Again, Supreme Court dismisses an appeal filed by the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike

The Supreme Court has dismissed an appeal filed by the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, to upturn the decision of a Tribunal that nullified his election.

Mr Wike had gone to court, saying the Tribunal had no jurisdiction to nullify the April 11 election, as its sitting was held in Abuja instead of Rivers State.

The Rivers State Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Abuja on October 24  nullified the election of Nyesom Wike of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as the Governor of Rivers State, on grounds that his election did not comply with electoral guidelines.

The Chairman of the Tribunal, Justice Suleiman Ambrosa, ordered INEC to conduct fresh elections in the state within 90 days of the ruling.

The petition challenging Mr Wike’s victory was filed by the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, (APC) Mr Dakuku Peterside.

After the Judgement was delivered, the PDP and Mr Wike said they would appeal the judgment of the Rivers State Governorship Tribunal.

Addressing journalists after the judgment, counsel to the PDP, Chris Uche, said that “Governor Nyesom Wike remains governor until the appeal processes are exhausted”.

He added that the nature of the judgment delivered by the Justice Ambrosa-led tribunal made the appeal vital, as the new position adopted by the Tribunal must be tested in the interest of justice. (Channels TV)

#NyesomWike

Lagos commissioner sends out letter demanding to be addressed by her professional title

There is a silent uneasiness within the Lagos state Civil service over a letter sent by the newly appointed commissioner for Youth & Social Development, Uzamat Akinbile-Yusuf (left) to the office of the Chief of Staff demanding that she be addressed using her professional title as a Pharmacist.

The letter, titled "Re:Appointment of the newly sworn Honorable Commissioners" which was sent out on Wednesday October 21st and signed by the permanent secretary Ministry of Youth and Social Development, Adenle O.F, reads in part;

Check out this cute lil man(Pics)

Trying to lift haha.. Celeb with 6packs to be haha adorable!

Photo: 15-year-old Somali student among those killed in the Sweden school sword attack

Ahmad Hassan, a Somali student was killed by a masked man who broke into a school in Sweden on October 23, armed with a sword. The killer later identified as Anton Lundin-Petterss stabbed two teachers and two students, including Hassan. Hassan was seriously wounded and later died at the hospital.

Photos: President Buhari Heads to India on a 4 - day official visit.

President Buhari toward the beginning of today departed Nigeria for India on a 4 – day official visit. While in India, Buhari will take an interest in the third Summit of the India-Africa forum, a stage set up for the progression of mutually-beneficial relations between India and African countries. He is expected back to Nigeria on Friday October 30th.  See more photographs bellow.

#PresidentBuhari

Another car robbery along Costain road, Lagos

This happened yesterday evening around 8:15pm on the bridge linking Costain. Three guys smashed her windscreen and took away a bag that was in the car. More photos after the jump.

Ambode receives donation from MLotto

 MLotto recently donated baby supplies to Baby Ambode at the Lagos Island Maternity Hospital. The Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) unit at MLotto was moved by the compassionate story of a mentally unstable woman who gave birth to a child that was named after the Lagos State Governor. Baby Ambode received items like baby food, diapers and utensils. MLotto is a licensed lottery company that is dedicated to changing lives of all Nigerians through huge cash prizes that can be won from their online games. Visit www.mlotto.net to win up to N1 Million and change your life. Watch the video below to see MLotto's donation to Baby Ambode.

Senate to screen 6 remaining ministerial nominees today

 The senate will screen the remaining 6 ministerial nominees today. They are Pastor Husseini Husseini, Adewole Isaac Folorunsho, Godfrey Onyeama, Bawa Bwari, Zainab Ahmed, Mansur Mohammed Dan Ali.

The Predictable Erdogan

by Ghassan Kadi

I should thank dear friend Andrew Korybko for giving me the inspiration to write this article. After he interviewed me a few days ago on his program Redline on Sputnik Radio, it became clear to me that Erdogan is perceived by many observers as a fairly mercurial character; which he is. However, if we dissect his ideology and history, we may get surprised and discover that he is more predictable than most other leaders.

