PDP chairmanship: Why I didn’t support Bode George — Fayose

Ado-EKITI — Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State has explained why he declined to support the ambition of Chief Olabode George in becoming the national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

He also advised the All Progressive Congress (APC) to forget winning again in 2019, boasting that his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), will win and form the government at the federal level.

Fayose, in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Idowu Adelusi, appealed to elders in the party to give room for younger elements to reposition the party.

He said: “I have a lot of respect for Chief Bode George, he’s our leader. But when we come to the nitty-gritty, we must find out the motive. Chief Bode George told me personally that he wanted to be chairman of the party. I told him no, ‘I won’t support you’. With all due respect to the elderly people in this party; they must take the back stage. People are tired of seeing the same old faces.”

“I have been hearing Ahmadu Ali since 1978, when we sang Ali must go. Chief Bode George was governor of Ondo State almost 40 years ago. They are our leaders, we love them, but they should take the back stage.” Fayose also accused the APC of failing to meet the yearnings and aspirations of Nigerians,” he said.

Berating the APC for not improving the lot of Nigerians since it came to power, the governor said the APC had worsened the situation.

He said “let me explain something to you; it is not what the opposition (APC) did before 2015 that made them win, it is what the party in power (PDP) failed to do.

“When the party in government (APC) fails to provide fuel, queues are back in filling stations, they are daily trimming their promises. Exchange rate has almost killed the naira, businesses are dead. You can’t import any more.”

You can’t pay school fees of your children, power supply is terrible low and unbearable, herdsmen are killing people on a daily basis. Things are not working for Nigerians now. We are at the lowest ebb of our lives.
“I was a young man of 24 when Buhari was Head of State, the same attitude he showed between 1984 and 1985 is what he is displaying today. The reason why they took government from him at that time is still playing out today,” he said.

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PDP Woo Obasanjo, Atiku, Saraki Back to PDP

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has initiated moves to woo former President Olusegun Obasanjo; former Vice President Atiku Abubakar; Senate President Bukola Saraki; and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara back to its fold. 

Others targeted by the party include Senators Rabiu Kwankwaso, Aliyu Wamakko, Abdullahi Adamu, Danjuma Goje and Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal. 

The party appointed Governor Nyesom Wike (Rivers) as chairman and Governor Ibrahim Dankwabo (Gombe) as deputy chairman of a reconciliation committee set up to woo the high profile politicians back to its fold.

National Caretaker Chairman Senator Ahmed Makarfi inaugurated the committee and urged it to deliver on the assignment. 

The party also appointed a former Foreign Affairs Minister, Chief Tom Ikimi, as chairman of a newly inaugurated Disciplinary Committee. A former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Austin Opara was named as deputy. 

Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa is chairman of National Convention Committee with former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido as deputy chairman. 

Makarfi urged the reconciliation committee to extend its assignment to the founding members of the PDP, stressing that the dragnet should be extended beyond those who left the in 2015. 

Makarfi said those targets should “include President, Vice President, governors and former senate president, speaker of House of Representatives and all other former top ranking members in the party. 

“Everybody that was in PDP at one time or the other should be reconciled with. It is not limited to pre-2015”.

Makarfi also mandated the committee to reach out to other individuals who have never been in the PDP, with a view to bringing them into the party, without any conditions attached. 

He assured members that went through thick and thin with the party that they would not be sidelined. “We cannot foreclose opportunity for those who stayed behind during the turbulent period”. 

Ikimi assured that former PDP members who defected to the APC would soon be back in the party. 

He said: “APC is now dying and is almost dead. I am aware that they were able to win in 2015 because of members of PDP who defected there. 

“I have it on good authority that key members who left PDP and joined APC are now returning to the party. I would like us to receive them with open hands and we will rebuild the party”. 

The party also suspended the former factional Chairman in Anambra State Ken Emeakayi 

National Publicity Secretary Dayo Adeyeye who announced the decision, said three days after the dissolution of all factional executive in the state in July, Emeakayi went ahead to summon a meeting of his faction, which was in violation of the decision of the National Caretaker Committee. 

He said the committee issued him a query but rather than respond to the issue, Emeakayi disparaged the national leadership. 

“His reply not only showed disrespect to the National Caretaker Committee, he disparaged the personality of the chairman and the secretary. 

“He issued words of abuse totally unbecoming of a person who claimed to be holding an important office as chairman of a state chapter. 

“We found this to be gross indiscipline. And today, we decided on this matter, in accordance with the provisions of our constitution. 

“So, the National Caretaker Committee at its meeting today took cognisance of the violation of the Provision of Section 58 (1A, B, C, G, H, I, J, M) of the PDP Constitution 2012 (as amended) by Chief Ken Emeakayi. 

“We took a decision to immediately suspend him for one month, in accordance with Section 57 (3) of the PDP Constitution 2012 (as amended),” Adeyeye said. 

He added that the case of Emeakayi had also been referred to the National Disciplinary Committee for further disciplinary action. 

Adeyeye said seven aspirants had obtained the PDP nomination and expression of interest forms for the November 28 Anambra State Governorship election. 

They are Dr Alex Obiogolu, Mr Oseloka Obaze, Prince Okechukwu Emeka, Dr patrick Ubah, Mr Akolisa Ufodike, Lynda Ikpeazu and Mrs Stella Oduah.

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Akeredolu Bows To Pressure, Appoints Kinsman As Acting Chief Judge

The governor of Ondo, Rotimi Akeredolu, has appointed Oluwatoyin Akeredolu as the new acting chief judge of the state, after months of a legal battle that sought the removal of Justice Temitayo Osoba.

