Akeredolu To Adaba FM: Tell Your ‘Oga In Lagos’ To Build The Road To Your Station

Speaking to Adaba FM staff, Akeredolu said: "The road to TVC in Lagos was built by him. So, you can help us tell your Oga that this road is not too long for him to do in Ondo State. Or am I lying? No. It is not too long for him to construct."

Rotimi Akeredolu, Governor of Ondo State, has told staff of a private radio station, Adaba 88.9 FM, in Akure, to ask their ‘oga’ to construct the road that leads to the station.
Akeredolu, apparently referring to Bola Tinubu, who allegedly owns the radio station, said the station management could use the influence of its owner to ensure that the road is repaired.
He spoke at the dinner and award night to mark the station’s 10th anniversary, held at Bash Event Centre, Akure, on Friday.
Adaba 88.9 FM is a subsidiary of TVC communications, which has headquarters in Lagos.
According to Akeredolu, there was a time the road to the station was "so bad" that the Ondo State Government had to intervene, by grading it to become motorable.
He said: "The moment everybody sees Television Continental (TVC) and Adaba FM, they all know who the parents are, but I will not say more than that.
So, if we have these two big organisations and we all know who their parents are, it could be a form of Corporate Social Responsibility if they can help them build their road.
"We are not seeing much here in Ondo State, but a lot is being done in many places. The road to TVC in Lagos was built by him. So, you can help us tell your Oga that this road is not too long for him to do in Ondo State. Or am I lying? No. It is not too long for him to construct.
"It would not even take weeks to complete it, because they have all the machinery in Lagos to do it and they will make the road a better one. So, what we can do, we would do; what we cannot do, we would not do. We have a lot of challenges.”
Akeredolu commended the radio station for changing the political atmosphere in the state, stating that “Adaba was a child of circumstance and from what we know, it has been a voice for the voiceless in the state. Adaba FM birthed what I would call private radio ownership in the state, because I heard it is the first privately-owned radio station in Ondo State.”

CREDIT : SAHARA REPORTERS

NIGERIA: Senator Dino Melaye Commiserates With Smart Adeyemi On The Demise Of His Wife

The senator representing kogi west senatorial zone, senator Dino has taken to his twitter account to commiserate with senator Smart Adeyemi whose wife, Yemisi Smart Adeyemi died in the early hours of today after a brief illness. 
Senator Dino Melaye wrote : 

Sen. Smart Adeyemi accept my empathy over the loss of your beloved wife. It came as a rude shock. Our God who is the greatest comforter will comfort you in times like this. It is well with you. Affliction shall not arise again. God is your strenght. 
May the Almighty God grant you the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss. May her soul rest in peace.- Sen. Dino Melaye.

SPOTTED: Has APC Lost Sense Of Time?

In a letter of notice sent to INEC, APC said its presidential primary would hold on Saturday, September 19, 2018, while the primary to elect flag-bearers to contest for a seat in the House of Representatives would hold on Wednesday, September 19, 2018. It is unclear if APC would hold both primaries on September 19, 2018, which is a Wednesday, or on separate days.

It would seem there is some confusion regarding dates for the scheduled primaries of the All Progressive Congress (APC).
In a letter of notice sent to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), APC said its presidential primary would hold on Saturday, September 19, 2018, while the primary to elect flag-bearers to contest for a seat in the House of Representatives would hold on Wednesday, 19th of September, 2018.
It is unclear if APC would hold both primaries on September 19, 2018, which is a Wednesday, or on separate days.
The letter, dated August 17, 2018, was signed by Adams Oshiomhole, the party’s National Chairman, and bore the stamp indicating receipt by the electoral commission.
In a similar but separate incident, the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) of the Nigeria Police Force invited a reporter with the PremiumTimes for questioning, with a wrongly dated letter, signed by an Assistant Commissioner of Police.

Police announce six new steps to reform SARS

The Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, has ordered members of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) to wear police uniforms with full identification, pending the launch of new FSARS uniform.
The force spokesman, Acting Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Jimoh Moshood, said in a statement in Abuja on Friday that Mr Idris gave the order at a meeting with critical stakeholders.
Mr Moshood said that Mr Idris was represented by the Deputy Inspector-General of police in charge of operations, Habila Joshak.
He said that the meeting was convened to brief the stakeholders on the progress made so far in the overhaul of the SARS now known as Federal SARS.
The police boss said that the overhaul of SARS was beyond rhetoric as strategic reforms were being implemented.
He said that the FSARS operatives had been ordered to desist from attending to civil or commercial matters henceforth and focus strictly on armed robbery and kidnapping cases only.
According to Mr Moshood, the Commissioner of Police in charge of FSARS, Habiru Gwandu, informed the meeting that a human rights desk had been created in the 36 states of the federation and FCT.
He said that the desks would address cases of infractions against members of the public by FSARS personnel across the nation.
Mr Gwandu added that the police had engaged the services of psychologists and counsellors in the ongoing screening of FSARS operatives.
On his part, the DCP in charge of the I-G’s X-Squad, Amaechi Elumelu, said in the statement that the screening and mobilisation of FSARS operatives would not be business as usual again.

He said that FSARS operatives would undergo through rigorous orientation including human rights training among other screening processes.
Mr Elumelu said that the I-G would soon unveil the Custody Records Management System.
He explained that this system would contain the records of arrests, detentions and welfare details of suspects.
The commissioner said that this system would discourage arbitrary arrest of people and ensure that suspects were charged to court within 24 hours, in compliance with the law.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that then Acting President Yemi Osinbajo on August 14, directed the immediate overhaul of the SARS.
CREDIT : (NAN)

I Didn’t Walk 800m To Prove My Fitness To Anybody, Says Buhari

"Much has been said about my walk in Daura, a few days ago. I didn’t do it to prove my fitness to anybody. The people of my constituency came out in large numbers to see me and the car in which I was had tinted windows. So I decided to come out of the car so the people could see me," Buhari said.

President Muhammadu Buhari has reacted to the statement by his spokesman, Garba Shehu, on his 800m walk.
According to the President, whose walk was described as significant of his fitness to contest re-election, he didn't walk to "prove any fitness to anybody".
He said he came out of the car, which had tinted windows, so that the people could see him. He also restated his determination not to be distracted by politicking.
In a series of tweets via his personal handle, @MBuhari, he said he isn't given to "chasing cheap political points", noting that he "doesn't need to walk to convince anyone" about his health and the decision to seek reelection.
The posts read: "Much has been said about my walk in Daura, a few days ago. I didn’t do it to prove my fitness to anybody. The people of my constituency came out in large numbers to see me and the car in which I was had tinted windows. So I decided to come out of the car so the people could see me.
"People who know me know that I am not given to chasing cheap political points. The crowd in Daura were not seeing me, so I came out of the car so they could see me. I didn’t and don’t need to walk to convince anyone about my health and the decision to contest for a second term."
"I remain very grateful to the people for their enthusiastic reception. And let me say that we will not be distracted by politicking or anything else. The security and welfare of all Nigerians, young, old, female, male, remain our priority."
Much has been said about my walk in Daura,a few days ago. I didn’t do it to prove my fitness to anybody. The people of my constituency came out in large numbers to see me, & the car in which I was had tinted windows. So I decided to come out of the car so the people could see me.
— Muhammadu Buhari (@MBuhari)
August 24, 2018
People who know me know that I am not given to chasing cheap political points. The crowd in Daura were not seeing me so I came out of the car so they could see me. I didn’t and don’t need to walk to convince anyone about my health and the decision to contest for a second term.
— Muhammadu Buhari (@MBuhari)
August 24, 2018
I remain very grateful to the people for their enthusiastic reception. And let me say that we will not be distracted by politicking or anything else. The security and welfare of all Nigerians, young, old, female, male, remain our priority.
— Muhammadu Buhari (@MBuhari)
August 24, 2018

