TRENDING: I Paid Billions To Campaign For Buhari In 30 States In 2015, Says Saraki

"Up till the time election held in 2015, as at Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday till when elections were conducted on Saturday, out of the 36 states, I paid for campaigns in 30 states. There were payments of N400million, N300million, and the like. The only six states I knew nothing about were the six states in the South-West. Aside these six states, for all other states, right from my phone, I was contacting the banks on what to do. The consolation for spending this amount was that when the administration won, when it was time for appointments — remember I used to tell majority of those in the state that we were all going to Abuja — some of our people would be in Road Maintenance, NPA, among others, because I know that even if it's just one Kwara person who is the DG of UBEC, we know what he can do with his position," Saraki was quoted as saying.
In an audio clip that has gone viral on social media, Senate President Bukola Saraki has said he paid billions to campaign for President Muhammadu Buhari in 30 states of the federation.

The audio clip was posted on Twitter by Kayode Ogundamisi, a social commentator, on Friday.

From the 33-minute clip, it appeared Saraki was in a political meeting with youth, judging from the details of the conversation and the response from the crowd.

He listed reasons he eventually left the All Progressives Congress (APC), premising his decision on the fact that his people were not allocated slots when it came to positions within parastatals of the federation.

His words: "From the top, use me as an example. Between 2014 and 2015 when we left the PDP, that we took charge of the campaign for the APC, we went round all the states. There was no state in Nigeria that I did not campaign for Buhari. Up till the time election held in 2015, as at Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday till when elections were conducted on Saturday, out of the 36 states, I paid for campaigns in 30 states. There were payments of N400million, N300million, and the like. The only six states I knew nothing about were the six states in the South-West. Aside these six states, for all other states, right from my phone, I was contacting the banks on what to do.

"The consolation for spending this amount was that when the administration won, when it was time for appointments — remember I used to tell majority of those in the state that we were all going to Abuja — some of our people would be in Road Maintenance, NPA, among others, because I know that even if it's just one Kwara person who is the DG of UBEC, we know what he can do with his position; even if it's one million or two million.

"How can one go through so much 'wahala' and spend billions and when they get there... Even if you don't want to give us positions, there are other offers. The point I'm making is not that I want to make trouble or it is my intention for the youth to go through what they are going through. That's why I'm very pained. As it affects you, it also affects me. That's why I said it's not possible for me to work with those people again. It's not about me. What do they want to offer me?

"It's a risk to challenge the government. It's better one just maintains peace. It's not easy to challenge the government of the day. But, my point is that I cannot do it because I have an agreement that I would not deceive you. We did so much. When it was 2018, I came and told you that I was no longer with the APC, I'm sure some of you would have wondered why. However, I'm sure with what you have seen in the last one, two months, I'm not a politician who likes trouble, because for the other side, their politics is to make trouble with me."

Every Six Seconds, One Person Dies Of Diabetes, Says Consultant Endocrinologist

“When you admit 40 patients in our hospitals, almost 30 out of them are living with diabetes. And this is more than two-thirds of admitted patients," Dr. Enikuomehin said.
Dr. Adenike Enikuomehin, a medical consultant, has said that at least one person dies every six seconds of diabetes globally.
Noting that the situation is worrisome, Enikuomehin added that 700 people out of 1,500 admitted to the hospital recently have diabetes.
She spoke in Akure, the Ondo State capital, at an event to make the 2018 World Diabetes Day, themed 'Diabetes and the Family'.
She revealed that Ondo State is recording an increase in the cases of diabetes as a result of the number of patients in the hospital. She stated that 3,500 out of 8,500 patients admitted at the teaching hospital since January this year till date are diabetic.
“When you admit 40 patients in our hospitals, almost 30 out of them are living with diabetes," said Enikuomehin, a Consultant Endocrinologist at the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital in Ondo.
"And this is more than two-thirds of admitted patients. This is worrisome and calls for attention and the support of all and sundry. The family has a major role to play in this aspect by giving the necessary support to all the people living with diabetes."
According to Enikuomehin, the main factors contributing to diabetes include high level of calorie intake, obesity rate and inducement of drugs.
Dr. Wahab Adegbenro, Ondo State Commissioner for Health, said diabetes has become a major global concern among the people. Adegbenro also observed that diabetes is so rampant that one in every five persons has the disease.
He, however, revealed that the state government has been doing much to create awareness to help nip the disease in the bud. He also advised people to shun self medication and avoid eating junk in order to have good health.
“Diabetes and hypertension are major diseases troubling the whole world and incidentally, two of them can go together in a person," he said. "We have a lot of specialists and facilities that can handle diabetes. However, people should stop eating junk and self medication."
Michael Ajayi, Secretary of the Diabetes Asociation of Nigeria in Ondo State, urged the people to always engage in regular checkup in order to know their status on time.
"It is better for people to know their diabetic status on time because it would help save money and time," he said.

