Former VP, Atiku Abubakar shares workout photos

Former Nigerian Vice President, Atiku Abubakar posted photos of his workout session. "Warming up for my medicals, so I can complete my transfer to Arsenal in January" the 69-year-old joked.

I Can’t Be Removed On The PagesOf Newspapers – Oyegun …Says No Rift With Tinubu

John Oyegun, national chairman of the All progressives Congress (APC), has reiterated that he has no rift with Bola Tinubu, national leader of the party.

The first signs of cracks in the ruling party became public on September 25 when Tinubu — unhappy with the manner of emergence of Rotimi Akeredolu as candidate of the party for the November 2016 Ondo state governorship election — issued a public statement to demand Oyegun’s resignation.

Akeredolu had been declared winner of the primary on September 3, after he polled a total of 699 votes — ahead of Olusegun Abraham, preferred candidate of Tinubu, who polled 635 votes.

The victory appeared to have suffered a setback when the APC appeal committee recommended the annulment of the primary, citing controversies about the delegates’ list. But after the panel was overruled, Tinubu accused Oyegun of  “safeguarding the fraud by perpetrating a greater fraud, arrogating to himself the right to submit the name of Rotimi Akeredolu to INEC as the candidate of the party”.

On Tuesday when he met with President Muhammadu Buhari at the villa, Oyegun was asked to comment on his rift with Tinubu and whether he would heed his demand to step down from office.

“There is no rift with Asiwaju; we [only] have difference of opinion, difference of perception, and I think that is normal,” Oyegun answered.“

Yes, I agree that the nature of the statement was a bit harsh. The method of getting rid of a national chairman, if that is what I will call it, are spelt out in the constitution; they don’t takeplace on the pages of newspapers.

”Asked why the national executive committee had not met to deliberate on the issues, he said: “It is proper for them to meet and they will all meet at the appropriate time.”

He denied that he was behind the youth protest at the APC headquarters against alleged highhandedness of Tinubu, saying: “God forbid. Anybody who knows me knows that this is not my style.

“I’m equally shocked and I’m going to look into it and find out why and who is behind it.”

Newspapers pictured the two leaders smiling at each other on Monday when they attended the launch of a book in honour of Buhari, and Oyegun expressed shock that state house correspondents were taken aback by the sight.

“Do they know how far back our association goes? Do they know that we were in the trenches together in the NADECO days?” he queried.“

Why can’t people who have mutual respect for each other have different opinions? All we had was difference of opinions. Yes it was expressed a bit harshly but that doesn’t remove the basic fact that we have worked together for a very long time.

”On the Edo state governorship election, which Godwin Obaseki, his party’s candidate, won, he said: “Well it was a hard-fought election; that was clear.

“Two things really. It was more of a referendum first on the performance of the governor, [and] second on the quality of our candidate and most importantly, given the economic situation it was an opportunity for us to measure the continued popularity and acceptability of our president.“

And what it indicated is that by and large the people of this country still have faith, confidence in the fact that if there is any one man that can fix their situation, it is President Muhammadu Buhari.

Ize-Iyamu Not Worth 50,000 Votes, Says Oshiomhole

Outgoing governor of Edo state, Adams Oshiomhole has said the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in last week’s governorship election, Osagie Ize-Iyamu,  is not worth 50,000 votes.

Ize-Iyamu, who lost the election to Godwin Obaseki of the All Progressives Congress (APC), polled 253,173 votes, while Obaseki polled 319,483 votes.

Speaking while leading a counter-protest after PDP’s demonstration on Tuesday that the election was rigged, Oshiomhole dared the losers to go to court.

“We encourage our opponents to go to court. We will expose them where it matters in our court rooms,” he said.

“We will be able to use evidence to show how much they profited from electoral fraud. The Ize-Iyamu I know is not worth 50,000 votes.“

Their case is like an armed robber with bullet wounds rushing to the police station, claiming that he had been shot, whereas he was the onewho opened fire on very innocent people.

“I am happy that the political funeral of the godfathers is final. There is nothing they can do to turn the will of God. So, this is our finest hour and I can’t wait to meet them in court.”

The PDP rejected the result before it was officially declared.It accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of conniving with the APC to rig the election.

Economic Recession: Senate Invites Buhari To Address Joint Session Of NASS

The senate on Thursday invited President Muhammadu Buhari to brief a joint session of the national assembly on his plans for getting the economy out of recession.

The invitation is in concurrence with that of theHouse of Representatives which passed similar resolution on September 22, inviting the president to explain to the legislature his plans to deal with the economic economy.

When the question of whether to invite the president was put by the President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, the senators answered in the affirmative.

The Senate however did not specify a date on which the President Commander in Chief is to brief the joint session.

The Senate also recommended the need for true federalism and amendment of section 162of the constitution to review the sharing formula between the Federal Government and State governments.

Budget Padding: FG Disciplines 184 Civil Servants, 22 Top Officials Dismissed

A total of 184 civil servants were disciplined for their different roles in the padding of the 2016 budget.This was contained in Buhari’s authorised biography, ‘Muhammadu Buhari: The Challenges of Leadership in Nigeria’, written by Prof. John Paden and presented to the public on Monday

.Of the 184, Paden said 22 top officials were dismissed from service.

He said the President viewed the padding as an attempt to scuttle his administration’s innovations, hence his decision to wield the big stick against the culprits.

The author wrote, “Buhari himself was frustrated by earlier padding of the budget by bureaucrats in some of the ministries.“

This was interpreted by the Buhari team as an attempt to scuttle the innovations proposedby the President by inflating their costs.“

When Buhari found out, he was reported to beangry and ordered a purge of the ministries involved from the Director-General down.“Twenty-two top officials were dismissed, including the budget director. In all, 184 civil servants were disciplined.”

He added that even after the budget had been adjusted downward by the National Assembly,the country would still have to borrow $3.5bn, as a result of the drop in oil prices.

In February, Buhari had while addressing the Nigerian community in Saudi Arabia, vowed that all those involved in the padding of the 2016 national budget, which led to the discrepancies in the document, would face severe punishment.

He had said the alterations, which he described as embarrassing and disappointing, made the document, being debated in the National Assembly at that time, completely different from what was prepared by the Ministry of Budget and National Planning.

