Fayose advises Ekiti people

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zT_LCjr08Sk/W2DoO10HB5I/AAAAAAADIfw/FCUwdYdi0wAwJWqAV_Bv0SCmsLMHpbXUACLcBGAs/s1600/fayose-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="250" data-original-width="412" height="194" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zT_LCjr08Sk/W2DoO10HB5I/AAAAAAADIfw/FCUwdYdi0wAwJWqAV_Bv0SCmsLMHpbXUACLcBGAs/s320/fayose-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <br /> <b>The Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has urged the people of the state to remain calm and law-abiding while his deputy, Prof Kolapo Olusola, seeks to reclaim his mandate at the election petitions tribunal.</b><br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Recall that the Independent National Electoral Commission has declared the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Dr Kayode Fayemi, as the winner of the July 14 governorship poll.<br /> <br /> Olusola is the Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate in the election.<br /> <br /> Fayose spoke in Ado-Ekiti during the inspection of the ongoing King’s Market project, which was nearing completion.<br /> <br /> According to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Idowu Adelusi, the governor expressed hope that Olusola would eventually have his mandate restored.

Fayose advises Ekiti people

The Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has urged the people of the state to remain calm and law-abiding while his deputy, Prof Kolapo O...

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'Real reasons why I dumped APC for PDP' - Saraki reveals

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="287" data-original-width="510" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Thn4HIGI2ME/W2DVFZ1lt6I/AAAAAAADIfk/ES4rIqbMqIIMhMZ7azVrTcy0Ip6taVsQQCLcBGAs/s640/Senator-Bukola-Saraki-copy.jpg" width="640" /></div> <br /> <b>The real reason why the President of the Senate Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki dumped the All Progressives Congress (APC) has emerged.</b><br /> <br /> In a statement personally signed by the President of the Senate, Saraki said that he had consulted widely and come to the conclusion of leaving the party due to a myriad of reasons.<br /> <br /> Saraki who informed Nigerians about his decision to leave the party, said that the decision did not come easy and that he had tarried for so long even in the face of provocation and ridicule.<br /> <br /> He insisted that his decision was imposed on him by certain elements and forces within the APC who have ensured that the minimum conditions for peace, cooperation, inclusion and a general sense of belonging did not exist.<br /> <br /> Below is the full text of the statement by Saraki:<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> <blockquote>I wish to inform Nigerians that, after extensive consultations, I have decided to take my leave of the All Progressives Congress (APC).<br /> <br /> This is not a decision that I have made lightly. If anything at all, I have tarried for so long and did all that was humanly possible, even in the face of great provocation, ridicule and flagrant persecution, to give opportunity for peace, reconciliation and harmonious existence.<br /> <br /> Perhaps, more significantly, I am mindful of the fact that I carry on my shoulder a great responsibility for thousands of my supporters, political associates and friends, who have trusted in my leadership and have attached their political fortunes to mine. However, it is after an extensive consultation with all the important stakeholders that we have come to this difficult but inevitable decision to pitch our political tent elsewhere; where we could enjoy greater sense of belonging and where the interests of the greatest number of our Nigerians would be best served.<br /> <br /> While I take full responsibility for this decision, I will like to emphasise that it is a decision that has been inescapably imposed on me by certain elements and forces within the APC who have ensured that the minimum conditions for peace, cooperation, inclusion and a general sense of belonging did not exist.<br /> <br /> They have done everything to ensure that the basic rules of party administration, which should promote harmonious relations among the various elements within the party were blatantly disregarded. All governance principles which were required for a healthy functioning of the party and the government were deliberately violated or undermined. And all entreaties for justice, equity and fairness as basic precondition for peace and unity, not only within the party, but also the country at large, were simply ignored, or employed as additional pretext for further exclusion.<br /> <br /> The experience of my people and associates in the past three years is that they have suffered alienation and have been treated as outsiders in their own party. Thus, many have become disaffected and disenchanted. At the same time, opportunities to seek redress and correct these anomalies were deliberately blocked as a government-within-a-government had formed an impregnable wall and left in the cold, everyone else who was not recognized as “one of us”. This is why my people, like all self-respecting people would do, decided to seek accommodation elsewhere.<br /> <br /> I have had the privilege to lead the Nigerian legislature in the past three years as the President of the Senate and the Chairman of the National Assembly. The framers of our constitution envisage a degree of benign tension among the three arms of government if the principle of checks and balances must continue to serve as the building block of our democracy. In my role as the head of the legislature, and a leader of the party, I have ensured that this necessary tension did not escalate at any time in such a way that it could encumber Executive function or correspondingly, undermine the independence of the legislature. Over the years, I have made great efforts in the overall interest of the country, and in spite of my personal predicament, to manage situations that would otherwise have resulted in unsavoury consequences for the government and the administration. My colleagues in the Senate will bear testimony to this.<br /> <br /> However, what we have seen is a situation whereby every dissent from the legislature was framed as an affront on the executive or as part of an agenda to undermine the government itself. The populist notion of anti-corruption became a ready weapon for silencing any form of dissent and for framing even principled objection as “corruption fighting back”. Persistent onslaught against the legislature and open incitement of the people against their own representatives became a default argument in defence of any short-coming of the government in a manner that betrays all too easily, a certain contempt for the Constitution itself or even the democracy that it is meant to serve.<br /> <br /> Unfortunately, the self-serving gulf that has been created between the leadership of the two critical arms of government based on distrust and mutual suspicion has made any form of constructive engagement impossible. Therefore, anything short of a slavish surrender in a way that reduces the legislature to a mere rubber stamp would not have been sufficient in procuring the kind of rapprochement that was desired in the interest of all. But I have no doubt in my mind, that to surrender this way is to be complicit in the subversion of the institution that remains the very bastion of our democracy. I am a democrat. And I believe that anyone who lays even the most basic claim to being a democrat will not accept peace on those terms; which seeks to compromise the very basis of our existence as the parliament of the people.<br /> <br /> The recent weeks have witnessed a rather unusual attempts to engage with some of these most critical issues at stake. Unfortunately, the discord has been allowed to fester unaddressed for too long, with dire consequences for the ultimate objective of delivering the common good and achieving peace and unity in our country. Any hope of reconciliation at this point was therefore very slim indeed. Most of the horses had bolted from the stable.<br /> <br /> The emergence of a new national party executives a few weeks ago held out some hopes, however slender. The new party chairman has swung into action and did his best alongside some of the Governors of APC and His Excellency, the Vice President. I thank them for all their great efforts to save the day and achieve reconciliation. Even though I thought these efforts were coming late in the day, but seeing the genuine commitment of these gentlemen, I began to think that perhaps it was still possible to reconsider the situation.<br /> <br /> However, as I have realized all along, there are some others in the party leadership hierarchy, who did not think dialogue was the way forward and therefore chose to play the fifth columnists. These individuals went to work and ensured that they scuttled the great efforts and the good intentions of these aforementioned leaders of the party. Perhaps, had these divisive forces not thrown the cogs in the wheel at the last minutes, and in a manner that made it impossible to sustain any trust in the process, the story today would have been different.<br /> <br /> For me, I leave all that behind me. Today, I start as I return to the party where I began my political journey, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).<br /> <br /> When we left the PDP to join the then nascent coalition of All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2014, we left in a quest for justice, equity and inclusion; the fundamental principles on which the PDP was originally built but which it had deviated from. We were attracted to the APC by its promise of change. We fought hard along with others and defeated the PDP.<br /> <br /> In retrospect, it is now evident that the PDP has learnt more from its defeat than the APC has learnt from its victory. The PDP that we return to is now a party that has learnt its lessons the hard way and have realized that no member of the party should be taken for granted; a party that has realized that inclusion, justice and equity are basic precondition for peace; a party that has realized that never again can the people of Nigeria be taken for granted.<br /> <br /> I am excited by the new efforts, which seeks to build the reborn PDP on the core principles of promoting democratic values; internal democracy; accountability; inclusion and national competitiveness; genuine commitment to restructuring and devolution of powers; and an abiding belief in zoning of political and elective offices as an inevitable strategy for managing our rich diversity as a people of one great indivisible nation called Nigeria.<br /> <br /> What we have all agreed is that a deep commitment to these ideals were not only a demonstration of our patriotism but also a matter of enlightened self-interest, believing that our very survival as political elites of this country will depend on our ability to earn the trust of our people and in making them believe that, more than anything else, we are committed to serving the people.<br /> <br /> What the experience of the last three years have taught us is that the most important task that we face as a country is how to reunite our people. Never before had so many people in so many parts of our country felt so alienated from their Nigerianness. Therefore, we understand that the greatest task before us is to reunite the county and give everyone a sense of belonging regardless of region or religion.<br /> <br /> Every Nigerian must have an instinctive confidence that he or she will be treated with justice and equity in any part of the country regardless of the language they speak or how they worship God. This is the great task that trumps all. Unless we are able to achieve this, all other claim to progress no matter how defined, would remain unsustainable.<br /> <br /> This is the task that I am committing myself to and I believe that it is in this PDP, that I will have the opportunity to play my part. It is my hope that the APC will respect the choice that I have made as my democratic right, and understand that even though we will now occupy a different political space, we do not necessarily become enemies unto one another.<br /> <br /> <i>Thank you.<br /> <br /> Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, CON<br /> President of the Senate</i></blockquote>

'Real reasons why I dumped APC for PDP' - Saraki reveals

The real reason why the President of the Senate Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki dumped the All Progressives Congress (APC) has emerged. In a s...

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Nigerians react to Saraki’s exit from APC

