Fmr Benue Speaker, House of Reps member and others attacked at the Makurdi Golf Course.

Former speaker Benue state House of Assembly Hon Terseer Tsumba,a former member of the House of Reps Rt. Hon Terngu Tsegba and a few others were last  night attacked at Golf course  North bank, Makurdi Benue State.

According to Jacob Aernyi who posted these images on facebook,they were attacked some hoodlums.

Hon Tsumba is currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed  hospital.

More details .

Credit Jacob Aernyi

Journalists pledge to support NHRC

 Nigerian journalists under the aegis of the Association of judicial correspondence have pledged to support the National Human Rights Commission realize it's mandate of promotions protection and enforcing the rights of Nigerians.

Speaking during a facilitation visit to the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Tony Ojukwu Esq.,the leader of the team Mr Ejike Benjamin noted that the work of the Commission demanded the complimentary support of the media and the general public.

Mr Tony Ojukwu who was elated by the surprise visit by the men of the fourth Estate of the Realm showered praises to the Nigerian Journalist as one of the most vibrant in the world.

The Executive Secretary noted the long standing relationship between the Commission and the media stressing that there is every need to maintain the synergy.

He thanked the journalists for the visit and slated that he had already put on a process to enable him engage with the press as soon as the New year begins.

Badeh was provided security befitting a four-star general -Air force

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says adequate security was provided for Alex Badeh, the former chief of defence staff (CDS) who was killed by gunmen while en route to his farm on Abuja-Keffi road.

Ibikunle Daramola, NAF director of public relations and information, says erroneous reports and comments being spread about the incident could have adverse effects on the conduct of ongoing operations.

Daramola said some of the reports erroneously stated that the driver of the late former CDS, who was also shot during the incident, was dead.

“Other reports allege that adequate security was not provided for the deceased Air Chief Marshal,” he said in a statement on Thursday.

“The NAF wishes to state categorically that nothing could be further from the truth.

“Firstly, all are please requested to note that the driver is alive and recuperating extremely well at one of our NAF Hospitals.

“Secondly, Air Chief Marshal Badeh has always been provided with the full compliment of personal staff and security personnel commensurate with his status as a former Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), CDS and a 4-star general in the Armed Forces of Nigeria.”

Daramola said substantial progress has been made in the investigation and details would be communicated at the appropriate time.

He said: “As mentioned by the CAS, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, on Dec. 19, the NAF is working closely with other relevant security agencies to determine the circumstances surrounding the death of the former CDS.

“This is with a view to ensuring that the perpetrators of the heinous act are brought to justice.

“Substantial progress has already been made in the ongoing investigation and details would be communicated at the appropriate time.

“The NAF wishes to request that the spreading of misinformation about the incident should stop forthwith as this could have adverse effects on the conduct of ongoing operations.”

Nigeria collapsing, Buhari not in charge -Secondus

The national chairman of the main opposition party, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Prince Uche Secondus says Nigeria under the watch of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, has collapsed.

Secondus said this while speaking in Aba, Abia State, Wednesday, when the party’s presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and his vice, Mr. Peter Obi held an interactive session with the South East business community.

The national chairman lamented the rising level of insecurity in the country, which he said led to the assassination of the former Chief of Defence Staff, Alex Badeh.

According to him, Buhari was not in charge and not worried about state of Nigerians.

“Our country is in distress. Our economy has collapsed. Security has collapsed. Badeh was killed because there is no security; you can see where we are today.

“Buhari is not in charge. He is not worried about what Nigerians are suffering. He is passing the bulk. Atiku will not pass the bulk; he will take full responsibility of the economy and the country.

“We must weep for our country. In the last three years, we are lagging behind in virtually every sector.

“APC is dancing on the grave of farmers killed by herdsmen. Farmers no longer go to their farms. Atiku’s priority is to provide security and the next thing is to unlock the abundant potentials of the country”, Secondus assured.

Buhari vs Atiku: Over 300 CSOs take stand, gives reasons

No fewer than 300 leading civil society organizations, on Thursday declared their support for the reelection of President Muhammadu Buhari.

The groups hinged their reason on the sterling performance of the president in area of security.

According to the groups, Buhari has been outstanding on his war against terrorism and insurgency since he assumed power in 2015 and should be given another mandate to complete what he started.

A communiqué jointly issued after a convention of Coalition of 300 Civil Society Organizations (CCSOs) called on Nigerians to back the president in 2019.

Some of the leading organizations in the group were: The Initiative for Minority Rights in Nigeria, Centre for Social Justice, Equity and Transparency, Foundation for Unemployed Nigerians, Africa Civil Rights Congress and several others.

Their communiqué partly reads.

“The CCSOs commended the Centre for International and Strategy Studies (CISS) for their diligence, accuracy and time devoted to this energy-sapping report, spanning the period of 2013-2018. Certainly, the CCSOs adjudged it as a priced document worthy of attention by all Nigerians and indeed, members of the international community in search of an unbiased and truthful accounts and perspectives into insurgency in Nigeria operations and battles in the country.

“The CCSOs endorsed without hesitations the general conclusions of the report, which aligns with the consensus opinions among majority of Nigerians, including the incipient opposition elements in the country, traditionally obstinate in conceding to the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari the successes of the counter-insurgency battles.

“It yawningly reechoes that the President has frenetically tackled the insurgency with so much vigor, energy and resources. It stamps that the President has made the difference in counter-terrorism combat and deserving of loud accolades and commendations.

“For the benefit of Nigerians yet to read the report on combat of terrorism in Nigeria under the preceding and incumbent governments in Nigeria, as compiled by the Centre for International and Strategy Studies, the CCSOs have burdened themselves to highlight a few areas for emphasis.

“Securing freedom for a greater number of the abducted Chibok and Dapchi schoolgirls and tens of thousands of other Nigerians held hostage by terrorists and the capture of Sambisa forest in Borno have been reflected in the report.

“Nigerians are persuaded to endorse and work assiduously for the reelection of President Buhari for a second term in office to finally lay to rest, the ghost of terrorism in Nigeria. A deviation from this trajectory would be disastrous.”

Atiku will divide Nigeria ,Fulanis are not killers,criminals nor kidnappers ,President Buhari has nothing to do with herdsmen- Garus Gololo (Miyetti Allah Leader in Benue)

The National Coordinator of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria in Benue State, Alhaji Garus Gololo, on Thursday took a swipe at the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, stating that if elected, he (Atiku) would create division in the country.

Gololo was reacting to a statement by Atiku campaign media organisation. One of the Alhaji Atiku Abubakar presidential campaign spokesmen, Phrank Shaibu, had earlier in the week said there would be more killings of farmers by suspected Fulani herdsmen if President Muhammadu Buhari was re-elected next year.

The Miyetti Allah leader in Benue State said it was wrong for Atiku to have made such inciting statement, noting that it was not only Fulani herdsmen that had issues with farmers in Nigeria.

