2019: ‘Not Too Young To Run’ condemns Saraki’s declaration, dissociates self

The ‘Not Too Young To Run’ movement has dissociated itself from the formal declaration by Bukola Saraki to run for president on the platform of the opposition party, PDP.
Mr Saraki, the senate president, formally made his intention known at an event organised by the group on Thursday in Abuja.
The group, which champions youth participation in politics, said it was disappointed by Mr Saraki’s decision as its apolitical programme was not meant for such.
“The movement wishes to express its disappointment with Senator Saraki for usurping a platform designed for young aspirants to dialogue with party leadership to advance his personal political ambition. We strongly condemn this act by the President of the Senate and dissociates ourselves from this political move,” the movement said in a statement sent to PREMIUM TIMES by its convener, Samson Itodo.
Read the full statement below.
Not Too Young To Run Campaigners Distance Movement From Saraki’s Declaration
As part of efforts to promote youth candidacy and democratic party primaries, the Not Too Young To Run movement commenced a series of public town hall meetings with the leadership of political parties and young aspirants to address the challenges faced by young aspirants in securing party tickets. The movement scheduled three town hall meetings with the leadership of the All Progressive Congress (APC); People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and other parties. The first dialogue held today August 30, 2018 in Abuja with the leadership of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). The event had in attendance the Chairman of the party Mr. Uche Secondus; Senator Bukola Saraki, Hon. Udeh Okoye, National Youth Leader of the party. The event also was attended by young aspirants registered under the Ready To Run platform.
The young aspirants advocated for a reduction in the cost of party nomination forms and requested the party to uphold internal democracy in the conduct of party primaries. In his response, the Chairman of the PDP assured the young aspirants of their support for youth candidacy in the forthcoming primaries.
Whilst addressing participants at the town hall, Senator Saraki declared his intention to run for the office of the President in the 2019 elections. The movement wishes to express its disappointment with Senator Saraki for usurping a platform designed for young aspirants to dialogue with party leadership to advance his personal political ambition. We strongly condemn this act by the President of the Senate and dissociates ourselves from this political move.
As noted earlier, the movement reaffirms its identity as a non-partisan citizen led movement dedicated to the defense democracy, political inclusion and transformative leadership. The movement restates its commitment to sustain its engagement with political parties to ensure youth candidacy and democratic party primaries.

CREDIT : PREMIUM TIME

IN FULL: The 19 Points Saraki Made While Declaring His Presidential Ambition

° We must ensure the security of lives in Nigeria. As things stand now, no one is safe in this country. No one feels truly safe. We must restore the sanctity of the rule of law and strengthen democratic institutions in order to build a just, fair and equitable society for all. We must rebuild the trust of our people in government. We need a new generation of leaders that are competent, with the capability to rise to the challenges of the 21st century. We must pull this country back together and rebuild, block by block, with dedication and commitment.

Senate President Bukola Saraki finally declared his long-held presidential ambition in Abuja on Thursday during a meeting with young people at Sheraton Hotel.
Here are the 19 points he made:
SPEECH BY HIS EXCELLENCY (DR.) ABUBAKAR BUKOLA SARAKI, CON, PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA, AT A DIALOGUE WITH YOUTH AND YOUNG ASPIRANTS HELD AT SHERATON HOTEL, ABUJA, ON THURSDAY, AUGUST 30, 2018.
PROTOCOL.
1. Let me say, once again, how wonderful it is to see so many talented and purposeful young people at this first edition of the Public Dialogue Series with Political Parties on Youth Candidacy and Party Primaries. Looking at you, I see future leaders who present themselves as capable and worthy to take on the mantle of leadership in this country, and this gladdens my heart.
2. From my interactions with many of you, and with your contemporaries across the country, I can see that we are blessed with a determined generation that stands ready to join with us to power a Nigerian renaissance. The quality of people I see here today affirms my belief that, indeed, you are Not Too Young To Run.
3. I deeply appreciate this opportunity to share some of my ideas about where we are as a nation, as well as the challenges before us as we approach the great decider that is the 2019 General Elections.
4. It is widely acknowledged that ours is a relatively ‘young’ country bursting with tremendous energy, ability and potential. More than 70 per cent of our population is under the age of 40. You are indeed the future of this country. Ordinarily, such a young population would be the envy of many Western countries that are faced with ageing populations, but the dire state of our affairs tarnishes the youthful advantage that we have.
5. Up and down our country today, Nigerians are crying out for succour. Many of our children are hungry. Many people are dying of avoidable or otherwise treatable diseases. Many have fallen below basic living standards, and are now among the 87 million that sealed Nigeria’s position as the country with the highest number of people in extreme poverty. Our young people lack opportunities. The necessary education facilities and system to equip them for the future simply do not exist. We are not creating the jobs needed to usefully engage them in order to grow our economy. And too often, the youth feel shut out, prevented from having any say in the direction of this nation.
6. The harsh conditions of extreme poverty faced by the people, fuels the state of insecurity all over the country. Hunger, lack of education and lack of opportunities push many Nigerians into criminal activities including terrorism. Many of our communities are paralysed with fear – due to incessant communal crises, kidnappings and other social ills, as well as the threat of terrorism. We are failing abysmally to tackle the problems of today and to prepare for the future.
7. Our economy is broken and is in need of urgent revival in order for Nigeria to grow. GDP growth rate has declined. Diversification remains an illusion. Unemployment is at an all-time high. Businesses are shutting down. Jobs are being lost in record numbers, and the capital needed to jumpstart our economy is going elsewhere.
8. Nigeria is perhaps more divided now than ever before. We are increasingly divided along regional, religious and ethnic lines. Nigerians are also divided by class, a festering gulf between the ‘Haves’ and the ‘Have-Nots’. The fault lines of this nation are widening to an alarming degree. We must do something fast, and we must be brave about it.
9. We must ensure the security of lives in Nigeria. As things stand now, no one is safe in this country. No one feels truly safe. We must restore the sanctity of the rule of law and strengthen democratic institutions in order to build a just, fair and equitable society for all. We must rebuild the trust of our people in government. We need a new generation of leaders that are competent, with the capability to rise to the challenges of the 21st century. We must pull this country back together and rebuild, block by block, with dedication and commitment.
10. You will agree with me that this is an urgent task that requires the concerted efforts of each and every one of us. If we look around today, what do we see? What is the condition of our citizens? Where are we as a nation? How are we perceived locally and internationally? Why are we not making the expected progress? Why are we not growing? There is no time to waste. The time is now, to come together to stimulate growth in Nigeria, especially in the national economy.
11. The choice we face in the forthcoming election is either to keep things as they are, or make a radical departure from the old ways. To find a better way of doing things or keep repeating the mistakes of the past. To fix the problems or keep compounding them.
12. It is with all these in mind, and taking account of the challenges that I have outlined, that I have decided to answer the call of teeming youth who have asked me to run for President. Accordingly, I hereby announce my intention to run for the office of President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in the coming General Elections in 2019 on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). I do so with the firm conviction that I have what it takes to secure inclusive growth for Nigeria and Nigerians.
13. My Plan for Nigeria has inclusion in all aspects of the country’s affairs as a central pillar. Every citizen has the inalienable right to feel a sense of belonging, no matter their background or creed, or what part of the country they come from. No matter who you voted for or what your convictions are, government must work for you.
14. Your generation does not deserve to live in the poverty capital of the world. It is no longer an issue of how we got here, but how do we get out of this situation? I promise you that I will lead the fight and employ every God-given resource available to us in turning things around. I am determined to grow Nigeria out of poverty. We will stimulate the growth of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) as one of the ways of energising the economy and to create wealth for our people, especially the youth.
15. I want to see the youth play major roles at all levels, not only in government but also in the private sector and indeed in every area of Nigerian life. This will be a government driven by youthful energy, innovation and a pioneering entrepreneurial spirit. Nigerian youth will be given all the opportunities to realise their potential to the full within a national framework that guarantees inclusiveness. For youth who have ideas and capacity, we will make sure that there is funding for their ventures; and we shall build on the Made in Nigeria legislation as part of our job creation drive.
16. My plan is to secure Nigeria by redesigning our national security architecture, while adequately equipping our security agencies to fulfil their primary role of protecting lives and property.
17. I will address our infrastructural deficit through aggressive financing initiatives including mutually beneficial PPP arrangements, regular floating of bonds and other financial instruments, which will ensure stable, adequate and reliable funding to see to the completion of core projects especially road, rail and power.
18. My plan is to protect all Nigerians and defend their constitutional rights and freedoms. I will stand for and uphold at all times the principle of the rule of law, which is the bedrock of democratic governance.
19. Ours will not be a selective fight against corruption. The emphasis will be on strengthening institutions, with a particular focus on deterrence. We cannot afford to compromise our institutions with proxy wars against perceived political opponents. We see the fight against corruption as crucial to Nigeria’s economic development.
20. I offer leadership driven by empathy. Where leaders are responsive to the citizens. Where they know that government cares. We will not be indifferent or turn a blind eye to the real concerns of our people. Every single Nigerian life matters.
21. For me, the leadership we deserve is one that will be a source of pride to all Nigerians, one that will be respected and admired in Africa and around the world. It should be a leadership that can hold its own and stand tall anywhere in the world. That is the type of leadership I offer.
22. As a former two-term Governor and currently President of the Senate by the grace of God, I believe I possess a unique blend of executive and legislative experience to push for and implement reforms that will deliver real improvements in the daily lives of our people. I know what it takes to create jobs and grow the economy. I can make the tough decisions when it matters. I will spearhead a new agenda that can transform the lives of ordinary Nigerians in real terms.
23. Believe me when I say that it will not be business as usual. This will be a dynamic government of action that will pursue the growth of Nigeria with doggedness, determination and conviction. I will lead a result-driven administration. We shall set targets with clear timelines to ensure that anticipated deliverables are met. You can benchmark us and hold us accountable. In short, I assure you that I will deliver on all promises. What I envision is a new chapter in governance in this country. We will be driven by what is best for Nigerians.
25. I have deliberately chosen the opportunity of being here with you, my Number One constituency who I see as the future of our great country, to make my intention known. I believe the Nigerian youth are critical to rebuilding and growing the economy, and restoring our national pride.
26. I therefore ask you and all well-meaning Nigerians to join hands with me in this noble cause.
My brothers, My sisters, Let’s Grow Nigeria Together.
God bless you all.
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, CON.