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wKfFTjBqmMI/W2DPJz3pX2I/AAAAAAADIfY/tsKZCIhjP389mMyFLk-WWrMnMi6dDN3kwCLcBGAs/s1600/sarakia%2Baba.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="266" data-original-width="400" height="212" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wKfFTjBqmMI/W2DPJz3pX2I/AAAAAAADIfY/tsKZCIhjP389mMyFLk-WWrMnMi6dDN3kwCLcBGAs/s320/sarakia%2Baba.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <br /> The social media space is agog with the announcement by Senate President Bukola Saraki that he has left the ruling All Progressives Party.<br /> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> <div dir="ltr" lang="en" xml:lang="en">I wish to inform Nigerians that, aft</div> <a name='more' id="more"></a>er extensive consultations, I have decided to take my leave of the All Progressives Congress (APC).<br /> — Bukola Saraki (@bukolasaraki) <a href="https://twitter.com/bukolasaraki/status/1024338845616095233?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 31, 2018</a></blockquote> <script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" type="text/javascript"> </script><br /> <br /> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> <div dir="ltr" lang="en" xml:lang="en">This is not a decision that I have made lightly. If anything at all, I have tarried for so long and did all that was humanly possible, even in the face of great provocation, ridicule and flagrant persecution, to give opportunity for peace, reconciliation and harmonious existence.</div> — Bukola Saraki (@bukolasaraki) <a href="https://twitter.com/bukolasaraki/status/1024365221354385409?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 31, 2018</a></blockquote> <script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" type="text/javascript"> </script><br /> <br /> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> <div dir="ltr" lang="en" xml:lang="en">I will like to emphasise that it is a decision that has been inescapably imposed on me by certain elements and forces within the APC who have ensured that the minimum conditions for peace, cooperation, inclusion and a general sense of belonging did not exist. <a href="https://t.co/exp20OD5MV">pic.twitter.com/exp20OD5MV</a></div> — Bukola Saraki (@bukolasaraki) <a href="https://twitter.com/bukolasaraki/status/1024366391024082944?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 31, 2018</a></blockquote> <script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" type="text/javascript"> </script><br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Nigerians have started to react to the announcement, see the various responses below:<br /> <br /> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> <div dir="ltr" lang="en" xml:lang="en">SENATE PRESIDENT BUKOLA SARAKI FINALLY PORTS TO PDP<br /> FROM APC JUST AS THE TRANSFER WINDOW IS ON TGE VERGE OF CLOSING</div> — 🇳🇬 L a s t b o r n™ (@jon__ohio) <a href="https://twitter.com/jon__ohio/status/1024351651690434560?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 31, 2018</a></blockquote> <script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" type="text/javascript"> </script><br /> <br /> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> <div dir="ltr" lang="en" xml:lang="en">Are we supposed to laugh or cry? We know this move isn't about principles or the interest of the common man. It's another politician realigning and strategising for his own selfish interest.</div> — Mayor Ikoroha (@TelltheMayor) <a href="https://twitter.com/TelltheMayor/status/1024339820011823105?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 31, 2018</a></blockquote> <script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" type="text/javascript"> </script><br /> <br /> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> <div dir="ltr" lang="en" xml:lang="en">I wish to inform Nigerians that, after extensive consultations, I have decided to take my leave of the All Progressives Congress (APC).</div> — Bukola Saraki (@bukolasaraki) <a href="https://twitter.com/bukolasaraki/status/1024338845616095233?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 31, 2018</a></blockquote> <script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" type="text/javascript"> </script><br /> <br /> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> <div dir="ltr" lang="en" xml:lang="en">Saraki is the Mourinho and Guardiola of Nigeria politics... too much tactics</div> — Israel Le Guen (@IsraelOyelakin) <a href="https://twitter.com/IsraelOyelakin/status/1024342407935131648?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 31, 2018</a></blockquote> <script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" type="text/javascript"> </script><br /> <br /> <br /> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> <div dir="ltr" lang="en" xml:lang="en">So you must relinquish that position. Minority party cannot be the Senate President</div> — olusanjo ewulomi (@bigsanjay1) <a href="https://twitter.com/bigsanjay1/status/1024339620669153280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 31, 2018</a></blockquote> <script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" type="text/javascript"> </script><br /> <br /> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> <div dir="ltr" lang="en" xml:lang="en">Congratulations boss 👍😃😃😃😃😃 apc and buhari are gone forever. <a href="https://t.co/oiMap1u5Mr">pic.twitter.com/oiMap1u5Mr</a></div> — John Grace (@JohnGra60799908) <a href="https://twitter.com/JohnGra60799908/status/1024345888351760384?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 31, 2018</a></blockquote> <script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" type="text/javascript"> </script><br /> <br /> <br /> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> <div dir="ltr" lang="en" xml:lang="en">At what point were you ever a member of <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficialAPCNg?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@OfficialAPCNg</a> Sir? Oga sir, we get sense pass like this. Anyways, all the best to you</div> — Senior_man🗯 (@IamElohor_) <a href="https://twitter.com/IamElohor_/status/1024339557632933889?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 31, 2018</a></blockquote> <script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" type="text/javascript"> </script><br /> <br /> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> <div dir="ltr" lang="en" xml:lang="en">You will see poor Nigerians and foolish youths clap for him . You suffer in poverty and their kids school abroad. He didn't decamp for your sake but for his own selfish interest Nigeria youths . Public school in developed countries are free . Buhari stop the bribe get them angry</div> — MXmillion gang (@DEENOSHOMAH) <a href="https://twitter.com/DEENOSHOMAH/status/1024343748342235137?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 31, 2018</a></blockquote> <script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" type="text/javascript"> </script><br /> <br /> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> <div dir="ltr" lang="en" xml:lang="en">The impunity,disregard and political humiliation from Apc members were really getting out of hand I can’t still comprehend they wasted 3 good year chasing your shadows but you have a tremendous political future ahead best of luck sir</div> — wonchiko abdullahi (@nndabugi) <a href="https://twitter.com/nndabugi/status/1024340502437670912?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 31, 2018</a></blockquote> <script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" type="text/javascript"> </script><br /> <br /> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> <div dir="ltr" lang="en" xml:lang="en">Ko kan aye! If you like enta bush. That's is your decision not ours. Anyways we bid you farewell. Good luck in your endeavours. Have a nice time with <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficialPDPNig?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@OfficialPDPNig</a>. But no level for una next year sha cos <a href="https://twitter.com/APCNigeria?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@APCNigeria</a> still RULES! <a href="https://twitter.com/APCUKingdom?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@APCUKingdom</a></div> — Proud Mary (@mary_marysimon) <a href="https://twitter.com/mary_marysimon/status/1024342933456277505?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 31, 2018</a></blockquote> <script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" type="text/javascript"> </script><br /> <br /> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> <div dir="ltr" lang="en" xml:lang="en">Thank you very much.2014 from PDP to APC ,APC to to PDP in 2018.,you guys are using Nigerians for personal negotiation,trade by barter every four years,personal interest supercede national interest.</div> — Itebu Abraham (@AbrahamItebu) <a href="https://twitter.com/AbrahamItebu/status/1024340651834531840?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 31, 2018</a></blockquote> <script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" type="text/javascript"> </script><br /> <br /> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> <div dir="ltr" lang="en" xml:lang="en">Lol 😂 Nigerians r too gullible to know these guys will still do this in 2022. We need resolution</div> — fadoO (@FADZDSUGARBOY) <a href="https://twitter.com/FADZDSUGARBOY/status/1024344617456676864?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 31, 2018</a></blockquote> <script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" type="text/javascript"> </script><br /> <br /> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> <div dir="ltr" lang="en" xml:lang="en">As usual....... no principles, no ideologies, just feeding the belly. <a href="https://t.co/pRbjrCtiOm">pic.twitter.com/pRbjrCtiOm</a></div> — PostMaster (@O_ssai) <a href="https://twitter.com/O_ssai/status/1024342077994356736?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 31, 2018</a></blockquote> <script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" type="text/javascript"> </script><br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />

Nigerians react to Saraki’s exit from APC

The social media space is agog with the announcement by Senate President Bukola Saraki that he has left the ruling All Progressives Party....

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I receive news of Saraki’s exit from APC with joy – Atiku

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="333" data-original-width="500" height="266" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JBaSKzQZVDc/W2DKrQsjx8I/AAAAAAADIfM/TYibEQtZp20RKop9vdDRt43cKI7xc8ucQCLcBGAs/s400/atiku%2Bsmile%2Bnigerianeye.jpeg" width="400" /></div> <br /> A former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has said that he received the news of resignation by the President of the Senate, Senator Bukola Saraki from the All Progressives Congress with great joy.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Atiku, a presidential aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, said in a statement in Abuja on Tuesday, that he was happy that Saraki could leave the APC which he said had been persecuting him.<br /> <br /> He said., ” I received the news that the Senate President, Senator Bukola Saraki, has resigned from the All Progressives Congress, with great joy.<br /> <br /> “Senator Saraki’s ordeal at the hand of the All Progressives Congress is all too familiar to lovers of democracy in Nigeria and around the world. Leaving a party which maliciously prosecuted him and subjected him to the most degrading treatment, notwithstanding his status as the nation’s number three citizen, took courage, and I commend him.<br /> <br /> “What the APC did to Senator Saraki is what they have also done to Nigeria as a nation. They have degraded our democracy and our economy.<br /> <br /> “Bukola Saraki is a product of the Peoples Democratic Party, under whose banner her became a Presidential Adviser, Governor and Senator. The PDP’s ideology and political philosophy is conducive to Senator Saraki’s political leaning.<br /> <br /> “I therefore not only welcome Senator Saraki’s resignation from the APC, I also urge him to go one step further and join the only party capable of enshrining genuine democracy in Nigeria as well as lasting economic progress. I urge Senator Saraki to join our great party, the Peoples Democratic Party.<br /> <br /> “May God bless Nigeria and may God bless the PDP.”

I receive news of Saraki’s exit from APC with joy – Atiku

A former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has said that he received the news of resignation by the President of the Senate, Senator Bukola ...

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Buhari emerges ECOWAS chairman

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YgAnbYCf480/W2DKPawzwtI/AAAAAAADIfE/9He9MsgOWjAhzWHwuYzQlEyNMOY6IcXuQCLcBGAs/s1600/Buhari-UN-Assembly-8-520x245.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="245" data-original-width="520" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YgAnbYCf480/W2DKPawzwtI/AAAAAAADIfE/9He9MsgOWjAhzWHwuYzQlEyNMOY6IcXuQCLcBGAs/s1600/Buhari-UN-Assembly-8-520x245.jpg" /></a></div> <br /> President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday emerged the chairman of the Economic Community of West African States.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> His Personal Assistant on New Media, Bashir Ahmad, disclosed this in a message posted on his Twitter handle, @BashirAhmaad.<br /> <br /> He wrote, “President @MBuhari emerges as the new Chairman of the ECOWAS.”

Buhari emerges ECOWAS chairman

President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday emerged the chairman of the Economic Community of West African States. His Personal Assistant on ...

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BREAKING: Senate President Saraki, Governor Ahmed dump APC

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NYSRMtbr02c/W2CpeRLd8xI/AAAAAAAAw2E/oKZBXo1jWsgRsssjUPr7Js973WTvcxauQCLcBGAs/s1600/20180731192216.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="250" data-original-width="500" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NYSRMtbr02c/W2CpeRLd8xI/AAAAAAAAw2E/oKZBXo1jWsgRsssjUPr7Js973WTvcxauQCLcBGAs/s400/20180731192216.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> The Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has formally announced his departure from Nigeria’s ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC).<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The Kwara State Governor, Abdulfatah Ahmed, made a similar announcement at about the same time.<br /> <br /> Mr Saraki made his announcement on his official social media handles.<br /> <br /> “I wish to inform Nigerians that, after extensive consultations, I have decided to take my leave of the All Progressives Congress (APC),” he wrote on his Twitter handle.<br /> <br /> Nigerians have largely expected Mr. Saraki’s defection from especially after all the federal lawmakers from his Kwara State left the APC last week.<br /> <br /> The Senate President is expected to join the main opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).<br /> <br /> <br /> Governor Ahmed, Mr Saraki’s political ally, also defected to the PDP.<br /> <br /> A statement by his media aide, Muyideen Akorede, said the decision followed consultations with people in the state.<br /> <br /> “Following due consultations with the people and in response to calls by major stakeholder groups in the state, Kwara State Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed today defected to the People’s Democratic Party(PDP), having realized that the All Progressive Congress (APC) can longer serve as a platform for achieving the aspirations and expectations of his people,” the statement said.<br /> <br /> Mr. Saraki joined the APC on January 29, 2014 after falling out with the then PDP government, led by President Goodluck Jonathan.<br /> <br /> He was among 11 PDP senators of the period who informed the Senate of their departure from the PDP on that date.<br /> <br /> Two months before then – November 2013 – Governor Ahmed, alongside four other then PDP governors defected to the APC. They were Chibuike Amaechi (Rivers), Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto), Murtala Nyako (Adamawa) and Rabi’u Kwankwaso (Kano).<br /> Mr. Kwankwaso, now a senator, has also since returned to the PDP.<br /> <br /> When asked him why he left the PDP then, Mr. Saraki said, “A lot has been going on about the way the PDP is being run, starting from right after the last convention and they dissolved the congress of Adamawa. I am one of those who said we can’t just get up and be doing those kinds of things because it sends a wrong signal about the party.<br /> <br /> “Take also the issue of the NGF and what followed with not following due process and internal democracy which now led to the party not holding meetings and the like.<br /> <br /> “Take also the case of Kwara state: we concluded plans to go into local government elections and we have gone through primaries and the party had even gone to inspect the primaries and then all of a sudden, 24 hours later someone sits here in Abuja and just writes a list of 193 councillors and 16 chairmen with no respect at all for what the wishes of the people are!<br /> <br /> “There is no way a serious politician who has the interest of his people will be party to this kind of thing. Our main purpose of being in politics is to protect the interest of our people. So it was even not me, but the people who said we cannot continue to be in this party and support this kind of process.<br /> <br /> “That is why whenever people ask me whether they are talking to me, I tell them that this decision goes beyond me as an individual. How do I go back to the state and tell the people that PDP is a party that represents their wishes?<br /> <br /> “To them what the party did was like a rape on democracy. You know at the grassroots level, the people are not so interested in the president or governor. They are deeply interested in who become their councillor and chairman. So when they go through a process and Abuja said no, if you are a politician, you know what that does to you.”</div>

BREAKING: Senate President Saraki, Governor Ahmed dump APC

The Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has formally announced his departure from Nigeria’s ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC...

