'Go and clear your name' - Fayose tells Obasanjo

<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhwULCkOD9pb0IRScjdTf0riKtdRPpDgshYsjK6dQ_PcMdbsb8I-LYWwXqAxrMoDURJqemk3znuFSHwFctOXuxY_56Fa_6EJFP-Pjw0LAt9rNH3SSaRrHNeDy-XHRWrpj0WqHvMdytugI/s400/Fayose+obj.jpg" width="400" /></div> <br /> Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, said on Saturday that former President Olusegun Obasanjo should be ready to clear his name of any allegation levelled against him.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The governor also asked the ex-President to stop raising alarm on plot to arrest him by the Federal Government.<br /> <br /> He said: “Nigerians are being humiliated every day by President Muhammadu Buhari’s regime which he (Obasanjo) helped to enthrone.”<br /> <br /> “Some of us have gone through trials before and we are not afraid of trials even today.”<br /> <br /> The governor, who insisted that Obasanjo deserves whatever humiliation he was getting from President Buhari, said “the President can go ahead and arrest the ex-President if he desires but should remember that what goes around comes around.”<br /> <br /> “He won’t be President forever too. After all, they have been intimidating and humiliating former President Goodluck Jonathan and his wife,” Fayose said.<br /> <br /> The governor referred to Page 96 of Obasanjo’s book, “My Watch,” where he wrote “I prefer him (Buhari) to jail me than Jonathan to return to destroy this nation,” noting that “since the ex-President himself said he preferred to be jailed by Buhari and worked for his enthronement, the President can hasten his arrest and imprisonment.<br /> <br /> In a statement signed by his Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, Fayose said: “When other Nigerians were at the receiving end of President Buhari’s dictatorship, Obasanjo was going in and out of the Presidential Villa.<br /> <br /> “Where was he when Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd) was arrested and detained since 2015 despite court orders for his release? When over 1,000 members of the Nigeria’s Islamic Movement were killed in Zaria and their leader, Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, arrested and dumped in detention since 2016 despite of court orders, what did Obasanjo do?<br /> <br /> “Where was Obasanjo when armed men of the DSS invaded the Ekiti State House Assembly and abducted one of its members? Did Obasanjo travel out of Nigeria when judges were being arrested in the night in a Gestapo manner?”

Latest-News 'Go and clear your name' - Fayose tells Obasanjo

Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, said on Saturday that former President Olusegun Obasanjo should be ready to clear his name of any a...

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Benue lost property worth N400 Billion to Fulani herdsmen attacks – Governor Ortom

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMu5fdQqyd1RiLMfCp3OrpN1zDfO190YCX_lLah4-qoQ3gWdtOyP8dYUwqmv81VGBRbzClER-5f7YKEXWAntTY8XRQGiukVnpME5rIvMrV0G3ZrCx83S-zU9fUM21SHHSf0IAf87ZRVIc/s1600/Chief-Samuel-Ortom-360x225+benue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="360" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMu5fdQqyd1RiLMfCp3OrpN1zDfO190YCX_lLah4-qoQ3gWdtOyP8dYUwqmv81VGBRbzClER-5f7YKEXWAntTY8XRQGiukVnpME5rIvMrV0G3ZrCx83S-zU9fUM21SHHSf0IAf87ZRVIc/s320/Chief-Samuel-Ortom-360x225+benue.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <br /> Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, said on Saturday the state lost property worth over N400billion to renewed herdsmen attacks on communities.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The governor stated this while featuring on Radio Link, a Radio Nigeria audience participatory programme in Makurdi, the state capital.<br /> <br /> He spoke on the achievements and challenges of his administration in the past three years.<br /> <br /> Ortom said the figure was quoted in a preliminary report on damages caused by the crisis, adding that the loss was huge and difficult to recover from.<br /> <br /> He said the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law put in place by the state government was the people’s legislation, stressing that no amount of intimidation or blackmail would make the government to repeal it.<br /> <br /> The governor said: “I have no regret. Why should I have any regret doing the will of my people? They trusted me and gave me their votes and I will not betray what they want. I am doing what they want and I have no regret.”<br /> <br /> He commended his colleagues from Taraba and Abia States for keying into the ranching law, saying it was the right way to go.

Latest-News Benue lost property worth N400 Billion to Fulani herdsmen attacks – Governor Ortom

Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, said on Saturday the state lost property worth over N400billion to renewed herdsmen attacks on communi...

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Governor Fayose promotes 45,000 Ekiti workers in one week

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAnoOwdQwx7jXTrL2l81wWQ2ctZbQtXm7KVruqk2_1HMv6VLgYUJdd1aFEIOWv3aCf6-9z3KrurrA_7U4Op5M4vLBUebjrdF7jF9igyABOTfx7nKrgSCJ3bfGMmpqNMNVYm6KDZBAVCmw/s1600/fayose+f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="333" data-original-width="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAnoOwdQwx7jXTrL2l81wWQ2ctZbQtXm7KVruqk2_1HMv6VLgYUJdd1aFEIOWv3aCf6-9z3KrurrA_7U4Op5M4vLBUebjrdF7jF9igyABOTfx7nKrgSCJ3bfGMmpqNMNVYm6KDZBAVCmw/s1600/fayose+f.jpg" /></a></div> <br /> The Ekiti State Head of Service, Dr. Gbenga Faseluka, has been given one week to distribute promotion letters to the over 45,000 civil servants who recently sat for qualifying interview and passed.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Governor Ayo Fayose gave the one-week ultimatum on Saturday to Faseluka in Ado-Ekiti.<br /> <br /> The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the governor gave the order at a news conference in Ado-Ekiti.<br /> <br /> He also said that his administration was set to fulfil an earlier promise of employing over 2,000 new hands into the state public service.<br /> <br /> He said he would supervise and monitor the process of recruiting the new workers, so as to ‘guide against any form of favouritism.’<br /> <br /> Fayose said that those to be employed would cut across all the 16 local government areas of the state without applying political or religious affiliation.<br /> <br /> “In my administration, the people of Ekiti know my style. You do not need to know the governor, a big man or any member of his cabinet before you get what is due to you<br /> <br /> “Once you are tested and deemed to be qualified, you will be taken without the so-called connection that is the norm in most places,’’ he said.<br /> <br /> (NAN)

Latest-News Governor Fayose promotes 45,000 Ekiti workers in one week

The Ekiti State Head of Service, Dr. Gbenga Faseluka, has been given one week to distribute promotion letters to the over 45,000 civil ser...

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Lagos state declares June 12 public holiday

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwY2-_vwJxchEgZsxyOBcAppvjG7xvNGZcv1gwGPGc7CYuLAH5IQvz42_WNnioCIFUQjniNagZ4C1Ae3xsosvZ47UTUp4CuPohmCfDOEXI5EZXW3Kh7rC32igRGD2gAOFQ5YMSxVcCquw/s1600/ambode+ne.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwY2-_vwJxchEgZsxyOBcAppvjG7xvNGZcv1gwGPGc7CYuLAH5IQvz42_WNnioCIFUQjniNagZ4C1Ae3xsosvZ47UTUp4CuPohmCfDOEXI5EZXW3Kh7rC32igRGD2gAOFQ5YMSxVcCquw/s400/ambode+ne.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> The Lagos State Government on Saturday declared June 12, 2018 as public holiday to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the annulled 1993 Presidential elections adjudged to be have won by the late Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode in a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tunji Bello said the significance of June 12, 1993 elections, adjudged as the freest and fairest in the history of Nigeria, would always be a reference point in the State’s quest to entrench true democracy in service to the people.<br /> <br /> Commending President Buhari’s recent declaration of June as the new Democracy Day, the governor said the singular act would forever ensure that Chief MKO Abiola and other martyrs of democracy who laid down their lives in the struggle to entrench good governance did not do so vain.<br /> <br /> “On behalf of all Lagosians, we want to commend and applaud Mr President, Muhammadu Buhari for deeming it fit finally against all odds from all other past presidents that 25 years after, we are able to now celebrate our own Democracy Day and also declare that the real winner of 1993 June 12 Presidential election was actually our own MKO Abiola.<br /> <br /> “No matter how long you try to hide history, history will always reveal itself with a true platform. So, we know that is one very important singular step as we go forward to build an enduring democracy. And for all democrats in this country, we are excited that we are moving in the right direction.<br /> <br /> “It also affirms that Nigeria can get it right if we begin to put things in the right perspective and work for the general good of the greater number of people. That is the true essence of democracy.<br /> <br /> “For us in Lagos, June 12 is not just a day to remember, it is a rallying point for those of us in service that we must continuously strive to entrench true democracy and good governance which is what Chief MKO Abiola totally exemplified,” Ambode said.

