Nigeria Economy Collapsing Gradually, CSOs Tell Buhari

ABUJA – A coalition of over 60 Civil Society Organisations, CSOs, in Nigeria, yesterday, decried what they termed “steady and continuous decline of the Nigerian economy” under the watch of President Muhammadu Buhari.


The groups, at a strategy meeting they held in Abuja yesterday under the aegis of Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, said there was urgent need for President Buhari to evolve a sustainable economic plan that will attract foreign investors into the country.
The leader of the coalition and Executive Director of Policy and Legal Advocacy Center, PLAC, Mr. Clement Nwankwo, in his opening remarks, said the “dwindling economic fortunes of Nigeria” could be a function of the inability of President Buhari to appoint his Ministers six months after he assumed office.

Sanusi: Why Terrorism May be Difficult To Wipe Out as Military recovers NATO weapons in Boko harm hideout.

“Troops also recovered arms and ammunitions during the raid. These included a general purpose machine gun and 2 Dane guns, 150 rounds of 7.62mm (NATO), 6 boxes of 7.62mm (NATO) and 3 cutlasses.”


Military rescues 338 abductees, declares Shekau, 99 Boko Haram members wanted
Vigilantes: Insurgents still occupy Sambisa forest
The Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammad Sanusi (II), wednesday cautioned that it would be pretty difficult to totally stamp out terrorism in the country where poverty, ignorance, lack of education, corruption and injustice which fuel terrorism are pervasive.
The emir, who was represented by a retired Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) and the Katakan of Kano and District Head of Albasu, Alhaji Bashir Albasu, made the remark at an international security workshop in Abuja.

I Will Build On Jega’s Record, Says New INEC Chair

Mahmood Yakubu, new chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), says he will not experiment with reforms at the commission, but consolidate on the reforms implemented by Attahiru Jega.
Speaking on Thursday during his screening at the senate, Yakubu said much had been achieved since the last general election.
He promised to firm up the electoral process and not to be intimidated into doing what is not proper.
“The success of any election depends on the ability of the commission to organise and arrange properly in advance,” he said.

PDP senators in anger, stage walkout as Saraki confirms Amaechi

The Senate on Thursday confirmed the nomination of a former governor of Rivers State, Chibuike Amaechi, as minister, amidst protest by senators of the Peoples Democratic Party. It also confirmed the nomination of 17 others. They are Adebayo Shittu, Kadjiat Abba Ibrahim, Heineken Lokpobiri, Claidius Omoyele Daramola, Baba Shehuri Mustapha, James Ocholi, Isaac Folorunsho Adewole, Bawa Bwari, Geoffrey Onyeama and Zainab Ahmed.  Others are Masur Mohammed Danladi, Usani Uguru, Okechukwu Elemanah, Anthony Anwuka, Mohammed Musa Bello, Adamu Adamu and Aisha Abubakar. The confirmation was done by senators of the All Progressives Congress alone as their PDP counterparts staged a walkout in protest.  The senate had earlier dissolved into a closed-door session to discuss the issue of confirmation of the ministers.

#RotimiAmaechi

Non-tolerant Estonia: Locals Send "Black" NATO Officers Back to Nigeria

A new racial scandal seems to be brewing in Estonia where “black” NATO officers complain of being insulted by locals demanding they “go back to Nigeria.”

The incidents have been reported by Chief of Staff of Estonian Air Force, Colonel Jaak Tarien, on his Facebook page, where he said that he was “embarrassed and ashamed” of the behavior of his countrymen.

A number of NATO officers are currently on a joint training mission in the city of Tapa “to reassure NATO allies and partners of America’s dedication to ensuring peace and stability in the region.”

Tarien watched a training exercise on Wednesday involving US A-10 jets and troops from Estonia, the United States and Germany, at a training range in the city of Tapa.

He asked the US troops how they were feeling in Estonia, receiving an answer that the country is beautiful, Estonians are proud of their nation, buildings are well maintained and the streets are clean. The only complaint is that some are being treated badly when venturing outside of the barracks for some rest, even though they are there on a mission to help and support their country.