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Be law-abiding, we shall overcome – Fayose charges residents

Be law-abiding, we shall overcome – Fayose charges residents

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Ekweremadu in EFCC custody

Ekweremadu in EFCC custody

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Court discharges, acquits 100 Shi’ite members

Court discharges, acquits 100 Shi’ite members

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2019: "Buhari has given youths unprecedented sense of belonging"

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hVzALqrH8mg/W2CLNags3QI/AAAAAAAAw18/K2lxPCEVIdI73hZokN8KL9MKt9VQHv9oACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/President%2BMuhammadu%2BBuhari.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hVzALqrH8mg/W2CLNags3QI/AAAAAAAAw18/K2lxPCEVIdI73hZokN8KL9MKt9VQHv9oACK4BGAYYCw/s320/President%2BMuhammadu%2BBuhari.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>  Door-to-Door Movement, a political movement promoting the re-election of President Muhammadu Buhari, has said the general acceptance of the president by youths across the country would ensure his victory in 2019.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Dr Paul Ebije, the Director-General of the group, said this at a news conference on Tuesday in Lokoja.<br /> <br /> Ebije said that Buhari’s landmark achievements in the fight against corruption, insurgency, infrastructural development and revolution in the agricultural sector had endeared him to the heart of Nigerian youths.<br /> <br /> He said that the president had given the youth unprecedented sense of belonging and empowerment under the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration.<br /> <br /> “President Buhari has given us, the youths, a renewed hope in Nigeria, hence our resolve to accept and ensure that we return him to the seat in a landslide victory come 2019 Presidential Election.<br /> <br /> “This government has succeeded in just three years to liberate Nigeria from the economic woes created by past administrations of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) through his fight against corruption and prudent management of the nation’s resources,” he said.<br /> Ebije said that the fight against corruption has dethroned and relegated old and corrupt Nigerian politicians to the background for injection of fresh blood to rejuvenate the system.<br /> <br /> He said that youths were now better placed and positioned in the struggle for power and the “building of a new Nigeria where peace and justice shall reign”.<br /> <br /> The Bayero University Kano (BUK) trained medical doctor, who is also aspiring to represent Idah/Ibaji/Igalamela-Odolu/Ofu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, noted that Buhari’s presidency had elevated the less privileged and youths.<br /> <br /> “The most qualified among us who were hitherto marginalised by the corrupt few can now vie for important positions in order to bring development to the people,” he added.<br /> <br /> Ebije said the 36 State Coordinators of the movement have already been inaugurated and would soon swing into action to campaign for the re-election of Buhari in 2019.<br /> <br /> The director-general said that Buhari’s re-election was needed by the country at this time to consolidate on his achievements and developmental drive.<br /> <br /> Speaking on his ambition, the medical doctor described his aspiration as one borne out of desire to emancipate his people, saying that the constituency never had quality representation at the lower chamber of the National Assembly since 1999.<br /> <br /> He called on the people of the constituency to support his ambition and that of Buhari, stressing that only the APC government at all levels can bring better life to the people.</div>

2019: "Buhari has given youths unprecedented sense of belonging"

 Door-to-Door Movement, a political movement promoting the re-election of President Muhammadu Buhari, has said the general acceptance of t...

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No loss of life at Ecobank fire incident

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lJSOLXQ67Fk/W2CKoiDX-iI/AAAAAAAAw1w/e7RXzcGHcIMVXkPgOjtU3aqN-UDnl7WKgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/fire.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lJSOLXQ67Fk/W2CKoiDX-iI/AAAAAAAAw1w/e7RXzcGHcIMVXkPgOjtU3aqN-UDnl7WKgCK4BGAYYCw/s400/fire.jpg" /></a></div> The Managing Director of Ecobank Nigeria, Mr. Charles Kie has said there was no life lost at the fire incident Tuesday morning at the bank’s Lagos head office.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Mr Kie said the incident caused when a tanker delivering diesel to the Bank caught fire and that the fire was contained within the generator house.<br /> He went further to say that the diesel truck was damaged and that there was no loss of life or damage to any other property.<br /> <br /> He said the Lagos State Fire Service, the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) Response Unit and the Federal Fire Service arrived quickly and put out the fire.<br /> <br /> He also commended the fire service personnel for their diligence, expertise and bravery in dealing with this incident, saying “We commend the fire service personnel for their diligence, expertise and bravery in dealing with this incident We sincerely thank Fidelity Bank Plc, Union Bank of Nigeria Plc, United Bank for Africa Plc, First Bank of Nigeria Limited, Julius Berger Nigeria and NAPIMS for providing much-needed support and we also express our sincere appreciation to the general public and all well-wishers.”<br /> <br /> Ecobank’s Data Centre was unaffected, and business at the Head Office rapidly returned to normal. Ecobank assures everyone that the bank’s building and all its other facilities are unaffected. Ecobank successfully triggered its business continuity plan and normal banking activities have continued.</div>

No loss of life at Ecobank fire incident

The Managing Director of Ecobank Nigeria, Mr. Charles Kie has said there was no life lost at the fire incident Tuesday morning at the bank...

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Ortom’s impeachment drama: Police chase out Benue Assembly workers from offices

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OIaaNqaKcIw/W2CJaSu9rkI/AAAAAAAAw1k/PWGdKYZvsLId2nLXlXkJpgGsSR2iHtinwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/Samuel%2BOrtom.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OIaaNqaKcIw/W2CJaSu9rkI/AAAAAAAAw1k/PWGdKYZvsLId2nLXlXkJpgGsSR2iHtinwCK4BGAYYCw/s320/Samuel%2BOrtom.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Workers at the Benue state House of Assembly were Tuesday morning chased out of their various offices and duty posts by stern looking armed police personnel who also sealed off the Assembly complex.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> This came on the heels of Monday’s crisis between the state lawmakers who have splitter into two factions with a 22 member People Democratic Party, PDP, faction on one hand and eight member All Progressives Congress, APC, faction who raised impeachment notice on Governor Samuel Ortom on the other.<br /> <br /> Confirming the development, Clerk of the State House, Dr. Torese Agena, said armed police personnel on the orders of the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Besan Gwana forced workers in the Assembly complex out of their offices.<br /> <br /> Agena said, “today after two hours of resumption of work, we had orders from the security men that the Benue state Commissioner of Police has given an order that all staff should vacate the Assembly.<br /> <br /> “This to me is harassment, one that is to many because for two weeks now, staff of the Assembly have not been allowed to do their work.<br /> <br /> “That is why we are urging the media to assist us tell the Commissioner of Police, Benue command and to prevail on the Commander in Chief of this country to direct the Inspector General of Police to withdrew from the premises of the Assembly so that staff can do their work unhindered. I and all staff were chased out of the premises today.<br /> <br /> “The Police personnel who chased us out told us that the Commissioner of Police ordered them to chase us out of the complex and no definite time was given as to when we would return to our duty posts.<br /> <br /> “We are crying out because this action will stop us from doing our work and it is going to impede the work of the legislature. And of course it will obviously affect the livelihood of the generality of Benue people negatively.”<br /> <br /> Speaking on the development, Security Adviser to the State Governor, Col. Paul Hemba(rtd.) who confirmed the development said he gathered from the Benue Police Commissioner that the order to seal off the complex by Police personnel were still at the Assembly complex for security purposes.<br /> <br /> According to him, “but I also got information of the police personnel chasing away the workers at the complex. I got in touch with the Commissioner of Police and he confirmed that yes indeed that it was the instruction and that he was acting on order from above.<br /> <br /> “I told him of the concern of the civil servants and that of the Clerk of the House but he told me that the order was from above and that he would take steps to get clarification from Abuja as he was on his way to Abuja for the IGP’s conference.<br /> <br /> “He said he would get clarification from there before he would be able to give instructions for the reopening of the Complex.”<br /> <br /> When contacted, the Commissioner of Police who feigned ignorance of the development said “I am not in Makurdi I am in Abuja at the moment, I will inquire from my officers and know whether there was anything like that and get back to you.”</div>

Ortom’s impeachment drama: Police chase out Benue Assembly workers from offices

Workers at the Benue state House of Assembly were Tuesday morning chased out of their various offices and duty posts by stern looking arme...

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Impeachment: I will respect court order, says Okorocha

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xTK47vMe2ac/W2B_m75V-FI/AAAAAAAAw1Y/YXZW8TX6tLQD8GUYmtf-BS_5iYSkET8GgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/Rochas%2BOkorocha.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xTK47vMe2ac/W2B_m75V-FI/AAAAAAAAw1Y/YXZW8TX6tLQD8GUYmtf-BS_5iYSkET8GgCK4BGAYYCw/s320/Rochas%2BOkorocha.png" width="320" /></a></div> Imo state governor, Rochas Okorocha, Tuesday said he would respect the court order stopping the swearing in of the new deputy governor, Mr. Calistus Ekenze.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> According to Okorocha’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr Sam Onwuemeodo, disclosed this in a release to newsmen in Owerri.<br /> The release also said that the governor had called on his party members to remain law abiding.<br /> <br /> As captured by the release, “The Scheduled swearing-in of the new Deputy-Governor of the State, Sir Calistus Ekenze, on Tuesday, July 31, 2018 by 9am, could not take place again following the directive by the State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha that the Interim Court Order restraining the Chief Judge of the State from carrying out the exercise be fully obeyed<br /> <br /> “The venue of the Scheduled Swearing-in, the Sam Mbakwe Exco Chamber was full to the brim by guests including Senior government functionaries and APC leaders in the State when the governor’s directive came through the Attorney-General of the State, Barr. M.O. Nlemedim in respect of the Court Order.<br /> <br /> “The governor had insisted that the interim Order be obeyed not minding some issues raised by Senior Lawyers in the government against the Order, insisting that his administration must continue to obey valid Court Orders and also served on the government or agents of the government.<br /> <br /> “It should be recalled that the nineteen (19) members of the State House of Assembly had on Monday, July 30, 2018 impeached the former Deputy Governor, Prince Eze Madumere following the submission last Friday, of the report of the Panel that investigated the accusations against him.<br /> <br /> “It should also be recalled that the Deputy-Governor had earlier got an order against the impeachment process, on July 5, 2018 by a State High Court, but the Order was vacated and described as a“nullity” by the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Abuja presided over by Justice O.A Musa on July 16, 2018.<br /> <br /> “The governor has urged all Imo people and all the Parties in the matter to remain law-abiding and allow the law to take its course.”</div>

Impeachment: I will respect court order, says Okorocha

Imo state governor, Rochas Okorocha, Tuesday said he would respect the court order stopping the swearing in of the new deputy governor, Mr...

