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

Kogi State Governor did not arrest anybody- Fanwo

This is a press statement released by Fanwo Kingsley, the  Chief Press Secretary to the Kogi State Governor. It reads:

My attention has been drawn to many reports online concerning the arrest of members of the late Prince Abubakar Audu's family on the orders of the Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello.

The Governor did not order the arrest of anybody. However, law enforcement agents are free to effect arrest when anyone infringes the Law. If members of Audu family run foul of the Law, they would not be spared just because they are members of Audu's family. Nobody is above the law. Even if members of the Governor's family break the law, they will be arrested.

It is therefore unwise to link politics and criminality. Law enforcement agents should be left to do their work. Government is focused on governance. Politicsis over. It is not the responsibility of Governor YahayaBello to arrest suspected criminals.

The Governor will never stop security agencies from carrying out their lawful responsibilities of safeguarding lives and property. Anyone who breaks the Law must be prepared for the consequences of doing so.

The Governor has reiterated that criminality will not be tolerated in Kogi State. Citizens must act right. We must build a society of true equality. Thanks and Godbless.

NAF counter terrorist exercise at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) today simulated a counter terrorist exercise at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja. The exercise followed on the heels of recent terrorist attacks in some major airports around the world. The exercise was codenamed “EXERCISE STEEL DOME” meaning fortified arena, and the aim to ascertain NAF’s readiness to respond to occurrence of terrorist attack in any of the nation’s airports.

The exercise scenario was based on terrorist attack on an airport, and effort to retake the airport from the terrorists and restore normalcy through insertion and extraction of Special Forces operating in conjunction with other organic security forces and organisations.

The exercise objectives are to enable the NAF practice both individual and group skills in planning, coordination and execution of counter-terrorist operations, as well as understand the requirements and challenges involved in the coordination and conduct of counter terrorist operations in concert with other security agencies and organisations among others.

Meanwhile, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar has disclosed that there are plans to replicate the exercise in other major cities, such as Lagos, Kano and Port Harcourt, with international airports.

Responding to questions from press men at the end of the exercise, Air Mshl Abubakar stated that "it is necessary for the NAF, in the light of the security challenges in the country, to evaluate her operational plans from time to time with a view to identifying any gaps"

Gov. Ambode attends council of state meeting in Abuja

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, with his Kwara, Kogi and Benue States counterparts, Mr. Abdulfatah Ahmed and Governor Yahaya Bello and Dr. Samuel Ortom, former Interim Head of Government, Chief Ernest Shonekan  and VP Prof. Yemi Osinbajo all attended the Council of State during the Council of State meeting in Abuja on Wednesday, September 7, 2016.

2019 Presidency: A Battle Of Old Combatants? IBB Campaign Posters Floors Online

Though the former military leader, Ibrahim Gbadamosi Babangida has said in different fora that he would not delve into any elective political position in Nigeria again due to his age, but his 2019 presidential posters have filtered on social media.

Some facebook users shared the poster with the opposition Peoples Democratic Party’s logo and the inscription, ‘CHANGE THE CHANGE’ In Nigeria, our leaders often say something in the morning and in evening say a contrary.

This is a country where anything goes.
We would not be surprised if the aged
Babangida, popularly known as IBB is being recalled from political retirement to vie for the Presidency.

Nigeria in deep economic mess, funny enough, some desperate political gladiator my call on the ex-military leader to face an old foe, the incumbent, President Muhammadu Buhari Could this be a kind of PDP joker of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP for the 2019 Presidential election? Let keep our fingers crossed, time will definitely tell.

-News Punch

Again!! Another Nigerian blogger Iroegbu Emenike,allegedly arrested by SSS in Akwa Ibom state

Our attention has been drawn to the arrest and detention of a 38-year-old blogger and publisher of an online news medium, Abia Facts, Mr. Iroegbu Emenike by the State Security Service (SSS) in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State at about 1:00pm on Tuesday, September 6, 2016.According to the wife of the blogger, Mrs. Ekaette Emenike Iroegbu, the blogger was arrested by three (3) SSS operatives who invaded their Uyo residence in a Gestapo style in a black jeep. The operatives took away the two phones of Mrs. Emenike; the bloggers own phones and laptop, etc. After ransacking their apartment, they whisked the blogger away without disclosing the reason for his arrest and their destination.