Latest-News Lagos state declares June 12 public holiday

The Lagos State Government on Saturday declared June 12, 2018 as public holiday to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the annulled 1993 P...

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MKO Abiola deserves to be honoured, not exploited – Reno

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQfsW3SgmnY8j61Nc0BhqeRCRaJpAj5PStnLG3BZJJOtCxxVJTfVODc3qTDxI6p44pt2w21EiT_nEvyajl_yTXpXKo1afS9GHLsGl1dlO6L08esdQO6XuJn6pVvkYyJXdWW0ziTc5PHLI/s1600/reno+omokri.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQfsW3SgmnY8j61Nc0BhqeRCRaJpAj5PStnLG3BZJJOtCxxVJTfVODc3qTDxI6p44pt2w21EiT_nEvyajl_yTXpXKo1afS9GHLsGl1dlO6L08esdQO6XuJn6pVvkYyJXdWW0ziTc5PHLI/s320/reno+omokri.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Of course, by now you must have heard or read that President Muhammadu Buhari has declared June 12 as the new Democracy Day when the nation’s democracy will be celebrated every year. He has also honoured the presumed winner of the June 12, 1993 Presidential election, Chief Moshood KO Abiola, a post humous award of Grand Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (GCFR).<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Ordinarily, this would be a good thing, but the antecedent of the President and the timing of his gesture leaves room for doubt. Such an act, coming eight months to the 2019 elections, suggests that the President is playing on the sentiments of some Nigerians and selling them a dummy. How do I mean? Well, let us look at the facts and only the facts.<br /> <br /> Last week, Nigeria celebrated nineteen years of uninterrupted democracy. But Nigeria, as an independent nation is 57 (58 this year). So, why are we not celebrating 57 years of uninterrupted democracy, as a country like Kenya or Tanzania will soon celebrate?<br /> <br /> The simple answer is that democracy was twice interrupted by Nigeria, otherwise this year, we would have either celebrated 58 years of uninterrupted democracy or 39 years. The fact that democracy is not so old in Nigeria is because of two men-Nzeogwu/Ifeajuna, who interrupted democracy in 1966 and Muhammadu Buhari, who interrupted it in 1983.<br /> <br /> If then Major General Muhammadu Buhari had not toppled President Shagari, June 12 would never have happened and Abiola May still be alive and could have still become President through democratic means. It was the military that Buhari brought into power that annulled June 12 and jailed Abiola till he died. Last week, instead of celebrating 19 years of democracy, it could have been 39 if Buhari did not topple Shagari!<br /> <br /> By attempting to gain political capital from declaring June 12 Democracy Day, what President Buhari is doing is attempting to profit from his own criminality of toppling a democratically elected government and arresting the democratic and economic growth of Nigeria. Think where we would have been had Buhari not overthrown President Shagari and installed a military junta whose medicine was worse than the cure.<br /> <br /> But, it is not surprising. A man who gave dead people political appointments will definitely have no qualms in exploiting a dead man whose life he never added value to. But whose death he wants to extract value from! While Abiola was in Abacha’s prison, Buhari was in Abacha’s parlour enjoying and preparing for Abacha’s self-succession!<br /> <br /> ‪Only two weeks ago our President revealed to us that Sani Abacha was his mentor. The man he most admires amongst Nigeria’s former rulers and most likes to be like. One week he praises Abiola’s jailer, Abacha, the next week, he shows his hypocrisy by remembering Abiola.<br /> <br /> ‪Nigerians seem to forget that Buhari only accepted to serve in Abacha’s government AFTER Abacha jailed Abiola. That shows acquiescence to what Abacha did. Do we have such short memories to forget that several persons in Abacha’s administration resigned the minute he threw Abiola in jail, such as Ibru and Onagoruwa?<br /> <br /> ‪Not only did Buhari still serve Abacha after he jailed Abiola, he continued to serve Abacha even after Kudirat was murdered! He continued to serve him after Rewane was murdered. He even continued to serve him in death by saying ‘Abacha never stole’. I have never come across a man so desperate for power and yet he does not know what to do with it!<br /> <br /> When Abiola was alive, you offered him no help whatsoever. You wined and dined with his tormentor. You watched as he destroyed Abiola’s business. You continue to celebrate Abacha in death and exploit Abiola in death. How can you ‘honour’ a man whose life you dishonoured? You have forgotten when you were praising Abacha as the next best thing after sliced bread. Now Abiola is your best thing because of elections. We were born at night, not last night! ‪We will not forget your Sai Abacha in 1998.<br /> <br /> ‪Buhari only ‘accepted’ to honour Abiola just BEFORE the 2019 elections for one reason and one reason only, he thinks the Southwest is gullible. To the Yoruba, I urge you to do what Bola Ige said in 1998-‘take their money but vote for who you want’.<br /> <br /> The summary of the matter is that President Buhari is a joke. In desperation for the Southwest vote. Now that the election is months away he pulls this stunt. He forgets that the Yoruba are sophisticated voters!<br /> <br /> Even the statement declaring June 12 as Democracy Day betrays President Buhari’s intellectual deficiency and proves he is surrounded by inept aides.<br /> <br /> The Executive Order that he signed states as follows:<br /> <br /> “The first time this (military handing over power to a democratically elected President) happened was on October 21st, 1979.”<br /> <br /> Even a primary school student knows that the first time the military voluntarily handed over power to a democratically elected civilian President was on October 1st, 1979 not on October 21st, 1979. How can a President with eight media aides and 4 speechwriters not know what a primary school pupil would know? This is what you get when you elect a man with certificates of dubious origins and location! In 2019, we need a President who is educated enough to spot such a simple error!<br /> <br /> Here is a President who claimed Nigerian youths are lazy, yet he does not know what a Nigerian youth would know. I bet you that if you go to the nearest secondary school to you and ask them when the military first handed over power to civilians, they would give a correct answer. Yet Buhari and his eight media aides can’t!<br /> <br /> ‪President Buhari complained that Nigeria youths are lazy and illiterate, but how can he blame them? The President is himself the problem. How can Buhari inspire youths to go to school when he can’t even produce his school certificate?<br /> <br /> A barefooted man cannot advertise shoes! And as for Osinbajo who said four years is not enough to deliver on the promises he and his boss made, I can only say that when an office is too big for you, you complain that four years is too small. A bad workman blames his tools. How long has Donald Trump been in office? Yet see all he has accomplished. Even 100 years is not enough for a clueless government.<br /> <br /> But then again, even if you cannot fulfil all your promises in four years, at least you should be able to fulfil some of them. How can you be in office for three years and yet you can’t boast of one project that you have initiated, started and completed in three years! Really?<br /> <br /> And that is why nobody in the Buhari administration is willing to take the #BuhariChallenge.<br /> <br /> The only way the Buhari administration can take or even win the #BuhariChallenge and name one project that Buhari has initiated, started and completed in the last three years is if they include lying as a sport in the Olympics. If they do, Lai Mohammed and Garba Shehu will win gold and silver for Nigeria! Other than that, I don’t see any reasonable possibility that this administration can take the Buhari Challenge.<br /> <br /> And One Last Thing:<br /> <br /> In his last interview before he died, Justice Mustapha Akanbi asked President Buhari and the EFCC to investigate those listed in my Looters List. The best way to honour Justice Akanbi should not be an empty statement from an empty President. It should be by honouring his last known request.</div>

Latest-News MKO Abiola deserves to be honoured, not exploited – Reno

Of course, by now you must have heard or read that President Muhammadu Buhari has declared June 12 as the new Democracy Day when the natio...