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Amnesty International makes shocking revelations about Zamfara killings

Amnesty International makes shocking revelations about Zamfara killings

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How operation ‘Python Dance’ killed my husband – Slain IPOB member’s wife

How operation ‘Python Dance’ killed my husband – Slain IPOB member’s wife

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Orji Kalu loses bid to stop N3.2bn corruption trial

Orji Kalu loses bid to stop N3.2bn corruption trial

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Abuja-Kaduna rail: I want us to break even - Amaechi

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-43ObwmgXrbI/W2Bxbhdom3I/AAAAAAAAw1M/jNAKT_iG1EQivXW4fZPxZOuiwXPTPYBHwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/Rotimi%2BAmaechi.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-43ObwmgXrbI/W2Bxbhdom3I/AAAAAAAAw1M/jNAKT_iG1EQivXW4fZPxZOuiwXPTPYBHwCK4BGAYYCw/s320/Rotimi%2BAmaechi.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> The Minister of Transportation, Mr Rotimi Amaechi, says his expectation for Abuja-Kaduna rail service after two years of operations is for the route to break even and not about profit making.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Amaechi made the statement in an interview in Abuja on Tuesday on the second anniversary of the service.<br /> <br /> The Abuja-Kaduna rail service, which commenced commercial activities on July 26, 2016, is part of the Federal Government’s transportation transformation programme.<br /> <br /> The minister said that the ministry was putting in N56 million monthly and getting N16 million from the service before the fare was increased.<br /> <br /> “We have done two years, the first step I took was to reduce the fare, which I did deliberately and people started asking us to increase it and we increased it to what people can afford.<br /> <br /> “People are standing on the train because it’s a cheap and safe means of transport.<br /> <br /> “`When we started, we were putting in N56 million per month and making just N16 million by subsidising it.<br /> <br /> “What I want is just for us to break even not making profit.<br /> <br /> “People like the train because we’ve been prompt, clean and we kept the fare low; so we have shown that there is nothing wrong with the black man.<br /> <br /> “There is nothing like international standard, we can beat any standard if we focus on it.<br /> <br /> “The train is not being managed by white men or CCECC, it is being managed by NRC,” he said.<br /> <br /> Meanwhile, Mr Fidet Okhiria, the Managing Director of NRC, said that he measured profit by service delivery and not income.<br /> <br /> He said that the focus was on service delivery where passengers could get a train every 30 minutes.<br /> <br /> “I don’t measure my profit in naira and kobo but by service delivery.<br /> <br /> “We have increased from four coaches to 14 coaches, which is a great impact, we are almost clocking one million passengers daily.<br /> <br /> “We have ordered more coaches and locomotives that will arrive next year, our target is to run every 30 minute on passenger train.” </div>

Abuja-Kaduna rail: I want us to break even - Amaechi

The Minister of Transportation, Mr Rotimi Amaechi, says his expectation for Abuja-Kaduna rail service after two years of operations is for...

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Ladoja dumps PDP for ADC

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TYXWfuMOiEs/W2BwnYybAeI/AAAAAAAAw1A/OwxdfA-oXY0jN726y0v-j3QjjTP4Rq0XQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/Rashidi%2BLadoja.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TYXWfuMOiEs/W2BwnYybAeI/AAAAAAAAw1A/OwxdfA-oXY0jN726y0v-j3QjjTP4Rq0XQCK4BGAYYCw/s400/Rashidi%2BLadoja.jpg" /></a></div> Former governor of Oyo State, Senator Rashidi Ladoja has perfected plans to quit the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) it<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Ladoja who rejoined the party after the July 2017 Supreme Court judgement which terminated the leadership of Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, this medium gathered, has resolved to join the ADC before the end of the week.<br /> <br /> A chieftain of the PDP and former Minister told our correspondent in confidence that Ladoja’s decision to defect to ADC was not unconnected with alleged plans to impose Engineer Seyi Makinde as the Oyo State PDP governorship candidate in the 2019 general elections.<br /> <br /> The former governor is also said to be worried about what our source described as the lack of internal democracy in the management of the affairs of the party by the Oyo state chapter.<br /> <br /> “He (Ladoja) will leave the party in the next four or five days. He is not happy that a governorship aspirant is about to be imposed on the people of Oyo. In 2015, this candidate ran but was not successful.<br /> <br /> “I believe the reason for his anger is that whoever emerges as the governorship candidate must pass through a legitimate, democratic process but there is a design to subvert this by ensuring that the person becomes the candidate at all cost.<br /> <br /> “Another worry for him is that the party is running short of internal democracy and this would be very dangerous for the PDP in Oyo State. A party that is coming to an electoral contest from the position of weakness needs to know that only by adhering strictly to the rules of the game would it stand a chance of victory,” he said.<br /> <br /> On Ladoja’s possible destination, the erstwhile Minister said the ex-governor will not join the All Progressives Congress (APC) for “obvious reasons,” adding that he has his mind up on his next move.<br /> <br /> Pressed to reveal where the ex-federal lawmaker is headed, he said, “He’s very likely to join the ADC. Stalwarts of that party have been reaching out to him in recent times and I believe they now have their man.”<br /> <br /> Ladoja would be a big loss to the PDP, given his power of mobilization especially at the grassroots level.</div>

Ladoja dumps PDP for ADC

Former governor of Oyo State, Senator Rashidi Ladoja has perfected plans to quit the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the African Democr...

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Defection will not deter us from voting PMB in 2019 – Kebbi APC

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KhQQ7VWXLFU/W2BwPWGszcI/AAAAAAAAw00/zM3IZO7lVuQE2pyyUVqHr199PWi1nGbJQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/President%2BMuhammadu%2BBuhari.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KhQQ7VWXLFU/W2BwPWGszcI/AAAAAAAAw00/zM3IZO7lVuQE2pyyUVqHr199PWi1nGbJQCK4BGAYYCw/s320/President%2BMuhammadu%2BBuhari.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> The All Progressives Congress in Kebbi State has said that its members have unflinching support for President Muhammadu Buhari.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> It said that the recent gale of defections in the National Assembly would not deter its members from voting Buhari in 2019.<br /> <br /> Its State Publicity Secretary, Sani Dododo, said this while briefing newsmen after a stakeholders’ meeting of the party in Birnin Kebbi on Tuesday.<br /> <br /> He said members were set to vote for Buhari in the 2019 presidential elections.<br /> <br /> According to him, the actions of the defectors are condemnable and will not hinder the party’s victory in 2019.<br /> <br /> “They were the same set of people who used their brooms to sweep out the Peoples Democratic Party in 2015. It is strange they have decided to go back to the same party they dumped three years ago.<br /> <br /> “It baffles me. These same people who were central to the halting of the drift to total collapse of the country under the PDP are now going back to the same party. They have no reason for their defection,” he said.<br /> <br /> Dododo said that other issues discussed at the meeting included collection of Permanent Voter Cards, as well as unity among party members.</div>

Defection will not deter us from voting PMB in 2019 – Kebbi APC

The All Progressives Congress in Kebbi State has said that its members have unflinching support for President Muhammadu Buhari. It said...

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Nigeria’s ambassador to South Africa resigns, leaves APC for PDP

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a9yGJdnJzVg/W2Bvp7hZadI/AAAAAAAAw0o/CGpHpxFr4DIdTwDqRc2-d4psOP9XqICYQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/APC%252C%2BPDP.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="154" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a9yGJdnJzVg/W2Bvp7hZadI/AAAAAAAAw0o/CGpHpxFr4DIdTwDqRc2-d4psOP9XqICYQCK4BGAYYCw/s320/APC%252C%2BPDP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Ahead of the 2019 general elections, the Ambassador to South Africa, Ahmed Ibeto, has resigned.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> He has also renounced his membership of the ruling All Progressives Congress, and had crossed over to the opposition Peoples Democratic Party.<br /> <br /> Ibeto was reported to have arrived Nigeria from Pretoria on Sunday and on Monday morning, he handed over his letter of resignation at the Ministry of External Affairs.<br /> <br /> Our correspondent could not confirm if the envoy saw President Muhammadu Buhari before returning to Minna on Monday evening.<br /> <br /> Ibeto was a deputy governor of Niger State on the platform of PDP.<br /> <br /> Checks revealed on Tuesday that Ibeto have left Minna for his home town of Ibeto in Magama Local Government Area of the state.<br /> <br /> According to sources, the former deputy governor was received by over 1,000 supporters on his way to Ibeto.<br /> <br /> Our correspondent gathered that while in Ibeto, the ex-ambassador would first resign his membership of the APC and assume PDP membership.<br /> <br /> A source close to the former deputy governor told our correspondent that he would join governorship race immediately he registered with PDP.<br /> <br /> It could be recalled that former Ambassador was a member of the PDP until the primary election of the party in November 2014, during which he lost the governorship ticket to Umar Nasko, a former Chief of Staff to ex-governor Babangida Aliyu.<br /> <br /> He resigned his membership of the PDP along with thousands of his supporters after complaining about “the injustice” melted to him by the then ruling party.<br /> <br /> Ibeto was the vehicle on which the incumbent APC governor rode to victory, leading his campaign to all the 274 wards in the state.<br /> <br /> Also, last year, he was appointed an ambassador and posted to South Africa by President Muhammed Buhari.</div>

Nigeria’s ambassador to South Africa resigns, leaves APC for PDP

Ahead of the 2019 general elections, the Ambassador to South Africa, Ahmed Ibeto, has resigned. He has also renounced his membership of...

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Buhari APC main problem, Oshiomhole visionless – APC chieftain, SKC Ogbonnia

Buhari APC main problem, Oshiomhole visionless – APC chieftain, SKC Ogbonnia

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Kogi indigenes blocked state govt from accessing N11billion – Finance commissioner cries out

Kogi indigenes blocked state govt from accessing N11billion – Finance commissioner cries out

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Court stops swearing-in of Ekenze as Imo Deputy Governor

Court stops swearing-in of Ekenze as Imo Deputy Governor

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Senator Adamu reveals how Saraki allegedly plotted to succeed Buhari in 2017

Senator Adamu reveals how Saraki allegedly plotted to succeed Buhari in 2017

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Buhari to vie for ECOWAS chairmanship

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Willian breaks silence on move to Manchester United, Real Madrid

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9xNQKYRNxRg/W2BR-BkvJAI/AAAAAAAAw0c/tgbAIgzubzYEcmPOor7R31-NaF2bNeMJwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/chelsea%2Bplayers.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="221" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9xNQKYRNxRg/W2BR-BkvJAI/AAAAAAAAw0c/tgbAIgzubzYEcmPOor7R31-NaF2bNeMJwCK4BGAYYCw/s320/chelsea%2Bplayers.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Chelsea star, Willian Borges da Silva, has broken the silence over reports linking him with a move to Real Madrid and Manchester United.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The Brazilian was a subject of speculations in the summer transfer window because of his impressive World Cup performance in Russia.<br /> <br /> A host of top clubs have been linked with a move for the 29-year-old attacking midfielder/winger.<br /> <br /> Willian, who has kept his head down throughout the speculations, has finally opened up on his future.<br /> <br /> Speaking to Brazilian TV show, Esporte Espetacular, he said, “I’m back to England. I’m very happy at Chelsea. I’m very happy living in London.”</div>

Willian breaks silence on move to Manchester United, Real Madrid

Chelsea star, Willian Borges da Silva, has broken the silence over reports linking him with a move to Real Madrid and Manchester United. ...