Though the Director of SSS, Akwa Ibom State Command, Mr. Adesina informed me at about 9:04pm on Tuesday, September 6, that he was not aware of the blogger's arrest, the wife of the blogger who went to the SSS office in Uyo has confirmed that her husband is being held by the SSS in Uyo.Without prejudice to whatever reason may have motivated the arrest and detention of the blogger, it isvery worrisome that the fundamental right to freedomof expression guaranteed by Section 39 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) is being eroded at an alarming and unprecedented level since the inception of the currentdispensation.Few examples will suffice.

Emmanuel Ojo, a blogger, was arrested by the Ogun State Police Command on Saturday, September 26, 2015 on the orders of the Ogun State governor over his publication about the governor's wife on Facebook. Blogger Seun Oloketuyi was equally arrested in 2015 over an online publication. Mr. Abubakar Sidiq Usman, a popular blogger and political commentator was arrested and detained recently by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged cyberstalking. Mr. Musa Azare from Bauchi State was also arrested recently by the Nigeria Police Force allegedly on the orders of his state governor over his critical publications on social media The SSS and other security agencies should resist the emerging capricious proclivities of political office holders to use security agencies to clampdown on Nigerians for exercising their constitutional liberties. Democracy is being threatened in Nigeria by the rising display of intolerance to free speech.

Will the SSS and other security agencies be willing to arrest, detain and prosecute every Nigerian that is accused of making offensive or derogatory publication and statement? The security agencies should not be seen to be massaging the egos of the influential members of the society.

Those who believe that their reputation have been lowered in the eyes of right thinking members of the society should explore the legal option by seeking redress in a court of law.

While we are not yet certain about the person(s) who instigated Emenike's arrest, it is on record that the Abia State born blogger has been constantly harassed by the agents and officials of the Abia State Government over his publications. It is also on recordthat some government officials in Akwa Ibom State have been uncomfortable with some of his publications online.

We hereby call on the SSS to release Mr. Iroegbu Emenike immediately. Injury to one, is injury to all.

Thank you.

Inibehe Effiong, ESQ.Convener, Coalition of Human Rights Defenders (COHRD).

Source: Linda ikeji's blog

Nigeria has been badly governed, but now there is hope -VP Osinbajo

This is a statement signed by Laolu Akande, the Senior Special Assistant-Media & Publicity to the Vice President.

There is no country in the world that can face the kind of stealing that has taken place in Nigeria without having to deal with the consequences, including the current state of the economy.Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, made this assertion today while receiving a delegation of the Northern States Pentecostal Bishops Forum in his office at the Presidential Villa, assuring however that even though the times are hard today, “there is great hope that this country will prosper.”

According to him, “this country has been badly governed. We are dealing for instance with the embezzlement of funds to the tune of $15B in one sector alone.

"Continuing, Prof. Osinbajo observed that there are those who are asking ‘why talking about the past’ and he posed a response: “We have to, that is why weare here.”“We have not turned attention to the oil and gas sector, where the former CBN Governor alleged that $20B was stolen.

We must condemn and stand up against this level of corruption. It is the single most important reason of the current state of the country. We can’t ignore it.

”The Vice President then called on Christian and religious leaders generally in the country to condemn corruption “openly.” He added that “we can’t say because they are Christians or Muslims we wont condemn those involved in corruption.

”Responding to the views of the leader of the delegation, Archbishop John Praise Daniel that members of the forum have been actively involved in the fight against corruption in Nigeria, the VP said indeed the “country has been systematically destroyed.

”He explained:“Our currency depreciated because we don't have thereserves to back it. At the height of the oil boom, therewere no savings.”

In addition to the massive fall in oil prices, the VP stated that the vandalization of pipelines has led to a worsening of the situation with the country loosing about 1m barrels of oil per day for up to 6 months now. The vandalism has equally cut power supply short since gas pipelines were also destroyed.

“That is the background for the sort of situation we find ourselves,” Prof Osinbajo asserted while expressing renewed hope that “God surely has a planfor this country. We (as a government) are open, honest, transparent and we shall use the resources ofthis country very well.

”He pointed out that the recent GDP figures released last week indicated clearly there is growth in agriculture and solid minerals. According to him “agric and solid minerals have witnessed improvements.”

The social investment programmes according to the Vice President are on course, reassuring the nation “that very soon the 500,000 jobs scheme will take off,” alongside other schemes.

