We'll Support Any Presidential Candidate That Promotes Restructuring, Say Ijaw Youth

"The IYC, which is the umbrella body that shields all Ijaw youth all over the world, will mobilise its members, friends, well wishers and other great men and women of goodwill to support any presidential candidate that supports restructuring of this great country that is currently being managed and run with resources from the Niger Delta, while our great people are treated shabbily with so much disdain," the statement read.

The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) has said it will support any presidential candidate that promotes restructuring in the 2019 general election.

The organisation also urged President Muhammadu Buhari to task the relevant agencies on the East-West road to release the needed funds to ensure the rehabilitation of the road.

A statement by Roland Oweilaemi, President of the IYC noted that the road had become a "death trap".

The statement read: “We want President Muhammadu Buhari to give directive to the Niger Delta Ministry and other agencies involved in facilitation of funds for the speedy completion of the East/West road that has become a death trap which claims innocent lives daily."

On whom the organisation would support for president in the 2019 general election, the statement continued: "On the recent conclusion of party primaries, the Council congratulates the presidential flagbearers of the various political parties in the forthcoming 2019 presidential election on their emergence as candidates of their political parties.

“Generally, the IYC, which is the umbrella body that shields all Ijaw youth all over the world, will mobilise its members, friends, well wishers and other great men and women of goodwill to support any presidential candidate that supports restructuring of this great country that is currently being managed and run with resources from the Niger Delta, while our great people are treated shabbily with so much disdain. Our people have been totally sidelined and excluded from adequate and commensurate benefits that are supposed to accrue to the oil and gas producing communities and areas.

“Our stand on restructuring is very simple. Let the component and federating units control natural resources in their respective domains, and let them in turn pay royalty to the centre as practised by America and other advanced democracies. By so doing, our great people who have shouldered the economic burden of this country since the discovery of crude oil and gas at Otabagi-Oloibiri in Ogbia Local Government Area in Bayelsa State in 1956, will also have a sense of belonging as against the present situation where our people are wallowing in misery and abject poverty, while those who do not know the colour of crude oil are living in affluence.

"The IYC which is the mouthpiece of our great people will no longer support any government or leader that tries to pauperise or attempt to treat our people like second class citizens."

The group also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure it conducts "a free, fair and credible election in line with international practices", just as it noted that the charge to INEC "has become very imperative because of the activities of INEC with respect to the Ekiti and Osun states elections, where INEC that is supposed to be unbiased and neutral became more partisan than the ruling party".

FG Proposes N24,000 As New Minimum Wage

The Minister of Labour stated that the Federal Government proposed to increase the minimum wage to N24,000, while state governments proposed N20,000.

Chris Ngige

Chris Ngige, Nigeria's Minister of Labour and Employment, has said the Federal Government has proposed N24,000 as the new minimum wage for civil servants in the country.  

Ngige revealed that the N6,000 addition to the existing N18,000 is coming after series of consultation with state governors.  

Briefing state house correspondents in Abuja on Wednesday, Ngige said the tripartite committee discussions on the new minimum wage is ongoing, and all parties have brought forward their proposed new wages.

"The organised labour came down to N30,000, while the organised private sector came down to N25,000," he said.

The Minister of Labour stated that the Federal Government proposed to increase the minimum wage to N24,000, while state governments proposed N20,000.

He, however, maintained that the committee is yet to agree on a unified amount but it would be done in subsequent meetings.

The organised labour union had said the labour act stipulated that the minimum wage should be reviewed every five years, but since inception, the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration has not reviewed it.

The labour union is demanding N56,000 as new minimum wage for civil servants in the country.

Ondo APC Aspirants From Akeredolu's LGA Vow To Work Against Party In 2019

"Look at them imposing some candidates on us. What should we call this? I want to appeal to the national leadership of the party to quickly do something. If not, we would work against APC and we will ensure the party loses in 2019 here in Ondo State," one of the aggrieved aspirants said.

Aggrreived aspirants from the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State have threatened to work against the party in the 2019 general election.

The aspirants, who are mainly contesting for seats in the House of Assembly, were protesting the "imposition of candidates by the leaders of the party".

SaharaReporters noted that some of the aspirants are from Owo Local Goverment Area, which is Governor Rotimi Akeredolu's LGA.

