trend of what happened in those elections.

”The outright intimidation and killings of Nigerians during the elections; we know that those results
were not a true reflection of what happened in the field.

”We are concerned that all the gains made by the PDP since 1999 seem to have been eroded by
elections starting in Edo, Osun, Ekiti, and recently Bayelsa and Kogi, seem to have been lost.

”We are also worried about the killing of a Woman Leader in Kogi, even after results had been
announced and winners declared.

”We call on the President to direct the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, to immediately
fish out the killers of the lady, Mrs. Acheju Abu, whose only offence is that she is a member of the
opposition.

”What it tells us is that all of us who are members of the opposition are not safe. We hear that the police
are launching an investigation, but it must not be swept under the carpet.”

He added that Senator Dino Melaye had also told him that his (Melaye’s) cousin was killed.

”If we leave the matter to continue to stay this way we don’t know what will happen in 2023,” Abaribe
lamented.

The lawmaker added: “For INEC, all we have seen is a steady decline in the efficacy of our elections.

”We do not know where they got the figures they declared in Kogi and Bayelsa. We are in touch with
our members in the various states and they have told us that the results did not reflect the voting pattern
at the polling booths. We are totally resolved to confront what is going on in our electoral system.”

NNPC Spends N1bn Daily, Petrol Subsidy Hits N19.37/Litre

Data obtained from the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency on Tuesday showed that the
Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation was subsidising the cost of Premium Motor Spirit consumed
across the country by N19.37 per litre.

NNPC, on several occasions, had stated that Nigeria consumes between 55 million to 60 million litres
of PMS, popularly known as petrol, daily.

In its July 2019 financial and operations report, for instance, the corporation said a total of 55.74
million litres of petrol was consumed across the country on a daily basis.

Going by a daily consumption of 55 million litres and the N19.37 subsidy which the corporation
currently incurs on every litre of PMS consumed in Nigeria, the national oil firm is spending about
N1.1bn daily on subsidy.

Further findings from the PPPRA on Tuesday showed that the landing cost of petrol as of November
18, 2019 was N144.7/litre, while the distribution margin was put at N19.37/litre.

A summation of the landing cost and the distribution margin gives the total and actual cost of the
commodity, which was put at N164.07/litre.

The commodity is, however, sold at a regulated price of N145/litres at filling stations across the
country.

In another development, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, and the
Managing Director, ExxonMobil Nigeria, Paul McGrath, met in Abuja on Tuesday to discuss the
activities of ExxonMobil in Nigeria.

At the meeting, Sylva told the ExxonMobil team that attracting more investors into the oil sector would
not be done at the expense of the long-term relationship with existing investors.

APC Asks Security Agencies To Investigate Seyi Makinde’s Role

In Kogi Election
In what seemed to be a new twist, the Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, has called on
the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Nigeria Police, as well as other security
agencies to launch a thorough probe into the roles played by Governor Seyi Makinde before, during
and after the last Saturday’s gubernatorial election in Kogi State.
APC stated that this will help to unravel the real culprits of the series of violence which were reported
in the exercise.

Recall that Gov. Makinde was attacked in Lokoja the Kogi State capital on the eve of the election by
some hoodlums.

The APC made it known that it was seriously worried by the cases of violence reported in parts of Kogi
on the course of determining who would govern the Confluence State in the next four years.

Makinde should also be investigated by the EFCC over the government money spent on the ill-fated
project, the APC said.

The party in a statement made available to journalists on Wednesday said, “As reactions follow
allegations ad counter allegations of election violence sponsorship among political gladiators in Kogi
state over the conduct of the last Saturday gubernatorial and Kogi West Senatorial re-run elections, we
stand to condemn every act osaf violence, incitement and vote buying which might have been recorded.
The fact remains that no life of any individual is worth the votes being sought at polls by politicians.

“In the case of Kogi, among those to be investigated is Gov. Seyi Makinde who was on a desperate
mission to influence the emergence of the PDP candidates in persons of Sen. Dino Melaye and Mr.
Musa Wada. The Oyo state governor’s clandestine hatchet job in Kogi was blown few hours to the polls
when a team of security agents had to burst into a hide out where some disgruntled elements had
gathered to plan evil ahead of the elections.

“Immediately this happened, Gov. Makinde raised the alarm that he was attacked in a hotel. The same
governor commissioned his media handlers, he deliberately left in Ibadan, to twist the story and thus
mislead the public. The truth of the matter is that he (Makinde) was the one who assembled vote
buyers, miscreants and other shady characters for the purpose of giving out briefs and incentive to all
those contracted for some evil plots. Sources have it that the exercise later took place in another
location where cash running into billions of naira, taken from Oyo State treasury, was doled out.

“This was to be corroborated by the innocent revelation made by a popular socialite who has always
been on hand as a mercenary to the PDP in the South West since the days of Aregbesola vs Oyinlola
imbroglio in the State of Osun. The video clip of the mindless confession which apparently indicted
Gov. Makinde is currently available on virtually all social media platforms.

“Without mincing words, keen watchers have come to realize that Makinde’s political history cannot be
said to be free from damning evidence of violence sponsorship, financial inducements and propaganda.
Back home, he is now in a dilemma as to how to fulfill all the promises made to a known criminal
element and his army of urchins who he used to hijack the mandate which he is enjoying at the
moment”.
Reps To FG: Conduct Population Census In 2020
The House of Representatives yesterday called on the Federal Government to conduct a national
population census in 2020 to ascertain the country’s population.
The call followed a motion by Ademorin Kuye who noted that the last national census was held in
2006.
The house urged the National Population Commission to come up with a feasible timetable for the
conduct of a national population census not later than 2020.
It also urged the government to provide all necessary logistics for the conduct of the census by 2020 to
end the uncertainties and speculations about the country’s population.

Orji Uzor Kalu Emerges Head Of African Parliamentary Union

The Senate has appointed the Chief Whip, Sen. Orji Uzor Kalu the Head African Parliamentary Union
(APU), one of the international lawmaking unions at the National Assembly, ABN TV reports.

The former Governor is to lead APU for the next four years.