EXCLUSIVE: Mimiko Quits Presidential Race... Now To Snatch Senatorial Ticket From His Anointed

A source in the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) confirmed this to our correspondent, saying Mimiko made the about-face after an inner caucus meeting of members of his "think tank". He will now take the place of Gboye Adegbenro, Commissioner for Works during his governorship reign, whom he already endorsed as ZLP candidate for Ondo Central Senatorial District.
Barring any last-minute change of mind, Olusegun Mimiko, the Former Governor of Ondo State, will jettison his ambition as the presidential candidate of Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).
SaharaReporters learnt that Mimiko would, any moment from now, announce his ambition to contest as the candidate of ZLP for Ondo Central Senatorial District for the 2019 general election.
A source in the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) confirmed this to our correspondent, saying Mimiko made tha about-face after an inner caucus meeting of members of his "think tank".
"It's true, Iroko (Mimiko) is no longer vying for the presidential seat again because he has decided to change his mind by making u-turn after our meeting," said the source.
"He now prefers to contest for the Senate seat and would now be the candidate of our party for the Ondo Central Senatorial District."
Although, Gboye Adegbenro, the Commissioner for Works during the tenure of Mimiko, had also been gunning for same position under the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).
It was gathered that Adegbenro's name had already been enlisted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as a candidate of Ondo Central Senatorial District.
A source told SaharaReporters via the phone that the sudden u-turn of Mimiko had also changed the political calculations in the camp of Adegbenro.
"This same Gboye Adegbenro who was the Commissioner for Works during Mimiko's government got his blessings to contest as candidate of the ZLP for this same Ondo Central Senatorial District.
"It is unfortunate that Iroko [Mimiko] cannot change his skin, just like a leopard. He has again dribbled us and we know what to do next."

Nearly 300,000 PVCs Unclaimed In Adamawa

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Ķashim Gaidam, Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the state, attributed the situation to "lack of proper voter education and enlightenment", and appealed to those yet to pick up their PVCs to come for them
A total of 288,043 Permanent Voter Cards (PVC) may have been abandoned by their owners in Adamawa State, Ķashim Gaidam, Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the state, said on Monday.
At a Press briefing in Yola, capital of the state, Gaidam said INEC was disturbed by the large number of the unclaimed PVCs.
He attributed the situation to "lack of proper voter education and enlightenment", and appealed to those yet to pick up their PVCs to come for them.
"We have a total of 288,043 uncollected Permanent Voter Cards, out of which 164,409 cards are for 2017 and 2018 registrations,” Gaidam said.
He noted that currently, there are 425,252 authentic registered voters in the state.
In 2015, Jibrilla Bindow polled 362,329 to win the governorship election, the highest number of votes recorded by the winner of a governorship contest in the history of the state state.

God Has Helped Nigeria By Giving Us Somebody Like Buhari, Says Youth Organisation

“God has helped Nigeria by giving us somebody like President Buhari, who is a man of integrity and ho will not loot the treasury. We have to make sure we support him," Mallam Yusuf Nalado, BYO National President, said.

Leaders of Buhari Youth Organisation (BYO) have praised the achievements of President Muhammadu Buhari.

The group also referred to Buhari as a "man of integrity", symbolising how "God has helped Nigeria".

This was the position at the group's Third Annual Independence Youth Pep Talk Programme, organised in partnership with the National Committee of Buhari Support Groups (NCBSG), held in Lagos.

According to NAN, the event featured the presence of hundreds of young Buhari’s supporters, and was tagged: 'Change Mantra: Before, Now and the Future (Account of the Current Government).

In his address, Senator Abu Ibrahim, Chairman, Board of Trustees, NCBSG, who was represented by Chief Abiodun Ajiboye, the National Secretary of NCBSG, said the objective of the event was to create awareness about the achievements of Buhari’s government.

He said: “There is no doubt that the gigantic achievements of this administration have been under-reported and as such, efforts have to be made to sound it clear into the ears of those who never want our success story. It has become more important today than ever to focus on the achievements of this administration since the only question people ask is 'what are the achievements of this government'?

“In fairness to those in opposition and those asking such questions, politics is a game of self appraisal. After all, if you do not blow your trumpet, no one will blow it for you. If the ability to protect lives and property is not an achievement, then what is an achievement? The ability to look at corruption in the face and confront it is indeed a new beginning.

“It is the beginning of a new Nigeria that will lead the country into prosperity. Buhari deserves to be re-elected in 2019 and will be re-elected."

Abdulwaheed Odunuga, Coordinator of BYO, Lagos State, noted that the media had the responsibility of informing the public about the achievements of government.

Also, National President of BYO, Mallam Yusuf Nalado, highlighted the achievements of the present administration, stating that "I urge you to remain focus and resolute as 2019 elections approach. Our youths should not be deceived with money. Nigerian youth should be focused and reject money bags who might want to use them. They should not yield to the temptation of vote buyers.

“God has helped Nigeria by giving us somebody like President Buhari, who is a man of integrity and ho will not loot the treasury. We have to make sure we support him."

Ife Adebayo, Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President on Innovation and Entrepreneurship, who was the keynote speaker, also spoke on the achievements of the present administration.

In her address, Chief Yetunde Babajide, South-West Woman Leader, National Committee of Buhari Support Group (BSG), said the president had brought positive changes to the country.

