2019 elections: Buhari’s supporters mere sycophants, Nigerians must retire APC – PDP senatorial candidate

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Senatorial Candidate for the Ondo North Senatorial District, Olusegun Alonge has urged Nigerians to retire the All Progressives Congress, APC, led government with their votes in the forthcoming general elections.

Alonge, who emphasized that it is only the PDP that can right the wrongs of the APC, stated that within the spate of three years of governance, the people are now feeling the pains allegedly caused by the APC.

The PDP senatorial candidate, who stated this in Oke-Agbe Akoko in Akoko North West Area of Ondo State while canvassing for votes ahead of the February 16th polls, appealed to the people not to be induced against their conscience.

His words: “I urge you to desist from what happened about four years ago, where almost all the votes were bought. Those who engaged in vote buying used stolen funds to induce you.

“With this, no one would take you serious. They won’t construct roads, they won’t build schools for your children, since you’ve collected money.

“Now the time has come for you to vote your conscience and be liberated from the torment APC government under Buhari has subjected you to.

“There are no jobs for our youths anymore. The moment our children finish from school they return to their parents’ home. Imagine, the APC has not bothered to find solution to this. They only blame PDP for all their woes.”

He further maintained that if his party’s presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar is elected president in February, the anomalies committed by APC would be corrected.

According to him, one of the priorities of Atiku would be to revitalize what he described as the country’s nosediving economy as well as maximum focus on the youth, who he said are the heartbeat of any nation serious about all-round development.

“Our presidential candidate, Atiku has however pledged to ensure that our youth are gainfully employed, unlike Buhari who called our youths lazy.

“The youths are the future of this country but it’s quite unfortunate that Buhari has done nothing for them.

“He promised three million jobs every year, but over 12 million jobs were lost instead, with the situation deteriorating the more.

“They even introduced traders money, let’s be honest with ourselves, what business can you do conveniently with N10, 000 in the present economy situation of this country.”

He also alleged that those supporting Buhari for re-election were merely doing so as sycophants.

“Buhari has failed woefully. The basic reason why those supporting Buhari are doing that is simply because they are trying to cover up the shady dealings that have been perpetrated by the APC.

“They lied about subsidy, when they got to the helms of affairs they changed their tunes about subsidy. Now we pay more for subsidy. This is pure fraud.

“By all means they are trying to force the CJN out of the system, the reason been that they already know the outcome of the election and they don’t want Onnoghen to decide the numerous case after the election. They know that he is a no nonsense man.

“They claimed to have purchased arms and ammunition for our soldiers but reverse is the situation at the war front with the Boko Haram insurgents as our gallant men die everyday due to lack of military hardware to confront Boko Haram. They have even refused to give them the honour of proper military burial they deserve.”

Senate calls emergency session, to take major decision against Buhari

The Senate will reconvene on Tuesday.

Channels Television reported Saturday evening that the National Assembly would reconvene to discuss the suspension of Justice Walter Onnoghen as the Chief Justice of Nigeria.

A source was reported as confirming that the National Assembly would hold a leadership meeting on Sunday over the matter where a stand against the decision of President Muhammadu Buhari will be taken.

The lawmakers had during Thursday’s plenary adjourned sitting until February 19, after the Presidential and National Assembly elections.

But the decision to reconvene next week followed the suspension of Justice Onnoghen by President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday.

The President had thereafter appointed and sworn in Justice Tanko Muhammed as acting CJN.

Meanwhile, the federal government has reacted to the public outcry against the suspension of Onnoghen.

Many Nigerians, as well as the United States, the European Union and the United Kingdom have condemned the development.

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has now faulted the criticisms in an in interview with newsmen on Saturday in Ilorin.

The minister said the critics ignored the real issues which concern corruption and the need to protect the judiciary.

He said: “Anybody who read the address of the president yesterday will know that he laid out the point and reasons for the action.

“The first is that there are additional evidence revealing that the suspended CJN refused to declare millions of dollars in his possession

“More worrisome is the fact that when the suspended CJN was confronted with the petition that he failed to declare his asset, he admitted adducing the reason that he forgot.

“The people that are crying tyranny and dictatorship should ask where the suspended CJN amass several millions of dollars which he failed to declare.

“We are talking about fighting corruption here. Are those people who are crying wolf saying we should condone corruption?’’

Mohammed said the critics were being “hypocritical and insincere” to say that it was right for a CJN to be in possession of millions of dollars unaccounted for and not declared as required by law.

YOUNG FATHER SITS ON ROAD IN PORT HARCOURT ,PLEADS FOR THE LIFE OF HIS SICK CHILD

A Nigerian father identified as Agoboye Francis Monday has been caught on camera weeping by the roadside with his sick child who has heart disease in Port Harcourt.

In the disheartening video, Agobaye, who sat in front of the Rivers State government house said he has been to so many places including churches for help but nothing tangible has come out from them.

According to Agoboye, his son, Beniah has many holes in his heart and needs about N15 million for surgery. He said he has spent all his life savings on his child and needs assistance from well-meaning Nigerians.

On Thursday, January 24th, he took his child to the Rivers state government house to see if he could by chance see governor Nyesom Wike, but the security officers chased him away.

Agoboye shared photos of an appeal he wrote to the state government for help but up till now, there was no response.

He says his son has only 64 days to live if emergency surgery is not carried out.

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Charlyboy, protesters storm US Embassy over Buhari’s removal of CJN Onnoghen [PHOTO]

Hundreds of civil society leaders, lawyers and opposition politicians stormed the United States, U.S. embassy in Abuja on Saturday.
The protesters demanded that the U.S intervene in the “constitutional crisis” ignited by President Muhammadu Buhari with the removal of Walter Onnoghen as Chief Justice of Nigeria.
Already, the president has appointed Justice Tanko Muhammad as the acting CJN.

The protesters, who where jointly led by CUPP spokesman, Imo Ugochinyere, Comrade Ariyo and Charlyboy, vowed to continue sitting at the embassy until tangible response comes out of their demand.
The group called on the NBA to announce total shut down on Monday and ban any lawyer from appearing or recognizing Muhammed.
Meanwhile, Muhammad, has urged the 250 appointed Chairmen and members of the Election Petition Tribunals to be guided by the fear of God in the performance of their duties.

The acting CJN stated this on Saturday in Abuja during the oath taking and swearing in ceremony of judicial officers appointed to oversee disputes arising from the forthcoming general elections.
“I am delighted to address you all on this occasion of the swearing-in ceremony for the newly appointed Chairmen and members of Election Petition Tribunals for the 2019 General Elections that is around the corner.