Staging a protest in Owo on Monday to express their grievances, the aspirants specifically accused the Ondo State Chairman, Ade Adetimehin, of trying to impose candidates.

Moses Oladugba, one of the angry aspirants, said: "No primaries took place as purportedly reported in the Local Government Area."

Oladugba, who is seeking the ticket of Owo Constituency I at the House of Assembly, noted that thugs who were sponsored by politicians disrupted process at the weekend, and threatened to work against the interest of the APC in the 2019 elections, if nothing is done to correct the injustice.

He continued: "It is very sad that after spending over N1.3 million purchasing forms, the party did not allow any primary election to take place. Some armed thugs were sent to chase the people away from the venue, and no election took place. Instead, they just wrote the figures. These people who sent thugs to disrupt the primary election had called us last week (Thursday) to stage protest against imposition of Senator Ajayi Boroffice representing Ondo North Senatorial District.

"Now, look at them imposing some candidates on us. What should we call this? I want to appeal to the national leadership of the party to quickly do something. If not, we would work against APC and we will ensure the party loses in 2019 here in Ondo State."

Babatunde Olaposi, another of the aspirants, also said election did not take place in his constituency.

"We cannot get it right if this is how the state government under Rotimi Akeredolu want to continue as a governor and leader of this party. There was no election at all on Friday and we heard later someone has won, even when there was no election," he said.

In a related development, Mayokun Alade, an APC aspirant, has said there was no primary election in Akure South/North area of Ondo State.

Alade, who is contesting the House of Representatives seat in Akure South/North Federal Constituency, accused the party leaders of writing a list of 'consensus candidates'. He disclosed that the election was also disrupted by armed thugs, who shot sporadically to scare people away in Iju/Itaogbolu to disrupt the process of the election.

He said: "The leadership of the APC in Akure is trying to impose some aspirants on us. Now, we are asking them to explain where we are going before the 2019 general election. We have to conduct a new primary in Ondo State because if there was no new election, that means APC will not have any candidate for those seats in the 2019 general election.

"We spent millions of Naira and we also went for the screening. This is a progressive party, but I cannot see any progression in the party. I'm going to stand with APC, but it is better we stay together to fight a common cause and what we are asking for is free and fair primary."

Wike Suggests He Supported Another Aspirant But Vows To Ensure Atiku's Victory In 2019

"We are one family. You may support aspirant A or B, but once a candidate emerges, you owe it a duty to make sure your party returns to power. We are doing everything we can to ensure that we don't give APC any gap. They have failed Nigerians and we will take over in 2019," Wike said.

Nyesom Wike, Governor of Rivers State, has said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will unseat the All Progressives Congress (APC) from power in 2019.

He stated this while addressing journalists after a 'Thank You Visit' by Atiku Abubakar, the PDP presidential candidate and former Vice-President at the Government House, Port Harcourt, on Sunday evening.

According to Wike, Nigerians have a duty to form a united front to "sack" the APC-led Federal Government.

He said although different party leaders supported different aspirants to secure the PDP presidential ticket, with Atiku's emergence as the party's presidential candidate, "all hands must be on deck for the good of the country".

He said: "We have no party that will salvage the country other than the PDP. A candidate has emerged and we owe it a duty to see that the party takes over from the most inefficient and ineffective party in control of the FG.

"We are one family. You may support aspirant A or B, but once a candidate emerges, you owe it a duty to make sure your party returns to power. We are doing everything we can to ensure that we don't give APC any gap. They have failed Nigerians and we will take over in 2019."

He said the successful hosting of the national convention in Port Harcourt proves that Port Harcourt is a peaceful location for national events.

"I am happy that the convention was successful and it went on without hitches," he said.

In his remarks, Atiku called on Nigerians to support the PDP.

Noting that "the entire country needs a new government", he said the country has gone through challenges and needs to chart a new direction in the interest of the people.

Atiku said it is time for the people of Rivers State to consolidate their support for the PDP in the state.

He said: "I came to personally congratulate the governor, people and government of Rivers State and also thank him for hosting a most successful convention."

Atiku was accompanied on the visit by former Ogun State Governor Gbenga Daniel, former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, PDP National Chairman Uche Secondus, Senator Ben Murray-Bruce, Senator Sam Anyanwu, former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Austin Opara and Edo State PDP Chairman Dan Orbih.