The Abia North senator is to lead a delegation of the National Assembly comprising of the Senate and
House of Representatives from 24-30 November, 2019.

Our correspondent gathered that the Senate President, Ahmed Lawan is also heading the International
Parliamentary Union (IPU).

A source at the National Assembly told our correspondent that two other international lawmaking
unions are domiciled at the House of Representatives.

Governors Reject Death Penalty For Hate Speech

The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) wednesday rejected the proposed death penalty for hate speech
in the bill at the National Assembly.

The governors also resolved to conclude negotiations with labour unions on the implementation of the
N30,000 minimum wage before the December 31 deadline.

The governors spoke to journalists last night at the end of their seventh meeting in Abuja, which was
presided over by the Vice Chiarman of the NGF and Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal.

Tambuwal urged the National Assembly to conduct a public hearing on the hate speech bill to
aggregate the views of Nigerians.

“I’m not sure I have heard any governor come out to say he is in support of the death penalty for hate
speech.

“I believe that the National Assembly should hold a public hearing on that bill, so that due process of
lawmaking is followed.

“This is so that the views of Nigerians, not just the governors, will be well captured on that bill and
they (National Assembly) should respect the views of Nigerians in whatever may be the direction of
debate and the eventual passage or otherwise of that bill.”

Tambuwal pledged the commitment of states to the implementation of the minimum wage and
improved welfare of workers.

“Before December, all the states must have finished working out the details on the issue of the
minimum wage across the federation.

At the meeting, the governors committed to working with the Independent Verification Agent to ensure
that the APA process did not experience delay.

The forum, among other resolutions, also expressed commitment to the initiative to advance value
added activities in agriculture, access to finance and women economic development.

Pressure Mounts On Secondus To Resign

National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Prince Uche Secondus is under intense
pressure to vacate office over alleged constitutional breaches, misappropriation of funds and failure to
lead the party to victory in the 2015 and 2019 general elections. Secondus has also allegedly failed to
call for major meetings of the various organs of the party including the National Executive Committee
(NEC) meeting which is the second highest decision-making organ of the party.

Daily Trust reports that the pressure is coming from PDP leaders and groups within the party. A former
Special Adviser on Public Affairs, to President Goodluck Jonathan and member of the defunct
Presidential Campaign Council for Atiku Abubakar, Malam Nasir Zahradeen, confirmed to our
correspondent last night that majority of PDP stalwarts and power brokers were demanding for
Secondus’ resignation.

“Secondus must go and he must be investigated by the EFCC, ICPC and the SSS because of the alleged
impropriety, alleged putting of his hands on the funds of the party which is unacceptable. “You cannot
say whether the other members of the NWC are doing well or they are not doing well. But if the head is
rotten, definitely, you don’t expect any action from the rest.

“Now we have lost the Kogi and Bayelsa elections. On Bayelsa, he (Secondus) connived with the
governor. Apparently, the governor had his own idea of getting his kinsman to be the governor while he
will get the senatorial seat,” he said. Similarly, a highly placed source from the North West, who sought
not to be named, passed a vote of no confidence on Secondus, saying he cannot guarantee victory for
the party any more.

“We all had confidence in Secondus when he emerged. But later we discovered there were issues that
we did not envisage. The leadership of Prince Secondus has several lapses and breaches of the
constitution of the PDP. “For instance, from the very time we lost the 2019 elections, I doubt if there
has been any NEC or caucus meeting to discuss the issues and that is weighing us down. “If they can’t
deliver us today, how can we be sure they will deliver us tomorrow? Actually, I cannot ask the other
members of the NWC to resign but sincerely, Secondus should resign because I doubt if he is willing to
get us to the Promised Land.

He should resign,” he said. But the Special Adviser on Media to Secondus, Mr. Ike Abonyi, dismissed
the allegations in a telephone chat with our correspondent, saying the party had more serious issues to
discuss on the threat to democracy. “The allegations are baseless and unsubstantiated. Let them provide
evidence that Secondus is a thief; that he dipped his hands into the party’s funds. “The constitution says
one NEC meeting to one quarter. And between February and now, he called NEC meetings three times.
So he has not violated the PDP Constitution,” he said.

Spokesperson of the party, Kola Ologbondiyan also dispelled claims that Secondus was under pressure
to vacate office. “The National Chairman is not under any pressure except the fact that we believe that
democracy is gradually being killed by this government and we believe that as the main opposition
party we have a responsibility to salvage democracy,” he said.

DPR Discovers Illegal Petroleum Refineries In Kano

The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) Kano office has sealed-off two facilities over illegal
processing of substance suspected to be petroleum products.

The two illegal refineries were discovered in two communities on the outskirts of Kano metropolis
along Laraba Abasawa road in Gezawa Local Government Area of the state.

They were discovered via intelligence gathering by the DPR in collaboration with operatives of the
Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Kano State command.

The Operations Controller, DPR Kano and Jigawa field office, Alhaji Musa Zarumi Tambawal, who led
an enforcement team to seal the facilities, said analysis is on going to ascertain what is being produced
at the refineries.

Speaking at one of the illegal petroleum processing site, Tambawal said, “this is one of the discoveries
made by the DPR and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, as part of illegal petroleum
product processing zones or locations. If you look at it, you cannot say whether it is a mini-refinery,
depot or whatever, from mere looking, you can see that there are tanks and everywhere is littered with
oil that could be LPFO, HPFO or AGO’’.
He said the facilities would remain sealed until DPR concludes its investigations. The operators of the
two facilities had fled before the DPR team and NSCDC operatives got to the locations.

In a related development, two other facilities dealing in illegal storage and sale of diesel (AGO) were
sealed by DPR for violating safety standards and operating without valid licenses at Hotoro and
Yankaba area of the state capital respectively.

More than 10 workers of the two outlets were arrested and are currently undergoing interrogation.

