President Mohammed Buhari greatest achievement for the past 3years is erecting a giant broom in Abuja |Nigerians react to giant broom erected at the city gate in Abuja.

What is your take on this massive broom erected at the city gate in Abuja. Give the picture a caption lets see…
Nigerians have taken to the micro-blogging site, Twitter, to react to a giant broom erected at the city gate in Abuja.

Among those who reacted to the massive broom are some chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.
Below are their views:

.@ProfOsinbajo: Sir, Nigerians say we can’t point to a single project initiated, started and completed by our administration in the last 4 years.@MBuhari: Osunbade, ask them to go and see the big broom at Abuja City Gate.Retweet to #SweepOutBuharipic.twitter.com/8NxrqKaUjd— Reno Omokri (@renoomokri) 8 February 2019

They have erected a giant broom at Unity Park near Transcorps Hilton in the centre of Abuja and another one directly in front of the city gate.The broom is the symbol of the ruling APC and a symbol of witchcraft.They are invoking dark forces to stay in power but they will fail.— Femi Fani-Kayode (@realFFK) 8 February 2019

WORLD LARGEST BROOMAttention: @GWR This is the Largest Broom anybody or group has ever erecting anywhere in the world. This is work of some group of volunteers of @OfficialAPCNg. It deserves your recognition and honourLocation : Abuja Date : 02/07/19 pic.twitter.com/WhEIsT4fWf— magaji ishaku (@ishaku_magaji) 9 February 2019

Why are you people complaining because of this ordinary broom at City Gate?From tomorrow, helicopters will be flying all over Abuja and dropping brooms on everyone’s roof.We die here! pic.twitter.com/TGseuwJ94S— Parodisent General Buhari (@TheMbuhari) 8 February 2019

I hope @OfficialAPCNg is okay ? How do you erect your party emblem in front of a national monument like the Abuja city gate? PDP never tried this rubbish in all their 18 years in power. pic.twitter.com/6GpTFbXelF— Ramz (@ManLikeDavidd) 9 February 2019

Just 1 week to the general elections, the failed @OfficialAPCNg led federal government has erected a statute of a broom at the city gate in Abuja. This is shameful and ridiculous. It’s now clear that he whom the gods wants to destroy, they first make mad. Vote @atikupic.twitter.com/3hiVllrcWL— ibu thomas🇳🇬 (@Hailfinger1) 8 February 2019

Erecting the symbol of APC in front of the Abuja city gate to say the least is impunity taken too far. Is @OfficialAPCNglogo/symbol same as Nigeria’s symbol? @OfficialPDPNigspent 16 years at the centre but did not desecrate Nigeria’s identity and unity. pic.twitter.com/w23XVGT9qq— Jim™️ (@jimbiochore) 9 February 2019

ABUJA NEW MODERN CITY GATEPresident Mohammed Buhari greatest achievement for the past 3years is erecting a giant broom in AbujaThe APC has littered every part of Abuja with Buhari posters and Bill board, the pressure is so high @YemieFASHpic.twitter.com/kvdsttEDhg— Usman Okai Austin (@PDPNYF) 8 February 2019

If this broom was in Port Harcourt, a bonfire would be happening right about now.Abuja people are too chill abeg. pic.twitter.com/D75LTzIVM9— Brian Deji Adeyanju (@BrianJDennis) 8 February 2019

Atiku has gained momentum but Buhari will win -Eurasia Group

Eurasia Group, reputed as the world’s largest political-risk consultancy, says President Muhammadu Buhari will win the February 16 presidential election.

In its final Eurasia Group Politics First election forecast seen by TheCable, the group, which was founded in 1998 by American political scientist Ian Bremmer, said Buhari has a 60 percent probability to win.

“Opposition candidate Atiku Abubakar has regained some momentum in recent weeks, but President Muhammadu Buhari remains favored to win (a 60% probability),” the group said.

“On election day, the ruling All Progressives Congress’s (APC’s) significantly greater control of local political structures and resources—it governs 23 states compared to the opposition’s 12—will boost voter mobilization and solidify Buhari’s advantage.”

In 2015, Eurasia Group tipped Buhari to defeat former president Goodluck Jonathan, changing its stance some weeks to the election, after it had initially chosen the former president to win.

At the time, the group said although it initially tipped “President Goodluck Jonathan for re-election, a number of factors had since changed, and the pendulum had swung to the Buhari’s side”.