Wike received the PDP presidential candidate alongside the Rivers State PDP Chairman, Felix Obuah, Chief of Staff, Engr Chukwuemeka Woke, and Chief Sergeant Awuse.

Minnesota governor declares October 6 ‘Wizkid Day’

Wizkid, Nigerian Afro-pop star, has been honoured in the US by the governor of Minnesota, Mark Dayton.

Dayton declared October 6 of every year as ‘Wizkid Day’. The day has been set aside to celebrate the Nigerian singer.

The singer performed at Skyway Theatre in Minneapolis on Saturday. Some of his achievements were stated in the proclamation letter signed by the governor.

It read in part: “On Saturday, October 6, 2018, thousands of Minnesotans will gather at Skyway Theatre in Minneapolis to see Wizkid perform, and hopefully make history as the first African artist to sell out the venue.

“Wizkid has inspired Minnesotans and music fans around the world, as one of the biggest cultural influencers of our time.”

The singer recently released ‘Fever’ and ‘Master Groove’, his first solo singles of 2018.

He is currently on a tour of the US.

Before performing in Minnesota, Wizkid had a show at Strand Ballroom and Theatre, Providence, Rhode Island.

Sowore To Nigerians: Don't Sell Your Votes For Money That Won't Last More Than A Day

“We know they have money, but when they come to give you, reject it because your destiny is more important than money. What were the occupations of these politicians before they got into office? How much did they earn as salaries? Where did they get the money from? Work to build a Lagos of your dreams that is not the estate of one man," Sowore said.

Omoyele Sowore, presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), has cautioned the electorate against exchanging their votes for money "that will not last more than a day".

He stated this at a town hall meeting organised by Taiwo Ibironke, who is contesting for the Surulere Constituency 2 seat in the Federal House of Representatives on the platform of AAC.

The event held at 64A, Agebi road, Aguda, Surulere, Lagos.

He said: "Don't sell your votes for money that will not last more than a day; for Ankara of sorrow, or for things that do not translate to good governance for you."

He noted with dismay the emergence of old recycled leaders, whom he accused of "destroying the nation and its systems", stating that “When will it become your turn? Enough is enough. The highest they can do is what is visible to us from 1993 to date. This is the Nigeria of their dreams".

He continued: “We know they have money, but when they come to give you, reject it because your destiny is more important than money. What were the occupations of these politicians before they got into office? How much did they earn as salaries? Where did they get the money from? Work to build a Lagos of your dreams that is not the estate of one man. Lagos must be free; Surulere must be free; Nigeria must be free.

Taiwo Ibironke, who is contesting to represent Surulere Constituency 2 in the House of Representatives, called on the people to do the right thing, stating that if voted in, he would be "held accountable for every penny and opportunity in government”.

Kayode, one of the attendees, asked how possible it was to accomplish all the promises of the AAC, to which Sowore responded: "The old politicians cannot deliver because they have godfathers, who are waiting on the return on their investments. We don’t have godfathers; we have struggled for Nigeria’s freedom over the years. Check our antecedents, we are here to work and we have no one to repay, but you who voted us in”.

Mercy Aigbe: I worked hard to buy my house… no one saw the late night shoots

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Mercy Aigbe has spoken out about the trending discourse on Twitter about the source of the finds she used in purchasing her house.

A few months ago, the actress acquired a house in an undisclosed location in Lagos.

Reacting to the speculation that a “wealthy man” funded the acquisition, Aigbe took to Instagram to state that she bought the house with proceeds from her hard work.

She described the claims as “stupid rumours” that lack any iota of truth.

The actress wrote: “No one saw all my late night shoots! Shooting almost 24hrs, No one saw my being on set back to back. No one saw all those times I carry Goods on my head in London, LA, New York, Turkey, Vietnam and all.

“No one sees my endorsements and influencing deals. Almost 15years as an Actor, I buy a house, they see it as a big deal! They try to tag every wealthy man they know to my success because they just can’t comprehend how and why a woman should be successful.”