List Of The Top Ten Youngest State Leaders In The World

1. Oleksiy Honcharuk —Prime Minister of Ukraine (since 2019)
7 July 1984, 35 years

2 Kim Jong-un
Supreme Leader of North Korea (since 2011) 8 January 1983 ,36 years

3 Nayib Bukele
President of El Salvador (since 2019) 24 July 1981 38 years

4 Jacinda Ardern
Prime Minister of New Zealand (since 2017)
26 July 1980 39 years, 116 days

5 Fritz-William Michel
Prime Minister of Haiti (since 2019)
23 July 1980 ,39 years

6 Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani Emir of Qatar (since 2013) 3 June 1980 ,39 years

7 Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck

King of Bhutan (since 2006)
21 February 1980 ,39 years

8 Carlos Alvarado Quesada

President of Costa Rica (since 2018)
14 January 1980 ,39 years

9 Xavier Espot Zamora

Head of Government of Andorra (since 2019)
30 October 1979, 40 years,
10 Leo Varadkar
Taoiseach of Ireland (since 2017)
18 January 1979 40 years

APC Crisis: Edo Caucus In NASS Backs Oshiomhole, Attacks

Obaseki
Members of the Edo State caucus in the National Assembly have backed the National Chairman of the
All Progressives Congress, Adams Oshiomhole, in the battle between him and Governor Godwin
Obaseki.

The caucus, which addressed journalists in Abuja on Thursday, blamed the crisis on Obaseki, asking
the governor to issue a fresh proclamation for the proper inauguration of the Edo State House of
Assembly.

The lawmakers also accused the Deputy Governor, Mr Philip Shaibu, of displaying “shameful acts of
indiscipline and political rascality.”

READ ALSO: 29 persons with HIV died during Abalaka’s treatment –Govt

The Deputy Majority Leader of the House of Representatives, Peter Akpatason, who spoke on behalf of
the caucus, said, “It was at this point that we decided, as responsible parliamentarians duly elected by
our constituents, to speak out and restate the following:

“That we, the APC caucus in the National Assembly, hereby, without hesitation, express our undiluted
and absolute confidence in the sterling and patriotic leadership of the National Chairman of the APC,
Comrade Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole, who has been doing excellently well and won two tough elections.

“We advise Governor Obaseki and his management to appreciate the damage they are doing to the state
and party with their undemocratic and unorthodox political actions and to retrace their steps.

“The Governor should issue another proclamation as stipulated in the Constitution and have all the 24
elected members properly inaugurated so they can duly represent their constituents and make
invaluable contributions to the growth and development of the state.

“To stop forthwith all forms of intimidation and harassment of elected officials, appointees and
perceived enemies.

“Allow peace to reign in Edo State and work to enhance democratic practices by opening up political
spaces.”
The National Working Committee of the APC had set up a high-powered fact-finding mission on the
crisis.

JUST IN: Gunmen Attack Oyo Commissioner, Kill Driver

The Oyo State Police Command on Thursday confirmed the killing of a driver attached to the
Commissioner of Lands, Housing and Survey in the State, Mr Abdulraheem Abiodun.

The police spokesman, Mr Gbenga Fedeyi told The PUNCH that the fleeing assailants who attacked
the commissioner at Academy area of Ibadan, the State capital also shot the police orderly attached to
the Commissioner.

Fadeyi said, “The incident occurred around 8.30 p.m. on Wednesday and the police commissioner has
directed that the fleeing armed men be apprehended.

“They killed the driver and also shot the police orderly attached to the Commissioner for Lands. They
will be tracked and arrested to face prosecution,” Fadeyi added.

A government source said, “The sad development would be thoroughly investigated especially coming
24hours after Governor Seyi Makinde launched 100 vehicles to aid security patrol in the State.”

An eyewitness also confided to our correspondent that the Commissioner with a team of sympathisers
rushed the deceased to the Accident and Emergency Unit of the University College Hospital on
Wednesday night.

“I saw the Commissioner making calls to the governor, on what happened to him and his aides. The
governor ordered the security adviser to immediately proceed to the UCH because it was not quite long
after the call, that he (adviser) arrived.

“The motive behind this attack could not be ascertained “as these armed men after attacking the convoy
reportedly took away the gun belonging to the wounded police officer,” he added.

Maina Arrives In Court For Trial Without Wheelchair

Chairman of defunct Pension Reform Task Team (PRTM), Abdulrasheed Maina, has arrived at the
Federal High Court, Abuja, for the continuation of his trial.

Maina was on Thursday supported by two men as he walked slowly into the court without a wheelchair.

He arrived around 9:30 am dressed in white caftan and a black cap.

His son, Faisal, is also in the same court for trial continuation.
Justice Okon Abang had on November 7 fixed November 21 for continuation of the trial, following an
appeal by the Deputy Comptroller General (DCG), Health and Social Welfare, Nigerian Correctional
Service (NCS), H.B. Kori, to the court to give him a week to respond to the court order on Maina’s true
health status.

Maina came into the court in a wheelchair on November 7 looking ill.

He is charged with 12 counts bordering on money laundering, operating fictitious bank accounts and
fraud levelled against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Maina is being arraigned as first respondent alongside a firm, Common Input Property and Investment
Ltd, the second respondent.

Court sacks new Emirs, dissolves four Emirates

A Kano High Court has nullified the appointment of four new emirs upgraded to the status of first-class
emirs by Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.
Subsequently, the court invalidated and ordered the immediate dissolution of their emirate councils
established alongside the emir’s appointment.
The emirs are Emir of Bichi, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero; emir of Karaye, Alhaji Ibrahim Abubakar;
emir of Rano, Alhaji Tafida Abubakar and Emir of Gaya, Alhaji Ibrahim Abdulkadir.
Governor Ganduje appointed the four emirs as first-class chiefs and upgraded their domain into emirate
councils, a deliberate attempt to decimate Emir of Kano Mohmmadu Sanusi.
Prior to the appointment of the new emirs, Kano state government had sent an executive bill for the
amendment of Kano state chieftaincy law to the state assembly.
In his ruling presiding Judge, Justice Usman Na’Abba insisted the additional four emirates and their
first-class emirs created by Kano State Government were not properly constituted and thereby render
invalid.
Justice Usman also ruled that the Kano State House of Assembly had violated the provision of Section
101 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), which allows the
assembly to make laws, insisted the law creating the emirates were null and void.