He said, “We Fulani herdsmen are not killers and before Buhari came to power, there were crisis between farmers and herders in Benue, Tarawa, Nasarawa, Adamawa and some other states.

He said, “I am disappointed in Atiku because he had already divided Nigeria even when he has not come to power. Buhari has nothing to do with herdsmen, he is a Nigerian and it is the people of Nigeria that voted him into power and l believe they will still vote him again in 2019.”

“Nigerians should ask Atiku about the N68.8bn proceeds from NEPA which he sold when he superintended over the privatisation process of the then NEPA.

“People should talk about the power plants or the money he raised from the sale of that public asset. As far as I am concerned, Atiku is not a credible candidate to contest the coming presidential election in Nigeria because he is so sentimental and if they vote him in as president, he would divide Nigeria the more.

“So, for us Fulanis, we are not killers, neither are we criminals nor kidnappers and President Buhari has nothing to do with herdsmen. It is the people of Nigeria who voted Buhari in 2015 and they will still vote him .The crisis between farmers and herdsmen is a common thing everywhere across the world it is not peculiar to Nigeria.”

Gololo asked the PDP presidential candidate if herdsmen were responsible for killings when he was a vice president.

Pregnant Lady Dies At BRT Terminal In Lagos

A pregnant lady yesterday reportedly slumped and died at a BRT terminal in Lagos. She was trying to catch a bus at the Mile 12 BRT terminal before losing her balance, slumped and died on the spot.

Banky W laments destruction of campaign posters

Banky W has cried out about the destruction of his campaign posters by supporters of his opponents.

The candidate of Modern Democratic Party (MDP) for Eti-Osa House of Representatives seat made this known on Instagram stating that supporters of his opponents went around overnight, tearing his face out of some of the posters.

He said that “the Modern Democratic Party is not just a political party platform. MDP is a movement. No matter how they try to stop or silence us, the movement continues”

Banky W’s Instagram post:

It cost my team and I sooo much in money, time, and effort to put our posters up in the community. So you can imagine how demoralizing it feels to wake up today and find out that supporters of my opponents went around overnight, tearing my face out of some of them.

Just plain sad. Are y’all that scared or angry about what we represent, that you must descend to this level?
It is well. God dey. We keep pushing. At least they can’t tear the poster from everyone who has helped put it up online (God bless you). And hey, at least they left the party name and logo.. that’s kuku what I need people to remember.

The Modern Democratic party is not just a political party platform. MDP is a movement. No matter how they try to stop or silence us, the movement continues. We can do this if we do it together.
#StrongerTogether #MDP #Hope19 #etiosa #Houseofrepresentatives

Interpol Issues Arrest Warrant For Diezani Allison-Madueke

The International Police have issued an arrest warrant for former Nigerian Petroleum Minister, Diezani Allison-Madueke following a request by the Federal Government to the agency.

According to reports, the necessary charges had been filed and attached to the extradition request by the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and by this request, all Interpol member countries were obliged to arrest the former minister anywhere she is seen on their territories.

Madueke has been in London, United Kingdom for over three years. Attached to the extradition request was the November 4, 2018 order for her arrest by Justice Valentine Ashi of the FCT High Court.

The court had directed the Inspector-General of Police; the Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Director-General of the State Security Service and all heads of other agencies to apprehend the ex-petroleum minister.

The judge further directed that the order which was signed by the court registrar, E. Balami, should be attached to a warrant for execution on Madueke.

ASUU Strike Will Affect Preparations For 2019 Polls” – INEC

The Independent National Electoral Commission has raised alarm that the ongoing strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities would affect its preparations for the 2019 elections.

On November 5, 2018, ASUU began an indefinite strike action over the failure of the Federal Government to implement three areas in the Memorandum of Action it signed with the union on September 14, 2017.

Yesterday, December 20, a National Commissioner for INEC and Chairman of its Information and other Education Committee, Festus Okoye, expressed concerns about the effect of the ASUU strike on the 2019 elections during the opening of a one-day seminar on media gender sensitive reporting.

The commission said that it would deploy over one million ad hoc staff made up of lecturers in federal tertiary institutions, members of the National Youth Service Corps and students of federal tertiary institutions in the elections.

The categories of ad hoc staff to be used during next year’s elections would serve as Returning Officers, Collation Officers, Supervisory Presiding Officers, and Assistant Presiding Officers. But Okoye expressed fear that the elections could be impacted negatively if the strike was not urgently called off.

He said,

“It is next to impossibility for members of the NYSC to provide all the ad hoc staff needs and requirements of the commission, and over 70 per cent of the ad hoc staff requirement in some states of the federation are drawn from students of federal tertiary institutions.

Hence, the lingering strike by ASUU will no doubt have serious impact on the preparations for the conduct of the 2019 elections. We therefore call on ASUU and the Federal Government of Nigeria to quickly and genuinely resolve the lingering impasse that has led to uncertainty in the education sector.

The national interest, the interest of our democracy and the reputation of Nigeria demand the immediate resolution of the issues that led to the strike and we so urge.

It is important that students in federal tertiary institutions should and must be in school at least a month before the February 16 Presidential and National Assembly elections. They are a critical resource and their absence will have adverse effects on the ad hoc requirements of INEC.”

Lil Kesh -Logo Benz feat. Olamide (Official Audio)

Lil Kesh ft Olamide 'Logo Benz'

The former YBNL member, Lil Kesh teams up with his erstwhile boss to deliver a closing anthem to the year.

Lil Kesh is enjoying some form of resurgence especially with his contribution to the viral single, 'Able God' and this time he is putting out his own song just in time to make the festive season playlist as he proclaims ''A fe ra Benz'' [We want to buy Benz.]

The song which opens with the lyrics ''If money no enter, I go do blood money'' is the trending topic as Nigerians are condemning the message and content of the song.

Logo Benz' is produced by Rexxie.

85-yr-old herbalist nabbed with fresh human heart

An 85-year-old herbalist has been arrested by the Zone 2 command, Onikan, Lagos with a fresh human heart in Abeokuta, Ogun state.

The suspect, Samuel Hunsu, was alleged to be a specialist in using human parts for money rituals.

The Assistant Commissioner of Police, zone 2, AIG Lawal Shehu, said Hunsu was arrested around Oko Ireke village in Ifo area of Ogun State.

“During interrogation, he claimed that a thief was killed at Ijoko area of the state by one Abiodun who removed his heart and kept it in his possession, Shehu said.

During an interview with newsmen, the suspect said:

“Initially, I was consulted by Abiodun. He wanted me to prepare money charms making for him. When I told him what was required for the ritual, he promised to get them.

I was surprised when I saw him with fresh human heart. When Abiodun eventually brought the heart, I asked him where he got it. He said that he removed it from a thief that was killed at Ijoko area of Ogun State.

Immediately he dropped the heart, he left and promised to come back. That was how I took the heart and preserved it with dry gin and chemical under my shrine, pending when the owner will come back.