ONNOGHEN WILL NOT AFFECT ELECTIONS

 

Onnoghen and BuhariThe group said the decision of President Muhammadu Buhari to suspend Walter Onnoghen, the embattled Chief Justice of Nigeria, will not affect the elections.

“Positive news coverage in recent weeks, along with Buhari’s controversial move to suspend Chief Justice Walter Onnoghen over allegations of corruption, have boosted Atiku’s campaign, but it is too late to change the electoral dynamics and Buhari remains favored to win on 16 February,” the group said.

“As we have previously noted, key actors in Atiku’s camp—including his campaign’s director general Bukola Saraki, key powerbroker Governor Nyesom Wike of the oil-rich Rivers state, and southeast governors from his People’s Democratic Party (PDP)—had been disengaged from his election campaign”.

WIKE ANNOYED, SARAKI DISTRACTED

 

Saraki and Wike

The group added that Atiku’s big players have been disengaged from his political campaign, adding that governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will be fighting to ensure they win their own elections.

“Wike was annoyed by Atiku’s failure to consult him on key decisions, Saraki remains distracted by a tough Senate reelection battle in Kwara state, and the southeast governors are hampered by many conflicting motivations, including their own lack of political clout (which makes them reluctant to overtly challenge the federal government) and their wariness of Atiku’s running mate Peter Obi, a former governor of the southeastern Anambra state who they view as a political outsider.

“The lack of enthusiasm on the part of some PDP governors is a problem for Atiku because these officials control significant discretionary funds at the state level (known as ‘security votes’) that are easier to access without triggering graft concerns.”

ATIKU’S SUPPORTERS NOT WILLING TO DIE FOR HIM

Buhari’s passionate supporters

The group concluded by saying “Atiku’s voters do not match Buhari’s in passion and are unlikely to risk their lives on the streets for him”.

“Though Buhari’s decision to suspend the chief justice triggered widespread criticism and stoked passions (along with fears about a more autocratic Buhari second term), many voters blame the judiciary for not moving quicker to force Onnoghen’s resignation after he admitted he had violated rules regarding declaration of assets.

“Thus, should Atiku lose, as we expect, there will be few motivated stakeholders to encourage or instigate serious violence. Instead, we expect PDP governors to quickly turn their attention to fighting to retain their own jobs in state elections on 2 March”

A few weeks ago, Eurasia Group said Buhari will continue as a politically weak president, while Atiku may retract his pledge made during campaign season.

Buhari won’t get 50% of votes in Bauchi – APC lawmaker

A member of the Bauchi State House of Assembly, Aminu Tukur, has vowed that President Muhammadu Buhari will not get up to 50 per cent of the votes in the state in next week’s presidential election.

Tukur said that for supporting the re-election bid of Governor Mohammed Abubabakar, Buhari would not receive from the people the kind of support he had been enjoying from the state.

Tukur, who represents Lere/Bula Constituency on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, said, “Buhari cannot decide the fate of the people of Bauchi State if he had 90 per cent supporters in 2015, this time around, he has less than 50 per cent.

“By raising the hands of Governor Mohammed Abubabakar, he (Buhari) defeated himself. Even the President will definitely not find it easy in Bauchi State this time around. I am one of those that will not vote for him again.”

The lawmaker further accused the state government of allegedly failing to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people of the state.

Tukur said, “The present government in Bauchi State is a failure; we have never had a government that is so loose, corrupt and inept in the way it handles things like this time around. A government that has served for more than three years and seven months has no N50m worth of project in any local government area of the state, despite the huge money that accrues to the state.”

Those who incite violence in Nigeria’s election must be held accountable -US

Michael Pompeo, the United States secretary of state, says those who interfere in Nigeria’s election must be held accountable.

In a statement released by the US state department, Pompeo said the elections are Nigeria’s opportunity to solidify its place as the democratic leader in Africa.

“The United States government supports a free, fair, transparent, and peaceful election that reflects the will of the Nigerian people,” Pompeo said.

“It is critical that the Independent National Electoral Commission operates free from outside pressure and intimidation and in a totally objective manner.

“Nigerian security services must provide a safe and secure environment for the Nigerian people to exercise their rights. Those who interfere in the electoral process or incite violence must be held to account.

“The upcoming elections are an opportunity for Nigeria to solidify its place as a democratic leader in Africa.”

On Tuesday, Nasir el-Rufai, the governor of Kaduna state, had said foreigners who try to meddle in Nigeria’s elections would be returned to their home countries in body bags.