Scramble for the Baltics: Main NATO Members Seek Own National Interests Under Disguise of Protecting Region From Russians

“I asked for more details and I received information that those allies, who have slightly different skin complexions to the locals, often have to endure verbal and sometimes also physical attacks in Tallinn,” Tarien said.

“I could have beautifully explained this disgrace by using typical excuses of our recent difficult past… but I was not in the mood to do so. I said that I, as an Estonian, am ashamed that such things are happening in our country. My colleague answered that he is ashamed that similar things are happening around the world. Even though he wanted to soften the situation with his remark, he made me feel even worse,” Tarien added.

In a well-written sarcastic manner, Estonian journalist Vladimir Barsegyan described how people in the Baltic States “welcomed” the deployment of a British military contingent earlier this week.

He also said that a blind hatred towards strangers is turning Estonia into a weak and isolated country. And unprovoked attacks on people who are quietly standing at the entrance to a hotel or any cries of “go back to Nigeria” to a quiet group dining in a restaurant are attacks on people who have come to defend the independence of their country.

“If necessary, they are ready to give up their lives for our freedom. And what about you, petty “patriotic” racist, are you ready to give up that much for our country?” questioned Tarien furiously.

 

Sputnik

#Nigeria

Three new cases of Ebola reported in Guinea

According to a senior health official in Guinea who spoke yesterday Wednesday, October 28, three more people have been infected with the Ebola virus. According to Fode Tass Sylla, spokesman for the national centre for the fight against Ebola, the three were infected in Forecariah in western Guinea from the family of a woman who died of Ebola and whose body was handled without appropriate protection. "In all, nine sick people are being treated at our centres throughout the country and most are connected to the dead woman," he told Reuters, adding that authorities had known of the three fresh cases since Saturday.

Sen. GNS Pwajok, Plateau state's Gubernatorial aspirant passes on.

Senator Gyang Nyam Pwajok, the Plateau State PDP gubernatorial applicant in the last election has passed on. He kicked the bucket at the beginning of today in India after a fight with kidney sickness.  Pwajok battled a nearby fight in the April governorship race, losing to the inevitable victor and now governor, Simon Lalong. Olisa Metuh has confirmed his passing! Sun re O !

Senate screens INEC Commissioner nominees, Soyebi Adedeji

The senate has screened INEC Commissioner candidate Soyebi Adedeji. He was appointed by the Council of State on October 21st. Amid his presentation, Soyebi talked on the favorable circumstances and weaknesses of E-voting. He focused on that there is no election that is impeccable on the planet. The INEC Commissioner candidate talked on the requirement for a few adjustments in the utilization of card readers and in addition the requirement for preparing and re-preparing of their staff.

Bring Back Our Girls member, Elvis Iyorngurum, buried (Pic)

Members from the Bring Back Our Girls Group yesterday October 28th went to the burial service of one of their members, late Elvis Iyorngurum, who passed on fourteenth October, 2015, at Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi. Sun re ok !! Ase
More pics bellow.

INEC Commissioner nominee Mohammed Mustafa screened By the Senate

The senate has screened the INEC commissioner nominee one Mohammed Mustafa from Edo state. He is firmly included in Civil Society Movement. He is assigned to represent the South-South.

Mustapha talked on the Millenium Development Goals and how Nigeria is functioning towards accomplishing the objectives particular to the nation. He called for the continued utilization of card readers in elections. He was asked to take a bow and go.

Senate screens INEC Commissioner nominee Amina Zakari

The senate has screened INEC Commissioner candidate, Amina Zakari who up to this point was the acting Chairman of INEC. She is expected to be the INEC Commissioner for the North East. Zaraki talked on the requirement for the introduction of technology to improve efficiency and transparency in the electoral process.

Supreme Court upholds election of Imo governor, Rochas Okorocha

The Supreme Court has upheld the election of Rochas Okorocha as the Imo State governor. At a ruling this morning, the apex court dismissed the appeal filed by the PDP candidate, Emeka Ihedioha, challenging the election of Okorocha during the April 14th election. The court said the appeal lacked merit and consequently threw it away. 