I don’t know Abiodun or where he lives. He told me that he came all the way from Kwara State.” According to police, there had been reports that two people had died in the herbalist’s shrine.

A police source added: “When we asked him, he claimed those two people died while receiving treatment. He said that he buried them in his shrine, rather than release them to their families.

The following day, we went with a search warrant. It was during the search of the shrine that we discovered the heart kept in a plastic and buried in the shrine. We understand the heart had been with the herbalist for two weeks, but there was no sign of decomposing.”

25 people killed in Zamfara fresh attack

Suspected armed bandits have killed at least 25 people in attacks on two villages in Birnin Magaji Local Government Area of Zamfara State, according to Daily Trust.

Residents told the newspaper that a motor bike-riding gang of armed men opened fire on locals harvesting sweet potatoes on their farms at Garin Halilu village, killing nine on the spot in the afternoon.

The attackers were said to have returned to the community and killed three others around 5:00pm when the bodies of the slain farmers were being prepared for burials.

“They then proceeded to neighboring Gidan Kaka village and shot dead nine persons there. And the remaining four persons killed were from Nassarawa Gödel village who went to offer help to those under attack at Gidan Haliliu,” a resident, Tukur Gödel, told Daily Trust

The spokesman of the state police command, Muhammad Shehu, however, said only five persons were killed and that calm had returned.

“The Zamfara State Police Command wishes to Confirm that On 19/12/2018 at about 1505hrs, a group of armed bandits attacked some villagers of Gidan Halilu Village in Billashe district of Birnin Magaji LGA on their farms. On receipt of the report, Combined teams of PMF/CTU and Conventional police personnel headed by the Area Commander Kauran Namoda mobilized to the affected village to repel the attack, restore normalcy and arrest the perpetrators.

“On getting to the scene, five corpses were recovered with one other person injured. The corpses were taken to Hospital in Birnin Magaji, while the injured person was admitted for treatment.

“The scene and its environs have been subjected to extensive bush combing with a view to prevent further attack,” he said.

2019: Imo pensioners battle Okorocha over 34 months unpaid arrears

Ahead of the 2019 general elections, pensioners in Imo State have staged a protest against Governor Rochas Okorocha, alleging that his government was owing them 34 months pension arrears.

The Owerri branch chairman of the pensioners, Comrade Samuel Onyegbulam, who spoke to newsmen yesterday in Owerri during the protest, maintained that they would continue the protest on daily basis should Governor Rochas Okorocha-led administration fail to pay them their pension.

In his calculation, N5.7billion was released to the governor to offset pension arrears in the state.

He, however, subtly accused some of their members of sabotage, adding that some went and signed for the approval of N5.7 billion pension fund given Okorocha.

Onyegbulam said: “The federal government released N12.6billion and ordered that pensioners must be there before this money must be released to the governor. Unfortunately, some pensioners went and signed and the governor said he had given us N5 billion.

“That is the first payment he had made since eight months and that is what triggered this demonstration. We are not happy he owes the least worker in Imo 34 months arrears. Some are 17, some are 16 months arrears.

“Imo Broadcasting Corporation, IBC, is being owed 47 months arrears. Nigeria civil service pensioners are owed 34 months. The Local Government Pension Board is 38 months.

“What we are demanding for is payment of these arrears. He has agreed to earmark N5.7 billion to offset some of these arrears. So, let him release the fund.”

Nigeria has no hope in 2019 budget presented by Buhari, says Saraki

The president of the Nigerian Senate, Bukola Saraki, on Thursday, December 20, described the 2019 appropriation bill presented to a joint session of the National Assembly on Wednesday, December 19, by President Muhammadu Buhari as hopeless.

Saraki, who spoke as the director general of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential Campaign Council (PCCO) in Abuja, at a town hall meeting the party’s flagbearer, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, had with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), further argued that Nigerians were safer in 2015 than they are today.

According to Saraki, the budget presented by Buhari “has no future because the statistics do not indicate how it will be funded.”

“There must be an alternative and that is what we hope that by this evening speaking to our candidate and vice presidential candidate, not based on sentiments, we are not voting on sentiments we are voting on what is the need for you.

“How is your life going to be better? Which party offers you a better future because we see you as those who are patriotic and committed. It’s not about what you’ll get today. It’s about the great country a lot of you have been passing that sacrifice over the years.”

Saraki further predicted that President Buhari will not attend the January 19, 2019, presidential debate adding that anyone that wants to lead the country and by extension African should be able to tell the people what he wants to do.

“This is an interactive session I’m not sure whether the other political parties will give you an opportunity like this to ask them any question. I’m told that one has debated and you already know the answer to that debate. On the second one, I’m very sure he’s not going to debate. So how do you assess somebody who is not ready to tell you what he’s going to do?

“Those days are gone, my good people, the future of this country, a country that leads the continent that is not the example we want to set for this continent. The whole world is going in a direction, if you’re seeking a position, you must come and tell people what you want to do, you must sit down and they’ll ask you questions and that is why we’re here.

“Today is your day, we will sit down and take questions, I hope at the end of the exercise you will stand up and say yes this is the team that will secure Nigeria, this is the team that will unite Nigeria, this is the team that will fight the poverty in town and bring a bright future.”

It had earlier been reported that President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday, December 19, proposed a budget of N8.83 trillion for 2019 to a joint session of the National Assembly, saying the budget was prepared after wide consultations.

According to the budget, about a quarter of the sum (N2.14 trillion) will be used for debt servicing while N2.031 trillion will be used for capital expenditure.

Michelle Obama rocks $4,000 glittery thigh-high Balenciaga boots to an event. PHOTOS

Fmr US Firstlady,Michelle Obama made a powerful. fashionable appearance an a  the final stop of her book tour where she was interviewed by Parker Wednesday. 

Obama, wearing $4,000 glittery thigh-high Balenciaga boots, packed out the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, where Parker interviewed her about her new book, Becoming. 

Obama's striking yellow dress was also Balenciaga, an item from the Spring/Summer 2019 ready-to-wear collection that is not yet available.  

During the event, Obama talked about the decisions behind the outfits that made headlines during her time as first lady. 

During Obama's eight years as first lady, she became a powerful influence in fashion; she could wear a dress and it would sell out hours after she wore it.

Senate adjourns for Christmas, New Year

The Senate on Thursday adjourned plenary till January 16 for the Christmas and New Year break.

This followed a motion moved by the Majority Leader, Senator Ahmed Lawan (APC Yobe), at plenary and seconded by Senator Philip Aduda (PDP-FCT) on behalf of the minority.

In a few remarks before his motion, Lawan described the outgoing year as a successful one for the Senate in terms of bills and motions passed.

He said: “I believe we have done so much work within the year.

“We have remained focused throughout this period and we have cooperated among ourselves very well.

“Even though from time to time partisanship would tend to take its toll, we have displayed commitment and statesmanship.

“I want to thank, particularly our presiding officers, the Senate President and our Deputy Senate President, and of course our colleagues in opposition, those in PDP, APGA, SDP, ADP and PRP.