CREDIT : SAHARA REPORTERS

2019: Saraki formally declares for presidency

Senate President Bukola Saraki has formally declared to run for the office of the president of Nigeria under the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
Mr. Saraki made this declaration on Thursday at Sheraton hotel where he met with young aspirants of the PDP.
He recently defected from the ruling party, APC, to the PDP.
His declaration comes a day after another PDP senator, Rabiu Kwankwaso, also declared to run for president.

President Buhari And His Lifeless Presidency By Adebayo Raphael

The Nigeria that our current president projects in the world, is a backward, ignorant, antiquated, unalluring, visionless, confused, unimaginative rudderless country. At different times when president Buhari has had the opportunity to blisteringly fly the flags of Nigeria before the world, he unabashedly sullied it instead.

Since the beginning of Nigeria's fourth republic in 1999, the present administration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) led by President Muhammadu Buhari is unarguably the worst. The failure of the incumbent administration to live up to expectations, within and outside Nigeria, relegates every measure of the towering hope that welcomed it.
The current president of Nigeria has consistently proved to the world that he is undeserving of leading this magnificent country of 180million extraordinary people imbued with unimaginable potential. The Nigeria that our current president projects in the world, is a backward, ignorant, antiquated, unalluring, visionless, confused, unimaginative rudderless country. At different times when president Buhari has had the opportunity to blisteringly fly the flags of Nigeria before the world, he unabashedly sullied it instead.
So when I learned that the unscrupulous president of the United States of America, Donald Trump, allegedly referred to Nigeria's president as a "lifeless" person he never wants to meet again, I shuddered in grief and astonishment. Grief because I realized that once again, our president has fumbled abroad. Astonished because the president's henchmen ostensibly painted a picture of Eldorado after the meeting. Although this is characteristic of the APC and president Buhari's administration, it is an insult to the collective intelligence of Nigerians. And I must confess that I am excruciatingly worried, as president Buhari meets with the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Theresa May today. And I hope he doesn't fumble much, or at least, he should be considerate and not sell Nigeria off.
Although I do not wish to dignify president Trump with a response, but as the saying goes, "if it looks like a duck, swims like a duck, and quacks like a duck, then it probably is a duck." The administration of president Buhari is exceptionally lifeless. It only comes to life when it wants to abuse human rights, arrest journalists, invade the homes of judges, shield corruption, waste public resources on presidential junkets, hire crowds to attack peaceful protesters, subvert the democratic process, and engage in fruitless propaganda.
Under this administration, Nigeria's economy slipped into a recession, and Nigerians have been dealing with emasculating economic hardship ever since, despite statistical claims that we have exited the recession. As of today, more than 10million people have lost their jobs in the last three years of this administration, despite its promise to create 3million jobs annually. Nigeria currently shares about 15% of the world's unemployment rate with approximately 30million unemployed people in the country. According to UNICEF, Nigeria has about 10.5million out-of-school children - the highest in the world, and 60% of these children are in the northern part of the country, and 60% of them are girls. According to the Brookings Institution, Nigeria is currently the extreme poverty capital of the world with about 87million extremely poor people, and a trend of Nigerians sinking into extreme poverty every six minutes. At the helm of Nigeria's economic affairs, is a minister who has shown no remorse for forging the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate - all under president Buhari's watch.
If you choose to look beyond Nigeria's economic woes, you certainly will not find solace in her messy security crisis. Since president Buhari came into power in 2015, thousands of Nigerians have died from the sanguinary binge of killer-herdsmen, with debilitating impact on Nigeria's food basket in the middle belt of the country. Almost on a daily basis, the number of Internally Displaced Persons and farmers being forced out of their farms continues to skyrocket. The consequence of these endless attacks by herdsmen is the impending famine that would likely hit Nigeria in 2019 or sooner. The commander in chief of Nigeria has refused to address this national threat head-on for reasons best known to him. He has refused to do as much as admit that these killer-herdsmen are terrorists, as swiftly as he did with members of the IPOB in the Southeast, who never killed anyone with impunity, even at the climax of their agitation. Nigeria's soldiers hardly get their pay, and when they die, the army either denies it or abandon their bereaved families.
The tyranny of president Buhari's administration on the people is demonic. He has unabashedly shown us that once a tyrant is always a tyrant. His endless assault on freedom of speech and of the press is emblematic of his past as a military dictator. His intolerance for criticisms renders his facade of a reformed democrat null and void. His haughtiness for transparency and accountability is inimical to democracy. His lack of empathy is cruel to humanity. His lack of objectivity, irredentism, and bigotry taints the dignity of leadership. His lack of capacity for a progressive leadership worldview is unbefitting of our great country. I don't know about you, but not only is president Buhari lifeless, his presidency is lifeless, too.
Adebayo Raphael is the National Secretary of the OurMumuDonDo Movement. He can be reached on Twitter via @adebayoraph

BY: ADEBAYO RAPHAEL

Osun Workers Begin Strike To Protest 17 Months' Salary Arrears

The Joint Labour Unions, comprising the Joint Negotiating Council, Nigeria Labour Congress, and the Trade Union Congress, are demanding the payment of 17 months’ salary arrears and other entitlements.
Barely 24 days to its gubernatorial election, workers in Osun State have commenced a three-day warning strike.
Civil servants in the state stayed away from work on Wednesday, following the notice of strike issued by labour unions in the state, on Tuesday.
The Joint Labour Unions, comprising the Joint Negotiating Council, Nigeria Labour Congress, and the Trade Union Congress, in the state, are demanding the payment of 17 months’ salary arrears and other entitlements.
According to PM News, a joint statement released by the union demanded “payment of 34 months’ pension arrears of retired workers in the state, remittance of 34 months’ contributory pension arrears, and payment of outstanding gratuity to all pensioners”.
The workers also want the state to pay their 2016 leave allowances.
No worker was seen in the premises of the state secretariat, as it was under lock and key. Olorunda and Osogbo Local Government Secretariats were also under lock and key.
Meanwhile, Adelani Baderinwa, the Osun Commissioner for Information and Strategy, said a meeting was being arranged with the workers to resolve the issues.
He said: “We always find a way of resolving whatever differences that we have with the workers in the state and I assure you that this is not going to be an exception.
“The issues raised are issues that are always being addressed since, even without anybody asking for it, I am sure we are going to find a way of resolving the issues.”
The state will elect new leaders on September 22, 2018.