Describing those responsible for the distortion of the budget proposals as entrenched interests, the President had said since he had been holding public offices, he had never heard about budget padding before the incident.

Buhari had added, “The culprits will not go unpunished. I have been a military governor, petroleum minister, military Head of State and headed the Petroleum Trust Fund.

“Never had I heard the words budget padding. Our Minister of Budget and National Planning did a great job with his team.“

The minister became almost half his size during the time, working night and day to get the budget ready, only for some people to pad it.

“What he gave us was not what was finally being debated. It is very embarrassing and disappointing. We will not allow those who did it to go unpunished.”

Reaffirming his government’s zero tolerance for corruption, Buhari said the war against corruption was a monumental task that he was determined to tackle successfully.

Punch

Photos: Troops neutralize male suicide bomber in Borno

Today at about 6.30am, troops of Operation Lafiya Dole intercepted and neutralized a male suicide bomber at the outskirts of Maiduguri, Borno State. The terrorist who attempted to infiltrate through the troops forward defences at Jidari Polo general area, came in through Alidawari village about 4 kilometres ahead of Jidari strapped with heavy Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) vest.

The vigilant troops on sighting him laid in wait for theintruder when vehemently refused to stop despite several warnings and challenges. A marksman neutralized the suicide bomber. The combined team of Nigerian Army and Nigeria Police Explosive Ordinance Device (EOD) safely detonated the IED laden vest on the suicide bomber.

President Buhari receives Leadership 'Manof the Year 'Award

President Buhari received Leadership 2015 Man of the Year Award from former Head of State, Abdulsalam Abubakar. He's flanked by L-R: Governor of Akwa-Ibom State, Udom Emmanuel, Representative of Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Mr Tanimu Turaki, Chairman Leadership Group Sam Nda-Isaiah at Transcorp Hilton Hotel Abuja on 6th October, 2016.

House of Reps members take home N5-10million and a car at the end of every 4 years- Abdulmumin says

This is according to the suspended lawmaker, Abdulmumin Jibrin.

‘I was offered N20million to donate my sperm’ – IK Ogbonna

Nollywood actor and model, Ikechukwu Mitchel Ogbonna simply known as IK Ogbonna has finally revealed his highest temptation since coming into prominence. Speaking in an exclusive interview with LIB, today October 6, the dandy looking actor who narrated how he strived so hard to the top, said.‘

There are times when I was broke to zero Naira, I’d leave my friend’s place to visit my sister at the bridge clinic to ask for as little as -N-2000.

On that faithful day while sitting waiting for my sister,a woman met me with her husband and offered me N20m to donate my sperm, who probably was impotent.

’The ‘Stolen Live’ actor also stated that after several thoughts; he couldn’t withstand gifting his own offspring.‘

After thinking about the offer, I told myself that I would be a very great man someday, and my kids willlive out of sight because that is the highest temptation; I have ever experienced in all my life.’

ClassiQ Speaks: I begged Rahama Sadau to feature in video that caused her expulsion

Jos born music star, ClassiQ, has told
PREMIUM TIMES that he was not happy
with what happened to popular
Kannywood actress, Rahama Sadau.

Ms. Sadau was expelled from the
Kannywood film industry for featuring
in a romantic music video of ClassiQ’s
new single ‘I love you’.

Her expulsion was announced on
Sunday by MOPPAN, a coalition of
associations that set rules and
regulations governing the conduct of
actors and actresses, as well as
production of movies in northern
Nigeria.

ClassiQ, who sounded remorsefully
throughout, said he never thought things
would turnout the way they did.

”I actually asked and begged Rahama
Sadau to be part of the video because
she is a popular figure in the
entertainment industry and that is all. I
wanted a popular face in the video,” he
said.

“When the whole thing blew because of
her appearance in the video, I got
shocked. In fact I am still not myself till
now. I am shocked by her expulsion.

“I keep feeling it is because of my video
that she got expelled from the industry
and that is not good at all. She is a good
person. “

We are not in any way trying to prove a point or step on any body’s toe.

“It is strictly professional and look at
what it has turned out to be for her. I
am so worried and disturbed about it, ”
the musician told PREMIUM TIMES.
Meanwhile, a popular Kaduna-based
film and music producer, Asino
Handsome, said the whole issue was
blown out of proportion. ”

I think she should have been suspended and warned instead of expulsion. She is a great actress. The regulatory body should have placed her on last warning.

“Outright expulsion is not a good thing. I
am appealing to MOPPAN to please
revisit the sanction and help the
actress.”

Rahama Sadau, who is yet to react to her
expulsion, is expected to return to
Nigeria from her vacation in India this
week.

"I'm speaking for justice" - Ashraf Babagana to Kannywood

Dear Kannywood, its me again ooo!

My voice won't be silence as Abusidiq said;
I'm speaking for justice!

Your reason on why you expelled Rahma Sadau is 1 of 2.

1. You've expelled Rahma Sadau just because ClassiQ is of different religion. ClassiQ is not Muslim.

2. Music matters the Film Industry.
A good example - Dj A.b (Abba) is a typical Hausa boy. He's a Muslim. He's no doubt one of the fastest rising musician from the North. He become popular when he released the ThuG Mixtape Album. His sit track Babarsa which almost turn to a National Anthem in the North.

Since it matters, why don't you stop him?

My people.. It's a pity! Hypocrisy!

"Does The Music Video Matters The Film Industry?" - Ashraf Babagana asked Kannywood

I'm Ashraf Babagana. I'm calling attention of the Kannywood Film Industry.

Yesterday, being 2nd October, 2016, a news reached me that Kannywood expelled one of the most fastest rising Actress, Rahma Sadau due to the "immoral" romantic music video as stated with one of the most fastest rising Musician from the North, CassiQ a.k.a Arewa Mafia

I guess, Kannywood have no reason on why they expelled Rahma Sadau because there are many people in the industry that did more than that and they are still there.

My question here is... "Does the music Video matters the film Industry?"

Honestly, NO!

Hypocrisy lend my people down. It's just hypocrites that failed her just because she's becoming more popular and making more money at same time.

(As example) - I wonder why Secondary School Teachers forces the students either to cut their nails or hairs while they do have parents at home that are to be taking care od that. (Morality)

Dear Teachers/Kannywood, please just focus on what matters you.