His comment has raised concern across the international community.

The European Union immediately released a statement to say that it will not be deterred by the comments, adding that it had been observing elections in Nigeria since 1999.

“We are aware of the comments by the Governor of Kaduna about non-interference by foreigners during a talk show on the elections Tuesday 5 February,” the statement read.

“The EU only deploys an election observation mission when it is invited to do so by the authorities of a country. The EU has been invited to observe all of the general elections in Nigeria since 1999. Thus this is the sixth time the EU is observing elections in Nigeria.

“The Independent National Electoral Commission invited the EU to deploy an observation mission for the 2019 general elections.”

‘He will deliver on the job’ — Fashola endorses Sanwo-Olu

Babatunde Fashola, minister of power, works and housing, says Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos state, is in the best position to lead the state.

Speaking at a pre-campaign event in Surulere, Lagos on Friday, the ex-governor said Sanwo-Olu displayed his “competence” when he served as a commissioner under him.

“I am in a vantage position to tell Lagosians about the readiness of Babajide Sanwo-Olu to govern our state,” he said.

“He served under me as a commissioner and I can attest to his competence. He is a man with a Midas touch and has national outlook. He delivered on tasks given to him and I have no doubt he will deliver if he is charge.

“He is positioned to lead and he is ever ready to lead. I know he is prepared for this job and he will deliver.”

Fashola also hailed the decision of the Coalition of Political Parties in Lagos State (COPPILS), to adopt the candidacy of President Muhammadu Buhari and Sanwo-Olu as their presidential and governorship candidates respectively.

He said the APC was poised to take the country to the “Next Level” with investments in infrastructure and employment to drive economic growth and development.

EFCC accuses 10 banks of money laundering

Ibrahim Magu, the acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has accused 10 unnamed commercial banks of money laundering.
Magu stated this on Friday, while speaking at a round table meeting with managing directors of financial institutions in Nigeria.

The EFCC boss spoke on the theme: “Roles and Obligations of Managing Directors of Banks in Nigeria in Curbing Vote Buying During an Election, Illicit Financial Flows and Other Related Matters in Nigeria”.
He said: “It is worrisome to note that in 2018, statistics available to the EFCC shows that out of about 28 commercial banks in Nigeria, 10 banks evacuated out of Nigeria through Travelex Nigeria Limited the sums of GBP- 50,832,560; USD-8,057,756; EURO-39,986,560 and RAND-7,500,000. The reasons for these evacuations are still sketchy. We must note that the impact of illicit financial flows from the country undermine the stability and integrity of the financial institutions.”

According to Magu, intelligence reports have shown that banks are aiding their customers to receive foreign financial inflows to their accounts in neighbouring countries, where they have branches like Ghana, Republic of Niger and other West African countries.

“The money is then couriered into Nigeria through the land borders to circumvent declaration and reporting,” he stated.

Describing them as “gatekeepers”, Magu said no country could control illicit financial flows, without the cooperation of financial institutions.

Wike reveals why Atiku must defeat Buhari in presidential poll

Nyesom Wike, the Governor of Rivers states, has described the presidential election as a contest between “darkness and light”, stressing the need for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) supporters, to work hard for the victory of their candidate, Atiku Abubakar 
Wike stated this at Emohua Local Government Area of the state, while campaigning for his re-election on Friday.

According to him, it was time for the PDP to reclaim power at the centre and save Nigeria and Nigerians.
“Why are we saying that we must support Atiku Abubakar? Why are we saying that PDP must come back to the Federal Government?
“We are saying so because we are tired of being in darkness.
“This is a war between darkness and light,” Wike said.

PDP accuses Buhari’s govt of stopping Atiku’s rally in Abuja

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused the presidency and the All Progressives Congress (APC) of shutting down the Pld Parade Ground, Garki, Abuja, where Atiku Abubakar, its presidential candidate, was supposed to use for a rally on Saturday.

In a statement on Friday, the party said payment had been made and the venue had been secure until it was told by officials managing the facility that there was an order that the facility should not be used by Atiku.

The party accused President Muhammadu Buhari of doing everything to stop Atiku but vowed to fight on.

“The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) decries the directive by the Buhari Presidency and the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government to shut down the venue for its Presidential campaign mega rally in Abuja billed for Saturday, as an act of desperation,” the statement read.

“It may interest Nigerians to know that the PDP duly paid and secured permission to host our mega rally at the Old Parade Ground, in Garki Area of Abuja, only for the officials of the facility to inform our party this morning that they have been “ordered” to shut down the venue and frustrate our mega rally for no just cause.