“You have done wonderfully well by supporting everything for the good governance of Nigeria, and that is how it should be.

“We did that for 16 years while we were in the opposition, and I believe that we will continue with this next year.”

Lawan also thanked his fellow APC members for standing by the President Muhammadu Buhari administration, urging them to sustain the tempo in 2019.

He assured the Executive arm of government of the continued cooperation and partnership of the Senate to ensure that “we give Nigerians what they need regardless of our political affiliation.”

“As a government consisting of three arms, I believe there is no way we can succeed without working together.

“I think that going forward, we can only move to the next level when we are able to work together assiduously regardless of where we are in terms of politics and who we are in terms of where we came from.

“I want to urge the third arm of government to continue to work with us, and of course we are prepared to also work with them.

“This is what Nigerians desire. They don’t care what political party or arm of government you belong.

“What Nigerians care for is service delivery; we give them roads, healthcare and security.”

Before seconding the motion, Aduda also gave few remarks in which he thanked his colleagues for working together for the peace and prosperity of the nation.

He said: “Since the beginning of this year, we have worked together for the unity and prosperity of this nation.

“Even when at some points we disagreed, we resolved our differences and came out stronger.

“Mr. President, we are ending this year on a very wonderful note and we pray to God Almighty that as we move into the new year it will come with lots of prospects and good tidings.

“We pray 2019 further strengthen us as a nation and put us on the pedestal of prosperity.”

On his part, Deputy President of the Senate, Ike Ekweremadu, who presided over the sitting, wished Nigerians well during and after the festive period.

Ekweremadu advised Nigerians to drive carefully, eat and drink responsibly “knowing that there is tomorrow.”

I didn’t support Buhari, FG’s refusal to release Dasuki, i advised them to released all these people on bail -Malami tells court

Abubakar Malami (SAN) . Photo by Gbemiga Olamikan
The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami, SAN, has adduced reason why the Federal High Court in Abuja should not strip him off the rank of SAN for encouraging the Federal Government to ignore six separate court orders that granted bail to the detained former National Security Adviser, NSA,  Col. Sambo Dasuki, retd.

Malami, in a five-paragraphed affidavit he filed before the court, said he did not at any  point in time, support the federal government’s refusal to release Dasuki who has been in custody of the Department of State Service, DSS, since December 29, 2015.

He denied report that he had in an interview he granted to an online media outfit, insisted that Dasuki, who served as NSA under the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, would not be allowed to enjoy any form of freedom, in view of the gravity of offence he allegedly committed while in office.

The AGF told the court that he never rendered legal advice to President Muhammadu Buhari, FG, or any of its agencies in contravention of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, or any other law in force, adding that he has no control over the DSS or its Director General so as to influence Dasuki’s continued detention.

To further exonerate himself, Malami, in the affidavit that was deposed to by a senior lawyer in his chambers, Mr.  Ballah Ali, told the court that he was the one that persuaded FG to release the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB,  Nnamdi Kanu, on bail.

He said he also convinced FG to pay N135 million as compensation to families of deceased and injured victims of the invasion of an uncompleted building in Apo area of Abuja by DSS in 2013, sequel to the recommendation of the National Human Rights Commission, NHRC.

Consequently, he urged the court to dismiss the suit that was lodged against him by an Abuja based constitutional lawyer, Mr. Johnmary Jideobi.

The plaintiff had in his suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/807/2018, prayed the court to void Malami’s SAN rank, accusing him of engaging in unprofessional conduct.

Specifically, the plaintiff, is praying the court to determine, “Whether upon a community reading and complete understanding of Sections 1(1), 150 (1) and 287(3) of the amended 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria read alongside Rule 1 of the Rules of Professional Conduct for Legal Practitioners 2007, the Defendant is not bound to exercise the powers of his office and discharge his functions thereunder ONLY in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended?

“Whether upon a community reading and complete understanding of Sections 1(1), 150 (1) and 287(3) of the amended 1999 Constitution read alongside Rule 1 of the Rules of Professional Conduct for Legal Practitioners 2007, the Defendant has not violated his oath of office as Senior Advocate of Nigeria and failed in his duty as a Legal Practitioner [more so the Chief Law Officer of the Federation] by defending the refusal of the Federal Government of Nigeria to obey six valid Court Orders directing it to release a former National Security Adviser [Rtd. Colonel Dasuki] having been admitted to bail and met all the conditions attached to the said bails.

As well as “Whether upon a community reading and complete understanding of Sections 1(1), 150 (1) and 287(3) of the amended 1999 Constitution read alongside Rule 1 of the Rules of Professional Conduct for Legal Practitioners 2007, the Defendant has not desecrated the Nigerian Constitution, his oath of office both as the Attorney-General of the Federation and as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria in not only failing to support the Constitution but to assault same by his defence of the refusal of the Federal Government of Nigeria to release a former National Security Adviser [Rtd. Colonel Dasuki] despite valid court orders admitting him to bail?”

In his defence however, Malami maintained that the allegation that he backed FG’s action against Dasuki was “false, fabricated and falsified” to bring him to public ridicule.

Nevertheless, he said there was nothing before the court to show that Dasuki perfected all the conditions or terms of the bail that was granted to him on July 2, 2015.

He said: “On 2nd March 2018, the Supreme Court while delivering judgment in an appeal brought before it by Dasuki to challenge his continued detention and praying for suspension of his trial pending the time the bail orders were obeyed by government, held that the bails granted Mr. Dasuki in respect of criminal charges brought against him by EFCC have been obeyed having being implemented by the Controller of Prisons, Kuje on December 29, 2015 before he was rearrested by the Department of State Services, DSS.

“The Supreme Court equally held that the EFCC, though the prosecuting agency, cannot be held responsible for the detention of Dasuki by DSS.

“The Defendant neither arrested nor detained Col. Dasuki, Rtd, and he is also not in custody of the Defendant. The Defendant also  did not autborize the DSS not to release Col. Dasuki, Rtd, or any other person for that matter. The Defendant does not also control or supervise the DG, DSS or the DSS itself.

“That Col. Dasuki, Rtd being the allegedly aggrieved person, did not authorize the Plaintiff to make any representation on his behalf in the instant case.

“That  Col. Dasuki, Rtd, being the allegedly aggrieved person, did not take any step to enforce the court orders in question.

“That the Defendant in due compliance with the oaths of his office as Attorney General of the Federation and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, has spearheaded efforts by the Nigerian Government to comply with court orders and/or judgments, including but not limited to:

“In all prosecutions instituted as part of the anti-corruption drive of the current administration, all the accused persons have been released upon their admittance to bail.

“Upon the granting of bail to the leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, by this honourable court, he was released from prison custody in April 2017.

“In April 2018, the sum of N135million was paid as compensation, upon the recommendation of the National Human Rights Commission, to the families of deceased and injured victims of the invasion of an uncompleted building in Apo area of Abuja by DSS in 2013.