CREDIT :SAHARA REPORTERS

IPOB: Court orders release of protesting women, strikes out case

A Magistrate Court in Owere, Imo State, has ordered the release of over 100 women detained after a protest demanding the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB.
The women were arrested on August 18 and detained following allegations of alleged treason and unlawful assembly among other offences.
There have been campaigns and demands for their release, especially on social media. PREMIUM TIMES reported how Global rights group, Amnesty International, on Friday condemned the detention of the women protesters describing it as a violation of their rights.
In an interview on Friday, the lawyer representing the women, Sam Amadi, confirmed their release, saying they were let off following a directive of the Imo State director of public prosecution.
“Yes, they have been released. The DPP gave a directive for the case against them to be struck out, earlier today and we took it to the magistrate, along with the detained women. The court ordered the immediate release of the women. All them who came to the court were released from there.
“Only about 12 of them who were not in this prison are expected to be released from the Okigwe prison where they are held. The case has also been struck out,” Mr Amadi said.
Earlier on Friday, the Takeitback Movement spearheaded by Omoyele Sowore, a presidential aspirant of African Action Congress (AAC), demanded the release of the women.
“We strongly protest the unjust detention of over 100 Nigerian women in Owerri, Imo State, and are outraged at the biased treatment of Nigerians in their own country,” the movement said in a statement by its Director of Media and Communication, Rachel Onamusi-Kpiasi.
“Nigerians are slaughtered mercilessly at an increasingly disturbing frequency by herdsmen and the present government neither speaks nor acts. There have been zero arrests of the perpetrators and no compensation for the surviving victims. Boko Haram has decimated the North with scant retribution save for the present government swelling their coffers in ransom money.
“But women – our mothers, wives and sisters – who carried out a peaceful protest and caused neither harm nor disturbance to civic peace are quickly rounded up like cattle.”

The group said the government’s disregard for human rights of citizens is a disrespect for human life.
“The government’s disregard of the fundamental human rights of her citizens, as well as the reports of starvation of the arrested women since their incarceration points to a disrespect for human life and well-being. Carrying IPOB memorabilia can never be sufficient justification for this gross miscarriage of justice.
“The TakeitBack Movement fundamentally believes that all Nigerians have a right to peaceful protests. We also believe that raising questions about the restructuring of Nigeria is an inalienable right.
”Again, we ask, where is the justice? While men, who have maimed and killed hundreds walk around free and unfettered, our mothers from the South-east are in prison for raising a flag. We demand the immediate release of these women,” the group said.

CREDIT : PREMIUM TIME

The Irony of Nigerian leaders by Sunday Best

Nigerians I find it so foolish that Nigerian govt his seeking for foreign investment in Nigeria, How Can those who will called our leaders earn so much money , Millions has there monthly payment, yet they could not Invest in there own country,

How can those who will called our leaders thief the Nigerian govt Money that belong to all the citizens yet, they find it difficult to invest the stealing money in The country,

Nigerians, Biafrans Let Us think well Now before It will be late, We Nigerians who are still A Member of PDP APC please with due respect and for the sack of the little children growing up not to suffer the way we did, Should begin to decamped from PDP APC Now Massively,

Nigerian Citizens Please enough is enough, Let us try a New person from Other Political Party, Let us SUPPORT Sowore Nigerians He has the mind, courage everything it takes to make Nigeria a better place,

Buhari has no investment in Nigeria, Bukola Saraki Has no Investment In Nigeria , Atiku Has no Investment In Nigeria Many of these political thieves who will called our leaders has zero Investment In Nigeria Even does who clams they has Investment Please My fellow Nigerians ASK them How dose there Investment Improve the standard living of Nigerians , Did they really invest where it will benefit all Nigerians or they invest where only them will always prosper why others remain in poverty at the end of the day the blame God for making others poor,

Biafrans IPOB Nigerians wherever you claim to belong to because of failure of Nigeria govt in Nigeria , I want you to know we all are still Nigerians for Now SO for these We need to take a serious action to make Nigeria work for us, after we can organise a referendum to remain one Nigeria or Not,

IPOB please We Need to vote Next year Buhari APC PDP must be deleted from Nigeria Govt Next year, WE can do it MY IGBO Brothers and Sisters, I am Still looking forward to see Omoyele Sowore Meeting With the Leaders of IPOB in NIGERIA and OUTSIDE Nigeria,

I am looking forward seeing Kingsley Moghalu and Omoyele Sowore Working together One of them should become a vice president to One, Omoyele Sowore need Kingsley Moghalu Now, Both of them must Pay a serious vist to IPOB leaders to Calm them down and make a serious agreement that will benifit all Nigerians,

My fellow Nigerians Let me make it clear to You UN USA EU dose not care about Africa, What they care about his to make sure Africa continue to benefit them economically, So for our country Nigeria to work for us we need to apply some intelligence, Philosophy, Nigerians we all know where we have got it wrong in Nigeria all we needed to do now is to correct it,

Nigerians Atiku , Bukola Saraki, Buhari and so on who will called our leaders right did not care about making Nigeria a better place because if they do , they will not be seeking for foreign investment rather their Investment will be attracting Investors into Nigeria,

Omoyele Sowore and Kingsley Moghalu Should join forces together, I have A dream AAC WILL WIN NEXT YEAR ELECTION , I SEE OMOYELE AND KINGSLEY MOGHALU IN THE ASO VILLA if Both agree to work along said If Not Buhari will Win next year election because of absent of IPOB did Not Vote, Buhari Knows If IPOB did Not vote he will win that is why he has confidence of winning next year, but When Omoyele will take a move to seek for IPOB involvement, My fellow Nigerians You will see so many actions taking to stop Omoyele Sowore and Kingsley Moghalu,

AAC Take It Back Nigerians One Love

BY : SUNDAY BEST

Ugandan Police surround homes of opposition members

Ugandan police have surrounded the homes of several opposition politicians and lawyers after receiving what a police spokesman said was information that they would “incite people to riot” over a court hearing for a detained opposition lawmaker.

The detention of lawmaker Robert Kyagulanyi and four other politicians critical of President Yoweri Museveni triggered two days of anti-government demonstrations in the capital Kampala and other parts of the country this week.

Kyagulanyi attended a military court hearing in the northern town of Gulu on Thursday.

Ugandan police spokesman Emilian Kayima said that the opposition leaders whose homes were surrounded had been placed under “preventative arrest” to try to prevent further unrest.

“We have intelligence reports that these leaders were inciting people to riot yet they have other lawful avenues, like petitioning a higher court, to seek redress about their fate of their colleague,” Kayima told Reuters.

“We don’t want to experience what we went through on Monday,” he said, referring to a demonstration in Kampala at which Ugandan police fired tear gas and military units were deployed to disperse protesters.