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Ogun declares Tuesday June 12 work-free day

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1UHw8zAQye8lE8plWLjZ8iKrGdSeg8bQRT2sPmE2iq37jvJsG5VEEhsSAWhcoYvmZoU6N4uTKp0vsXe8Qc_f_hWY19YWzICx6hPmbRcpMXZwFEsRm4QqUXwhyphenhyphenbbEZ22A6tfCIiRy1wyc/s1600/Ibikunle+Amosun.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1UHw8zAQye8lE8plWLjZ8iKrGdSeg8bQRT2sPmE2iq37jvJsG5VEEhsSAWhcoYvmZoU6N4uTKp0vsXe8Qc_f_hWY19YWzICx6hPmbRcpMXZwFEsRm4QqUXwhyphenhyphenbbEZ22A6tfCIiRy1wyc/s320/Ibikunle+Amosun.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> The Ogun State government has declared Tuesday, 12th June 2018 work free to enable residents and other stakeholders to mark the Democracy Day.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> This was contained in a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Taiwo Adeoluwa.<br /> <br /> According to the statement, the day would also be used to celebrate the recent conferment of a posthumous national honour of Grand Commander of the Federal Republic on the acclaimed winner of the annulled June 12, 1993, Presidential election, Chief Moshood Kasimawo Olawale Abiola.<br /> <br /> The Federal Government had on Wednesday, 6th June 2018 conferred this highest national honour on the illustrious son of the state and declared every 12th of June as the country’s Democracy Day.<br /> <br /> It will be recalled that in the last seven years, the Amosun-led administration had consistently declared June 12 work free and commemorated it with various activities.<br /> <br /> The statement partly read, “This year will be no exception as befitting events including a Democracy Walk to be led by the State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun have been lined up for the celebration.<br /> <br /> “The walk scheduled to take off from the June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta at 7am will take participants through major roads in the state capital to the Abiola’s family house at Oke-Ido, Gbagura where prayers will be offered for the martyr.<br /> <br /> “All government functionaries, activists, civil society organisations, democracy volunteers, civil servants, labour/trade unions, students, market women/men and other stakeholders are invited to participate.”</div>

Latest-News Ogun declares Tuesday June 12 work-free day

The Ogun State government has declared Tuesday, 12th June 2018 work free to enable residents and other stakeholders to mark the Democracy ...

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Like June 12, ranching will also be accepted by govt. – Gov. Ortom

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4RGmasyXWpcgfWy6f6RHE-B5FUInOBu-1qElj7Zu47KWL_17r-ET3JvO5oU55BZVc3I19DloEZyQCLO7fRVI6rmTy_162zg4WYpKGa90X-Sy1z79dTdobzrNAz_J-2LWzzG0L5HdXWts/s1600/Samuel+Ortom.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4RGmasyXWpcgfWy6f6RHE-B5FUInOBu-1qElj7Zu47KWL_17r-ET3JvO5oU55BZVc3I19DloEZyQCLO7fRVI6rmTy_162zg4WYpKGa90X-Sy1z79dTdobzrNAz_J-2LWzzG0L5HdXWts/s320/Samuel+Ortom.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Governor Samuel Ortom has stated that no matter how long it took, ranching as the best method of animal husbandry will eventually be accepted nationwide.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Ortom said, “just like the case of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, which took 25 years for the federal government to officially acknowledge that Chief Moshood Abiola won ranching will in no distant time be accepted by the federal government as a global best practice in animal husbandry.”<br /> <br /> The Governor who spoke yesterday in Naka, Gwer West Local Government Area of the state during the traditional marriage between his friend, Architect Asema Achado and Princess Nguamo Damna.<br /> <br /> He maintained that Benue’s positon on the matter was being vindicated daily.<br /> <br /> “We are all aware of the resolutions of the Northern and Southern Governor’s fora, the National Economic Council, NEC, as well as the most recent enactment of the law by the Abia State Government which is an indications that ranching is inevitable in the 21st century.”<br /> <br /> He commended President Buhari for the courage to acknowledge the truth about the June 12, 1993 presidential election and the conferment of national awards on the presumed winner urged him to adopt the same principle in the matter of ranching.<br /> <br /> Governor Ortom stated that his concern for now more than any other thing else. was for peace to return to Benue communities to enable the persons displaced from their ancestral homes by suspected militant herdsmen returned home.</div>

Latest-News Like June 12, ranching will also be accepted by govt. – Gov. Ortom

Governor Samuel Ortom has stated that no matter how long it took, ranching as the best method of animal husbandry will eventually be accep...

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Declare Abiola ex-President, restructure Nigeria, Dickson urges Buhari

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXSOnH9DyVDaAvP6uDOU3gw6sG2S7ZckVBiE0mt95xfcZulA8kLNU-ewrQvvduyY0fOhau0fTzFtAD0cypjCK8wv9fZj1_N9X56LbisHxLEBcr0bijwgLJCd7cwHIbJCR5zizsr3XtZRI/s1600/Seriake+Dickson.jpeg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXSOnH9DyVDaAvP6uDOU3gw6sG2S7ZckVBiE0mt95xfcZulA8kLNU-ewrQvvduyY0fOhau0fTzFtAD0cypjCK8wv9fZj1_N9X56LbisHxLEBcr0bijwgLJCd7cwHIbJCR5zizsr3XtZRI/s320/Seriake+Dickson.jpeg" width="319" /></a></div> Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to declare the acclaimed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, late Chief Moshood Abiola, as ex-President and begin the process of restructuring the country.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The governor, who spoke during a media chat on Friday at the Government House, Yenagoa, however, commended Buhari for immortalising Abiola with the highest award of Grand Commander of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.<br /> <br /> He reasoned that though the award was belated, the gesture would partly address the wrongs of the past and strengthen the nation’s democracy.<br /> <br /> Having bestowed the highest award only reserved for Heads of State, Presidents, Dickson called on Buhari to declare Abiola as President that was never sworn in and urgently sponsor an executive bill to the National Assembly to legitimise it and back it up by an Act of Parliament, when passed into law.<br /> <br /> He said that declaring June 12 as Democracy Day, giving national honour to Abiola’s running mate,  Ambassador Babagana Kingibe as well as giving posthumous national awards to Abiola and the late legal luminary, Chief Gani Fawehinmi , were in order.<br /> <br /> The governor, however, called on the President to show the same political will and patriotism showed on June 12 on the critical issue of restructuring Nigeria.<br /> <br /> According to him, the President should ensure that Nigeria is restructured with power devolved from the centre to the federating units and fiscal federalism enthroned to guarantee balance, peace, prosperity and stability in the country.<br /> <br /> He said a restructured Nigeria would address the dysfunctional system, over concentration of power at the centre, pseudo-federalism and the expropriation of the resources of the Niger Delta.<br /> <br /> He stressed that those championing the cause of restructuring were the real patriots, saying that Buhari would etch his name on the sands of time and become “a Nigerian hero of all times, if he restructures the country.”<br /> <br /> Dickson also urged the President to honour a former Chairman of the National Electoral Commission, Prof. Humphrey Nwosu, with a national award for his uncommon courage and commitment to the conduct of transparent elections in June, 1993.<br /> <br /> Dickson said, “I commend the President for the courage to immortalise the winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election with the highest national honour of GCFR as well as declaring June 12 as Democracy Day.<br /> <br /> “Having honoured Abiola with the highest award only reserved for presidents or heads of state, I urge him (Buhari) to declare Abiola a president that was never sworn in, and then go a step further to gazette and sponsor a bill to the National Assembly to legitimise his proclamations backed by law.<br /> <br /> “He should also honour the then Chairman of National Electoral Commission, Prof. Humphrey Nwosu, for the courage to conduct a transparent election for what is sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander.<br /> <br /> “As member of House of Representatives, I co-sponsored a bill to immortalise MKO Abiola to address the wrong done to Abiola and our democracy. So, I believe by the President’s proclamation, he continued from where we stopped and in my opinion, it was the right thing to do.</div>

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Why I stopped Adesina from replying Obasanjo’s letter — Buhari

