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

Federal Government Begins Trial Of Ex-Imo Governor, Ohakim, Over Money Laundering

The Federal Government, on Tuesday, commenced the prosecution of a former governor of Imo State, Ikedi Ohakim, on charges bordering on money laundering when he held sway as the state governor.

The Federal Government, through the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on Tuesday, began Okakim’s trial before Justice Adeniyi Ademola of a Federal High Court in Abuja by calling its first witness.

Ohakim, who was Imo State governor between 2007 and 2011, is facing three counts of money laundering, arising from his alleged purchase of a house at Asokoro District of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) with cash payment of dollar equivalent of N270 million in November 2008.

The first prosecution witness, Mr. Dauda Ishaya, a Senior Detective Superintendent with the EFCC, appeared before Justice Ademola when the matter came up, giving his report of investigation on the charges against the former governor.

Dauda, who was led in evidence by the prosecution counsel, Mr. Festus Keyamo, accused Ohakim of initially lying to be a tenant in the property until he was confronted with the statements of those who were involved in the purchase of the property at 60, Kwame Nkrumah Street, Plot No 1098, Cadastral Zone A04, Asokoro District, Abuja.

He said: “Intelligence report revealed that there was no bank transfer on purchase for that property – that was against the provisions of the Money Laundering Act.

“We took the accused person to the said property and we returned to the office. He was questioned on the same property and he said he was just a tenant in that property.

“He said he rented the house from a company called Tweenex Consciates through the Managing Director of the company called Abu Sule.”

The witness said Sule was invited by the EFCC but denied ownership of the property but went on to tell ‘the real story of what transpired.’

The case was adjourned till November 12 and 13 for continuation of trial.

Tribune.

#Local

3 Ways Sports Tourism can Boost Nigeria's Hospitality Industry

Travelling for sports events is an opportunity that Nigerians are yet to leverage on despite playing host to several tournaments over the years.

Some notable games include the 1973 and 2003-Lagos-All African Games, African Nations Cup, 1980 & 2000, Under 17 championships, 2009 and throngs of other sports events which have had little or no impact on the hospitality industry.

Considering the returns from sports tourism in other climes, Nigeria has a monumental advantage in exploring and exploiting sports tourism to boost her hospitality industry.

For example, Brazil which hosted the 2014 World Cup added 7.5 billion Brazilian Real (BRL) to the economy with tourism being a key contributor, an estimated 1 million foreigners visited the country and 95% of them said they will love to return for holidays.

The attributed reasons for this include Brazil’s scenic beaches, vibrant musical culture and its vast amazon rainforest according to the Wall Street Journal. Meanwhile for previous world cups, South Africa welcomed 310,000 tourists and Germany accommodated 2 million.

These figures simply reveal how massive the contribution of sports can multiply the growth of Nigeria’s hospitality industry and the economy. With this platform, states likeEkiti, Jos, and  Kwara, with tourism endowments will possibly achieve a certain degree of financial autonomy

To encourage the government to host international sports tourneys and ensure it takes advantage of it, Jovago.com, Africa’s No 1 hotel booking portal shares 3 ways sports tourism can boost the hospitality industry in Nigeria.

Development of tourist destination

The near dilapidated state of Nigeria’s tourism sites have headlined stakeholder’s meetings and tourism seminars. They have called on the government at both the Federal and state level to revamp these amazing sites which cut across Nigeria. With Nigeria hosting a sports events, monies will be budgeted to develop these destinations to attract tourists and the ripple effect will be felt in the hospitality sector.

Revenue Generator

The question Nigerians should ask is why nations battle, banter and clog one another to win bids so as to host international tourney despite the global economic crises?

Simple-the economic returns is massive. The Hospitality sector contributes a large chunk of the returns during a sports tourney. It follows that if the government develops these destinations, tourists will visit and be willing to part with their naira, dollars and pounds. Included in this is the production of souvenirs and other marketing cum promotional items leading to a geometric rise in hotel bookings and revenues.

Publicity

These sports tourneys are opportunities for hotels and hospitality companies to put their brand in the face of their target audience. They can produce jingles, commercials and other public relations tools which oftentimes go a long way in impacting perception and patronage.

Ogunfowoke Adeniyi

Travel/Technology Writer

Mobile: +2348090747241   Skype: Sleeksavvy

#Sport

Top 3 Awesome Ways to Avoid the Fastfood Trap

In a city like Lagos where everyone wakes up as early as 4 am, there is a high possibility to get addicted to fast food as people barely have time to prepare a proper meal.

Despite the affordability and convenience of fast-foods, the health hazards are enormous. Some of these hazards are high-fat content, reduced nutritional values, obesity and cardiovascular diseases.

As a traveller exploring different destinations, the allure of fast food is high and if you are not careful, paying a visit to these outlets will become  a habit.

Stop over at the grocery store

Cooking is fun and there are grocery stores littered all over major cities like Lagos, Port Harcourt and Abuja. You can easily drive into one of them to purchase any foodstuffs you want. With your pantry properly stocked with the right meals, you cut down the tendency to consume snacks outside your home.

The up-side to this is that it makes you  a better manager as you create and stick to cooking plans for your meals. This may be easier for married individuals rather than singles but making home-cooked meals a habit saves you money and keeps you healthy.

Plan your meal schedule

Planning your meal schedule for the week will go a long way in helping you avoid the fast food trap. Create a flexible routine and ensure you religiously stick to it. With this schedule, visiting the food shops will not feature on your daily agenda.

Patronize healthy online food stores

The internet has opened up quantum of online services for many Nigerians. Except you are addicted to fast foods, online food delivery companies are available to order proper foods. If you would rather have your meals prepared for you, then try ordering your food online from the long list of healthy options available. It is a good alternative to fast food.

Ogunfowoke Adeniyi

Travel/Technology Writer

Mobile: +2348090747241   Skype: Sleeksavvy

Jovago.com, Africa’s No 1 hotel booking portal shares tips on how to avoid the fast food trap.

#NigerianFoods

Why Amaechi Was Not Included In Tuesday’s Ministerial Screening – Dino Melaye

The Chairman, Senate Committee on Information, Senator Dino Melaye has revealed why the erstwhile Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Chibuike Ameachi was omitted from the Tuesday ministerial screening.
It would be recalled that Dino had informed Nigerians on Monday that Amaechi will be among the ministerial nominees to be screened today by the upper chambers of the National Assembly.