“Such resort to self-help further exposes the irredeemable insensitivity of the Buhari Presidency and the APC.

“The overwhelming popularity of the peoples candidate, Atiku Abubakar, which points to an imminent crushing defeat that awaits President Muhammadu Buhari in the February 16, Presidential election has pushed the Buhari Presidency into a panic mode,” the party said in a statement signed by Kola Ologbondiyan, its spokesman.

The opposition party alleged that Buhari had become jittery over “spontaneous mammoth crowd of Nigerians at Atiku Abubakar’s rallies across the country, leading to the desperation to frustrate our rallies, resort to smear campaigns, vandalizing of our campaign materials and denial of venues, in APC controlled states, as was the case in Kano state recently”.

We don't believe in politics of godfathers and endorsements" -Sowore reacts to Soyinka’s endorsement of Moghalu

Omoyele Sowore, candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), has reacted to Nobel Laureate, Wole Soyinka’s endorsement of Kinglsey Moghalu for President.

Recall that Soyinka had endorsed Moghalu, candidate of Young Progressive Party (YPP), saying the decision was reached after months of rigorous analyses.

However, Sowore said his team does not believe in the politics of godfatherism endorsements.

In a statement on Friday by Dr. Malcolm Fabiyi, Director-General of his presidential campaign, Sowore said the only opinions that matter are not those of privilege, power, status, or fame but that of the electorates.

The statement reads: “For the past year, Omoyele Sowore, leader of the Take it Back Movement and presidential candidate of the AAC has travelled across the 6 geopolitical zones, travelled to over 200 cities and towns within Nigeria, and engaged extensively with Nigerians at home and abroad to share his vision for birthing a vibrant and prosperous nation. Those consultations and engagements have created the broadest coalition of Nigerians that our nation has ever seen.

“On our platform, those previously considered inconsequential – the voiceless, the teeming poor and the forgotten youth – have found a voice and an outlet for the realisation of a nation that works for all of her people 

“We have said from the beginning that we do not believe in the politics of godfathers, godmothers or endorsements. Indeed, we seek to create a nation where the only opinions that matters, and where the only voices of influence are not those of privilege, power, status, or fame. The only endorsement that matters to us is the one the Nigerian people have already given us. We are the voice of the Nigerian people, and the only organic platform that will represent the interest of the Nigerian masses.

“For the avoidance of doubt, there is no presidential candidate that can boast of the antecedents, the history of principled engagement, and the sacrificial participation in the struggle to move Nigeria forward that Omoyele Sowore has displayed over the last 30 years.

“From the fight to reverse the annulment of the June 12th 1993 elections, to the restoration of democracy in 1999, to the truncation of Obasanjo’s 3rd term bid, to the exposure of the Yar’Adua cabal’s bid to deny a constitutional transfer of power to a minority president, to the courageous real-time release of the 2015 poll results that helped to safeguard and ensure free and fair elections, Sowore has been at the forefront of pivotal political events of in country.

“No other candidate has had this level of engagement. No other candidate can speak of a thirty-year consistency in their service to the nation. No other candidate has worked for the Nigerian people as thoroughly and comprehensively as Sowore has done. No other candidate speaks to the aspirations of the Nigerian people with the authenticity that Sowore does. That authenticity is what has powered our party to becoming one of the three largest parties in the nation.

“We want to assure Nigerians that on February 16th, the African Action Congress will be on the ballot. On that day, Sowore and the AAC will get the only endorsement that matters when the Nigerian people vote to elect him as the next president of Nigeria. On February 16th 2019, the Nigwrian people will speak with one voice, and that onerous voice of reason will trounce the dictates of godfatherism.”

Ortom to EFCC: Prosecute Akume for fleecing Benue of N2bn

Ortom-Akume

THE lingering rift between Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State and his estranged political benefactor, Senator George Akume, has taken a new twist as the governor has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, to prosecute Senator Akume for allegedly fleecing the state of N2 billion in 2007.
Governor Ortom, who was reacting to an allegation by Senator Akume at the recent All Progressives Congress, APC, presidential rally in Makurdi that he was the richest governor in North Central, said the former governor should be questioned on the said fund which he allegedly withdrew from the state coffers at the twilight of his administration.

Ortom said: “I was a millionaire before I became governor and those of you who are in Benue State know. But because of my public office, I had to resign from the chairmanship of my company when I became a minister.