Osoba took over as acting chief judge shortly before the assumption of office by Akeredolu in February.

An Akure-based lawyer, Femi Emodamori, had instituted a suit at the state High Court, querying the eligibility of Osoba.

Despite being dragged to court over the eligibility of Justice Osoba, Akeredolu was reluctant to make any change until recently when the NJC gave a directive for the dissolution of the state judicial commission and an appointment of an acting chief judge as stipulated by the relevant laws, Premium Times reports.

Announcing the new appointment on Saturday, a statement from the governor’s office, signed by his press officer, Adeyanju Kola, said Akeredolu’s appointment as the Chief Judge of Ondo State took effect from Saturday, July 22, 2017.

“This, according to the letter of appointment signed by the Governor of Ondo State, is in pursuant of section 271(15)of the 1999 constitution as amended,” the statement read.

“Also according to the letter, the appointment is based on the recommendation of the Chief Justice of Nigeria and Chairman of National Judicial Council.”

Until her appointment, Justice Akeredolu was the head of criminal division in Ondo State High Court.

The statement also added that she would be sworn in on Monday July 24, 2017.

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Steer Clear Of Benue, Rivers, Leaders Tell Nnamdi Kanu

Leaders of the various ethnic nationalities in Benue and Rivers state have asked Nnamdi Kanu to steer clear of their lands in his bid to expand the territory of his proposed Biafra Republic beyond the five states in the Eastern part of Nigeria.

Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra alleged that an agent of the Federal Government, whose name he did not disclose, offered him while in detention, to secede with the five Igbo states but that he rejected the offer because it did not constitute the complete territory of Biafra.

Kanu had while addressing leaders of an Igbo civil society coalition said, “They gave me Biafra in prison with only the five Igbo states; I said no, I want Benue and Rivers states inclusive.”

But prominent indigenes of the ethnic groups in Benue and Rivers states, which he is seeking to annex, described the Biafran agitator as a jester.

For instance, a retired police chief, Abubakar Tsav, said Kanu must be suffering from ‘mental ailments’ to utter such utterance.

He said, “I think the man has some mental problems. What is the connection between the Tivs, the Idoma and the Igbo? I think the man needs to see a psychiatric doctor because something is wrong with him.

“He is not well because nothing connects the Tivs, the Idoma to the Igbo. How can he say he wants Benue State to be part of Biafra? He should stay where he is and carry on with his madness. We are not ready to be part and parcel of his madness”

Other prominent indigenes of Tiv, Idoma and Igede, the three major ethnic groups in Benue State who also lashed out at Kanu included, a first-class traditional ruler in Tivland, the Tor Sankera, Abu King Shuluwa; a former Minister of Interior, Abba Moro; a former Minister of State for Education, Professor Jerry Agada and former Economic Adviser to former president Olusegun Obasanjo, Professor Ode Ojowu.

King Shuluwa described Kanu as “a man with little intelligence who dared lumped Benue as part of Biafra.”

He said, “His level of intelligence is in question, else, how dare him to annex Benue as part of Biafra territory. In fact, if you are looking for more people to be part of your territory, does common sense not say you should have a talk with them?”

Moro corroborated the monarch’s submission stressing that the Igbo language, culture and tradition are clearly different from those of the three tribes in Benue State.

He said, “Benue is not part of Biafra, we do not have any relationship with Biafra in genealogy, culture and by colonial creation, Benue is part of the north.”

Agada on his part, warned the Indigenous People of Biafra and the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra to stop laying claims to Idoma land as part of their territory.

Also in Rivers State, Ogbakor Ikwerre, a body of the Ikwerre Ethnic Nationality in Rivers State also disagreed with Kanu on his demand that Rivers State must be part of Biafra.

President-General of Ogbakor Ikwerre Cultural Organisation, Worldwide, Professor Simeon Achinewhu, told Sunday Punch that Biafra failed in the past because there were attempts by the former Biafran leader, late Odumegwu Ojukwu, to force unwilling minority groups into Biafra.

The President, Ijaw Youth Council, Eric Omare, asked Kanu to have a rethink about the territory of the Biafra of his dream and restrict it to the states of the South-East.

Omare said, “The Ijaw nation has said it times without number that the South-South especially the Ijaw are not part of Biafra territory.”

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Channel's TV State House Correspondent, Chukwuma Onuekwusi Finally Buried Today

The remains of the late Channels Television State House correspondent, Chukwuma Onuekwusi, has been laid to rest in his country home in Akabo, Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo State.

At the event, families, government officials, friends and well-meaning Nigerians described late the Onuekwusi as a refined and professional journalist whose legacy in journalism is worthy of emulation.

Also present at the occasion was Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha who was represented by his deputy Eze Madumere; the Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chris Ngige, as well as Channels Television management team led by the General Manager Special Duties, Mr Steve Judo.

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CORRUPTION: I’m Fully Ready To Go To Jail — Ex-Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke Says

Former Petroleum Minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke, who is being investigated for a series of multi-billion dollar fraud and money laundering offences in Nigeria, the United Kingdom and America has threatened to squeal on his co-conspirators, Kola Aluko and Jide Omokore.

She said after opening up on everything that transpired in the controversial fraudulent transactions, she would be ready to be thrown in jail along with her co-conspirators.

Mrs. Alison-Madueke explosive comment is contained in a recorded conversation recovered by investigators probing the corruption allegations against the former minister.

Details of the conversations have now been filed as part of a civil complaint by the United States Department of Justice (DoJ) seeking the forfeiture of over $144 million slush fund.

The trio of Mrs Alison-Madueke, Mr. Aluko and Mr. Omokore were listed as persons of interest in the civil complaint filed at the US District Court, Houston, Texas.