“As you lordships take the oath of office as chairmen and members of the Election Petition Tribunals, let me remind you that this oath is a solemn appeal to Almighty God.


“Therefore, it is God Almighty that you will be ultimately responsible to.

“Therefore, it is from this oath that your duties and responsibilities as chairmen and members of the Election Petition Tribunals in your various places of assignment spring forth and has a binding effect.

“This is an ethical undertaking to justice as well as upholding the rule of law in our courts.

“As such, I implore you to discharge your onerous duty diligently and with the fear of God Almighty,’’ he said.

Muhammad also said: “the judiciary is in the trying time, you must stand to protect and uphold the integrity of this arm of government’’.

“I therefore congratulate you on this appointment and I urge you to see this assignment as a call to greater service to your nation.

“I encourage you to uphold and enhance the honour and standing of the judiciary and I pray that the Almighty God will bestow upon you strength, good health and wisdom in the performance of your duties’’, Muhammad said.

I won’t step down my campaign -Donald Duke

Mr Donald Duke, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) Presidential Candidate, says he is going ahead with his campaigns in spite of delays caused by litigation over his candidature.

Duke, a former Governor of Cross River, told newsmen in Lagos on Saturday that his campaign would officially commence next week as he had been pronounced the bona-fide candidate of SDP by the Court of Appeal.

The court in Abuja on Thursday declared Duke the presidential candidate of SDP for the Feb. 16 Presidential Election.

A three-member panel, led by Justice Abdul Aboki, set aside the Dec. 14, 2018, judgment of a Federal Capital Territory High Court which declared Prof. Jerry Gana, a former Minister of Information, the candidate of the party.

Duke said: “ I may have lost time over the proceedings but it will not in any way stall my progress or affect my victory at the polls.

“We have concluded arrangements to kick-start a very smart campaign that will reach the electorate across the nation.

“My campaign will not be a conventional one but it will be very effective.

“Nigerians are yearning for an alternative platform and we intend to position ourselves as that alternative that the people crave for.”

He urged all aggrieved members of the party to unite and work as one family to ensure victory for SDP and its candidates across the country.

Duke said SDP was working on bringing Gana fully back to its fold, adding that he (Duke) would have accepted defeat and worked with Gana if the judgment had not been in his favour as was earlier agreed by the party.

“Gana is mature and noble and am sure we will get through this to achieve the Nigeria of our dream,” he said.

The SDP presidential candidate said Nigeria needed something new that would give young people hope which was what he represented.

“Outside President Muhammadu Buhari, I am the only presidential candidate that has headed a government. I have the experience.

“My vision is that we cannot leave Nigeria the way it is any longer. We need to love ourselves, we have lost our humanity.

“It’s not going to happen overnight but I see the Nigeria of my dream emerging in the next 10 years,” he said.

On threats by the U.S. and UK to deny visas to anyone or politician involved in rigging in the upcoming elections, Duke said the UN, EU, AU and ECOWAS should toe the same line.

“The international community must treat election riggers like pariahs and ensure they are not admitted into their countries. Such measure will go a long way in curbing electoral malpractice in future polls in Nigeria,” he said.

Duke decried the suspension of Justice Walter Onnoghen as Chief Justice of Nigeria and described the action as a trial of the Supreme Court and the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA).

“It is the Supreme Court and NBA that are on trial in this matter. This issue may cascade into many other issues in Nigeria if it is not handled with care.

“I feel the removal is hasty and should be reconsidered in the interest of respect for our democracy and laws,” he said.

On the national presidential debates that he missed, Duke said: “ There will be others. I am aware that it is not the best that we find ourselves in that situation but it is not my fault.”

He said Nigerians knew who and what their desires were and would still vote for him in spite of the short time left for the presidential election.

Photos: Ibadan rocks for Buhari

Mrs Ajimobi, Asiwaju Tinubu at the Ibadan rally

Ibadan, capital of Oyo State literally came to a standstill on Saturday as President Muhammadu Buhari arrived the city for his re-election campaign.

Earlier photographs showed the venue of the rally throbbing with a large crowd and All Progressives Party bigwigs, with King Wasiu Ayinde, KWAM1, adding some sideshow to the electrifying ambience.Some glimpses of Ibadan rally

The N-Power beneficiaries also at the rallyPart of the crowd at Ibadan rally awaiting the arrival of President BuhariCampaign spokesman Festus Keyamo and SSA to President Buhari Tolu Ogunlesi in Ibadan

‘Buhari assaulting Nigerians in Babariga’ – Dino Melaye

The senator representing Kogi West district in the National Assembly, Dino Melaye has accused President Muhammadu Buhari of destroying democracy in Nigeria.

Melaye in a post on his Twitter page titled, “THE AUDACITY OF BAD LEADERSHIP IN NIGERIA,” urged Nigerians to stand up against the government and stop ‘evil audacity’ in the country.

Making reference to Buhari’s regime in 1983, Melaye said “Buhari in 1983 destroyed Democracy in Khaki and today in 2019 is assaulting Nigerians in babariga.

“Man dies only once,Nigerians! we must all come out of our cocoons and stop this display of evil audacity.

“Government is not owned by those in Government but owned by the People. Nigerians must prove that the people are bigger than those in Government. The time to act is NOW!!

Buhari has since Friday been under criticisms after he suspended Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen based on an order of Code of Conduct Tribunal, CCT.

Police, DSS bar Journalists from Onnoghen’s house

Journalists have been barred from accessing the house of the suspended Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen.

Our correspondent who tried to gain access to the house located close to the Supreme Court was denied entry by stern-looking security men comprised of policemen and men of Department of State Services.
He was turned back by the men wearing presidential villa accreditation tag who told him his visit could not be permitted.

No recent herdsmen attack in Benue – Military

Fulani Herdsmen

Maj.Gen Adeyemi Yekini, Force Commander, Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) has denied media reports that herdsmen killed 15 Benue indigenes in a renewed attack on communities in the state.

Yekini, who denied the report in a statement signed by him on Saturday in Makurdi, said there were no such killings in the state.

” The headquarters of OPWS, wish to state that the force did not receive any report of a single killing or even injury inflicted by armed herdsmen on anybody in any part of Benue state in the past several months.

” OPWS has troops in all the areas mentioned including Makurdi and there is no way up to 15 people would be killed without our troops being aware of it.

” Such a large number of killings would have triggered exodus of people in the affected communities , which journalists would have captured almost as they happen.

” There are also other security agencies on ground including traditional, military units, Police, Civil Defense and DSS personnel, who would have filed reports of the killings through their respective channels while also exchanging such information with us.