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We have no plans to place religious leaders on salary —Lagos Govt

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-crZlrq4tgrc/W2BQhCCqcoI/AAAAAAAAw0Q/9Zsq_NWo9TQ5-OA8hqPfGOOfMyjnEE_fwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/Akinwunmi-Ambode.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="279" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-crZlrq4tgrc/W2BQhCCqcoI/AAAAAAAAw0Q/9Zsq_NWo9TQ5-OA8hqPfGOOfMyjnEE_fwCK4BGAYYCw/s320/Akinwunmi-Ambode.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> The Lagos State Government on Tuesday debunked a viral report on the social media suggesting that it was planning to commence paying salary to religious leaders in the state, saying the claim was totally untrue and misleading.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> A press release signed by the Chief Press Secretary, Habib Aruna, states that the Commissioner for Home Affairs, Mr. Abdulateef Abdulhakeem, made the clarification while speaking on a television programme monitored in Lagos.<br /> <br /> Abdulhakeem said: “The clear position is that the Lagos State Government is not intending to employ imams and pastors. There is no such plan and there is no willingness on our part to delve into a private realm.<br /> <br /> “What exists in Lagos State is that there is a symbiotic relationship between the Lagos State Government and faith-based organisations and it is a mutually beneficial relationship which has contributed to the growth and development of the state,” Abdulhakeem said.<br /> <br /> In the said report, Abdulhakeem was quoted as saying that the state government would soon place religious leaders on the state salary structure to encourage them to use their pulpits and the minbar (pulpits in the mosque) to re-orientate citizenry to shun corruption and immorality.<br /> <br /> Clarifying his statement, Abdulhakeem said: “I must have been misunderstood or misquoted. We were at a forum where we were trying to encourage religious leaders to be advocates against corruption because religious leaders have millions of adherents and they enjoy the allegiance of millions of followers and we expect them to use the pulpit and the minbar to advocate for good governance and selflessness so that they can influence their members positively.”<br /> <br /> Already, the commissioner said a structured approach had been put in place to relate with religious leaders in the state through the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council, which consists of people nominated by the Christian Association of Nigeria and the Muslim Community across the 57 local councils in the state.<br /> <br /> “They meet regularly to interact on religious issues and Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has even further decentralised that, whereby over 700 of them were appointed, based on their nominations, and they are volunteers who are not paid anything. They come together to nip religious crisis in the bud,” he said.</div>

We have no plans to place religious leaders on salary —Lagos Govt

The Lagos State Government on Tuesday debunked a viral report on the social media suggesting that it was planning to commence paying salar...

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Tambuwal asks Nigerians to reject Prison-yard Democracy

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w3RtFxFq57M/W2BQQhJWcqI/AAAAAAAAw0E/XzVCFCEuLjwucWIJSIqMFuu_rHK1P-U9ACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/Aminu-Tambuwal.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w3RtFxFq57M/W2BQQhJWcqI/AAAAAAAAw0E/XzVCFCEuLjwucWIJSIqMFuu_rHK1P-U9ACK4BGAYYCw/s400/Aminu-Tambuwal.jpg" /></a></div> Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal of Sokoto State has urged Nigerians to reject what he Tuesday described as “prison-yard democracy, typified by the ignoble meddlesomeness, rascality and high-handedness of some security agencies against democratic institutions” in Nigeria in recent times.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Speaking against the background of Monday’s siege to the Benue State House of Assembly and other perceived violations of the country’s democratic culture including the attacks on the national legislature, the All Progressives Congress, APC governor described the developments as aberrations that go against the fundamental human rights of Nigerians.<br /> Tambuwal who became the first APC governor to openly chide recent happenings in the country said:<br /> <br /> “Nigerians must, in strong terms, say no to prison-yard democracy, where the rights of the citizenry are shackled to the caprices of a few, as if we now run a nation of helpless inmates.<br /> <br /> If the people of Nigeria are so unfortunate to endure the growling nightmare occasioned by deprivation of most things that a democracy should ordinarily provide; If they are now accustomed to the pangs of hunger, unemployment, shabby infrastructure, poor healthcare and general hopelessness, they should, in the interest of democracy and the youths, stand against anything that has the potential of robbing them of their inalienable rights to live and make choices as free citizens.”<br /> <br /> The governor said further: “These are unfortunate incidents, an aberration, a reprehensible attack on the fundamental human rights and privileges of fellow Nigerians and a direct attack on our fledgling democracy. We should condemn this crass and impudent exhibition of uncivilized conduct, so that we can keep peace and maintain a civilized society.<br /> <br /> “Democracy is about freedom, of choice and association. It is about the people and the supremacy of the will of the people. Democracy, loses its essential value when the overall interest of the people takes a back seat in any supposedly democratic setting”, the governor said.<br /> <br /> He adds that legitimate political choices and movements, including cross-carpeting, are part of a democratic enterprise, saying: “Any attempt to bully people out of their legitimate, democratic choices is a war against democracy, the rights of the citizenry, that power this unique people-oriented system of governance.”<br /> <br /> Tambuwal said: “I also call on our leaders at all levels, to guard their utterances, in order not to drive our nation further down the path of divisiveness and ethnic/religious mistrust. Let us water our democracy, using the fountains of equity, fairness and justice for all.”<br /> <br /></div>

Tambuwal asks Nigerians to reject Prison-yard Democracy

Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal of Sokoto State has urged Nigerians to reject what he Tuesday described as “prison-yard democracy, typified...

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VIDEO: Fire guts Ecobank in Victoria Island

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="336" data-original-width="252" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-puFhU62xZxQ/W2BNVN9CsHI/AAAAAAADIe0/Yntrjh7ZjMAKFAAgwItbEJO0qK3WalDdQCLcBGAs/s400/fire%2Beco.jpg" width="300" /></div> <br /> A fire outbreak occurred at Ecobank headquarters on Victoria Island, Lagos on Tuesday.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> VIDEO BELOW<br /> <iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GL3iOkbeZRk" width="640"></iframe><br /> <br /> The fire was said to have been caused by a 33,000 litre tanker that was discharging its content, suspected to be diesel.<br /> <br /> At the moment, it is not clear if casualties were recorded.<br /> <br /> Fire fighters from the Lagos State Fire Service, NNPC, others have arrived the scene and are currently combating the inferno.<br /> <br /> LASEMA and other emergency workers are said to have arrived the premises.<br /> <br /> Traffic is being diverted.<br /> <br /> More details later ...

VIDEO: Fire guts Ecobank in Victoria Island

A fire outbreak occurred at Ecobank headquarters on Victoria Island, Lagos on Tuesday. VIDEO BELOW The fire was said to have been ca...

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Benue lawmakers bicker on live TV over Ortom’s impeachment notice

Benue lawmakers bicker on live TV over Ortom’s impeachment notice

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Ekweremadu reveals why he’s yet to be impeached as Deputy Senate President

Ekweremadu reveals why he’s yet to be impeached as Deputy Senate President

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Atiku reacts to impeachment notice on Gov Ortom

Atiku reacts to impeachment notice on Gov Ortom

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Nigerians being unfairly treated – Dogara condemns increment of electricity tariff

Nigerians being unfairly treated – Dogara condemns increment of electricity tariff

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Revoke licences of DISCOs, GENCOs to arrest worsening power supply – Labour

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e0hmGdTbs1s/W2A4mLaeP3I/AAAAAAAAwz4/X2fuiqrh98EoteRhznl6LNsD3U8S_BCsQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/electricity.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="164" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e0hmGdTbs1s/W2A4mLaeP3I/AAAAAAAAwz4/X2fuiqrh98EoteRhznl6LNsD3U8S_BCsQCK4BGAYYCw/s320/electricity.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <br /> The organised labour has called on the Federal Government to immediately review the privatisation of the power sector and revoke the licences of Electricity Generation Companies, GENCOs and Electricity Distribution Companies, DISCOs, to tackle the worsening power situation in the country.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Speaking through the United Labour Congress of Nigeria, ULC, labour said this call is important if the government is serious about stopping the current poor electricity supply in the sector.<br /> <br /> In a communique issued at the end of its Central Working Committee meeting in Lagos, ULC demanded among others, the immediate review of the privatisation of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria, PHCN, to save Nigerians the agony of the suffocating darkness which the GENCOs and DISCOs have foisted on the nation.<br /> <br /> The communique signed by ULC’s President, Joe Ajaero, equally demanded for the immediate payment of all arrears of severance packages owed the defunct workers and staff of the PHCN.<br /> <br /> It stated: “We had thought that this government after three years in the saddle would have critically reviewed the privatisation of the electricity industry. Unfortunately, the status quo has rather been deepened even as the nation suffers increasing gaps in electricity supply as more and more households and organisations wallow in darkness.<br /> <br /> “It is on record that over 48, 000 workers in that sector lost their jobs and are still being owed over 16 months’ arrears in agreed payments. Over 2,000 workers have not received any severance package since then and have continued in perpetual hunger and suffering with their family members, yet, this government pretends that all is well.<br /> <br /> “The exercise has not worked and has become a platform for official corruption. We do not understand why this government will continue the fraudulent dishing out of tax payers’ funds to private entities to which it has sold its assets to. How can you sell your house to somebody and continue paying him money for buying the house from you? Nigerians demand explanations.<br /> <br /> “Once again, we call on this government if it is serious about making appreciable change and stop the current poor electricity supply and extortion in the name of estimated billings to review the privatisation of the electricity sector with aim of reversing it.<br /> <br /> We do not understand why the government is afraid of reviewing it since the exercise was not carried out under its administration.”<br /> <br /> The communique also demanded that the president gives assent to the Petroleum Industry Governance Bill (PIGB), “We are worried that despite the fact that the PIGB is just one leg in the four-legged PIB, and despite its protracted journey in the National Assembly (NASS), and having been passed, the president has not yet made up his mind on whether to assent to it or not. We call for a definitive action by the president to ensure that it becomes law very soon.<br /> <br /> “We demand an immediate stoppage of the bogus cash transfers to the so-called poorest of the poor in Nigeria involving the returned Abacha loot. We condemn this fraudulent attempt to re-loot the Abacha loot under the cover of providing for the poor. We call on the Federal Government to rise and defend Nigerian workers in view of the impunities currently pervading our industrial landscape.<br /> <br /> “To this end we demand that all the organisations especially in the aviation, power, banking & finance sector, the oil and gas industry and the telecommunication sector, especially MTN and Huawei should be forced to desist from disobeying our laws that guarantees Nigerian workers the right to freely associate and organise.<br /> <br /> “We had commended the president on his courage to have withstood the pressure to drag Nigeria into the Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement (AFCTA), which we believe as presently configured, would emasculate the economic interest of Nigeria. We urge the president to remain steadfast until the document is properly reviewed to address our fears as a nation. We believe that the long term interests of Nigeria must be addressed especially our market and its consequences on domestic capacities and eventually jobs and domestic multipliers.”</div>

Revoke licences of DISCOs, GENCOs to arrest worsening power supply – Labour

The organised labour has called on the Federal Government to immediately review the privatisation of the power sector and revoke the lice...