The complaint revealed how the three individuals laundered millions of dollars on behalf of Mrs Alison-Madueke, which was used in buying properties in the US and the UK for her family in return for oil contracts to Atlantic Energy Drilling Concepts Nigeria Ltd (AEDC) and Atlantic Energy brass Development Ltd (AEBD), two shell companies owned by Mr Omokore.

In the conversation with Mr Aluko recorded by herself on May 14, 2014, a clearly angry Mrs Alison-Madueke, admitted to helping his co-conspirators secure the multi-billion dollars Strategic Alliance Agreements (SAAs) deals.

In another conversation with another unknown recipient, the former minister dared Mr. Aluko to reveal details of their dealings, and then face the consequences.

She was however furious at how the ostentatious acquisitions of Messrs Aluko and Omokore might have led law enforcement agencies across the world to their shady dealings.

She was particularly mad at Mr Aluko’s acquisition of a the Galatical Star, a $80 million “super yacht”, warning that he could have rented a yacht for two weeks instead of buying one.

“You and Jide [i.e., OMOKORE] had some of the most support that we could possibly give. At a time when we’re not doing anything else, we stuck our necks out regarding the SAA and we supported it. [INAUDIBLE] How the two of you have ruined it is incredulous and incredible to all of us,” she said.

“I spoke to you several times about your general behaviour, acquisition of assets, etc., asking you to be a bit more careful because [INAUDIBLE] will start following you. I remember we had this open discussion more than once. You kept telling me that there was no issue because you did it in a certain way, you did it in a certain—and I kept telling you that it doesn’t matter how you do it.

“Once you start acquiring, acquiring, acquiring at a certain level, then you’ll be—whether you like it or not, whether it was done in the most transparent—you understand?— manner or not, because they will want to trace where it came from. This is an age of terrorism,

“If you want to hire a yacht, you lease it for two weeks or whatever. You don’t go and sink funds into it at this time when Nigerian oil and gas sector is under all kinds of watch, as we have been for some time, and where Atlantic [i.e., AEDC and/or AEBD] itself has been the subject of all kinds of speculation,” she said.

Apparently while the trio allegedly schemed to launder billions of naira that should have accrued to the Nigerian government all was not well with them. In the recorded conversation, Mrs Alison-Madueke, in response to speculations that Mr Aluko was going to blackmail her, threatened to spill the beans.

She said she was ready to reveal to Nigerians all that happened and was ready to follow Messrs Aluko and Omokore to jail.

“I said tell him [i.e., ALUKO] to bring everything out, and then you know what will happen? No problem, I will be happy to escort all of you to jail along with myself. I said, in fact, you’ll be shocked by what I will do. Because when it comes to that, I will come out and tell the Nigerian people this is what happened.

“Oh, yes, I will blame myself, but it [INAUDIBLE] place and everything. Anything they want to say, I am happy to go. But I will come out openly and say it so that they can judge me openly. And then all of us go and sit on the gate. Let us see who survived [INAUDIBLE], me or you,” she said.

Mrs Alison-Madueke also acknowledged that the furniture she was given by the duo of Messrs Aluko and Omokore was not worth more than $4million.

“The furniture they gave me didn’t come to more than four million dollars, altogether. [INAUDIBLE] it is truth. I was with [INAUDIBLE],” she admitted.

Mrs Alison-Madueke, who is reported to be receiving treatment for cancer in the United Kingdom, is already facing a series of multi-billion dollar fraud-related investigations by Nigerian and UK authorities.

Last February a Federal High Court in Lagos ordered the forfeiture of N34 billion linked to her but stashed in several Nigerian banks.

Mr Omokore, an oil businessman, alongside some top officials of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) is facing a nine-count charge of criminal diversion of about $1.6 billion of proceeds of sales of petroleum products belonging to the Nigerian government.

The Nigerian government is also seeking a world-wide freeze of multi-billion dollar assets owned by Messrs. Aluko and Omokore.

The assets include a $80 million “Super Yatch”, the Galatica and three private jets.

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Thursday May 11th, 2017 Newspaper Review

The Nation

Page 1&6 - 28 state Govts owing teachers, says NUT

Page 8 - Obaseki launches art at Italian biennale

Oshiomhole, wife donate cash, food to IDPs in Edo

Pic: Oshiomhole, his wife Lara and the IDP Coordinator, at the IDP Camp

Page 31 - Pic: Edo Dep. Gov. Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu being decorated by Chairman, Edo State committee on Polio Eradication Charles Femi Lawani

Page 38 - Okpekpe organisers promise world class race

Guardian

Page 5 - S’East, S’South summit seeks true federalism

Page 11 - Obaseki applauds historic Nigerian art at Italian Biennale

Tribune

Page 2 - Obaseki inaugurates Nigerian art at Italian Biennale

Page 3 - 28 states owing teachers – NUT, Vows to resist handover of primary education to LGs

Sun

Page 11 - Obaseki commissions Nigerian art at Italian Biennale

Page 46 - Okpkepe organizers ready to host world class race

Vanguard

Page 12 - Edo LG APC crisis worsens as leaders suspend Ward chairman

Page 13 - Oshiomhole donates cash, food items to IDPs in Edo

Pic: Oshiomhole, his wife Lara and the IDP Coordinator, at the IDP Camp

Punch

Page 11 - 28 states owing teachers backlog of salaries, says NUT

Page 46 - Edo to support Insurance, Dynamite

Independent

Page A6 - APC Governors Pass vote of Confidence on Oyegun-led NWC

Page A14 - Edo deputy Gov. Charge Insurance Dynamite to win Federation Cup

Page A15 - Okpekpe race organisers promise world class event

New Telegraph

Page 32 - Obaseki commissions Nigerian art at Italian Biennale

Okowa expresses worry over N7bn monthly wage bill

Business Day

Page 14 - Coming soon, 4th Edition of Business Day states competitiveness and Good Governance awards 2017