” In September 2018 the Federal Government in compliance with the judgment of the National Industrial Court, reinstated Mr. Yushau Shuaib, a Chief Information Officer who was retired in 2013.

“The Plaintiff has not obtained any court order/judgment against the Defendant which is not yet obeyed.

“That the Defendant has not misconducted himself in his official capacity as Attorney General of the Federation or in his personal capacity as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria in any proceeding before this honourable court to warrant a report being made to the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee.

“That the Defendant did not at any time defend the alleged refusal of the Federal Government to obey six different court orders directing the release of Col. Sambo Dasuki, Rtd.

“The Defendant did not at any time render legal advice to the President or the Federal Government or any of its agencies in contravention of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, or any other law in force.

“That is is in the interest of justice to refuse this application”, Malami added.

Source Vanguard.

Thousands flee as Boko Haram sacked Kukawa

FILE PHOTO: The International Organisation for Migration, IOM, said an estimated 4,449 people or 740 households have fled to Chibok itself in the wake of the abduction saga, “seeking safety following attacks or threats of attacks in some neighbouring villages”.

Thousands of residents of Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State have fled their homes, leaving behind the ruins of war, following a series of attacks by Boko Haram insurgents.

We gathered that of all the 11 wards in Kukawa, only Baga ward has military presence, thus making the rest of the 10 wards more prone to attacks.

A resident of Kukawa who preferred anonymity said following a recent attack by the insurgents that killed two women, about 50 vehicles evacuated civilians from the town on Tuesday.

According to him, the recent attack by the insurgents recorded a high number of casualties.

“Kukawa, which is about a hundred and fifty kilometers south of the state capital, Maiduguri, is now in a state of devastation,” the source lamented.

“Kukawa is under the control of Boko Haram. They move freely in the deserted town without any fear. So the residents have to flee to avoid being administered by the insurgents.”

In a July 2015 deadly attack on the town, the insurgents killed 97 civilians and 16 soldiers.

While claiming responsibility for the attacks, the insurgents said, “soldiers of the caliphate launched a large attack on Kukawa and gained control of the town after clashes with fifteen apostates.”

However, another source disclosed that “during another attack on November 27, a troop of 157 Strike Force Battalion repelled some elements of Boko Haram terrorist who attempted to infiltrate cross-Kauwa in Kukawa local government area of Borno State.”

2019 UTME: JAMB bans cyber cafes from registration of candidates

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, has said it will no longer use cyber cafes for registration of candidates, beginning from the 2019 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, UTME.

JAMB’s Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, said this on Thursday on the sideline of a meeting with proprietors of Computer Based Test, CBT, centres at the University of Lagos.

“We are no longer going to allow the cyber cafes to do the registration exercise for prospective candidates because they are extorting candidates and overcharging them.

READ ALSO: 2019 Election: JAMB won’t adjust exams dates – Registrar

“They also do services they do not have the capacity to do, coupled with the fact that there was no way of tracking them because they were not registered.

“Another major reason is the mix-up they create on the data of the candidates. Some will just ask the candidates to write their names and other details down for them.

“On accumulating such data, they now get all of them mixed-up, thereby creating problems for these candidates.

“We know there will be uproar because they make a lot of illegitimate money from these services, but we cannot leave the candidates at their mercy.

“Particularly when people will make noise that it is JAMB that was extorting them,’’ he said.

The professor urged all prospective candidates to do their registration and access the board’s major services in any of its 718 accredited centres in the country.

Mr Oloyede said the board would commence the sale of the registration form on Jan.3, 2019 and would span six weeks.

He gave the assurance that the general elections would not affect the sale of forms, adding that the board had adjusted its examination schedule ahead of the election.

“We thank INEC for giving us an early notice and so, it is expected that the exercise will be hitch-free,’’ he said.

He told newsmen that as always the case, there were special centres for visually impaired candidates.

He added that the board was already considering the introduction of a new technology for smooth conduct of the examination for such candidates.

“Next week, some of our officials will be in the United Kingdom where all the assessment bodies, who are attending to the blind, will meet.

“They will meet with a view to finding the best technology to use for these special candidates at a better price, because of the exchange rate.

“However, those with Braille machines, they are available; we will give them and those who do not have, we want to encourage them, whatever best method available to us, we will deploy because we want to be as inclusive as possible.

“That is also why we have set up a committee of experts under Prof. Peter Okebukola, to look for all-inclusive methods to be able to attend and bend it to suit the purposes of all these peculiar candidates,’’ he said.

Earlier, while addressing the CBT proprietors, Mr Oloyede warned that the board would not tolerate any JAMB-related materials in all the centres, especially question papers, as most often turned out to be fake, thereby duping innocent candidates.

He said that JAMB would also not hesitate to blacklist any centre that attempted to undermine the integrity of its examination through infractions.

“JAMB will continue to partner with you, empower good CBT centres to do things properly, as all essential services will henceforth be done by our good CBT centres.

“But to whom much is given, much is expected and so as we restrict services to you, you will be rewarded accordingly.

“But that does not stop there, as we will also beam our searchlight by tracking you also, to ensure that you remain in the right track,’’ the registrar said.

He noted that make-shift CBT centres too would not be allowed, adding that the board normally conducted an all year round examination for parastatals and agencies, and candidates for tertiary institutions.

“Do not pack up your centres and convert it to another thing, after the UTME, because we can come at any time for inspection,’’ he said.

Mr Oloyede said that all the CBT centres must ensure that the dual screen registration process was followed strictly and ensure that candidates sign out by doing a thumb print that would ensure that data was uploaded and printed.

NAN

The New Terminal building was designed, conceptualized and fully financed by the PDP administration and was on-going - PDP

The PDP Presidential Campaign Organization (PPCO) mocks President Muhammadu Buhari for attempting to claim credit for the construction of new Terminal Building at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, even when it is public knowledge that the project was designed, conceptualized and fully financed by the PDP administration.

The PPCO says it is unfortunate that President Buhari, in his desperation to nudge up his globally established non-performance rating, ahead of the 2019 Presidential election, engaged in yet another failed media stunt by trying to posture and claim credit for a project his administration made no contribution towards the funding and execution.

It was therefore derisory to see Mr. President and his handlers, comically swaggering and gleefully hugging the cameras at the commissioning of a project they made no contribution. 

If anything, like the Port Harcourt Airport terminal building, President Buhari, in his flops, only succeeded in delaying the completion of the project, which concept and construction was perfected by the PDP, including payments to the contractors.The project was on going before we lost the election.

Is it not appalling that President Buhari, who, out of sheer incompetence and total disregard for the development need of our nation, cannot point to any key development project he had initiated and executed since his inauguration in 2015, despite the huge resources at his disposal, only to be going around the country, claiming credit for projects executed by the PDP?

Unarguably, such manifest incompetence and resort to false performance claims is the reason our federal lawmakers booed and jeered at Mr. President at the 2019 budget presentation at the National Assembly.