Earlier Archbishop Daniel expressed the support of the forum for the diversification of the Nigerian economy by the Buhari presidency, while calling for access to lower interest rates. The forum also asked the federal government to checkmate the violent herdsmen, create ranches in the states and promote religious harmony.

Responding the Vice President noted that President Buhari has given clear instructions to the security agencies to deal with anyone regardless of status who carries arms and also deal with anyone that causes and perpetrates violence of any kind.

XX “The President has said twice in the past fortnight that anyone who commits atrocities must be arrestedand tried and he has demonstrated that resolve,” Prof Osinbajo said.

He however added that generally the country’s criminal justice system is rather slow in delivering justice, adding that there is need for justice sector reforms.His words:

“the justice system is very slow, not just in some cases, but generally extremely slow. For example it takes for ever before a murder trial gets to court.”

NAN MD, Bayo Onanuga, says shouts of hardship under Buhari may be mere propaganda

Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria NAN, yesterday expressed doubt over the shouts of hardship many Nigerians are complaining of. According to him, this could be mere propaganda as research carried out by him shows that life is not as hard as many Nigerians say it is.‎ On his Facebook page, he wrote:

'My daughter was on the Virgin Atlantic Flight that took off from Lagos to London today. I asked her to find out whether the plane was filled up or going to London near empty judging by the noisy campaign from a section of the country about the 'hardship' in our country. My daughter sent back this one-line text, after boarding: "daddy, the flight was filled up o".  ‎This makes me to wonder whether all the seeming orchestrated campaign in the media was not mere propaganda to make the Buhari regime look really bad. I was in Bauchi and Jos at the weekend, I also found that food was cheap everywhere. In our hotel, we paid about N700 for a plate of semovita, or eba with a choice of cat fish or chicken. On the roadside, Ifound to my surprise that with just N1000, I bought over 50 oranges, two giant water melon and 10 pieces of sweet potato. I had experienced a similar thing in the market at Abuja, where I found that with N1,400, I could make a big vegetable soup, with tomato, pepper and roasted Titus fish. Are the media and bloggers really painting a correct image of our country. It's time for the media to objectively conduct a reality check about our reports, whether we are not over sensationalising so-called hardship that we talked about.'.

Source: Linda

"Governor Dankwambo and the State" New things happening

I would like to thank all the workers of Gombe State Water Board for making an absolute great work in Re-Making of the State.

As of yesterday, being 6th. September, As the people of Gombe state celebrate #ClassOf2016PenDayInFUK w/outgoing students of the year, they're also celebrating of Water Pump which has been quite for a very long period of time.

God bless the people of Gombe and Nigeria at large!

Hillary and Bill Clinton blast Donald Trump,says he 'caused a diplomatic incident' during Mexico trip and 'damaged America'

Hillary Clinton and her husband Bill Clinton have blasted Donald Trump over his visit to Mexico last Wednesday.

Donald Trump had talked about building a wall between Mexico and USA to curb illegal immigration and drug trafficking into the U.S but didn't bring up the topic while he visited Mexico's president Enrique Peña Nieto and Hillary and Bill Clinton have now slammed Donald Trump for 'creating a diplomatic incident.

'He didn't raise it, so he did choke. He didn't know how to even communicate effectively with a head of state. And I think that's a pretty clear outcome from that trip,' Hillary Clinton told ABCon Monday. He couldn't even bring himself to tell the president of Mexico one of his very few policy demands.

'And Bill Clinton, who was campaigning for his wife inDetroit, also blasted Trump - particularly his rally in Arizona immediately after the Mexico visit, in which he once again promised to make Mexico pay for the wall resulting in cheers from the crowd.

'I've had that job,' Bill, former US president said, according to ABC. (Trump's visit) damaged America and every serious country in the world. You cannot be the leader of a country, go down and be nice to people and then come home and dump on them for your own political benefit.'There are about 11million undocumented immigrantsliving in the US and when Trump was asked if he plans to repatriate all of them or let some stay in the country, Trump replied;

'It could be, but what’s going to happen is if you’re going to be a citizen, you’re going to leave and you're going to have to come back. And if they don't want to become citizens, he said, 'they have to make a determination what happens when the border is secure. So you’re open to them staying here undocumented?' Trump was asked.  I’m going to make a decision, or somebody will,' he replied, 'Whether it’s me or somebody else because by that time we’ll have a secure border, we’ll have a wall.