Observer

Page 1&2 Unemployment, a time bomb – Shaibu

Govt. allays fears of Civil Servants

Edo to declare vaccination day –Dep. Gov

IOU founders Day: Govt eulogies Igbinedion

Gov. Obaseki commissions Nigerian Art at Italian Biennale

Page 3 - Advert: Edo State Government: Public notice – Land required for the service of the Government of Edo State, Nigeria  


Leadership (10-05-17)

Page 21 - Obaseki gets Kudos over ‘Edo Clean-up’ Project

… Grieves over statesman, Enahoro’s Death

Page 24 - Advert: Advert: Southern Governor’s wives forum (SGWF)

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Fayose Berates DSS Over Arrest, Detention Of Ifeanyi Ubah, Says; “DSS Becoming Law Unto Itself”

Fayose Berates DSS Over Arrest, Detention Of Ifeanyi Ubah, Says; “DSS Becoming Law Unto Itself”

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose has condemned the Department of State Services (DSS) arrest and detention of the Managing Director of Capital Oil and Gas Limited, Ifeanyi Ubah, lamenting that “the DSS is becoming law unto itself and dragging Nigeria back to 1984 when Decree 2 was used by the National Security Organisation (NSO) to dump Nigerians in detention without trial under flimsy excuses.”

The governor, who described the DSS claim that it arrested and detained Ubah for inciting members of the Petroleum Tanker Drivers Union to stop lifting petroleum products so as to cripple the economy and cause untold hardship to Nigerians as “nonsensical”, added that;

“It is becoming obvious that if nothing is done to curb the lawlessness of the DSS, the agency will singlehandedly truncate democracy in the country.”

In a statement issued in Ado Ekiti on Wednesday, by his Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, Governor Fayose said arresting and detaining Ifeanyi Ubah for economic sabotage was a sad reminder of the President Muhammadu Buhari’s military regime.

He said under the State Security Act CAP. N 74 LFN, 2004, the responsibility of the DSS is majorly the prevention and detection within Nigeria of any crime against the internal security of Nigeria and the protection and preservation of all non-military classified matters concerning the internal security of Nigeria, noting that the service has abandoned its core duties.

“If Ubah is being held for allegedly inciting members of the Petroleum Tanker Drivers Union to stop lifting petroleum products, one day and very soon too, members of Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) will be sent to jail for going on strike to agitate for their welfare,” the governor said.

Governor Fayose, who said Nigerians did not vote for change to be hounded by the DSS as it is being done since the emergence of this All Progressives Congress (APC) government, noted that; “That’s the same way the DSS arrested the former Governor of Benue State, Gabriel Suswan in February and detained him until two days ago, claiming that he constituted security risk and failed to cooperate with

investigators.

“The other time too, this same DSS claimed that it uncovered plot by the Rivers State Governor, Mr. Nyesom Wike to disrupt governance in strategic federal government agencies and one can begin to imagine if the DSS won’t one day accuse whoever that is perceived as opposing the APC-led government of coup plot.”

Speaking further, Governor Fayose said;

“Nigerians should be reminded that I raised alarm when this regime of impunity started with the invasion of the Akwa-Ibom State government house and later the Ekiti

State House of Assembly. I did say then that democracy in Nigeria was becoming unsafe in the hands of this APC government and that those keeping silent because of politics might also end up in the belly of the roaring lion that was threatening to consume our democracy.

“Those who ought to have joined in condemning the DSS impunity at that time kept silent for fear of the unknown.

"Now it is Ifeanyi Ubah that they have visited with their tyranny, who knows who will be next?

“Well-meaning Nigerians and the international community must therefore raise their voice in condemnation of this regime of tyranny being ran be the DSS.”

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House of Representatives Probes Alleged Unpaid SIWES Allowances to Students

This followed a motion by Rep. Kingsley Chinda (Rivers-PDP) on the “Need to address the non-payment of SIWES allowances to students by the Industrial Training Fund (ITF)”.

Moving the motion, Chinda said that the failure of the ITF to pay allowances to students who participated in the SIWES needed to be addressed.

He said that payment of allowances was one of the mandates for which ITF was set up.

Chinda said that the fund was also established to encourage acquisition of skills needed for manpower training in the country and under the SIWES scheme.

According to him, students under the scheme usually undertake six months or one year under ITF.

“It is unpatriotic for ITF or any government agency to deliberately bring hardship to students by withholding funds that have been released for payment of their SIWES allowances.

“Unless urgent action is taken to check the prevailing sharp practices in the operations of the ITF, students will continue to be ripped off,” he said.

The motion was unanimously adopted by members when it was put to a voice vote by the Speaker, Mr Yakubu Dogara.

The House mandated its Committee on Industry to investigate allegations of sharp practices and fraud in the operations of ITF, especially on the utilisation of its funds from 2010 till date.

The committee is to report back, its findings to the House within four weeks for further, legislative action.

Via Vanguard

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President Buhari Orders the Removal of Some Top Ministers in His Cabinet

President Muhammadu Buhari has allegedly ordered the resignation of the former Governor of Rivers State who is now the Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi.

Also alleged to have been asked to resign are Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola and Chief of Staff to the president, Abba Kyari over various allegations of corruption, DAILY POST exclusively gathered.

A source in the Presidential Villa told DAILY POST that Buhari worried that having these persons in his cabinet could put so much to question about his personality and frustrate the present anti-corruption war had advised them to quietly resign.