Senate Okays 7.5% VAT And 6 Other Tax Hikes

The Senate on Thursday passed the Finance Bill which seeks to amend seven Acts of the National
Assembly relating to taxes payable in the country.

The bill specifically seeks an increment of the value-added tax from five per cent to 7.5 per cent.

It also seeks an increment in the Companies Income tax, Customs and excise, Petroleum Profit Tax,
Stamp duties, personal income tax and Capital Income tax.

The Minority Leader, Enyinnaya Abaribe, and Senators Ifeanyi Ubah, Gabriel Suswan and Abba Moro,
however, raised objections to the bill.

They said the increment in taxes would further compound the sufferings and pains of Nigerians.

Details later…

Olimpotic Meristemasis: Ayade Presents 1.1trn Budget Estimate

For 2020
Cross River state governor, Prof Ben Ayade has presented the 2020 budget estimate of 1.1trillion naira
tagged budget of “Olimpotic Meristemasis” to the State House of Assembly.
Ayade has also abolished payment of tax by small scale entrepreneurs like barbing saloon, welders,
stylists amongst others.
According to him, he would rather tax his brain than tax the people, so no more daily payment of N500
by Okada riders and taxis but they will now pay 1000 and 2000 monthly for Okada and taxis
respectively adding that all civil servants whose salaries were below 100,000 naira were also exempted
from paying tax.

READ ALSO: BREAKING: Gov Ayade presents 1.1trn budget estimate for 2020

Presenting the budget on Thursday on the floor of the State House of Assembly, Ayade said all low
income earning people in the state were hereby exempted from taxes including civil servants whose
salaries were less than 100,000 naira as well as stylish, saloon operators, welders and more.
His words: “All low-income earners are hereby exempted from taxes, including civil servants who
salaries are below 100,000 nairas.

“The budget is an audacious step towards reducing recurrent expenditure and focus on increasing
capital expenditure with Capital expenditure standing at 911 billion while recurrent stands at 188
billion which is 82.8% and 17.2 % respectively.
“Nigerians must realise that any state whose budget is driven by the envelop size has limited vision.
There are two ways budgets are derived in business or public sector management, it is either as an
expression of ambition or an expression of your envelope size.

“The expression of the ambition of the progressive agenda set for Cross River does not allow me the
agony to adopt an envelope size budget. The value of our projects have not been commoditised into
value , with the intellectual capacity we have reduced a lot of waste,” he said.
Nigerians Hate Paying Tax, Want Everything Free – Senator
Sekibo
IgbereTV reports that Senator Thompson George Sekibo representing Rivers South-East Senatorial
District has criticised Nigerian’s quest for free things.

During the debate on Finance bill which was submitted to the Senate Chambers on Thursday, he said,
Nigeria’s disposition to free things makes them complain about everything.

He said reforms in taxation which would see the nation raking more funds to finance the 2020 budget
was appropriate.

Sekibo said the founding fathers of Nigeria structured the country in a manner that every citizen wants
everything free, hence, they hate paying taxes.

“Maybe this is the way our founding fathers structured our country that everybody almost want
everything free of charge’’.

“In some foreign countries, tax is effectively paid to generate revenue and Nigeria cannot be excused
from this.”

Earlier in the report, Senate Committee Chairman on Finance, Senator Solomon Olamilekan indicated
that about seven areas of tax have been amended to generate adequate funds for the country.

The affected areas include Company Income tax, Value Added Tax, Customs and Excise Duties Tax,
Personal Income Tax, Capital Income Tax, Stamp Duty Tax and Petroleum Income Tax.

Senator Ifeanyi Patrick Uba representing Anambra South Senatorial district in his contribution
debunked the belief that the Petroleum sector was captured in the public hearing.

“Mr. President, distinguished colleagues, the proposed amendment to the Petroleum income tax was not
a reflection of the Petroleum Industry.

“None of the critical stakeholders in the Petroleum industry was present in the public hearing to make
submissions. PENGASSAN, Petroleum Tanker Drivers were not present in the public hearing.

President Buhari Meets Speakers Of 36 States House Of

Assembly
President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday met with speakers of the 36 states Houses of Assembly of
the federation at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The speakers were led by their Chairman, Mr Mudashiru Obassa, who is also the Speaker of Lagos
State House of Assembly.

Though the agenda of the meeting was unknown as at the time of filing this report, President Buhari
and the speakers are expected to deliberate on national issues, including security and autonomy of the
Assemblies.

Those at the meeting included the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila; Chief
of Staff to the President, Malam Abba Kyari and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss
Mustapha.

Others include the Permanent Secretary, State House, Jamil Arabi and the Senior Special Assistant to
the President on National Assembly Matters.

FFK: I Would Rather Die A Thousand Deaths Than Bow To Our

Selfstyled Oppressors
IgbereTV reports that former Aviation Minister, Femi Fani Kayode has said that he would rather die a
thousand deaths than bow to Nigeria's selfstyled oppressors and conquerors.

He made this statement on Twitter. He wrote:

As things stand now we are nothing but a vassal state that is in the full control & power of the Fulani
& their Caliphate! I don't wish to offend anyone but let me make this abundantly clear:I would rather
die a thousand deaths than bow to our selfstyled oppressors & conquerors.

I would rather go to my grave a free man than live a slave. Like others that came before me and that
have spoken through the ages I say, "give me freedom or give me death".

Bayelsa Governor Elect "David Lyon" Struggles With Grammar

As He Delivers Speech
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bg1XE0qiTzA

Residents Protest Nullification Of New Kano Emirates

Some residents in Kano State have stormed the streets in protest against the court ruling which
nullified the creation of four new traditional Emirates.

The presiding judge, Justice Usman Na’abba ruled that the creation of the Emirates and subsequent
appointment of four new first class Emirs did not allow due process.
FG Begins Negotiations On Port Harcourt-maiduguri Rail Project
Mr Chibuike Amaechi, the Minister of Transportation said on Thursday that negotiations for the
possible construction of the Port Harcourt-Maiduguri rail line were ongoing.

The minister said this in a statement issued by Mr Israel Ibeleme, his Media Aide.