Davido Declares His Uncle 'Governor' Of Osun State

Midway into his performance in the early hours of Monday, Davido said: “I want to give a shout-out to His Excellency, Governor Nurudeen Ademola Adeleke, the Governor of Osun State."

Davido performing at the Afrika Shrine

Nigerian singer David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has declared his uncle, Senator Ademola Adeleke, winner of the Osun State governorship election.

Davido, who performed alongside all artistes under his record label in the early hours of Monday, stated this at the closing ceremony of Felabration 2018, which was themed 'Overtaking Overtake'.

The singer had difficulties gaining entrance into the backstage, as the crowd waiting to catch a glimpse of him blocked his path.

Watch video

Afterwards, waiting to catch a glimpse of him blocked his path.

he was ushered onto the stage by his protege, Mayourkun. He, however, stopped midway into his performance to announce his uncle the winner of the election.

“I want to give a shout-out to His Excellency, Governor Nurudeen Ademola Adeleke, the Governor of Osun State," he said.

Felabration 2018 came to an end on Monday morning.

The week-long annual event is organised in celebration of Nigeria’s Afrobeat maestro, Fela Anikulapo Kuti.

Akeredolu 'Walks Out On' Labour Leaders During Meeting In Ondo

"Mr. Governor kept us waiting at the venue of the meeting for close to five hours. And instead of him to tender an apology, he told us that he really felt embarrassed by the Tuesday protest, as we the workers shut down the entry to his office. Before we knew what was happening, he stylishly walked out on us," he told SaharaReporters.
A meeting between Labour leaders and the Ondo State government ended with raised voices on Friday.
While the meeting was ongoing, Rotimi Akeredolu, Governor of Ondo State, "walked out angrily".
SaharaReporters learnt that the meeting was called to deliberate on the true position of the last tranche of the Paris Club Refund.
Civil servants and pensioners in the state had protested for several hours at the entrance of the governor’s office on Tuesday, following an alleged plot by the Akeredolu-led government to divert the Paris Club Refund accurable to the state.
Sources who attended the meeting told our correspondent that trouble started when Akeredolu, who arrived late to the meeting, expressed his disappointment with the labour leaders concerning the Tuesday protest.
"Mr. Governor kept us waiting at the venue of the meeting, which is the Cocoa Conference Hall of the Governor's office for close to five hours. And instead of him to tender an apology, he began to frown and express his disappointment with the protest we organised on Tuesday.
"He was telling us that he really felt embarrassed by the protests as we the workers shut down the entry to his office. Before we knew what was happening, he stylishy walked out on us. Many of our leaders raised their voices in solidarity as he walked out."
Comrade Soladoye Ekundayo, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) told sources close to SaharaReporters that the union would meet to deliberate on the next line of action.
"Although, as I'm speaking with you, our labour leaders are still meeting and we are eager to know their next line of action. But the best thing is to call for an industrial action. Let all the workers sit at home and show their anger with this tyrannical government which doesn't care about out welfare," the source said.
Meanwhile, after the protest on Tuesday, Tunde Akinsanmi, the state Deputy Accountant confirmed that the state government received the alert of N20.9 billion as its own share of the last tranche of the Paris Club Refund.
Akinsanmi later added that the fund was withdrawn by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) from the state treasury account because the Federal government want to verify Ondo State Statement of Account.
He noted that only Lagos and Osun states had received their own share of refund of all the states in the South West.

NBC Threatens To Sanction AIT Over Fast-Rising, Govt-Critical Kakaaki Social

Since premiering on AIT Kakaaki on August 7, Kakaaki Social has gained widespread acclaim, numerous viewers praising both the station and its presenter, Ohimai Godwin Amaize, for providing a refreshing platform for the amplifying of social-media voices.
The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has warned Africa Independent Television (AIT) to be careful in its usage of “user-generated content from the social media” on Kakaaki Social, a recent introduction to the early-morning show that extracts social-media comments on current political developments.
The warning was contained in a letter obtained by SaharaReporters and dated October 15, from Francisca Aiyetan on behalf of NBC’s Director of Broadcast Monitoring to the Managing Director of DAAR Communications Plc, titled ‘Social Media Segment of KAKAAKI: Need For caution’.
“It has come to the notice of the National Broadcasting Commission that a new segment was recently introduced In your flagship programme, Kakaaki, which makes use of user generated content from the social media,” read the letter.
“While this may be permissible, we advise you to ensure the utmost professionalism is employed in order to maintain editorial responsibility as indicated in our earlier letter dated 21st June, 2018 on the use of trending issues on social media.
“For the avoidance of doubt please note the following section of Nigeria broadcasting code; section 5.6.3 and 5.6.4
“Section 5.6.3: Broadcast shall take responsibility for all user generated content used on their medium
“Section 5.6.4: Material from user generated source shall meet all provision of the code.
“Please ensure compliance to avoid sanction.”
Since premiering on AIT Kakaaki on August 7, Kakaaki Social has gained widespread acclaim, numerous viewers praising both the station and its presenter, Ohimai Godwin Amaize, for providing a refreshing platform for the amplifying of social-media voices.