As for now, Rahma Sadau's fans begun to start protesting that this is injustice.
"Why won't they expel Ali Nuhu?"
He also appear in visual video of Aure (Wedding) by Morell

And again, I've change my question to be more easier.
"Does music (not music video by the way) matters film industry?"

Here I raised my case and a chance over to you to defend your industry. Waiting for your response..

Kannywood actress Rahama Sadau, expelled from Hausa film industry for 'immoral' appearance in a romantic music video

Top Kannywood actress, Rahama Sadau has been expelled from the Hausa film industry by the Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria.

Rahma Sadau was expelled for featuring in a romantic musical video by Jos born musician, ClassiQ.

The statement dated October 2 and signed by the Secretary of the association, Salisu Mohammed, also warned other actors and actresses to henceforth follow the rules binding their participation in the Kannywood film industry.

No word yet from Sadau, who is currently in Mumbai, India

Song tittle: ClassiQ - I Love You. Ft. Avala

FLASH: Troops repel attack at Logomani

At about 1.00am today, Sunday 25th September 2016, some suspected remnants of Boko Haram fighters attacked our troops location of at Logomani along Dikwa-Gambarou road, Borno State, in a 3 wave attack using 36 Hand Grenades and Rocket Propelled Launchers. Our troops fought gallantly and repelled the attack which lasted for about one hour. At the end of the fierce encounter, the troops counted 22 dead bodies of Boko Haram fighters.

They also recovered 2 AK-47 Rifles, 1 FN Rifle, 1 G3 Rifle and some 36 Hand grenades. Unfortunately, we lost 4 soldiers and their rifles as a result of the effect of Boko Haram use of Rocket Propelled Grenades, while 2 soldiers were wounded in action. The wounded in action have been evacuated for further medical management. The location have been reinforced and replenished while the troops have continued their clearance operations.

Muhd El-bonga Ibraheem writes to Gov. Dankwambo

The decision by the Gombe State Government to commendably rename important places after great people in the State, or those who had contributed greatly to the state is really commendable to say the least. In a very Amazing move, the list cuts across political differences.

However, I wish to call the attention of Governor Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo, as well as the selection committee, to find an important place to be renamed after the late Emir of Gombe, His Royal Highness, Shehu Usman Abubakar. From what I've seen so far, it seems the late Emir's name hasn't been included yet. Whether it is a mistake or not, I think there is need for the list to be reviewed.It will be a total shame if the name of the late Emir of Gombe isn't included in any of the places renamed.

I'm still struggling to fathom the calibre of people in the selection committee that couldn't deem it fit to consider important personality like the former Emir: whose sheer altruism, philanthropic nature, fatherly status, and historic position in Gombe-- especially the unforgettable role he played in the creation of the state in 1996-- is absolutely unrivalled to say the least. His role in the creation of Gombe State, in the wake of stiff competitions and rivalry will forever be remembered.

While it is superb that Gombe State University (GSU) has been renamed after Bubayero; Investment Quarters, now Danjuma Goje Quarters; Shongo Estate, now Hashidu Quarters, as well as Gombe International Airport, now Sani Abacha International Airport etc. there is need for the selection committee to consider other places to immortalise the late Emir, even if it means renaming Gombe Government House in the name of the late Emir. I would have suggested the Gombe Township Stadium in Pantami, but it appears it has been renamed after ABM.

Of all the states that were created in 1996 by former Head of State, General Sani Abacha, Gombe State is arguably the most developed in terms of infrastructuraldevelopment. The State is due to clock 20 years on the 1st of October, 2016.

New things to happen in preparation of the 20th anniversary of Gombe State.

In preparation to the 20th anniversary of Gombe State the Committee has change the name of some institutions and projects subject to approval by state Government:

1. Gombe Airport now Sani Abacha Airport Gombe.
2. Shango Housing Estate now Hashidu Estate.
3. Investment Quarters now Danjuma Goje Estate.
4. Labour Quarters now M.I.Bawa Estate.
5. Gombe State University now Bubayero University Gombe.
6. College of Edu now Illiyasu Maiyamba College of Education Billiri.
7. Polytechnic Bajoga now Muhammadu Kwairanga Polytechnic Bajoga.
8. Pantami Stadium now A.B.M Stadium.
The rest are naming of School of Nursing Dukku, Int'l Conference Centre, Major Roads, Trailer park e.t.c

N5bn reportedly found in account of an Army General's daughter

EFCC operatives have reportedly found N5 billion lodged in an account operated by the daughter of an Army General.

According to an official in the antigraftagency who spoke on condition of anonymity toThe Sun, investigations so far carried out into the account, showed that N10 million was sometimes deposited 5 to 6 times within a day.

The source stated that the Army general's daughter isunder 30 and recently got married. The account officer, a lady who manages the account was subsequently invited by the EFCC. She gave useful information which led to the invitation of the Army General’s daughter towards the last week of August.

The source stated that she pleaded for more time to enable her attend to her infant child.The young nursing mother eventually turned up with her mother, baby, husband and lawyer about two weeks ago. And for two days, she faced interrogation though she was not detained because she is a nursing mother. “Details of the account show that cash deposits of about N10 million were consistently paid into the account sometimes five or six times a day. The money so far deposited into that account and another in London should well be over N5 billion”, the source said.

Investigators also discovered that even though the lady was still a student in the United Kingdom, hundreds of thousands of Pound Sterling were wired into the bank account of a London based firm’s bank account for her. The firm, Carrington Whyte Consulting with Flat 4, Grove End Gardens 33 Grove End Road NW8 9LL London, as its address, was curiously registered around June 2014 and shortly after, the funds began to hit its bank account from Nigeria in torrents.

Though the Army General’s daughter is currently on administrative bail, she is however, expected to reportback for further interrogation next week. “We had to study her last statements, juxtapose them with our findings and draw up fresh questions for her and withwhich we confront her next week”, the source explained.

Niger Delta Avengers end ceasefire, bomb oil pipeline in Bonny

Militant group, Niger Delta Avengers, have ended their ceasefire as the group attacked the Bonny 48 inches crude oil Export Line yesterday evening at about 8.40pm. The group announced the new attack on its website. Read the statement below On the 23rd September 2016, our strike team at 20:40PM hours time has brought down oil productions activities at the Bonny 48 inches crude oil Export Line.