Representatives of several prominent opposition politicians said on social media they had been prevented from leaving home. An aide to one of the politicians, Kizza Besigye, who contested and lost four elections against Museveni, said on Facebook that Besigye had planned to attend Kyagulanyi’s court appearance.

Kyagulanyi, a musician-turned-lawmaker who goes by the stage name Bobi Wine, and the four other lawmakers were arrested on Aug. 13 on suspicion of involvement in the stoning of a presidential convoy during a parliamentary by-election campaign.

Kyagulanyi was charged on Aug. 16 with unlawful possession of weapons and ammunition while three other lawmakers and dozens of other people were charged with treason.

The musician, whose songs are stingingly critical of Museveni’s government, has a large youth following. He entered parliament last year.

CREDIT : NAN

Akwa Ibom APC can’t go far with Akpabio in 2019 –Attah

A former governor of Akwa Ibom State, Victor Attah, has doubted the capacity of ex-governor of the state, Senator Godswill Akpabio,  to ensure victory for the All Progressives Congress in the state in 2019.

Akpabio, who quit as the Senate Minority Leader recently defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to the APC.

Attah said, “If APC manages to win Akwa Ibom today, it would be in spite of rather than because of Akpabio. This is because if you leave it to Akpabio, I really don’t believe APC can go far in Akwa Ibom State. This is what I know to be the situation.’’

The ex-governor, who spoke with journalists in Lagos on Thursday, said the APC celebrated Akpabio at the national level and that it was a completely different story at the state level.

He added, “There is a saying in my home town that ‘if you manage to cook a pot of soup, cover it properly because if you allow unworthy creatures like cockroaches, millipedes to crawl in, they make it sour.’ This may just happen to the APC at the state level. As an elder statesmen and an objective observer of what is going on in Akwa Ibom, there was a time I would have said that Akwa Ibom had become at least 80 per cent APC. I wouldn’t have been wrong.’’

Attah also stated that there was a time the whole state was PDP and there were fights among the members, adding, “Suddenly, Akpabio came and many moved to the APC. But today, there are defections as many of them returned to the PDP. The APC in Akwa Ibom has to be careful otherwise they could turn their pot of soup completely sour by certain things they are doing.’’

According to him, at the national level, the PDP took a rookie first-time senator and gave him a ranking position.

He noted, “The leader of the opposition is the leader of that party in the Senate. You sang his praises and celebrated him. He leaves your party and you say he is a criminal and running away from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.”

CREDIT : PUNCH NG

Sagay Advises FG To Fund INEC's 2019 Election Budget Without National Assembly's Approval

"The overriding necessity and imperative of elections and democracy simply override the power of National Assembly. If the National Assembly refuses or fails to approve the budget for election, the doctrine of necessity will validate the provision of the funds without the National Assembly’s approval," Sagay stated.
Itse Sagay, Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption (PACAC), has proposed a solution for the Federal Government to approve funds for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), without awaiting the approval of the National Assembly.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Sagay noted that the seeming delay by the National Assembly on approving funds for the 2019 elections would have negative impact on democracy.
"If elections are not held, it will mean the collapse of our democracy, leading to chaos and anarchy," he said.
"The question that arises is simple. Which is more critical to democracy and the survival of Nigeria: Is it (1) the power of the National Assembly to approve budgets or (2) the survival of democracy and Nigeria itself?
“If the survival of democracy is more important and fundamental to Nigeria’s existence, then failure to approve the budget for elections will trigger the doctrine of necessity, thus compelling the funding of election without the approval of the National Assembly.
“It is simply a question of the survival of democracy and the continued existence of Nigeria. The power of approval of budget is just a single item in the whole of the Constitution. On the contrary, elections and democracy which they support, constitute what the whole Constitution is about.”
Proposing a solution, he said: “The overriding necessity and imperative of elections and democracy simply override the power of National Assembly. If the National Assembly refuses or fails to approve the budget for election, the doctrine of necessity will validate the provision of the funds without the National Assembly’s approval.”
However, Senator Suleiman Nazif, Co-Chairman of the National Assembly Joint Committee on INEC, has said the committee will reconvene on August 27 to conclude work on the INEC budget submitted to it by President Muhammadu Buhari.

CREDIT :SAHARA REPORTERS

PDP WILL PRODUCE PRESIDENT IN 2019, SAYS SARAKI

Senate President Abubakar Bukola Saraki yesterday said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) would win the 2019 general election and produce a new president for the country.

He stated this in Ilorin, Kwara State capital, while addressing ward and local council delegates from the old and new members of the PDP in the state during a harmonisation meeting held at the Government House Banquet Hall.

Saraki, who said confidently that ‘the future is better and brighter than the past,’ promised to ensure cohesion between the old and new party members in the state.

He assured the delegates that he would only support the best and the most popular candidates among the people.

Besides, he warned party elders and other structures against dropping his name in the contest.

“In 2019, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will produce the president. If we emerge victorious at the federal level, all of us will be the beneficiaries. In the state, with your support, we will win the state too. All of you here are the key players in Kwara politics. With unity of purpose, no party can contest with you.

“We are here to unite all of us under the party we belong to today. I am assuring all members that there will be equity, internal democracy and justice. It is not going to be winners take all. As far as I am concerned, everybody here today belongs to our political structure. There is nothing like old or new Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). We have all become one PDP.

“I am very sure that the future is bigger and brighter than the past. I want all of us to be united for the progress and development of Kwara State. Where we are today as far as I am concerned, all of you belong to me. As per the politics of the state, nobody can wrest the power from us if we are united. By the grace of us in the forthcoming elections, we will emerge victorious both at the federal and state levels.

“We will ensure that we work as one party, because we have always worked together before. We will see that all the wards and local councils’ popular candidates emerge based on their popularity and acceptability. I want to emphasis it that I don’t have any anointed candidate at all levels. I don’t have candidates for state Assembly, it is the person you want in your constituency that I will okay. Don’t allow anybody to deceive you that I have endorsed any candidate.

“I implore party leaders and elders not to drop my name to impose unpopular candidates. I don’t have candidate for the National Assembly. All of us will collectively choose who becomes the next governor. There will be equity, internal democracy and justice.

“We will ensure that there is no faction but one PDP.”

Meanwhile, a newly-formed pressure group, the Draft Saraki Movement (DSM), yesterday gave Saraki a seven-day ultimatum to contest the 2019 presidential election.

It also said his refusal to decline or heed the call will mean a great disservice to the populace.

In a communique issued in Abuja and signed by its National Coordinator and Secretary, Abdallah Maiyaki Anas and Ephraim Egbuojah Japheth respectively, the movement stated that given Saraki’s pedigree and sacrifice in standing with the Nigerian people despite all forms of intimidation, his wealth of experience in public service will turnaround the act of governance in the country.

The group said the uncommon leadership qualities exhibited by Saraki had not only endeared him to the Nigerian electorate, but gave hope to the common man.

Former pro-Buhari man begins trek against APC from Lagos to Abuja

A former supporter of President Muhammadu Buhari, Isa Mohammed Munlaila, on Thursday began trekking to Abuja from Lagos in protest at what he called the failure of the ruling party, All Progressives Congress to provide jobs for Nigerian youths.

