Shagari : Buhari orders Nigerian flags fly at half-mast for three days

Shagari

President Muhammadu Buhari again paid tribute to the late President Shehu Shagari on Saturday, directing that Nigerian flags fly at half-mast for three days, starting from Sunday.

Mr Shagari, Nigeria’s first elected president who held office between 1979 and 1983, died Friday evening at the National Hospital Abuja after a brief illness.
He was buried on Saturday at his hometown, Shagari in Sokoto state.

He was 93.

In a statement on Saturday, Mr Buhari said:

“The late President represented almost the last link with the government of our Founding Fathers under Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa. He was also the first elected President of Nigeria.

“The late Alhaji Shagari was a man of many parts: teacher, local authority administrator, politician, minister, and finally President. He served his country with dedication and moderation.

“Over the years, through interaction at the Council of State, he and I came to understand and appreciate each other, whatever the differences we may have had in the past.

“On behalf of the Federal Government, myself and family, I send my condolences to the people of Nigeria, particularly to the late President’s family and the Government and people of Sokoto State. May his soul rest in peace.”

( PHOTOS) Police will wait here till Sen Melaye surrenders himself for arrest....Force spokesman

"The Police operatives will continue to be in wait at the residence of Senator Dino Melaye until he surrenders himself for arrest. The offence for which Senator Dino Melaye is being investigated is capital in nature and not compoundable."-Acting DCP Jimoh Moshood, Force Public Relations Officer

Shehu Shagari: How Buhari exposed himself as shameless, hypocritical leader – Junaid Mohammed

A Second Republic lawmaker, Junaid Mohammed, has lambasted President Muhammadu Buhari over his remark, following the death of former President, late Shehu Shagari.

In an interview with DAILY POST, Mohammed said the statement by the President has shown how reckless, shameless and hypocritical he is.

Shagari, had passed on Friday at the age of 93 at the National Hospital, Abuja after a brief illness.

Reacting to Shagari’s death, Buhari in a statement issued by his Media Aide, Femi Adesina had said: “ On behalf of my family, the government and the people of Nigeria, it is with immense sadness that I received the news of the passing away of the First Executive President of Nigeria, Alhaji Shehu Shagari which event happened Friday in Abuja”

However, the former lawmaker wondered how Buhari who overthrew Shagari and jailed him could now claim to be a convert of democracy.

According to Mohammed: “This is hypocrisy, there is a saying by Prophet Mohammed that ‘if you are shameless do what you like and say what you want’. It’s in this context that you see what Buhari has been saying since 2015.

“He did not only overthrow a democratic government, which was elected and also jailed Shagari who was a democratically elected leader. So for such a person to claim to be a new convert to democracy shows that the level of mendacity, the reckless and shamelessness and hypocrisy which characterised him and everything he represents in politics and government.

“Also, why did he send Shagari to jail, everyone knew that Shagari was in poor health , he was in his sixties and had a poor eye sight. I first said this as far back as 1965 after Buhari was overthrown.

“I condemned that statement and I find it unbelievably shameless for a man you sent to jail you now call him your friend.

This government has shown that it’s of no good and can only lead us to one thing which is disaster and mayhem.”

Trump issues Executive Order freezing salaries of Federal workers in 2019

President Donald Trump has issued an executive order freezing pay for federal workers in 2019, blocking a 2.1 percent pay raise that was set to go into effect across the board in January.

Friday's order comes as some 800,000 federal employees remain furloughed or working without pay due to the partial government shutdown that is expected to continue into the new year. 

The order, which overrides an automatic raise law, has been met with intense backlash from workers' advocates.   

'This is just pouring salt into the wound,' Tony Reardon, president of the National Treasury Employees Union - which represents about 100,000 federal workers - said in a statement. 

'It is shocking that federal employees are taking yet another financial hit. As if missed paychecks and working without pay were not enough, now they have been told that they don’t even deserve a modest pay increase.'

In addition to blocking the blanket raise, the order cancelled locality pay increases -paycheck adjustments made based on the region of the country where workers are posted.  

However, the move will not affect a scheduled 2.6 percent pay raise for American troops that was passed as part of the massive defense spending bill Trump signed this fall.  

Lawmakers could step in and include the scheduled raise in the 2019 spending bill, which is currently stalled over Trump's $5billion border wall demand. 

Trump has been advocating the freeze since February - part of his long-proposed plan to shrink the federal government.

He announced his plan to scrap the 2019 pay increase in August, calling it 'inappropriate' in  a letter to House and Senate leaders. 

'We must maintain efforts to put our Nation on a fiscally sustainable course, and Federal agency budgets cannot sustain such increases,' Trump wrote.    

Source DailyMail Uk

South African Taxify driver shows up in towel to pick up passenger

A South African Taxify driver has shocked his passenger when he showed up in towel to pick her up after she ordered for a ride.
According to a post made on twitter by the brother to the lady, the man didn’t look concerned and seemed quite comfortable in the special attire.

