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

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#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.”

We’ll Shut Down Nigerian Embassy In India-Pro-Biafra Activists

Some pro-Biafra activists under the aegis of Indigenous People of Biafra have threatened to destroy the Nigerian embassy in India over the detention of the Director of Radio Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu.
The activist, who wore vests bearing the insignia of Biafra, staged a protest at the Nigerian High Commission building in New Delhi to demand the release of Kanu.
In a five minute Facebook video, the activist, among other demands, said if Kanu was not released within the next 24 hours, they would destroy the embassy.

Ban Eze Ndigbo Title Outside Igboland —Igbokwe

The Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress in Lagos State, Mr. Joe Igbokwe, has called for the abolition of the Eze Ndigbo title outside Igbo land.
He said the craze for title by the Igbo indigenes outside their states of origin was making a mockery of the Igbo tradition and culture.
Igbokwe, who said this in an article titled, ‘Eze Ndigbo title outside Igboland: A needless distraction’, on Sunday, advised the Ohaneze Ndigbo to end the embarrassment caused by the Ndigbo title by issuing a policy paper that compels the Igbo to abide by it.
He said it was unfortunate that politicians outside Igbo land exploit the Eze Ndigbo to their own advantage, especially to win elections.

Amaechi Accuses Wike Of Diverting N45bn Loan

THE immediate past governor of Rivers State, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, has accused the Governor of Rivers State, Mr. Nyesom Wike, of diverting N45bn loan taken by his administration.
Amaechi made this statement, on Sunday, at a special thanksgiving service organised to mark the October 25 ruling of the Supreme Court, which brought him into power as governor in 2007.
He said, “I borrowed N300bn and I paid N245bn back and I left about N15bn. But now, they are not borrowing to pay contractors. Rather they are borrowing for themselves.
“Borrow to pay contractors not for your purse. They have borrowed N45bn and nobody is seeing it. If you put N45bn in the state economy, the state will be bouncing. They will employ more workers, pay them and you will see things working.”

People Making Secessionist Threat Should Shut Up, Says Kwankwaso

•Senator seeks education for Fulani herdsmen
Former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has asked Yoruba leaders threatning to secede over the kidnap of former Secretary to the Government of Federation Chief Olu Falae to “shut up”.
Kwankwaso, who is a senator, said at the weekend that the call was misguided and politically motivated.

No Nigerian Territory Under Boko Haram –Buratai

Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. General Tukur Yusuf Burutai, has said no part of Nigerian territory is still under the control of Boko Haram. This is even as he sought support for the anti-insurgent operation in the North-East by providing information.

However, Gen. Buratai’s claim is at variance with the position of Borno State Governor, Alhaji Kashim Shettima, who said two local governments in his state are still under the control of the insurgents.

Both spoke separately at the weekend. Shettima stated this while receiving the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr. Babachir David Lawan, who led a six-man committee inaugurated by President Muhammadu Buhari to pay condolence visits to Borno and Adamawa states, after the suicide attacks at their mosques last Friday. He said: “They (Boko Haram) are presently controlling two local governments in Borno State; Abadam and Mobbar and partially in Marte,” he disclosed.

But the Chief of Army Staff, who spoke with journalists shortly after addressing troops at the headquarters of 3 Division, Marxwel Khobe Cantonment in Jos at the weekend, insisted that the military had recovered all territories previously under Boko Haram.

Buratai said: “It is not true. Boko Haram is not holding any territory.Have you heard them (Boko Haram) making any claim of recent? We are more determined and we have more professional soldiers on the ground.We have been trained and equipped and ready to face the challenges posed by them”

Earlier, the Chief of Army Staff, while addressing the troops, said he was in Jos on a familiarization visit and to acquaint them of his vision to reposition the Army after his appointment.

The soldiers who had gathered at the cantonment parade ground, however, took advantage of the opportunity and bombarded the Chief of Army Staff with complaints, most of which were on welfare.

The Sun.

#Buratai

Kwankwaso To Yoruba Elders: You Can’t Sack Fulani Herdsmen

• Says Nigeria is home to all
Former governor of Kano State, Rabiu Kwankwaso, has told Yoruba leaders, threatening to sack Fulani herdsmen from the South-West geo-political zone to ‘shut up’, saying such utterances could thwart efforts to achieve a peaceful Nigeria.
He disclosed this in a chat with newsmen in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, at the official opening of a N40 million prefabricated structure, comprising two-bedroom and three-bedroom flats donated by Vitafoam Nigeria Plc to the Government College, Ibadan, to mark the jubilee celebration of 1965 to 1971 set.

Corrupt Persons Can’t Fight Corruption –Ali Ndume

It’s unfair to ask Saraki to resign
Senate Leader, Muhammed Ali Ndume, has stoutly denied any division in the nation’s upper legislative chamber. If anything, he says the senate is united and working as one despite the initial friction over the choice of leadership. In an interview with select journalists, he spoke on a number of issues, including the trial of the Senate President before the Code of Conduct Tribunal and President Muhammadu Buhari’s anti-graft war, among others. Ndubisi Orji was there.
All Progressives Congress (APC) senators are still divided. The Lawan group remains bitter that the Saraki group, in defiance to the party directive, denied it the presidency. Why is the party still selling a dummy to Nigerians that all is well?

Rise Up Against Buhari, APC, PDP Tells Its Members

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has raised a rallying cry to all its members, supporters and lovers of democracy across the country to rise up and use all lawful means to resist what they call, anti-democratic forces, now using the judiciary and security agencies in their desperate scheme to subvert the will of the people and destroy the nation’s democracy.

The party said though it seeks peace, it is not ready to accept the peace of a graveyard, neither is it willing to surrender the mandate freely given to it by the people in any part of the country, particularly in Rivers, Akwa-Ibom, Delta, Abia, Taraba and other states where it won in the last general elections.