According to PM NEWS Munlaila lamented that people were suffering as the standard of living had gone up, adding that the president had failed to fulfill his promises to the people.

“Actually, I want to show my disappointment for this APC. As you can see, the youths of this country are very angry. APC promised us heaven on earth, they promised us three million jobs in a year, but now, we don’t even have 500,000 jobs in four year,” he said.

Munlaila carried a small box painted green and red with “R.I.P A.P.C.” written on the red painted part.

Munlaila claimed to have walked from Lagos to Lokoja in 2015 in support of Buhari and the Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello.

Why I believe APC will lose 2019 elections – Sowore

The presidential aspirant of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoleye Sowore, has said the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has failed in all its promises and will lose in the 2019 general election.
Mr Sowore, publisher of Sahara Reporters, disclosed this on Channels TV Politics today on Wednesday while responding to questions on his chances of winning the 2019 presidential election.
He claimed that the current administration has failed in areas of security and improving the living condition of the people.
Mr Sowore said the ruling party is relying on propaganda to win the 2019 election.
“The party (APC) is a disaster, their programmes have not been implemented, they came that they want to protect the country in the areas of security but the story, you know as it is unfolding in Benue today, the Fulani herdsmen, you just have more ‘openings’.
“This government is going down, there is no question about it, and they know they are going down. They have some kind of false confidence that they could get unto the public because they have impoverished the public that they think if they distribute N5,000 in the next general election, they will be able to convince people and win the election. This is not confidence, it is arrogance and it is going to lead to political suicide,” Mr Sowore said.
The aspirant also said he believes Nigeria has become the poverty capital of the world.
“Nigeria just recently became the poverty capital of the world, taking over from India, that happened during the Buhari regime. A lot of killing of the military and civilians are still going on.
“The APC people are very good at propaganda. That is why we call them ‘All Propaganda Congress’.They have been able to lie in three years, they can’t lie (to) themselves now. They want to lie to win the next election.”
“And now they are buying votes, where do they get the money to buy votes in Ekiti? That’s because they have engaged in the same kind of political corruption the PDP engaged in then.”

Sowore Wants To Debate Buhari, Other Presidential Aspirants

Presidential aspirant of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has expressed the desire to debate President Muhammadu Buhari of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and other presidential aspirants.

Sowore said this on Wednesday during an interview on Channels Television programme, Politics Today. He said presidential aspirants should be bold enough to participate in debates about policies and projects they will execute if they become president.

He added that young and new presidential aspirants should also be given the audience and the opportunity to challenge older aspirants through debate.

“If want you to be more serious, you should be bringing these presidential candidates to debate us. Buhari should be brought out. The media should force them out of their hiding. Let them come and debate the future of Nigeria,” he said.

He argued that contrary to claims, young people have come up with alternatives to the current leaders.

“These alternatives will kick out the old guards in 2019,” Sowore declared.

He stressed that younger presidential aspirants are the viable alternative to President Buhari and are capable of doing much more in directing affairs of the nation if elected.

“The alternative is here, that is what we should be debating. We should be talking about the fresh ideas that we are bringing on the table.

“In Nigeria, when we have people like us who have capacity, character, and integrity. We’ve got stamina, intellect, history, and pedigree.

“Young people are here to take their country to the next level of prosperity. We want to say goodbye to poverty, incompetence and lackluster kind of leadership that we’ve had in Nigeria,” he said.

Sowore claimed that President Buhari is not willing to speak at a presidential debate because he “is hiding under one finger and by the time you take him out, it will be very obvious that they are no longer capable.”

Also the publisher of Sahara Reporters, Sowore is the founder of AAC, one of the new political parties recently registered by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

CREDIT : CHANNELS TV

Buhari focused on taking Nigerians out of poverty, says Osinbajo

Nigeria’s vice president, Yemi Osinbajo said the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration is focused on the welfare of the common man and eradication of poverty.

Osinbajo, who spoke at a townhall meeting in Bariga area of Lagos said the government’s programmes were geared towards improving lifestyle of the average Nigerian.

“The President’s focus has always been on the common man,” Osinbajo said.

“So, when we came, we decided on a few things to tackle youth unemployment; first, the N-Power programme to engage as many young people who are graduates as possible.”

“We started with 200,000, and just this month, we have employed another 300,000,” the Vice President continued

“So, in our N-Power programme, we have 500,000 young graduates who are employed in the programme. Now every local government in Nigeria has N-Power graduate.”

Osinbajo assured Nigerians that the Buhari administration remains committed to supporting traders to artisans and mechanics.

He listed other interventions as Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP), a micro-credit scheme for market women and TraderMoni for petty traders, of which at least 100,000 would benefit in Lagos and two million traders across the country.

800m Trek: Omoyele Sowore Mocks Buhari, Atiku,

–Says I ran NYC marathon race in 2017 and finished under 4hrs
Omoyele Sowore has taken to his tweeter page to mock President Muhammadu Buhari and his followers for celebrating 800 meters walk yesterday as a sign of fitness to serve a second term in office as the president of Nigeria.
He also mocked former vice-president Atiku Abubakar for celebrating 1 mile walk on a treadmill a few hours later that President Buhari broke the news of his 800 meters walk.
Sowore, a presidential aspirant, said that in 2017, he ran an NYC marathon race and finished under 4hours, saying that, it is a proof that he is the most qualified to be Nigeria’s President in 2019.
His tweet read:
“@ngrpresident Buhari is celebrating an 800m walk as a sign of fitness, a few hours later another aspirant Abubakar @atiku is celebrating 1 mile on a treadmill. In 2017, I ran @nycmarathon and finished under 4hrs You can now guess who is most qualified to be Nigeria’s President. “

Rebuild Ayefele’s Fresh FM or face legal action – SERAP threatens Ajimobi

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, (SERAP) has demanded that the Governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, rebuilds the demolished building of Fresh FM owned by popular juju musician, Yinka Ayefele, or face national and international legal actions.

The  letter reads in part: “We have information to suggest that the destruction of Fresh FM was based on political considerations and retaliation against the radio station on purported allegations of defamation against you.

“The facts suggest that the demolition of Fresh FM building failed to comply with the principle of lawfulness and reasonableness. The demolition was neither done in the public interest nor carried out to achieve a legitimate aim.

“This apparently unlawful action has set a bad precedent, and created a high level of uncertainty and anxiety among many radio stations and other media organizations in Oyo State about the future because of the likelihood of their buildings being demolished when they are deemed to broadcast views which the Oyo State authorities may consider too critical or ‘defamatory’.”

“By going ahead to demolish the Fresh FM building despite being served with the court papers in the case filed by the station, you implicitly obstructed access of the radio station and their owners to appropriate forms of legal protection, contrary to the provisions of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights to which Nigeria is a state party and which is legally binding on the government of Oyo State.

“SERAP is seriously concerned that the Oyo State authorities carried out the demolition of Fresh FM building with wilful disregard for the dignity, health, and safety of residents and the owner, who is a person with disabilities. The demolition of the radio station has now exposed residents to the elements and the public to the risk of complete collapse of the building.

“We urge Governor Abiola Ajimobi to ensure full and effective respect for the rights to freedom of expression and media freedom in Oyo State.

“We request that you take this step within 7 days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter, failing which SERAP will take national and international legal actions to compel your government to act in the public interest and the overall interest of the rule of law.