CREDIT : SAHARA REPORTERS

UK ‘ll use aid budget to boost trade in Africa, says May

Britain will use its international aid budget to boost its interests and deepen trade ties with Africa, Prime Minister Theresa May said yesterday.

She is due in Nigeria today to meet with President Muhammadu Buhari and to visist Lagos before leaving for Kenya on the last leg of her three-nation African tour.

Speaking in Cape Town yesterday, Mrs May said she wanted Britain to become the biggest investor in Africa out of the Group of Seven nations, overtaking the united States by using the aid budget to help British companies invest on the continent.

The government has held out the prospect of increased trade with non-European Union countries as one of the major selling points of Brexit as it prepares to leave the bloc, currently its biggest trading partner, in March next year.

In April, Britain hosted a meeting of Commonwealth countries, including South Africa, Kenya and Nigeria, seeking to reinvigorate the network of mostly former colonies and drum up new trade amongst its members.

May recommitted to maintaining the overall British aid budget at 0.7 per cent of economic output but said she would use it in a way that helped Britain.

“I am unashamed about the need to ensure that our aid programme works for the UK,” May said.

“Today I am committing that our development spending will not only combat extreme poverty, but at the same time tackle global challenges and support our own national interest.”

Britain’s overseas aid last year was 13.9 billion pounds (18 billion dollars).

May, who was accompanied by a delegation of British business executives, also said Britain would work with African states to tackle insecurity and migration by creating jobs.

“It is in the world’s interest to see that those jobs are created, to tackle the causes and symptoms of extremism and instability, to deal with migration flows and to encourage clean growth,” May said.

According to the UN Conference on Trade and Development, British direct investment in Africa was 43 billion pounds ($55.5 billion) in 2016, compared to 44 billion pounds (56.7 billion dollars) from the U. S.

Investment from France, which maintains close ties with its former colonies in West Africa, stood at 38 billion pounds ($49 billion) and from China, rapidly becoming a major player in Africa, 31 billion pounds (40 billion).

Mrs May said 87 million Nigerians were living below the poverty line of $1 and 90 cents per day.

She said: “Much of Nigeria is thriving, with many individuals enjoying the fruits of a resurgent economy, yet 87 million Nigerians live below $1 and 90 cents a day, making it home to more very poor people than any other nation in the world.”

The Prime Minister noted that achieving inclusive growth was a major challenge across the world.

She stressed that Africa needs to create 50,000 new jobs per day to keep employment rate at its current levels till 2035.

”Today I am committing that our development spending will not only combat extreme poverty but at the same time tackle global challenges and support our own national interest.

“It is in the world’s interest to see that those jobs are created, to tackle the causes and symptoms of extremism and instability, to deal with migration flows and to encourage clean growth,” she added.

The UK’s historical relationship with many African countries still counts for something, but, as Prime Minister Theresa May will find on her trip to the continent, the UK now vies for attention with larger economies offering greater riches.

The continent’s leaders need to decide who to prioritise: an ambitious but friendly China, the huge European Union bloc, the potential riches of the United States, or the historically-linked United Kingdom.

The prime minister’s trip comes a week before the huge Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in Beijing. Dozens of African heads of state are expected there and China may offer new trade and finance deals. Mrs May’s trip seems rather low key in comparison.

Yesterday, Mrs May flew into Cape Town where she met young people, before delivering a keynote speech on trade and how UK private sector investment could be brought into Africa.

After a bilateral meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, she visited Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years.

She had a guided tour and was handed a key to open the cell Mr Mandela was imprisoned in, before writing in the guestbook: “His legacy lives on in the hopes and dreams of young people here in South Africa and around the world.”

Today, Mrs May wil meet President Buhari in Abuja before meeting victims of modern slavery in Lagos.

She will leave for Kenya for a meeting with President Uhuru Kenyatta, visit British troops and a business school before her Africvan trip is rounded off with a state dinner hosted by Mr Kenyatta.

Tinubu, Onoja, Akpabio, Elechi, Others Plan Battle For 2019

The new shape of the All Progressives Congress (APC) national caucus emerged yesterday.

There are new faces, such as former Delta State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan and former Senate Minority Leader Godswill Akpabio.

Uduaghan’s membership of the APC was largely unknown until last night when President Muhammadu Buhari met with the party’s national caucus at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

Also at the meeting, which is expected to kickstart the APC’s preparations for next year’s general elections, were former Lagos State Military Administrator Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.) and former Military Governor of Katsina  State Gen. Lawrence Onoja (retd.).

Gen. Marwa is from Adamawa, home state of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar who quit the APC to pursue his presidential ambition in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He was active in the CPC.

Information Minister Lai Mohammed was at the meeting. He is now the leader of the party in Kwara State, following Senate President Bukola Saraki’s defection to the PDP.

Former Ebonyi State Governor Martins Elechi, formerly of the PDP, was also at the meeting.

The Caucus meeting will prepare the ground for tomorrow’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting which will ratify the plans for the party’s congresses and convention to pick its candidates for all the various offices, including the standard bearer in the presidential election.

A decision on whether to adopt direct primaries being advocated by National Chairman Adams Oshiohmole or indirect primaries, through the delegates system was expected to be taken.

President Muhammadu Buhari presided over the meeting held at the New Banquet Hall of the State House. Proceedings started around 8.30pm.

Also attending were Vice President Yemi Osinbajo,  Oshiomhole, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Boss Mustapha, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, former Interim National Chairman Chief Bisi Akande and former National Chairman John Odigie-Oyegun. Deputy National Chaorman (South) Adeniyi Adebayo and Chief Don Etiebet were there.

There were 17 governors at the time the meeting started. They are the governors of Lagos, Borno, Jigawa, Niger, Plateau, Kogi, Adamawa, Ondo, Kano, Ogun, Oyo, Katsina, Osun, Yobe, Nasarawa, Kebbi, and Imo.

Also at the meeting were House of Representatives Leader Femi Gbajabiamila, former Senate President Ken Nnamani, Senators  Kabiru Gaya and Jim Nwobodo.

There were also former governors Segun Oni (Ekiti) Ali Modu Sheriff (Borno), Sullivan Chime (Enugu) Timipre Sylva (Bayelsa) and Oserheime Osunbor (Edo).

Corper Wee! Davido Goes For NYSC 3 Years After Graduation

Davido is in NYSC camp and we are loving how cool he looks in the kits. Ladies and gentlemen, lovers of Davido, we would love for you to see the first photo of your favourite celebrity as he embarks on the mandatory three weeks orientation at NYSC camp.

The music star took to his Instagram page on Tuesday, August 28, 2018, where he shared a photo of himself wearing the traditional NYSC kit. “Otondo OBO … #Nysc .. tying up every loose end !” he captioned the photo.

David Adeleke popularly known as Davido is a Nigerian pop superstar born on November 21, 1992 in Atlanta, Georgia to Chief Deji and Vero Adeleke.He attended British International School, Lekki. He dropped out of Oakwood University in Alabama to pursue a career in music. In 2015 he graduated Babcock University in Ogun state with a degree in Music.

After relocating back to Nigeria, Davido dropped his debut single ‘Back When’ featuring popular Nigeria rapper Naeto C in 2011 on the imprint HKN Music spearheaded by his brother.He gained a little buzz with the song. His next single ‘Dami Duro’ released within the same year and co-produced by Shizzi was a smash hit that would open the doors for Davido.

Riding on his momentum Davido went ahead to release three more singles ‘Ekuro’, ‘Overseas’ and ‘All of You’. On July 17, 2012 Davido released his highly anticipated album ‘Omo Baba Olowo: The Genesis’. Other singles released from the debut project were ‘Gbon Gbon’, and ‘Feel Alright’ featuring Ice Prince.

