You Are A Dictator, PDP Tells Buhari

• Says APC’s anti-corruption crusade a sham, Presidency disagrees
THE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday accused the President Muhammadu Buhari-led All Progressives Congress (APC) government of hypocrisy, describing its ‘trumpeted’ fight against corruption as ‘orchestrated.’

Ministerial Screening: Fireworks Continue Over Amaechi, Sokoto Nominee

•Senators under intense lobbying •Contention over Senate’s order 53(5)
FIREWORKS continued to rage at the weekend, as senators opposed to the screening of the former governor of Rivers State, Chief Rotimi Amaechi as a minister continued to battle their counterparts who are seeking confirmation of the former governor.


Amaechi had, on Friday, written three letters through his counsel to the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, insisting that the chamber should discountenance his indictment for alleged corrupt practices by an administrative panel of inquiry set up by the government of Rivers State.
He also declared that the matter was already before the Court of Appeal and the High Court, declaring that the Senate acting upon the matter, could be subjudice.

Why I Wasn’t Considered Minister - Utomi Says I’ll Rather Be Remembered Like Awo

RENOWNED political economist and public affairs analyst, Professor Pat Utomi, has said his failure to be included in the ministerial list, as touted by many Nigerians, might be his failure to win the approval of the powers that be.

Utomi made this revelation in an interview with the Nigerian Tribune, on Sunday.

Utomi, who spoke against the backdrop of outcry in some sections of the media at his non-selection as ministerial nominee of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, further disclosed that he was never consulted by any member of government.

He said: “Dr (Mrs) Tokunbo Awolowo Dosumu told me a few years ago, that they seem determined to stop you the way they stopped my father. My reply was that those who tried to stop your father, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, are not worth a fraction of what he is in history. I would rather be remembered like your father is than win their approval.”

When asked about his feeling at the development, considering his commitment to the emergence of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and support for President Muhammadu Buhari, he replied: “I was not consulted at all. My commitment is to Nigeria and the Nigerian people. I will continue to serve them as long as I live, even if I am not in government.”

On what he made of the people on the ministerial list, he said: “It is inappropriate for me to say something about it.”

It will be recalled that Utomi had referred to the emergence of Buhari as the dawn of a new era in Nigeria and expressed his readiness to work with the government should he get the mandate.

Tribune.

#Utomi

Fulani Herdsmen Flogged Us On Our Farm —Falae’s Manager

Bruno Akhigbodemhe is the manager of Midland farms owned by former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Chief Olu Falae. He speaks with HAKEEM GBADAMOSI on the activities of Fulani herdsmen on the farm in the last seven years. Excerpts:
SINCe when have you been experiencing the invasion of Fulani herdsmen on this farm? I have been working with the farm for the past 20 years but the issue of Fulani herdsmen getting into our farms to destroy our crops dates back about six or seven years ago.

Odia Ofeimun: I Will Be The Governor Of Edo State

I want to be Governor of Edo state in 2016. My purpose is to realize a collective sense of achievement for a people who have always taken pride in being heirs to a great heritage. Colonialism may have demolished that heritage and the incorporation into a larger Nigerian fold may not have assuaged it. But I am determined to prove that within the particularity of one nationality, Edo, and the fold of a multinational state, Nigeria, it is possible to achieve high feats of modernity, cultural civility and technological proficiency comparable to that of any other country in the world. And, this, within forty months. Not two terms of office.

Tinubu Under Pressure To Float New Party

•Fear grips Buhari, loyalists
THE future looks bleak for the All Progressives Congress (APC) as indications emerged that the ruling party is beginning to develop cracks among its leaders.
The National Daily gathered that certain APC leaders are under pressure to float a new political party over lingering disaffections on emerging decisions and actions in the control of the Federal Government under the party’s hegemony.