This action is a signature to the over dramatization ofthe so-called dialogue and negotiation process on the side of President Muhammadu Buhari and his government. Since, the cessation of hostilities and the commitment of the PAN Niger Delta Elders and stakeholders team, the Nigerian government and her agents are turning the expectations of the Niger Deltato shameful scenes obtainable in Nollywood acts andas well intimidations, blackmails and continuous profiling of Niger Delta sons and daughters.

This is only a wake up call; we may not have other way to say it better. We are still in favour of the dialogue and negotiations but we are warning against " the peace of our time! We want the peace with honour”.

We will resist all actions undermining the ceasefire from side of the government and it security agents/ agencies. The world is watching, time is running against the Nigerian state; while we were promised that the concerns of Niger Delta will be addresses once a truce is declared, the activities of the government andher agents are not assuring enough, there has been no progress and no breakthrough.

We cannot be continuously fooled, the government cannot justify the indiscriminate targeting of Niger Delta youths while glorifying on these victimization oflaw abiding citizens of the region

Troops Recover Large Cache Of Ammunition In Maiduguri

Acting directod,  Army Public Relations, Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman in Saturday said troops on Operation LAFIYA DOLE deployed in the outskirts of Maiduguri following a tip off from the Civilian JTF in the area have recovered a large cache of ammunition at a residential area of Bulabulin Ngarnam, Borno State, today morning.

According to him,  the recovered ammunition include 3 sealed boxes of 7.62mm (NATO) ammunition, 3 jerry cans containing various calibres of ammunition, 2 sacks containing 5,998 rounds of 7.62mm (NATO) ammunition and 1, 760 rounds of 5.56mm SS109 calibre of ammunitions.

In addition, they recovered 5 empty magazines of AK-47 rifle and a magazine of Fabrique Nationale rifle.The Nigerian Army wishes to once more commend the patriotic zeal and efforts of the Civilian JTF.

He said “We also call on all to be more securityconscious and report any suspicious person orgroup of persons as we believe there could be more of such arms and ammunitions hidden ordumped by the Boko Haram terrorists in other parts especially in the north east.”

6 Verified Presidency Twitter Handles To Follow For Latest Info

Twitter is a key tool for disseminating timely and genuine information to followers with it’s over 310 million monthly active users as at 2016. Many governments are taking advantage of these to reach out to their citizenry. The Nigerian government is not lagging behind as it is actively present on twitter and other social media networks.

On these handles, you can get information about the government. Hence, it is important for Nigerians to follow these twitter accounts. Jumia travel, Africa’s No 1 hotel booking portalidentifies 6 of these twitter handles. Most of these accounts are verified. So, you don’t need to question the authenticity of the tweeted information on these handles.

@Mbuhari

Nigerians have complained that President Muhammadu Buhari doesn’t regularly address them. This may be probably true. But, with over 662,000 followers on twitter, the handle ofthe president often dishes out information about government affairs. So, it is a good placeto start hearing from PMB.

@NGRpresident

This handle offers the latest information from the Office of the President, Muhammadu Buhari. So, if you want to know about the important things that are happening in the President’s office @NGRpresident is the handle to follow.

@ProfOsinbajo

The Vice President is very active on social media with over 667,000 followers. You can get relevant information about the economy, Information, and Communication Technology and also the activities of the Vice-President.

@AsoRock

This handle aggregates all the activities of the Federal Government of Nigeria as well as its ministries and disseminates the info to the public. The handle also has live tweets retreatsand other governmental functions.

@DigiCommsNG

@DigiCommsNG is where you get latest activities of government in the ICT sector. For example, the Aso Villa demo day was aggressively promoted on this handle which involved over 30 startups coming together to present their pitches.

@GarShehu

This is the official handle of the spokesman forPresident Muhammadu Buhari. For rejoinders, press releases and clarifications, this is the handle to follow.

Source: Leadership

ASUU to begin a one-week warning strike on October 2nd

The Academic Staff Union of Universities ASUU will begin a warning strike from October 2nd. The union disclosed this in a statement signed by the Chairman,University of Abuja chapter of ASUU.

“We have tried to dialogue with the Federal Government but they have been playing games with us; we will start with a warning strike to show them we are not jokers.

ASUU has being trying to get the attention of the Federal Government to intervene in the academic system of universities across Nigeria but it has all been abortive.

Consequently, ASUU will give a warning strike which will start on Oct. 2nd. The strike will last for one week, and if they do not give us listening ears, we willstart the indefinite strike in November,” the statement read.

The academic union has been at loggerheads with the Federal government over the non-implementationof its 2009 agreement with the FG.  Among the demands of ASUU includes the exclusion of Nigerian universities from Pension Management Company, non-release of NEEDS Assessment Intervention Fund, funding of state universities, payment of earnedacademic allowance and renegotiation of the agreements were part of the outstanding issues that have not also been addressed.

Buhari needs our support to succeed - Alao to Nigerians

– Dr. Solomon Alao, head of Cherubim and Seraphim Unification Church, has said that President Muhammadu Buhari needs Nigerians support to succeed

– The cleric says that Buhari’s failure will mean that everyone in the nation has failed

– He says that Nigerians will reap the
benefits should Buhari succeed and the
economy becomes buoyant

Dr. Solomon Alao, the Supreme Head of
Cherubim and Seraphim Unification Church of Nigeria, has said that the success of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led government lies on the support of Nigerians.

According to him, should Buhari succeed and the economy becomes buoyant, then Nigerians will reap the benefits, but should he fail then everyone in the nation has failed, The Sun reports.

Senate to invite Minister of Finance, othersin the economic team over current economic recession

Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has stated that the time for identifying the cause of the economic recession and those responsible for it is over and that all political leaders should start working together to find a solution.

At an interactive press briefing with media correspondents in Kwara State, after observing the Eid-el-Kabir prayers in Ilorin, Saraki said the Senate on resumption will respond to the economiccrisis with a number of measures which include getting managers of the economy to give account to the people, making tough recommendations to the President on needed changes, formulating necessary legislative framework for economic recovery and wide consultations across the private sector.