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EFCC begins investigation of Fayose, wife

EFCC begins investigation of Fayose, wife

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Sack of Kwara APC executive: Buhari blasts Oshiomhole

Sack of Kwara APC executive: Buhari blasts Oshiomhole

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Buhari behind crisis in Benue – Middle Belt leaders

Buhari behind crisis in Benue – Middle Belt leaders

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APC vs PDP: Tension in Kano over planned rally against Kwankwaso, Ganduje’s deputy

APC vs PDP: Tension in Kano over planned rally against Kwankwaso, Ganduje’s deputy

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Benue impeachment drama: Ikyange Okefe, others to face contempt of court

Benue impeachment drama: Ikyange Okefe, others to face contempt of court

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Buhari reveals what will happen to recovered illegal assets

Buhari reveals what will happen to recovered illegal assets

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Secondus vs Lai Mohammed: Court to rule in October

Secondus vs Lai Mohammed: Court to rule in October

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Jos Court: Pinnick, Giwa know fate tomorrow

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VbGJtNxaidY/W2AebFio_8I/AAAAAAAAwzs/LVWl2KUHt1gja5iPaE3rCsxOtOsN2xDEQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/pg.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="182" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VbGJtNxaidY/W2AebFio_8I/AAAAAAAAwzs/LVWl2KUHt1gja5iPaE3rCsxOtOsN2xDEQCK4BGAYYCw/s320/pg.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> The leadership tussle in Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is fast turning into a never-ending war, as the case yesterday received yet another adjournment at the Federal High Court in Jos.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> In contrast with wide spread hope that the case would eventually be vacated, in order to avert a possible hammer from world soccer governing body, FIFA, the Jos court adjourned hearing of the matter till Wednesday.<br /> <br /> The Tin City court stated Monday that it will sit on August 1 for hearing of the motion to vacate it previous orders granting recognition to Giwa to lead the NFF while invalidating the process that brought in Pinnick as the soccer governing body’s president.<br /> <br /> Pinnick’s lawyers had filed a counter-motion to dismiss the orders, and the court has now adjourned till August 1, for hearing of their plea.</div>

Jos Court: Pinnick, Giwa know fate tomorrow

The leadership tussle in Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is fast turning into a never-ending war, as the case yesterday received yet ano...

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Buhari speaks on ‘involvement’ in Benue Assembly’s impeachment notice

Buhari speaks on ‘involvement’ in Benue Assembly’s impeachment notice

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Buhari’s aide, Sagay rubbishes attempt to remove Governor Ortom

Buhari’s aide, Sagay rubbishes attempt to remove Governor Ortom

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I challenge anyone who has proof that I stole to speak up -Ekweremadu

I challenge anyone who has proof that I stole to speak up -Ekweremadu

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Omokri to Lai Mohammed: APC defectors are the stones David will use to slay Goliath

Omokri to Lai Mohammed: APC defectors are the stones David will use to slay Goliath

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‘A throwback to dictatorship’ — Saraki, Dogara speak on attempt to remove Ortom

‘A throwback to dictatorship’ — Saraki, Dogara speak on attempt to remove Ortom

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APC dissolves Kwara faction loyal to Saraki, appoints caretaker chairman

APC dissolves Kwara faction loyal to Saraki, appoints caretaker chairman

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We’re shocked by Buhari’s silence on illegal attempt to impeach Ortom -R-APC

We’re shocked by Buhari’s silence on illegal attempt to impeach Ortom -R-APC

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You cannot overthrow party leadership with unlawful declaration, Kwara APC tells Oshiomole

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ayCDJGQSQ5U/W2AdtZSUD9I/AAAAAAAAwzg/CnUz6GkYlJQ-q80deDgdDLmAwu-H6WSdACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/Adams%2BOshiomole.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ayCDJGQSQ5U/W2AdtZSUD9I/AAAAAAAAwzg/CnUz6GkYlJQ-q80deDgdDLmAwu-H6WSdACK4BGAYYCw/s320/Adams%2BOshiomole.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> The All Progressives Congress in Kwara State has rejected and dismissed the purported dissolution of party at the ward, local government and state levels in Kwara State by the Adams Oshiomole – led National Working Committee (NWC).<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> It described the dissolution as not only outright unlawful but also null and void and prepared to reclaim the mandate in court.<br /> <br /> This is contained in a press statement issued by the publicity secretary of the party, Alhaji Sulyman Buhari ,made available to journalists yesterday morning in Ilorin.<br /> <br /> According to the statement,”The All Progressives Congress in Kwara State has rejected and dismissed the purported dissolution of party at the ward, local government and state levels in Kwara State by the Adams Oshiomole – led National Working Committee (NWC) .”<br /> <br /> ‘The statement noted,”We confirm that there is no case of lacuna in the party leadership in Kwara State and there was no ground for the purported dissolution. Thus, the NWC erred in law. Furthermore, the purported dissolution is null and void.”<br /> <br /> “We recall that for many weeks, party members worked assiduously and painstakingly to elect party leadership at the ward, local government and state levels in Kwara State.<br /> <br /> “The party structure was certified as duly elected by the National Working Committee of APC.<br /> <br /> “The duly elected party structure in Kwara State cannot be overthrown or dissolved by an unlawful declaration from Abuja.<br /> <br /> “Considering the inglorious role played by Comrade Adams Oshiomole, he has lost the respect of the leadership and members of APC in the 16 local government areas and 193 wards of Kwara State.<br /> <br /> ‘He has destroyed his human rights credentials. It is crystal clear the emerging dictator is always willing to trample on the rights of other party members whenever his personal interest is involved.<br /> <br /> “While the party will exercise legal means to protect the constitutional mandates of the party leadership at the ward, local government and state levels, we wish to reaffirm that the Alhaji Ishola Balogun Fulani – led State Executive Committee (SEC) remains the only authentic and lawful leadership of APC in Kwara State.<br /> <br /> “Despite the distraction from Abuja, the Alhaji Ishola Balogun Fulani – led State Executive Committee (SEC), the party leadership in the 16 local government and 193 wards of Kwara State shall continue to discharge constitutional functions.<br /> <br /> “All members of the APC in Kwara State should remain calm as we devise legal measures to guarantee the protection of their rights,” it concluded.</div>

You cannot overthrow party leadership with unlawful declaration, Kwara APC tells Oshiomole

The All Progressives Congress in Kwara State has rejected and dismissed the purported dissolution of party at the ward, local government a...

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South-East APC leaders pass vote of confidence on Oshiomhole

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6chDpV8wB60/W2AcwA2lGJI/AAAAAAAAwzU/Tx3YhnR1j2A4-5Il2ponUf5q5OKKSgIxACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/Adams%2BOshiomole.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6chDpV8wB60/W2AcwA2lGJI/AAAAAAAAwzU/Tx3YhnR1j2A4-5Il2ponUf5q5OKKSgIxACK4BGAYYCw/s320/Adams%2BOshiomole.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> The All   Progressives Congress, APC, in the South-East region, yesterday passed a vote of confidence on the national chairman of the party, Adams Oshiomhole, saying that those criticising his style of leadership are being sponsored by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The South-East APC leaders were reacting to comments by some persons they described as “hired writers” and a former member of the party in Abia State, Chief Sam Nkire, who claimed that people were leaving the party because of the leadership style of Oshiomhole whom he described as being too militant.<br /> <br /> However, a statement signed by a member of the Board of Trustees of the APC, Chief Ayim Yerere,  said, Oshiomhole’s coming as national chairman had enlivened APC as a party and it has occurred to the opposition PDP that they will soon experience their final burial in the country and that is why they are sponsoring misleading articles and describing Oshiomhole as a combustive person.<br /> <br /> According to the statement, “the attention of the South East APC has been drawn to comments credited to one Sam Nkire, a former member of our party who recently joined those that defected to the PDP   from our party and some writers recruited by the PDP to disparage the name of our national chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole.<br /> <br /> “We want to state clearly that the entire party in the South East passed a vote of confidence in his leadership and other members of the National Working Committee of the party. Since Oshiomhole came on board, our party has become more attractive and has taken its position as a ruling party.”<br /> <br /> We are aware that PDP and their cohorts are no longer comfortable with Oshiomhole who will ensure they go into oblivion.<br /> <br /> “They did not complain when Chief John Odigie-Oyegun was chairman because they were comfortable with his calmness which was not helping APC. Now we have a chairman that is proactive, a man that says the truth the way it is and they have started lamenting. Chief Nkire is no longer a member of the APC so he does not even have the right to comment about the leadership style of our very dynamic party chairman.<br /> <br /> “Just in one month, he led us to victory in Ekiti state. We conducted a very successful governorship primary through direct primaries in Osun state and today, we have observed that both government and party are working harmoniously in ensuring that the ideals of the APC is propagated across board. Oshiomhole hit the nail on the head when he asked for the sack of PDP members in the cabinet of President Muhammadu Buhari.<br /> <br /> “And that has been the problem our party has been having over the years but the Oyegun led leadership never made effort to advise our President on that. Oshiomhole today is fighting the interest of majority of our party members and that is why we are passing this vote of confidence on him. Those lamenting and calling him names will continue to lament until we win the 2019 general elections and re-elect our President, Muhammadu Buhari” it stated.</div>

South-East APC leaders pass vote of confidence on Oshiomhole

The All   Progressives Congress, APC, in the South-East region, yesterday passed a vote of confidence on the national chairman of the part...

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Osun poll: Secondus moves to reconcile Adeleke, Ogunbiyi

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k8x3zZy2Ulk/W2AcVgKjMdI/AAAAAAAAwzE/m_1NFpqR_9knex5_767IIQLpGkDIf3PyACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/Uche%2BSecondus.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k8x3zZy2Ulk/W2AcVgKjMdI/AAAAAAAAwzE/m_1NFpqR_9knex5_767IIQLpGkDIf3PyACK4BGAYYCw/s400/Uche%2BSecondus.jpg" /></a></div> The National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Prince Uche Secondus, on Monday, in Abuja, met with the party’s governorship candidate in the September 22  Osun State governorship election, Senator Ademola Adeleke and some aggrieved aspirants.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Also at the meeting were members of the National Working Committee of the party, Dr Akin Ogunbiyi, Senator Akinlabi Olasunkanmi and Senator Felix Ogunwale, among others.<br /> <br /> The meeting,  which was held at the Presidential Campaign office of the party popularly called Legacy Building at the Maitama District of Abuja, was aimed at pacifying the aggrieved aspirants,  especially Ogunbiyi,  who came a close second at the party’s primary.<br /> <br /> Adeleke polled 1,569 votes, seven higher than those of his main challenger,  Ogunbiyi,  who scored 1, 562 in the primary.<br /> <br /> Ogunbiyi, however, challenged the outcome of the primary before the PDP Appeal Panel, claiming it was manipulated in favour of Adeleke.<br /> <br /> However, his petition was thrown out for what the panel described as lacking in merit.<br /> <br /> Investigations by our correspondent nevertheless showed that the national leadership of the party felt that there was the need to douse the tension in the opposition camp as it prepared for the election.<br /> <br /> A source at the meeting, who spoke with our correspondent after the meeting which ended in the evening, described its outcome as fruitful.<br /> <br /> He said that a committee of eight, made up of four from both the side of Adeleke and Ogunbiyi, was set up with a mandate to discuss terms of agreements between the two camps.<br /> <br /> It was gathered that the NWC led by Secondus first met with Ogunbiyi and his group before Adeleke was later invited to the meeting, where he was said to have appealed to co- aspirants to work with him.<br /> <br /> The source said, “We were surprised at the peaceful conduct of everyone at the meeting.  Everyone spoke in favour of the party and the need to work together to win the election.<br /> <br /> “Adeleke also told the gathering that he would run an all-inclusive campaign and government if elected.  He promised not to sideline anyone.<br /> <br /> “At the end of discussions, we agreed that a committee made up of eight people be set up. The committee is expected to submit its report to the NWC on Tuesday. We are serious about winning the election.”</div>

Osun poll: Secondus moves to reconcile Adeleke, Ogunbiyi

The National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Prince Uche Secondus, on Monday, in Abuja, met with the party’s governorship candid...