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTe65SMrESgQ_mXCpDG8hu18ovgaLomAhTzUYqQCwPk9wWuLds3_btEnQuR7mHJCxrS12Frxl0brNJqZVR-_TboA4GZ-V-bDam8X8mK-WRk8bOZ8bI2UQsdBeXR9xifFAHmiOOwuLdydk/s1600/buhari2.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTe65SMrESgQ_mXCpDG8hu18ovgaLomAhTzUYqQCwPk9wWuLds3_btEnQuR7mHJCxrS12Frxl0brNJqZVR-_TboA4GZ-V-bDam8X8mK-WRk8bOZ8bI2UQsdBeXR9xifFAHmiOOwuLdydk/s320/buhari2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> President Muhammadu Buhari says he stopped his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity Femi Adesina from replying former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s letter against his administration because of Adesina’s age.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The president explained the reasons when members of Buhari Support Organisation visited him at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Friday night.<br /> <br /> Buhari explained further that the second reason why he deemed it right not to reply the letter was that he and the former president were from the same (military) constituency.<br /> <br /> He, however, noted that Minister of Information and Culture Lai Mohammed, who “disobeyed’’ him not to reply the letter, did a good job.<br /> <br /> He observed that the reply by the minister showed Nigerians the realities on ground when the present administration assumed office in 2015 and its ongoing efforts to revive the inherited damaged economy.<br /> <br /> “I really appreciate how you choose this time during Ramadan to come from across the country to see and congratulate me for what we were able to do.<br /> <br /> “We were constrained to explain our position when the former head of state wrote a letter; Adesina was agitated and wanted to immediately reply; I stopped him for two reasons; first, he was much younger than me and Gen. Obasanjo.<br /> <br /> READ ALSO: We’ll shutdown Aso Rock if Obasanjo is touched- ADC<br /> <br /> “Secondly, I am from the same constituent with Gen. Obasanjo; so, I wouldn’t know how it will affect him if I allow him to go wild or to go public, but when Lai Mohammed came, I said he shouldn’t and he insisted. He disobeyed me.<br /> <br /> “He said I must allow him to talk; then, of course, being a professional information person, I listened to him and asked him what are going to say.<br /> <br /> “He said he was going to remind Nigerians where we found ourselves when we came in as a government, where we are now, what we have done in between with the resources available to us.<br /> <br /> “And I understand he did a good job because a number of people rang me and said Lai Mohammed has done a good job.<br /> <br /> “I said it is on record and I challenged anybody to check from Europe, United States and Asia that between 1999 and 2014, the 16 years of previous administration, there was an average of 2.1 million per day of crude oil at the average cost of 100 dollars per barrel,’’ he said.<br /> <br /> The president said that he deliberately refused to replace the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria when his administration took over the mantle of leadership of the country because he wanted to give him the opportunity to salvage the economy from its terrible condition.<br /> <br /> Buhari, who thanked his teachers during his primary school days for their efforts to inculcate good morale to him and his mates, stated that his administration would continue to invest heavily in education to correct social ills in the society.<br /> <br /> READ ALSO: Buhari plotting to arrest me on false charges –Obasanjo<br /> <br /> He said further that his administration had resolved to put money in the area of infrastructural development to address infrastructural deficits and subsequently ensure speedy socio-economic transformation of the country.<br /> <br /> “It is now that we are struggling to put the structure on the ground — the roads — to revive the rail and do the standard gauge and try to spend objectively on power.<br /> <br /> “If we put money in infrastructure, it will create employment opportunities and then Nigerians will mind their own businesses, they wouldn’t even mind what the government is doing once the infrastructure is there,’’ he said.<br /> <br /> The president, therefore, reassured Nigerians that his administration would continue to spend more funds to upgrade the nation’s infrastructural facilities.<br /> <br /> He said that the government had also expended more than N1.3 trillion on capital projects across the country.<br /> <br /> According to him, the government will continue to ensure financial discipline, accountability and effective supervision of government spending to have solid infrastructure to enable the youth to achieve their missions and objectives in life.<br /> <br /> He thanked the members of the organisation for their support and sacrifices, noting that none of them had ever made any specific demand from him.<br /> <br /> In his remarks, the leader of the organisation, Sen. Abba Ali, who narrated the achievements of the Buhari administration in the last three years, said they were on a solidarity visit to the president to further reassure him of their support.<br /> <br /> He said that the organisation had established offices in all the 36 states and 774 local government areas of the country, while efforts were being made to ensure the re-election of the president in 2019.<br /> <br /> Mrs Paulina Tallen, a member of the Board of Trustees of the organisation, who spoke at the event, assured the president that women would massively vote for him and other candidates of the All Progressives Congress in the 2019 general elections.<br /> <br /> She, nonetheless, called on the president to bring more qualified women politicians and professionals in government to address the perceived marginalisation of women by APC-led administration in the country.</div>

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We will not engage in frame-up, only the guilty should worry — FG

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5WT9-xJWPFmz9C9RMfFXuU5iS_mEHrIMdCdj1KrFrjVsBi0bG7Ww5uJvpMKd0M35eBnRb13aBx7KaWdYVSVgYoMRgAiVDy7ZfPgmVDlhEFbHqLCypv0OYCTdPrcb48E3DuETvf8Ckg6E/s1600/Federal+government+of+Nigeria.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5WT9-xJWPFmz9C9RMfFXuU5iS_mEHrIMdCdj1KrFrjVsBi0bG7Ww5uJvpMKd0M35eBnRb13aBx7KaWdYVSVgYoMRgAiVDy7ZfPgmVDlhEFbHqLCypv0OYCTdPrcb48E3DuETvf8Ckg6E/s400/Federal+government+of+Nigeria.png" /></a></div> The Federal Government says the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari will never engage in frame-up of innocent citizens but only the guilty needs to be worried.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The Minister Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed stated this in a statement issued in Lagos on Friday.<br /> <br /> “‘This administration will never engage in a frame-up of innocent citizens. That is neither in the character of President Muhammadu Buhari nor in that of his administration.<br /> <br /> Only the guilty should be worried. To paraphrase an African proverb, a man who has no wife cannot lose an in-law to the cold hands of death.<br /> <br /> ”The administration is also strongly committed to the tenets of democracy, including freedom of speech and the right to dissent.<br /> <br /> “But we understand that those who, in their time, were untethered to those principles would find it hard to believe,” the minister said in the statement made available by his Special Adviser, Segun Adeyemi<br /> <br /> The minister stressed that while those who have skeletons in their wardrobes should be afraid, even of their own shadows, innocent persons need not worry about any investigation, whether real or imagined.<br /> <br /> Mohammed said it was curious that the frame-up and witch-hunt allegations came a day after a major presidential proclamation reversing some past acts of injustice was made.<br /> <br /> “Apparently, the impact of this proclamation was too much to bear by those who, through acts of omission or commission, helped to deepen the wounds inflicted by the blow of injustice that followed an election that was widely acclaimed to be free, fair and credible,<br /> <br /> “Hence, they felt the need for a red herring that will distract the nation.<br /> <br /> ”Added to that is the frustration brought about by the fact that the contraption they have so much hyped as a freeway to power has failed to gain traction.<br /> <br /> “Faced with this double tragedy, even the strongest of men may begin to succumb to a figment of their imagination.<br /> <br /> They may start crying wolf where there is none,” he said.<br /> <br /> The minister said that the Administration will not be distracted by frivolous allegations from any quarter.<br /> <br /> He said the administration is too busy trying to clear the mess of 16 years and build on its unprecedented achievements over the past three years.<br /> <br /> Mohammed stressed that the government would not waste its energy and time on framing up anyone or dwelling on issues that are not grounded in fact.<br /> <br /> He said the unprecedented achievements of the Buhari Administration were also enough to cause sleepless nights, with the attendant symptoms that include phantasm, for those who had better opportunities to make the country great but floundered on the altar of narcissism.</div>