Early 2013 Davido began work on his sophomore album ‘The Baddest’. So far he has released nine singles from the yet-to-be released album. The singles are ‘Gobe’, ‘One of a Kind’, ‘Skelewu’, ‘Aye’, ‘Tchelete’ featuring Mafikizolo, ‘Fans Mi’ featuring Meek Mill, ‘Owo Ni Koko’, ‘Dodo’, and ‘The Money’ featuring Olamide.

Davido planned to drop his album in October 2015 but held back due to an international record deal in the wings.In January 2016 Davido reportedly signed a record deal with Sony Worldwide. ‘The Baddest’ is expected to drop this year.

https://www.instagram.com/_u/davidoofficial/

Davido became a father in May 2015 after he welcomed a baby girl Imade Adeleke. Her mother is Sophie Momodu who knew the pop star briefly. Davido and Sophie are currently in a custody battle for Imade.

Trump says Google is ‘rigged’ with bad news about him

US President Donald Trump listens during a phone conversation with Mexico’s President Enrique Pena Nieto on trade in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC on August 27, 2018. President Donald Trump said Monday the US had reached a “really good deal” with Mexico and talks with Canada would begin shortly on a new regional free trade pact.”It’s a big day for trade. It’s a really good deal for both countries,” Trump said.”Canada, we will start negotiations shortly. I’ll be calling their prime minister very soon,” Trump said.US and Mexican negotiators have been working for weeks to iron out differences in order to revise the nearly 25-year old North American Free Trade Agreement, while Canada was waiting to rejoin the negotiations./ AFP PHOTO / MANDEL NGAN

US President Donald Trump claimed Tuesday that Google results were “rigged” because searches for “Trump News” brought up negative stories about him, and questioned whether this was illegal.

The president has attacked US social media giants in the past days for allegedly censoring conservative voices, an unfounded claim widely believed by his followers.

“Google search results for ‘Trump News’ shows only the viewing/reporting of Fake New Media,” the president tweeted on Tuesday.

“In other words, they have it RIGGED, for me & others, so that almost all stories & news is BAD. Fake CNN is prominent. Republican/Conservative & Fair Media is shut out. Illegal?”

According to Trump, “96% of results on ‘Trump News’ are from National Left-Wing Media,” which he describes as “very dangerous.”

“Google & others are suppressing voices of Conservatives and hiding information and news that is good. They are controlling what we can & cannot see. This is a very serious situation-will be addressed!”

A Pew Research Center survey released in June found 43 percent of Americans think major technology firms support the views of liberals over conservatives, and 72 percent accepted the idea that social media platforms actively censor opposing political views.

Among Republicans and Republican-leaning independents, 85 percent said they think social media sites intentionally censor political viewpoints, Pew found.

However various studies suggest conservatives are thriving on social 

Osinbajo Blasts OBJ, IBB, Jonathan For Wasting $982.8bn Oil Money

Nigeria’s Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo said he wondered how past leaders, including a military dictator, Ibrahim Babangida; former President Olusegun Obasanjo and former President Goodluck Jonathan, spent the oil revenues that accrued to the country during their administrations.
According to a statement on Monday by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mr Laolu Akande, the Vice-President said this while answering questions from Nigerians at a town hall meeting in Minnesota, the United States of America, on Sunday.
Osinbajo said Nigeria’s problems were not about geographical restructuring but about proper management of the country’s resources.
While relying on the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries’ statistics on oil revenues accruable to Nigeria under successive administrations between 1990 and 2014, the Vice-President said not much had been done in terms of infrastructure development despite the huge oil revenues realised by the country.
Osinbajo said, “Under the IBB/Abacha administrations (1990 – 1998), Nigeria realised $199.8bn.
“Under the Obasanjo/Yar’Adua governments (1999-2009), the country got $401.1bn.
“During the Jonathan administration (2010-2014), Nigeria got $381.9bn from oil revenues.
“The question that we must all ask is that what exactly happened to resources? The question that I asked is that where is the infrastructure?
“When added together, the oil revenues that accrued to the country under IBB, Obasanjo, Yar’Adua and Jonathan amounted to $982.8bn
“One of the critical things that we must bear in mind and see is that this government, despite earning $94bn, up until 2017, we are spending more on infrastructure and capital than any previous government. So, we are spending N1.5trn on capital. That is the highest we have spent since 1990.”

CREDIT : DAILY ADVENT

You call me 'Lifeless' because i refused giving America oil, Buhari replies Trump's insult

United States President, Donald Trump on Monday stirred controversy online after he referred to Muhammadu Buhari Nigerian president as ‘Lifeless’

Trump made the statement shortly after a meeting between the two leaders on April 30, Financial Times reported on Monday.

 THEWATCH NEWS gathered that, Donald Trump told his aides that he don't want to meet with Buhari again in his life, i want to meet with  a president that worth meeting, he quickly added.

 

President Buhari who made a shocking revelation said that Donald Trump made that statement out of anger because he Buhari denied America oil. my meeting with Trump was to talk about how to fight corruption and terrorism that can help the two countries but he was begging me to help America with oil so i declined; If am so 'Lifeless' i would not have being able to trek 800 metres, he quickly added.

 However, this has stirred divergent opinions online as some agreed with Trump calling for Buhari not to seek re-election in 2019.

Donald Duke Promises Legal Protection For Gays, But No PDA

A former governor of Cross River State Donald Duke has said he will not criminalise same - sex relationships if he becomes Nigeria ’ s president in 2019 .
Duke, a member of the opposition People ’ s Democratic Party , was the governor of Cross River between 1999 and 2007 .
He made the comment while appearing on On The Couch, a show hosted by Laila Johnson - Salami and Falz the Bahd Guy.
“I don’ t understand their sexuality, ” Duke said . “But I will not criminalise them. I will ensure that they have the protection of the law. ”
He did not state how he will make the Nigerian law, which currently Nigeria criminalises same - sex relationships , protect gays .
The law enacted in 2014 by the Goodluck Jonathan government prohibits a marriage or civil union by persons of the same sex, the solemnisation of such marriage in places of worship and the registration of homosexual clubs and societies .

It prescribes a 14- year jail term for anyone who enters into a same - sex marriage or union and a 10- year jail term for any person who “operates , participates in gay clubs, societies and organisations , or directly or indirectly makes a public show of same - sex amorous relationship in Nigeria . ”
Despite his promise of protecting gays , Duke , however, said there will be no room for homosexuals to engage in public display of affection since that is “an affront on the norms of the society since that is “ an affront on the norms of the society. ”
When asked if he can appoint a gay person into his cabinet , the presidential aspirant said he would be more concerned about the value an individual will add to his government instead of the person ’ s sexuality.
“His sexuality is private to him , ” he said . “ I don’ t want to know . It is not my business . My business is can he perform the assignment that has been assigned to him . ”

Angry Nigerians ambush Donald Trump for calling their president , Buhari so " Lifeless "