According to Amaechi, the Federal Government and the Chinese Government are still negotiating on
the project.

The minister also said that the Federal Government would also continue its negotiations with Russians
for the commencement of the Lagos-Calabar rail project.

“The six geo-political zones are all covered, Port Harcourt –Maiduguri covers Port Harcourt, Aba,
Owerri, Umuahia, Enugu, Abakaliki, Awka, Makurdi, Lafia, Akwanga, Jos, Bauchi, Gombe, and
connects to Damaturu, and then Maiduguri.

“The Lagos-Calabar rail line covers the whole of the South South zone. We have Lagos coming
through Akure, Benin.

“Then from Benin we have a spot leading to Agbor and Asaba to Onitsha and then you continue to
Benin to Ughelii, Warri, Yenagoa, Port Harcourt, Aba, Uyo, and Calabar that takes care of the South
South zone.

“While the Port Harcourt–Maiduguri rail line takes care of the South East and North East zones.

“The Lagos-Kano rail line also takes care of the South West zone and parts of the North West and
North Central zones.’’

According to Amaechi, the central line that starts from Abuja also takes care of the North Central zone,
which includes Kogi and Kwara states.

He noted that the construction of the rail lines across the country required huge funding even as he
acknowledged Nigeria’s rising borrowing profile.

The minister said that in view of the debts already incurred, if there was not enough money to construct
new rail lines, money could be borrowed to rehabilitate the existing ones.

“Currently what we now have as functional lines are: Lagos-Ibadan (156km), Abuja-Kaduna (186km),
and Itakpe-Warri which is about 350km all put together under this government.

“We have recorded a total of about 600+km of railway and by the time we complete the Ibadan-Kano
rail line which is about 860km, we will be having 1500+km railway constructed by this government.
“I hope that the next government that will take over from us will be able to do something in that regard
to progress the railway, because even if we finish the Lagos-Kano and Lagos-Calabar rail lines, the
Port Harcourt–Maduguri line still needs to be finished,” the minister said.

I Try To Obey The Constitution, Says Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari says he tries as much as he can to obey the constitution of the
country.

The president said this on Thursday when he received speakers of state assemblies at the presidential
villa in Abuja.

In a statement issued by Femi Adesina, presidential spokesman, Buhari said the constitution must be
adhered to, or altered to reflect dynamics and realities of the country.

He said the autonomy of state legislature has been constrained by the constitution.

The president asked the lawmakers to always put the interest of the people first in all deliberations and
negotiations.

“I try as much as I can to always be loyal and obedient to the constitution so long as it is humanly
possible,” Buhari said.

“The 8th National Assembly sometimes kept the budget for seven months. And I had to call the Senate
President and the Speaker then. I told them by delaying passage of the budget you are not hurting
Buhari, but the people.

“We have in the last four years dedicated significant resources to key social services sectors especially
in health, education as well as our massive social investment programs. We have also started restoring
our infrastructure to levels that this country expects.

“I also want to assure you that we remain committed to ensuring that equity and fairness prevail in
governance. I will ensure that we consult your conference to further enhance the positive impact of our
interventions across the country.”

David Lyon Visits Jonathan Again, After Collecting His

Certificate Of Return
Bayelsa State governor-elect, David Lyon, has visited former President Goodluck Jonathan for the
second time in four days.

Mr Lyon visited Jonathan, who clocked 62 on Wednesday, at his Otuoke residence in Bayelsa State on
Thursday after being presented his certificate of return by the Independent National Electoral
Commission (INEC).

Lyon had joined the Minister of State for Petroleum, Timipre Sylva, and several leaders of the All
Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa in visiting Jonathan on Monday.

“As a former president of Nigeria, I am a father to all Bayelsans, hence my doors are open to all
citizens irrespective of their political affiliations,” Jonathan said at their meeting on Monday.

Lyon, who contested on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), defeated 44 candidates
including major rival, Douye Diri of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Lyon won the election conducted last Saturday after polling 352,552 votes While Diri got 143,172
votes.

It is believed that the rift between outgoing Governor Seriake Dickson and Jonathan might have
contributed to the loss of the oil-rich state to the ruling party.

Mr Dickson, however, continues to deny allegations of a rift between him and the nation’s former first
citizen.

Blessing Agbomhere, Others Resign From PDP In Edo

A former candidate of the People’s Democratic Party for Etsako Federal Constituency in the House of
Representative, Chief Blessing Agbomhere, has led his supporters to resign from the party.

Chief Agbomhere hails from Estako Central local government where State Chairman of the PDP, Chief
Dan Orbih, hails from.

Agbomhere, in his letter of resignation, said politics was a serious business that requires serious
minded individuals with the commitment and passion to win, and continue to win for the people.

He said his interest in politics was to be in a position to help his people and the society.

According to him, “Politics cannot be done by those who are not interested winning and in taking
power. When the spirit, commitment and zeal to win disappear, failure becomes habitual and perpetual.

“If we like politics, let’s do politics by winning. If we are not ready to win, let’s quit politics, so that
those who are interested in winning can be supported to do politics. Politics is meant to be done and
won to affect the lives of the people. And so, politics of failure does no good to those who do it and
those who will be affected by such failure.

“Since the race for victory and success has no finish line, I hereby resign my membership of the
People’s Democratic Party to pursue my interest in promoting good governance, youth and women
empowerment and community development.”

Babaginda Aliyu, Umar Nasko In Court Over N1billion, N976m

Allege Fraud
A Minna High Court on Thursday adjourned to 3rd of December, 2019 for the continuation of hearing
in the trial against the former Governor of Niger State Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, his former Chief
of Staff, Umar Gado Nasko and the state PDP Chairman Tanko Beji.

Babangida, Nasko and Beji are being prosecuted for alleged embezzlement of N800M Ecological fund,
N1B Niger state shares in North-South Power and N937M government money used for campaign.

At the reaumed ruling today, Justice Mikail Abdullahi adjourned to allow the defence counsel to reply
to an application filed by the Court for the full trial of proceedings case

The prosecuting counsel has filed an application requesting the court to commence pre-trial proceeding
into the matter as they are ready to present some documents and reitresses for the commencement of
the pre-trial proceedings.