PDP: APC Using EFCC To Harass Akpabio To Weaken Us Ahead Of 2019 Elections

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) says the investigation of Godswill Akpabio, senate minority leader and former Akwa Ibom state governor, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is an attempt by the All Progressives Congress (APC) government to destabilise the party and scuttle its chances of taking over power in 2019.
On Friday, the EFCC quizzed Akpabio for hours over alleged fraud and stealing to the tune of N108.1 billion. The interrogation continued on Saturday, after which the former governor was released.
But on Sunday the PDP spokesman, Olisa Metuh, at a news conference in Abuja said Akpabio’s investigation by the anti-graft agency was politically motivated and calculated to weaken the party ahead of the 2019 elections.

Amaechi Will Be A Liability To Buhari – PDP

The Rivers State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP has noted that the defense of former Governor, Chibuike Rotimi Amaech’s ministerial nomination by the All Progressives Congress, APC, amounts to glorifying corruption.

The PDP State Chairman, Bro Felix Obuah, who disclosed this, said with the historic woeful defeat of the APC in the State, which it ran to total bankruptcy and near collapse notwithstanding the huge internally generated revenue and accruements from the federal allocations, it is commonsense to understand that they are seeking to remain in office to cover up their loots.

He claimed that the failure to do so explains why the APC in the State and those strangers who assisted in the looting spree, are wrapped in total confusion that is ravaging the party, leaving their members disorientated as being expressed in hollow press statements and ranting.

“Amaechi wouldn’t in anyway be an asset to President Muhammadu Buhari and lacks the integrity and morality to speak for Rivers people”, Obuah revealed, adding that the former Governor’s record of betrayal is very evident.

Daily Post.

#Amaechi

DC Watches Helplessly as Putin Bombs the Daylights out of their Pet Terrorists

Russia’s Offensive Begins

Source

Well, well, Russia has now begun their long-awaited offensive against ISIS/Daesh/Al-Nusra/Al-Qaeda/Free Syrian Army, over the past week, a great deal has been seen(and learned) about what it means, and how it will change the dynamic going forward.

Igbos Warn Akure Monarch Over threat to dethrone Eze Ndigbo

Igbos in Ondo State have warned the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladelusi Ogunlade Aladetoyinbo against plot to dethrone the Eze Ndigbo of the state, Sir Gregory Iloehike, threatening that Igbos in the state will resist such move by the monarch.

Rising from the meeting of Ohaneze Ndigbo in Ondo State held at the Igbos house, Akure, the Igbos warned the Deji of Akure to jettison his plan to dethrone Sir Iloe­hike, even as they declared that the traditional ruler has no power to dethrone him.

It was gathered that the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo accused the Eze Ndigbo of insubordina­tion and disrespect to his au­thority, hence his decision to dethrone him.

But the Eze Ndigbo de­nied the allegation of insub­ordination leveled against him, saying he has not been rude to the Deji of Akure since he ascended the throne about six months ago.

He explained that “the Deji invited me to his palace on Monday and I honoured his invitation. I went with one of my chiefs but when I got to the palace, I saw youths numbering over 200 who started shouting as I entered. I suspected that the youths were mobilized by the monarch and I showed respect to the Deji by pros­trating for him.”

“The monarch while ad­dressing me at his palace threatened to drive all the Igbos in Akure out of the city and when I asked for the offence my people com­mitted, the youths at the pal­ace descended on me. They tore my beads and removed my crown. They attempted to beat me but the Police of­ficers at the Palace rescued me,” he stated.

He added that the invita­tion by the monarch was the first he would receive from him since the monarch as­cended the throne, pointing out that Igbos had been liv­ing harmoniously in Akure for over 70 years with the traditional rulers according them respect.

Meanwhile, the Igbos in Ondo State have pulled their weight behind the leadership of Eze Ndigbo of the state, Sir Iloehike and warned the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo against any action that can cause inter tribal crisis in the state.