United States President , Donald Trump on Monday stirred controversy online after he referred to President Muhammadu Buhari as ‘Lifeless ’
Trump made the statement shortly after a meeting between the two leaders on April 30 , Financial Times reported on Monday.
Donald Trump told aides that he don' t want to meet with Buhari again in his life, i want to meet with a president that worth meeting , he quickly added .
Buhari , the first sub - Saharan Africa president to meet Trump since he was sworn in January 2017 as the 45 th American president , was in the US for bilateral talks on Trump ’ s invitation.
The meeting , according to the Newspaper , ended with Trump saying he never wanted to meet someone as lifeless as Buhari again .
However , this has stirred divergent opinions online as some agreed with Trump calling for Buhari not to seek re- election in 2019 .
Here are some comments gathered byTHEWATCH NEWS :
@ Saidu Idris " Stupid man
@LordSheriff “ Another low for Nigeria, now that even the US has seen how unfit Buhari is to lead Nigeria . The resolve to send him back to Daura has never been strengthened .”
@Abangmercy “ Trump ’ s alleged remark is something to worry about , we might not like our President ’ s Policies but jubilating that a man that is almost same age as him even if he was younger but to refer to the Nigerian President as “ Lifeless” is rather unfortunate – Buhari represents us all .”
@7Biafra “ Truth is painful to liars , Buhari is lifeless represent the Fulani and the Hausa with the rest of JIHADIST group in Nigeria, Buhari that have kill thousands of my people do not represent me and my whole people of Biafra , Buhari is lifeless as TRUMP state it if that is true . ”
@Koopreh “ Describing Buhari as “Lifeless ” is perhaps the most depressing thing you ’ ll read today as a Nigerian. But is Donald Trump right about the state of the man ? Many Nigerians agree with the US president ! It takes a lifeless leader to run Nigeria aground the way Buhari has . ”
@SweetMomdee “ I think I will be more surprised if Trump praised Buhari . ”
@Mistereldeexl “ I agree with Trump on this one . Nigerians really messed up in 2015 but the sad thing is some of us want to repeat the same mistake in 2019. We deserve better. ”
@MrStanleyNwabia “ If Trump feels this way about Buhari , wait till he meets Buhari supporters ( People that are mad )
@JohnGrace “ Buhari does not deserve to be President of Nigeria. Trump said he never wants to meet someone lifeless again . Buhari must go 2019 , enough of this embarrassment .
@ Tutsy 22 “ Even 72 - year - old Trump says Buhari is useless. ”
@OkoroNwadi “Did Trump say that? But the truth must be told, PMB should not be who Nigeria should front as their President . ”
@Saucekode “ First it was ‘Shithole’ now it is ‘Someone so lifeless’ Nigeria we need a better upgrade. ”

CREDIT : VISTA NEWS

I Told You So, The World Does Not Want Buhari Back, Says APC Presidential Aspirant

“I told you so. About ten days ago, I revealed to our great party, the APC, and fellow Nigerians that the world is against President Muhammadu Buhari’s second term bid," Ogbonnia stated.

SKC Ogbonnia, a presidential aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has described the report in which President Donald Trump described President Muhammadu Buhari as “lifeless” as evident of the world’s supposed rejection of his decision to seek reelection.
He made his position known in a statement on Monday, noting that it gave credence to his earlier position that “the world is against President Muhammadu Buhari’s second term bid”.
According to Ogbonnia, the rejection of the international community is premised on “Buhari’s failing health, lack of clear vision, lack of intellectual capacity, an apparent pattern of torpor, nepotism, wanton killings, disregard for the rule of law, and a growing sense of disunity and uncertainty in the land, among many failings”.
A report by Financial Times had stated that “The first meeting, with Nigeria’s ailing 75-year-old Muhammadu Buhari in April ended with the US president telling aides he never wanted to meet someone so lifeless again, according to three people familiar with the matter”.

Ogbonnia stated that his “sources within the White House confided that Trump believes that Africa has the potential to be fully independent”.
The statement read: “I told you so. About ten days ago, I revealed to our great party, the All Progressive Congress (APC), and fellow Nigerians that the world is against President Muhammadu Buhari’s second term bid. I asserted that the opposition is coming from influential leaders within our major allies, including Great Britain, the United States, France, Germany, Russia, China, Canada, etc.
“I added that the emerging consensus among these nations is that President Buhari’s second term ambition lacks in cogency. They point to Buhari’s failing health, lack of clear vision, lack of intellectual capacity, an apparent pattern of torpor, nepotism, wanton killings, disregard for the rule of law, and a growing sense of disunity and uncertainty in the land, among many failings.”
Describing Trump’s alleged “lifeless” comment as “partial testimony”, he said: “my sources within the White House confided that Trump believes that Africa has the potential to be fully independent, “but the countries over there need to get their act together. They need good leaders who can get things done.
“This view is popular among the Western nations. I also gathered that some of the world leaders plan to visit or talk to Buhari soon.
“Perhaps, leadership is contingent upon the environment. What is good for America may not be good for Nigeria and vice versa. But if any relationship with the outside world is a factor in solving Nigerian problems, President Buhari has no business touching the APC nomination form.
“Further, the Financial Times does not speak for the world, quite alright, but its report is a part of the pressure from the international community that will continue to mount as the months leading to the 2019 go by. Such global campaign is expected to be more robust than what President Goodluck Jonathan faced in 2015.”

CREDIT : SAHARA REPORTERS

Trump ‘Tells Aides’ He Doesn’t Ever Want To Meet Someone As ‘Lifeless’ As Buhari Again

“The first meeting, with Nigeria’s ailing 75-year-old Muhammadu Buhari in April ended with the US president telling aides he never wanted to meet someone so lifeless again, according to three people familiar with the matter,” FT wrote.

United States President Donald Trump does not want to meet President Muhammadu Buhari again because he is “lifeless”, a report by Financial Times has revealed.
According to the paper, Trump made the remark shortly after meeting with Buhari at the White House in April.
“The first meeting, with Nigeria’s ailing 75-year-old Muhammadu Buhari in April ended with the US president telling aides he never wanted to meet someone so lifeless again, according to three people familiar with the matter,” FT wrote.
Similarly, on Monday, Aly-Khan Satchu, Kenyan-born CEO of Rich Management, tweeted the excerpt from the article on Twitter.
“@realDonaldTrump will welcome Kenya’s @UKenyatta to the @WhiteHouse on Monday FT https://on.ft.com/2PaSAbn - Events appear to presenting @UKenyatta with an opening to position himself as the African Interlocutor for Africa http://www.rich.co.ke,” he wrote, before adding:
“The first meeting, with Nigeria’s ailing 75-year-old Muhammadu Buhari in April, ended with the US president telling aides he never wanted to meet someone so lifeless again, according to three people familiar with the matter. via @FT”
. @realDonaldTrump will welcome Kenya’s @UKenyatta to the
@WhiteHouse on Monday FT
https://t.co/Lnjaew6Yrm - Events appear to presenting @UKenyatta with an opening to position himself as the African Interlocutor for Africa
https://t.co/MzZAey4yr2
— Aly-Khan Satchu (@alykhansatchu) August 27, 2018
The first meeting, with Nigeria’s ailing 75-year-old Muhammadu Buhari in April, ended with the US president telling aides he never wanted to meet someone so lifeless again, according to three people familiar with the matter. via
@FT https://t.co/XteRS4mrqV
— Aly-Khan Satchu (@alykhansatchu) August 27, 2018
The revelation is in stark contrast to the position taken by Buhari's spokesmen after the meeting, as Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicty, had said of the meeting: “No matter how Nigerians take our own country, this is hugely an important country and this recognition is being manifested in this visit."
Meanwhile, Lai Mohammed, Minister of Information, had said: “He (Buhari) is the President of the most populous country in Africa, the President of the country with the largest economy in Africa. And I think it’s probably the fact that the world is now understanding that Nigeria is very strategic not just to the sub-region but the entire Africa.'Trump was previously quoted as describing some countries, including African countries, as "shithole"
More soon...