In any case, what would one expect from a President that has openly admitted that he lacked the capacity to manage an economy as complex as Nigeria’s for which he has promised Nigerians more suffering in the coming year.

The PDP is aware that President Buhari is desperate to validate his false performance indices, but seeking to lay claim to projects executed by our party, only shows that he has hit the end of the road.

The only option left for President Buhari is to accept his failures, as Nigerians rally behind the PDP Presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, to rescue our nation and return her to the path of good governance, development, national cohesion and economic prosperity.

Signed

Kola Ologbondiyan
National Publicity Secretary

Excess Crude Account Drops From $2.319bn To $631m In Three Weeks

Minister of Finance, Zainab Ahmed

Nigeria’s Ministry of Finance on Wednesday disclosed that the amount in the Excess Crude Account (ECA) has declined from $2.319 billion to $631 million within three weeks.

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Mahmoud Dutse while explaining the decline told journalists in Abuja that withdrawals were made by the Federal Government from the ECA to settle the last tranche of the Paris Club Refund.

According to him, when the FAAC committee meeting was held at November 25 to allocate revenue for that month, the balance in the ECA was put at $2.319 billion but on Wednesday, the balance had dropped to $631 million.

“The balance in the ECA is $631 million. The final payment for Paris club refund to states was made and the figure was deducted and that’s what account for the difference,” he said.

READ ALSO: Nigeria’s Unemployment Rate Rises To 20.9million

When reminded that it was wrong for such deductions to be made for such purpose, Dutse replied that, “A decision was taken to make this refund and part of that decision is that the refund should be funded from the ECA. The Federal Executive Council, and the President approved the money.”

The Accountant-General of the Federation, Alhaji Ahmed Idris when accosted on his way out of the meeting to clarify the withdrawal said that due process was followed before the withdrawal was made.

“You can go and find out from the National Assembly if we got approval for it but due process was followed before the fund was released,” he said.

Meanwhile, the committee allocated has a total amount of N812.76billion to the three tiers of government.

A breakdown of the amount showed that the Federal Government got N326.75 billion, the 36 states are to share N203.2 billlion while the 774 Local Government Councils are to share the sum of N153.52 billion.

In addition, the sum of N57.07 billion was allocated to the oil producing states based on the 13 per cent derivation principle.

The gross statutory revenue for the month of November according to Dutse was put at N649.62 billion.

This is N32.53 billion lower than the N682.16 billion received in the previous month of October.

The excess Crude Account is a special account established to keep excess revenues from the prevailing crude oil price at the international market.

Income generated above the approved crude oil benchmark price in the annual budget is saved in the account.

Withdrawal from the account is subject to the approval of the three tiers of government and the Executive Council of the Federation (FEC).

Source ChannelsTv

Proposed N8.8trn Budget For 2019 Too Ambitious, Says Ex-CBN Chief

A former Deputy Governor of Operations and Director of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Tunde Lemo, has described the proposed N8.83 trillion 2019 budget by President Muhammadu Buhari as too ambitious.

Lemo in an interview with Channels Television, reacting to the budget presentation, said President Muhammadu Buhari in the budget failed to consider factors like disruption during the election period and the issue of subsidy.

The CBN ex-boss said based on the budget presented, there might be a cash flow problem in the country in 2019.

“I think it is a bit too ambitious. Production (oil production) is estimated at 2.3milion, this again for me is too ambitious. I’m not sure we will hit 2million barell a day this year. You have to estimate some disruption, especially around the election time. So, when you put all of that into consideration, I think the budget is a bit too ambitious.

“Again, you have to look at it against the backdrop of the major issues that we already have. The subsidy issue – government is spending N1.6trillion on subsidy. We are spending 30% of our current revenue servicing debts. For me, this fairly shows that there may be significant cash flow problem next year,” he said.

President Buhari on Wednesday proposed N8.83 trillion budget for 2019 to a joint session of the National Assembly.

The presentation of the budget was presented under a rowdy session with opposition lawmakers repeatedly booing the President as he listed his achievements.

The budget proposal was prepared based on the following assumptions: Oil price: $60 per barrel of oil production rate: 2.3 million barrels per day exchange rate: N305 to $1 Real GDP growth: 3.01 per cent inflation rate: 9.98 per cent.

Source ChannelsTv

Saraki blasts APC after Buhari was booed at National Assembly

Senate President, Bukola Saraki, on Wednesday, fired at the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), hours after President Muhammadu Buhari was booed as he presented the 2019 Budget.
In his statement posted on his official Facebook page, Saraki noted that Nigerians have witnessed stunted growth in their respective businesses, lost their jobs during the recent recession and lost innocent citizens to insurgency in parts of the North East.

He wrote: “The last three-and-a-half years have been eventful ones at the global level and in our domestic economy. From dips in oil prices to major shifts in the economic landscape, crude oil production shut-ins and security challenges, the economy and Nigerians have been directly impacted by these events.

“Many businesses closed down and many people lost their jobs during the recent recession. In the same period, we lost innocent citizens to insurgency in parts of the North East, thousands were displaced, and many lives also lost due to clashes between farmers and herders, in addition to the general hardship unleashed by unstable economic winds.
“The recovery from the recession is still fragile. The fundamentals underlying the recovery remain weak, and if unchecked, can lead to dire consequences. The economy still runs on oil and very little progress has been made in terms of diversification.

“As a result, the expansionary budget policy in effect since 2016, which was aimed at raising spending and stimulating growth in the economy, was not matched by achievable revenue targets. The corollary is higher and rising deficit as well as a considerable debt burden, all due to an unsustainable fiscal stance.

“The under-performance of independent revenues is straining government’s ability to meet its expenditure, especially investments in critical infrastructure. This further exposes government to higher deficit levels which have been largely financed by borrowing.

“To be clear, two scenarios will play out if we do not deal decisively with challenges to revenue. These would be to: i. accommodate higher debt with higher repayment costs, which is not sustainable; ii. reduce the capital budget, which would mean a slow-down in government investment in critical infrastructure. This, again, does not aid growth or economy development.

“It is for these reasons that the National Assembly required that the 2018 Budget proposal and future ones be accompanied by a Finance Bill, which would give credence to the financial proposals of government.

“It is one way of establishing credibility in projected revenues. It is imperative, therefore, that a 2019 Finance Bill is submitted to the National Assembly for consideration and approval.”

Booing: APC tackles ‘unruly’ lawmakers, blames Saraki, Dogara

The All Progressives Congress (APC) says the “failure” of Senate President Bukola Saraki and Yakubu Dogara, speaker of the house of representatives, to rein in on “unruly” Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lawmakers is an indication that they planned to embarrass President Muhammadu Buhari.

Buhari was booed by some lawmakers when he presented the 2019 budget to a joint session of the national assembly on Wednesday.

The lawmakers, comprising of house of representatives members and senators, interrupted the president’s speech.

In a statement, Lanre Issa-Onilu, APC spokesman, said the act was “shameful.”