Military Review & Analysis – Oct. 26, 2015: Washington’s opportunities in Syria

If you are having trouble viewing this video, go to the Youtube version at https://www.youtube.com/user/crimeanfront/videos

#Syria

The Impudence of Rabiu Kwakwanso and his Fulani brothers - by FFK

I am saddened that the former Governor of Kano state, Senator Rabiu Kwakwanso, a man whom I have always considered a friend and one whom I have always respected could insult our revered Yoruba elders. Yesterday, during a function in Ibadan, it was widely reported in the media that he asserted that the recent demand by the Yoruba elders that all Fulani herdsmen ought to be banned from the south west as a consequence of the hideous atrocities that they have been committing against our people is somehow inappropriate and misguided.

In Faraway Guinea Conakry, Tinubu’s Political Prowess Holds Sway

Though the October 11, 2015 presidential elections in Guinea Conakry have come and gone, not many would forget in a long time the key role played by Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. And just like he did in the Nigerian situation serving as the catalyst, the fulcrum alongside others and perhaps the “babalawo” that brought the opposition to power and chased away the PDP after 16 years, Asiwaju Tinubu has helped retain a trusted friend and pan-Africanist in power.

Appeal Court Will Restore My Victory, Says Wike

Nyesom Wike, governor of Rivers state whose victory at the April governorship election was nullified by the tribunal on Saturday, is sure that the appeal court will overturn the tribunal’s judgement when the case is decided for a second time.


Speaking on Monday through Simeon Nwakaudu, his special assistant on media, Wike argued that the “judgment of the Justice Ambrosa-led tribunal in the petition filed by the defeated Rivers state APC governorship candidate, Mr Dakuku Peterside, will not stand the test of appeal because it was premised on the elevation of a mere INEC press statement above the electoral act, which legally governs the electoral process in Nigeria”.

My Car Swerved Several Times, Made 180 Degrees Turn - Ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo

 

Previous President Olusegun Obasanjo, on Sunday, said he is sound and healthy, having turn out unhurt when his vehicle had a burst tire along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

Obasanjo, who is presently in Cote’d’ Ivoire to monitor the nation’s presidential race, expressed gratefulness to Nigerians for their show of affection and concern, when the news filtered that he was included in a motor mischance.

The previous president confirmed that he truly deceived death when one of the rear tyres of his vehicle burst while travelling out to Lagos to go to the 80th birthday service of Sir. Kesington Adebutu.

In a release signed by one of his aides, Vitalis Ortese, said “Indeed he was involved in an accident on the Ibadan-Lagos Expressway, after Sagamu roundabout, while he was on his way to join in the celebrations of the 80th birthday anniversary of Chief Kessington Adebutu in Tinubu Methodist Church, Lagos.

“The vehicle he was travelling in suffered a burst left tyre at the rear and swerved several times, but did not hit any object or any car in front or behind until it did 180 degrees turn and faced where it was coming from and he had to change vehicles.

“President Obasanjo wishes to convey his deep appreciation to all those, who by way of calls, personal messages and prayers, and indeed members of the general public, who have shown overwhelming concern about his welfare.”

The incident occurred few hours after attending a memorial service to mark the 10th year of his late wife and First Lady, Chief Stella Obasanjo.

Tribune.

#OlusegunObasanjo

Other governors have stolen before, leave Dieziani alone- Ijaw Youth Council says

President of the Ijaw Youth Council IYC, Udengs Eradiri has asked the antigraft agencies to leave embattled former petroleum minister, Dieziani Alison Madueke alone and focus on other governors who have been accused of stealing from their state treasuries.

Dieziani is facing money laundering charges in the UK. In a media parley over the weekend, Udeng said that the recent arrest of Dieziani by the British police has shown that president Buhari's anti-corruption campaign is targeted at the Ijaws.

Federal Government files money laundering charge against Ex-NSA Sambo Dasuki

The Federal Government has documented a new money laundering charges against  previous National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki. The previous National Security Adviser is standing trial for illicit arms ownership while he was in office.

At the continued knowing about the case at the Federal High Court (FHC) Abuja today October 26th, Counsel to the Federal Government, Shuaib Labaran documented the crisp charge and requested that the court give its solicitation for a mystery trial furthermore concede that the witnesses acquired by the Department of State Services (DSS) to be covered.

Dasuki’s advice, Joseph Daudu (SAN), contradicted the use of a secret trial, contending that the case is an innocuous one within a democratic setting. The presiding Judge, Justice Adeniyi Ademola, adjourned the case to Wednesday October 28th for ruling.