Zenith Bank GMD, Peter Amangbo, arrested

A top executive at one of Nigeria’s largest banks has been held by anti-graft investigators over a series of transactions his bank allegedly carried out on behalf of one of Nigeria’s largest oil-producing states, Rivers, PREMIUM TIMES learnt on Sunday.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission is alleging that the transactions, at least N117 billion in value, are suspicious in nature but that Zenith failed to report them as demanded by law.
Insiders at the EFCC and Zenith Bank said Mr. Amangbo was held to explain why his bank failed to document the withdrawals, allegedly done over a three-year period, as suspicious.
Mr Amangbo was first invited for questioning on August 23, sources said. But he was freed on administrative bail and asked to return on August 24 for further interrogation.
He honoured the arrangement, turning himself in again at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja.
Our sources said the top banker was however not allowed to return home on Friday.
“He was still being quizzed as at 4 p.m. on Sunday,” one source said.
At least four other officials are being sought in the investigation, PREMIUM TIMES learnt.
The suspects considered to be at large include Fubara Similari, whom investigators identified as the director of finance and account at the Government House in Port Harcourt. The Government House cashier is also said to be on the run.
Officials were unable to immediately provide further information about the investigation to PREMIUM TIMES Sunday night.
Both Akin Olaniyan and Victor Adoji, spokespersons for Zenith Bank, did not immediately return PREMIUM TIMES’ telephone calls, text messages and e-mails seeking comments Sunday night.
Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers slammed the investigation as “political witch-hunt” Sunday night, saying he would continue to prevent state officials from appearing before the EFCC for questioning.
“No government official will appear before the EFCC,” Mr Wike was quoted as saying in a statement his spokesperson Simeon Nwakaudu sent to PREMIUM TIMES Sunday night.
The governor said an Appeal Court judgement in 2007 prohibited the EFCC from prying into Rivers State coffers, a ruling he claimed had not been appealed.
“They filed for leave to appeal the judgment at the Court of Appeal. Until they set aside the judgment, we will not come,” Mr Wike said, adding that a fresh lawsuit would be filed to stop the EFCC investigation of Rivers accounts.
The investigation comes two weeks after the EFCC froze bank accounts owned by Benue and Akwa Ibom States.
The agency said it was investigating alleged mismanagement of more than N22 billion by Governor Samuel Ortom in Benue, but had declined to comment on the specifics of action against Governor Udom Emmanuel in Akwa Ibom.
Mr Ortom said the action severely crippled economic activities in his state for the few days it was in force because it became impossible to pay state workers and pensioners.
He warned that a state grappling with serious security challenges that claimed over a thousand lives this year alone should not be targeted by anti-graft operatives.
But the EFCC alleged that Mr Ortom squandered billions of naira which the Nigerian government released to Benue to tackle the grievous humanitarian and security challenges caused by suspected herdsmen attacks.
The restrictions on Benue accounts were lifted within three days on August 9, and Akwa Ibom confirmed partial unfreezing of its accounts on the same day.
Mr Wike argued Sunday that the EFCC went after Benue and Akwa Ibom to lay the groundwork for similar measures against Rivers.
“But the target is not Benue or Akwa Ibom States,” Mr Wike said. “The real target is Rivers State.”
“The EFCC as a federal agency has no business with state funds. That is the responsibility of the State House of Assembly,” he added.
The spokesperson for the EFCC, Wilson Uwujaren, did not immediately return requests for comments Sunday night.

CREDIT : PREMIUM TIME

Nigerian lawyer drags Ugandan President to UN over alleged rights violations

A Nigerian human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, has appealed to the United Nations (UN) to investigate Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni over alleged grave human rights violations in Uganda.
According to a statement made available to PREMIUM TIMES, Sunday, Mr Falana on Friday urged the UN to “urgently investigate the ongoing reports of clampdown on the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, association, media freedom and to human dignity in Uganda.”
The statement said the appeal dated August 23 was sent to the (UN) working group on arbitrary detention, special rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions.
Mr Falana said in the appeal:
“I am seriously concerned that the Ugandan authorities continue to arbitrarily arrest, detain and brutally beat, torture and humiliate critics, journalists, human rights defenders, activists, lawyers and opposition leaders and supporters. There are also several cases of unlawful killings during arrests. The authorities hardly investigate allegations of human rights violations and abuses.
“I urge you to closely monitor and scrutinise the human rights situation in Uganda and to take a more decisive role in combating years of impunity for human rights violations and abuses and erosion of the rule of law as well as the violation of general principles of justice in that country. I strongly believe that ending impunity and achieving justice in Uganda is central to promoting and ensuring full respect for all human rights.
“The government continues to deploy a range of tactics to stifle critical reporting, from occasional physical violence to threats, intimidation, bureaucratic interference, and arrest. Station managers of television and radio outfits and journalists often face reprisals if their programmes are deemed critical of the authorities.
“Ugandan laws such as the 2013 regressive Public Order Management Act, which grants police wide discretionary powers to permit or disallow gatherings continue to be used to ban protests and opposition rallies, arrest opposition members and commit other atrocities. Cases of prolonged illegal detention, torture and well-documented killings during protests, by security forces, remain unaddressed.
“Among several examples of grave human rights violations are: stopping academic Stella Nyanzi, from boarding a flight to the Netherlands to attend a conference on the ground that she criticised President Yoweri Museveni and his wife, regarding the authorities’ failure to fulfil their commitment to provide sanitary towels in girls’ schools; and the abduction of the Nation TV journalist Gertrude Tumusiime Uwitware by unknown assailants for several hours, simply for posting her support for Stella Nyanzi on social media.
“Others are the summoning of editors Arinaitwe Rugyendo of the Red Pepper newspaper and the online Daily Monitor, and Charles Bichachi of the Nation Media Group solely for publishing stories on the presidential age limit debate.
“Other cases include politically motivated charges against two journalists Herbert Zziwa and Ronald Muwanga on the flimsy ground that they reported allegations of assault on members of the press by security personnel regarding political unrest in northern Uganda’s Arua District; harassment by security personnel of Julius Bakabaage, John Kibalizi, and Benson Ongom, all journalists with the privately owned NBS Television for doing their job; and raids on the ActionAid Uganda’s offices in Kansanga, an area of Kampala, preventing staff from leaving the premises for several hours.
“Further, opposition leader Kassiano Wadri and several other people including MPs Kassiano Wadri, Gerand Karuhanga, Paul Mwiru, Francis Zaake, John Ssebuffu, Faruku Abdurahamad, Asiku Tom, Ondoga Rasul, Tamale Wilberforce, Owen Mohamad, Musisi William Nyanzi, Draji Tom, Wani Tom, Amidu Juma, Atiku Shabani, Gamba Tumusiime, Kasuke Ismail, Mandela Nelson, Obeti Simon, Ojotre Stephen, Asega Habib, Ijaga Mohamad, Hamiku Charles, Andama Benard, Andama Anywar Doka, Odongo John Bosco, and Butelezi Noor Manzur.
“Others are: Ijotre Basir, Galumbe Anidu, Alara Maida, Asara Night and Malubowa Caroline, were charged with treason. The charge sheet was amended to include Kyagulanyi Sentamu Robert alias Bobi Wine, who is also facing charges before the General Court Martial. Kyagulanyi was arrested last following the chaos in Arua that allegedly culminated into the stoning of president Museveni’s convoy. Kyagulanyi was reportedly tortured in detention. He is being charged for the same alleged offence in both the General Court Martial and a civil court.”
Mr Falana urged the special rapporteurs to urgently intervene to put pressure on the Ugandan government to:
“1. Respect, protect, promote and full the enjoyment of human rights by the people of Uganda including by ensuring that peaceful opposition groups can operate freely and exercise the freedoms of assembly, association, expression, consistent with Uganda’s Constitution and international and regional human rights treaties to which Uganda is a state party;
“2. Immediately end persecution, harassment and intimidation of critics, journalists, human rights defenders, activists and other opposition members and their supporters;
“3. End illegal detention and torture of suspects; investigate and bring to justice state security agents who have committed human rights violations and abuses;
“4. Request to jointly visit Uganda in order to conduct fact finding mission and to report back to the UN Human Rights Council on your findings and action for the Council to take.”