However, a hot argument challenging the application filed by the prosecuting counsel ensured during
today’s proceedings while Justice Mikail directed that the case management to be conducted today to
aquaint the Court with the number of witness that the defence council to the first Defender Ayodele
Adedeji SAN as well as the number of documents to be produce to ensure speedy trial of the case.

The Judge opined that the relevant documents challenging the application ought to have been file by
the defence counsel.

Also Defence Counsel to the second and third defenders had challenged the Jurisdiction of the Court
that similar matter against the defenders is ongoing in the Federal High Court in Minna. Noting that is
jeopardizing the speedy administration of Justice.

After all submissions by both Counsels Justice Mikail Abdullahi then Adjourned the case to 3rd
December, 2019 for the commencement of the pre-trial into the case.

Nigeria’s Social Media Bill: The Dangerous Implications By

Techcabal
The 2019 version of an anti-social media bill has been read for the second time on the floor of the
Nigerian Senate, paving the way for its passage into law.

Titled Protection from Internet Falsehood and Manipulation Bill 2019 (SB 132), it brings a
government hammer into conversations hosted on social media platforms. Twitter and Facebook have
become fertile ground for public discourse between Nigerians of different stripes over the last decade.
Considerable success has been achieved by using these media to propel mass action on political and
socio-economic issues.

The government now wants to impose an edit button. Political, anti-government speech is expected to
be under particular scrutiny. Penalties for breaking the social media law include a fine of up to
N300,000 or three years imprisonment for individuals and N10 million for corporate organizations.

Citizens and digital rights activists are voicing fears of potential impacts on human rights and
democratic expression.

“No forward-looking country is seeking to gag their citizens in the guise of fighting fake news,” says
Adeboye Adegoke, program manager at Paradigm Initiative, a digital rights organisation, to TechCabal.

“Only totalitarian states are taking this approach.”

The naming of the bill is uncannily akin to military-era legislation used to suppress freedom of
expression. That draconian law, Public Officers (Protection Against False Accusation) Decree No. 4 of
1984, was promulgated and enforced by current President Muhammadu Buhari when he was Head of
State.

Boko Haram?
Muhammadu Sani Musa, a senator of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) who proposed the
bill, bases his defence on the need to thwart the influence of foreign ideologies.

He argues his bill is a firewall against people with “deep-seated prejudices in different countries [who]
are using internet falsehood to surreptitiously promote their causes, as we have seen in Nigeria with the
insurgency of Boko haram.”

It is unclear that every “foreign ideology” or “deep-seated prejudice” invariably produces opinions
capable of terrorizing people. Without specific definitions, Musa’s logic rightly induces scepticism as
to the true intentions of the bill.

Fighting “cancerous” fake news

Another prominent defender of the bill is Elisha Abbo, a senator under investigation for allegations of
physical assault. Abbo, a member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), the main opposition party,
supports the bill “holistically” because “if we cannot regulate the spread of falsehood, it will consume
all of us.”

https://twitter.com/walegates/status/1197468621527822336
In June, CCTV recordings of him supposedly slapping a young woman in an Abuja intimacy gadget
store were widely shared on Twitter, proving the platform a useful medium for keeping lawmakers
honest.

To be sure, online misinformation is a scourge requiring deliberate policy attention. Advanced image
and audiovisual manipulation technologies can fall into the hands of malicious actors. For the
uninitiated, deepfakes are hard to distinguish from originals.

But as Chimaroke Nnamani, a PDP Senator from the south-east said while rejecting the bill, there is a
CyberCrimes Act that caters to issues of slander and libel orchestrated on the internet. Devising another
law for the same purpose is a covert means of creating limits on citizen expression, he said.

Protection from falsehood? More like protecting self-interest

Unlike in the days before social media, public officials are at greater risk of getting exposed for
malfeasance today. Think the state governor caught stashing dollars in his kaftan, or bullion vans
driving into a godfather’s residence. The social media bill is how members of the political class –
regardless of party – push for stronger shields against the public’s eye.

Adegoke says Senator Musa’s bill could be motivated by discomfort with being outed on social media
as the supplier of INEC card readers for the March 2019 general elections. In any case, the bill appears
a replication of Singapore’s Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act 2019 signed into
law in June.

“Singapore is a very bad example to copy from, considering it ranks 151 out of 180 in the World Press
Freedom Index,” Adegoke observes.

Who calls the shots?

Drafting a bill to gag social media is questionable enough. Setting up an arbitrary enforcement
mechanism is a recipe for dysfunction.

Under the proposed law, law enforcement agencies will have regulatory powers over internet
intermediaries. But intermediaries are already supervised by the Nigerian Communications
Commission (NCC) per the Nigerian Communications Act 2003. Musa’s bill goes above and beyond,
empowering law enforcement “to give directives to the NCC itself,” Adegoke says.

Same enforcement agencies that “already have poor human rights records and are known to routinely
abuse citizen’s rights.”

Supporters of this bill – and a similar one against Hate Speech – are determined to get what they want.
Where the 8th Senate (2015 – 2019) failed, they hope to succeed.
That will require the bill scaling a third reading after review by the Senate’s judiciary committee and
getting assent from President Buhari.

Ize-Iyamu, Bright Omokhodion, Festus Ebea, others dump PDP

for APC
A former Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Hon Bright Omokhodion, former Deputy
Speaker, Festus Ebea, former state chairman of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria, Mr. Tony
Omoaghe, on Thursday joined Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu to defect to the All Progressives Congress
(APC)

Others were Mrs. Tawa Idubor, Chief Blessing Agbomhere, Etinosa Ogbeiwi, Emmanuel Momoh and
several others.

They had announced their mass resignation from the People’s Democratic Party through a voice vote
after motion was moved and seconded by Hon Festus Ebea (Edo Central) Emmanuel Momoh (Edo
North) and Tawa Idubor (Edo South).

Giving reasons for leaving the PDP, Hon Omokhodion said they had an intense and exhaustive
deliberation on the political wrangling and demise of internal democracy in the Edo state chapter of
PDP as well as consulted widely across the three senatorial districts of the state.

