Ghana Agrees To Pay N33.8bn Gas Debt Owed Nigeria By Feb. 2016

The Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Dr. Ibe Kachikwu (right), with President John Mahama (left) of Ghana at the meeting leading to the agreement on payment plan for gas supply debt by the Volta River Authority of Ghana. The Federal Government has reached an agreement with Ghana on the modalities to settle the outstanding N33.8bn owed by Ghana’s Volta River Authority (VRA) on gas it received from a Nigerian company, N-Gaz, for power generation.

We’ll Crush Pro-biafra Protesters In Rivers —governor Wike Warns

Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers has descended hard on protesters who disrupted social and economic activities in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, on Tuesday under the platform of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, warning against such insidious actions again by anybody or group in the state. Wike who was peeved by the protest by members of the IPOB in Port Harcourt, warned that such demonstrations will no longer be tolerated by his administration. Insisting on the indivisibility of Nigeria, which he swore to protect, the governor said the actions of the IPOB members are capable of causing chaos in the state.

Tribunal Affirms Gaidam’s Victory In Yobe Governorship Poll

The Yobe State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal has upheld the victory of Governor Ibrahim Gaidam of the All Progressives Congress in the April 11 governorship election in Yobe State. The Peoples Democratic Party has challenged the election of the APC candidate, alleging massive irregularities in the poll that brought in Gaidam for a second term in office.

NAFDAC Closes Illegal Chinese Factory Producing Mosquito Coil In Kano

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has sealed up a Chinese company involved in the production of unregistered mosquito coils in Kano.
The coils are sold to the public under the brand name: “Wavetide: Plant Fiber Mosquito Coil” and are sold in most of the markets in the state.
Pharmacist Ake Ayodele Paul, NAFDAC’s Chief Regulation Officer, told reporters in Kano on Wednesday that the company was initially sealed on 28th of September, 2015, adding that its management had since declined to register the product with NAFDAC despite an invitation for them to regularize the production.
Ayodele, who heads the Enforcement and Investigation Unit of NAFDAC, said that NAFDAC has no way of knowing whether the chemicals used by the firm is harmful or not since the product has not been registered.

KWASU Students Fabricate Anti-terror Weapon

Three students of the Department of Aerospace Engineering of the Kwara State University, Malete, have fabricated prototype equipment, which if developed, could be used to wage war against Boko Haram insurgents.

The prototype equipment are rocket, quadcopter unmanned aerial vehicle and fixed wing unmanned aerial vehicle, fabricated by Abdulwasiu Ahmed, Abdulkadir Habeebellah and Abdulrauf Sarafadeen..
Ahmed, in an interview with journalists on the sidelines of the university’s 5thundergraduate research day on Wednesday, said the rocket and the fixed wing unmanned aerial vehicle could be used for bombing and other military operations.

He stated that the quadcopter UAV could be used for aerial photography, surveillance, event recordings and examination.

Tribunal Orders Re-run In Akwa Ibom Gov. Election

The Akwa Ibom State governorship tribunal has ordered for a rerun of the governorship election in the state. The Tribunal ordered Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to conduct re-run election in 18 local government areas of the state. There are 31 LGs in Akwa Ibom. Giving its verdict on Wednesday, the Tribunal said it was satisfied that there were discrepancies during the governorship election held on April 11. The Tribunal further asked the Independent National Electoral Commission to conduct the re-run elections. DETAIL SOON

SGF, Babachir Under Fire Over ‘provocative’ Remark

Soni Daniel, Northern Region Editor

Indications emerged Wednesday that the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Babachir David Lawal, has come under fire from Presidency over a provocative claim he made during a thanksgiving service in Abuja last Saturday.

Lawal, who assembled top party and Christian leaders for a thanksgiving service in Abuja had paid glowing tribute to the APC National Leader, Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu and the former Acting National Chairman, Bisi Akande, as being responsible for his nomination to Buhari for appointment as the SGF.

Pastor Suleiman-Johnson Causes Stampede In Cameroon,1 Dead, 20 Injured (Photos)

One person has been confirmed dead while others were injured during a stampede that occurred at a crusade by Nigerian pastor, Suleiman Johnson which held at the Reunification Stadium in Bepanda, Douala in Cameroon yesterday October 20th. According to reports, the roof of the stadium caved in immediately after the crusade ended which caused panic. People began rushing and pushing themselves. Those who were injured are receiving medical attention in various hospitals.

If You Lose The Election, Accept Defeat – Jonathan Tells Tanzanian Politicians

Former President Goodluck Jonathan, who is currently leading a delegation of Commonwealth election observers to Tanzania, has urged those vying for that country’s presidential election to promptly accept the outcome should they be defeated in the October 25 election. “If you lose, accept defeat,” he admonished them, warning that any attempt to reject the will of the people will only lead to chaos and affect the peace and unity of Tanzania.