View this post on Instagram

WORD!👊 No one saw all my late night shoots! Shooting almost 24hrs, No one saw my being on set back to back!!!!…..No one saw all those times I carry Goods on my head in London, LA, New York, Turkey, Vietnam and all…….. No one sees my endorsements and influencing deals…… Almost 15years as an Actor, I buy a house, they see it as a big deal! They try to tag every wealthy man they know to my Sucess because they just can’t comprehend how and why a woman should be successful …… Y’all wait till I open my Complex, then maybe y’all will kuku take poison untop my matter 😂😂😂 I am just getting started 💪👊 #strongwoman #womanofsteel #childofgrace #biggirlmightygod #godjuststartedwithme Abeg that miracle that will leave people in awe, confusion to the extent that they will start insinuating and speculating all sorts…. just cos they can’t fathom what the lord has done for you, may the lord grant it unto you IJN!

A post shared by Mercilicious (@realmercyaigbe) on Oct 8, 2018 at 7:53am PDT

In another post, she shared a picture of the house, saying it was “bought with my hard work and God’s grace (not that I owe y’all an explanation).

The actress added the “more is coming” and that “something huge is cooking”.

View this post on Instagram

Dear Bloggers, the mumu upcoming script writer! and association of instablog bad belle, jobless commentators….this house you see in this picture was bought with my hard work and God's grace( not that I owe y'all an explanation)……..since you have taken it upon yourselves to be in my business, pls employ a very good private investigator, a pastor, an Alfa or a Babalawo to help you in further investigations….so you won't be peddling stupid rumours that has no iota of truth in it!….let me quickly warn you that more is coming oh!!! Because something HUGE is cooking 😄😁😁😁 I am just getting started 😁😁💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥 Just one house una wan DIE !!!!!! Wait till you see what is next!….. RADARADA…….

Copyright  TheCable

Five reasons Atiku will beat Buhari silly

 This past week marked a turning point in the nation’s political history. It was Atiku and all the news around his much-anticipated victory at the national convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) which ended on Sunday in Port Harcourt. It is also the week that the governing All Progressives Congress (APC) affirmed President Muhammadu Buhari as its candidate for the 2019 presidential election.

As it is with any major happening in the nation’s political firmament, Atiku’s victory is the trending story on the internet since the midday of Sunday. His landslide victory has got everyone talking. The focus of this piece is therefore on why he is Nigeria’s next president.

BUHARI’S DISMAL PERFORMANCE

It is no longer news that President Muhammadu Buhari’s approval rating has taken a plunge in the last three years that he has been in office, which informs the belief by political pundits that a run against the president in 2019 posses no political risk.

Indeed NOI Polls, the No 1 country-specific polling services for Nigeria has returned a damning verdict on President Buhari’s stewardship, with the results of its poll showing that over the last three years the President’s job performance rating has taken a downward turn for the worse, plummeting from his highest rating of 78 percent and 80 percent recorded in September and October 2015, to 37 percent recorded in August 2016 and more recently 38 percent and 39 percent in the months of February and April 2018 respectively.

In more specific terms, the average approval rating of the president in 2018 stands below average at 39.6 percent; with his latest rating of May 2018 at 41 percent. He did poorly in all areas of assessment. So if 2018 holds the truth for 2019, a well-grounded candidate like former Vice President Atiku can confront the president with the possibility of an excellent electoral show.

ATIKU’S INTIMIDATING TRACK RECORD

 There is no gainsaying the fact that Atiku Abubakar has been the most prepared Nigerian to steer the ship of state in the last decade. However, he hasn’t been able to actualise his ambition because of the disposition of some detractors who feel threatened by the rich credentials that he brings to the table.

But this is understandable because politics taint noble people. So it is with Atiku. After impacting our national life for four solid decades, his impeccable record speaks volume about his public spiritedness and his support for worthy causes. At an age when many still prattled and sought relevance, Atiku bestrode Nigeria like a quintessential colossus, dishing out goodwill, service, and altruism. These are undeniable.

From his days as a top Customs Man, through his attempt to fly the flag of the defunct Social Democratic Party (SDP), Atiku has gone through the drudgery of grassroots politics to etch his name as Governor-Elect of Adamawa State in 1999. His crowning glory is as Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria between 1999 and 2007. The question remains if he was not good, how has he been able to stamp a seal of excellence everywhere he went all these years?

There is no lying that Atiku’s role as Vice President under President Olusegun Obasanjo has become a reference point on how deputies can be loyal yet effective. Except for cynics, Atiku’s intellect and contributions to the current debate for restructuring and fiscal federalism are incontrovertible.