The source also said the President reminded them of his earlier warning that if he sacked any of his appointees, such would be prosecuted.

It would be recalled that there had been several allegations of corruption flying in and outside the media about Ameachi. A leading Newspaper in the United Kingdom, UK, ‘The Mail Daily,’ on Sunday, May 15, 2016 published a report revealing how Rotimi Amaechi allegedly looted Nigeria’s treasury.

The report claimed that President Muhammadu Buhari’s ‘fantastically corrupt” friend, spent over $140 million on the president’s 2015 campaign and has been accused of stealing £500 million.

Also a Judicial Commission of Inquiry in Rivers State had allegedly indicted the former governor for looting the treasury of the state, when he served as Governor for eight years. Amaechi had, however, denied these various allegations.

His contemporary, Babatunde Fashola, had equally been petitioned over mismanagement of Lagos state funds. It would be recalled that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, was petitioned by the Civil Society Network Against Corruption, a coalition of anti-corruption organisations in Nigeria, over an alleged “questionable expenditures” of the administration of Babatunde Fashola. He allegedly approved before he left office, N78.3 million from the state’s treasury for an upgrade of his personal website, an allegation he had since denied.

Relatively, it has been alleged that the Chief of Staff (CoS), Abba Kyari, took N500m from operators of MTN to help the telecommunications giant mitigate the fine imposed on it by the federal government.

The chief of staff was also allegedly involved in a deal of taking money from Jide Omokore, a shady businessman who was allegedly involved in corruption in the oil sector during the preceding administration.

”The president has been waiting patiently for them to resign,’’ The source stressed.

When DAILY POST contacted the Senior Special Adviser to the president on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, he simply said in a text message thus; ‘’I am sorry I am in Abuja and I can’t confirm or deny the report with the president who is now in London. If you can leave me out of this, I will appreciate.’’

Recall that President Muhammadu Buhari recently suspended the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Mr David Babachir Lawal and ordered an investigation into the allegations of violations of law and due process made against him in the award of contracts under the Presidential Initiative on the North East (PINE).

The President had equally ordered a full scale investigation into the discovery of large amounts of foreign and local currencies by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in a residential apartment at Osborne Towers, Ikoyi, Lagos, over which the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) made a claim, hence suspending the DG, Ambassador Ayo Oke.

The investigation is also to enquire into the circumstances in which the NIA came into possession of the funds, how and by whose or which authority the funds were made available to the NIA, and to establish whether or not there has been a breach of the law or security procedure in obtaining custody and use of the funds.

Meanwhile, when DAILY POST contacted Fashola’s Media aide, Bello Hakeem, he listened carefully but hung up. He rejected all other calls put across to him to get Fashola’s reaction.

Effort to reach Ameachi’s media aides failed as mobile phones were permanently switched off.

Via Daily Post

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President Buhari Looks Emaciated, His Travel is Needed and Timely

The recent pictures of the president, Muhammed Buhari tells so much of how he's suffering from the undisclosed sickness and that has been a major concern to Nigerians, one of the reasons why he is advised to resign, go home and have some rest.

Buhari who has been flown back to London on Sunday night to continue his medical treatment is not billed to return on any set date as it was announced. However, he has relegated power to his vice, president Yemi Osinbajo.

Nigerians therefore are advised and encouraged to pray for their president to have a healthy state so he can return to his constitutional duties.

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See Names of The 82 Chibok Girls Released By Boko Haram (Full List)

The Presidency has released full names of the 82 Chibok girls who were recently freed by dreaded Boko Haram captivity.

The names were released by Garba Shehu after president Buhari met with the girls at his official residence in the presidential villa, Abuja.

Below are the full names of the girls.

1. Kwatah Simon

2. Grace Dauda

3. Jummai Paul

4. Tabita Pogo

5. Yanke Shetima

6. Jummai Miutah

7. Juliana Yakubu

8. Mary Yakubu

9. Rulh Kolo

10. Mairama Yahaya

11. Racheal Nkeke

12. Fibi Haruna

13. Asabe Manu

14. Eslher Usman

15. Filo Dauda

16. Awa Ababa

17. Lydia Joshua

18. Na Oni Bitrus

19. Marlha James

20. Palmata Musa

21. Aisha Ezekiel

22. Mwada Baba

23. Hannatu Ishaku

24. Mwa Daniel

25. Rifkafu Soliman

26. Maryamu Yakubu

27. Rebecca Joseph

28. Ladi Audu

29. Amina Pagu

30. Sarah Nkeki

31. Esther Joshua

32. Saraya Yanga

33. Ruth Amos

34. Hauwa Musa

35. Hauwa Ishaya

36. Glory Aji

37. Mary Ali

38. Rahilla Bitrus

39. Luggwa Mutah

40. Lataba Maman

41. Lydia Habila

42. Deborah Peter

43. Naomi Yaga

44. Kwajigu Haman

45. Lugguwa Samuel

46.Maryamu Lawan

47.Tabita Hellapa

48. Ruth Ishaku

49. Maryamu Musa

50. Magaret Yama

51. Kauna Lalai

52. Solomi Tacitus

53. Naomi Yahona

54.Maimuna Usman

55.Grace Paul

56.Hauwa Ntakai

57.Yana Joshua

58. Comfort Bulus

59. Ramatu Yaga

60. Rhoda Peter

61. Naomi luka

62. Naomi Adamu

63. Iyatu Habila

64. Victoria wullgam

65. Ladi Ibrahim

66. Christiana Ali

67. Hanatu Stephen

68. Patina Fagbi

69. Martha James Bello

70. Tabita Silas

71. Yana Bukar

72. Abigail Bukar

73. Hadiza Yakubu

4. Naomi Zakariya

75. Maryamu wavi

76. Amina Bilama

77. Asabe Lawan

78. Mary Dauda

79. Maryamu Bilama

80. Naomi Filiman

81. Saratu Ayuba

82. Awa Yirma.

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List Of 14 Prominent Men Arrested Over 'theft' Under The Buhari's Administration

Nigeria's President, Muhammadu Buhari during his campaign days stated that his administration was going to focus on insecurity and revamping the economy, fight against corruption to a standstill and uptill date, he has maintained his stands which has recorded great success in spite of public opionions that his corruption fight is focused on the oppositions..  