” HQ OPWS is requesting the good people of Benue to disregard the news and go about their normal business activities without fear, with assurance that OPWS remains resolutely committed to restoring lasting peace to Benue State.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the commander of the military operation had in July 2018 told journalists that the military outfit had substantially degraded armed militia groups in the affected states and was currently helping displaced persons return to their homes.

“OPWS had substantially achieved its mandate of putting to an end incessant killings by armed armed groups in the three states which constitutes its Joint Operation Area.

“The Force is now focused on destroying remnants of armed militia camps that might still be in any parts of Benue, Nasarawa and Taraba states in addition to working for the return of more IDP’s.”

NAN reports that the special operation, comprising Air force, Army, Navy, DSS, Intelligence gathering outfits, was constituted by President Muhammadu Buhari to tackle incessant militia attacks on unarmed civilians in the three states

Ag. CJN, Muhammad alleges plot to destroy Judiciary, seeks support

The Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Tanko Muhammad, has alluded to a plot to destabilize the Judiciary, saying it was time for Judges to stand and protect its integrity.

Ag. CJN, Muhammad
Justice Muhammad who performed his first official function by inaugurating Judges that will handle 2019 National Assembly, Governorship & State Assembly Election Petition Tribunals, on Saturday, said the Judiciary Arm of Government was passing through a turbulent period.

While addressing the 250 Election Petition Tribunal Judges at the ceremony that took place inside the Supreme Court, the Acting CJN, said: “As your lordships take the oath of office as Chairmen and Members of the Election Petition Tribunals, let me remind you that this oath is a solemn appeal to Almighty God.

“Therefore, it is to God Almighty that you will be ultimately responsible.

It is from this oath that your duties and responsibilities as Chairmen and Members of the Election Petition Tribunals in your various places of assignment spring forth and has a binding effect on each and everyone of you.

“This is an ethical undertaking to justice as well as to uphold the RuIe Of Law in our courts and tribunals.

“As such, I implore you to discharge this onerous duty diligently and with the fear of God Almighty.

“The judiciary is in the trying time, you must stand, I repeat you must stand to protect and uphold the integrity of this arm of government.

“If any other person is trying to destroy it, we should try to protect it.

“If we don’t protect it ourselves, no one can do it for us. Therefore it is our sacred duty to see that we protect the judiciary.

“I therefore congratulate you on this appointment and I urge you to see this assignment as a call to greater service to your nation.

“I encourage you to uphold and enhance the honour, integrity and standing of the judiciary and I pray that the Almighty Allah wiII bestow upon you strength, good health and wisdom and capabilities in the performance of your duties”.

Meanwhile, other Justices of the Supreme Court, boycotted the event that had few guests in attendance.

President Muhammadu Buhari had in an unprecedented move on Friday evening, suspended the substantive CJN, Justice Walter Onnoghen, even as he swore in Justice Muhammad to take over the leadership of the Nigerian Judiciary.

President Buhari premised his action on an ex-parte order from the Code of Conduct Tribunal, CCT, in Abuja, where the suspended CJN is facing charges the Federal Government entered against him for allegedly failing to declare his assets as prescribed by the law.

Specifically, the CCT order read: “It is hereby ordered as follows: That the defendant/respondent shall step aside as the Chief Justice of Nigeria and Chairman National Judicial Council over allegation of Contravening the provisions of the code of Conducts and Tribunal Act CAP C15 Laws of the Federation 2004 pending the determination of the Motion on notice dated 10th January 2019.

“That the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria shall take all necessary measure to swear in the most senior Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria as Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria and Chairman National Judicial Council in order to prevent a vacuum in the judicial arm of government pending the determination of the motion on notice”.

Meanwhile, anxiety has continued to mount over whereabouts of the suspended CJN, as stern looking armed security operatives from both the Nigerian Police and the Department of State Service, DSS, cordoned off his premises situated within the Three Arm Zone of the Federal Capital Territory.

The security operatives barred journalists and other well wishers from having access to the area.

Every attempt to reach the Senior Special Assistant to the CJN on Media, Mr. Awassam Bassey, proved abortive, as all his mobile telephone lines were switched off.

Action of the security agents has further fuelled insinuation that the embattled CJN who had earlier announced his plan to inaugurate the election petition tribunal judges, could have been placed under house arrest.

Banky W N57million accusation – Singer threatens woman with jail

Banky W N57million accusation: Earlier today, a woman identified as Miriam Shehu called out singer Banky W for allegedly receiving N57million from President Muhammadu Buhari.

The payment which was reportedly meant for a campaign for the president, was allegedly received by the singer, whom the accuser claimed didn’t execute the project.

Banky W in his reaction, said it is a false allegation and has threatened to sue the accuser

He wrote:

FALSE. COMPLETELY false and untrue. I’ve never met this person, and never collected a dime to do anything for this President. I DARE YOU to show proof of the false stories you are peddling. Why would I be running on an independent party in my own constituency if that was my plan?

Someone can tweet “Banky W has collected 57 million contract to do PR for Buhari” and get hundreds of retweets/believers in a few mins, without anyone actually bothering to ask for proof. It is COMPLETELY false, but noone cares for the truth.

I can’t spend time engaging in a Twitter war with people who clearly don’t care about facts and truth, and prefer to push slander and lies because it makes for juicy news, regardless of who they need to drag in the dirt.

I’ve called my lawyers, and sent screenshots of the latest lies and slander used against me. I hope the people who posted them are prepared to provide PROOF in court. Shey you have dragged my name in the mud again, you MUST provide proof of your accusations or you will go to jail

I've called my lawyers, and sent screenshots of the latest lies and slander used against me. I hope the people who posted them are prepared to provide PROOF in court. Shey you have dragged my name in the mud again, you MUST provide proof of your accusations or you will go to jail

— Banky Wellington (@BankyW) January 26, 2019

I might sound cliche but I don’t wear pant anymore – Actress Nazo Ekezie reveals

Nigerian actress Nazo Ekezie has joined the list of women who made this decision. The actress revealed that she has decided not to wear underwear anymore and also keep them safe whenever she goes out.

The actress who made her decision known during an interview with The Sun, noted that she would not joke with her destiny.

She wrote:

“I might sound cliché but I don’t wear pants anymore. I’m not going to joke with my destiny, and if I’m taking my clothes off anywhere, my underwear is going straight into my bag.”

Ekezie also talked about her love life. She revealed that she is single and available, but she wants a man who loves her for who she is not for her fame.

The actress said:

“I’m single and available. I am looking for someone who fame doesn’t entice or affect. I want someone who would be patient enough to know me and not look at me from the movie angle. I would love someone who sees me as Nazo and not as an actress all the time.”