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<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbh6JdPKf-3LkUTxAwus2qYtpNfayKfErDYOmXiI_TRlfUU6-T1y0NfkYxP-ATR-D78TRCDSFaNKMWFCy8YTtXK_9HVaLO-y0LXeNON0ww5eSHXZUOb_zlE5q3Afwh5thYXVJw4eJeDQA/s1600/Neymar+traitor.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbh6JdPKf-3LkUTxAwus2qYtpNfayKfErDYOmXiI_TRlfUU6-T1y0NfkYxP-ATR-D78TRCDSFaNKMWFCy8YTtXK_9HVaLO-y0LXeNON0ww5eSHXZUOb_zlE5q3Afwh5thYXVJw4eJeDQA/s400/Neymar+traitor.jpg" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div> Real Madrid are ready to authorize a world-record transfer bid of over £300million to beat Manchester United to a deal for Paris Saint-German star, Neymar this summer.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Neymar, who became the most expensive player in history last summer, has been linked with a move away from PSG since joining the Ligue 1 giants from Barcelona in a deal worth almost £200m.<br /> <br /> According to The Sun, UK, The Los Blancos have remained the frontrunners to secure a deal for the Brazilian international ahead of United, who were lining up a world-record move for the 26-year-old, with manager, Jose Mourinho desperate to bring the forward to Old Trafford.<br /> <br /> It claimed that as part of Neymar’s move from Barcelona to PSG, a stipulation was included in the deal, allowing him to leave the Ligue 1 giants for £263m on September 1, the day after the transfer window closes.<br /> <br /> It added that the reigning Champions League holders are hoping to sign Neymar this summer in a deal that will cost over £300m and don’t want to wait until January next year.<br /> <br /> However, Real Madrid midfielder, Luka Modric was captured in a video exchanging shirts with Neymar outside the dressing rooms at Anfield after Brazil defeated Croatia 2-0 in a pre-World Cup friendly played last week Sunday in Liverpool Stadium.<br /> <br /> And towards the end of the 42-second clip, Modric can be heard telling Neymar, “We are waiting for you, eh.” Neymar replied with a laugh before the video ended.<br /> <br /> When asked after the match about Neymar potentially joining Madrid this summer, Modric told reporters after Brazil’s win over Croatia, “Let’s see what happens.”</div>

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<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ZfI3Vjs5wT98gN1P3_qkIs84cwEICcITPfcB-chO8buwYw_AtAdvB0ms8JOFICd1A-c8Scy8D_cVeCLl1LRM8hVm8FZJZlyjrScJ_pB9dxvAwJwm4TKKokH-n7-x04HPrlYxVrFVI7c/s1600/Golden+State+Warriors.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ZfI3Vjs5wT98gN1P3_qkIs84cwEICcITPfcB-chO8buwYw_AtAdvB0ms8JOFICd1A-c8Scy8D_cVeCLl1LRM8hVm8FZJZlyjrScJ_pB9dxvAwJwm4TKKokH-n7-x04HPrlYxVrFVI7c/s400/Golden+State+Warriors.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> An overpowering Golden State Warriors squad captured its third NBA crown in four seasons on Friday, routing Cleveland 108-85 to complete a sweep in the best-of-seven NBA Finals.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Stephen Curry scored 37 points and Kevin Durant was named the NBA Finals Most Valuable Player for the second consecutive year after 20 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists — his first finals triple double.<br /> <br /> “To win in a sweep, it feels pretty good,” Durant said. “Just knowing the work you put in paid off means something.<br /> <br /> “It feels great to go out there and win a championship with these guys the way we did it. To finish it off with a sweep feels so good.”<br /> <br /> The Warriors inflicted the first 4-0 NBA Finals blanking since the Cavaliers were swept by San Antonio in 2007.<br /> <br /> “It’s an unbelievable feeling to come here with a mission and get the job done,” Curry said.<br /> <br /> It was the fourth year in a row the Warriors and Cavaliers met in the finals, Golden State winning in 2015 and the past two years.<br /> <br /> “This is so hard to do and to do it three years out of four years is incredible,” Warriors guard Klay Thompson said.<br /> <br /> Golden State claimed the sixth crown in club history, matching the Chicago Bulls for third on the all-time list. The Warriors won in 1947 and 1956 when based in Philadelphia plus 1975, 13 years after their move to the San Francisco Bay area, and the latest run.<br /> <br /> “This was the hardest one we’ve had by far,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr said. “It was definitely the toughest from the standpoint that it’s the fourth year in a row that we’ve attempted to get back to the finals. It was hard and it gets more and more difficult as you go through.”<br /> <br /> Cavaliers star LeBron James revealed after the game he had been playing with a broken right hand for the past three games.<br /> <br /> “Self-inflicted, post-game after game one. Very emotional. For a lot of different reasons,” James said. “I let the emotions get the best of me. Pretty much played the last three games with a broken hand.”<br /> <br /> James struck for 51 points in the opener, the fifth-best game total in finals history but it was a post-game punch out of frustration, into a blackboard according to ESPN, that caused the injury. James saw a referee call reversed against him and J.R. Smith forego a final shot with the score level, thinking the Cavs were ahead.<br /> <br /> James, playing his eighth consecutive finals, scored 23 points, grabbed seven rebounds and passed off eight assists on Friday but fell to 3-6 in the finals for his career.<br /> <br /> – ‘I hope he stays’ –<br /> <br /> At 33, James might have played his final game for the Cavaliers. He can opt out of his contract and become a free agent next month.<br /> <br /> “I have no idea at this point,” James said. “Sitting down and considering everything, my family is a huge part of whatever I’ll decide to do in my career, and it will continue to be that. So I don’t have an answer for you right now.”<br /> <br /> Fans chanted “M-V-P” to James in the final minutes, sensing his possible exit again. He departed in 2010 for Miami before returning in 2014.<br /> <br /> “I hope he stays,” Cavs coach Tyronn Lue said. “But after a game like that I’m not in any position to talk about that.”<br /> <br /> Curry, who set an NBA Finals record with nine 3-pointers in game two, hit 12-of-27 shots from the field and 7-of-15 from 3-point range.<br /> <br /> “We just know how to win,” Curry said. “We keep waking up every day and trying to get better and we end up here. For us to be able to be here again, we can’t get enough of this feeling.”<br /> <br /> – ‘Brings out the best’ –<br /> A James slam dunk capped a 14-4 Cavs run to open the second quarter, putting Cleveland ahead 39-38, but Golden State answered with a 11-4 run and stretched the half-time lead to 61-52.<br /> <br /> The Cavaliers would come no closer in the second half.<br /> <br /> “They made some mini-runs, but over the course of 48 minutes our will took over,” Curry said.<br /> <br /> “We knew they were going to come out with a tough first punch and we answered it and ran right back at them, set the tone for the whole game.”<br /> <br /> Golden State outscored Cleveland 25-13 in the third quarter, James managing only four points, and the Warriors rolled through the final minutes.<br /> <br /> James was removed with 4:03 remaining and congratulated the Warriors before taking a seat on the bench.<br /> <br /> “When you play one of the best it brings the best out of you as well,” Durant said of playing against James.</div>

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EFCC inviting contractors to verify genuineness of our projects – Wike

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-tu4T95uOGEAKOHeO4f8UaXHrxZmDFtznjcVh6G0MxCbkeXG2PQtpIcYfkcOnYfyKpjJcF_3j1Bx_nQN695boWU_oabLGIGcqF-UpEX6If5Pz84lZGAlDsOfJyViqOFn7_zr8lKfZ_J4/s1600/Nyesom+Wike.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-tu4T95uOGEAKOHeO4f8UaXHrxZmDFtznjcVh6G0MxCbkeXG2PQtpIcYfkcOnYfyKpjJcF_3j1Bx_nQN695boWU_oabLGIGcqF-UpEX6If5Pz84lZGAlDsOfJyViqOFn7_zr8lKfZ_J4/s320/Nyesom+Wike.png" width="320" /></a></div> Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, said on Friday that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission had begun to invite contractors executing projects in the state to ascertain if the projects were real.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> This is as the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, declared that Rivers State was lucky to have Governor Wike, who had been transforming the state through the execution of pro-people’s projects.<br /> <br /> Speaking during the inauguration of Abacha Road in GRA Phase 3, Port Harcourt on Friday, Wike expressed regret that the EFCC and the APC Federal Government were working to distract the Rivers State Government.<br /> <br /> “EFCC is now inviting our contractors to inquire if the projects we are executing are fake or real. Instead of encouraging us to continue with our good works, they are working desperately to distract us.<br /> <br /> “EFCC should go to non-performing states. I want to tell our contractors that we are not afraid because we are doing the right thing for the people of Rivers State,” the governor said.<br /> <br /> He pointed out that the state was confident to invite prominent Nigerians with pedigree to inspect and launch key projects because such projects were real and for the development of Rivers.<br /> <br /> The governor urged the people to protect projects in the area, saying that the state government will not tolerate street trading on newly constructed roads.<br /> <br /> Wike said that the reconstructed Abacha Road had created the right environment for businesses to thrive.<br /> <br /> He commended the businesses along the route for supporting the contractor by supplying their workers food, even as he urged the people to continue to pay their taxes for the administration to deliver more projects for them.<br /> <br /> Inaugurating the project, the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, expressed happiness that the state where he grew up was being transformed through prudent management of resources.<br /> <br /> He said, “This is home-coming for me. I am a stakeholder in this city. I have businesses here. I grew up in Abonnema as a young child.<br /> <br /> “Rivers State is very lucky to have Governor Wike. In three years, the state governor has achieved a great deal of projects.”<br /> <br /> The monarch described the governor as a promise keeper, a man of passion and commitment.<br /> <br /> “Port Harcourt is so new; Port Harcourt has been renewed. This particular area was so swampy. I was offered a plot of land here for one million naira and I rejected it. Today, everything has changed around here,” Igwe Achebe said.<br /> <br /> Caretaker Committee Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Prince Noble Amadi, said the road was impassable, until Wike intervened.<br /> <br /> He said that the road remained significant as it linked areas where key business transactions took place in Port Harcourt.<br /> <br /> Speaking on behalf of Rumueme Kingdom, Dr. Franklin Nlerum, announced the endorsement of the Wike for a second term in office based on the governor’s numerous achievements.<br /> <br /> Also, the State Works Commissioner, Mr. Dum Dekor, said the road was dualised with deep drainage to address the issue of flooding in the area.</div>