'Senator Tim Kaine, who was also taking part in the ABC interview with Hillary Clinton, also criticized the Republican candidate.

He said: 'If you're gonna cave when you're with an ally, and Mexico's an ally, what are you gonna do when you're with an adversary?''

You shouldn't leave the safety of America and our diplomacy in the hands of a rookie who, on his one visit with a foreign leader, has already created kind ofan international embarrassment for us,' he continued.

Edo Guber: Fayose urges support for Ize-Iyamu, says; “Edo people must defend their votes”

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose has urged the people of Edo State to give their votes to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu on Saturday, saying;

“Edo people should not make the same mistake Nigerians made last year by enthroning the All Progressives Congress (APC) government of President Mohammadu Buhari.”

The governor, who also called on the people of Edo State to be extra vigilant before, during and after the election, said; “the people should not just vote and go to sleep, they must make sure that their votes count and victory is ensured for Pastor Ize-Iyamu who is unarguably the best among the contenders.

”According to a statement issued on Tuesday by his Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, Governor Fayose said “party sentiment apart, Pastor Ize-Iyamu has campaigned through the nooks and crannies of Edo State to sell his visions and missions to the people of the State and anyone who saw the Channels Television debate on Sunday will agree with me that Pastor Ize-Iyamu is better equipped for the governance of Edo State.”

The governor declared that; “If you believe in me and you are a voter in Edo State,give your vote to Pastor Ize-Iyamu, the man who has demonstrated the required capacity to lead Edo State to prosperity.”

He said; “Opportunity to choose comes once in four years and the people of Edo State must grab this opportunity to change the fortune of the State for the better.

“Edo people should also be assured that Nigerians are now looking for a more meaningful change that isbetter than the APC’s one chance change and Pastor Ize-Iyamu represents that meaningful change in Edo State.

”While calling on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the security agencies to maintain neutrality before, during and after the election, the governor described the Edo State election as a litmus test for the APC led federal government, urging all government agencies involvedin the election to put the interest of democracy first.

He said INEC must not repeat its story of inconclusiveness on the Edo State election, adding that for the first time in the history of this APC led federal government; election must be free, fair and conclusive.

Governor Fayose said Edo people should be vigilant on the election day and make sure that votes are counted and recorded in relevant forms at the polling units, adding that; “the people should know that elections are not concluded until results are announced officially.”

Nigeria & the implications of Donald TrumpPresidency (Part 2)

Yet as hard as the Obama/Clinton/Kerry triumverate may try to cover it up, it appears that the message about the real situation in Buhari's Nigeria is beginning to get across to the world. As a glaring example of this permit me to share the words of a strong Trump supporter, Republican Congressman Tom Marino, which were contained in a letter that he sent to Secretary of State John Kerry a few days ago.

Nigeria's Thisday newspaper on 4th September 2016 captured the contents of that letter as follows:

"A member of the United States Congress, Tom Marino, has written a letter to Secretary of State, John Kerry, asking the US government to withhold security assistance to Nigeria until President Muhammadu Buhari demonstrates a “commitment toinclusive government and the most basic tenets of democracy: freedom to assemble and freedom of speech”.

He also asked the State Department to refrain from selling warplanes and other military equipment to Nigeria until President Buhari establishes a track record of working towards inclusion.

In a two-page letter dated September 1, 2016 and addressed to Kerry, a copy of which was exclusively obtained by THISDAY yesterday, Marino, a Republican from Pennsylvania who assumed office on January 3, 2011, said there were a number of warning signs emerging in the Buhari administration that signal “the man who once led Nigeria as a military dictator might be sliding towards former autocratic tendencies”.

The Congressman, who is a member of the Committees on the Judiciary, Homeland Security andForeign Affairs, and the Chairman, Sub-committee on Regulatory Reform, Commercial and Antitrust Law, said Nigerian government must “hold accountable those members of the Nigerian Police Force and the Nigerian Military complicit in extra-judicial killings and war crimes”.

In the six-paragraph letter to Kerry, Marino also expressed concern over Nigeria’s anti-corruption war, saying “of additional concern is President Buhari’s selective anti-corruption drive, which has focused almost exclusively on members of the opposition party, over-looking corruption amongst some of Buhari’s closest advisors. Politicizing his anti-corruption efforts has only reinforced hostility among southerners”.

His letter to Kerry reads: “Dear Secretary Kerry, I am encouraged by the personal interest you have taken in aiding Nigeria and its administration as it takes on endemic corruption, multiple insurgent movements, and a faltering economy.