APC To Appeal Tribunal’s Judgment On Akwa Ibom Governorship Poll

The All Progressives Congress on Wednesday said it would appeal against the judgment of the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal in Akwa Ibom. The Chairman of the party in the state, Amadu Atai, announced this to journalists in Uyo. Mr. Atai said the party was expecting outright cancellation of the governorship election since it nullified the elections in 18 out of the 31 local government areas.

“The tribunal has cancelled the governorship elections in 18 local government areas and ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission to conduct elections in the affected areas.

...Saraki Offered Safe Landing If He Toes Party Line

With the trial of Senate President Bukola Saraki set to resume today at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), a fresh proposition has been placed before him that could pave the way for a soft landing if he will toe the party line.

In a backroom deal being brokered by the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), among whom is the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogora, the Senate President is being offered a “political solution” to his trial for false declaration of assets at the tribunal.
Should he accept it, this may pave the way for the emergence of Senator Ahmad Lawan as the new Senate leader and Senator George Akume as his deputy.

We Have Shed Ourselves Of Godfatherism – PDP National Chairman

The national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Tuesday declared that the era of godfatherism was over as it has resolved to return the PDP to the grass-roots ahead of the 2019 general elections. It therefore called on anyone eager to secure the party’s ticket to make him or herself popular among the people.

Speaking in Abuja while receiving members of a pressure group in the party – the PDP National Rebirth Group who paid a solidarity visit to the National Working Committee, NWC of the Party, the PDP acting National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus, noted that the opposition party has learnt its lessons and was not ready to repeat the mistakes of the past.

I Remain Grateful To Gbenga Daniel – Tinubu Dismisses Rift Rumors

A national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has cleared the air on the alleged enmity between him and a former two-term Governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel.


Tinubu, who spoke through Mr. Wale Edun at the 25th anniversary celebration of Otunba Gbenga Daniels’ Kresta Laurel, said there is no truth in the stories that he has been fighting with Gbenga Daniel, adding that they are still good friends. Edun said: “I am here representing Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and my presence is to show that there is no friction between Asiwaju and Otunba Gbenga Daniel”

EXCLUSIVE: Inside The Code Of Conduct Bureau’s Investigative Report That Nailed Saraki

A verification report prepared by the Code of Conduct Bureau in July 2006 is key to the ongoing prosecution of the President of the Nigerian Senate, Bukola Saraki, for corruption and false declaration of assets, PREMIUM TIMES can authoritatively report today.
The report, which was a product of a detailed verification of the assets he declared when he assumed duties as governor of Kwara State in 2003, specifically accused him of giving the Bureau false information on the status of some of his properties in Lagos and Abuja.

Independence Day Bombing: Nigerian Govt. Asks Court To Chain Okah During Trial

The Nigerian Government on Tuesday asked Justice Gabriel Kolawole of the Federal High Court in Abuja, to put the alleged mastermind of the 2010 Independence Day bombing, Charles Okah, in chains. Mr. Okah, who is standing trial on charges of terrorism alongside Obi Nwabueze, had on October 6 attempted to jump out of the court located at the third floor of a five-storey building.
At the resumed hearing, the prosecution, Alex Iziyon, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, made an oral application requesting Mr. Okah to be chained to avoid a possible abortion of justice.

Code of Conduct tribunal adjourns Saraki's case to Nov 5th and 6th

The code of conduct tribunal has adjourned hearing on the false asset declaration case against Senate President Bukola Saraki to November 5th and 6th. Counsels to Saraki pleaded for adjournment to wait for the outcome of Court of Appeal ruling.

Man who killed 5 relatives with meat cleaver, including 4 children, gets 125 years

A man who pleaded guilty to the October 2013 murder of five relatives, including four children was sentenced to 125 years to life in prison on Tuesday October 20th. Mindong Chen, 27, butchered his cousin’s wife, Qiao Zhen Li, 37 and her four children aged 9, 7, 5 and 18 months with a meat cleaver during a frenzied attack at their home.

We Are Waiting For Buhari’s Cabinet, New Policies – US

United States, US Government has said it is waiting for President Muhammadu Buhari to inaugurate his cabinet and introduce policies that would drive Nigeria in the next four years.
Meantime, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State has commended the efforts of the US government in ensuring peaceful democratic transition in the last general elections in Nigeria.
The US Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. James Entwistle disclosed this when he led some foreign investors on a courtesy visit to the Lagos House, Alausa Secretariat, Ikeja.

Man defrauds his in-law of over N9.1M

The Lagos State police have arraigned a 38-year-old man, Olumide Ogunbolude, for allegedly defrauding his in-law, Taiwo Elegbede, of N9, 105,000 which was meant for the purchase of a Range Rover. It was learnt that Mrs Elegbede introduced her husband to Ogunbolude as a dealer, when her Husband wanted to buy a car in 2013. According to Punch Metro, The suspect was reportedly paid an initial sum of $39,500, before being given an additional N1.6m. However after over a year later, the suspect has neither produced the car, nor refunded the money.