Latest-News EFCC inviting contractors to verify genuineness of our projects – Wike

Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, said on Friday that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission had begun to invite contractors...

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Impeach Buhari now, forget ultimatum – Fani-Kayode

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ocWvxZXZTRcSN-k1RbrJ5ZG_3HFINfM5XiMoyVZ1xOnWbw-FwtFpC42IjIaqXr8D-hWNz45CcMB-vEjkaUxT00fCqqIOhvS7RoV0Oo_3qxvmr_-f9KMRFHHQtXA4y-YiiaTaVRjzbUs/s1600/ffk.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ocWvxZXZTRcSN-k1RbrJ5ZG_3HFINfM5XiMoyVZ1xOnWbw-FwtFpC42IjIaqXr8D-hWNz45CcMB-vEjkaUxT00fCqqIOhvS7RoV0Oo_3qxvmr_-f9KMRFHHQtXA4y-YiiaTaVRjzbUs/s320/ffk.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Former Minister of Aviation and a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Femi Fani-Kayode has called on the National Assembly to forget the ultimatum given to President Muhammadu Buhari to meet their demands but impeach him right now.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> In a tweet on Wednesday, Fani-Kayode said the ultimatum is too late and that the lawmakers should stop playing games with the president.<br /> <br /> Fani-Kayode whose wife, Precious, recently gave birth to a set of triplets (all boys) explained that President Buhari had committed a lot of impeachable offences, adding that now is the time to impeach him.<br /> <br /> Read Fani-Kayode’s tweet below:<br /> <br /> ”The ultimatum given to @MBuhari by the NASS is too little,too late. You do not warn a snake before you crush its head. You simply take your aim and strike it with one powerful and lethal blow. @MBuhari has committed many impeachable offences.Stop playing games! Impeach him NOW!”<br /> <br /> These are the conditions President Buhari must fulfill before the 2019 election to avert impeachment, according to the lawmakers.<br /> <br /> 1. The Security Agencies must be given marching orders to curtail the sustained killing of Nigerians across the country and protect lives and properties of Nigerians as this is the primary duty of any responsible Government;<br /> <br /> 2. The systematic harassment and humiliation by the Executive of perceived political opponents, people with contrary opinions including Legislators and Judiciary by the police and other security agencies must stop;<br /> <br /> 3. There must be strict adherence to the Rule of Law and protection for all citizens by the President and his appointees;<br /> <br /> 4. The President must be held accountable for the actions of his appointees and must be ready to sanction those that carry out any act which will ridicule or endanger our country and democracy;<br /> <br /> 5. The Government should show sincerity in the fight against corruption by not being selective . It should also prosecute current appointees that have cases pending against them;<br /> <br /> 6. The sanctity of the National Assembly should be protected and preserved bythe Federal Government of Nigeria by not interfering in its business and prosecuting those who invaded the Senate to seize the mace;<br /> <br /> 7a. National Assembly should liaise with International Communities through the IPU, APU, ECOWAS, CPA, Parliament, Pan African Parliament, EU, UN, US congress and UK Parliament to secure our democracy;<br /> <br /> b. Democratic elections must be competitive and inclusive by removing the present reign of fear and intimidation particularly as we approach the forthcoming 2019 elections;<br /> <br /> 8. The National Assembly will work closely with Civil Society Organisations, Trade Unions and NGOs to further deepen and protect our democracy;<br /> <br /> 9. The President must take immediate steps to contain the growing level of unemployment and poverty in Nigeria especially now that we have advantage of the oil price having risen to $80 per barrel;<br /> <br /> 10. Both chambers of the National Assembly hereby pass a vote of confidence on the Senate President and the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the entire leadership of the National Assembly;<br /> <br /> 11. we reaffirm our earlier resolution of vote of no confidence on the Inspector General of Police who does nothing other than preside over the killing of innocent Nigerian and consistent framing up of perceived political opponents of the President and outright disregard for constitutional authority, both executive and legislative;<br /> <br /> 12. Finally, the National Assembly will not hesitate to evoke its Constitutional powers if nothing is done to address the above resolutions passed today.</div>

Latest-News Impeach Buhari now, forget ultimatum – Fani-Kayode

Former Minister of Aviation and a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Femi Fani-Kayode has called on the National Assembly to ...

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"We’ll shutdown Aso Rock if Obasanjo is touched"

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx1e2XjiJtUkBUUkhzj4olqyT6sTG3f9BCQbCKzqZ9URmkUyHJBZfd_ZKecBESryZkYGV8WCaLeM3rRY6rHx8x31Ak8QsH2jw-S_L9v9Ocs-m-f5CSF0SZfZoYC7ByNzj0blCF6odpnhc/s1600/Olusegun-Obasanjo.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx1e2XjiJtUkBUUkhzj4olqyT6sTG3f9BCQbCKzqZ9URmkUyHJBZfd_ZKecBESryZkYGV8WCaLeM3rRY6rHx8x31Ak8QsH2jw-S_L9v9Ocs-m-f5CSF0SZfZoYC7ByNzj0blCF6odpnhc/s320/Olusegun-Obasanjo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> The African Democratic Congress, which has been adopted by Obasanjo, has warned the Federal Government that it will shut down the Presidential Villa if Obasanjo is harmed.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The Chairman of the ADC, Chief Okey Nwosu, said this during a telephone interview with our correspondent on Friday.<br /> <br /> Nwosu said having failed to deliver on its campaign promises, the Buhari-led government had resorted to hounding opposition members into submission.<br /> <br /> He said when Obasanjo was supporting Buhari during the run-up to the 2015 general elections; he was described as an advocate of change by Buhari and his supporters, but the same man was now being treated as a criminal because he was speaking against the government.<br /> <br /> READ ALSO: National Assembly should impeach Buhari immediately to rescue Nigeria –Fani-Kayode<br /> <br /> The ADC chairman said, “What we are witnessing is the desperation of a failed government. When you have mediocre persons that are not focused on handling state power, they often go to dictatorial levels to try to achieve their aim but this time, the people of Nigeria and God are on our side and we will do what our country needs.<br /> <br /> “President Obasanjo cannot be touched. When in 2014 and 2015, he was in the vanguard of trying to effect change because of the situation then, they were applauding him as the champion of a new Nigeria.<br /> <br /> “Now that things have gone wrong in the area of security and economy and he is speaking out, they are now chasing the champion of new Nigeria. We will mobilise the whole of Nigeria to take over Aso Rock Villa if the government steps out of line.”<br /> <br /> But two civil society organisations, Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project and the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, said Obasanjo should be ready to face trial if there was any evidence of financial mismanagement traced to his administration.<br /> <br /> The SERAP Director, Adetokunbo Mumuni, said the former President’s alarm of a witch-hunt by President Buhari was unnecessary as the anti-graft agencies must carry out their statutory responsibilities.<br /> <br /> Mumuni said, “The truth of the matter is that Buhari should not be the one to set the EFCC against anybody; the anti-graft agency should do its job, investigate allegations of crime against anybody and begin prosecution. That Obasanjo is crying foul will not stop the agencies from going after him, if indeed there are admissible evidences against him.<br /> <br /> “I don’t think we should listen to Obasanjo. Rather, we should let the EFCC do what is legally appropriate and prosecute anyone who is supposed to be prosecuted. If Obasanjo has a case to answer, he should be ready to have his day in court under the due process.”<br /> <br /> Also the CDHR President, Malachy Ugwummadu, said, “Obasanjo should not play to the gallery. For me, it will be a huge positive development if this government can muster enough courage to take on Obasanjo.<br /> <br /> “If the government has credible information or evidence to take on Obasanjo, it will clearly show that all the people in the league of former presidents can be taken up.”</div>

Latest-News "We’ll shutdown Aso Rock if Obasanjo is touched"

The African Democratic Congress, which has been adopted by Obasanjo, has warned the Federal Government that it will shut down the Presiden...