Furthermore, governance is not about making pretence to integrity or about some shadowy fight against graft. It has little to do with age. It has more to do with competence, sensitivity, and responsiveness to the plights of the governed. In and out of public offices, the Wazirin Adamawa exemplifies excellence. His mission, as contained in his acceptance speech in Port Harcourt has a huge trunk to do with making Nigeria a better place for all.

The emergence of Atiku as the presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) was no happenstance. It is consistent with the resolve of members of the party to raise the bar in public service and put Nigeria back on the part of sustainable growth and development.

RESTRUCTURING AND FISCAL FEDERALISM

About two years after his tough lecture on the state of the nation, tongues are still wagging. Many Nigerians believe that his standpoint on the vexed issues on restructuring and fiscal federalism is a timely wake-up call, and will form a major part of the issues that will shape campaigns for the nation ’s most coveted political position in 2019.

Being that a man of Atiku’s standing was the one canvassing for ‘resource control’ made a lot of difference within the context of power alignments.

He has consistently argued that Nigeria as currently constituted as an entity is rooted in corruption, impunity, and injustice and thus must be reconstituted.

According to him, political and civic leaders from across the country must come together, discuss, negotiate and make the necessary compromises and sacrifices needed to restructure our federation to make the nation a stronger, more united, productive, and competitive country.

He contends that there is a flaw in the country’s constitution which was why there is a recurring cry of marginalization from every section of the country. Atiku believes that no part of Nigeria can claim correctly that its people are better served by the current structure of our federation.

He has since challenged those who against restructuring the country’s federal system as it currently stands, to show an example of countries that are functioning well with a structure such as Nigeria. Whatever one’s arguments are, the restructuring will shape the way Nigerians will vote during Nigeria’s next presidential election.

A ROBUST MANIFESTO

 Atiku Abubakar’s blueprint for Nigeria is by far his most potent weapon. The rich manifesto addresses all the challenges currently confronting the country. From defence and security, through job creation, education and infrastructure to poverty alleviation and power, no document from any presidential candidate in the history of Nigeria come close to Atiku’s manifesto regarding concept, content, and creativity.

To convince Nigerians he has the vision and the preparation to change the nearly hopeless situation and offer a better deal, Atiku has articulated an ambitious manifesto, arguably one of the most elaborate in Nigeria’s political history.

The same edge is seen on the social media where the Wazirin Adamawa is a household name. The import of this is that VP Atiku is by far more popular and more acceptable to the people than any politician seeking to be president in 2019.

TRANSITORY MEMORY OF NIGERIAN VOTERS

 Nigerians have a short fuse when it comes to showing understanding with leaders, especially when such leaders are not delivering on electoral promises. I recall how in 2011 former President Goodluck Jonathan was the darling of Nigerians across the ethnic and religious divide.

He won the 2011 elections with several millions of votes ahead of General Muhammadu Buhari and his running mate, Pastor Tunde Bakare.

By 2015, this same Jonathan lost to Buhari and left the scene with so much hatred from the voting public. Buhari who had been rejected at the polls three consecutive times was elected. A Buhari who had been roundly disdained as a bigot, a religious extremist, and an unsellable candidate became the toast of Nigerian voters.

This time round, history is about to repeat itself with an Atiku victory at the general election in February.

Shaibu, a public communication consultant, writes from Abuja

The Choice Between Buhari And Atiku Is One Between Light And Darkness, Says APC

"The choice between Buhari and Atiku is one between light and darkness; between positive change and business as usual; between transparency and under the table dealings," the statement read.

The All Progressives Congress has described the choice between its candidate, President Muhammadu Buhari and Atiku Abubakar, candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as one between light and darkness.

While congratulating Atiku's on his emergence as PDP's presidential candidate, which it described as keeping with its" belief in participatory democracy and the electorate’s right to freely choose from candidates in any political contest", it went on to describe Atiku's scorecard as "abysmally low".

This was contained in a statement by Yekini Nabena, acting National Publicity Secretary of the APC, on Monday.

The statement read: "In assessing candidates to be voted for during elections, Nigerians will normally consider the candidate’s background and antecedents. The pertinent question to ask about Atiku is what his scorecard in public office was? Regrettably, Atiku’s scorecard is abysmally low and he has proven to be an untrustworthy and unreliable character. A case in point is Atiku’s revealing altercation with his former boss President Olusegun Obasanjo which exposed the level of corruption Atiku was enmeshed in.