The President General, Ohaneze Ndigbo in Ondo state, High Chief Okechuk­wu Okorie said the Igbos in the state have resolved to live happily with other tribes in the state, saying any attempt to dethrone the Eze Ndigbo would be chal­lenged by all the Igbos in the state.

He noted that the Eze Ndigbo who was installed in August, 2011 after emerging in a keenly contested elec­tion has not committed any offence that could lead to his dethronement.

Okorie added that only the Igbos who elected the Eze Ndigbo have the consti­tutional right to remove him, saying that “Deji of Akure has no input in the emer­gence of the Eze Ndigbo of Ondo State, so he lacks the right to dethrone or remove him.”

He urged the monarch not to be misinformed by those he described as disgruntled elements, even as he ad­vised him to seek clarifica­tion on any issue affecting the Igbos in his domain and the state at large.

The Sun.

#Igbo

Power Miracle Is Jonathan’s Labour –Prof Nebo, Immediate Past Minister Of Power

Immediate past Minister of Power, Profes­sor Chinedu Ositadinma Nebo, has said that the recent improvement in power sector is former President Goodluck Jona­than’s labour and not the ‘body language’ of incumbent President Mohammadu Buhari as some are quick to express.
Nebo, who was Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Oye-Ekiti, (FUOYE) Ekiti State, before he was appointed by Jon­athan to man the nation’s power sector, also spoke about other issues and ways the cur­rent administration can leap-frog in power generation and distribution. He spoke with journalists in Ikole-Ekiti where he had been conferred with honourary title of Ateyese of Egbeoba kingdom by Elekole, Oba

N108b Probe: Akpabio’s ‘Properties’ May Be Seized

•As EFCC quizzes him again
•Extend anti-corruption fight to APC members —CACOL
As investigation deepens in the alleged N108 billion fraud involving Senate Minority Leader and former Akwa-Ibom State governor, Godswill Akpabio, indications emerged at the weekend that properties alluded to him in various petitions accusing him of fraud, may be temporarily seized by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
For the second day running, operatives of the anti-corruption commission quizzed him for many hours in Abuja.

The last Minutes Of Ace Broadcaster Chaz B who Died on 22nd of Nov. 2014

By Mrs. Chinyere Roselin Chukuma (Widow) .
My husband called me at about 6:40AM, Friday the 21st of November 2014, from work. He asked me to come and pick him up, that he was not feeling too good. I left with the driver to get him. When I got there, he was too uncomfortable, and he asked me to take him home. But on our way home, I noticed that he was in pains, so I asked the driver to reverse the car and head instead to the hospital (St. Nicholas). On reaching there, we met Judith the receptionist. I asked if there was a Doctor around.

Lawal’s Deep Knowledge Of Nigeria’s Complexities Will Stabilise PMB’s Administration – Tinubu

The national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Saturday said the appointment of Engineer Babachir David Lawal as secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), was a step in the right direction, saying his deep knowledge about the country complexities will help stabilize President Muhammadu Buhari-led government.

Tinubu, who spoke at a thanksgiving reception held in Abuja in honour of Lawal expressed optimism that he would bring his wealth of experience to bear in the office.

The former governor of Lagos State extolled Lawal’s qualities, saying while some of his contemporaries have succumbed to the temptation of illicit wealth and the abuses of power and privilege, Lawal has remained faithful to the course of the nation.

Alluding to the fact that his appointment was a reward for hard work and selfless service, Tinubu said Lawal’s eye for detail and due process makes him the best man for the job.

Tinubu who was represented at the event by the Lagos State governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode said, “If you are looking for a man who is diligent in his work with a keen eye for details and correct process, there is none better than Babachir Lawal.

“He knows this nation and understands its complexities, from the intricacies of our federal bureaucracy to the diversity of our social fabric to the multiple dimensions of our political dynamics.

“He is a man well-tailored to fit his position in today’s Nigeria where we find ourselves in a situation not meant for the faint-hearted. A situation that requires grit, guts and wisdom.”