The man wrote on twitter:

So my Sister requested taxify and the driver rolled up like this  i mean… WTF@taxify_za

So my Sister requested taxify and the driver rolled up like this 👇🏾 i mean… WTF😡 @taxify_zapic.twitter.com/s4p4od3w0R

— nathie (@NathieMbele) December 29, 2018

The post has since gone viral and South Africa Taxify has responded to the case.

Unacceptable. We have spoken to your sister and will deal with the driver immediately

— Taxify South Africa (@taxify_za) December 29, 2018

In another development. After the post went viral, the South African Taxify Driver who looked sane probably got hold of the story on the internet and fearing possible sanction, decided to scare the lady by posting a photo of himself with a gun on his social media profile photo.

So the guy just changed his profile pic to this 👇🏾 cause my sister reported him @taxify_za now she’s terrified @SAPoliceServicewhat must happen? pic.twitter.com/Y7ghg9EGlO

— nathie (@NathieMbele) December 29, 2018

Source Lailanews

Breaking: Police allegedly cut off Dino Melaye’s power supply

Dino Melaye and President Buhari

The Nigerian Police, Saturday allegedly disconnected Dino Melaye’s power supply at his residence in Abuja.
Recall that Police, invaded the lawmakers residence in view to arrest him and interrogate him over an attempted homicide.

According to SaharaReporters, Dino’s light was cut off in other to rendering the home inhabitable for him.

Recall that Melaye had warned Police to stop chasing him around, noting that he would submit himself when he comes back to Abuja.

Details later:

2019: I may pick Donald Duke as running mate, says Gana

Prof. Jerry Gana

THE presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party, SDP,Prof. Jerry Gana,has hinted that he may opt for the former Cross River State governor and fellow contestant in the party’s presidential ticket,Mr Donald Duke,as his running mate in 2019 poll.

This came as he approved directors of his presidential campaign team for the election he boasted that he would humble both the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC and the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP which are parading incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar,respectively,as candidates.

The former Minister of Information and National Orientation, who said this while speaking to reporters on the sideline of unveiling of his presidential campaign programme, tagged:”Reworking Nigeria Together”, however said he may be constrained given that the South South geopolitical zone where Duke hails from has had its fair share of the position under former President Goodluck Jonathan in the present democratic dispensation.

“On January 5, we will be having a meeting with all the stakeholders across the nation, where they will take away the campaign programme and then thereby we will be everywhere.

“The party will definitely have a strategy for winning. I don’t mind at all having him as my running mate. But let us be very realistic. The South South has just completed the term of the presidency through president Goodluck Jonathan.

“If Nigerians are to be real they will know that it is too soon to have a presidential running mate from that zone. There are other zones that want to have the post. If we want to win the elections, the party will not do that except it wants to just play mere politics.

“I am not set out to do that. I want to win the election and take Nigerians with the programmes we have presented,” he said.

Recall that a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja had nullified the candidature of Duke as the presidential candidate of SDP, following a petition written by Gana on the basis of article 5 of the party’s constitution, which states that the president and the party’s national chairman shall not come from the same zone.

Earlier, the politician unveiled his presidential programme codenamed SWIFT which according to him, represented (Security re-egineering; Wealth creation; Infrastructure excellence and Power supply; Technology, Education and Human Development).

Some members of the his campaign team include, a former Minister of Police Affairs, Humphrey Abah; former President, International Federation of Female Lawyers (FIDA), Barr Hauwa Shekarau amongst others.

Speaking earlier, Director General of G19, Dr. Ike Neliaku, noted that his boss, Gana, has not received a Court of Appeal notice filed by Duke; thereby urging the party supporters to intensify their campaigns in a bid for Prof. Gana to emerge victorious.

The occasion recorded partial defiance of Friday’s directive of the party’s national chairman,Chief Olu Falae that officials stayed away from the events since Gana,who was only thrown up as a candidate by the court has an appeal to contain with.

While the National Treasurer Mr Emeka Atuma and the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Alhaji Alpha Mohammed, were in attendance at the occasion, others stayed away in obedience to the directive of Chief Falae.

Falae had on Friday,in a statement,urged party faithful to stay away from the events scheduled by Jerry Gana and his presidential campaign committee, arguing that violation of the directive may be viewed as contempt of the court which judgement had been appealed against at a higher court.

Recall that the SDP’s presidential election which took place on October 7, saw Mr Donald Duke, emerge as candidate having defeated Professor Gana with 812 votes against 611 votes.

But Gana,who had stormed out of the election venue minutes after the declaration of Duke in protest,later headed for the court where he asked that he be declared winner instead, given that the party violated its internal arrangements which prohibited both chairman and its presidential candidate from emerging from the same geopolitical zone.

In line with his prayers,a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, sacked Duke and declared Gana as candidate of the party on December 14.

Chief Falae said the party was at the Appeal Court to set the judgement aside but Gana’s campaign director,Dr Ike Neliaku,said he was yet to be served any appeal papers.