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Frequent electricity tariff hike despite N123bn bailout is injustice, says Dogara

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VsQJQPx--Mc/W2Ab_xQbycI/AAAAAAAAwyw/RHnCrZiMZJ0zt5zJJpWlYRg26PJdFNYuQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/Yakubu%2BDogara.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="253" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VsQJQPx--Mc/W2Ab_xQbycI/AAAAAAAAwyw/RHnCrZiMZJ0zt5zJJpWlYRg26PJdFNYuQCK4BGAYYCw/s320/Yakubu%2BDogara.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Yakubu Dogara, said on Monday that the frequent hike in electricity tariff was injustice to Nigerians, who had become accustomed to living without regular power supply.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> He observed that the tariff hike was in spite of the N123bn bailout the Federal Government gave the power sector.<br /> <br /> Dogara spoke in Abuja at a public hearing on the need to interface with the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission and other stakeholders to critically examine and re-assess all inputs and assumptions in the Multi-Year Tariff-Order.<br /> <br /> He noted that paying higher tariff for power that was not supplied had become a huge burden on consumers and must be addressed by stakeholders, particularly the regulator, NERC.<br /> <br /> The speaker said, “There has been a prolonged public outcry over the continuous increase in the unit price of electricity, which many believe is not in tandem with the current realities in electricity supply.<br /> <br /> “The tariff has continued to increase from an average of N10 per kw/h in 2007 to an average of N24.20 kw/h in 2017 without substantial improvement in power supply.<br /> <br /> “Despite, the N123bn Nigerian Electricity Market Stabilisation Fund provided by the Federal Government as subsidy to the sector operators, the situation remains unpleasant. The House is concerned about the seeming injustice to the Nigerian public and wishes to examine the possibility of redressing the trend.”<br /> <br /> Dogara added, “It is needless to say that adequate electricity supply in our country will stimulate economic activities and reduce unemployment, which will invariably ameliorate youth restiveness and the high crime rate.<br /> <br /> “As stakeholders, we must all join hands to find a lasting solution the challenge of unstable electricity supply in the country, and in particular, the issue of excessive electricity tariff that seems to be incongruous with the quality and quantity of electricity supplied.”<br /> <br /> Dogara told the session that the most important resolution Nigerians expected from the stakeholders was to come up with a realistic tariff regime.<br /> <br /> Last month, the House began taking steps to contain alleged excesses of distribution companies in a bid to get a fair deal for power consumers.<br /> <br /> One of such measures was the introduction of a bill to criminalise estimated billing by the Discos.<br /> <br /> The bill, which seeks to amend the Electricity Power Sector Reforms Act, has successfully passed second reading and public hearing stages.<br /> <br /> It seeks to outlaw estimated billing and prescribe penalties for Discos that fail to supply prepaid meters to their customers within 30 days of applying to be connected to power.<br /> <br /> The bill, sponsored by the Leader of the House, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila, prescribes penalties ranging from a fine of N500,000 to N1m or a prison term of six months.<br /> <br /> The bill provides in part, “All electricity charges or billings to the premises of every consumer shall be based strictly on prepaid metering and no consumer shall be made to pay any bill without  a prepaid meter first being installed at the premises of the consumer.”<br /> <br /> However, NERC and the Discos have opposed the bill on the grounds that it would compound the situation, rather than address it.</div>

Frequent electricity tariff hike despite N123bn bailout is injustice, says Dogara

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Yakubu Dogara, said on Monday that the frequent hike in electricity tariff was injustice t...

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Ezekwesili, others advise FG on Excess Crude Account

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FqWGZbWxOUs/W2AcHvUThnI/AAAAAAAAwy4/klCQgw1vbjAYihob93zATQZ6UWFTpQqgwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/oby%2Bezekwesili.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="194" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FqWGZbWxOUs/W2AcHvUThnI/AAAAAAAAwy4/klCQgw1vbjAYihob93zATQZ6UWFTpQqgwCK4BGAYYCw/s320/oby%2Bezekwesili.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Stakeholders, including a former Vice-President, Africa Region, World Bank, Oby Ezekwesili, on Monday called on the Federal Government to insist on accountability and binding rules on revenue outflow from the nation’s Excess Crude Account.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> They said the absence of rules of practices governing deposits, withdrawals and investment of the ECA led to Nigeria being ranked as having the most poorly governed sovereign wealth fund among 33 resource-rich countries in a 2017 report by the Natural Resource Governance Institute.<br /> <br /> The stakeholders spoke at a roundtable meeting on savings and stabilisation mechanism for Nigeria, organised by the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Foundation in Lagos.<br /> <br /> According to Ezekwesili, members of the executive in the country have turned the ECA into an instrument to withdraw funds from, when in the real sense, the funds are meant to be kept safe, saved abroad and invested in human capital and world-class intuitions.<br /> <br /> She said there was a need to develop a mechanism to bring the federal and state governments together to discuss issues that would benefit all.<br /> <br /> Ezekwesili added that 80 per cent of state governments depended mostly on the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee for more than 80 per cent of their budgetary revenues.<br /> <br /> “Basically, we earn oil revenue to run governance at all levels and leave development for anything the citizens can lay their hands on to survive. Many have been capped by Nigeria’s failure and the belief that they are at least better than their neighbours or colleagues, but we cannot keep living like this,” she added.<br /> <br /> According to the former minister, the government needs to target sound policies, strong dynamic institutions and investment to develop the economy, rather than depending on oil revenue for survival.</div>

Ezekwesili, others advise FG on Excess Crude Account

Stakeholders, including a former Vice-President, Africa Region, World Bank, Oby Ezekwesili, on Monday called on the Federal Government to ...

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We’ve no plan to dump APC – Adamawa, Niger govs

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SF0MdbhkSfI/W2AbVPvcRKI/AAAAAAAAwyk/ub6nmXpzZYsrZlBGP13-EW_c5UBaWwGDACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/APC-LOGO-17.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SF0MdbhkSfI/W2AbVPvcRKI/AAAAAAAAwyk/ub6nmXpzZYsrZlBGP13-EW_c5UBaWwGDACK4BGAYYCw/s320/APC-LOGO-17.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> The Adamawa State Governor, Mohammed Bindow,  and his Niger State counterpart, Abubakar Bello, have dismissed speculations that they are preparing to dump the All Progressives Congress to join the opposition Peoples Democratic Party.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The governors made their positions known in separate interactions with newsmen in their various states.<br /> <br /> Bindow spoke while responding to a question on the subject on his return to Yola, the state capital,  after an official visit to Abuja, on Monday.<br /> <br /> He said, “I cannot leave the APC.”<br /> <br /> The governor explained that despite the gale of defections that hit the APC at the national level, the party remained strong in Adamawa State.<br /> <br /> “The people of Adamawa are happy with the APC government hence I have no reason to leave the party. Adamawa will remain an APC state.<br /> <br /> “For me, there’s no opposition. The people will vote Governor Bindow because this is the best governor the state has ever had.”<br /> <br /> The governor also explained that only one of his commissioners resigned to seek elective office on the platform of the PDP.<br /> <br /> Speaking in a similar vein, his Niger State counterpart, Abubakar Bello, told one of our correspondents that he had no reason to leave the party.<br /> <br /> He said, “I remain a member of  the APC and there is no wisdom leaving my beloved party. Three months ago, a special state congress of the ruling APC congress unanimously endorsed me and President Muhammadu Buhari by party members.”<br /> <br /> The governor, who spoke through his Coordinator, Media and Publicity, Mr Jide Orintusin, said, “We make bold to say that the Niger State governor and the people are for and will remain in the APC and there is no going back.<br /> <br /> “The state is absolutely committed to the APC in all ramifications so why do we have to leave what belongs to us?”<br /> <br /> Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party said it had not set a deadline for those planning to defect from the APC or any other parties in order to join the PDP.<br /> <br /> The National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Mr Kola Ologbondiyan, told one of our correspondents, in Abuja, on Monday, that the party had opened its doors to all who were willing to join it.<br /> <br /> He said, “We have no deadline for anyone joining us. The doors of the PDP are wide open for anyone who wants to come in. We have not set any deadline as being speculated in some quarters.<br /> <br /> “We have constitutional provisions concerning those who want to run for offices in our party. So, nobody should fret about timing or otherwise. We have opened our doors.<br /> <br /> “We are officially welcoming those who joined us last week in Abuja this week. We want to welcome those who have abandoned the sinking ship of the All Progressives Congress to a winning team that will take the country to another level of comfort and prosperity.”<br /> <br /> One of our correspondents earlier learnt that the PDP was still expecting four governors to defect from the ruling party to join its ranks.<br /> <br /> The governors being expected are those of Kwara, Niger, Sokoto and Adamawa states.<br /> <br /> Sources close to the party said that governors of Kwara and Sokoto states, Abdulfatah Ahmed and Aminu Tambuwal, would join to be closely followed by their counterparts from Niger and Adamawa states.<br /> <br /> A source, privy to the negotiations which led to the harvest of the APC legislators in the National Assembly, gave the assurance that more members of the ruling party would soon join the PDP.<br /> <br /> The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of retribution, said, “The APC will soon know that a majority of Nigerians have left them with the expected defection of four more governors from its rank.<br /> <br /> “Don’t forget, before the Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, decided to shoot them in the foot with his defection, the national leadership of the APC had been boasting that he would not go. They considered him an asset.<br /> <br /> “But when he left the party, they said he couldn’t even win an election in his state.  That tells you how deceitful the party is. Some of the governors have known that they are in a wrong political party. Therefore, they are ready to leave.”<br /> <br /> All appears set for the Kwara State Governor, Abdulfatah Ahmed, to leave the APC. Apart from the hint he gave two weeks ago, the National Working Committee of the APC had dissolved the state party executive.</div>

We’ve no plan to dump APC – Adamawa, Niger govs

The Adamawa State Governor, Mohammed Bindow,  and his Niger State counterpart, Abubakar Bello, have dismissed speculations that they are p...

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Benue: Buhari will never be part of any unconstitutional act – Presidency

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FHDhuRoieiQ/W2Aa6l9bLWI/AAAAAAAAwyY/NoVKxutRfaAnyRSsl8MwecaImuvc8bjNQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/buhari2.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="196" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FHDhuRoieiQ/W2Aa6l9bLWI/AAAAAAAAwyY/NoVKxutRfaAnyRSsl8MwecaImuvc8bjNQCK4BGAYYCw/s320/buhari2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> The Presidency on Tuesday said there was no truth in the claims that President Muhammadu Buhari has a hand in the move by minority members of the Benue State House of Assembly to remove the state governor, Samuel Ortom.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, said this in a statement made available to journalists.<br /> <br /> Adesina said Buhari would never be part of any unconstitutional act. He added that any attempt to link the President with the inglorious past, when minority number of lawmakers removed governors, will not stick.<br /> <br /> The statement read, “Even while attending the ECOWAS/ECCAS Summit in Togo, strident attempts were being made to drag President Muhammadu Buhari into the unfolding drama between the executive and the legislature in Benue State.<br /> <br /> “Statements have been issued by different interest groups, insinuating that the President may have a hand in the development in Benue. “This is paranoia at its worst, coming from people who have wittingly positioned themselves against the clean-up of the country, and the way we do things. They prefer business as usual.<br /> <br /> “President Buhari will never be part of any unconstitutional act, and any attempt to link him with the inglorious past, when minority number of lawmakers impeached governors, will not stick. It will simply be like water off the duck’s back.<br /> <br /> “Those with open minds know this, but those who cavil would rather source everything untoward to the President. It is murky ground in which they are now marooned, as fallout of their resistance to change in the country.<br /> <br /> “When it suits them, they preach separation of powers and true federalism, and in another breath, they call on the President to interfere brazenly in affairs at state level.<br /> <br /> “President Buhari will always stand by all that is noble and fair, and will reject attempts to drag him into infamy.<br /> <br /> “People who stoke fires by deliberate acts of omission or commission, and then summon the President to come and put it out will find that this President will be guided by the Constitution at all times, no matter the attempt to entangle him in unwarranted controversies.”</div>

Benue: Buhari will never be part of any unconstitutional act – Presidency

The Presidency on Tuesday said there was no truth in the claims that President Muhammadu Buhari has a hand in the move by minority members...