Itsekiri Nation Disowns Calls For Creation Of Biafra Republic

WARRI—THE Itsekiri ethnic nationality of Warri, Delta State, has dissociated itself from the calls for creation of a Biafra Republic out of Nigeria as being drummed by some Igbo interest groups in the South-East.

The Itsekiri Leaders of Thought, ILT, expressed the group’s concern over the Igbo agitation yesterday in a statement by its Chairman, Pa Johnson Ayomike and Secretary, Edward Ekpoko.

The body is disturbed that the proposed Biafra Republic as widely reported in the social media includes the whole of Delta State.

The statement stressed: “We recall with pains the day the defunct Biafran Army invaded Warri and Benin in the then Midwest Region on August 9, 1967. Never again will the Itsekiri tolerate such invasion. The Itsekiri nation is committed to the unity of Nigeria and will do all it can to promote and protect it as one indivisible country. As Major General Philip Effiong said on January 14 1970, the Republic of Biafra ceased to exist. We, the Itsekiri, wish it to be eternally so for the peace and development of our great nation.”

Vanguard.

Educating Herdsmen Without Policy Change Is Pointless –Falae

A former Secretary to the Federal Government, Chief Olu Falae, says the education of the Fulani herdsmen without a policy that will compel them to raise their cattle in ranches permanently is pointless.

Falae was reacting to a comment by a former Governor of Kano State, Rabiu Kwankwaso, who attributed the problems of the Fulani herdsmen to lack of education.
Kwankwaso had said that the clamour for the exit of the Fulani herdsmen from Yorubaland betrayed the spirit of unity in the country.

Jonathan Would’ve Been Reelected If He Were From North Or S’West -Osuntokun

FORMER Political Adviser to for­mer president Olusegun Obasanjo, Mr. Akin Osuntokun believes the country must be restructured if it is to move forward. He also spoke on the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration, former President Goodluck Jonathan and what the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) must do.
The screening of ministerial nominees have been going on with some controversies, are you satisfied with the way it has gone?
I can’t find any conspicuous flaw in the process of screening the nominees, but in any case, you know that time is of essence, the nation has waited long enough for the formation of the federal execu­tive council . I don’t think there are contentious issues as such for any of the nominees except for the former governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo Visits New Ooni Of Ife, Pays Homage

 

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Wednesday visited the new Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi at Ile-Ife. Mr. Obasanjo went by and homage pretty much as the new king was presented to his the people.  A aide of the previous president revealed to us that Mr. Obasanjo had to visit Mr. Ogunwusi on Wednesday in light of the fact that he had an abroad excursion booked for Thursday.  Amid the visit, Mr. Obasanjo congratulated the new Ooni of Ife, and wished him well as he mounted the throne of his ancestors.

#NaijaGistSpecial

Gowon: Jonathan, Jega Saved Nigeria From Collapse

Former military Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (rtd), has stated that the duo of President Goodluck Jonathan and former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Attahiru Jega, through their actions during and after the last general election saved the country from imminent collapse.

Treating Minor Ailments Abroad Shameful – Jega

A former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Attahiru Jega, has described as ‘shameful,’ the travelling of Nigerians to foreign countries to receive treatment for ailments that should have been handled in the country.

Kano: Emir Sanusi Strips Bayero’s Eldest Son Of Chiroma Title

The emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sunusi II, has stripped the eldest child of the late Emir Ado Bayero, Lamido Bayero, of his traditional title of Ciroman Kano and District Head of Gwale.

PREMIUM TIMES gathered that a few months after ascending the throne, the new emir wrote to Mr. Bayero, seeking him to return to his duty as Ciroman Kano and District Head of Gwale.

Palace sources told PREMIUM TIMES that Mr. Bayero’s refusal to either reply the letter or report to the palace, angered the emir.

The issue however died down when Mr. Bayero was appointed managing director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, by former President Goodluck Jonathan.