However, I believe there are a number of warning signs emerging in the Buhari administration that signal “the man who once led Nigeria as a military dictator might be sliding towards former autocratic tendencies.”

“I would urge the U.S. to withhold its security assistance to the nation until President Buhari demonstrates a commitment to inclusive governmentand the most basic tenets of democracy: freedom to assemble and freedom of speech.

A logical start towards this commitment is for the Nigerian government to hold accountable those members of the Nigerian Police Force and the Nigerian Military complicit in extra-judicial killings and war crimes”.

“Human rights groups like Amnesty International have widely documented torture, inhumane treatment, and extra-judicial killings of defenseless Nigerians since President Buhari took office.

”Quoting Amnesty International Report, he wrote, “in the last six months, Nigeria’s military has unlawfully killed at least 350 people and allowed more than 168 people, including babies and children, to die in military detention.

”He further wrote: “The Secretary to the Government of Kaduna State even admitted to burying 347 of those killed in a mass grave. And while President Buhari promised swift condemnation, his words rang empty.

Instead of swift reforms, Buhari chose to reinstate Major General Ahmadu Mohammed, who Amnesty International revealed was in charge of the Nigerian military unit that executed more than 640 unarmed, former detainees.“

Also, in separate incidents concerning the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), the Nigerian Army has killed at least 36 – the real number is likely higher – people since December 2015 in an attempt to silence opposition and quell attempts by the group to gather publicly.

”Describing President Buhari as a former military dictator whose reign (as military head of state) was cut short by a coup, he stated that the President has continually shunned inclusivity in favour of surrounding himself with advisors and ministers fromthe north of the country and the region he considers home.“

Of President Buhari’s 122 appointees, 77 are from the north and control many of the key ministries and positions of power. Distrust is already high in Nigeria and favouring Northerners for key appointments has only antagonized the issue.

These appointments are also primarily Muslim in the north and Christian in the south, adding a religious aspect to long-held regional biases.

“Of additional concern is President Buhari’s selective anti-corruption drive, which has focused almost exclusively on members of the opposition party, over-looking corruption amongst some of Buhari’s closest advisors. Politicizing his anti-corruption efforts has only reinforced hostility among southerners,” he claimed in the letter.

He said the Obama Administration would advance justice by urging the Buhari Administration to act decisively to hold accountable members of the police and military.

The congressman said, “This is a logical first step in making a demonstrable, sustained commitment to inclusive democracy, with distributed power in Nigeria. Until President Buhari establishes a track record of working towards inclusion, we ask the StateDepartment to refrain from selling warplanes and other military equipment to the country.

“The State Department should urge President Buhari to form a government that represents the diversity of its citizens and allows dissenting voices to be heard. Democracy can thrive only if people are free to assemble, to express their beliefs, and voice their concerns.”

Congressman Marino ought to be commended. He has spoken the minds of millions of those who really care about what is going on in Nigeria from all over the world.

He has written what the overwhelming majority of Nigeria's ruling and political elite believe but dare not say publicly out of fear of persecution and reprisals from their own government.

Most importantly Congressman Marino reflects the mind of Mr. Donald Trump, his party's presidential candidate, on this matter and indeed the views of the majority of deeply concerned American Christians.

This is welcome support for those of us that are fed up with Buhari's pro-north, pro-Hausa Fulani and pro-Muslim agenda.

Congressman Marino has rightly observed the sad and shameful events that are unfolding in our country.

These are events that many of us warned the Nigerian people would end up happening if they made the mistake of voting Buhari into power during last years presidential election campaign.

Though we were ignored, insulted, humiliated, persecuted, falsely accused and treated with contempt and disdain for speaking the truth, our words have proved to be prophetic. Today we are witnessing those ugly events that we warned about unfolding before our very eyes.

The bottom line is as follows: if we want Nigeria to stop charting this shameless and utterly dangerous course and if we wish to get off the "road to Kigali" we must pray alongside our American friends for Donald Trump to win the presidential election in November.