“By law, respect for the office of the president or head of government in any clime is not a matter of choice but a civic obligation sanctioned by laws. Being an opposition party or critic is no licence for such wayward conduct by the PDP legislative caucus; most especially against the president of the country,” Issa-Onilu said.

“Nigerians are not oblivious of the actions and inaction of the national assembly presiding officers, Senate President, Bukola Saraki and speaker, house of representatives, Yakubu Dogara while the president was being heckled by the PDP legislative caucus.

“Their failure to rein in their unruly PDP colleagues, while their show of shame lasted clearly confirmed that the PDP members’ action was premeditated and orchestrated to embarrass the President.

“When the APC was in opposition, Nigerians will recall statements by the PDP government that the immediate-past President Goodluck Jonathan did not personally present the national budget to the national assembly based on fears that he will be heckled and embarrassed by the opposition federal lawmakers at the time.

“The fears turned out to be misplaced as that never happened when Jonathan eventually presented the national budget. Such shameful and undignified practice has no place in our progressive ideology.

“The PDP lawmakers and their conniving leaders have a lot of questions to answer. First, we wonder why they cannot stomach the evident and verifiable achievements of the APC-led government in the areas of power, rail and road infrastructure, social intervention programmes as contained in the proposed budget.

“The APC commends President Muhammadu Buhari for remaining calm and focused during the budget presentation despite the provocation from PDP lawmakers, an act of statesmanship that has been acknowledged by Nigerians. We are equally proud of the APC lawmakers, who stood firm in defence of the president and our great party during the budget presentation.

“We call on the National Assembly to rise above political and selfish interests by putting the country first in its consideration of the proposed N8.83 trillion 2019 national budget.”

Nigeria has never produced leaders like me, Peter Obi – Atiku

The Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has claimed that Nigeria has not produced leaders like himself and his running mate, Mr Peter Obi, running together on a single presidential ticket.

According to Atiku, he and Obi were both gurus in business and governance who can make the country work again.

He stated this on Wednesday at a town hall meeting with representatives of the business community in Aba, Abia State,

Atiku, who vowed to restructure the country and improve the standard of living of the common masses, solicited for Nigerians votes in the forthcoming 2019 presidential election.

The former vice president averred that Nigeria has not had two experienced men that have the passion to develop and grow the economy since 1960, the country gained independence.

His words, “To be able to do business, you must have a secure environment. Otherwise, you will not even be able to come out of your house and go to your factory.

“We have two very experienced men, both in governance and business: Peter Obi and myself. I don’t think Nigeria has ever produced this type of leadership since Independence. If you are doubting us, you know what you should do? Try the two of us.

“If you’re producing juice, I’m a manufacturer of beverages. If you’re producing plastics, I’m a manufacturer of plastics. If you have poultry, I’m a manufacturer of livestock.

“If you’re selling food in the market, I own fast food (restaurants). If you are in printing, I have a printing industry. If you are into broadcasting, I own television stations.

“So, what are you going to tell me?”

Abubakar stated that his various companies had been spending N600m to pay for trucks haulage until he decided to start his own haulage business.

“I sat down with them and said, ‘No, we must go into road haulage. Let’s have our own trucks. I can’t spend N600m on mere road haulage.’ And today, we’re in a successful haulage industry.

“So, my brothers and sisters, the government that has tried to solve most of the challenges that the business community are facing in this country is the PDP government and here is another opportunity, so you don’t repeat the mistake of bringing back this government.”

Nigeria has never produced leaders like me, Peter Obi – Atiku

The Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has claimed that Nigeria has not produced leaders like himself and his running mate, Mr Peter Obi, running together on a single presidential ticket.

According to Atiku, he and Obi were both gurus in business and governance who can make the country work again.

He stated this on Wednesday at a town hall meeting with representatives of the business community in Aba, Abia State,

Atiku, who vowed to restructure the country and improve the standard of living of the common masses, solicited for Nigerians votes in the forthcoming 2019 presidential election.

The former vice president averred that Nigeria has not had two experienced men that have the passion to develop and grow the economy since 1960, the country gained independence.

His words, “To be able to do business, you must have a secure environment. Otherwise, you will not even be able to come out of your house and go to your factory.

“We have two very experienced men, both in governance and business: Peter Obi and myself. I don’t think Nigeria has ever produced this type of leadership since Independence. If you are doubting us, you know what you should do? Try the two of us.

“If you’re producing juice, I’m a manufacturer of beverages. If you’re producing plastics, I’m a manufacturer of plastics. If you have poultry, I’m a manufacturer of livestock.

“If you’re selling food in the market, I own fast food (restaurants). If you are in printing, I have a printing industry. If you are into broadcasting, I own television stations.

“So, what are you going to tell me?”

Abubakar stated that his various companies had been spending N600m to pay for trucks haulage until he decided to start his own haulage business.

“I sat down with them and said, ‘No, we must go into road haulage. Let’s have our own trucks. I can’t spend N600m on mere road haulage.’ And today, we’re in a successful haulage industry.

“So, my brothers and sisters, the government that has tried to solve most of the challenges that the business community are facing in this country is the PDP government and here is another opportunity, so you don’t repeat the mistake of bringing back this government.”

How former Chief of Defence, Alex Badeh was killed – Police

The Nasarawa State Police Command on Wednesday revealed how former Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh was murdered

Badeh was killed on Tuesday by unidentified gunmen along Abuja-Keffi road while returning from his farm.

However, the Command disclosed that efforts were on to apprehend those behind the “dastardly act.”

A statement issued by the Command reads: “On the December 18, 2018 at about 18:35hrs, the former Chief of Defence Staff(rtd) while returning from his farm located in Panda Development Area of Karu LGA was attacked by gunmen at Tudu-Uku along Gitata-Keffi road.

“He was in the company of his friend and driver when the unknown gunmen ambushed and opened fire on his moving vehicle. The former Chief of Defence Staff suffered gunshot injuries, which resulted to his death while his driver was injured and the said friend abducted.

“The corpse of the late Air Chief Marshal and the injured driver has been taken to NAF Hospital in Abuja.

“Following the directive of the IGP Ibrahim K.Idris, the Commissioner of Police in Nassarawa State, CP Yahaya Bello and some senior military personnel have visited the scene alongside the IGP’s Intelligence Response Team, IRT, and Special Tactical Squad, STS, who are to carry out a discrete investigation into the case.

“Meanwhile, the police Command, Nigerian Army and Air Force personnel led by Deputy Commissioner of police are in the area immediately the incident occurred with a view to rescue the abducted person and arrest the perpetrators of the dastardly act.”

‘Senators actions not surprising’ – Presidency speaks on lawmakers booing Buhari

The Presidency has reacted to the rowdy session caused by lawmakers during President Muhammadu Buhari’s presentation of 2019 budget at the National Assembly.
Buhari on Wednesday, while highlighting successes of his administration, was booed and hailed by lawmakers.

Their actions has since stirred reactions online.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters (Senate), Senator Ita Enang, addressing journalists after the rowdy session said such actions by lawmakers was unsurprising.