“Since your government’s action in this case suggests serious disregard for the safety and welfare of the residents of Fresh FM, the authorities’ conduct may have risen to a level of severity so as to constitute inhuman and degrading treatment of residents and owner, contrary to the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 (as amended) and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights to which Nigeria is a state party.

“Your government has reportedly cut water, sewer, electricity, gas, and telephone lines to the radio station, rendering it uninhabitable and incapable of discharging its constitutional duties of informing the citizens and ensuring that government is both responsible and accountable to the people.

“We contend that the action by your government has no basis in our laws, which provide that no public authorities must resort to self-help and carry out forced evictions and demolitions without a properly obtained court order. Your government’s action also violates Nigeria’s international human rights obligations, including its obligations under the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights to protect private property.

“Your government has responded to the demolition of Fresh FM building on Sunday 19 August 2018, claiming that it demolished the building worth over N800 million because your government was ‘carrying out its statutory role in the public interest. Your government claimed it gave “ample opportunity for Fresh FM to regularise its building plan”. Your government also claimed the demolition of the Fresh FM building was not politically motivated.

“However, available facts reveal that the demolition may have been influenced by political considerations, and done in retaliation for alleged defamation by Fresh FM. SERAP has seen an audio recording of you at the radio station in 2016 wherein you claimed to be under pressure from some of the members of your cabinet to demolish Fresh FM building on the ground that the radio station and its owner Mr Yinka did not support your political ambition but that you resisted the pressure to demolish.

“SERAP has also seen a letter dated 3rd July 2018 and signed by your Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice Oluseun Abimbola wherein you alleged ‘libellous broadcast by Fresh FM 105.9.’ The letter claimed that during a programme “Political Circuit” on Fresh FM on Saturday 30th June 2018, the radio station ‘falsely accused, maliciously and wickedly misled the public and the entire world’ on your alleged interest in a private company.’

“Assuming there was a legitimate claim in defamation against Fresh FM, the proper venue for you and your government would have been to seek legal redress in court and not to resort to self-help in the form of arbitrary demolition of the radio station building.

“The UN General Assembly has recognized the “fundamental obligation of governments (including that of Oyo State) to protect and improve houses and neighbourhoods, rather than damage or destroy them.

“Further, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, in Article 17 provides: ‘Everyone has the right to own property alone as well as in association with others. No one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his property.’ Similarly, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights to which Nigeria is a state party provides in Article 14: ‘The right to property shall be guaranteed. It may only be encroached upon in the interest of public need or in the general interest of the community and in accordance with the provisions of appropriate laws.’”

CREDIT : DAILY POST 

My father died preparing for Eid-el-Kabir, says LASU Registrar’s daughter

A one-time Registrar of the Lagos State University (LASU), Mr. Owolabi Amisu, passed on early on Tuesday morning while preparing for the Eid-el-Kabir prayers, according to his eldest daughter, Joke.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Amisu, who was appointed registrar in 1998, held sway until 2004.
A native of Epe in Lagos State, Amisu died at the age of 71, according to the family. Grieving over the father’s death, Joke told NAN: “It is very disheartening and shocking.”

She said he was not sick until he passed on suddenly.
“My daddy woke up sound and healthy early this morning to prepare for Eid-el-Fitri prayers.
“Not until 8.00 am that he complained of a slight headache and we immediately rushed him to Epe General Hospital for treatment. But he could not survive it as he gave up the ghost at 9.00 am, ” she said.
Meanwhile, condolences have poured in for the family of the late LASU Registrar, among is from a Lagos lawmaker, Mr Segun Olulade, who described him as a knowledgeable and intelligent man.
According to him, Amisu had identified some societal problems and proffered corrective measures.
“Amisu will be sorely missed by all in Epe division because he always put his deep knowledge and understanding of academics at the disposal of people.
I am deeply saddened by the death of the former registrar. But as a believer, we must take every occurrence as the will of God.
I condole with his immediate family, the Muslim community and Epe,” Olulade told NAN in Epe.
He urged youths particularly in the area to emulate his exemplary life style.
The Chairman, Eredo Local Government, Mr Adeniyi Saliu, expressed sadness over the death of Amisu, describing it as a great loss to Epe, Eredo community and the academia.
He will be remembered for his boldness, courageous stance and wealth of knowledge which marked him out in the present day Nigeria,” he also told NAN.
Also, Mrs Aderonke Ige, the immediate past Registrar, Lagos State Polytechnic, said: “His death is shocking to me because I talk to him virtually everyday.
I did not expect him to leave us so soon. I will miss him greatly and his wealth of knowledge.
He is well known in the academic environment as an intelligent and courageous man.”

Resign or we will force you out - Miyetti Allah reportedly tells Saraki

- The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association allegedly condemned Senate president Saraki’s leadership

- The association reportedly said that Saraki has created numerous problems for the Buhari-led government

- It, therefore, allegedly called for the Senate president’s resignation

The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association on Tuesday, August 21, allegedly warned the president of Senate, Bukola Saraki, to resign his position immediately or be forced to do so.

The Punch reports that the national coordinator of the association in Benue state, Alhaji Garus Gololo, gave the warning in an interview with its correspondent in Makurdi.

According to the newspaper, Gololo said Saraki had created numerous problems for the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, which he said had affected the economic and social growth of the nation.

“It is on this note that we are saying that Saraki ought not to be in office again as Senate president, more so, Saraki has failed to coordinate and organise the National Assembly to offer quality legislation that Nigerians need.

“Nigerians are in dire need of people that have the interest of the masses. Miyetti Allah is looking for a leader that would preside over the affairs of the Senate with ultimate respect for the executive and the judiciary, not someone like Senator Saraki that would always scheme to outdo the presidency.

“We are now tired of Saraki’s style of leadership at the National Assembly. Therefore, we are now warning him to honourably resign his position as president of the Senate or we will force him out”, Gololo reoportedly said.

Reacting to the comment by Governor Ortom accusing a former Lagos state commissioner of police, Abubakar Tsav, of being an agent of the Miyetti Allah, Gololo said Tsav was not a member of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association or a Fulani man by tribe and couldn’t have been an agent of the Miyetti Allah.

He allegedly urged governor Ortom to face his problem with the EFCC and leave Miyetti Allah alone.

“Ortom should forget about anything called Miyetti Allah and grazing law and fight for his re-election because Benue people and his new party (PDP) have rejected him,” Gololo said, adding that the PDP would not give him the ticket to run in the 2019 governorship election in the state.

Meanwhile, NAIJ.com had previously reported that Saraki on Monday, August 20, replied the national leader of the APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, saying the latter was accommodating inadequacies in the party because of his presidential ambition for 2023.

Saraki said this in response to a letter reportedly written by Tinubu giving reasons why the Senate president and others left the APC.

The Senate president noted that he had at several times complained to Tinubu and a host of party leaders in the APC about administrator of Muhammadu Buhari as well as the need to carry critical stakeholders along.

CREDIT : NAIJA.COM

My faith in NYSC remains unshaken – Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari said, yesterday, that his faith in National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, remained unshaken.