Hon Omokhodion noted that the present leadership of the Edo PDP lost its political directions and all
attempts to suggest ways of redirecting the fortunes of the party was resisted by the leadership of the
party.

Omokhodion said the action of suspending top leaders of the party on spurious allegations were
undemocratic and has reduced the morale of members to its lowest.

“That as a result of leadership failure, Edo State PDP no longer command the electoral sentiment of the
Edo people.

Read Also; EdoSIP begins disbursement of conditional cash transfer to vulnerable persons
“We, therefore in our numbers collectively resolve that Edo state PDP has failed in its objective
mission to the people and we have this day resigned our membership of the PDP and have resolved to
join the All Progressives Congress.”

Addressing party supporters, Pastor Ize-Iyamu said the resignation was not to give room for
speculation or give impression that they were retiring from politics.

Pastor Ize-Iyamu cautioned them using against ‘throwing stones at the house we once inhabited, a
house we have many friends and many associates.
He said, “PDP and any other political party for that matter are not our enemies. Please refrain from any
attack that suggests that we are leaving PDP in anger or in bitterness. What is important is our primary
objective in politics, why we chose to be in politics.

“Many people have different reasons for being in politics but for most of us in this group we see
politics as an opportunity to represent our people, we see it as an opportunity to assess government and
bring the dividends, the benefits of government to our people and we cannot be fulfilled if we play
politics without being above to achieve these goals.

“People might call us names, but many understand why we have to do what we did. We have done what
we have done because we believe that we just assist to bring development to our people. We must assist
to bring solutions. It is not enough to just criticise and criticise. We want to be in the forefront of
providing solutions.

“We want to assure our brothers there that we are not coming to a strange place. APC is home to many
of us just like PDP was home. We are going into the APC with good intentions. We are not going there
to join factions. We are going to join APC. We are going there to help strengthen the party and we
intend to give our full allegiance to those in charge, those in authority. We will not undermine the
powers that be. We will not join in any fight or name calling but we have come with the best of
intentions.”

Joseph Odok: Wife Of Detained Critic Of Governor Ayade Seeks

Buhari Intervention
The wife of Joseph Odok, a Nigerian lawyer and critic of the Cross River governor, Ben Ayade, has
appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to intervene in her husband’s terrorism trial.

Mr Odok was arrested by the police on September 26 in Abuja and taken to Calabar where he was
charged with terrorism, an offence that could attract a death penalty if convicted.

“What they call terrorism, according to the prosecution counsel, is that he incited his community
people against another community,” Mr Odok’s lawyer, Oliver Osang, told PREMIUM TIMES. “The
charges are phantom charges, they are politically motivated.”

Mr Odok is being remanded in Calabar prison.

The lawyer’s arrest and incarceration is believed to have been instigated by the governor, Mr Ayade,
because of his constant criticism of the Cross River government.

In one of his posts on the social media site in September, Mr Odok described the governor as a “joker”.
“Ayade keeps getting it wrong with lofty projects. Why talk of Spaghetti flyover when you have not
maintained or completed a single road project from your first administration?” he wrote on Facebook.

“A man that can’t complete a single road keeps talking SuperHighWay, Deep Sea Port and now
Spaghetti flyover. This joke is getting out of hands.”

Mr Odok is also charged with cybercrime for allegedly accusing the chief of staff to Mr Ayade of being
a cultist.

My husband is innocent – Wife

Cecilia, the incarcerated lawyer’s wife, said her husband is innocent of the charges against him.

“How can someone perpetrate acts of terrorism without a gun or any gang?” she asked in an open letter
she wrote in November to President Muhammadu Buhari.

A copy of the letter was forwarded to PREMIUM TIMES by Mrs Odok.

Mrs Odok, in the letter, said her husband was being hounded not only because of his criticism of Mr
Ayade’s administration, but also because he (Mr Odok) is a member of Mr Buhari’s party, the All
Progressives Congress (APC) and an “ardent supporter” of the president.

She said Cross River state officials who were under police investigation for an alleged attempt on her
husband’s life were also the same people behind his current travails.

Mrs Odok asked President Buhari to direct the attorney general of the federation to take over the
terrorism case against her husband because, according to her, the Cross River government could
compromise the investigation and trial.

She also appealed to the president to direct an investigation into the alleged assassination attempt on
her husband.

“My decision to write you an open letter is because my husband’s earlier letter to you through the
office of your Chief of Staff was not attended to and the injustices against my husband have nose-dived
to unbearable level.

“In my husband’s earlier letter, he was duly introduced to you by the Cross River state APC Acting
Chairman, Sir John Ochala, who clearly stated the reasons for his persecutions to be because of his
support for your government and our great party APC,” Mrs Cecilia said in the letter.

An application by the police to withdraw the terrorism charges against Mr Odok has been rejected by
the court on the grounds that it is only the attorney general of the federation that is empowered by the
Nigerian Constitution to take such action.
ANAMBRA 50 YEAR DEVELOPMENT PLAN: Gov. Obiano
Inaugurates Committee.
Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra state today, Thursday, 21st November 2019 inaugurated the
Anambra 50-Year Development Plan Committee.

The Committee is chaired by former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Professor Charles
Chukwuma Soludo.

Other members of the Committee include Professor Solo Chukwulobelu, Chief Primus Odili, Barr Uju
Nworgu, Prof Kate Omenugha, Mr Ifeatu Onejeme, Mr Mark Okoye, Mr Patrick Okigbo, Engr Chris
Okoye, Mr Ben Akabjeze, Capt. Iheanacho Ebjbeogu, John Okakpu, Rtd. DIG Val Ntomchukwu, Mr
Valentine Ozigbo and Hon Chudi Offodile, Dr Ikem Odumodu.

Also on the list are Professor Enis Idemobi, Prof Uche Amazigo, Engr Emeka Eze, Dr Olisa Agbakoba
SAN, Mr Mac Atasie, Amb Emma Okafor, Mr CDon Adinuba, Chief Tony Onyima, Senator
Ikechukwu Obiorah, Air Vice Marshal Ben Chiobi, Mazi Chike Nwegbe, Mrs Uche Onwuamaegbu-
Ugwu, Chief Uche Nworah among others.