Source Vanguard

Yoruba Screen goddess, Biodun Okeowo puts her assert on display to mark birthday

When the world celebrates the Boxing Day on the 26th day of December it is an occasion for popular Yoruba screen goddess, Biodun Okeowo to mark her birthday. And her birthday has never gone by without leaving us with something juicy to talk about and this year is no exception.

Biodun posted four pictures on Instagram to mark her birthday and three of those have the actress reminding us she’s one of the curviest and sexiest actresses in the industry. Not only were her hips so tantalising, her beauty also shone to fondle our sensibilities.

Known as ‘Omobutty’ in the industry, the mother of two has had to defend herself that the name did not arise on account of her figure 8 shape but as a result of a film she produced sometime ago where the plot was created around a rich spoilt child. But who would believe that the ‘Omobutty’ has nothing to do with the stupendous butt which never ceases to attract accolades wherever the actress goes.

A single mother of two, after parting from her husband, Sofuyi, Biodun is unarguably one of the most talented actresses in the Yoruba sector and she once confessed to Potpourri that she married as a virgin.

I'm a Senator of the Federal Republic, stop looking for me like a criminal. - Melaye cautions Police

The Senator representing Kogi West in the National Assembly, Dino Melaye have reminded the Nigerian Police of the fact that he is still a sitting Senator of the Federal Republic, calling on the Force to stop looking for him like a criminal.

Senator Melaye gave the warning on Saturday during a phone interview with Channels Television,, vowing not to run away.

The embattled lawmaker said, "I was informed that my house has been invaded. Over 40 policemen inside the compound and over 50 outside the gate. My staff were molested, beaten and handcuffed and taken away.

“Presently I’m outside Abuja. I’m a Senator of the Federal Republic of Auja, I cannot run away. I will make myself available as soon as I’m back to town next week. I am not a criminal, I have not done anything."

Melaye's Abuja residence was allegedly invaded by men of the Nigeria Police, which was explained to be an attempt to arrest the Senator, according to a statement credited to the Police's spokesperson, Jimoh Moshood.

Jonathan mourns Shagari, says he was a nation builder

Former President Dr Goodluck Jonathan has condoled with the family of Alhaji Shehu Shagari and the people of Sokoto State over the demise of the nation’s  Second Republic President, describing him as a nation builder who cemented a good relationship between the North and South.

According to a statement issued by Ikechukwu Eze, the former President’s spokesman, Jonathan stated this in a tribute to the nation’s first executive President, noting that Shagari was a patriot who placed service to humanity and fatherland above personal interest.

Jonathan further described Shagari as a nice man with a clean heart who was sincere and selfless in service.

He said: “Late President Shagari was a very nice man with a clean heart. As a President, he was humble, sincere and selfless in service. He was indeed a true democrat who left no one in doubt about his loyalty to his country, love for peace, desire for unity and vision for Nigeria.

“Shagari was an exceptional leader and exemplary statesman whose modesty, commitment to the common good and deep sense of patriotism will continue to inspire many generations of Nigerians.

“He will be remembered as a teacher, parliamentarian and President whose model of service was anchored on diligence,  broad-mindedness and humility.”

Gay Navy couple faces brutal homophobic backlash for recreating the iconic New York WWII kiss.

A gay Navy sailor has recreated the iconic Second World War kissing photo with his teacher husband - but the heartwarming moment has been marred by an angry homophobic backlash.

Bryan Woodington, 33, returned home to Florida after seven months in the Persian Gulf and Europe on December 21, to greet husband of one year Kenneth Woodington, 30. 

The couple won a lottery to perform the ceremonial first kiss, a naval tradition that was captured on Jacksonville station News 4 Jax. 

But the station reports that not all their viewers were pleased with the same-sex couple's intimate moment, and News 4 Jax was 'bombarded' by hate messages.  

The original photo was taken in 1945 in New York to celebrate the US victory over Japan 

'When I saw Bryan, I lost all control and ran over to him,' Kenneth, a special education teacher, told Yahoo Lifestyle.

According to News 4 Jax, Bryan was one of 300 sailors returning to their families right before Christmas. 

'Bryan suggested that I wear all-white because he wanted to redo that famous photo, but he didn't know we won the lottery until the day he came home,' Kenneth added.   

The couple had won the lottery that allows for one sailor to disembark first and greet their loved ones with a smooch. 

In 2011, two female sailors were the first same-sex couple to win the lottery. 

The heartwarming moment was caught on camera as Bryan dipped Kenneth and they shared a smooch. 

Once it was broadcast on News4Jax, the hate messages began flooding in. 

'How sad that your station has dropped to such a low as to show a gay couple kissing on your newscast,' one viewer wrote. 

'I'll never watch your news again!!!! So long, News4Jax' another viewer wrote to the station. 'I thought this was a ''family friendly'' news channel.'

'How many people are now trying to explain to [their] young kids why 2 men were kissing. very disgusting. An ex [viewer],' another said. 