“The company is doing fine, borrowing money from NEXIM Bank, Bank of Industry and Central Bank Agriculture Develop-ment Programme. You can check and confirm.

“Akume, who was governor for eight years, you would recall, took N2 billion from the state coffers before leaving office. Up till today, the case is still with EFCC. It’s just that he is in APC so, nobody is concerned about prosecuting him, but he should be prosecuted.

“That is why I am saying that EFCC has become a department in APC, otherwise Akume would have gone to jail by now if he were prosecuted.

“Where did he get money to build the palace that he has in Makurdi with all the houses that he has around this town? What about the ones he bought? Where did he get money to build the house he is living in Abuja?”

Akume’s camp

Reacting to the allegation on behalf of Senator Akume, his then Special Assistant and former Special Adviser to Governor Ortom, Mr. Abua Yaji, said the allegation was baseless.

He said: “That is outright falsehood. Senator Akume did not hand over to Ortom, he handed over to Gabriel Suswam and if there was anything like that, Akume was the most investigated former governor after he handed over power.

“There were over five panels that came to investigate him and they gave him a clean bill.

“So Akume cannot be drawn into mudslinging with Ortom. He served the state for eight years and had a lot of security challenges, including the Taraba, Jukun, Kutev/Tiv crisis.

“When he was leaving office, salaries that were not paid were still in the coffers of the government, when Suswam came he paid with the funds.

“Akume awarded road contracts and paid upfront before leaving office. When Suswam came, he had a smooth takeover.

“If Ortom feels Akume did wrong, he should take him to court even through private prosecution.”

Breaking: Several children burnt as fire razes Monguno IDP camp

Several children are said to have been burnt as fire razed the Monguno Internally Displaced People’s IDP, camp in Borno State.
Fire engulfed the camp on Thursday and according to news flash on Television Continental, unknown number of children were said to have been burnt in the inferno.

Buhari To Visit Lagos On Saturday

President Muhammadu Buhari



President Muhammadu Buhari will on Saturday be visiting Lagos State for the Presidential Campaign of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Following the President’s visit, the Lagos State Transport Committee is advising members of the public to take alternative routes to ensure that all those who will not be at the venue of the campaign do not get stuck in traffic on the following routes that will be affected.

Read Full Statement Below:

TEXT OF ADDRESS BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE TRANSPORT COMMITTEE ON THE PRESIDENT AND COMMANDER–IN-CHIEF OF THE ARMED FORCES OF FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA, PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI CAMPAIGN VISIT TO LAGOS STATE ON SATURDAY, 9TH FEBRUARY, 2019.

The President and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari, who is also the Presidential candidate of our great Party, the All Progressives Congress, will be in Lagos on a campaign visit to the state.

The visit, billed for Saturday, February 9, 2019, will afford the President opportunity to meet with the people and address them directly about his plans and programmes for them if re-elected into office in the forthcoming general elections. As is usual, especially at this time when elections are in the air, coupled with the fact that the President has a large following across the land whose throng to the venue of the campaign visit at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Suru Lere, will expectedly affect the traffic situation in the metropolis.

In the light of this, we have, in collaboration with all the concerned and necessary agencies of government, designed a programme to ensure the free flow of traffic while the visited lasts. Accordingly, this Travel Advisory is hereby issued to advise members of the public on alternative routes to ensure that all those who will not be at the venue of the campaign do not get stuck in traffic on the following routes that will be affected –

1. Stadia (TESLIM BALOGUN AND NATIONAL STADIA – IN AND OUT

2. Funsho Williams Avenue

3. Surulere

4. Lawanson/Itire Road/ Tejuosho Road

5. Apapa road Costain

6. Abebe Village/ Eric Moore Road

7. Eko Bridge/ Apongbon Bridge

8. Marina Road

9. Ikorodu Road

10. Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way

11. Old Toll Gate / Third Mainland Bridge/ Obalende

12. International Airport Road

13. Oshodi- Oworonshoki Expressway

14. Agege Motor Road

15. Jibowu

16. Yaba-Muritala Mohammed Way Iddo/Otto

17. Herbert Macaulay Way – Adekunle

18. Ijora Olopa / Ijora

Traffic will therefore either be closed or diverted on this routes –

1. Alaka (by Lanre Shittu Motors) on the service lane inwards stadium will be closed to traffic and vehicles diverted to the stadium bridge on the main carriageway.