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VIDEO: Massive jubilations as African migrants enter Spain

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QGSkDfZn6C0/W1_LVXw8ZCI/AAAAAAADIeo/7b5rRXncDtwfr-d11-IfUierTQZPPlyjACLcBGAs/s1600/jub.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="302" data-original-width="518" height="372" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QGSkDfZn6C0/W1_LVXw8ZCI/AAAAAAADIeo/7b5rRXncDtwfr-d11-IfUierTQZPPlyjACLcBGAs/s640/jub.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> There was massive jubilation by hundreds of African migrants after forcing their way through the heavily fortified border fence separating the Spanish North African enclave of Ceuta from Morocco recently.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> <b>VIDEO BELOW</b><br /> <iframe allowfullscreen="true" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="322" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FNigerianey%2Fvideos%2F1720340531418109%2F&show_text=0&width=560" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" width="560"></iframe><br /> <br /> <br /> According to reports, the migrants used circular saws, shears and mallets to cut through the wire in order to gain entry on Thursday.<br /> <br /> Around 800 migrants tried to push through the barrier at dawn, the Interior Ministry said in a statement, deterring police from intervening by hurling plastic bottles of excrement, quick lime and using makeshift flame throwers.<br /> <br /> Every year, the hope and promise of European prosperity appears seductively close to those who have endured poverty or have fled violence on the African side, which explained the joyous and unrestrained reaction from those who made it.<br /> <br /> Determined to get to Europe, thousands of African migrant (including Nigerians) attempt the journey to Ceuta or Melilla each year<br /> <br /> <iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5kOkx338fLg" width="640"></iframe><br /> <i><br /> Video Credits: Seeing It Clearer - Youtube/NigerianEye Facebook page</i>

VIDEO: Massive jubilations as African migrants enter Spain

There was massive jubilation by hundreds of African migrants after forcing their way through the heavily fortified border fence separating...

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Nigeria cannot do without the North

<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tvgXy5gumdg/W1-3hopvzsI/AAAAAAADIeQ/960yzRAa3OsFFP8aR5gJvaaoGqlT99PCQCLcBGAs/s640/aribisala%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></div> <br /> By Femi Aribisala,<br /> <br /> <br /> IN 2005, Goldman Sachs Investment Bank forecast that Nigeria will be the 20th largest economy in the world by 2025 and the 12th largest by 2050; ahead of Italy, Canada and South Korea. Having identified Brazil, Russia, India and China as four emergent powerhouses of the world economy referred to as the BRICS; it included Nigeria among “the Next Eleven” countries, which are Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, South Korea, Turkey, and Vietnam.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> At the U.S.-Nigeria Trade and Investment Forum organised by the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation of the Americas, NIDOA, in Washington D.C. in 2012, President Barack Obama of the United States acknowledged Nigeria not only as a strategic centre of gravity in Africa; he went further to proclaim the country “the world’s next economic giant.” With the rebasing of the country’s GDP, Nigeria emerged as the biggest economy in Africa, surpassing South Africa.<br /> <b><br /></b><b>Manifest destiny</b><br /> <br /> It is no secret that Nigeria is a country of great potentials, even if those potentials are yet to be appreciably realised. One of the strengths of the country is its large population. Currently estimated at 200 million, Nigeria is the seventh largest country in the world. By 2050, Nigeria’s population is projected by the United Nations to reach 389 million, rivaling that of the United States at 403 million.<br /> <br /> By the end of the century, the U.N. projects that Nigeria’s population would be between 900 million and 1 billion, nearing that of China which would then be the second most populous country in the world after India. Nigeria’s economic size is a blessing in disguise. It means the country will have a ready domestic market for its eventual industrial growth.<br /> <br /> It means it can envisage economies of scale not possible in smaller countries. Even now, Nigeria offers alluring returns for investors. Says Charles Robertson, Global Chief Economist at Renaissance Capital: “We know it’s not risk free, but look around the world and find another economy with 160 million people growing at 7 percent with such potential.<br /> <br /> It’s a struggle to find them.” Countries go to war to acquire the kind of real estate that is Nigeria. This makes it all the more ludicrous that there are noises coming out of Southern Nigeria demanding that the country should be divided. The most ethnically jingoistic of these is the insistence that Nigeria would be better off without the North. It would appear that some Southern Nigerians have been intoxicated by oil. Since there is no oil in the North for now, they conclude that the North is no more than an albatross on the neck of the South and castigate it as a region defined by dependency. This view is nothing short of idiotic.<br /> <br /> No serious-minded country relinquishes a region as rich and as resourceful as Northern Nigeria. Without the North, Nigeria’s much-vaunted potentials would vanish. Without the North, Nigeria would be nothing more than yet another balkanized and insignificant African country, or group of countries. Take the North out of the Nigerian equation and there can no longer be any black country in the world that can possibly attain the status of a major power in the world. Without the North, Nigeria and Nigerians would be reduced to nonentities.<br /> <b><br /></b><b>Northern imperative</b><br /> <br /> Nigerians have been blinded by oil. Because of oil, we have become unproductively mono-cultural in our economy. However, oil is hardly the only major resource we have. Although oil revenues have brought us a great deal of financial prosperity, at the same time it stunted the inexorable emergence of agro-based industries in Nigeria. The backbone of such promissory local industries is in Northern Nigeria. The North is the bread-basket of Nigeria. A significant proportion of the food we eat down South comes from the North.<br /> <br /> The North occupies 70% of Nigeria’s land mass, giving it comparative advantage vis-à-vis the South in terms of agriculture, raw materials and livestock. A large chunk of the North is arable and supportive of year-round food production.<br /> <br /> Thanks largely to the North, there is no tropical agricultural crop known to man that cannot be grown in Nigeria. With a transition from subsistence to mechanized agriculture, Northern Nigeria alone can produce enough food to feed the whole of Africa. Northern Nigeria is bigger than most African countries. Currently, Nigeria wastes a staggering 1.3 trillion Naira on food imports; virtually one-third of the annual budget. But the North can produce all the food we need, thereby liberating valuable resources. Already, it is the North that feeds the South in Nigeria.<br /> <br /> Virtually all Southern food crops and livestock come from the North. Much of Nigeria’s water resources are also in the North. With the right policy mixes, the North will earn for Nigeria billions of dollars annually from agriculture. Our Niger-Delta brothers should not get too carried away by their oil. If their oil is a national resource today, so will Northern agriculture and agro-allied industries be national resources tomorrow. Oil is a wasting asset. Short of new discoveries, Nigeria’s oil will expire within the next 50 years. However, Northern agriculture will never expire.<br /> <b><br /></b><b>Northern resources</b><br /> <br /> There is something else besides. There can be no doubt that there is oil in the North. It is only a matter of time before it is discovered.<br /> <br />  The geography and topography of the North and the discovery of oil in surrounding areas is a testament to this eventuality. Since there is oil in Cameroon, Chad and Niger Republic, the chances are pretty good that Northern states like Bauchi, Borno, Sokoto and Niger will one day become oil-producing states.<br /> <br /> Moreover, the North is rich in mineral resources; far richer than the South. There is gold in Zamfara; uranium in Taraba; tin-ore in Plateau; columbite in Nassarawa; iron ore in Kogi; gypsum in Gombe and limestone in Sokoto among others. Hydroelectricity for the country is provided from Kainji Dam and Shiroro Gorge.<br /> <br /> There are game reserves in the North including Argungu, which make it a potential money-spinner for tourism, a possible Kenya in the making if we can get rid of the scourge of Boko Haram and marauding herdsmen. Southern Nigerians should stop underestimating Northern industry. Northerners created the ground-nut pyramids, cotton farms and tanneries of old. With visionary national and regional leadership, these will surely make a comeback.<br /> <br /> So also will the textile factories of Gusau, Kaduna and Kano. All the Southern bigotry about the North being predominantly Muslim is just nonsense. When you see what economic wonders Muslims are doing in places like Dubai, Oman, Qatar, Abu Dhabi, Saudi Arabia and Turkey, you will realise that Nigeria has a lot to learn from Muslims. It should not be forgotten that by far the most enterprising Nigerian today is a Northerner from Kano.<br /> <br /> According to the Forbes Billionaires list, Aliko Dangote is now the 23rd richest man in the world with a net worth of $25 billion dollars.<br /> <br /> This is an amazing feat for an African and a Nigerian. Dangote is now richer than Alisher Usmanov; the richest man in Russia. He is also richer than Mukesh Ambani; India’s richest man. Dangote is all the more remarkable because he achieved this feat primarily through a route far less travelled by Nigerians: the hard, difficult grind of manufacturing. The Northern problem is the Nigerian problem.<br /> <br /> It is the problem of bad leadership. Northern politicians and military leaders have been the bane of the North and of Nigeria.<br /> <br /> They have grown fat at the expense of the poor. They have deliberately kept the poor uneducated, preferring to feed them from the crumbs falling from their table. But as Boko Haram bites deeper, this too shall pass. A new generation of Northern leadership is emerging. An example of this is Rabiu Kwankwaso of Kano who, by all accounts, redeemed his first-term as Governor with his second-term.<br /> <b><br /></b><b>Uneducated hogwash</b><br /> <br /> All things considered, the boast of a Nigeria divorced from the North is balderdash. Nigeria cannot do without the North. We cannot divide Nigeria into 350 ethnic nation-states. Let Southerners stop fooling themselves. Any attempt to abridge Nigeria because some Southern areas want to go it alone will be disastrous.<br /> <br /> Ethnic homogeneity is no panacea against internal conflict. Somalia is ethnically homogeneous. Nevertheless, it is a failed state. Southern Sudan obtained independence from Sudan. Nevertheless, it is already embroiled in inter-ethnic conflict.<br /> <br /> There can be no romantic Oduduwa Republic, unless we foolishly ignore the long history of Yoruba wars. Try to turn back the clock, and the Egba, the Ekiti, the Ijebu, the Ijesha and the Ilorin will start locking horns yet again.<br /> <br />  Even recently, there were daggers drawn between the Ife and Modakeke in Osun. There can be no return to Biafra, unless we pretend that the differences between the Aguleri and the Umuleri in Anambra or that between the Ezza and the Ezillo in Ebonyi are fiction. The Igbo have never been united. Historically, they were organized into separate and autonomous republics.<br /> <br /> Biafra itself had problems with its ethnic minorities. There can be no Republics of the Niger Delta. Are we then to divide the Efik from the Ibibio, the Ijaw from the Itsekiri; the Kalabari from the Ogoja; and the Ogoni from the Urhobos? What then would happen after the oil runs dry? There can only be the Federal Republic of Nigeria.<br /> <br />  No matter what anyone says, Nigeria is a country and a country it should remain. You don’t live together for 50 to 100 years and not become a country.<br /> <br /> It does not matter if some of us are Muslims and some are Christians: we are all Nigerians. It does not matter if some of us speak Hausa and some speak Yoruba: we are all Nigerians.<br /> <br />  Our diversity is our strength. That is the beauty of Nigeria. It cannot be re-engineered. Nigeria is a blessed country, carefully-crafted by divine ordinance.<br /> <br />  This is not time to start hankering after some midget states when the herculean Europeans are busy crafting a super-state. This is no time to think small. It is time for Nigerians to start thinking big and bigger.

Nigeria cannot do without the North

By Femi Aribisala, IN 2005, Goldman Sachs Investment Bank forecast that Nigeria will be the 20th largest economy in the world by 2025 ...

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