A Nigerian human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, has appealed to the United Nations (UN) to investigate Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni over alleged grave human rights violations in Uganda.
According to a statement made available to PREMIUM TIMES, Sunday, Mr Falana on Friday urged the UN to “urgently investigate the ongoing reports of clampdown on the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, association, media freedom and to human dignity in Uganda.”
The statement said the appeal dated August 23 was sent to the (UN) working group on arbitrary detention, special rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions.
Mr Falana said in the appeal:
“I am seriously concerned that the Ugandan authorities continue to arbitrarily arrest, detain and brutally beat, torture and humiliate critics, journalists, human rights defenders, activists, lawyers and opposition leaders and supporters. There are also several cases of unlawful killings during arrests. The authorities hardly investigate allegations of human rights violations and abuses.
“I urge you to closely monitor and scrutinise the human rights situation in Uganda and to take a more decisive role in combating years of impunity for human rights violations and abuses and erosion of the rule of law as well as the violation of general principles of justice in that country. I strongly believe that ending impunity and achieving justice in Uganda is central to promoting and ensuring full respect for all human rights.
“The government continues to deploy a range of tactics to stifle critical reporting, from occasional physical violence to threats, intimidation, bureaucratic interference, and arrest. Station managers of television and radio outfits and journalists often face reprisals if their programmes are deemed critical of the authorities.
“Ugandan laws such as the 2013 regressive Public Order Management Act, which grants police wide discretionary powers to permit or disallow gatherings continue to be used to ban protests and opposition rallies, arrest opposition members and commit other atrocities. Cases of prolonged illegal detention, torture and well-documented killings during protests, by security forces, remain unaddressed.
“Among several examples of grave human rights violations are: stopping academic Stella Nyanzi, from boarding a flight to the Netherlands to attend a conference on the ground that she criticised President Yoweri Museveni and his wife, regarding the authorities’ failure to fulfil their commitment to provide sanitary towels in girls’ schools; and the abduction of the Nation TV journalist Gertrude Tumusiime Uwitware by unknown assailants for several hours, simply for posting her support for Stella Nyanzi on social media.
“Others are the summoning of editors Arinaitwe Rugyendo of the Red Pepper newspaper and the online Daily Monitor, and Charles Bichachi of the Nation Media Group solely for publishing stories on the presidential age limit debate.
“Other cases include politically motivated charges against two journalists Herbert Zziwa and Ronald Muwanga on the flimsy ground that they reported allegations of assault on members of the press by security personnel regarding political unrest in northern Uganda’s Arua District; harassment by security personnel of Julius Bakabaage, John Kibalizi, and Benson Ongom, all journalists with the privately owned NBS Television for doing their job; and raids on the ActionAid Uganda’s offices in Kansanga, an area of Kampala, preventing staff from leaving the premises for several hours.
“Further, opposition leader Kassiano Wadri and several other people including MPs Kassiano Wadri, Gerand Karuhanga, Paul Mwiru, Francis Zaake, John Ssebuffu, Faruku Abdurahamad, Asiku Tom, Ondoga Rasul, Tamale Wilberforce, Owen Mohamad, Musisi William Nyanzi, Draji Tom, Wani Tom, Amidu Juma, Atiku Shabani, Gamba Tumusiime, Kasuke Ismail, Mandela Nelson, Obeti Simon, Ojotre Stephen, Asega Habib, Ijaga Mohamad, Hamiku Charles, Andama Benard, Andama Anywar Doka, Odongo John Bosco, and Butelezi Noor Manzur.
“Others are: Ijotre Basir, Galumbe Anidu, Alara Maida, Asara Night and Malubowa Caroline, were charged with treason. The charge sheet was amended to include Kyagulanyi Sentamu Robert alias Bobi Wine, who is also facing charges before the General Court Martial. Kyagulanyi was arrested last following the chaos in Arua that allegedly culminated into the stoning of president Museveni’s convoy. Kyagulanyi was reportedly tortured in detention. He is being charged for the same alleged offence in both the General Court Martial and a civil court.”
Mr Falana urged the special rapporteurs to urgently intervene to put pressure on the Ugandan government to:
“1. Respect, protect, promote and full the enjoyment of human rights by the people of Uganda including by ensuring that peaceful opposition groups can operate freely and exercise the freedoms of assembly, association, expression, consistent with Uganda’s Constitution and international and regional human rights treaties to which Uganda is a state party;
“2. Immediately end persecution, harassment and intimidation of critics, journalists, human rights defenders, activists and other opposition members and their supporters;
“3. End illegal detention and torture of suspects; investigate and bring to justice state security agents who have committed human rights violations and abuses;
“4. Request to jointly visit Uganda in order to conduct fact finding mission and to report back to the UN Human Rights Council on your findings and action for the Council to take.”

CREDIT :PREMIUM TIME

Okowa’s Special Assistants Lead 5,000 PDP Members To APC

Special Assistant to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa on Youth and Community Development, Lucky Arumare, and the Special Assistant to the Governor on Women Mobilisation, Uyoyou Edhekpo, led more than 5,000 PDP members to defect to the APC.
Two Special Assistants of Ifeanyi Okowa, Governor of Delta State, have led 5,000 members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
This formed part of the highlights at Oleh, headquarters of Isoko South Local Government Area of the state, during the formal declaration of the former Chairman, Delta State Board of Internal Revenue, Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, for the House of Representatives, Isoko Federal Constituency, in the forthcoming 2019 elections.
At the event, which held on Saturday, the Special Assistant to Governor Okowa on Youth and Community Development, who doubles as Chairman, Emede Community Union, Lucky Arumare, and the Special Assistant to the Governor on Women Mobilisation, Uyoyou Edhekpo, led more than 5,000 PDP members to defect to the APC.
Speaking at the event, Jones Erue, the state APC chairman said: "Governor Okowa will be shown the way out of the Government House by Deltans, because the people have concluded on enthroning an APC government come 2019 in Delta State.
“PDP has nothing to offer Deltans anymore. Deltans are tired and have rejected the PDP-led Government of Ifeanyi Okowa. With the crowd I see here today, it’s a walk-over for APC in Isoko and the Government House come 2019. Hon. Joel-Onowakpo Thomas has come to liberate the good people of Isoko Federal Constituency from 16 years of slavery in the hands of PDP in the Federal House of Representatives. We must all give our full support to Joel-Onowakpo.”
In his message, an APC chieftain in Isoko, Williams Omoviro, referring to the current member representing Isoko Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Leo Ogor, said: "I am an Ozoro man like Hon. Leo Ogor. I can tell you authoritatively that we are tired of Leo. He has nothing to offer for the 16 years. Let's all give our support to Hon. Joel-Onowakpo Thomas for total liberation”.
In his declaration speech, Joel-Onowakpo stated that his political interest was to "contribute his quota of national development".
He said: “I joined the PDP where I played active roles in building the party to enviable heights, culminating in my appointment as Chairman of the Board of Interval Revenue, Delta State, before I finally decided to call it quits with PDP, when all my entreaties against the misrule of the state and my beloved Isoko nation fell on deaf ears.
"I have, after due consultation, decided to formally declare to the Isoko people this day, August 25, 2018, here and now, that I am running for the nomination as a candidate, to fly the flag of the APC in the 2019 general election as member representing Isoko nation at the Federal House of Representatives, and put to an end to the current drift towards the enthronement of a political dynasty, which is alien to the Isoko people.”

CREDIT : SAHARA REPORTERS

Shockwaves in Ambode’s camp over Tinubu’s ‘direct primaries’ stance

•Lagos State governor Ambode and APC National leader, Bola Tinubu
On August 14, 2018, the national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former governor of Lagos State, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, rolled out new guidelines for the party’s primary elections during a meeting of stakeholders. The meeting was held at the party’s secretariat in Ogba, Ikeja, Lagos.
Instead of wide acceptance as earlier expected, the guidelines attracted fear and concerns in some quarters, that the much-anticipated endorsement of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode for a second term ticket may face huge challenges.
Since he became governor of Lagos, Tinubu has maintained a firm grip on the political structure of the state. From the defunct Alliance for Democracy (AD) to the Action Congress (AC) and Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), and now, the
APC, he has always had his way.
In 2011, Tinubu’s relationship with his godson and successor, Babatunde Raji Fashola, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), almost turned awry. It was at a similar stakeholders’ meeting like the recent one that matters were resolved and support for Fashola’s re-election was announced.
Another stakeholder who attended the meeting said, “We even became more worried when all that was discussed was ‘direct primary’, against the ‘delegate system’ we have been used to in primary elections. We hope this would not affect the governor’s chances if a primary is called.”
Of greater worry to the party stakeholders were Tinubu’s pronouncement that nobody would secure an automatic ticket any longer. They insisted that notwithstanding Tinubu’s claim that the party is democratic and is embracing an open selection process, it remains an open secret that whosoever enjoys his blessing has greater chances of winning.
There have been speculations in recent times that certain forces who are not happy with Governor Ambode for sidelining them in the scheme of things have been mounting pressure on Tinubu to drop his support for him and allow a free contest during the party’s primary election. The position taken by Tinubu appears to further strengthen that claim.
Fuad Oki, a factional chairman of the APC in the state, was among the first people to raise the alarm that Ambode’s chances to return might be endangered.
Less than 24 hours after he was sworn into office following a parallel congress conducted by his faction, Oki told journalists during an interaction in Lagos that Ambode had been boxed to a tight corner. He said certain forces were holding him hostage, and except he re-negotiated his terms of support with them, he might be frustrated.
Not many took Oki seriously at that time since he was known to belong to another caucus of the party, different from that of Tinubu/Ambode. However, a look at how events have unfolded since the last local government election in the state seems to be solidifying Oki’s red flag.
Keen watchers of events were quick to point to other developments that unfolded afterwards. One of the most-talked-about was the signing of the state budget. As is the tradition, after the budget proposal has been passed, the speaker, alongside other lawmakers, as well as the governor and his executive members, would sit together and witness the budget proposal being signed into law. The situation was, however, different this year when, in the last minute, the governor called off the earlier scheduled date for signing the budget into law. He was later said to have signed it on a day when the speaker and other legislators could not witness it.
Thereafter, it was reported that different forces within and outside the party mounted pressure on Tinubu to withdraw his support for the governor. And until the recent stakeholders’ meeting, not many could say what was actually in the offing.
A chieftain of the party, Hon. Razak Muse, however, said that beyond the political anxiety in some quarters, the idea of direct primary is a good development. According to Muse, direct primary truly enhances democracy as that would bring about members’ participation in determining those who would represent the party at general elections. He, however, admonished party leaders to ensure that the system is not hijacked as that may create greater problems than the delegate system.
But for Joe Igbokwe, the spokesman of the APC in Lagos State, having experimented with direct primary in Osun State, the party has come to the conclusion that “it is cheaper and nobody needs to camp delegates in hotels and be paying them.” He added that since the national leader of the party had spoken on the matter, there is no going back on its implementation.
He declined to speak on the chances of Governor Ambode in the face of direct primary.
For Ambode’s loyalists, however, there are no reasons to panic. In a statement issued and signed by the governor’s chief press secretary, Habib Aruna hours after the stakeholders’ meeting, Ambode was quoted as saying: “There is no better time to appreciate our national leader (Tinubu) than now. What we have just witnessed is the beginning of a revolution about deepening democracy in Nigeria. People might not understand what is going on, but we are giving power to the people, and it is starting from the APC.”
•Excerpted from a Daily Trust report