2. Shitta inwards Stadium and Stadium inwards Shitta will be closed to traffic and vehicles diverted to Adeniran Ogunsanya Street or Akerele Extension.

3. Traffic from Barracks to Stadium on Funsho Williams Avenue will be diverted to Stadium Bridge on the main carriageway to Alaka.

Consequently, this TRAVEL ADVISORY is issued, as stated earlier, to guide our movements –

1. FROM EKO BRIDGE TO SURULERE CONNECT SURULERE

Motorists should pass through:

a) Costain to Abebe (Nigeria Breweries) to Eric Moore to Bode Thomas to the destination (for instance, Adeniran Ogunsanya, Shitta Round About or Census to Adelabu to Masha/Ogunlana Drive)

OR

b) Constain to Iponri Estate to Bode Thomas to Adeniran Ogunsanya and continue with your journey

OR

c) Eko Bridge to Alaka to Stadium Bridge to Ojuelegba through Barracks on Funsho Williams Avenue to Lawanson Itire Road and connect destination through:

i. Ishaga

ii. Randle Avenue

iii. Ekololu

iv. Falolu

v. Ogunlana Drive to Akerele Extension.

2. FROM IKORODU ROAD TO SURULERE

Motorists should pass through:

a) Fadeyi Dorman – Long Bridge to Ojuelegba to Lawanson Itire Road to Ishaga, Randle Avenue, Ekololu, Falolu or Ogunlana Drive to Akerele Extension.

b) Connect Alaka to Destination through Stadium Bridge to Alaka to Bode Thomas

c) Connect Costain to Abebe Village (Nigerian Breweries) to Eric Moore to Bode Thomas to other destination (for instance, Adeniran Ogunsanya, Shitta Round About or Census to Adelabu to Masha/Ogunlana Drive)

3. FROM SURULERE TO LAGOS

Motorists are advised to follow:

a) Adeniran Ogunsanya, Shitta Round About or Census to Adelabu to Masha/Ogunlana Drive) to Bode Thomas to Eric Moore to Abebe (Nigeria Breweries) to Costain

b) Adeniran Ogunsanya to Bode Thomas to Iponri Estate to Constain

c) Pass through Ishaga, Randle Avenue, Ekololu, Falolu or Ogunlana Drive to Lawanson Itire Road to Ojuelegba to Barracks on Funsho Williams Avenue to Stadium Bridge to Eko Bridge

Again, we plead for the understanding of the situation by members of the public and urge that we all come to the venue to receive the President Muhammadu Buhari to our dear State.

Police tear-gas protesting IDPs in Maiduguri

Policemen fired teargas at aggrieved internally displaced persons (IDPs) who took to the streets of Maiduguri, capital of Borno state, to protest hardship in the camp.
Led by women and little children, the protesters from Baga and Kukawa called for assistance from the public.
They grounded vehicular movements for hours, lamenting that they had not been fed in the last 40 days.

On Bulumkutu highway, the protesters destroyed the senatorial posters of Kashim Shettima, governor of the state, chanting “Bama So”, “Kumaida Mu Baga” (We don’t want, take us back to Baga).

Aisha Malum, one of the protesters, said since they came from Baga, they were kept in the camp without food, noting that only four cup of rice was given to her and her four kids in the last two months.

Malum noted that her husband ran to Cameroon when Boko Haram insurgents attacked Baga town some weeks ago.

“My children usually go out to beg for what we eat. And any day they do not go to beg, we cannot have any food to eat,” she said.

Umar Labaran, an angry youth, said more than 500 people were sleeping on the floor under horrific conditions.

“They told us ICRC was coming to give us food but the government told them not to give us food,” he said.

Buka Mala, another protester, said some politician where demanding for their permanent voter cards (PVCs) before letting them into the camp
Mala said one of the former chairmen of Baga told them that those who do not possess PVCs are useless and do npt deserve to be in the camp.
“They told us to leave the camp if we dont have PVCs. We are tired of this wicked treatment vented on us,” he said.

Atiku can’t defeat Buhari even if witches, wizard endorse him – Presidency

Femi Adesina, presidential spokesman, says Atiku Abubakar, presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), will not win the election even if witches and wizards endorse him.

Adesina said this in reaction to the endorsement of Abubakar by five socio-cultural groups in the country.

Writing via his Twitter handle on Monday, he said President Muhammadu Buhari’s opponents will fail during the elections, no matter whose endorsement they get.