Bryan, a Navy sailor, (left) was returning home to Florida after seven months in the Persian Gulf and Europe when the photo was taken

The couple won a lottery to perform the ceremonial first kiss, a naval tradition
The happy couple are brushing off the negative comments. 
'It didn't really bother me,' Kenneth told Yahoo. 'Honestly, I'm the type of person who doesn't really care that much about what people say.' 
'There are people who see the beauty in it. As for those who don't, have a nice day,' he added. 
But not all the backlash is negative, others have left supportive messages for the couple.     
On the Naval Station Mayport's Facebook page, one person wrote, 'A new twist on an old favorite! Love it!'

Another said: 'I wish my Husband would kiss me like this!'

Kenneth said: 'We're showing our love for each other, we're not hurting anyone. I'm just a spouse waiting for his sailor.'

Some have been critical of the couple, while others are embracing the kiss

Dailymail.

Former Benue CP, Fatai Owoseni, 9 others pull out from police

News men report that the retiring officers were pulled out at a colourful ceremony in Lagos amidst cheers by family members, colleagues and other dignitaries.

Deputy Inspector General of Police, Force Criminal Intelligence Investigation Department (FCIID), Peace Ibekwe Abdallah, who represented I-G Ibrahim Idris, commended the retiring officers for their service to the nation.

“Congratulations to all the retiring senior officers and to their families, we say a big thank you for the support.

“As you bow out today, the I-G, the entire police and the nation say a big thank you. You have served well and God will reward you abundantly,” she said.

A retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Mr Tunji Alapini, who represented Police Service Commission (PSC) Chairman, Musiliu Smith, also advised the retiring officers to be wary of the environment they were retiring to.
“You are retiring into a new world, the world of the police is different from the world of retirement. A lot of people are waiting for you thinking you have money to invest, you have to be wary and careful.
“Please, be faithful to your family,” he said.

Speaking at the ceremony, Oba  Saheed Ademola Elegushi of Elegushi Ikate, commended the retiring police officers for their service to the nation.
“I know how passionate you are about the country. How you work to keep the country safe.

“We Nigerians often forget where we come from. Nigeria’s problem has been there for a while and it will take more than four years to solve.
“It is just for our government to the right thing,” he said.

Also speaking, the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Rasheed Akanbi, commended the retiring police officers for their service to the nation.

“I understand what the police stand for as they have made Nigeria more secure, they are the greatest law enforcement agents,” the monarch said.

Among the retiring officers were AIG Abdul Bube, AIG Hilda Ibifuro-Harrison, CP Agyole Abeh, CP Joseph Agaji and CP Gbemisola Akinpelu.

Others were CP Bello Ahmed, CP Abdullahi Ibrahim, CP Bello Yahaya, CP Adekinte Ademoju, CP Wakili Maye, CP Fave Semili and CP Ahmed Magaji.

NAN further reports that 55 police officers of the ranks of Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), Commissioner of Police (CP), Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) and Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) retired from the force across the country.(NAN)

You bisexual gigolo – Sonia Columbus puts ex IK Ogbonna on blast

IK Ogbonna’s ex Sonia Columbus has dragged the actor online calling him unprintable names.
IK had taken to IG to take a photo of their daughter all in a bid to wish her a happy birthday. This of course did not sit well with the lady who dragged him.
See their post below;

Toke Makinwa Speaks On Fixing Her Body

Popular OAP Toke Makinwa flaunts newly-fixed body in a skin-revealing swimsuit, just few days after she posted that fixing her body was the best decision she made in 2018.

Recall that she few days ago confirmed rumors that she had undergone cosmetic surgery.

Toke Makinwa wrote:

This year I stopped complaining and changed things. I hated my body, I fixed it, (best decision ever). I hated hanging around certain people who made me feel small; I dropped them, I learnt to forgive (I still struggle but it’s a journey), I learnt to be at peace.

Oooh also learnt that life is not black and white, there are shades of grey. You don’t know it all. You don’t have to understand everyone’s journey but it’s your duty to respect it. Nobody Holy pass.

I learnt the power of compassion. We are all saved by grace and grace alone. Stopped thinking you are better that the next person, if you were in their shoes, you may do worse. Life happens to everyone and it’ll humble you

This year I tried to give Love a Chance again but let’s just say “if a fish and a bird fell in love, where would they make home”??? Still figuring me out but it was the best times I had

This year I learnt to accept things for what they are. Some people come in to your life to play a role, I call them travelers, when their job is done, let them go. Stop trying to make permanent what is temporal, you’ll lose the beauty of it all.

Shared enough for the day. Hope my tweets inspired, amused, confused and left you wanting more. Chat later, happy holidays X.

John Dumelo Says He Wishes His Wife Would Allow Him To Chop Down Sidechicks

John Dumelo was finally taken ‘off the market’ earlier this year when he got married to Gifty Mawuenya, his then-pregnant fianceé and now the mother of his son John Jr.

John becoming a ‘family man’ doesn’t seem to have changed his basic instincts because he’s out there on Instagram talking about sidechics.