Below are names of Big- men in the political space that President Buhari's anti graft crusade has on touched, as compiled by Dailytrust newspaper..

1. Former governor of Adamawa State, James Bala Ngilari

The anti-graft crusade of President Muhammadu Buhari scored a major goal in March, this year when Mr. Ngilari was surreptitiously investigated, taken to court where he was found guilty and sentenced for five years by a Federal High Court.

The prosecution had proved beyond reasonable doubt that Ngilari violated the Public Procurement Act of the state by awarding contracts for the procurement of 25 vehicles for his commissioners at the cost of N167 million without following due process.

2. Ex- Sule Gov Lamido

The former governor of Jigawa State, Alhaji Sule Lamido was earlier this week remanded at the Kiyawa Prison over alleged “inciting statements” ahead of local government elections in Jigawa.

In July, 2015, the former Jigawa governor and his two sons, Aminu and Mustapha, were before a federal high court, for allegedly receiving N1.35 billion kickback from a government contractor. They were remanded in prison custody but later granted bail.

Like many other politicians, Lamido’s handlers attributed his arrests to his rising profile. Around this time in 2016, the former Jigawa State governor said he will vie for the presidency in 2019. “If my party (PDP) finds me worthy of the party’s presidential ticket to serve Nigeria, I will thank God and oblige,” he said.

3. Gabriel Suswam

A former governor of Benue State, Gabriel Suswam, has been in detention of the Department of Security Services (DSS) since February 27, this year on alleged possession of some unlawful items said to be found at his property in Abuja. The items included firearms, several Certificates of Occupancy (C of Os), 23 luxury watches and 45 keys of various cars among others.

4. Babangida Aliyu

A Minna High Court on Wednesday, March 3 granted bail in the sum of N150 million to former Governor Babangida Aliyu of Niger who was also remanded in Minna prison for some days. He was charged alongside Umar Nasko, the Chief of Staff under his administration on a six-count charge of misappropriating N4.568 billion.

5. Sambo Dasuki

Ex-National Security Adviser (NSA) Sambo Dasuki has served the longest time in detention by any a Politically Exposed Person (PEP) held by the Buhari government. He was arrested in in November 2015 and for nineteen months now, has been held at the detention facility of the DSS headquarters in Abuja.

6. Alex Badeh

On March 2016 , a former Chief of Defence Staff, Air Marshal Alex Badeh was arrested and thereafter paraded at the Federal High Court in Abuja. He was arraigned for allegedly corruptly enriching himself with N3.9 billion.

Operatives of the EFCC had claimed they found over 1 million dollars in hidden safes during a search at the house and he was later sent to Kuje prison.

7. El-Zakzaky

The Leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, has been in detention since 14th December, 2015 when men of the Nigerian Army raided his house in Gyellesu following his members’ altercation with the convoy of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai.

8. Nnamdi Kanu

The self-styled leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, who is facing charges bordering on treasonable felony, equally got a taste of jail time before he was granted bail just over a week ago. He was arrested on 14th October, 2015 over alleged treasonable felony.

9. Musiliu Obanikoro

A former minister of state for defence, were taken into custody by the EFCC and DSS but later released

Others are:

10. . Ex-ministers Bala Mohammed,

11. Fani Kayode

12. Nenadi Usman

13. Reuben Abati

Last but not the list and recently arrested..

14. Ifeanyi Ubah

He was arrested on Friday by the DSS for allegedly stealing 11billion from fuel proceeds. Ubah was detained on Friday in connection to missing petroleum products.

“The arrest was sequel to UBAH’s engagement in acts of economic sabotage which include stealing, diversion and illegal sale of petroleum products stored in his tank farm by the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC),” the SSS said in a statement Saturday.

“So far, it has been established that the products stolen amount to over Eleven Billion Naira (N11bn). There is no doubt that UBAH’s acts have the capacity to negatively impact on national economy.”

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Why Buhari Must Resign Now – Shehu Sani

The Chairman of the Katsina State Chapter of National Conscience Party, NCP, Abdulmumini Shehu Sani, and a resident of Katsina State has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to resign and attend to his health issues.

Speaking in the state, Sani said Buhari cannot hold Nigerians to ransom with his health condition as there were other people better positioned to lead Nigeria.

He noted that those playing with the health condition of the President were only bent on destroying the nation and the President himself.

According to Sani, “In whatever situation of life, health matters and you cannot lead without proper health. You cannot be a dictator or mentor without proper and adequate health. And you cannot think and do the right thing without health. Let’s look at Nigeria as a whole that comprises over 180 million people, inasmuch as the leader (Buhari) is incapable based on his health status, let us follow the rule of law constitutionally for him to resign.

“His incapacitation cannot take us anywhere. It is better for him to resign.

I can call him my father because he was a school mate to my late father, Shehu Sani, at the Government College, Katsina. But the truth is the Nigerian constitution should not be manipulated to favour one person.