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Buhari invites Soyinka, pro-June 12 activists to Abiola’s investiture

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqYo5wwxgcJQSq_pAPAMRNQKocDxSyVXhQ3dPwOrQ0v-7V2wDo5cwHkTokBdhk-RGMMquMZ0yD8IqtjwH9Polq1qclF4CTz3XTEPT8oj69mNyIANO4KefyxAiyfT0za_KASqo-8UHGb4k/s1600/Wole-Soyinka.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqYo5wwxgcJQSq_pAPAMRNQKocDxSyVXhQ3dPwOrQ0v-7V2wDo5cwHkTokBdhk-RGMMquMZ0yD8IqtjwH9Polq1qclF4CTz3XTEPT8oj69mNyIANO4KefyxAiyfT0za_KASqo-8UHGb4k/s320/Wole-Soyinka.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> President Muhammadu Buhari has invited the major stakeholders in the struggle for the revalidation of the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election to the posthumous investiture of the acclaimed winner of the election, Chief Moshood Abiola, as the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Late human rights activist, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, will also be honoured post-humously with the Grand Commander of the Order Niger alongside Abiola’s running mate, Babagana Kingibe, at an event slated for the Presidential Villa, Abuja on Tuesday.<br /> <br /> According to a statement on Friday by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, on Friday, those invited to the event include Kingibe, Abiola’s family members, Fawehinmi’s family members and key players of June 12 struggle.<br /> <br /> Mustapha listed the key players of the struggle to include members of the National Executive Committee of the Social Democratic Party,  including states chairmen and secretaries at the time of the annulled election;  state governors elected on the platform of the SDP;  former Presidents of the Senate – Iyorchia Ayu and Ameh Ebute -and former Speaker Agunwa Anekwe along with principal officers of the National Assembly elected on the platform of the SDP.<br /> <br /> Other invitees are Speakers of the State Houses of Assembly elected on the platform of the SDP; all chairmen of the States Traditional Councils from the six South-Western States; Prof. Wole Soyinka; Mr. Femi Falana (SAN); Asiwaju Bola Tinubu; Chief Bisi Akande; Ms. Ayo Obe; Bayo Onanuga (The News); Kunle Ajibade (Tempo); Nosa Igiebor – (TELL); Kayode Komolafe  (Media Hope 93); Senator Janathan Zwingina (DG, Hope 93); Frank  Kokori and Prof. Humphrey Nwosu.<br /> <br /> Also invited are  President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki; Speaker of the House of Representatives,  Yakubu Dogora, principal officers of the National Assembly and all state governors.<br /> <br /> “Invitation letters have been dispatched.  However, should the invitation arrive late, this publication serves as a formal invitation,” the statement added.</div>

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Okowa urges Nigerians to worship God

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCoEGQ-L0wsvOgS8ThVPe1Y_wfKjcC4flObsjxtNvRnsIkBY6PNSsP5X-JTNvsYSMpJ6ukL0g7evnzCOi1GtuH-Q4YW4idQ7MHYXXXY0alnK7-NRFlEYygkH7ys11JJpi3IFFeLuJ_Qno/s1600/Ifeanyi+Okowa.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCoEGQ-L0wsvOgS8ThVPe1Y_wfKjcC4flObsjxtNvRnsIkBY6PNSsP5X-JTNvsYSMpJ6ukL0g7evnzCOi1GtuH-Q4YW4idQ7MHYXXXY0alnK7-NRFlEYygkH7ys11JJpi3IFFeLuJ_Qno/s320/Ifeanyi+Okowa.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State has called on Nigerians to find time to be with God no matter their schedule as the remains of Senator Francis Nwajei on Friday was interred in Asaba.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Governor Okowa, former Governor of Delta State, Chief James Ibori, members of the National Assembly, political bigwigs in the state, an array of Priests, among others, attended the requiem Mass organised in honour of the deceased at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Asaba.<br /> <br /> According to Governor Okowa, “it is very important that we create time to be in the presence of God, no matter how busy our schedule may be.”<br /> <br /> “It is only when you are alive that you can impact on the life of the people,” the Governor said, observing, “Senator Nwajei inspired and touched a lot of lives, he was a very warm character who always created time to be in the choir and in the presence of God.”<br /> <br /> While describing the passage of Nwajei,  one of the foremost politicians in the state who passed on at the age of 80.as a great loss, especially to the political class, Governor Okowa asserted, “we hope many politicians will live the kind of life Senator Nwajei lived, despite his political activities, he found time to be active in the choir and be with the Lord.”<br /> <br /> He consoled the family of the deceased, urging them to take solace in the fact that their father had a lot of goodwill from those he touched their lives.<br /> Earlier in a sermon, the Bishop of Issele-Uku Diocese of the Catholic Church, Most Rev. Michael Elue had said, such a day called for soul-searching by the living,, especially, those in authority in the country if they are committed to the development of the country or thinking solely about themselves and their families.<br /> <br /> The Bishop who spoke through the Chancellor of the District, Very Rev. Fr. John Aduba decried “the senseless killings in the country,” observed that though, Nigeria is politically independent, it is economically in prison.<br /> He called for a new Nigeria where those in authority will serve the people conscientiously and with the fear of God.<br /> <br /> While extolling the sterling qualities of late Nwajei as a man of simplicity who had the fear of God, the Bishop observed, “for Christians, death is not something to be afraid of because, Jesus defeated death, to die is to live, we gain eternal home when we die in Christ.”<br /> <br /> “No matter how beautiful where we live on earth, it is nothing compared to the mansion in the city of God for those who believe,” he emphasised.</div>

Latest-News Okowa urges Nigerians to worship God

Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State has called on Nigerians to find time to be with God no matter their schedule as the remains of Senat...

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I made more sales since Buhari’s June 12 declaration, says newspaper vendor

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8ZfIpltxckLt9Bdp4zS98HasI6839LEGt2B5wh4LGb-oVujHfeeEAqFnsqSJ425OXDHhur-w21tzaT5NJQCuJdQaoNSiTqIURs5x6cKDd8VHQPDV7Yft8VYdZqstDAre_Tm09Chh4A60/s1600/President+Muhammadu+Buhari.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8ZfIpltxckLt9Bdp4zS98HasI6839LEGt2B5wh4LGb-oVujHfeeEAqFnsqSJ425OXDHhur-w21tzaT5NJQCuJdQaoNSiTqIURs5x6cKDd8VHQPDV7Yft8VYdZqstDAre_Tm09Chh4A60/s320/President+Muhammadu+Buhari.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Ibrahim Usman, a newspaper vendor in Gombe, says he recorded increased sale and patronage since President Muhammadu Buhari declared June 12 as democracy day in Nigeria.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Buhari had, on June 6, declared June 12 as democracy day in the country to replace May 29.<br /> <br /> The president’s action was to honour late Moshood Abiola, the acclaimed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election in Nigeria, arguably the freest and fairest presidential election in the country.<br /> <br /> The election was, however, annulled by the then military ruler, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida.<br /> <br /> Usman told newsmen on Friday in Gombe that since the declaration, more people patronised newspaper vendors to read reactions from different perspectives.<br /> <br /> According to him, Buhari’s declaration is good for democracy and it has made the president more democratic than other leaders.<br /> <br /> The vendor, who said the president had good intentions for declaring June 12 as democracy day, added that “even the critics have been applauding him for the gesture.<br /> <br /> “I want to commend the president too because since the declaration of June 12 as democracy day, I sold more papers than ever this year as many Gombe residents buy more than one newspaper to read different views of people on the issue.<br /> <br /> “I am happy. Business is good for me.” </div>

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Ibrahim Usman, a newspaper vendor in Gombe, says he recorded increased sale and patronage since President Muhammadu Buhari declared June 1...