2019: Why I should be PDP’s presidential candidate – Makarfi

A former chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ahmed Makarfi, has given reasons why he believes he should be the candidate of the party for next year’s presidential election.
Mr Makarfi also said there is an attempt to foist a sick president on Nigeria with the much publicised 800metres walk by President Muhammadu Buhari during Sallah celebration.
Mr Buhari had during the Eid-el-Kabir celebration in Daura, Katsina State, walked from the praying ground to his home, a distance said to be about 800m.
“President Buhari’s 800m walk which the APC (the ruling party) had said is an indication that he is fit for another term, was an indication that he is not fit, APC is hiding something,” Mr Makarfi said in Ado Ekiti on Saturday while wooing PDP members.
“As for me, my own walk is limitless. I walk every day and I don’t need to make political capital out of that because of aspiration.”
Although it had been reported the president did the trek to show his physical fitness to run for president next year, Mr Buhari himself clarified his reason for the walk.
He said he walked the distance so his constituents could see him freely.
“This is my constituency, the people came out in their large numbers to see me and the car in which I was being driven had tinted windows,” Mr Buhari said in a statement by his office.
“They were not seeing me so I came down so they could see me. I didn’t need to convince anyone about my health and the decision to contest for a second term-a decision that I made public in April this year.”
Mr Makarfi’s statement came despite the president’s clarification.

APC Can’t Remove Saraki
The former senator, who was in Ekiti State to interact with PDP delegates ahead of the party’s presidential primaries, also said the APC would not be able to remove Senate President Bukola Saraki as the party lacks even a simple majority to so do.
Two-thirds of Nigeria’s 109 senators are required to remove Mr Saraki from office.
Mr Makarfi dismissed the call by the APC national chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, for Mr Saraki’s resignation to avoid removal.
He said the removal of the senate president remained a constitutional matter.
“We know the figures, the APC don’t even have the simple majority not to talk of two-third to impeach Saraki, so this call is diversionary,” he said.
“Senate President Saraki cannot be impeached because the figure to impeach him is not there and the APC can never get it.”
PDP Presidential Candidate
The former Kaduna governor promised to ensure a holistic restructuring of Nigeria if voted president.
Mr. Makarfi told the delegates that he restructured Kaduna State
from tribal sentiments and gross infrastructural
deficit and underdevelopment. He said he made the state a secured environment
until “the APC government returned insecurity
and underdevelopment to the state.”
He said his past records as chairman of the PDP when he was able to
ensure the survival of the party, and efforts as chairman of the Senate
committee on finance make him a qualified candidate for president.
“First of all is the restructure of the country to make it good for everybody. Restructuring of the security and creation of jobs and infrastructure development in all respects and promoting the private sector so that it can become effective employer of labour,” he noted.
“We have also looked at some issues of protocol that we have which have
negative impact in the country. Any issue of protocol that doesn’t
serve national interest in terms of security we will dialogue with
other country where they have got it right and restructure ours.
“I have been tested and proven myself as governor of Kaduna State as
selected chairman of committee of finance. My records are there; and as
party chairman of PDP when people were not given the chance to make the
party to survive. I was able to bring everybody together and ensure
that the party survived and that is why many more people are defecting
to PDP and they are all welcome.
“I am straight forward person and do not say one thing in the morning
and turn it another thing in the evening.
“The problems facing Kaduna when I became governor are the problem
facing Nigeria now; mutual distrust between tribes, poor
infrastructural, economic and educational standards and others.
“We restructured Kaduna, people didn’t believe because military failed them;
but we did. Sadly, APC has returned insecurity to Kaduna.”
Mr Makarfi is one of the many presidential aspirants of the PDP. Others include a former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar; Mr Saraki; Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo of Gombe; Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto; and ex-governors Sule Lamido, Ibrahim Shekarau, and Rabiu Kwankwaso.

CREDIT : PREMIUM TIME

The ideas, visions of what we expected, was not realised in APC — Saraki

Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, yesterday, said he was not losing sleep over the plot to impeach him by some senators and the leadership of the All Progressives Congress, APC.

Saraki, who spoke to newsmen in Asaba, the Delta State capital, after a closed door meeting with Governor Ifeanyi Okowa,  debunked claims that the Senate was yet to reconvene due to fear of his impeachment, adding that those who had gone to the roof top to announce the plot to impeach him, should have dissipated such energy on democratic ideals that would better the lots of Nigerians.

He said;  “I am not losing any sleep about impeachment; we have a country that a lot of Nigerians believe there must be rule of law; those who are talking about impeachment are engaging in cheap blackmail and I am not concerned about that”.

The Senate President said the mass defection to the PDP was because the APC has denied Nigerians of true democracy in the past three years, adding that nothing would derail the present Senate from upholding the tenets of good governance.

He insisted that no amount of political intimidation and security harassment would prevent the

business of law-making that would impact positively on the country, saying that “our ideas and visions on what we expect in a democratic setting were not met in APC, hence we left.

“It is not about myself, but about democracy and Nigeria. I can assure you that very soon, every process will fizzle out as it should be.  I don’t lose sleep because we have a country that believes in democracy and the way we should work. We have a constitution that guides what we do. So, I am not concerned about the impeachment   plot”.

Continuing, he said  “I spent four years with a very capable and competent colleague (Governor Okowa) in the Senate; we worked very closely together and I have come to spend some time with him and to hear his views now that I have rejoined the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

“Governor Okowa is a very important party member, he is someone I truly respect and I have come to listen to him, hear his views and to consult with him”.

While expressing joy over the level of development witnessed in the State in the past three years, he said “there is lot of economic growth for the past three years in Delta State, a lot of opportunities have been created for Deltans; there is a lot of development in the state and this is what we want to see in most of our states.”

Shedding more light on why he left the APC, Saraki said: “I have made a four page statement on why I left the All Progressives Congress   (APC) and I made it very clear that the ideas and visions of what we expected, was not realised in the areas of democracy, justice, etc.

“Those that followed the political terrain of the last three years can see that the people are not happy, it is not about myself but about Nigerians and about the kind of country we want to build, the kind of democracy we want practiced and the kind of leadership we need; but, we have not been able to achieve any of this under the APC as much as we have tried”.