“If we want to be fair to ourselves, he should resign, he is not the only one that can lead Nigeria to the right direction. Let him resign and go back to his family so that he can receive proper medications so that he will be free from the burden of tension from Nigerians and recover.”

Sani’s call is coming on the heels of a remark by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina that his principal will not resign and that those asking him to do so, were “merely expressing their opinions” .

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Opinion: Should Buhari Resign Or Continue Being President Amidst Health Crisis

President Buhari, having spent over 50 days in a London hospital came home with some health issues. This is evident as he has been virtually battling with the condition. This is not unconnected with the recent development as he could scarcely be seen in office and even absenting from Federal Executive Meetings, hence, he has been working from home.

So the big question! Should his excellency, continue being the president amidst his health crisis?

What ever we say here is just an opinion. Please, to give your honest opinion, use the comment section below.

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Man Arrested and Detained by the Police for Protesting Against Apostle Johnson Suleiman in University of Ibadan

One Mr Deji Yesuf has been arrested and detained after he was seen constituting on the campus of the prestigious University of Ibadan (UI).

Deji who went on a lone protest against the visit of Apostle Johnson Suleiman got into the net of the forces of the Nigerian Police. Deji overtime has proven to be a strong and core opposer of politicians and pastors he deem corrupt.


A student of the University and chapel attendee, Deji's student had earlier informed him(Deji) that the Apostle was coming to hold a programme, he sprang up immediately and got himself into thrschool ground.


While at the self satisfying task, the police took hold of him of by the orders of the school's CSO and taken to Sango Police station, Ibadan.


He immediately posted it on Facebook and asked his friends to come bail him out. After a couple of hours, he was released on bail.

From the whole scenario, I think Deji has moved from the right thing to do. Deji especially in the aspect of the open confrontations of men of God.

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Breaking: Senator Isiaka is Dies of Cardiac Arrest

Former Osun State Governor and current member of the Nigerian Senate, Isiaka Adeleke has died.

The three-term Senator currently representing Osun West Senatorial district died today at Bikets Hospital in Oshogbo the Osun state capital after suffering a heart attack according to family sources. He was 62 years.

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Evangelist Reinhard Bonnke Returning To Nigeria For A Farewell Crusade

During the Lagos Millennium Crusade in 2000, over the course of five nights, 6 million attended, and 3.4 million decisions for Christ were made. In November, 2017, CfaN anticipates many decisions for Christ in response to Reinhard Bonnke’s farewell message. One of the highlights of this amazing crusade will be during the day sessions, to have a Passing the Burning Torch Conference for leaders and all kind of church-­workers. Evangelist Bonnke is believing for many thousands of pastors and evangelists from around the globe to be inspired to evangelism.

John Darku, CfaN’s African Director, shared, “This crusade will be like none we have seen before. Currently we plan to recruit 500,000 counselors, 200,000 intercessors, a choir of over 23,000 and a security force of over 10,000. There is great excitement from all the churches in the country, and we are expecting a spectacular harvest of people coming to Christ.”

In the coming months, CfaN will release information for people who would like to travel and become part of this remarkable journey and celebration. The current population of Lagos, Nigeria is over 20 million people. The potential magnitude of this crusade is breathtaking to consider. Lead evangelist of CfaN and successor to world-renowned evangelist Reinhard Bonnke, Daniel Kolenda speaks from his heart about this monumental event:

“I’m thrilled to join with Reinhard in this vision, and know that the results of this crusade will be farther-­reaching and of even greater consequence than we can even imagine.” Ever since God gave Evangelist Bonnke a vision for a blood-­washed Africa—a continent washed in the blood of Jesus Christ-over 40 years ago, he has been filled with a burning commitment to win the continent for Jesus.

Evangelist Bonnke has said, “Whether I am eating or drinking, awake or asleep, the vision is ever-­present. It never leaves me.” Since then, he and the CfaN team have organized events in Africa that have grown from humble handfuls of attendees to the winning of over 76 million registered decisions for Christ in Africa since 1987. Today, with enormous gratitude for what he has achieved in Africa through God alone, Evangelist Bonnke shares:

“The Lord spoke to me that I should go back for one more crusade in Africa. I want not only to see a gigantic harvest of souls, but to pass my burning torch to this generation. Recently, I traveled to Lagos, Nigeria to meet with the spiritual leadership there, and they gave their unanimous support. I believe God is going to do something I have never seen before.”

Peter Vandenberg, executive vice president of CfaN, has worked alongside Reinhard Bonnke for over 35 years, preaching to more than 2.5 million delegates in worldwide CfaN conferences. As he looks back on where they began, he added this reflection leading up to Evangelist Bonnke’s Farewell Crusade:

“Millions in Africa now know the Holy Spirit, thanks to one man’s incredible commitment to a singular God-­given vision and to his forming of a long-standing organization and formidable team of anointed future leadership around that vision. This November, Evangelist Bonnke will enter and leave Africa possibly for the last time, bidding a bittersweet farewell to a continent and people who[m] he very much loves and have been the center of his life’s mission.”

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Nigerians Are Already Disappointed In Me – Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari has restated his commitment towards making Nigeria a better country, saying “I won’t let this country down.”

Speaking at the launching of National Committee of Buhari Support Groups, NCBSG, in Kano on Thursday, Buhari appealed to Nigerians who felt disappointed in his administration to continue supporting him to enable it achieve its three agenda of fight against corruption, revitalization of the nation’s economy and fight against insurgency.

Represented by the Senate Majority Leader, Senator Ahmed Lawan, the president said his government was aware of the efforts being made by Nigerians in making programmes and policies of the present administration successful.