The President, who spoke in Daura while receiving corps members serving in the town, said it was better to know about the country than for people to be state-inclined.
President Buhari is currently spending his Sallah break in his howntown, Daura, which has become part of his schedule during Sallah celebrations in the past three years.
While reaffirming his support for the scheme established in 1973, Buhari said: “It is better to know all about the country than for people to be state-inclined.
“I always look forward to meeting the NYSC team because I served mostly in the south when I was in the military.” He said during his military career, many people did not know much outside their immediate environment.
“For them (NYSC members) to be brought to the desert or near the Sahel region is a very difficult thing but it will make an impact on Nigeria.
“I have personally spoken to Gen. Gowon to thank him for having the initiative to start the NYSC programme. It is very good for Nigeria.”
He also welcomed the corps members to the ancient town of Daura and asked them to enjoy their service year.
Buhari also expressed delight over Nigeria’s steady progress toward food sufficiency.
The president made his feelings known when he fielded questions from reporters at his private residence in Daura.
He thanked Almighty God for a bumper harvest being recorded across the country.
“I hope the rainy season will be as good as the previous ones so that there would be plenty of food so that we may even completely stop importation of food items,” he added.
The President wished all Nigerians a happy and successful celebration and expressed delight that the country was spending less on food importation.
According to him, the development is a major boost to the agricultural policies of his administration.
On the mammoth crowd chanting ‘Sai Baba’ on his way back home after performing the Eid-el Kabir prayer at Daura Eid ground, the President said he did not expect anything less from his ‘immediate constituency’.
In his remarks, the Corps Liaison Officer, Jibrin Ishak, thanked the President for prioritising the welfare of the youth to secure their future through his style of leadership and developmental initiatives.
“The voice of the people is the voice of God and by the grace of God, we pray that in 2019, you will continue to be President of Nigeria to do more for us,” Mr Ishak said.

CREDIT : VANGUARD

Buhari has demonstrated his fitness for second term by trekking 800 metres —Presidency

The Presidency said President Muhammadu Buhari has demonstrated his fitness to run for a second term by trekking 800 metres from the Eid praying ground in Daura to his private residence.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that, after the Eid prayers, President Buhari shunned protocol and opted to trek some 800 metres, acknowledging cheers from Nigerians who lined up on his home route to catch a glimpse of him.

A presidential aspirant and incumbent governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal, last week alleged that Buhari was “too old’’ to rule the country beyond 2019.

According to Tambuwal, “President Muhammadu Buhari is just too old to be Nigeria’s leader, despite his integrity and impeccable character.” Tambuwal stated this during a solidarity visit of students and youth in Sokoto, last week.

“We love President Buhari and that was why we supported him in 2015 unconditionally, and while doing that, we are too sure that he will seek re-election after his first term. But when things are wrong, we have to tell him.

“We still believe in his integrity, patriotism and courage, but these are not enough for a leader.

“We all know that there is a vacuum in the government occasioned by his indisposition probably because of his old age or health condition.

“That is why Nigerians are yearning for younger ones to lead this country.’’

However, Malam Garba Shehu, the President’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, said the trekking by the president was a positive response to Tambuwal’s diatribe.

“I think there are two things here; one is to say that the President is responsive to the enormous support and commitment of his own people that had come out in their numbers to see him and he just decided that he couldn’t go on riding in a black vehicle and he came out and walked to the distance.

“The second thing, he is curious that these days, one or two people who are aspiring to be president are campaigning on their youthfulness and good health.

“I think the president has done one thing today – that the issue is not how old one is but how fit he is ; how healthy he is. Now that the president has proven his fitness and well-being to continue in office is a settled matter

“I think that if people want to campaign against him they should do so on issues that are of significance to Nigerians. The President is fit, he is healthy; he is good to go for second term,’’ he said.

CREDIT : NAN

Saraki locks horns with Tinubu on defection to PDP

Senate President Bukola Saraki has accused the national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu , of supporting President Muhammadu Buhari for selfish reasons . He was reacting to Sunday’ s statement by Tinubu who claimed Saraki defected to the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) because he wanted an automatic return ticket.
“I will not allow him (Tinubu ) to create a wrong , false and mischievous impression about the reasons for my decision to exit the APC and present his prejudice as facts for public consumption, ” Saraki said in a counter statement yesterday . Tinubu had said : “ If Saraki remained in the APC, he would be unable to reclaim his Senate seat let alone the Senate presidency. He thus bolted because he lusts for the presidency but was promised by the PDP , at least , a return to his position in the Senate . ”
“For Saraki to talk about lack of governance is for him to deny who he is and the position he holds. This man stands as Nigeria’ s Number 3 citizen . Clothed is he in ample power and influence . If he saw areas where government and the nation needed help, he could have easily applied his energies to these areas. He could have drafted legislation and easily got laws passed .

“However , no progressive enactment bears his name for he cared not for progress . He has been more focused on changing the rules of the Senate to favour himself and changing the order of elections so as to coincide with his selfish designs. ” Tinubu said others who defected alongside the Senate president received “similar assurances by the PDP as to their offices . ” He said the APC, however, “ refused to make such bargains, ” because they were undemocratic vestiges of an old political dispensation .
“There is nothing wrong with ambition . Without a degree of ambition , we would never strive to improve and develop ourselves . But ambition , restrained by nothing but itself , is a dangerous commodity . Unwedded to social conscience, it leads to ruthlessness; it is the father of the deception that leaders are meant to lord over instead of to serve the populace .
“In the final analysis, the reason for the defections is as clear to see as it is crooked in its motives . The APC seeks to reform governance and politics . However , many powerful people believe the established system assures their maximum benefit . Progressive reform would defeat them. They must fight reform and never be allied to it . Thus, they had to leave the APC , ” Tinubu declared . But Saraki argued there was more to Tinubu ’ s denunciation than met the eye .
“Tinubu himself will recall that during the various meetings he had with me at the time he was pursuing reconciliation within the APC , I raised all the above issues. I can also vividly recall that he himself always expressed his displeasure with the style of the government and also mentioned that he had equally suffered disrespect from the same government , which we all worked to put in office . I also made the point that whatever travails I have gone through in the last three years belong to the past and will not shape my decisions now and in the future .
“The point of disagreement between Tinubu and I is that while I expressed my worries that there is nothing on ground to assure me that the administrative style and attitude would change in the next four years in a manner that will enable us to deliver the positive changes we promised to our people , he (Tinubu ) expressed a strong opinion that he would rather ‘ support a Buhari on the hospital stretcher ’ to get a second term because in 2023, power will shift to the southwest. This viewpoint of Tinubu ’ s was not only expressed to me but to several of my colleagues ; so much for acting in national interest. ”
He said while his decision to leave the APC was hinged on “protecting the collective national interest , ” Tinubu stayed back , preferring to “live with the identified inadequacies of the government for the sake of fulfilling and preserving his presidential ambition in 2023 . This new position of Tinubu has only demonstrated inconsistency, particularly when one reviews his antecedents over the years. ”
Challenging anybody to produce facts showing his defection was all about “automatic ticket and sharing of resources , ” he added : “Let me reiterate my position that my uncertain and complex relationship with Tinubu has been continually defined by the event of 2014 when myself and other leaders of the APC opposed the Muslim - Muslim ticket arrangement about to be foisted on the APC for the 2015 polls.
“It should be noted that he has not forgotten the fact that I took the bull by the horns and told him that in the interest of the country, he should accept the need for the party to present a balanced ticket for the 2015 general elections in terms of religion and geo - political zones. Since that time , he has been very active ; plotting at every point to undermine me , both within and outside the National Assembly. ” Unmoved by Saraki’ s self- defence , the APC fired another salvo yesterday , declaring him unfit to govern the country on account of alleged corruption and selfish ambition .
In a statement by National Publicity Secretary Yekini Nabena, which listed the alleged sins of the lawmaker , the APC warned Nigerians to be “ wary of a man whose personal ambition will always supersede the interest of the majority and national interest as currently displayed in the National Assembly.
“While Saraki refuses to reconvene the National Assembly, the 2019 election budget of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC ) is dangerously delayed , an action deliberately taken to sabotage INEC ’ s ability to conduct free , fair , transparent and credible elections in 2019. ”The party was reacting to a recent interview granted by Saraki to international news organisation , Bloomberg , where he expressed an intention to seek the nation ’ s highest office on the platform of the PDP.
According to the APC , the only politics Saraki plays is “self , himself only and only himself. ” It said : “Now, it is the presidency Saraki wants . And we ask with what antecedents is he doing this ? Conspiracy, blackmail, treachery and vaunting ambition , which overleaps itself and falls on the other , as rightly captured by William Shakespeare . Bukola Saraki will rather rule in hell than serve in paradise . ”