But when Mr. Bayero was recently relieved of his duty as managing director of the NPA by President Muhammadu Buhari, the emir directed the Emirate Council to write to Mr. Bayero again.

“When a letter was written to him again, he neither responded nor appeared in person to explain his reasons.

“His Highness first reasoned that the local government of Gwale was too important to be left vacant, and so he elevated the son of Emir Inuwa to be the district head.

“And now the title of Ciroma is also stripped,” a top palace source said.

Perhaps in order to douse tension in the palace, sources said, the emir however appointed Mr. Bayero’s younger brother, Nasiru Bayero, to replace him as the new Ciroman Kano.

A statement by Galadiman Kano, Abbas Sunusi, said the removal and the subsequent replacement were with immediate effect.

Mr. Bayero was touted to as the heir apparent of the Kano emirship throne but lost to the current emir, who was then holding a mid-cadre title of Dan Majen Kano.

Since losing the coveted seat to Mr. Sanusi, Mr. Lamido banished himself to Abuja and refused to pledge allegiance to the new emir as provided by the tradition.

Despite concerted efforts by some notable personalities in the state to convince Mr. Bayero to pay homage to the new emir, Mr. Bayero stoutly rejected.

#EMir

DV: Wife Bathes Hubby With Boiled Water For Sleeping With Her Mother (Is she justified?)

DV–> Domestic Violence

The truism that damnation has no fierceness as a lady despised ran its course again when a wedded lady poured a pot of Boiled water on her spouse, scalding him, particularly his back.

As indicated by veteran writer, Mike Effiong, who posted the photograph on his Facebook page, the man was nabbed in the act laying down with his mother-in-law, his wife’s mom and the lady couldn’t take such selling out and needed to deal with him thusly.

Is it accurate to say that she is justified?

This is not the first men at the receiving end of domestic violence  in the hands of their wives.

In November 2014, an Abuja based man endured the same destiny when his wife bathed him with scalding water during a disagreement, scalding him seriously.

In March this year, wedded man, Owolati Tajudeen, who thought he was playing super mario with his wife by covertly wedding five other ladies in the face of her good faith, got a stun when the wife, Laide Owolati, deliberately arranged and at the perfect time, washed him with Boiled water.

#NewsFromNigeria

Latin America SITREP October 28th, 2015 by Jack

1) Latin American Left: the Pink Tide: 1999-present?

Two recent pieces on the status and prospects of the progressive governments, social movements and multilateral institutions collectively known as the ‘Pink Tide’.

Raúl Zibechi: Taking stock of ‘Progresismo’ in Latin America [source]
Immanuel Wallerstein: The Latin American Left Moves Rightward [source]

(NB I have the utmost respect for both these writers, but the optimist in me has to say that it is surely too early to mark the high water of the ‘Pink Tide’.)

2) Upcoming elections:

Argentina: Presidential, Second Round.

The Kirchners have been in power 12 years and have left a legacy of “trade protectionism, social welfare and defence of the working class”.

Pre first round introduction to candidates:

Argentina: The End or a New Path for Kirchernismo? [source]

Post-first round analysis of the 2 candidates to contest the second round in November:
Argentine presidential run-off in November but with completely different scenario [source]

Venezuela: Mid Term.

First and foremost of the ‘Pink Tide’, Venezuelan Bolivarianism, in alliance with the Cuban Revolution, is the trail blazer of the Latin American progressive project. The transition to a ‘post-Chavez Chavismo’ under Nicolas Maduro has been marked by a wide variety of destabilization from foreign-backed opposition forces:

This article high-lights the historic high level of female and youth candidates but also warns of the threat of opposition violence in the upcoming midterm elections:

Peace at Stake in Venezuela’s Upcoming Assembly Elections [source]

This article quotes polls showing the PSUV, of the Chavista President Maduro, ahead in voting intentions:
Maduro Makes Moves toward Economic Reform as New Poll Predicts PSUV Win [source]

3) Developments and Context:

Brazil:

Since 2003 Brazil has seen a remarkable transformation due to good economic growth and political leadership within Latin America and on the World stage through organizations such MERCOSUR and BRICS. This has been achieved with progressives at the helm, firstly Lula da Silva, but also his successor Dilma Rousseff. Presidents can serve only 2 terms in Brazil, and Rousseff won her second before a corruption scandal decimated her authority.