Enang said lawmakers and Senators who lost tickets to contest in 2019 elections are responsible for attack at President Buhari.

According to him, such is expected ahead of 2019 election.

Enang said, “This is the year of election. This is the year when members have lost nominations by their political parties. This is the year when many members have changed their political parties.

“We are going for elections, and any year you have elections, sometimes you see a president saying ‘I am sending the budget, I don’t want to go and face the heat of the people who lost nominations.’

“But he didn’t do that. He said ‘I am the President of the Federal Republic. I will go and address them, and perform my constitutional duty.’”

Recall that lawmakers booed the President as he highlighted some of the successes so far recorded by his administration.

The actions of the lawmaker made the President to remind the aggrieved lawmakers that, “The world is watching us and we are supposed to be above this.”

While some sang solidarity songs, other shouted ‘lies’ after every of Mr Buhari’s claims.

Minimum wage: Senior civil servants threaten total strike over FG’s refusal to pay N30,000

The Oyo State chapter of Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria has threatened that workers in the state will embark on total strike from 2nd January, 2019 if the federal government failed to implement N30,000 minimum wage on or before December 30, 2018.

This decision was made by the members of ASCSN on Wednesday at its annual capacity building lecture and maiden award ceremony.

Chairman of the association, Comrade Babatunde Balogun, said “There will be total paralysis of government activities if the agreement is not reached and implemented by the end of This year”.

Balogun said the intention of ASCSN was “to mobilize workers nation wide, but if that becomes unachievable, Oyo State workers will embark on a total strike until the agreement is reached”.

A human rights activist, Barrister Femi Aborisade, in his presentation at the lecture, urged unions to mobilize against privatisation of public enterprises and ensure that reversal of all privatised enterprises is done.

He said privatization poses as the highest form of corruption in the nation and he encouraged ASCSN members to put their intellectual acumen to work as they fight against corruption.

Aborisade said, “There is a relationship between corruption and poverty. Nigerian citizens are poor because of corruption.”

He lamented that the Buhari-led administration through the Economic Recovery programs has declared war on Nigerians.

Aborisade said, “The economic program of the APC ERPGE is a declaration of war against Nigerian people. They said they will commercialise federal institution. They have started commercialising the health sector.

“The ERPG is nothing but a programme aimed at using public power to dispossess the public of the Commonwealth for the interest of a few who have hijacked power, in a conspiracy, against public good.”

He further stated that public officers should not earn more than ten times the minimum wage inorder to discourage the influx of people with selfish ambitions and to encourage only selfless people with integrity as holders of public offices

Donald Duke faults President Buhari’s presentation of 2019 Budget

The Presidential Candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), has reacted to presentation and details of the 2019 budget by President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday at the National Assembly

Buhari had on Wednesday presented a proposed N8.83trn fiscal 2019 budget to a joint session of the National Assembly.

In the budget, oil prices was estimated at $60 per barrel while production was 2.3m per day.

“The 2019 Budget proposal is based on the following assumptions:Oil price benchmark of $60 per barrel;

b. Oil production estimate of 2.3 million barrels per day, including condensates;

c. Exchange rate of N305/$;

d. Real GDP growth of 3.01 percent; and

e. Inflation Rate of 9.98 percent.

“With regard to oil production, I have directed the NPPC to take all possible measures to achieve the targeted oil production of 2.3 million barrels per day,” Buhari said.

But, reacting, Duke took to his Twitter page criticising the proposed oil price and production by President Buhari.

The former Governor of Cross River state noted that the forecast of oil price and production by the President shows his government is not taking Nigerians forward.

He also condemned President Buhari for presenting 2019 budget in December.

Duke wrote: “Submitting a budget in December for 2019, assuming an oil price of $60 when current prices are mid $50’s, forecasting oil production at 2.3m a day when this years average is 1.9m tells us these folk in government are taking us nowhere.”

2019 Budget Presentation: Gov. Bello blasts lawmakers for booing Buhari

The governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, has described lawmakers who booed the president, Muhammadu Buhari, while he presented the 2019 budget on Wednesday as children who are not well trained by their parents.

Mr Bello spoke Wednesday night during a chat with State House correspondents at the end of a Gala night organised by beneficiaries of the federal government’s Anchor Borrowers Scheme at the Banquet hall of the presidential villa in Abuja.

Mr Buhari was interrupted and booed intermittently – with chants of “Lies! Propaganda! Freedom come by struggle, by struggle!” – by some of the lawmakers as he made his presentation.

The lawmakers intensified the boos when the president was reading out the achievements of his administration, forcing Mr Buhari to pause his speech and address them saying, “May I appeal to the honourable members that the world is watching us… we’re supposed to be above this.”

Mr Bello, a staunch supporter of the president, commended Mr Buhari for remaining calm in the face of such provocation.

He said Mr Buhari exhibited the character of a father and a gentleman “who has the interest of the country at heart”.

He chided the lawmakers for showing themselves as “selfish, self-centred and bent on destroying this country and democracy.”

“Like I said sometimes back that when you have a child that is not well trained by his parents, he will constitute a menace to the society. And that is what we witnessed today at the National Assembly.

“National Assemblies are supposed to be made of men and women of character and integrity. We’ve seen those who constitute such class of human being today and those that constitute menace to the society in the National Assembly today.

“But above all, I thank God and thank Mr President for a wonderful presentation of 2019 Budget estimates and which we all believe will take Nigeria to the next level by the grace of God,” the Kogi State governor said.

Buhari to get AfCFTA report in January — Presidency

President Muhammadu Buhari will receive the report from the steering committee on the African Continental Free Trade Area in January 2019, the Presidency has just announced.

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr Garba Shehu, in a statement said the committee did nationwide consultation and will present a report to Buhari in January to guide Nigeria’s next line of action on the AFCFTA.

Saraki drags Nass workers to court.

Nigeria’s Senate President Dr. Bukola Saraki has sued workers of the National Assembly for embarking on an industrial action over unpaid allowances.

In a an ex-parte motion issued by the National Industrial Court of Nigeria in Abuja, and which was signed by the Assistant Chief Registrar, Hauwa Yakubu, Esq., the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara sought a restraining order stopping the workers under the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN) from proceeding on strike.

The “order of interim injunction”, issued through suit No. NICN/ABJ/360/2018 dated 18th December, 2018, directed the leadership of PASAN and their agents to refrain from proceeding on strike.

It states inter alia:

“An order of interim injunction restraining all the defendants /respondents, particularly their agents, provides, servants, however called from taking steps to proceed or proceeding on strike, pending the determination of the motion. ”

“An interim injunction restraining PASAN, their agents, privies, servants from giving directives to their members to proceed or proceeding on strike.”

The Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria in the National Assembly on Monday embarked on a four-day warning strike over unpaid allowances to the tune of N2.7 billion.

PASAN members were stopped from gaining access to the National Assembly on Wednesday when President Muhammadu Buhari presented the 2019 appropriation bill.