Leadership.

#Tinubu

Used And Dumped: Sad Story Of Oil Empress, Diezani

PDP, oil barons, politicians, international bodies abandon Nigeria’s ex-minister of petroleum
Illness can’t stop trial in UK, say senior lawyers
It is often said that when the going is good, many people will be your friends but when the going becomes tough, they will all run away. This aptly captures the current situation of a former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs Deziani Alison-Madueke, who was arrested in London two weeks ago by the National Crime Agency on allegations of bribery and money laundering.
In the last six years when she held sway as the Empress of the Oil Industry in Nigeria, Diezani was the darling of the high ad mighty in the public and private sectors.

I Cannot Change Nigerian Constitution To Accomodate Sharia Law - President Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari, who has been widely quoted as saying he supports “the total implementation of Sharia in the country” yesterday said the country cannot practice certain prescribed punishments under the Islamic penal code.
President Buhari noted that the Nigerian law does not allow for “sharia punishments, such as stonings and amputations”, adding: “I cannot change it [constitution]. I haven’t been voted by [a] majority of Nigerians to change Nigerian constitution”.

Man Nabbed With 108 ATM Cards En-route To China - Photos

A 34-year old man suspected to be working for an international criminal organization has been arrested with 108 Automated Teller Machine debit cards.

Pascal Udeh‎ was arrested at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, while he was attempting to board a Qatar Airline flight to China.

Recipe Of The Day: How to Prepare Goat Meat Pepper Soup

Pepper soup is basically meat in a spiced stock, the exceptional taste originates from the flavor blend. pepper soup is normally made with goat meat or catfish. Making pepper soup is super easy, to the extent you have the pre-blended spice mix.

Ingredients

• 3 teaspoons Pepper soup spice mix (Pepper Soup Mix: Buy it in UKR|RUS|PLN in EUR)
• 2 tea =spoons dry blended hot chilli
• Goat meat ( 10 small pieces)(cleaned)
• 3 cubes Maggi
• salt to taste
• small onion, small ginger and garlic (peeled, not cut)

Boko Haram: Federal Government Seeks For Ukraine’s Help (The Same GEJ's foreign Policy ?)

The federal government has called for more support from Ukraine in the fight against the Boko Haram insurgency. Vice President Yemi Osinbajo made the request at the Presidential Villa in Abuja yesterday while receiving Ukrainian Ambassdor, Mr. Valerii Aleksandruk.

Expressing Nigeria’s gratitude to Ukraine for its support in the area of security, especially in the fight against insurgency, Osinbajo said: “We hope for more cooperation until we pull down the evil of terrorism.”

The vice president stated that Nigeria would soon expand her diplomatic relationship with Ukraine to explore new areas of mutual benefits to both countries. Osinbajo said aside from their current education agreement, both nations would soon sign bilateral agreements in agriculture and steel sectors. He said Nigeria looked forward to the setting up Bi-National Commission that would deal with the various issues and expand relationship between both countries.

Earlier, Aleksandruk had said there were a number of bilateral agreements waiting to be signed by Nigeria and Ukraine to deepen their bilateral relations.

The envoy, who had also hinted that there were about 5,000 Nigerian students in Ukraine, thanked Nigeria for supporting his country at the United Nations Security Council.

Daily Trust.

#Osinbajo

Falae To Judiciary: Don’t Spare My Kidnappers

■ Ringleader owns mansion, 4 posh cars
■ How we shared ex-SGF’s ransom –Suspects
Relieved that he’s finally been brought face to face with his ab­ductors in police net where he iden­tified them, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Chief Olu Falae has asked the judiciary not to spare his kidnappers.