We’ve spotted a meme going around about the difference between wives of today and wives from biblical times and John has decided to share it.
Well if he feels that way then his wife is really in trouble but knowing John, we can’t really say we’re surprised.

Check out the meme below…

Source: GhanaCelebrities.Com

 

 

Adamawa Deputy Speaker, Majority Leader sacked

The Speaker Adamawa House of Assembly, Kabiru Mijinyawa, said the deputy speaker and majority leader have all been sacked.

Mr Mijinyawa in a telephone interview told the  News Agency of Nigeria on Saturday in Yola said that the deputy majority leader of the House was equally removed.

The Deputy Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Emmanuel Tsamdu, the  majority leader, Hassan Barguma and the deputy majority leader, Abubakar Isa, all APC, were impeached,” Mr Mijinyawa said.

He said that the house elected Lunsumbani Dili, APC, from Demsa local government area as its new Deputy Speaker.

Muhammad Hayatu is now the majority leader, while Muhammadu Sani-Shehu is the deputy leader.

The Speaker, however, did not give the reason behind the impeachment.

NAN

Nigerian troops kill many Boko Haram terrorists in Goniri, recover gun trucks

The Nigerian troops located at Goniri in Gujba local government area of Yobe state, have have dealt a deadly blow to Boko Haram terrorists after foiling a heavy attack launched by the group on trucks on Thursday.

The Nigerian troops located at Goniri in Gujba local government area of Yobe state, have have dealt a deadly blow to Boko Haram terrorists after foiling a heavy attack launched by the group on trucks on Thursday.

The insurgents had in recent times intensified attacks on military bases.

The Nigerian troops located at Goniri in Gujba local government area of Yobe state, have have dealt a deadly blow to Boko Haram terrorists after foiling a heavy attack launched by the group on trucks on Thursday.

On Monday, the insurgents overran a military base in Kukareta, a village located about 20 kilometres to Damaturu, Yobo state, where they killed 13 soldiers and a police officer.

“There has been wild celebration in Goniri currently, none of the insurgents ran away.

“They were all killed. Their countless bodies are everywhere right now,” said a security source.

In a related development, the Nigerian Air Force has given a detailed account of how the Air Task Force, ATF, of Operation LAFIYA DOLE and Allied Air Forces provided air support to repel the attack by Boko Haram in Baga.

The fishing town was attacked by members of the Islamic State of West Africa Province, ISWAP, on the evening of December 26.

One of the gun trucks recovered

Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola, NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, gave the account, detailing the dozens of aerial strikes against the positions of the terrorists.

“It may be recalled that the Headquarters 7 Brigade Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) Baga came under attack by members of the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) in the evening of December 26.

“Upon receipt of the information of the attack, the Air Task Force (ATF) of Operation LAFIYA DOLE immediately dispatched a NAF Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), platform along with two Mi-35M Helicopter Gunships to provide support for the troops to repel the attack.

“The NAF ISR aircraft, which was overhead the troops’ location as at 7.15pm, also worked closely with a NAF and another allied ISR aircraft that are also in the operation area at the time of the attack.

“The ISR platforms were in contact with the ground troops and assisted in directing their fire against the terrorists, while the helicopter gunships engaged the terrorists at isolated locations destroying some of their vehicles and neutralising some fighters,” he said.

He said the ATF also provided support for Nigerian Army (NA), and Nigerian Navy (NN), troops at the Naval Base at Doron Baga, “which equally came under attack by ISWAP fighters on the morning of Dec.27″.

According to Daramola the ATF deployed two ISR platforms, two helicopter gunships and two Alpha Jet aircraft to provide ISR and close air support to the troops.

“After establishing communication with the ground troops, the location of the terrorists was ascertained and engaged by the Alpha Jet aircraft.

“The NAF and allied ISR platforms also spotted two ISWAP vehicles heading southwards from Baga and vectored the Alpha Jet aircraft to attack the vehicles, completely destroying one of them and neutralising the occupants.

“In order to enhance the quality of coordination between the air and ground operations, the Theatre Commander and Maritime Component Commander were carried onboard the ISR platform during one of the flights,” he said.

The spokesman said in all, the ATF conducted 20 missions in 21 sorties with a total of about 39 hours flown on December 26 and 27 in support of operations in Baga general area.
”

“The NAF appreciates the existing synergy with our gallant surface forces as well as our Regional Allies in adding value to our collective efforts to protect our territory and people,” he said.

Media personality, Nathaniel Adejoh dies at 33

Media personality, Nathaniel Adejoh, has died. Nathan who is from Kogi state, died on Monday December 24th after a long battle with an undisclosed ailment.Nathan who got married to his pretty wife, Rachel, in April 2018, was 33 years old.His friends and family had a candle light for him on Friday, December 28th. His remains will be buried on Saturday December 29th.His friends have taken to social media to mourn him. See below. 