“Right now, I seriously want to be in a relationship. I want to be with someone I love, someone who loves me as me, but not as an actress or movie star. I want to be with a person that actually knows me, a person who loves me and willing to relate with me as Nazo and not as an actress. That one is so important. I’m not looking out to marry a (Aliko) Dangote but my man needs to be comfortable. He has to be able to provide for me.”

Onnoghen: Nigeria now Germany in the wake of the 1933 Reichstag fire – Dogara

Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara (middle) addressing journalists shortly after plenary, at the National Assembly yesterday with him are Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Yusuff Lasun(left) and Chief whip,Hon. Alhassan Ado Doguwa.

The Speaker, House of Representatives, Mr. Yakubu Dogara has said that with the suspension of the Chief Judge of the country Nigeria is now a full-blown dictatorship, saying: ‘as of today, Nigeria is now Germany in the wake of the 1933 Reichstag fire.

He lamented that Nigeria’s democracy is on fire; ignited by the very people who swore to protect and defend it.

Dogara in a statement on Saturday said called on all lovers of freedom and democracy all over the world to rise to the occasion and demand of this Government and the President to halt the march to anarchy and bedlam: which dictatorship promotes.

His statement reads thus
With the unconstitutional suspension of the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) by President Muhammadu Buhari, the world has been served with notice that Nigeria is now a full-blown dictatorship. This did not come as a rude shock except to those that have been blind to the gradual but progressive erosion of democratic values in the polity as President Buhari’s Government has never hidden its disdain for the rule of law.

This did not come as a rude shock except to those that have been blind to the gradual but progressive erosion of democratic values in the polity as President Buhari’s Government has never hidden its disdain for the rule of law.

We have watched in disbelief as the Government recklessly deploys institutional prerogatives; routinely flouts the rule of law; subverts and assaults democratic Institutions; refuses to accept opponents as legitimate; suppresses citizens civil liberties(especially those of opponents) and trample underfoot the media. In short, the Government’s tyrannical and authoritarian credentials are loathsomely legendary.

No provision in Sections 157 and 292 of the 1999 Constitution as amended supports the President in purporting to suspend the CJN or swearing in an acting CJN. The whole idea of a limited government is that the President’s powers is limited by law and it is ultra vires his powers to act in the absence of explicit legislative authorization. That is representative democracy at its best which our 1999 Constitution as amended guarantees.

It is instructive to note that our Constitution does not contemplate or presupposes a situation whereby the Judiciary will have a suspended CJN and an acting CJN at the same time. Therefore, it is right to posit, as some have done that the President now has his own Chief Judge to do his bidding while Nigeria has a sitting CJN until he is removed in line with the provisions of the Constitution.

The awfully crude annexation of the judiciary by the President in violation of his oath of office and the Constitution cannot be for any other reason except, as alleged by so many, to prepare the judiciary ahead of time for the purpose of conferring some aura of legitimacy to the contraption that the 2019 general elections may after all become.

I therefore call on the President to remember that he has no better legacy to bequeath other than a good name: which cannot be achieved without honour, character and integrity. Honour and integrity demand that he upholds his oath of office by reversing this assault on our Constitution and following the manifestly clear and unambiguous constitutional procedure for the removal of the CJN if he must be removed. Anything short of this demeans all of us.

To our citizens, we must now head the warning of the Irish lawyer cum orator, John Philpot Curran who said, “the condition upon which God had given liberty to man is eternal vigilance: which condition if he breaks, servitude is at once the consequences of his crime, and the punishment of his guilt”. Despotism can only prosper in Nigeria if good men and women do nothing.

I also call on all lovers of freedom and democracy all over the world to rise to the occasion and demand of this Government and the President to halt the march to anarchy and bedlam: which dictatorship promotes. The world has an experience in this and it must not allow this unmitigated disaster on Nigeria before it acts to restore sanity.

As of today, Nigeria is now Germany in the wake of the 1933 Reichstag fire. Our democracy is on fire; ignited by the very people who swore to protect and defend it. That this fire must not convert the Chancellor to Fuhrer as it happened in Germany in 1933 depends on our collective response and that of the international community. We must not bow our knees to dictatorship: not now, not ever again.

EU Worried About Process, Timing Of Onnoghen’s Suspension

The European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) has raised concern with the suspension of Justice Walter Onnoghen as the Chief Justice of Nigeria.

In a statement on Saturday, the mission questioned the process and timing of the suspension of Justice Onnoghen by President Muhammadu Buhari.

It noted that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had invited the European Union to observe the forthcoming general elections.

The EOM stressed that with less than three weeks to the polls, there was a need for political parties and their candidates, as well as the electorate to be confident of the independence of the judiciary.

It wondered why Justice Onnoghen was suspended at a time so close to the swearing-in of justices for Electoral Tribunals and the hearing of election-related cases.

The mission, therefore, called on all parties to follow the processes provided for in the Constitution and to respond calmly to any issue raised.

The statement comes a day after President Buhari appointed and swore in Justice Tanko Mohammed as acting CJN.

Read the full statement from the EU EOM below;

 

The European Union was invited by the Independent National Electoral Commission to observe the 2019 general elections.

The EU Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) is very concerned about the process and timing of the suspension of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Honourable Justice Walter Onnoghen, on 25 January. 

With 20 days until the presidential and National Assembly elections, political parties, candidates and voters must be able to have confidence in the impartiality and independence of the judicial system.

The decision to suspend the Chief Justice has led to many Nigerians, including lawyers and civil society observer groups, to question whether due process was followed.

The timing, just before the swearing in of justices for Electoral Tribunals and the hearing of election-related cases, has also raised concerns about the opportunity for electoral justice.

The EU EOM calls on all parties to follow the legal processes provided for in the Constitution and to respond calmly to any concerns they may have.

The EU EOM will continue observing all aspects of the election, including the independence of the election administration, the neutrality of security agencies, and the extent to which the judiciary can and does fulfil its election-related responsibilities.

My pastor’s wife slept with my boyfriend | Nigerian woman opens up.

A Nigerian lady identified as @gentry_mama has taken to the platform to narrate how her pastor’s wife slept with her boyfriend after stepping in to settle a dispute between them.

In her narration, she was on the verge of breaking up with her man, when the pastor’s wife noticed and then invited them. Unfortunately, the guy eventually slept with the woman.

She wrote;

“My boyfriend and I were having some issues, the quarrel was so bad that we were on the verge of breaking up. I was not happy and that affected my zeal in the church. My pastor’s wife noticed, and asked me to invite my BF for a talk, after I told her. The woman later fuckd my man.”