"In the international level, Atiku has been reportedly placed on the global watch list of the United States of America and has avoided travelling to the US to avoid arrest and prosecution over a money-laundering and corruption case in that country. Really, is this the character and antecedent of a candidate Nigerians will be proud to vote for as our President, come 2019?

"Compared and contrasted with President Muhammadu Buhari consistent and principled stance on party affiliations, since 1999, Atiku has moved around different political parties – PDP, ACN, PDP, APC and now PDP, all in his blind and desperate pursuit of his ambition – The Presidency of Nigeria. It is therefore very clear that if Atiku loses the presidential election in 2019, he will again defect from the PDP to another political platform."

APC also accused Atiku of using money to influence the PDP's presidential primary, an action which they claimed was contrary to the stance of Buhari who "does not spend a kobo on delegates".

The statement continued: "Atiku is known as a super-rich Nigerian who entrenched the undemocratic practice of buying votes of delegates. During the APC National Convention in 2014, he spent several millions of dollars to buy delegates votes and emerged third, after Buhari and Rabiu Kwankwaso. On Sunday, he reportedly bought over virtually all the PDP delegates and was declared winner of the PDP presidential primaries. With these huge expenses expended to secure the PDP ticket, how will Atiku recoup his “investment” if not from the public treasury should he win the Presidency?

"Our dear President Muhammadu Buhari does not spend a kobo on delegates as he banks only on his proven personal integrity. In any case how did a retired Customs Officer acquire so much wealth to fund his several presidential bids? The source of his wealth is very questionable and his financial resources are definitely ill-gotten.

"Nigerians have had enough of corrupt, cash and carry politicians. That was why in 2015 they came out en masse and elected a clean and transparent man in Muhammadu Buhari to clean the Augean stable. The candidature of Atiku Abubakar will bring back the undesired lots and their practices which Nigerians have long rejected and forgotten. The Nigerian electorate deserves to be given a choice of decency, integrity and honour and not dirt, corruption, and infamy. The choice between Buhari and Atiku is one between light and darkness; between positive change and business as usual; between transparency and under the table dealings.

"As we prepare for the forthcoming 2019 elections, one thing is clear. If the choice is between a presidential candidate/change agent who is rebuilding the country and refocusing our national priorities and attitudes on one hand, and another candidate who along with his gang of co-looters stole the country’s commonwealth and brought the country to its knees, that choice has already been made by the Nigerian electorate."

Police Tear-gas PDP Supporters In Bayelsa

The PDP supporters were from Ekeremor Local Government Area of the state, and were protesting an alleged attempt by chieftains of the party to impose a candidate on Constituency 2.

Scores of supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) were injured in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, after tear-gas canisters were fired at them by men of the Nigeria Police Force.

The PDP supporters were from Ekeremor Local Government Area of the state, and were protesting an alleged attempt by chieftains of the party to impose a candidate on Constituency 2.

The protesters had stormed the area on Sunday and after several warnings by the Police, when they approached the gate of the Bayelsa State Government House, they were tear-gassed by personnel of the Bayelsa Police Command.

It was gathered that the protest was staged over the suspicion that PDP chieftains had concluded plans to impose a female aspirant as winner after several postponements of the primary.

Attempts to reach the spokesman of the Bayelsa State Police Command, DSP AsImin Butswat, failed but a Police source said although he could not confirm if there were casualties, "the use of tear-gas was routine as the protesters became unruly and threatened to breach public peace".

Meanwhile, in another development, former Chairman of the Central Zone Chapter of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Tare Porri, has won the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ticket for the 2019 House of Assembly election in Ekeremor Constituency 1.

Porri, who polled 26 votes defeated the incumbent lawmaker, Ball Oyarede, who got 25 votes to clinch the ticket.

The IYC chairman attributed his victory to the overwhelming support of all stakeholders in the party.

After Losing Senatorial Ticket, Ex-IGP Suleiman Abba Asks 'Almighty God' To Deal With Oshiomhole

Although he did not expressly say so, Abba is believed to be referring to Adams Oshiomhole, National Chairman of the party, since he continually made reference "one person in the headquarters of APC".