He said: “Your efforts and dedications are very well known to me. You are a vital part of the APC and the change agenda. We must change our country for the better. We must start by regarding ourselves as example. Change begins with you and me and then all of us in Nigeria. Success at your level is success for all of us and for our dear country.”

Also speaking at the event, Katsina state Governor, Aminu Bello Masari, who was represented by the state Commissioner for Justice, Alhaji Ahmed El-Marzuq, urged Nigerians to resist the temptation of sabotaging Buhari-led government, saying it was a collective responsibility of Nigerians to support the present administration to move the country forward.

The Northwest’s Chairman of the National Committee of Buhari Support Group, Senator Abu Ibrahim (APC Katsina South), said it was a collective duty of all Nigerians to restore the nation’s pride, adding that “the nation belongs to all of us and we must be proud to work tirelessly to make it better for our children to enjoy.”

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Suspended NIA Boss, Finally Opens Up, Says Goodluck Jonathan And Sambo Dasuki Behind Cash, Says He Was Only Following Orders

In a new report shared by PunchNewspaper, the suspended Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Amb. Ayodele Oke, has met with Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, where he admitted that his agency received the sum of $289,202,382 on the orders of former President Goodluck Jonathan in February 2015.

President Muhammadu Buhari, on Wednesday, ordered the suspension of Oke over the role of the NIA in the ownership of $43m (about N13bn) and other currencies uncovered in Osborne Towers, Ikoyi, Lagos.

Buhari also ordered the suspension of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Babachir Lawal, in connection with his indictment for contract fraud by a Senate ad hoc committee on mounting humanitarian crisis in the North-East.

A top government source, on Thursday, confided in one of PUNCH correspondents that the Osinbajo-led committee had directed Oke to submit documents to back his claim.

It was learnt that the suspended NIA boss had also gathered documents which would be formally submitted to the panel showing that the transaction was approved by Jonathan through the embattled former National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd.).

It was learnt that the transaction was known as an intervention fund for national security or special services with the aim of fighting insurgency during the six weeks period between February 14, when the Presidential/National Assembly elections were postponed and March 28, when the polls were held.

However, operatives of the EFCC are said to be working on the theory that the money was meant for the prosecution of the 2015 general elections.

A source, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the case, said, “The DG of the NIA has met with Vice-President Osinbajo and will submit documents pertaining to the transaction.

“The DG admitted on record that the transaction was authorised by former President Jonathan and Col. Sambo Dasuki, and as such, was simply following orders from the commander-in-chief. He will submit memos and other documents as evidence.”

Explaining how the transaction took place, the source said a memo was raised by the National Petroleum Investment Management Service on February 25, 2015, two weeks after the postponement of the presidential election for ‘security’ reasons, based on Dasuki’s advice.

According to the memo, NAPIMS asked the CBN to release $289,202,382 to the NIA in cash.

The money was received by the NIA and kept in a safe house.

When asked why President Muhammadu Buhari was not briefed on the existence of the cash, the source said, “The DG NIA informed top security people in the government of the existence of the cash.

“Specifically in January 2016, a letter was written by the DG NIA to the NSA, Babagana Moguno, on the existence of the cash. The memo exists and will also be submitted to the panel.”

It was gathered that one of the posers the NIA would solve was why the apartment, where the money was kept, was registered in the name of the wife of the DG, Mrs. Folasade Oke.

“One question the suspended NIA boss must answer when he meets with the panel is why the apartment used for an official matter was registered in his wife’s name,” the top government source said.

Efforts to get the NNPC through the Group General Manager, Corporate Affairs, Ndu Ughamadu, were not successful as his mobile indicated that it was not reachable.

A detailed text message was sent to him on the matter, but he had yet to respond as of the time of filing this report on Thursday.

NAPIMS is a subsidiary of the NNPC.

Attempts to get comments from the CBN were also not successful as repeated calls made to the acting Director, Corporate Communications, CBN, Mr Isaac Okorafor, did not connect while a text message sent to him on the issue had yet to be responded to as of press time on Thursday

Panel to invite NAPIMS, CBN officials, others

It was learnt that the Osinbajo-led panel would also invite the Governor of the CBN, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, and some directors of the apex bank to explain why such a huge sum of money was released in such a manner.

One of PUNCH correspondents also gathered that officials of NAPIMS would also be invited to explain why the money, which did not go through appropriations, was released.

EFCC to monitor airports, get warrants to search more properties

It was learnt that the EFCC was working on the theory that more of such huge funds, belonging to the NIA, might be stashed in some secret locations.

A source told The PUNCH that the commission had obtained warrants to search more properties in urban areas of the country.

One of PUNCH correspondents learnt that the EFCC had asked sister agencies to be on the lookout at various airports to ensure that none of the affected persons was allowed to flee the country.

Senate panel expresses doubt on Osinbajo-led probe

Meanwhile, the Senate Ad Hoc Committee on Mounting Humanitarian Crisis, whose interim investigative report indicted the SGF, Lawal, has expressed doubt on the probe ordered by the Presidency.

The Chairman of the Senate panel, Senator Shehu Sani, while featuring on a breakfast programme by Television Continental, TVC Breakfast, on Thursday, said an investigation of the SGF by the Presidency could give Lawal a soft landing eventually.

He stated that the EFCC, the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission and the Nigeria Police could be asked to probe the SGF.

Sani added, “What I am saying in this aspect is that the best institution to investigate the SGF is one recognised by the law (to carry out the task), which is the EFCC, ICPC and the police.

“That is why we are being very cautious in endorsing the investigation in the Presidency. What I am afraid of is soft landing, which I don’t think will be in the best interest of the anti-corruption crusade.”

Credit: PUNCH

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