Banky W collected N57million from Buhari – Woman calls out singer, says she has evidence

A woman, Shalom Miriam Shehu‏ , has claimed singer Banky W collected N57million to run adverts for President Muhammadu Buhari, which he never did.

According to Mariam, she has evidence of the transaction between Mr Bankole Wellington, who is  contesting for Federal House Of Representatives under Modern Democratic Party, and the campaign organization of President Muhammadu Buhari.

See her tweet:

Mr. Wellington, come out and support Buhari with your chest. You can’t be doing this non-partisan shit forever. Your EME Company you converted to PR firm got a contract of N57m through one Abubakar Ahmed to promote Buhari. Why have you not been doing your work?

I have a picture of you and your wife traveling to Abuja via Arik Air in December where the contract was signed. Your client paid for the Business class that you and Adesuwa traveled with that day. The trip was on a Sunday morning. I dare you to deny this.

Mr. Wellington, come out and support Buhari with your chest. You can’t be doing this non-partisan shit forever.

Your EME Company you converted to PR firm got a contract of N57m through one Abubakar Ahmed to promote Buhari. Why have you not been doing your work? https://t.co/lip4u6zERK

— Shalom Miriam Shehu (@MiriamShehu) January 26, 2019

Femi Falana finally reacts to Buhari’s suspension of CJN, blasts lawyers serving in Buhari's government.

A frontline legal luminary, Femi Falana, has reacted to the suspension of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Walter Onnoghen, by President Muhammadu Buhari.

The senior lawyer picked holes in the exparte order of the Code of Conduct Tribunal, CCT, relied upon by Buhari to suspend Justice Onnoghen.

We reported yesterday that President Buhari suspended Justice Onnoghen as the CJN and swore in Justice Tanko Muhammad on acting capacity.

Falana, while pointing out discrepancies in the controversial order, called on the Bar and the Bench to challenge the illegal suspension and the fascism gradually creeping on the nation.

He also lambasted lawyers serving in Buhari’s cabinet, particularly the three senior advocates, although he did not mention their names.

Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, the Minister of Power, Works and Housing and the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami are all learned silks.

In a statement he personally signed on Saturday, Falana, said, “I have had cause to call on the Attorney-General of the Federation, Mr Abubakar Malami SAN to withdraw the charge of false declaration of assets filed against the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen at the Code of Conduct Tribunal.

“The call was without prejudice to the merit of the serious allegations levelled against the Chief Justice. In line with decided judicial authorities, I had wanted the National Judicial Council to investigate the allegations.

“Unfortunately, the 88th statutory meeting of the National Judicial Council scheduled to hold on January 15, 2019, which could have deliberated on the matter and take an informed position was postponed indefinitely on the directive of the embattled Chief Justice.

“As the battle shifted to the courts, both the Judiciary and the Executive were shopping for court orders from the Federal High Court, the National Industrial Court, the Code of Conduct Tribunal and the Court of Appeal. In the process, settled principles of law were sacrificed for the exigency of the moment. Thus, at the 15th annual Gani Fawehinmi lecture which held in Lagos on January 15 2019, I was compelled to warn against the dangerous trend.

“Regrettably, the warning fell on deaf ears. Curiously, in an act of brazen impunity, the Executive procured an ex parte order from the Code of Conduct Tribunal for the immediate suspension of the Chief Justice from office. In his purported compliance with the ex parte order, President Mohammadu Buhari has announced the suspension of Justice Onnoghen as the Chief Justice and appointed Justice Tanko Mohammad as the Acting Chief Justice.

“It is unfortunate that the Bar and the Bench have played into the hands of the sponsors of incipient fascism in the country

“For reasons best known to them, the stakeholders in the legal profession stood by and allowed the Office of the Chief Justice to be completely desecrated. It is intriguing that the 12 lawyers including three Senior Advocates of Nigeria in the federal cabinet did not deem it fit to dissuade President Buhari from carrying out the illegal suspension of the Chief Justice on the basis of an ex parte order issued by the Code of Conduct Tribunal.

” In particular, they ought to have reminded the President of the compulsory retirement of Justice Stanley Nnaji and Justice Wilson Egbo-Egbo for issuing illegal ex parte orders for the removal of Dr Chris Ngige as Governor of Anambra State. It is sad to recall that it was the federal government superintended by former President Olusegun Obasanjo that instigated the illegal removal of the governor at the material time.

“However, notwithstanding the inauguration of Justice Tanko Mohammad as the Acting Chief Justice, the legal profession should not hesitate to review the entire Onnoghen saga in the interest of the nation’s judiciary. In Elelu-Habeeb (2012) 1 WRN the Supreme Court held that by virtue of section 292 of the Constitution the heads of the judicial arms of the state and federal governments in the country cannot be removed without a prior investigation conducted by the NJC.

” Consequently, the apex court set aside the purported removal of the appellant as the Chief judge of Kwara State upon an address forwarded to the house of assembly by former Governor Bukola Saraki. Therefore, the National Judicial Council should convene and constitute a committee to investigate the allegations levelled against the Chief Justice and make appropriate recommendation to the relevant authorities.

“Meanwhile, the legal team of the Chief Justice should proceed to challenge his suspension from office either at the Code of Conduct Tribunal or the Court of Appeal. Despite the gravity of the allegations levelled against the Chief Justice the illegality of the suspension should not be allowed to stand.

“The ex parte order is a suspect document as the motion ex parte on which it was predicated was allegedly filed on January 9, 2019, while the substantive charge against the Chief Justice was filed at the registry of the Code of Conduct Tribunal on January 11, 2019. Furthermore, the counsel who argued the motion is not indicated in the ex parte order.

“However, in view of President Buhari’s belated fidelity in the rule of law, the federal government should comply with all valid and subsisting orders of competent municipal and regional courts made against the federal government.”

Acting CJN swear-in General Election Tribunal members

Acting CJN, Ibrahim Mohammed signing documents

The Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria, Ibrahim Tanko Mohammed, on Saturday sworn-in 250 members of the general election tribunals.

At the swearing-in ceremony which took place in Abuja on Saturday, the acting CJN urged the members of the election tribunals to discharge their duties with integrity, as well as the fear of God.

The development comes barely 24 hours after President Muhammadu Buhari suspended Justice Walter Onnoghen as the Chief Justice of Nigeria and swore-in Mohammed as acting CJN.

According to the president, the suspension was based on the request of the Code of Conduct Tribunal, pending the completion of Onnoghen’s trial.

Onnoghen is being tried over allegations of failing to declare his assets, Channels Tv reports.