#SamboDasuki

Delta election tribunal dismisses Labour Party petition, orders party to pay N50k to governor

The Delta state governorship election petition tribunal sitting in Asaba has upheld the April 11th election of the state governor, Ifeanyi Okowa and thrown out the petition filed before it by the Labour Party candidate, Great Ogboru. In its ruling, the tribunal ordered the Labour Party to pay N50,000 each to the governor, his party which is PDP and INEC. The tribunal is about now hearing the petition from APC candidate, Otega Emerhor. 

Political Correctness ? UK Govt refuses Islamic group planning permission to build Britain's largest mosque

An Islamic group called Tablighi Jamaat has been refused plans to build what would have been Britain's largest mosque. The so-called 'megamosque' in east London would have housed more than 11,000 people in a number of prayer rooms and halls.

If granted permission, the mosque, which would have been close to the Olympic Park, would have had three times the floor space of St Paul's Cathedral and 190-ft minarets.

Syria Fires TOS-1A Solntsepyok Flame-Thrower Against ISIL MIlitants (VIDEO)

The Syrian Army published a video of it firing the TOS-1A Solntsepyok thermobaric rocket launchers and Grad multiple rocket launchers against Islamic State (ISIL) positions in the mountains in the north-east of Latakia.

Evidence of Things Unseen: US-Led Coalition Has Something to Hide in Syria

Something really fishy is going on in Syria, US Marine combat veteran Gordon Duff notes, adding that Western mass media remains suspiciously mute about the matter.

Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) fighters walk with their weapons at the eastern entrances to the town of Tal Abyad in the northern Raqqa countryside, Syria, June 14, 2015

BRIICS or BRICIS ? Iran to Join BRICS Bank

Iran plans to join the BRICS Bank, the Iranian Tasnim news agency reported Monday citing an Iranian official.

MOSCOW  – Iranian Deputy Minister of Economic Development Mohammad Khazaee said at a meeting of a joint Iran-Brazil economic council that Tehran aims to join the BRICS Bank.

“Iran will join #BRICS Bank: Iranian official,” Tasnim reported on its Twitter account.

Fashola, Six Others For IGG Award In US

The immediate past governor of Lagos State and ministerial nominee, Babatunde Raji Fashola will on Monday be conferred with award by International Crisis Group (ICG), a worldwide conflict prevention group.
Other six exceptional personalities will also be conferred with the awards.
The ICG annual award, will be held in New York, in the United States.
In a statement by ICG, Stephen J. Solarz, the award will be given to Fashola “for his commitment to resolving social, economic and security challenges in one of the world’s most challenging urban environments.”

Obasanjo, An Overgrown Child Of Circumstance – Soyinka

The Nobel laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, has described former President Olusegun Obasanjo as an overgrown child of circumstance.

Soyinka sharply criticised Obasanjo in his (Nobel laureate’s) new book, titled InterInterventions: Between Defective Memory and the Public Lie – A Personal Odyssey in the Republic of Liars, presented in Abeokuta, Ogun State on Saturday.
Although Soyinka conceded that he used to be friendly with Obasanjo and admitted in the book that some stakeholders were making efforts to reconcile them, he said he owed it a responsibility to fundamentally respond to lies that Obasanjo allegedly told against him in his latest biography, titled, My Watch, described in InterInterventions as Three-Carat Watch.

I’ll Complete My Tenure, Wike Boasts

The embattled Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has said that despite the ruling of the State Election Petitions Tribunal, he will complete his four-year tenure as the chief executive of the state.
Wike also expressed optimism that he would eventually emerge victorious at the end and would continue to retain his position as the governor of the state.

Oritsejafor Deceived Jonathan With False Election Prophecy – Okotie

The General Overseer of Household of God Church, Rev. Chris Okotie, on Sunday said that were it not Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor’s “false” prophecy to former President Goodluck Jonathan, the latter (Jonathan) would not have contested the 2015 presidential election.

He said that the former President had initially made up his mind not to vie for the election, but stated that Oritsejafor “deceived” him with tales of victory as prophesied unto him by God.
Oritsejafor is the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria.
Okotie, who said this while delivering a sermon in his church on Sunday in Lagos, said, “Pastor Oritsejafor deceived Jonathan with a false prophecy from God that he (Jonathan) would win the election convincingly.”