Buhari Should Show Difference Between APC And PDP – Okogie

■ Fiery catholic priest complains of loneliness
For over four decades, he held the nation spell-bound with his activ­ism and catechism. Ordained first as a priest on December 11, 1966, consecrated as a titular Bishop in August 1971, Archbishop in 1973 and a Cardinal in October 2003, Anthony Olubunmi Okogie became the voice for the voiceless and for years took advantage of his leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) as well as Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria to speak against the ills in government and even dared the military regimes of Gener­als Ibrahim Babangida and Sani Abacha that many leaders dreaded to cross their path then.

Without mincing words, his activities and episcopal status attracted to him the high and mighty in the society. His home and office were like a pilgrimage site besieged by all shades of Nigerians; from the lowly church members, family relations to business tycoons and heads of governments across all tiers.

We Will Never Support PDP Again – Igbo Forum

A South-East socio-political organization, Njiko Igbo Forum, has described the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, leaders as cowards and bunch of ingrates.

Reacting to PDP’s zoning of its 2019 presidential ticket to the North, the Forum said it was a height of ingratitude to deny the South-East the presidential ticket despite getting block votes from the zone in 2015.

In a communique issued after its emergency meeting in Enugu, signed by its President, Rev. Okechukwu Obioha, the group said, “we consider the recommendation of Senator Ike Ekweremadu’s PDP committee and subsequent approval of PDP’s NWC that 2019 presidential candidate of the party will come from the North as an act of cowardice to electoral victory and ingratitude to Ndigbo.

ANALYSIS: With Cabinet, Buhari Puts Party Before Reforms

Nigeria's President Muhammadu Buhari has chosen a cabinet dominated by political veterans, opting to strengthen his power base rather than surround himself with technocrats who could overhaul Africa's biggest economy.

Buhari won March's election on promises to usher in a new era in the West African nation where a rich elite has controlled key state jobs for half a century. Most Nigerians live in poverty despite the enormous oil wealth of Africa's top producer.

Biafra War With Nigeria Not Over – Uwazuruike

MASSOB Leader, Chief Ralph Uwazuruike, has said he regretted the defeat of Dr. Goodluck Jonathan in 2015 presidential polls, saying that Jonathan’s defeat fol­lowed the same pattern of the Biafra – Nigeria civil war.

Speaking at the group’s special meeting yesterday in Yenagoa, Bay­elsa State, the MASSOB leader who was represented by Elder James Ome­ke, zonal leader Igboeze North Lo­cal Government Area, in a statement signed by the Deputy National Direc­tor for Information, Mazi Chris Mo­cha made available to Saturday Sun, explained that the Yoruba of the South West conspired with their Hausa/Fu­lani of the North and brought enmity between Igbo of the South East and the Igbo brothers in the Niger Delta, add­ing that such seed of discord sown cost us the Igbo their first attempt at Biaf­ran independence.

“My presence today in Bayesla State has again demonstrated that blood is thicker than water. Biafra project is a project that gives us hope and antici­pation. It also differentiates us from others.The massive support Ndigbo gave to Jonathan in the last election explained this fact. Ndigbo have not regretted voting for Jonathan.

“ Biafra is a project that brings us together each new day,” Uwazuruike said. He noted that the Biafra proj­ect defined Igbo and the Niger Delta (South-South) as one people.

“The project (Biafra) when men­tioned frightens our enemies and stig­matises us before our oppressors,” he further noted.

Uwazuruike also said his kinsmen had suffered deprivations and massa­cred in their millions because of Bi­afra, disclosing that Jonathan’s defeat had highlighted the fact that the Biaf­ran war fought with Nigeria has not ended.

“It was a war fought between the former Eastern Region (Biafra) and Nigeria. That was why MASSOB strongly supported the Niger Delta. This singular attitude and our reunion with the leaders of Niger Delta on Bi­afra has clearly brought us closer to our brothers and thus, made the strug­gle for Biafran independence stronger again,” he concluded.

The Sun.