US reacts to Onnoghen’s suspension.

 

The United States has reacted to the suspension of Walter Onnoghen as chief justice of Nigeria (CJN).
President Muhammadu Buhari suspended Onnoghen on Friday, citing an order from the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT).

In a statement on Saturday, the US embassy in Nigeria said it had taken note of widespread criticisms that the suspension is illegal.

“The Embassy of the United States is deeply concerned by the impact of the executive branch’s decision to suspend and replace the Chief Justice and head of the judicial branch without the support of the legislative branch on the eve of national and state elections,” the statement read.

“We note widespread Nigerian criticism that this decision is unconstitutional and that it undermines the independence of the judicial branch. That undercuts the stated determination of government, candidates, and political party leaders to ensure that the elections proceed in a way that is free, fair, transparent, and peaceful – leading to a credible result. 

“We urge that the issues raised by this decision be resolved swiftly and peacefully in accordance with due process, full respect for the rule of law, and the spirit of the Constitution of Nigeria. Such action is needed urgently now to ensure that this decision does not cast a pall over the electoral process.”

Buhari hosts APC governors and aspirants in Abuja

Shocked’ Osaka wins Australian Open to become world number one

Naomi Osaka

Japan’s Naomi Osaka said she was “in a state of shock” Saturday after holding her nerve to battle past Petra Kvitova to win the Australian Open in a three-set thriller that also delivered her the world number one ranking.

The fourth seed and US Open champion triumphed 7-6 (7/2), 5-7, 6-4 in a 2hr 27min epic over the Czech eighth seed to claim back-to-back Grand Slams and become the first Asian, male or female, to hold the top spot.

The Japanese youngster fell to one knee in celebration, head bowed, as Melbourne Park erupted in thunderous cheers.

“I felt like I was in a state of shock through the entire trophy presentation,” the 21-year-old said.

A rattled Osaka almost blew her title hopes with one hand on the trophy when she failed to convert three championship points leading 5-3 in the second set.

The never-say-die Kvitova forced a deciding set before Osaka finally edged ahead with a decisive break early in the third.

“Of course I felt very disappointed and sad when I had three match points,” she said.

“I tried to tell myself there’s nothing I can do about it. Told myself I’m playing a final and need to keep fighting and couldn’t act immature and needed to keep fighting.”

Her jubilation was a marked contrast to Osaka’s maiden Slam win last year, when she tearfully hid her face as boos rang around Flushing Meadows in the wake of losing finalist Serena Williams’ tirade at the umpire.

This time, Osaka cried with joy and smiled as she became the youngest woman to win back-to-back majors since Martina Hingis in 1998 and the youngest number one since Caroline Wozniacki in 2010.

Her gutsy performance confirms her status as the leading light of tennis’ new generation.

Kvitova can console herself with a career-best performance at Melbourne Park, where she did not drop a set on her way to the final.

It was her first Grand Slam decider since a burglar slashed her racquet hand in a 2016 knife attack and the Czech has shown she is again a contender at the majors.

“Thank you for sticking with me even when we didn’t know if I would able to hold a racquet again,” Kvitova told her team, with her voice cracking.

“It’s crazy. I can hardly believe that I just played in a Grand Slam final again.”

– Slugfest –

Predictions of a slugfest between two of the game’s biggest hitters proved accurate as the pair went toe-to-toe in the first set.

They had never met before and Osaka initially struggled to unlock the lanky left-hander’s serve, while Kvitova at times could not handle her opponent’s powerful returns.

The Czech mixed up her game with drop shots and changes of pace but blew three break chances in a crunch sixth game in the first set.

Kvitova saved two set points to force a tie-break but Osaka ran away with it 7-2, taking the first set the Czech had conceded in the entire tournament.

Kvitova regrouped and kept her hopes alive with the first break of the match, going up 2-0 in the second.

Osaka was frustrated but did not panic, going back on level terms in the next game after benefiting from a Kvitova double fault and poorly hit drop shot.

The Japanese star broke again to take control as Kvitova’s error rate climbed, bringing up three championship points. But the Czech saved all of them, forcing Osaka to serve for the title.

Nerves took hold as Osaka conceded a break to make it 5-5, smashing a ball into the ground and putting her hands over her ears.

The Czech broke again to seize momentum with her fourth straight game, claiming the set as Osaka left the court with a towel draped over her head.

Osaka regained her cool and clipped a clean backhand winner to take a break point in the third game of the decider, going on to see off a Kvitova break opportunity, her mental demons put to bed.

Kvitova would not surrender, saving three break points before again forcing Osaka to serve it out, but the Japanese champion managed it on the second attempt for a famous victory.

How does he feed them?, New acting CJN Tanko has 32 children – Omokri

Since the announcement of the swearing-In, of a new acting chief justice, Ibrahim Tanko by President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday, Nigerians haven’t stopped talking.

The president had sworn in a new acting chief justice, suspending Walter Onnoghen, to the anger of many Nigerians.

However Reno Omokri, a former aide to ex President Goodluck Jonathan has continued to criticise the decision, calling Tanko a usurper. In his latest statement via his Twitter account, Omokri says Tanko has 32 children, anf how he has managed to feed all of them, with his Judge’s salary leaves a lot to wonder about.

In his words:

Let me shock Nigerians. Justice Tanko, who Muhammadu Buhari, the so called anti corruption advocate, swore in, has 32 kids and a reputation I won’t even bother stating here. How has Tanko been feeding and caring for his 32 children on a judge’s salary? It is a MIRACLE! #TankoIsaUsurper

Let me shock Nigerians. Justice Tanko, who @MBuhari, the so called anti corruption advocate, swore in, has 32 kids and a reputation I won’t even bother stating here. How has Tanko been feeding and caring for his 32 children on a judge’s salary? It is a MIRACLE! #TankoIsaUsurper

— Reno Omokri (@renoomokri) January 26, 2019

ATCN Gets Fia Sporting Power……Motorsports Set To Improve In Nigeria -

The Automobile and Touring Club of Nigeria (ATCN) has been delegated the Sporting Power by the General Assembly of the Federation International de L’Automobile (FIA) which took place in Saint Petersburg in the Federation of Russia effective 7th December, 2018.

ATCN is the effective representative body of the Federation International de L'Automobile (FIA) in Nigeria for the mobility arm of its operations ONLY and as it then was vested with the responsibility of campaigning and promoting road safety as well as transport related matters amongst others. Its affiliation was under Article 3.2 (which deals with strictly Mobility Affiliates). With this development, our affiliation is now under Article 3.1 (which deals with affiliates for both Sport and Mobility).