He reiterated his call for a broader and bolder economic plan with input from both legislative and executive arms of government, the private sector, professional groups. All the groups, he said, must work together to put in place interventions that will create more jobs, strengthen the Naira, bring more investment into the country, and diversify the economy. Saraki, who served as a Special Assistant to the President on Budget Matters during the Obasanjo administration and Chairman of Governors Forum said the economy will be the focus of the Senate when it resumes plenary and throughout its remaining session.

“We are going to have an exhaustive and comprehensive debate on fixing the country’s economy when we resume next week. We understand the pains that Nigerians are feeling and we do not take this for granted. Additionally, the Senate intends to invite everybody involved in the management of the economy to address the Nigerian people through the parliament on the steps that are being taken to get us out of this mess. We fully intend to hold all those involved in the economic management of the country accountable - However, we will do so in a manner that is transparent and there will be no cover-up. We will make tough recommendations as necessary”, he added.

The Senate President said it was equally important to begin to interrogate what happened to the measures aimed at cushioning the effect of the recession built into the 2016 budget and why they have not been implemented.

“We need to know why the promises of external borrowing has not materialised, why devaluation has not helped to strengthen the Naira, why inflow of foreign currency has continued to dry up and interest rate is still very high. Doing this will help us to understand where we are, so that we can determine where exactly we want to go from here.

“In every crisis, there is always an opportunity for positive reforms, in this regard, in order to solve this crisis, all hands must be on deck. Ideas should be sourced from all quarters. All arms of government, people of different political beliefs, from all socio-economic backgrounds and every part of Nigeria must work together at this time” he said.

He said the Senate will meet with stakeholders in the private sector to ensure it collates a broad spectrum of opinions while formulating ideas to stimulate the economy. He said all political leaders should be worried about the suffering that the ordinary people are going through and that it is necessary for leaders to further empathise with the people. He commended the people for their perseverance and understanding.

While calling on the people to exercise patience and know that political leaders are genuinely concerned about their plight, Saraki said: “The positive attitude demonstrated by ourpeople during the Eid-el-Kabir festival gave me hope that we in the leadership of the country should move swiftly to tackle this economic crisis. We have no option and this we must do without delay. I commend and praise our people for their perseverance and understanding”, he said.

Saraki also appealed to newsmen and women around the country to play a more positive role in reporting on issues that are important to the development of the country, highlighting that the fourth estate has to work harder to inform the public based on facts.

“I want to use this opportunity to advise those politicians who specialise in causing division between the executive andlegislature for their personal benefit to know that this is not the right time for them to ply their trade. We need all arms andlevels of government to work together with the people because we are in an economic emergency and all hands must be on deck”, he said.

Forget about Biafra - President Buhari tells agitators

President Buhari yesterday asked agitators of Biafra to forget the plan.

Speaking with some NYSC members, particularly those from the south East, who paid him a visit at his home in Daura, Katsina state yesterday, President Buhari said

Tell your colleagues who want Biafra to forget aboutit. As a military commander, I walked from Degem, a border town between the north and the east, to the border between Cameroons and Nigeria.

I walked on my foot for most of the 30 months that we fought the Nigeria-Biafra civil war, in which at least 2 million Nigerians were killed. We were made by our leaders to go and fight Biafra not because of money or oil, because oil was not critical factor then, but because of one Nigeria. So if leaderships at various levels failed, it was not the fault of the rest of Nigerians who have no quarrel with one another. So please tell your colleagues that we must be together to build this country. It is big enough for us and potentially big enough in terms of resources. Those who work hard will earn a respectable living. I have seen this country, I fought for this country and I will continue to work for the unity of this country,’’he said

Dino Melaye poses beside his impressive garage

As he shared...

Posted by Linda Ikeji

Pres. @MBuhari's Eid-El-Kabir message to Nigerians.

Muhammadu Buhari wrote:

Fellow Compatriots, as you celebrate the Eid-El-Kabir, I salute your steadfastness in spite of the difficult economic times the country is going through.

The lessons of the Eid are piety and sacrifice and, my dear brothers and sisters, you have exhibited these in equal measure.

The present recession is as a result of cumulative effects of worldwide economic downturn and failure in the past to plan and save for difficult times. It is impossible to separate the present from the past to appreciate the extent to which mistakes of the past are affecting everyday life today.

I assure you that this administration is working round the clock to remove the hardships the country is going through. Rail and road constructions, projects in the housing sector, support for farmers and for small and medium scale industries, youth and women's empowerment programmes, support for revival of industries are all designed to reinvigorate the economy and enhance living standards of ordinary people.

We are getting security right. We are stopping corruption in its tracks and we will get the economy right by the Grace of God.

I enjoin Muslims to live by the dictates of Islam, to keep good relationships with their Christian brothers and sisters and as patriots to maintain the spirit of the Nigerian nation.

I wish everyone happy holidays.

Muhammadu Buhari

OMG! Between Japhet Omojuwa and Lere Olayinka

"This was my only response to this person. And it is based on a googlable fact. Any blog post you see stating otherwise must have been either wrongly copied and pasted or just an act of mischief. Nigeria, where one wrongly posted post results in a copy and paste syndication of outrightly wrong news!" - Japhet Omojuwa - https://www.instagram.com/p/BKNK0LRjpJu/

3 Nigerian pilgrims die in Saudi Arabia

Three Nigerians in Saudi Arabia for the 2016 Hajj exercise have been confirmed dead. According to a statement from Dr Ibrahim Kana, the head of the medical team at the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), two of the pilgrims died in Madinah while one died in Makkah. Kana disclosed that one of the deceased died in his sleep. He said histeam is still investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of the two others.

Oby Ezekwesili and her hubby at the BBOG sit out today

Convener of the Bring Back Our Girls group, Oby Ezekwesili's husband, Pastor Chinedu, today accompanied her to the group's sit out at the Unity Fountain Abuja today.

President Buhari in Daura, Katsina state

President Buhari is in his ancestral home in Daura, Katsina state for the Sallah holiday

"This Is Why I'm Not Happy Today. Even Though It's My Birthday" - Ashraf Babagana

Thank y'all for the birthday wishes y'all make me proud even though, I never had such a dry birthday. I was expecting gift from Manchester United.