Suleiman Abba, the former Inspector General of Police, has rained curses on the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

He stated this after he was screened out of contesting for the Jigawa Central Senatorial District seat on the party's platform.

Although he did not expressly say so, Abba is believed to be referring to Adams Oshiomhole, National Chairman of the party, since he continually made reference "one person in the headquarters of APC".

Abba, who stormed the national secretariat of the party to register his displeasure after he was delisted from the participating in the conduct of the primary election in the state, addressed journalists in Abuja on Monday.

He said: "You are all aware that a list was released where I was duly cleared and another list was released delisting my name. This is not time for too much talk; this is time for prayers and I want you to join me in this prayer.

"The prayer is this: 'Almighty God, any person copying you and your power should not be in the headqaurters of this APC. Almighty God, if there is already one, you know what to do so that you don't allow him continue copying you. Almighty God, any person claiming to be an officer of the APC, if he will not work with the vision and mission of the APC, Almighty God, don't allow him to use the demon style of destroying."

Abba was disqualified by the screening committee from Jigawa South Senatorial District primary election. The committee claimed that his name was erroneously included in the list of NWC-cleared aspirants.

Buhari Didn't Authorise El-Rufai To Punish Shehu Sani, Says Presidency

The president through his spokesman, Garba Shehu, denied issuing such a directive.

Pesident Muhammadu Buhari has denied asking Nasir el-Rufai, Governor of Kaduna State, to punish Shehu Sani, Senator representing Kaduna Central Senatorial District.

In a letter addressed to the president, which was dated October 2, 2018, el-Rufai had claimed that Buhari had asked him to initiate a recall process for Sani to "punish his repeated act of contempt and disloyalty".However, the president through his spokesman, Garba Shehu, has denied issuing such a directive.

A statement by Garba Shehu on Sunday, read: "The presidency wishes to distance President Muhammadu Buhari from a letter currently in circulation, which alleges that the President had authorized a Governor or anyone else for that matter to 'deal with traitors and disloyal members of APC, especially Senator Shehu Sani'.

"We wish to confirm that the President is not aware of any such letter, let alone authorising anyone to deal with any party member.

"Given President Buhari’s record, it is inconceivable that he would usurp the role of the party leaders and instruct anyone to punish a party member.

"In the light of above, we would like to appeal to the general public, especially members of the press, to ignore false or unauthorized information intended to attribute to the President any action which is not in line with his character."

OBSERVED: No Single Saraki Poster In Port Harcourt Hours Before PDP Presidential Primary

At the entrance of the gate, there were about six big banners of Atiku Abubakar. Posters of Aminu Tambuwal also flooded the venue, and were located a few metres away from the stadium. Part of the fence which formed a perimeter around the venue was also covered with posters of Tambuwal. However, a survey by SaharaReporters revealed that there was no poster of Senate President Bukola Saraki.

Adokiye Amasiemeka Stadium in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, is currently a beehive of activities ahead of Saturday's presidential primary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Twelve aspirants are seeking the party's presidential ticket for 2019 general election.

The 12 candidates seeking to unseat President Muhammadu Buhari are: Atiku Abubakar, Sule Lamido, David Mark, Bukola Saraki, Ahmed Makarfi, Aminu Tambuwal, Datti Baba-Ahmed and Ibrahim Dankwambo.

Others are Attahiru Bafarawa, Jonah Jang, Kabiru Turaki and Rabiu Kwankwaso.

At the entrance of the gate, there were about six big banners of Atiku Abubakar. Posters of Aminu Tambuwal also flooded the venue, and were located a few metres away from the stadium. Part of the fence which formed a perimeter around the venue was also covered with posters of Tambuwal.

However, a survey by SaharaReporters revealed that there was no poster of Senate President Bukola Saraki.

Also, the space at the front of the gate has more than 50 white canopies. Two of the canopies bear a big banner of Attahiru Bafarawa, and were populated by Hausa-speaking people. There were some Fulani indigenes there as well. 

A few people, who wore white, also clustered around a canopy beside a well-painted street-light pole strategising on Bafarawa's chances of winning the ticket.

Other canopies were taken over by people selling drinks, foods and all sorts of PDP-themed items, including the party’s flags, caps and wristbands.

There venue is manned by the heavily-armmed security operatives.