This article gives evidence that Rousseff has moved to the right in order to head off impeachment attempts:
The United States Wins In Brazil, Raul Zibechi [source]

Mexico
The disappearance of the 43 students one year ago lead to a marked increase in protest to the ongoing drug fuelled violence in Mexico, which began under the previous President Felipe Calderon and continues under Enrique Peña Nieto. This article assesses the dramatic repercussions of the event a year on.
Ayotzinapa, State Violence and Terror By Laura Carlsen [source]

Nicaragua
Russia joins China in the construction of an alternative to the US dominated Panama canal in Nicaragua, a member of the radical progressive block ALBA.
Russia Interested in Joining the Nicaragua Canal Project (Sputnik – Russian news agency)

Guatemala

Political new-comer wins Guatemalan Presidential elections in the aftermath of wide spread protests that brought down the previous government in the most populous Central American state:
Comedian cowboy who wanted to become president, finally makes it in Guatemala [source]

Cuba:

The US isolated on World Stage:

World Discusses the Blockade on Cuba at the UN [source]

Peru:

Ollanta Humala, who defeated right-wing candidate to win the 6-year Presidency in 2011 on a progressive ticket, has seen his approval drop to 12% and faces increasing protest, presumably due to him quickly tacking to the right after his election victory.
Act of Treason: Secret US Sites in Peru Nil NIKANDROV | 13.10.2015 | [source]

Bolivia:

Evo Morales, first indigenous President of in the Americas, marks 10 years in power. Bolivia is a key member of the radical progressive alliance ALBA.
10 Years of Evo Morales, Telesur. [source]

#LatinAmerica

Abacha Loot Is Too Huge For Us To Handle, Says World Bank.

The World Bank has said it needs additional time to provide comprehensive information on the funds looted by the late Head of State, General Sani Abacha.

The World Bank told a human civil society group, Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) seeking information on the loot that for now, it is compiling information on the spending.

According to the World Bank: “In response to your request, we would like to inform you that we are still considering your request and we will need additional time because the money involved is too huge for us to handle.”

The World Bank said that although it takes just 20 working days to respond to such requests, under special cases, it could take much longer time.

The loot stolen by the former military ruler from 1993 to 1998 is estimated to be about $11.3 billion.

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) had written to the World Bank demanding information on the spending of the loot recovered from the late military dictator.

Tribune.

#AbachaLoot

Senate screens Mallam Adamu Adamu

The senate has screened ministerial nominee, Adamu Adamu from Bauchi state. He is a trained Accountant and a veteran columnist. He guaranteed to make National interest his direction. In the wake of answering a couple of questions, he was asked  to take a bow and go.

#Adamu

Ugwuanyi Is Prayer Answered For The People Of Enugu —Rev Father Mbaka

CHARISMATIC Catholic priest and director of the popular Adoration Ministry, Enugu Nigeria (AMEN), Reverend Fr. Ejike Mbaka, said that Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State is a prayer answered for the people of the state.

Speaking in Enugu yesterday to a huge crowd of his congregation during a mass attended by the governor and top government functionaries, the priest told the governor that “you need the protection of God to execute the good plans you have for the people of Enugu.
“Enugu made a lot of noise when you won your governorship election. You are a prayer answered for the people of Enugu,” he told the governor.

Gridlock: We’ll Soon Recruit Young Graduates Into LASTMA — Ambode

Selfless young graduates are to be recruited into Lagos Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) soon, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has said.
The new recruits are to boost the current 2,100 persons-strong personnel of the traffic managers, a number described by the governor as inadequate.
He also said that his administration had concluded plans to procure three helicopters next month to enable security agencies tackle criminal activities from the air as well assist in monitoring traffic gridlock to ease movement across Lagos metropolis.