Buhari: We Will Not Rest Until We Free Nigeria From Ravages Of Corruption

President Muhammadu Buhari has restated his determination to stand firm in the fight against corruption.
Congratulating Nigerians on the Sallah celebration, via a series of tweets on his personal handle, @MBuhari, on Tuesday, he urged “Nigerians to rise above personal, group, sectarian and other interests, and to promote harmony and tolerance in dealing with one another at all times.”
He emphasised the need to imbibe the lesson of sacrifice, in line with the example of Prophet Ibrahim Alaihis-Salam.
He also urged citizens to eschew selfishness, greed and corruption, and promote harmony and tolerance.
The post read: “Eid-ul-Adha offers an opportunity to remember the submission of Prophet Ibrahim Alaihis-Salam to Allah, by which he taught the world the value of sacrifice in relating with one another.
“We must imbibe this lesson and make it a duty to sacrifice for others and to always remember those who are less fortunate than ourselves. Selfishness, greed and corruption have no place in our lives and in our dealings with one another.
“On this occasion of Eid-ul-Adha, I urge all Nigerians to rise above personal, group, sectarian and other interests, and to promote harmony and tolerance in dealing with one another at all times.
“I felicitate with all Nigerians, particularly the Muslim faithful, on this year’s celebration. I assure you all that our administration will not rest or relent as we work to build the Nigeria of our dreams – secure, prosperous and free from the ravages of corruption.”

CREDIT : SAHARA REPORTERS

EFCC To Arraign Senator For ‘Receiving 12 Cars Worth N254m As Gifts’

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Monday filed charges at an Ikeja High Court against another serving senator, Albert Bassey, for allegedly receiving 12 cars as worth N254 million.
Bassey, 45, who is representing Akwa-Ibom North-East, received the vehicles between 2010 and 2014 from Olajide Omokore, a businessman, when he (Bassey) served as the Akwa-Ibom Commissioner for Finance.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the EFCC has slammed a 14-count charge bordering on corruption on the duo.
Bassey is to face a seven-count charge of bordering on corruption as a public officer and for inviting bribes as a result of his own action.
On his part, Omokore is also facing a seven-count charge bordering on offering gratification to a public officer and giving bribe on account of the action of a public officer.
The duo as well as their counsel were, however, absent in court on Monday when the case was announced for mention at 4.05 pm on Monday, according to NAN.
Mrs Zainab Ettu, the prosecuting counsel for the EFCC, requested a new court date to enable the anti-graft commission arraign the senator and the businessman.
“We do not have the defendants in court today, though we had earlier anticipated that we would have them in court at a later date.
“We will be asking for a further date, most preferably, after vacation,” she said.
Responding, the vacation judge, Justice Obafemi Adamson noted that the case had not been assigned to a judge, making it difficult to adjourn the case after vacation.
The judge ordered that the case file should be sent to the Registry of the High Court for assignment to a judge, who will hear it.
According to the charge sheet, Bassey received the vehicles from Omokore over a five-year period (2010-2014) in Lagos.
Bassey received the bribes while serving as the Akwa-Ibom Commissioner for Finance and Chairman of the Akwa-Ibom State Inter-Ministerial Direct Labour Coordinating Committee (IMDLCC).
On May 10, 2010, Bassey also allegedly corruptly received a BMW X5 BP worth N50 million from Omokore in December 2012 and another Infinity QX 56 BP worth N45 million from him.
On November 2013, the serving senator received a Toyota Landcruiser V8 BP valued at N40 million and in March 2014, he received a Range Rover, also valued at N40 million from the businessman as well as in September 2014, another Toyota Hiace High Roof car valued at N27 million.
Others are Toyota Hiace High Roof car valued at N16 million and six units of Toyota Hilux vehicles valued at N36 million.
The anti-graft commission claimed that the car gifts were given to Bassey by Omokore in exchange for contracts from the Akwa-Ibom Government.

Just In: President Buhari slaughters Sallah Ram in Daura

President Muhammadu Buhari has slaughtered the symbolic ram as a crowd of his supporters cheered him on.
Politics Nigeria reported that the President, on Tuesday prayed for a bumper harvest and food security in Nigeria to reduce the importation of food and stop rice smuggling.
The President said the prayer when he joined the Muslim faithful at the Kofar Arewa Eid ground in his hometown of Daura in Katsina State to observe the Eid-El-Kabir prayers.
The President had arrived in Daura on Monday for the Eid festivities. He was joined at the prayer ground by the Emir of Daura, Umar Farouk, and other senior government officials.
After the prayers, the President walked back to his residence some 750 metres from the prayer ground and slaughtered the symbolic ram as a crowd of his supporters cheered him on.
In his Sallah message to the nation on Monday, the President asked all Nigerians to rise above personal, group, sectarian and other interests and to promote harmony and tolerance at all times.

Buhari treks 800 metres back home after Eid el-Kabir prayer in Daura

President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday joined thousands of Muslim faithful to observe the Eid el-Kabir prayer in Daura, Katsina State.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the president arrived the Eid Praying Ground in company of his aides and relatives at about 9.48 a.m.
NAN further reports that the president performed the annual sacrifice of slaughtering of the ram immediately after the prayer session.
He trekked for over 800 metres from the prayer ground to his private residence amidst chanting of `Sai Baba’ by well-wishers.
Earlier in his sermon, the Chief Imam of Daura, Safiyanu Dansanwai, who led the prayer, stressed the need for peace.
He called on the Muslim ummah to pray for peace, harmony and development of the country.
NAN reports that the Emir of Daura, Farouk Umar, was among the thousands of faithful who performed the two raka’at prayer.

CREDIT : NAN

Tinubu’s 2023 presidential ambition reason for supporting Buhari – Saraki

Senate President Bukola Saraki has alleged that the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, is only supporting President Muhammadu Buhari’s re-election with the hope of succeeding the President in 2023.

Saraki made the allegation in a statement on Monday in response to an open letter written by Tinubu on Sunday.