But due to the match result #MUFCvsMCFC, I felt broke☹like its not my birthday because it wasn't the gift I've been expecting but Thank y'all once again. I remain loyal

PDP insist Edo governorship election musthold on Saturday September 10th

PDP says it is not in support of INEC's decision to postpone the Edo state governorship election slated for this Saturday. ‎Read the party’s statement below...

Sequel to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)’s Decision this afternoon to go ahead with the Edo State Gubernatorial Election as scheduled; and their immediate reversal of that patriotic stance, the Leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by Senator Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi, CON, has re-iterated its earlier position that the Saturday September 10, 2016 Election Date should remain sacrosanct since there is no tangible reason(s) evident to tamper with the Election.

The call for the postponement of the Election by top hierarchyof the security agencies predicated on alleged security threat was a less than ingenious attempt to buy time for the APC which is clearly heading for a major electoral catastrophe on Saturday."

It is shameful and indeed a major constitutional breach for the security agencies to act in concert with the APC to truncate an Election that had been planned for months. Nigerians were not deceived by the obvious concoctions of the security agencies whose performances during elections have been less than average since the advent of the Buhari Administration.Indeed they have become instruments in the hands of the Ruling Party to harass, intimidate and punish opponents." Prince Adeyeye declared.

The time may be ripe now for President Buhari and the National Assembly to conduct a non-partisan holistic review and investigation of the national security apparatus to save our fledging democracy.

“The postponement of the Election by INEC is illegal, unconstitutional and a breach of the peoples’ trust in the Commission and the security agencies. It is a coup against the people of Edo State in particular and Nigerians in general. Since APC assumed power, virtually all elections conducted by INEC have either been inconclusive or truncated.

Saturday’s Election in Edo State must be an exemption. We will not accept anything less than free, fair and transparent election conducted and concluded the same day. INEC must rise to the occasion to restore the confidence of Nigerians in its operations. Edo is a test case. With the way INEC is performing, how are we sure that it would be able to handle the 2019 national elections. Our democracy is under a serious threat from the APC and its Gestapo security agencies.

”Finally, we call on all stakeholders - The Media, civil society organizations, all political parties and indeed all Nigerians and the international community to rise to defend our hard earned democracy from the assault being unleashed on it by the APC Government.

Signed:Prince Dayo Adeyeye
PDP National Publicity Secretary

Source: Linda's blog

Police arraign late former Kogi state governor, Audu Abubakar's son, Mohammed for armed robbery

Police officers in the Kogi state police command, yesterday arraigned Mohammed Audu, the first son of former governor of the state, Abubakar  Audu, at the Chief Magistrate Court II, Lokoja, for alleged robbery and attempted culpable homicide. Mohammed and about 15 other members of his family were arrested by the police yesterday.

Apart from the robbery and attempted culpable homicide charges, the police also arraigned him for charges like criminal conspiracy, causing grievous hurt, mischief, armed robbery and attempted culpablehomicide, contrary to sections 97(1), 248, 327, 298 and 229 of the Penal Code Law.‎ He was said to havebeen detained on Wednesday September 7th after honouring the invitation of the men of the Special AntiRobbery Squad at the ‘A’ Division Police Headquarters in Lokoja.

The prosecuting Police Officer, Gabriel Otowu, told the court that the late politician’s son allegedly committed the offences against his uncle, Prince Yahaya Audu, on August 30th, in the family house at Ogbonicha, Ofu Local Government Area.

According to the First Information Report (FIR) read by the Otowu, Mohammed's uncle alleged that he was in the family compound in Ogbonicha with Ibrahim Imam for the eighth days fidau prayer of late Dauda Audu when the alleged offence took place.

He alleged that hoodlum that were heavily armed with guns, cutlasses and axe criminally conspired, invaded his compound and demanded for his properties, saying they wanted anything  “ no matter how small.” The Uncle alleged that the hoodlums thereafter shot sporadically into the air and attacked him with matchet as he attempted to give them money. He said they vandalised his Hummer Jeep and escaped into the bush after he pretended to be dead. The Uncle alleged that Mohammed had threatened to deal with him prior to the attack and that he and Imman sustained bullet wounds and werelater rushed to the Specialist Hospital Lokoja for treatment.

Counsel to Mohammed, Okechukwu Ayewu, who led seven other lawyers, prayed the court to grant him bail in line with provisions of 36(5) of the constitutionand sections 341(2) of the Criminal Procedure Code (CPC). The Chief Magistrate, Alhassan Husaini, in hisruling said:

“Though I find on the face of the originating process (FIR), a barrage of allegations, it appears that both counsels are on the same page. Accordingly, the accused person herein is admitted to bail in the sum of N100,000 and a surety in like sum as he adjournedthe matter to September 29, for further mention".

Police arraign late former Kogi state governor, Audu Abubakar's son, Mohammed for armed robbery

Police officers in the Kogi state police command, yesterday arraigned Mohammed Audu, the first son of former governor of the state, Abubakar  Audu, at the Chief Magistrate Court II, Lokoja, for alleged robbery and attempted culpable homicide. Mohammed and about 15 other members of his family were arrested by the police yesterday.

Apart from the robbery and attempted culpable homicide charges, the police also arraigned him for charges like criminal conspiracy, causing grievous hurt, mischief, armed robbery and attempted culpablehomicide, contrary to sections 97(1), 248, 327, 298 and 229 of the Penal Code Law.‎ He was said to havebeen detained on Wednesday September 7th after honouring the invitation of the men of the Special AntiRobbery Squad at the ‘A’ Division Police Headquarters in Lokoja.

The prosecuting Police Officer, Gabriel Otowu, told the court that the late politician’s son allegedly committed the offences against his uncle, Prince Yahaya Audu, on August 30th, in the family house at Ogbonicha, Ofu Local Government Area.

According to the First Information Report (FIR) read by the Otowu, Mohammed's uncle alleged that he was in the family compound in Ogbonicha with Ibrahim Imam for the eighth days fidau prayer of late Dauda Audu when the alleged offence took place.

He alleged that hoodlum that were heavily armed with guns, cutlasses and axe criminally conspired, invaded his compound and demanded for his properties, saying they wanted anything  “ no matter how small.” The Uncle alleged that the hoodlums thereafter shot sporadically into the air and attacked him with matchet as he attempted to give them money. He said they vandalised his Hummer Jeep and escaped into the bush after he pretended to be dead. The Uncle alleged that Mohammed had threatened to deal with him prior to the attack and that he and Imman sustained bullet wounds and werelater rushed to the Specialist Hospital Lokoja for treatment.