2019: Presidency clarifies Dangote’s role in Buhari’s campaign as Nigerians

Hours after naming Africa’s richest man on the ‘special advisory committee’ to President Muhammadu for his re-election, the presidency has clarified that the businessman is not actually a member of the campaign team.

It was reported how Mr Dangote was named among seven members of the advisory committee in a list provided by Mr Buhari’s spokesperson, Femi Adesina.

Another businessman, Femi Otedola, was also on the list; while the other five were politicians.

The other five are Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; APC national leader; Bola Tinubu; Senate Leader Ahmed Lawan; House of Representatives Leader Femi Gbajabiamila; and the APC National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole.

The advisory committee was one of the committees listed in the APC ‘Presidential Campaign Council.’

The naming of the two businessmen was condemned by many Nigerians including the main opposition party, PDP.

In another statement on Friday night, however, Mr Adesina explained the status of Mr Dangote.

“It has become imperative to further clarify the status of Alhaji Aliko Dangote, named under the sub-head ADVISORY MEMBERS in the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council announced on Friday, December 28, 2018.

“Africa’s richest man, not being a card-carrying member of APC, cannot, and is not member of the PCC. He is also a member of the Peace Committee, and thus cannot be in a partisan campaign council,” Mr Adesina said.

The spokesperson did not explain why the advisory committee was listed as part of the PCC or whether his exemption of Mr Dangote also applies to the other six members of the advisory committee.

Shagari ruled without nepotism, tribal, religious sentiments, says Falae

The National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party, SDP, Chief Olu Falae, has mourned the death of former president, Alhaji Shehu Shagari, who died Friday evening at the age of 93.

Falae,who in a statement released Saturday morning by the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Alpha Mohammed, said he received the death of the former Nigerian leader with huge shock, added that Nigeria had lost yet another great leader it had ever produced.

He described Shagari as a president who led an exemplary lifestyle that eschewed all forms of discrimination, ethnic, tribal and religious sentiments.

The statement read in full:”It was with a heavy heart that I received yesterday, the sad and shocking news of the death of yet another eminent personality, elder statesman and former President of Nigeria, Alhaji Shehu Shagari whose demise occurred on Friday in Abuja after a short illness.

“It grieves my heart that Nigeria has lost yet another most outstanding leaders this country has ever produced.

“On behalf of the SDP family, I wish to express our heartfelt sympathy to the entire family of the deceased and the country at large for this monumental lose.

“As an elder statesman, the Late Shagari during his life time, led an exemplary lifestlye that eschewed all forms of discrimination, ethnic, tribal and religious sentiment.

“This was reflected in the great role he played in the emancipation of Zimbabwe and the fight against apartheid in South Africa decades ago.

“The deceased was a great patriot who fought hard not just for peace and unity of this country but was instrumental to social economic development of this country.

“As the First Executive President of Nigeria, the Late Alhaji Shehu distinguished himself with act of self-lessness during his services to the nation.

“Right from the National Assembly where he first served as a representative for his home in Sokoto province and in his capacity as Minister in various offices before becoming president in the 1979 elections, he proved himself as a worthy leader until his goverment was overthrown in 1983 after he won a second term in a coup led by Muhammadu Buhari in eve of the new year.

“He would be remembered for his patriotism, sacrifices and contributions to national development.

His integrity, diligence to duty and “exemplary leadership stlye would continue to be a reference point whenever the history of Nigeria is being relived.

“He will be missed greatly. We pray the Almighty God to grant his soul rest in the great beyond and his family as well as the entire country the fortitude to bear the lose.”

Buhari kicks off campaign, says ‘no more handouts… Nigerians have to sweat for a living’

President Muhammadu Buhari has asked Nigerians to embrace hard work and secure a source of living, saying there will be no shortcuts to acquiring wealth.
The president said this on Friday in Uyo, Akwa Ibom state capital, while flagging off the reelection campaign of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Buhari said his government has made remarkable success in tackling insurgency and in ensuring food security in the country.

According to him, many local governments were held by the Boko Haram insurgents when he assumed office but none, presently, is “physically” controlled by the group. 

“I will like those who want to challenge us at any level, at any constituency, to doubt our contribution towards our undertaking,” Buhari said.

“Our population is over 60% of young men, that is 30 years and below. Our main problem is employment. We are encouraging our farmers and we have regained food security.

“I assure you that you will not regret trusting us. We are going to secure this country, we are going to manage it properly. We are going to stop corruption, so you better sweat and work for a living because there is no more handouts.

“I assure you that no Nigerian will regret voting us into office and we will continue to improve the situation, security, economy and fighting corruption.”

APC youth leaders fault composition of Presidential Campaign Committee

A forum of Zonal and State Youth Leaders of the ruling All Progressives Congress APC has kicked against the list of Presidential Campaign Council released by the presidency on Friday, describing it as discriminatory.

The forum in its preliminary reaction said in spite of the sacrifices of its longsuffering members for the successes of the party, the APC-led administration has continued to denigrate its youth wing.