#LocalNews

Honeymoonization & The Death Of Expression

By Adekoya Boladale

Don’t tell me you did not miss the days when we took turn to pass insults on the maladministration of the Goodluck Jonathan’s administration, the days when you came online and read various versions of vituperations and backlashes against the President. Those were the days when we all rushed to the social media, armed with our internet and mobile devices as early as 6:00 am. It doesn’t matter if you had the right information or if you were adequately informed . The prerequisite to get admitted into the holy cult of ‘social media influencer’ or ‘advocate’ as they call it, depends on how foully your expressions are; how well you can construct insults and make jest of Patience’s untaught statements.

I must confess, I was a culprit of the above misdemenour as well. I remember the feeling of fulfilment that rushed down one’s spine when you click the post button. But if that offerred relief, it is nothing compared to the tonnes of comments, retweets, likes and shares that follows. It is second only to that feeling you get after devouring a bowl of hot amala, ewedu, gbegiri and assorted meats in that order.
Right there in the comfort of your room or office, you get knighted into the glorious hall of social media fame. Accolades and salutations role in, ‘Sir’, ‘Brother’, ‘Boss’ becomes an automatic first title as friends and fans respond to you.

But those were the days when expressions were free, when you don’t get bullied for speaking your mind no matter how uninformed or misinformed you were. It offerred a grand illusion of Kingship and of a Presidential status, so much that you can be rest assured you won’t get traumatized by negative shot-to-die response from an army of paid angry birds’ trigger–ready to shoot you down.

Don’t get me wrong, I am not an advocate of selling your neighbor cheap for eulogization from the international communities. I believe strongly, that no matter what, Nigerians should present their country in good light to the rest of the world because truly, we have no other home than this beautiful, prosperous and blessed country. I have matured from the man I was in 2011 as a staunch supporter of Muhammadu Buhari who saw nothing good in Goodluck Jonathan or any of his ilks. I have come to realize that rather than insult public office holders we should make structural changes, constitutional amendments and make demands devoid of personalization but of common sense. 

However, this is not to say we should suffer in silence to create an imaginary Eldorado.
Today, every attempt to ask questions about the state of the nation and express displeasure towards the current status quo has been met with ridiculous attacks, insulting defense and most recently, arrest, detention and incarceration.
One was the expression by a former governor of Lagos state, who chose to insult the sensibility of Nigerians with the ‘honey moon’ expression. I believe apart from politics, he is an entrepreneur and I wonder how he will feel if he spends twelve years training an employee only to discover such staff has learnt nothing throughout his training sessions. But that is not the issue for today.
Today is on how the celebrated expression of our thoughts and opinions has been gagged by physiological attacks and forced silence. It is about the governor of Ogun State, Ibikunle Amosun’s unending caging of dissenting voices and Caesarization of human rights. It is about the fear now exhibited by Nigerians on and offline to state clearly how they feel about national and public affairs.

Far from how politicians feel, expression of thoughts does more good than harm to the government. For a government with genuine intention to perform, dissenting statements act as a compass to guide policy formation and decision making. It is that peculiar voice of wisdom in the midst of sycophantic opinions and views of aides and political jobbers. It helps you as a political office holder to measure your acceptability and retract your faltering steps as it constantly reminds you of your promises before you stepped into office.
But when you pay some jobless youths and semi-youths stipends for selfish political interests (apologies to Oga Femi Pedro) what you end up fueling is a suppressed anger and vexation not expressed but nursed and nurtured for menacing aftermaths.

Today, we live in a new world, where thoughts are gagged by the fear of being labelled wailing wailers. Where five attacks take place in Maiduguri in less than 24 hours but we dare not talk about it. We dare not!
Suddenly, we have lost the will to be bereaved. You can feel pain but never must you express it. When you have no light, never must you talk about it. When you queue for fuel and buy at exorbitant rate, you must keep quiet. When you get robbed, act normal, when you have no water, bath with salt. Whatever you do, however you feel, just be silent!

Boladale is a public affairs analyst, political commentator and consultant on intra governmental affairs. He is on twitter @Adekoyabee