Counsel to Mohammed, Okechukwu Ayewu, who led seven other lawyers, prayed the court to grant him bail in line with provisions of 36(5) of the constitutionand sections 341(2) of the Criminal Procedure Code (CPC). The Chief Magistrate, Alhassan Husaini, in hisruling said:

“Though I find on the face of the originating process (FIR), a barrage of allegations, it appears that both counsels are on the same page. Accordingly, the accused person herein is admitted to bail in the sum of N100,000 and a surety in like sum as he adjournedthe matter to September 29, for further mention".

Governor Oshiomhole condemns the postponement of the Edo governorship Election

Edo state governor, Adams Oshiomole, has condemned the decision of INEC to postpone the Saturday September 10th governorship election in the state. INEC yesterday postponed the election following an advise from the police and DSS that the state was under some security threats and thatit would be unwise to hold an election under such circumstance. INEC after initially refusing to heed the call, last night agreed and shifted the election to Wednesday September 28th.

Reacting to the postponement, Oshiomole on Channels TV said:

"I was suprised like everybody. We had our final rally on Tuesday. If I had an idea that the election will be postponed, we would have postponed our rally. The whole idea was to bring our rally to a close so that we would spend the remaining time dealing with the issues of election logistically. My only issue is that for some reason, INEC fixed this election to coincide with WAEC examination".

Oshiomole said the two weeks extension is too long and that holding an election two days after the coronation of the Oba of Benin is not wise. He distanced the APC from having anything to do with the postponement of the Election.

The change you desire to see begins with you- President Buhari tells Nigerians

President Buhari yesterday asked Nigerians to be thechange they so desire to see as the much desired change begins with them. He said this at the launch of a new initiative, Change Begins With Me campaign,in Abuja.

"I am therefore appealing to all Nigerians to be part ofthis campaign. Our citizens must realise that the change they want to see begins with them, and that personal and social reforms are not theoretic exercise.If you have not seen the change in you, you cannot see it in others or even the larger society. In other words, before you ask ‘where is the change they promised us’, you must first ask how far have I changed my ways, ‘what have I done to be part of thechange for the greater good of society? Nigeria today is passing through a challenging moment where hardly anything works in a normal manner. Many have attributed this phenomenon to the total breakdown of our core values over the years. It is safe to say today that honesty, hard work, Godliness have given way to all kinds of manifestations of lawlessness and degeneration in our national life. This is why we have among our cardinal objectives ‘change’, which implies the need for a change of attitude and mindset in our everyday life.”he said

See this dug up Donald Trump tweet from 2013

Like Obama said..he's not fit to be president. Hope Americans will carry sense to the elections come November...

Source: Linda Ikeji's blog

INEC resolves to proceed with Edo governorship election

INEC has resolved to proceed with the Edo state governorship election despite the advise from the police and DSS that theSaturday September 10thelection be postponed due to security reasons.

The police and DSS at a joint press conference, yesterday called on the electoral body to consider thepossibility of postponing the election following some intelligence that some miscreants were planning on attacking the state during the Sallah holiday.

See this dug up Donald Trump tweet from 2013

Like Obama said..he's not fit to be president. Hope Americans will carry sense to the elections come November...

Source: Linda's blog

President Buhari receives newly confirmed IG of Police, Governors of Plateau & Yobe states

President Buhari received the newly confirmed Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Kpotum Idris, at the State House, Abuja, today 8th September, 2016. Kpotum who was appointed back in June, was confirmed yesterday by the Council of State. Meanwhile, Governors of Plateau and Yobe States also payed a visit to the President.

Donald Trump blasts Barack Obama : 'Russian president Vladmir Putin's more of a leader than you'

Donald Trump has blasted US President Barack Obama saying saying Russia's president Putin is more of a leader than Obama. According to Trump, Putin has a very 'strong hold' of his country unlike Obama.During a NBC TV interview conducted on Wednesdaynight, where he and Hillary Clinton were being quizzed separately on national security and military matters, he described Putin as a leader who has control over his country.

Trump while speaking about Russia and Mr Putin's position said:

''The man has very strong control over a country, It's a very different system and I don't happen to like the system, but certainly, in that system, he's been a leader, far more than our president has been a leader."

Mr Trump repeated his claim that he opposed the invasion of Iraq – despite the fact that he expressed support for it in a 2002 interview and said that after the US combat mission ended troops should have remained in Iraq to "take the oil".

'It used to be to the victor belongs the spoils," he told NBC moderator Matt Lauer. ' If we had taken Iraq's oil supply then ISIS would not exist.'

The billionaire businessman suggested that he would remove the top military officials who had been advising Barack Obama, however, and usher in new set of people.

"I think under the leadership of Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton the generals have been reduced to rubble," he said.

Mr Trump also said he felt he could get along with the Russian president, and was glad to have received a compliment from him.

"Well I think when he called me brilliant, I'll take the compliment, okay?" Mr Trump said. "Look, it's not going to get him anywhere. I'm a negotiator."

Source: NBC

Army nabs suspected Niger Delta Avengers kingpin

The Nigeria army says it has arrested suspected leader of militant group, Niger Delta Avengers which is responsible for blowing up ofoil pipelinesin the Niger Delta Region

Daily Post quotes a statement by acting director of army public relations, Col. Sani Usman Kukasheka as saying that troops of 13 Brigade Nigerian Army arrested a suspected leader of the Niger Delta Avengers, Isaac Romeo, popularly known as “G2”.

He was arrested alongside two other people named  Lawson Samson and Iyang Ekpo (an elderly man) in Calabar, Cross River state whiledriving in a vehicle on Saturday, September 3.

Nigeria army in Operation Crocodile Smile preparations. The army says its has arrested Niger Delta Avengers leader during the operation.

The statement said the army carried out the arrest in conjunction with the navy, air force and secret agents of the Defence Intelligence Agency.

'Our country is going to hell': Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton differ over national security issues

Donald Trump and Hilarry Clintonon Tuesdaynight differed on their national security plans for USA if elected into office.