“NEF, PANDEF, Afenifere, others endorse Atiku. Let witches and wizards also endorse, if they like. The harder they come, the harder they fail. No beating the Nigerian people,” he tweeted.

On Sunday, the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Northern Elders’ Forum (NEF), Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Afenifere and Middle Belt Forum (MBF) had adopted Abubakar, saying he had shown that he would restructure the country if given the mandate.

But the Buhari campaign had described the endorsement as a deception, alleging that it was engineered and carried out by PDP supporters and sympathisers.

In a statement, Festus Keyamo had said the PDP candidate and the people supporting him are “attracted to themselves” because of their self interest and what they would benefit from one another.

“As regards the endorsements by the socio-cultural groups, there is no fraud bigger than that of known PDP members and/or hardened PDP sympathizers wearing the apparel of socio-cultural groups, purporting to represent entire regions and endorsing their own political party,” the statement read.

“Their excuse that they are supporting Alhaji Atiku Abubakar because of the bogey called ‘restructuring’ is nothing but a subterfuge. In any case, Ohaneze had said in its earlier release that the first reason they are endorsing Atiku Abubakar is that his running mate is an Ibo man.

“Unfortunately for them, President Muhammadu Buhari has managed to navigate his way directly to the masses who they purport to represent and is ensuring that the dividends of democracy reach the people directly.”

Mother in-law dies after her daughter in-law pours hot water mixed with pepper on her

A middle-aged woman identified as Mrs Rebecca Oladosu, has died after her daughter in-law, Taye Lamidi, connived with one other, Basirat Lamidi, to pour hot water mixed with pepper on her.

According to the police, Basirat and Taye attacked the deceased on October 30th 2018, at her home in Okeyelu village, Ilie, in the Olorunda local government area of Osun State. The duo were arrested immediately the incident happened and have since been in and out of a magistrate court in Osun state.

At the resumed hearing of the case on Friday February 1st 2019, the police prosecutor, Inspector Muslim Jafani, told the court that Mrs Odusanya who had been in the hospital since the incident, had died. Jafani then asked the court to strike out the previous charges levelled against the accused persons and substitute it with two new counts of felony and murder.

The new charges read in part

“That you Basirat Lamidi and Taye Lamidi, and one other now at large, on October 30, 2018, around 1.30pm at Okeyelu village, Ilie, in the Osogbo Magisterial District, did conspire among yourselves to commit felony to wit; murder, thereby committing an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 516 of the Criminal Code, Vol. 34, Laws of Osun State of Nigeria, 2003.

“That you Basirat Lamidi and Taye Lamidi and one other now at large, on the same date, time and place in the aforementioned magisterial district, did cause the death of one Mrs Rebecca Oladosu by pouring hot water mixed with pepper on her body, thereby committing an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 316 of the Criminal Code Vol. 34, Laws of Osun State of Nigeria, 2003.”

The Magistrate, R. A. Olayemi, adjourned the case to March 21st 2019 and ordered that the accused be remanded in the custody of the Ilesa Prison pending an advice from the state’s Director of Public Prosecutions.

Court dismisses suit seeking to stop enactment of NGO regulatory commission

THE Federal High Court, Abuja on Monday dismissed a suit brought by Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), challenging the bill by the National Assembly to enact a regulatory commission to regulate the affairs of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) in the country.

While dismissing the suit, the trial Judge, Justice Inyang Ekwo held that a bill has no life until it becomes an Act adding that, until a bill becomes an Act, the court cannot be invited into the matter.

He said the right to challenge the bill cannot be equated with the right to challenge a law.

The Judge agreed with the submissions of the respondent that the court lacked the jurisdiction to entertain the matter, therefore is liable to be dismissed.

Justice Ekwo held in the judgment that, “I am unable to see where the process of making law could infringe on the rights of a person.”

Justice Ekwo held that the court lacks the jurisdiction to entertain the matter and consequently dismissed the suit.

The Incorporated Trustees of Paradigm Initiative for Information Technical Development had initiated the suit against the National Assembly, challenging its right to debate and pass the bill, saying if passed into law it would stifle activities of non-governmental organisations in the country.

The Non-Governmental Organisations Regulatory Commission (Establishment) Bill, 2016, is one of the 1, 716 bills currently pending before the 8th National Assembly.

The bill if passed into law makes it compulsory for all NGOs operating in Nigeria to register with the government and requires them to include details, such as location and duration of proposed activities as well as information on all sources of funding.