Tinubu in his letter, released late on Sunday, had said the Senate President dumped the APC because of his presidential ambition and selfish quest for power rather than good governance.

But in a statement titled, ‘The Tinubu Rhetoric- My Response’, the Senate President said when Tinubu was appointed the head of the APC’s reconciliation committee, he (Tinubu) reached out to him and admitted that he was also not satisfied with Buhari’s performance but he would remain in the party so that he (Tinubu) could emerge President in 2023.

Saraki said Tinubu told him that he would support Buhari even if the President was on a stretcher.

Saraki added, “However, during those meetings, the point of disagreement between me and him was that while I expressed my worry that there was nothing on the ground to assure me that the administrative style and attitude would change in the next four years in a manner that would enable us to deliver the positive changes we promised to our people, he (Tinubu) expressed a strong opinion that he would rather ‘support a Buhari on the hospital stretcher’ to get a second term because in 2023, power will shift to the South-West.

“This Tinubu viewpoint was not only expressed to me but to several of my colleagues; so much for acting in national interest.

“It is clear that while my own decision is based on protecting collective, national interest, Tinubu will rather live with the identified inadequacies in the government for the sake of fulfilling and preserving his presidential ambition in 2023. This new position of Tinubu has only demonstrated inconsistency, particularly when one reviews his antecedent over the years.”

The Senate President said Tinubu was still sulking over the fact that he (Saraki) was one of those who opposed Tinubu’s bid to emerge as the running mate of Buhari in 2014.

Saraki said he had insisted that Buhari’s running mate should be a Christian for the sake of balance, a decision which he said angered Tinubu.

He added, “Again, let me reiterate my position that my uncertain and complex relationship with Tinubu has been continually defined by the event of 2014 when I and other leaders of the APC opposed the Muslim-Muslim ticket arrangement about to be foisted on the APC for the 2015 polls.

“It should be noted that he has not forgotten the fact that I took the bull by the horns and told him that in the interest of the country, he should accept the need for the party to present a balanced ticket for the 2015 general elections in terms of religion and geopolitical zones.

“Since that time he has been very active, plotting at every point to undermine me, within and outside the National Assembly.”

The Senate President said his decision to quit the APC was based on Buhari’s disrespect for the legislative arm of government and his allies.

He said the Buhari government expected the National Assembly to be a “rubber stamp.”

Saraki said even Tinubu had once criticised Buhari but had decided to change his mind for selfish reasons.

The Senate President said, “I can also vividly recall that he himself always expressed his displeasure with the style of the government and also mentioned that he had equally suffered disrespect from the same government which we all worked to put in office.”

Saraki said Tinubu had been using his newspaper to malign his character and settle scores.

He alleged that in one of such malicious stories, he (Saraki) was quoted to have said he would remain in the APC on the sole condition that he would be given an oil block and automatic ticket.

The Senate President added, “It is a surprise to me that Asiwaju Tinubu is still peddling the falsehood about the fact that my defection is about automatic ticket and sharing of resources.

“Members of the public will recall that when the issue of my decision to quit the APC came to the fore and many APC leaders were holding meetings with me, a newspaper owned by the same Tinubu published a false report about the promise of automatic ticket, oil block and other benefits.

“I immediately rebutted their claims and categorically stated that I never discussed any such personal and pecuniary benefits with anybody. My challenge that anybody who has contrary facts should come forward with them still remains open.”

I have what it takes to contest against Buhari, Tambuwal tells Tinubu

Also on Monday, the Sokoto State Governor, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal, responded to the allegations against him by Tinubu.

Tinubu had also on Sunday alleged that Tambuwal left the APC because the party refused to grant his demand for automatic ticket in 2019.

But responding on the twitter handle of the Sokoto State Government, Tambuwal denied that he defected from the APC because he was not given automatic ticket.

He wrote, “If I wanted to, I could contest against President Buhari under the APC. I have what it takes to have contested against Mr President.”

“I adduced reasons of my defection to the PDP. The reasons are still on record. Automatic ticket by the APC is certainly not part of that. ”

The governor said he had given the people of Sokoto State the reasons he defected and automatic ticket was not among.

He stated, “Tinubu is confessing that there is no level playing field for all members of the APC; that there is no internal democracy in it and that some people were denied their right to internal democracy.”

“Tinubu tried to rock the boat when he was denied Buhari’s vice presidency. He thinks every other person could behave his way. If I wanted to contest under the APC as president, I could have done so and only the votes could have produced a winner.”

Senator fails to decamp to PDP at Udom’s endorsement rally

It was a huge disappointment for supporters of Governor Udom Emmanuel, yesterday, when Senator Etang Umoyo, who was touted to return to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, failed to show up at the PDP Eket Senatorial District rally for the endorsement of the governor for a second term.
No explanation was offered by the organizers of the event for the ex-Senator’s absence but a family source claimed the ex-Senator was hospitalized on Sunday.

Senator Umoyo, who represented Eket senatorial district from 1992 to 1993 last Friday, held a chaotic meeting with some APC members in Esit Eket, his local government area to inform them of his decamping, and the party members present challenged him with angry speeches.
and placards, accusing him of receiving N10 million from the governor to destroy the APC in Esit Eket.
To make up for the vocal ex-Senator’s absence at the endorsement rally, Otuekong Idongesit Nkanga, the Director-General of Udom’s Campaign Organisation hurriedly announced the defection of three APC members who are not from Eket senatorial district and called the PDP state chairman, Obong Paul Ekpo to receive.

CREDIT : VANGUARD

Fresh FM was duly approved for music houseby Oyo govt —Ayefele

The proprietor of Fresh F.M radio, Yinka Ayefele, has described as untrue, comments from an official of a government that the demolished music house was not approved to host the radio station.
Ayefele, who spoke at a news conference in Ibadan, on Monday evening, said two studios were in the building plan submitted to the government and approved over 10 years, precisely on June 6, 2008.
The gospel artiste, who fought back tears while addressing journalists, also disclosed how his wife knelt down for four hours, begging Governor Abiola Ajimobi to rescind his decision.

“My wife was with the governor till around 3:00 a.m on Saturday. She was able to meet the governor and he assured her that the building will not be demolished and as an assurance, when she was leaving, the governor gave her $1, 000.

“I would have gone with her but I had been hospitalised a day after the three days demolition notice was given to us by the government. There is no defence for this vindictive and politically motivated destruction of a thriving business in a city that needs economic and job opportunities for its citizens,” Ayefele said.
On the accusation from the government that he shunned a letter requesting a regularisation of the building plan, he said his architects were already working on a new plan before the bulldozers were rolled in to pull down the edifice.
“In the approved plan of the music house, we requested an approval for a business complex with proposed two studios and the plan was approved. The building is more than 10 years. Are they now saying that a radio license which costs several million to obtain is not a business venture?
“They did not only demolish the building, our recently acquired broadcast equipment worth N28 million was equally damaged. We are still putting the cost (of the damage) together.
“The demolition notice they brought was three days. There is a confirmation that the state government is responsible for the demolition as against what their counsel said in court.
“We have relocated our studio and Fresh F.M is fully back on the air. It is only the NBC that can stop us from broadcasting Fresh FM is a small business that should be encouraged and not destroyed,” he said.