Since the establishment of the club, we have been given various opportunities to carry out effective and productive campaigns in different states in Nigeria and had the great opportunity to host the 3rd FIA African Sport Regional Congress 2017 at Transcorp Hilton in Abuja where the future of motorsport in Africa was discussed. The most recent campaign was the FIA Action for Road Safety in support of #3500 (3500 pedestrians die every year from road traffic incidents). In the past, we organized the 4th U.N. Road Safety Week in Keffi, Nasarawa state. The title of the programme was Speed Management and Safety for Drivers, it was held on the 12th of May 2017. The turn up was overwhelming as we requested for 30 drivers and ended up hosting and training about sixty. Niger in 2016, Abuja in 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2018, Ekiti in 2014 and Lagos 2017 in collaboration with Naija Car Lovers, an automobile blog.

Our objectives are:

1. To create awareness and campaign for road safety
2. To promote sport tourism
3. To organize motorsport activities
4. To issue FIA documents such as sporting licence, International Driver’s Permit (IDP) etc
5. Promote motoring as a means of relaxation among other objectives.

FIA:
It is the governing body of Motorsport worldwide (EXCLIDING SUPER/POWER SPORT) and representative of over 60 million road and track users from over 246-member clubs worldwide. The FIA is the global motoring organization.
Principally, the FIA has two focus areas: 
• Sports
The FIA sanctions and organizes all motor sport events and tournaments worldwide. Such motorsport events as the Formula 1 races,  Formula E races, Formula 2, 3 4 races. World Touring Car Championships, World Rally Championships, etc are some of the notable sport activities.
• Mobility
The promotion of global tourism, environmental protection and awareness matters, global campaign for road safety are some of the cardinal principles of the Mobility arm of the FIA. The guiding principle is to ensure safe, affordable and clean transport for all. Furthermore, the Mobility arm focuses on promoting freedom of mobility, protecting the interests of consumers while travelling, taking into account environmental impact, safety concerns and related social and economic factors.

With the delegation of the FIA Sporting Power, we are empowered to organize all forms of motorsport activities, issuance of all racing licenses for local and international events with the exception of Super License that covers FIA Formula1 and prepare Nigerians for the IOC come 2020. However we shall bear in mind safety for drivers and spectators. Safety is the most important part of motorsports. Our events must meet best international practice in accordance to the FIA ASN Development Manual.

These motorsports activities include go-karting and its championship from grassroots to nationals, slalom, rallies, off roads, circuit races etc.

As we had discussed with the FIA Secretary General for Sport, we agree to start a championship by half of 2019 of any aspect of motorsport discipline of our choice. However, we would present our framework to them by April of 2019 in South Africa.

We have started working on the framework but we cannot share the information at this point but we assure that we have a development plan with motorsport activities and dates, which is a five year plan for motorsport development in Nigeria.

So far, the FIA Vice President for Sport, Automobile Club of Ivory Coast, Automobile Association of Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania as well as Automobile & Touring Club of UAE have all agreed to support and encourage us with the development. As it is time for Nigeria to take its place in the World of Motorsport.

Nigeria has got a lot of potentials in motorsport but as a wise man once said ‘‘you need a father whose pockets are deep not just deep but he must be generous’’, if not you would have to look for a sponsor.

This is a big task and challenge as we are saddled with a huge responsibility which we intend to achieve by working hard and creating awareness and the culture as motorsport is here to stay.

ATCN has never organized a motorsport event in all its existence. This power means we’d start motorsport activities from the scratch. We would ask for everyone’s cooperation and support to develop the sport. There’s no harm in having a Michael Schumacher or a James Hunt or Niki Lauder or Vettel or Hamilton from Nigeria driving for a Formula1 Team.

It is our desire to organize different motorsport activities among other events to create the culture as stated earlier. However, we shall have such events depending on what we feel is suitable for an area or state. There are states we know will be good with hill climb racing, some might be rallies, off road, circuit (in the meantime we will use closed-off public roads to create circuits for racing or drag racing as the case may be.

Furthermore, we shall create our series of championships, motorsport engineers (who would build the cars and maintain them. Encourage Universities to participate in our events thereby enhancing their various engineering faculties.  As this would enable us participate in the African Rally Championship (ARC), African Karting Championship and so on.

Some of the FIA Motorsport events we’d like Nigerians to participate in the nearest future are:
i. FIA Formula 1
ii. FIA Formula 2
iii. FIA Formula 3
iv. CIK-FIA Championship
v. World Touring Car Championship
vi. Formula E
vii. FIA World Rally Championship

INVESTING IN THE SPORT:
Usually, it is expected that with time the sport will attract promoters (investors) who will take advantage of the market by promoting (but limited to a discipline of motorsport). Take for example Formula1, Chase Carey the promoter cannot be a promoter of Formula1 E nor a rally event.

We would start up a programme for the development of the sport. This in turn will attract young drivers and potential corporate sponsors. With time young Nigerians will earn salary from as young as six (6) years old because sponsors want to advertise on their racing kit and vehicle.

Our potential contributors shall be but not limited to the multinational companies that have their headquarters abroad and some of our local companies from oil to telecommunication such as Mobil, Globacom, MTN, Airtel, Castrol, Toyota, Mercedes Benz, BMW, Oando, Shell and many more.

We would like to draw the attention of the general public and interested parties, that in motorsport the promoter (organizer) is not responsible for the provision of the motorsport vehicles nor the payment for accommodation. Rather participants are expected to pay a fee which will cover both registration and other logistic issues.

At the moment, we noticed every participant expects his cost of travelling should be covered and expects to win a price. This is not practiced anywhere in the world where motorsport is economically viable. So, don’t expect us to go in the same line. However, we shall give letter of authorization and participation to registered and confirmed participants to source for sponsors to cover their expenses depending on the event.

As time goes by, we would discuss with FIA on reward by attending an FIA event either of their Formula series or Rallies or visits to a manufacturer’s address (location). We could also have a manufacturer come to Nigeria for promotional reasons.

Gbemi Olateru Olagbegi has a word for internet trolls

GbemiOO just shared this to her Twitter followers. She claims social media allows some of them to be disrespectful to her.

This Curvy Influencer Will Show You How To Look Stylish If You Are Plus Size

Winnie Leon, known as @msleon on Instagram has built a following of over 136,000 Instagram followers because of her stylish everyday outfit inspirations. The Abuja based influencer has worked with many brands such as Fashionnova to showcase her show stopping style.

Nnamdi Kanu Arrives London -Photos

The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has left Israel and has arrived England where he is also a citizen.