In addition, the proposed legislation states that NGOs will be required to provide “additional information” as requested by the Board during registration but does not say what this “additional information” would be.

The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on June 2, 2016, by Umar Buba Jibril, a lawmaker from Kogi State, elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The bill was first to read on June 2, 2016, with a second reading on July 14, 2016. It was thereafter referred to the House Committee on CSOs and Development Partners.

‘ASUU Strike Will End On My First Day in Office If I Become President’ – Atiku

The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar, has pledged to end the lingering strike by university lecturers in the country, from his first day at work, if elected the next president of the country.

The presidential candidate made this disclosure in Lagos, Sunday evening, at the Silverbird Man of the Year event.

According to Mr Abubakar, the industrial action which has denied university students in the country access to education for a period running into four months is disgraceful and thus will receive his first attention as president if voted into office in the February 16 presidential election.

“I am aghast that as I speak, our students across the nation are not being educated due to the ASUU strike caused by an unresolved debate of about N60 billion.

“If I get the job I am seeking, my first task on day one – along with naming my cabinet – will be to end this disgraceful strike and get our students back to their studies.”

In his remarks, the presidential candidate observed that education plays a pivotal role in the rise to success of any individual or nation and hints further that if he becomes the next president of Nigeria, his administration will increase the budgetary allocation to education in triple fold from the current 7 per cent to not less than 20 per cent.

According to Mr Abubakar, “I will also triple the amount the Nigerian government spends on education from 7 per cent of its budget today, not just to the 15 per cent recommended by UNESCO, but to 20 per cent.

“I recognise the value education can bring to the individual and the nation. But even more than that, I want every child in Nigeria to have the opportunities I had.”

Mr Abubakar further noted that the 2019 presidential election presents an opportunity for a turning point in the development of the country, adding that he has the requisite experience to drive Nigeria to prosperity.

He pointed out that three basic lessons are essential for any individual or nation aiming at greatness. These include investment in women, investment in education and investment in opportunities that will create jobs for the people.

Corruption fight will continue to be partisan,makeshift,superficial and vindictive, without restructuring – Shehu Sani

Senator Shehu Sani has said that no amount of fight against corruption will lead to a totally ‘stamp out’, except the country is restructured.

The lawmaker representing Kaduna central said this in Sunday via his Twitter handle. Mr Sani noted that issues have to be addressed from their roots before any progress will be made from anti-corruption fight.

The lawmaker further stressed that “without restructuring, the battle against corruption will continue to be partisan, makeshift, superficial and vindictive. ”

In his own words:

No ‘amount of’ anti corruption fight can stamp out corruption without restructuring the polity and addressing the issues from its roots.

Without restructuring, the battle against corruption will continue to be partisan,makeshift,superficial and vindictive.

No ‘amount of’ anti corruption fight can stamp out corruption without restructuring the polity & addressing the issues from its roots.Without restructuring,the battle against corruption will continue to be partisan,makeshift,superficial and vindictive.

— Senator Shehu Sani (@ShehuSani) February 3, 2019

Nigerian Man Calls Out President Muhammadu Buhari’s Convoy For Hitting His Car Off Of The Road – Thanks Dino Melaye For Assisting Him(Pictures)

A twitter user, Mike Omoyouzou (@Momoyouzou), has said that the advanced security convoy of  president, Muhammadu Buhari, hit his car out of the road along Kogi airport yesterday night. He lamented that the presidential details didn’t even deem it fit to stop.

He however, lauded Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) senatorial candidate for Kogi west , Dino Melaye, for being of assistance.

Pictures:

What he said:

 

Yesterday night the president @MBuhari advance security hit me out of the way along airport road. The most painful thing is that they didn’t even stop to help me. I want to appreciate @dino_melaye and his team for coming to my rescue.@OfficialAPCNg@ProfOsinbajo@NGRPresidentpic.twitter.com/iIWic5gtTE

— Mike Omoyouzou (@Momoyouzou) February 3, 2019

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APC members killed during campaign rally in Lagos (Photos)

Several APC supporters have been killed in ghastly motor accident that took place earlier today in Festac area of Lagos state.
The incident happened during a campaign for the All Progressives Congress Senatorial Candidate for Lagos West, Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly know as Senator Yayi.

Three of the APC supporters have been confirmed dead as of the time of filing this report. It is not yet know whether anyone sustained any injury.

The victims were in a vehicle moving in the convoy of the senatorial candidate when the accident happened.

Below are pictures from the car crash.