Clinton accused Donald Trump of insulting America'sveterans and pressing dangerous military plans around the globe, seeking to undercut his appeal to service families in Southern voting battlegrounds while Trump declared "our country is going to hell" because of policies made by ClintonA cool, calms and calculated Donald Trump said he'llask NATO members to pay their bills and also 'respectfully' ask countries like Saudi Arabia, South Korea, German, Japan and others to pay for the tremendous security the United states provide to them. He also said he will seek to increase number ofbUS troops and develop the U.S missile defense system, saying cyber security is at it's lowest in the U.S and that America needs to be many steps ahead of enemy countries and ISIS.

"His whole campaign has been one long insult to all those who have worn the uniform," Hillary, the Democratic nominee said at the University of South Florida in Tampa.

"We are going to work with our allies, not insult them. We are going to stand up to our adversaries, not cozyup to them. We are going to have real plans, not claims and secret plans,"Clinton said Trump lagged behind in securing key military supporters compared to past Republican nominees including John McCain and Mitt Romney. She pointed to her endorsements from retired Marine Gen. John Allen and former CIA deputy director Mike Morell.

"They know they can count on me to be the kind of commander in chief who will protect our country and our troops, and they know they cannot count on Donald Trump," Clinton said en route to Florida."

They view him as a danger and a risk.

"Meanwhile Trump vowed to take aggressive action tohelp veterans at home and confront threats abroad including acts of terrorism from ISIS."We are going to solve the ISIS problem," Trump said.

"But we have to get back to building our country, because our country is going to hell.

"Trump argued that Clinton's email use and her handling of classified information is "disqualifying."

"People who have nothing to hide don't smash phones with hammers. People who have nothing to hide don't bleach -- nobody's even ever heard of it -- their emails, or destroy evidence to keep it from beingpublicly archived as required under federal law," Trump said

"I just don't think she has a presidential look and you need a presidential look," Trump said of Clinton."I'm talking about general, by the way, she says things about me that are horrible," Trump said. "As an example the single greatest asset I have, according to those that know me, is my temperament."

Trump, trying to emphasize his military support, released a letter from 88 retired generals and admirals citing an urgent need for a "course correction" in America's national security policy.

"We believe that such a change can only be made by someone who has not been deeply involved with, andsubstantially responsible for, the hollowing out of our military and the burgeoning threats facing our country around the world," the military leaders wrote.

"For this reason, we support Donald Trump's candidacy to be our next commander in chief."

Source: Fox News, CNN, CBC News

#BringBackOurGirls activities are becoming worrisome and threat to public peace and order- IGP says

Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, says that the ‎activity of the advocacy group, Bring Back Our Girls, is becoming worrisome and is a threat to publicpeace and order.

Idris said this against the backdrop of the recent standoff the group has had with security operatives during their March to the presidential villa in Abuja.

The IGP bared his mind when the National President of the National Council of Women Societies (NCWS), Gloria Shoda and other members of the Council executive paid him a visit at his office in Abuja.

“The police management is aware of the agitation and the plight of parents of the abducted Chibok schoolgirls and other civil groups. As parents ourselves, we sympathize with them in these trying moments. Evidently, the government has invested huge resources in ensuring that the girls are rescued and re-united with their various families. However, the activities of the #BringBackOurGirls group in Abuja, the nation’s capital recently, are becoming worrisome and threat to public peace and order.

#BringBackOurGirls protagonists must understand that in the exercise of their rights, they must not trample on other peoples’ rights through over-dramatization of emotions, self-serving propaganda and disrespect of public (office) holders. The police will not sit on the fence and watch such a scenario unfold. The rights of law-abiding citizens must be protected within the context of the law and we believe that enough is enough”.

Bag of Rice now sells for N17,500 as prices of food items crash in Kano

The prices of food items appear to be crashing down following the arrival of new harvests at Kano markets. As at yesterday, a bag of rice now sells for N17,500 as against previous price of N19,000 and above. Also a bag of maize which sold at N13,000 last month was yesterday sold for N10,000. ‎Most consumers believe that the drop in food prices will continue as the year comes to an end.

Acting IG of Police, Ibrahim K. Idris, confirmed by the Council of the State

The appointment of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Ibrahim KpotuM Idris, was confirmed today 7th September, 2016 at the State house, by the Council ofState during a meeting presided over by President Buhari. He was appointed back in June after Immediate past IGP Solomon Arase retired from office when he reached the mandatory 60 years retirement age.

Fayose condemns postponement of Edo guber election, says; “democracy now in danger under APC”

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose has condemned the call for the postponement of the Edo State governorship election by the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Police, saying “It is obvious that the All Progressives Congress (APC) is challenged and afraid of losing the election and the party is using the federal government security agencies to cause a postponement of the election so as to be able to perfect its new rigging plans.

”The governor, who raised the alarm that “democracy is in danger” under the APC government, said; “obviously, within two years of APC government, Nigeria is in both economic and political recession and this should worry all true lovers of the country.” Reacting to the DSS and Police position that the election be postponed because of security threat, Governor Fayose, who spoke through his Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, said he was worried that “democracy in Nigeria has now graduated from inconclusive elections to postponement of elections in other to return APC candidates at all cost.” He said;

“Within two year, the APC government not only destroyed the economy of Nigeria, it has destroyed the legacy of free, fair and credible electoral process bequeathed on the country by the PDP.” The governor said; “The questions Nigerians must ask the APC-led federal government are; what security threatcan overcome over 50,000 security personnel in an election holding in just one out of the 36 States in Nigeria? If election must be postponed in just one State because of security threat, what will then happen in 2019 when elections will be conducted in the entire country?“

Another question is; were they unaware of the security challenge when President Mohammadu Buhari went to Edo State to campaign for the APC yesterday? “No doubt, this is a game being played by the APC because it has become so imminent that the party cannot win the election if it is held on Saturday as scheduled.“

The postponement is obviously meant to give room for the APC to perfect a new rigging strategy and lovers of democracy in Nigeria should begin to see how the APC aims at perpetuating itself in power beyond 2019 even now that the party has been rejected by Nigerians.”

"Nigeria progressed under GEJ because hetook responsibility & never blamed anyone for challenges he met" - Sen. Ben Bruce

As Senator Ben Murray-Bruce, shared via his Facebook page....

Posted by Linda Ikeji