Permit me to enrich this intervention with an interesting contribution from Mr. Richard Akinwande Olorunbi. After reading Congressmam Morino's letter he wrote the following on Facebook:

"A foreigner is now speaking for southerners who are under oppression by Islamist Buhari and his terrorist Fulani group. This reminds of a popular quote : ''I freed thousands of slaves, I could have freed thousands more if only they knew they were slaves". This is sad because a large number of the oppressed are so dumb that they still believe their oppressors and shout "sai Buhari". One thing is certain though,  as the political situation in Nigeria deteriorates day by day, Buhari and his Fulani terrorist murderers are now more likely to end up international criminal courtin the Hague".

How appropiate Mr. Olorunbi's words are and I say a big "amen" to his prayer.In conclusion let us consider the words of Mr. Stephen Asake, an excellent writer, a devout Christianand a man who has earned the respect and affection of many over the years.

Mr. Asake is the convenor and administrator of the Christian Information Network (a WhatsApp chat room) and in his latest essay titled "Like Cyrus In TheBible, Like Donald Trump" he wrote, inter alia, the following:

"The debate between the 'Trumpers' and 'Clintoners' is getting charged up by the day in Nigeria, rivalling the tempo in America.As a matter of fact, Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp and all other chat platforms and social media discussion groups, are saturated with TRUMP vs CLINTON debates.

I know of not less tha four different Trump vs Clinton WhatsApp chat groups where supporters of both candidates slug it out.

Many talented writers and public affairs commentators have also written articles and public commentaries  to make their preferences between thetwo candidates known.

One of such is no other person than the Cicero of our time, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, the former minister of Aviation and presidential spokeman during the Olusegun Obasanjo presidency.

In one of his articles he revealed his preference for  Trump when he quoted the following words by the Republican candidate thus:

"The rise of ISIS is the direct result of policy decisionsmade by President Obama and Secretary of State Clinton. We cannot let this evil continue. We will defeat Islamic terrorism just like we've defeated everythreat before".

He ended his article by saying that  ''How right he is. Let us hope that he wins because if he does the worldwill be a far safer and better place for believers''.

This thinking is very popular among Nigerian Christians. Though most commentators are of the view that both Trump and Hilary are not known to be committed Christians and so the preference of Trumpby Evangelical Christians is misplaced.

Chief Femi Fani-Kayode has raised a very crucial issue: the issue of the Christian faith of both candidates. I am a 'Trumper' (Trump supporter) too!

Not because I think he is a Christian or not, but because I find in him a man of courage who, in a politically correct world where nobody wants to speak against establishment, Trump will dare to speak it out.

In a world where the persecution, dehumanisation and biased treatment against Christians is most rampant, Trump will dare to call a spade by its stark name.

At a time when in most  countries of the world with a muslim majority they continue to commit genocide against Christians and other minorities, Trump dares to cry out for justice.

In an America that was founded on acknowledgement of God and principles of Christianity and where morally bankrupt President Obama is subtly implementing policies that seek to uproot Christianity and America's cherished Christian heritage, it is only Donald J. Trump that dares to hit the nail, not only on the head but with his head by shouting foul!.I can go on and on but let me turn to some of Trump'scritics. Many of them have continued to doubt his Christianity, haba! Whom among those is a better Christian? Who among those avowed critics and holier than thou incurables can ''cast the first stone'? Only God knows who his true followers are. Those criticising Trump's.

To my mind even if Trump is not a church going christian, but openly talks about Christians and christianity in a world where many are either ashamed or afraid to do so, he deserves our prayers and support.

After all, God can use anybody, Christian or not, born again or not to bring deliverance to His people. In factthere are Biblical passages replete with such  stories of how God used pagan rulers to save His people from destruction.

In the book of Isa'iah, God used a Persian King by thename of Cyrus for the good of the Jewish people, even though Cyrus was a "pagan" king. Just as Trump is being regarded as non-Christian by his detractors. How in the world could this possibly have happened?"

Mr. Asake has served us a cerebal contribution whichcan hardly be faulted. Kudos to him.

Permit me to end this contribution by answering the question that he posed in his last sentence. In reference to the rise of Cyrus, the pagan king who rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem, he asked "how could this possibly havework     happened?"

The answer is as follows: it happened because the Holy Spirit is at work and because the Holy Bible tellsus that "God works in mysterious ways, His wonders to perform". It also says "He uses the foolish things ofthis world to confirm the wisdom of the wise".

It follows that the Lord can use anything or anyone, including a loud, rumbustious, colourful and passionate pagan King, to effect His purpose and restore the fortunes of His people.

He did it with the Persian King Cyrus and, by His  grace and power, He will also do it with Donald J. Trump.