The committee has an initial period of nine months to conclude and submit their report to the State
government.

Inaugurating the Committee, Governor Obiano announced that composition of the members of the
Committee was on bi-partisan basis.

Membership was also drawn from non-Anambra indigenes.

He charged the Committee to craft 50-year development plan for Anambra state that Ndi
Anambra and the South East will be proud of.

Amongst other charges, he asked the Committee to craft a vision and mission statements for Anambra
state. Identify specific sectors the state should focus on, development measurements frameworks,
determine critical milestones and success factors etc.

The Governor said Anambra Vision 2070 plan is for the security, prosperity and happiness of Ndi
Anambra. The Committee was given 9 months to complete its assignment.

Tinubu, Akande, Yerima, Governors Attend APC National

Caucus Meeting
The National Leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and
the party’s first Interim National Chairman, Chief Bisi Akande, have arrived the State House, Abuja to
attend a meeting of National Caucus. Others who are attending the ongoing meeting include former
Governors of Zamfara and Gombe States, Ahmed Yarima and Danjuma Goje. A

Among the governors in attendance were Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi State; Mohammed Abubakar Badaru
of Jigawa State, and Deputy Governor of Kano State Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna among others.

Details later…

NEC Approves $250 Million investment For Nigeria Soverign

Investment Authority
OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT

PRESS RELEASE

NATIONAL ECONOMIC COUNCIL APPROVES ADDITIONAL $250M INVESTMENT FOR

NIGERIA SOVEREIGN INVESTMENT AUTHORITY

Having received a presentation of the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) business update,
and outlook, the National Economic Council on Thursday resolved to invest an additional $250 million
into the NSIA, the country's sovereign wealth fund.

The resolution was among other decisions taken at the 99th meeting of the council chaired by Vice
President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, in Abuja.

NEC is composed of the 36 State Governors, CBN Governor, the FCT Minister and other Federal
Government representatives.

In his presentation to NEC, the NSIA Managing Director, Mr Uche Orji said the agency made a profit
before tax of N42,036,469 while NSIA and its subsidiaries made a profit before tax of N46,185,074.

According to him, “the total comprehensive income by the year ending 31st December, 2018 made by
the NSIA Group amount to N44,337,108, while the amount made by the NSIA stood at N41,827,853.

“…irrespective of volatility in the market due to the US/China trade disputes and Brexit, the Group
made a total of N24 billion in total comprehensive income in the first 6 months of the year.”

The NSIA had earlier told council that it intends to “deploy Capital into the three road projects under
the Presidential Infrastructure Development Fund – to complete the Second Niger Bridge, Abuja –
Kano highway and Lagos – Ibadan Express way as well as the Mambilla Power Project.

“That the NSIA intends to create a number of co-investment funds, in the area of Healthcare,
Agriculture and Gas Projects.

“These projects worth N2.5 trillion, will be implemented under a business model, that includes the
payment of reasonable service charges (e.g. tolling of roads, electricity tariffs etc) after the projects
have been fully developed.”

Besides the additional $250 million, NEC also resolved that the "Governor of Kaduna State should
chair a NEC Committee to consider how a portion of Pension Funds can also be leveraged into
investment for the NSIA with possible involvement of PENCOM.

“The Committee will include the Finance Minister, CBN Governor and the NSIA MD.”

On the presentation by the Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Mr Olamilekan Adegbite on the
development of the solid minerals sector, the Council resolved that “there should be collaboration
between the Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development and the State Governments on
environmental issues and concerns in the States.”

Regarding community relationship with the miners, it was agreed that there should be a full time
engagement of the communities to avoid the mistakes made in the oil and gas sector.

Council also resolved that the Governor of Ekiti State and Chairman, Nigeria Governor’s Forum (NGF)
should constitute an Ad-hoc Committee involving Governors to engage with the Federal Ministry of
Mines and Steel Development to find ways of addressing all the issues involved towards a beneficial
development of the solid mineral sector.

On updates involving the Excess Crude Account (ECA), Stabilization Account and the Natural
Resources Development Fund Account, the Accountant General of the Federation told Council that “the
Excess Crude Account (ECA) balance as at 20th November, 2019 stood at 324,539,031.51, while the
Stabilization Account balance as at 20th November, 2019 was N29, 480, 483, 393.33, and Natural
Resources Development Fund Account balance as at 20th November, 2019 stood at N 79, 751,
649,521.54.

Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
21st November, 2019

Miyetti Allah Congratulates Yahaya Bello On Election Victory

The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has congratulated Governor
Yahaya Bello on his victory in the just concluded governorship election in Kogi State.

The state secretary of the organisation, Mr Mohammed Suleiman, said this in a statement issued in
Lokoja on Thursday.

Suleiman in his message, urged Bello to bring development to the state, in his second term, adding that
he should invest in programmes and projects that would impact better the lives of the people. He also
praised the Fulani in the state for going out in their numbers on the election day, voting for Bello, as
implored.

Suleiman also advised Fulani to resist any attempt to be used by aggrieved politicians to disrupt the
peace of the state and maintain peace.

As for those unsatisfied with the outcome of the election, he urged them to seek legal redress instead of
resorting to violence.

Pastor Aimola John Slumps, Dies After Defecting To APC In Edo

A cleric identified as Pastor Aimola John, has reportedly slumped and died shortly after joining Pastor
Osagie Ize-Iyamu to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress in Benin City yesterday.

Aimola, a former chairmanship candidate for Owan East Local Governemnt Area of Edo State, was
said to have been pronounced dead at the hospital he was rushed to.

He was said to have defected from the APC in 2015 alongside Pastor Ize-Iyamu to the PDP and was
among former PDP members that returned to the APC at the residence of Ize-Iyamu where he slumped.

Already, tributes have been pouring in for the late Aimola on the social media, where he was hailed as a
true loyal party man

Confirming his death last night, a former Secretary of Owan East, Mr. Godwin Imoudu, said late
Aimola was in Benin to defect to the APC.