Police killed Lekki Free Trade zone boss Disu- Community members

Leaders of Okunraye community, one of the villages hosting the Lekki Free Trade Zone, in the Ibeju Lekki area of Lagos State told a Lagos State High Court in Igbosere on Tuesday that the police were responsible for the killing of the Managing Director of the free trade zone, Alhaji Tajudeen Disu
This claim was in an affidavit in support of a Fundamental rights suit filed before a Lagos High Court against the Police, Directorate of State Security (DSS) and Dangote group.

GEJ advises Tanzanians on peaceful, transparent elections

Former President Jonathan, who is the chairperson of the Commonwealth Observer Group (COG) to Tanzania arrived the country yesterday and during a press conference, advised the country's National Electoral Commission and political parties to ensure a peaceful and transparent election..
The success of these elections depends on every stakeholder playing their part in a peaceful, inclusive and transparent manner. The Commonwealth has every confidence in the people of Tanzania to achieve that. During our time in Tanzania, we will seek to assess the pre-election environment, polling day activities and the post-election period, against the backdrop of Tanzania’s national legislation, regional and international commitments.

Journalists barred from covering Saraki's Code of Conduct trial today

Journalists have been barred from covering the resumed hearing of the 13-count charge false asset declaration case against Senate President Bukola Saraki happening today October 21st. Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal, Danladi Umar, gave instructions to security personnel at the court to ensure that no camera is allowed into the court. Saraki is expected to be present at the hearing which is to commence by 10am. 

Buhari replaces Head of Service, Kifasi with Winifred Oyo-Ita

President Buhari has replaced the immediate past Head of Service, with Winifred Oyo-Ita. Oyo-Ita, a native of Cross River, is currently the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Science and Technology. She is 51 years old and a trained chartered accountant.

EFCC Never Arrested Me,Says Akpabio

ABUJA – FORMER governor of Akwa Ibom State and senator representing Akwa Ibom North West, Godswill Akpabio,yesterday,explained that his visit last week to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission was voluntary.
Akpabio, who is representing his constituency, on the platform of the Opposition Peoples Democratic Party,PDP,however, said he was earlier invited by the commission,but said the invitation was a long time ago.
Speaking with newsmen, in Abuja, the Senate Minority Leader said: “I was invited by the EFCC but that was a long time ago, just before my accident and I said okay, that when I am fit, I Will go to see them to respond to the allegation that they said a young lawyer wrote against me.”

Stop Marrying Teenage Girls, BBOG Spokesperson Tells Nigerian Leaders

Nigerian leaders have been tasked to stop marrying teenage girls, far younger than themselves if the nation must actualize its dream of protecting the girl child.
Aisha Yesufu, a representative of the Bring Back Our Girls group, made the charge at a two-day national conference on the social protection of the girl child, in Abuja.
She noted that it was pointless for leaders to pose as protectors of the girl child if their action tells the opposite.

President Buhari Names INEC Chairman, Five Commissioners

President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday named Prof. Mahmood Yakubu as the National Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission.

The appointment was consequently approved at the first meeting of the Council of State presided over by Buhari.

Five new national commissioners were also named for the commission.

The national commissioners are Mrs. Amina Zakari (North-West); Dr. Anthonia Okoosi-Simbine (North Central); Alhaji Baba Shettima Arfo (North-East); Dr. Mohammed Mustafa Lecky (South-South) and Mr. Soyebi Adedeji Solomon (South-West).

The South-East is said to still have a sitting national commissioner.

Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State briefed State House correspondents at the end of the meeting.

Details later…

Punch.

#Buhari

I'll Never Disrespect Saraki, Says Rotimi Amaechi

Rotimi Amaechi, ex-governor of Rivers state and ministerial candidate, says he holds Senate President Bukola Saraki in high regard and would never affront him.

Amaechi, who said there was an intentional endeavor to make ill will in the middle of him and Saraki, depicted as untrue, reports that he protested over the postponement of his screening.

“There was a report that Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi was incensed over the deferment of his screening last week and stormed Saraki’s house to register his protest. It is absolutely not true,” David Iyofor, Amaechi’s spokesman, said in a statement.
“There is a deliberate and carefully calibrated attempt to characterise Amaechi with a very bad and demeaning mannerism.
“We must clarify that Amaechi did not visit and was not at the residence of the Senate President on Thursday of last week.
“Since he did not go to the residence of the Senate President on Thursday of last week, there is absolutely no way what the newspaper sources claimed to have transpired, happened.

“We must emphasise that former governor Amaechi holds the office of the President of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in very high esteem and will never disrespect or act in any way that would put the office in disrepute.
“However, in this case, the incident reported never occurred either on Thursday or any other day.
“While we understand the constraints and pressures journalists face in doing their jobs, we would advise them to be thorough and double-check or even triple-check their sources of information.
“There seems to exist an axis of fifth columnists, masquerading as ‘sources’ to journalists, but fabricate events, incidences and stories that never happened to malign and destroy the character and reputation of others, while fomenting acrimony and bad blood in the polity.”

#Amaechi