The pro-Biafran leader touched down Yesterday evening at Leeds Bradford Airport in England and is set to unite with his deputy, Uche Mefor in London for “further diplomatic movement aimed at Biafra referendum.”

Nnamdi Kanu surfaced in Israel in October last year after almost a year that his residence was raided by the military in Umuahia, Abia State. He was first sighted spotted praying at the wailing wall in Jerusalem. He also took pictures with other IPOB members who accompanied him for prayers.

The British authorities last year briefed the Nigerian government about the temporary travel documents they were about to issue to Namdi Kanu, who holds a Nigeria-U.K dual citizenship.

From nationalhelm

Nigerians attack Osinbajo on twitter, ask him to resign over CJN Onnoghen’s suspension....Read their tweets.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has come under attack and has been asked to resign over the suspension of Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen by his principal, President Muhammadu Buhari.

Explaining his reason, the President said he suspended Onnoghen, following an order from the Code of Conduct Tribunal, CCT, asking him to wield the big stick.

However, Onnoghen’s suspension has since stirred reactions from Nigerians, lawyers and opposition parties describing Buhari as a ‘Tyrant’ and also launching a direct attack on Osinbajo.

Some Nigerians, reacting to the development on social media attacked Osinbajo who is a SAN for disregarding the constitution by remaining ‘silent’ about Buhari’s action. Most of them called on Osinbajo to resign, expressing disappointment in his position as a ‘SAN and Pastor’

Here are some comments gathered by from Twitter via Dailypost

@Adeyanjudeji “Osinbajo values principles or decency, he would resign today & no longer be part of this disgrace, but he is not different from the tyrant. Everything Buhari touches turns to ash, all the intellectuals around the President have been transformed to semi-literates.Tyrant Buhari.”

@Temphiz “Prof Osinbajo is a total disappointment. Expected more from a cerebral person like him. And don’t say his hands are tied though cos you won’t be truthful to yourself that way.”

@UcheBriggs “Listen. We can no longer absolve Prof Pastor Osinbajo. Whatever excuse we may have made for him before, it ends now.”

@Dolarpo “If Osibanjo still hasn’t resigned after this, what shall we say of these things? what shall it profit a man to gain the whole world but lose his soul? Sir, this is where I rest my case.”

@Timothy13818925 “I call on the National Judicial Council and Nigeria Bar Association to, as a matter of urgency, punish Osinbajo and withdraw all his qualifications and titles for his failure to guide president Buhari aright. He is a great disappointment to the judiciary and democracy of Nigeria.”

@Olurops “Wait, Osinbajo is a professor of law. Shame on him.Fake pastor.“

@Walexcul “Buhari is nothing but an enemy of democracy and Osinbajo is a disgrace to the law profession. Tyrant Buhari.”

@Musterwizzle “Osinbajo has the fear of God ni as the Pastor that he is, he should have resigned by now to protest all these illegalities.”

@Nwankpa_A “Atiku fought his boss over 3rd term. It was almost political harakiri, but he dived in head first. Where is Prof Osinbajo? Does he agree with this?

@Ovieo “Your darling VP, Prof. Osinbajo is fully complicit. Totally, absolutely, completely. History will judge your MCM as a tool in the hands of this tyrant you all call your president.”

@Harshtagseries “Osibanjo should honourably resign. All the appointment made has been reversed ranging from DSS boss to CJN.So sad.“

@nK “When Osinbajo declared his assets publicly, he said he had $900k and N94m in his bank accounts. His assets were valued at over $2m. Robert Clarke didn’t ask how a former Lagos state commissioner of justice is worth $2m.

@Switkem “Nigeria is *ucked, Buhari is a mistake, Osinbajo is a wolf in sheep clothing What a mistake!!!

@Atooki_Olayemi “I challenge the credibility of SAN of VP Osinbajo as to the level of legal advice he is giving the present administration if he can sit and watch his principal to turn the constitution of the country upside-down.”

@OtunbaSula “I am pretty sure Osinbajo is game with all these. He nodded in approval when Buhari stressed: “Rule of law is subject to National Interest” just months ago. By the way, he is in a good position to recommend amendments to the constitution that gives corruption a fighting chance.”

@KengKengati “Osinbajo is the greatest embarrassment in all of these. Senior Advocate of Nonsense. He has some subordinates in the nonsense category. Itse Sagay and Festus Keyamo. Legal wastes.”

@C_Edum “The current greatest threat to our democracy is not just Buhari, its Osinbanjo and his kinds. You remember when Osinbajo told us that Buhari was not aware of the case against CJN. Will pastor and Law Professor (SAN) Osinbajo tell us now that Buhari is not aware of the suspension?

Onnoghen: PDP suspends presidential campaign, says democracy under attack

The opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has suspended its campaign for 72 hours to protest the suspension of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen.

President Muhammadu Buhari controversially suspended Mr Onnoghen from office on Friday. The president said he was acting on a court order by the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT). The president then swore in another Supreme Court justice, Tanko Mohammed, as Acting Chihef Justice of Nigeria.

Many Nigerians including the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) and Senate President Bukola Saraki have described the president’s action as illegal.

In its statement by its national chairman, Uche Secondus, the PDP said it was suspending its campaign for 72 hours in solidarity with Nigerians.

“Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential Campaign Council has suspended its presidential campaign in protest of President Muhammadu Buhari’s decision to suspend the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen.

“The PDP Campaign Council further predicated the suspension of its campaign activities in solidarity with Nigerians in our collective rejection of the assault against our democratic order.”

The campain council, co-chaired by Mr Secondus, also described Mr Buhari’s action as a “dangerous and brazen assault on the constitution”

“The basis for this election is the democracy itself. When democracy comes under this kind of virulent attack, then the election itself becomes superfluous,” the statement said.

The PDP Presidential Campaign was scheduled to be in Benue State on Saturday before the suspension.

“In the first instance, we are suspending our campaign for 72 hours. It is our hope that President Buhari will listen to the voice of all lovers of democracy the world over and restore democracy in Nigeria immediately and without qualifications. At the moment, the President has effectively suspended the constitution under whose basis the elections are being contested.

“The action of President Buhari represents a constitutional breach and a direct attack on our democracy. This must never be allowed to stand, as there is no way by which democracy can survive under these autocratic tendencies.

“We call on all well meaning Nigerians to rise in defence of democracy and save our nation from this imminent slide into tyranny,” Mr Secondus said.
The PDP led Nigeria between 1999 and 2015 when it lost the presidential election to Mr Buhari’s APC. The party’s flagbearer, Atiku Abubakar, is the main challenger to Mr Buhari in next months’s presidential election.