The statement signed by the North-central youth leader of the party, Comrade Terver Aginde, on behalf of all the zonal and state youth leaders, threatened to mobilize APC youths to fight what he described as injustice against the youth wing of the ruling party.

“We the zonal youths and states youth leaders of the All Progressive Congress (APC), after carefully studying the presidential campaign committee list, we are saying that the list has no interest of the youth wing of the party at heart and we will not accept anything short of totally been in charge of the Youth Directorate from the National, Zonal and State levels of the party.

“We have made sacrifices and shown commitment to the party and we deserve a good deal. We are ready to mobilize ourselves to fight against this injustice and exclusiveness if nothing is done quickly.

“We constitute the highest percentage of the voting strength, if all the zonal women leaders will be included in the campaign team, we see no reason why the youth leaders should not be included”, he added.

Akpabio asks PDP governors to surrender their states before 2019 polls

Godswill Akpabio, former governor of Akwa Ibom state, has advised governors elected under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to surrender their states before the 2019 elections.
Akpabio said this on Friday while speaking at the flag off of the All Progressives Congress (APC)l campaign for the 2019 general election.

The senator representing Akwa Ibom north west said the forthcoming election is all about integrity and President Muhammadu Buhari has what it takes to continue in office.

“We thank the national leadership of our party for choosing Akwa-Ibom state to flag off the 2019 presidential campaign. Uyo is now the capital of APC in the south-south. We are taking over from southern Nigeria,” Akpabio said.

“The 2019 election is all about integrity versus others. Mr. President has the integrity to continue in office. He has completed many projects he met on ground, initiating new ones and that is why we are going to run the APC presidential election in this country on the basis of performance. Other states, like the PDP states that have done nothing should surrender even before the election. They should surrender before February.”

You’ll not regret trusting me, Buhari tells Nigerians

President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday flagged off his campaign for re-election in Uyo, Akwa Ibom state, with a promise not to fail Nigerians.
“I assure you that you will not regret trusting us,” Mr Buhari said from the stage, where he stood with other leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), to address the large crowd at the 30,000-capacity Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.

“We are going to secure this country, we are going to manage it properly. We are going to stop corruption,” the president said.

Mr Buhari said his campaign in 2015 was anchored on security, economy, and anti-corruption fight, and that his administration has done fairly well in these areas.

The president insisted that his administration has won the battle against the insurgency in the country’s North-east region.

He said Boko Haram was in control of 17 local government areas in Borno and Yobe before he was elected president in 2015, but that the terrorist organisation was no longer in control of any local government area in the country.

He said Boko Haram was now focused on recruiting and indoctrinating young men and women, and sending them out as suicide bombers to blow up soft targets like markets, churches, and mosques.

“I assure you that eventually, we are going to clear them off from our country,” President Buhari said.

The president said, through the effort of his administration, the country has regained food security.

On his administration’s war against corruption, President Buhari said he has learned to do things differently, compared with when he was a young military ruler.

“When I was around in uniform and much younger, I arrested from the president, the vice president, the governors, the ministers, I told them that they were guilty until they can prove themselves innocent.

“When I came into agbada, I decided to follow the system. Those who are corrupt would be investigated and prosecuted.

“We are doing that and we will not stop.

“I assure you we have collected properties, we have collected cash, and we have gone back to single treasury account – all monies are going into government purse with one account which means it can be traced and accounted for.

“Nigerians will be informed from time to time how much we have recovered and from who and how we are going to use it to develop this country.”

The president thanked the people of Akwa Ibom and others in the South-south for coming out to welcome him in Uyo.

President Buhari was accompanied to Uyo by the APC national chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, a national leader of the party, Bola Tinubu, and some of the APC governors, including Rochas Okorocha of Imo State.

‘Nigeria will miss your wise counsel’ — Buhari mourns Shagari

President Muhammadu Buhari says the wise counsel of ex-President Shehu Shagari, will forever be missed by Nigerians.
Buhari said this in his condolence message to the family of Shagari who died at the National Hospital, Abuja, on Friday.

He was the first democratically elected president of Nigeria and was the sole president of the second republic.

“I mourn the departure of a patriot, who served Nigeria with humility, integrity and diligence. Nigerians held him in the highest esteem even when he was out of office, until his demise, and will forever miss his wise counsels,” Buhari tweeted on Friday.

“I pray that Almighty God will comfort his family and all who mourn him, and grant his soul eternal rest.”

In 1983, the military staged a coup which ended Shagari’s second tenure and ushered in Buhari, then a  major general, as head of state.

During the 90th birthday of the deceased in 2015, Buhari said Shagari showed him civility and courtesy,  despite ousting his government.

“Although my government forcibly removed his government, he has always shown me civility and much courtesy. His contributions at the National Council of State meetings, which I attend, have always been constructive and eloquent,” he had said.

APC reacts to death of PDP supporters

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has condoled with the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) over the death of some of its members following a fatal accident on Otukpo-Agatu Road in Benue State while travelling for the campaign flag-off of a senatorial candidate on Friday.

Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, APC National Publicity Secretary, in a statement on Saturday, said the party is anguished and deeply saddened by the tragic accident.

“While we share the pains of the bereaved families, we also pray that those injured in the accident make a speedy and full recovery.

“As we mourn, the Party prays that the Almighty God give the bereaved families and other loved ones the strength to withstand the tragic loss and also grant the dead eternal rest.

“Political activities have expectedly heightened in the leadup to the 2019 General Elections. The APC urges all to ensure safety as we go about our respective campaign activities.

“We also call on relevant agencies charged with keeping transport routes and campaign grounds safe to ensure that the electioneering campaigns are as humanly possible devoid of avoidable accidents and incidents.”

2019: PDP rejects ‘Operation Python Dance

The Peoples Democratic Party on Saturday said it was opposed to the commencement of a nationwide military exercise, Egwu Eke III otherwise called Python Dance.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Tukur Buratai, had said the military exercise which would commence from January 1, 2019 and last till February 28 was in preparation against security challenges anticipated before, during and after the 2019 general election.

But the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Kola Ologbondiyan in a statement alleged that President Muhammadu Buhari was plotting to use the planned nationwide ‘Operation Python Dance’ to legitimise his administration’s alleged ploy of using the military to intimidate voters and rig the 2019 presidential election.

He stated that Buhari planned to use the military having realised that he cannot win in a free and fair poll.

According to him, the plot is in line with the alleged desperation of the Buhari Presidency to foist a siege mentality on the nation ahead of the 2019 general elections.

Ologbondiyan, who is also the Director, Media and Publicity, PDP Presidential Campaign Organization said, “Our investigation shows that part of the plot is to use the military operation as a subterfuge to unleash heavy security presence to intimidate, harass and instil fear in voters in PDP strongholds across the country and pave the way for the allocation of fictitious votes to President Buhari and the APC.

“Further investigation revealed that agents of the Buhari Presidency are working in cohort with some compromised top officials of the Prof. Mahmood Yakubu-led Independent National Electoral Commission  to use soldiers to provide cover for diversion of electoral materials, as well as aid APC agents in their plan to unleash violence and disrupt the electoral process in areas where the PDP is winning.

“In spanning the military operation to February 28, 2019, the Buhari Presidency betrayed its anticipation of public rejection or violence, which can only come when a result that does not reflect the actual wish of the people is announced.”

Ologbondiyan stated that everybody in Nigeria and world over, including the Presidency, knew the direction the 2019 presidential election tide is flowing.

He added that Nigerians are eager for a new president, having lost confidence in Buhari, due to his alleged failures in governance.

He said, “The PDP PCO, therefore, rejects this deliberate attempt by the Buhari Presidency to set our military on a collision course with Nigerians, bearing in mind the collateral damage that usually occurs whenever the civilian population clashes with military.

“Our nation is a democratic state and we are not in a state of emergency that requires the militarization of our electoral process.

“Our military, which is cherished by Nigerians, should, therefore, foreclose any attempt by the Buhari Presidency to use it to set our country on fire.”

According to him, all that Nigerians desire at this point is to go to the polls and peacefully elect a new President to reposition the nation and not another round of electoral crisis.

Junaid Mohammed blasts Buhari, Osinbajo, Fashola over 2023 Yoruba presidency

Second Republic lawmaker, Junaid Mohammed, on Saturday lambasted the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo and the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola over their comments on the South West producing the President in 2023 if they vote President Muhammadu Buhari in 2019.

Speaking with Dailypost, Mohammed stressed that the President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration was attempting to derail the country’s democratic process and cause mayhem by making such remark.

Recall that Osinbajo had, while speaking in Ibadan, Oyo State last week, said a vote for Buhari may lead to South-West producing president in 2023.

However, the medical doctor-turned politician stated that every Nigerian has the right to aspire for the seat of the presidency.

He wondered on which premise, the Vice President could be making such remark when Nigerians are aware of their failures.

Mohammed also described Buhari as a man with no pedigree and empathy for Nigerians.

He said: “First and foremost, I believe Osinbajo and the other scondrel, Fashola have been making that point which is dangerous. In a country that is porous with an understanding that there should be zoning and rotation for them to now come out and be making this kind of reckless statement is something that should be condemned.

“Whether the Igbos are right or wrong in agitating for presidency in 2023 is beside the point, the point is that theoretically or otherwise every Nigerian has the right to aspire to that office or any political office which is elected.

“Any attempt to now bring a counter agitation to that of Igbos will be completely useless and service no purpose and further divide the country.

“And for this so-called government of Buhari that has not delivered on anything, despite his lies that he has delivered all his electoral to now start this agitation is an attempt to derail the Democratic process and of course deliver is into mayhem which they have no solutions to.

“They have failed in combating Boko Haram, North West and Niger Delta. So what do they have to use in campaign for 2023 when we are yet to see 2019. So you can see that this people are not patriots, they are under a leader that is entirely useless with no pedigree, no character, no education and empathy for Nigerians.”