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Premier League observes two-week winter break

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6XFQaHcUXP3KoY4ZzxYKWVbVjrWwmBRoYhGIzWdB89QDVUl41dPMfgRgXAdq2w-oq1elz1fb_ESlNM7oxcbqydlH7UlHGIe8-RtjFNNupO_DMIG6Aw4CiyK-MAeadevbhA77NKQZuBlk/s1600/epl_0.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6XFQaHcUXP3KoY4ZzxYKWVbVjrWwmBRoYhGIzWdB89QDVUl41dPMfgRgXAdq2w-oq1elz1fb_ESlNM7oxcbqydlH7UlHGIe8-RtjFNNupO_DMIG6Aw4CiyK-MAeadevbhA77NKQZuBlk/s320/epl_0.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> The English FA, Premier League and English Football League announced on Friday that they would implement a two-week mid-season break in February from the 2019-2020 season onwards.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Premier League matches will still be played every weekend over the period, the FA said in a statement, with five games being held on the first weekend and five on the second.<br /> <br /> As a result, FA Cup fifth-round matches will be moved to mid-week and fifth-round replays will be replaced by games which end in a draw going to extra-time and penalties.<br /> <br /> “This is a significant moment for English football and one that we believe will greatly benefit both club and country,” said FA Chief Executive Martin Glenn.<br /> <br /> “It’s no secret that we have a very congested fixture calendar and over recent years we have been working with the whole game to find a solution.”<br /> <br /> The introduction of a winter break brings the English fixture calendar more in line with the top leagues in Germany, France, Italy and Spain.<br /> <br /> The lack of a break in England has long been a bone of contention among top-flight managers.<br /> <br /> Many have drawn a parallel between the demands of playing without a break and the country’s struggles at international tournaments.<br /> <br /> “Today’s announcement proves that football can come together for the good of the game,”Glenn added.<br /> <br /> “We have also found a way to give the players a much needed mid-season break, whilst keeping the much-loved Christmas schedule in place.<br /> <br /> “As we head into summer international tournaments in the future we are sure that this mid-season break will prove to be a valuable addition for our players.”</div>

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Minimum Wage: NASS will fast track passage of bill – Lawmaker

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI_BsnfG0H1Anmvyk3tPak-YWhsSuMsX7T3maVJkdRP37nD-2cR6RfWoytPaCWmEGZGhJTFxzM50MDJe9cAx9HJPQRd2yEJ04IGYkX9zCGJ7VNw7TRbmw5AsxPpwQ93nsnXZITCzQkGlQ/s1600/National+Assembly.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI_BsnfG0H1Anmvyk3tPak-YWhsSuMsX7T3maVJkdRP37nD-2cR6RfWoytPaCWmEGZGhJTFxzM50MDJe9cAx9HJPQRd2yEJ04IGYkX9zCGJ7VNw7TRbmw5AsxPpwQ93nsnXZITCzQkGlQ/s320/National+Assembly.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> The Deputy Chairman of the Senate Committee on Labour, Sen. Mao Ohuanbuwa, on Friday said the National Assembly will fast track the passage of the new national minimum wage bill, once the executive bill is sent to it.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Ohuanbuwa made this known while speaking with journalists in Geneva, Switzerland.<br /> <br /> He said the Senate President had already given the assurance that the bill would be given express hearing and passage by the legislature.<br /> <br /> Ohuanbuwa said, “We are going to fast track the bill for accelerated passage and that is what the Senate President had said.<br /> <br /> “It is unfortunate that both the ministry and the executive have been going back and forth. We thought that by now, that would have been resolved.<br /> <br /> “So we are looking forward to that bill because it is going to come out as an executive bill.<br /> <br /> “We are looking forward to rounding off or concluding that bill before we go on our annual break.<br /> <br /> “But the way it is, it looks like we are going to wait. You know there is little or nothing we can do because it is an executive responsibility.<br /> <br /> “They are the ones who will make the payment. Ours is that we have to support and agree that there is very urgent need to review the minimum wage.’’<br /> <br /> He said the need to review the minimum wage is sacrosanct.<br /> <br /> “But we cannot go ahead as a parliament to legislate on that without the executive coming up with a bill. We are waiting for them to do that.<br /> <br /> “We will allow the executive and the labour leaders to resolve their differences. What we had promised and we still stand on is that once that bill comes to us, we are going to give it accelerated hearing.’’<br /> <br /> He called on the Federal Government and the organised labour to resolve their differences on the issue of the new national minimum, in the interest of Nigerian workers.<br /> <br /> Ohuanbuwa said that states should be allowed to negotiate with labour on what they would be able to pay.</div>

Latest-News Minimum Wage: NASS will fast track passage of bill – Lawmaker

The Deputy Chairman of the Senate Committee on Labour, Sen. Mao Ohuanbuwa, on Friday said the National Assembly will fast track the passag...

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BREAKING: No public holiday on June 12 - FG

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtRAnRTGqvoHhfASYJZOzkEyxtjLbYaU_1qrPAqcWFiE7uWjyevqTmQsYJfuwHjIMMUEYq6mqguL3tLJmssyNQ7Tl8xf98S4edPdOv7GXLOVMTpFmGRqKeHiPLAcnjUG1MVb8F_2QVwEk/s1600/Federal+government+of+Nigeria.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtRAnRTGqvoHhfASYJZOzkEyxtjLbYaU_1qrPAqcWFiE7uWjyevqTmQsYJfuwHjIMMUEYq6mqguL3tLJmssyNQ7Tl8xf98S4edPdOv7GXLOVMTpFmGRqKeHiPLAcnjUG1MVb8F_2QVwEk/s400/Federal+government+of+Nigeria.png" /></a></div> The Federal Government on Friday announced that there will be no public holiday on June 12, 2018.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Contrary to speculations, the government via its @asorock Twitter handle, revealed that the presidential order declaring June 12 Nigeria’s Democracy Day stated that the date will “in FUTURE YEARS replace May 29th as a National Public Holiday in celebration of Nigeria Democracy Day.”<br /> <br /> The tweet revealed that there have been questions about June 12, 2018, being a public holiday and the” answer is NO.”<br /> <br /> See the tweet below:<br /> <br /> NOTICE:<br /> <br /> There have been questions regarding whether or not there will be a FEDERAL public holiday on June 12, 2018.<br /> <br /> The answer is NO.<br /> <br /> Presidential Order says June 12 “in FUTURE YEARS will replace May 29th as a National Public Holiday in celebration of Nigeria Democracy Day.” pic.twitter.com/UsxrPRx28X<br /> <br /> — Government of Nigeria (@AsoRock) June 8, 2018<br /> <br /></div>

Latest-News BREAKING: No public holiday on June 12 - FG

The Federal Government on Friday announced that there will be no public holiday on June 12, 2018. Contrary to speculations, the governm...

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Saraki to address Russian Parliament, cheer Super Eagles

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCZ34ruN69jfUXDvJO1UwIwDsqghaMKfSYZeKxQicBpekDuZULlOdbdZbK-X0ONc4mopHgug3zsdz0YZS3wTqBUzhDAPDOA4ZtjN75yLqDzCy3VqwSM1rK2qHMiRCURHFxPPok3hkgdxk/s1600/bs3.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCZ34ruN69jfUXDvJO1UwIwDsqghaMKfSYZeKxQicBpekDuZULlOdbdZbK-X0ONc4mopHgug3zsdz0YZS3wTqBUzhDAPDOA4ZtjN75yLqDzCy3VqwSM1rK2qHMiRCURHFxPPok3hkgdxk/s400/bs3.jpg" /></a></div> The President of the Senate Dr Bukola Saraki will be addressing the Russian Parliament during an exchange visit between June 19th and June 22, 2018.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Saraki who announced the visit on Thursday at plenary, told his colleagues that he would be addressing a special plenary session at the Russian Federal Council.<br /> <br /> “This is to inform the distinguished Senate that I will be leading a delegation of the Senate to the Federal Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation on an exchange visit from the 19th to the 22nd of June 2018.<br /> <br /> “During the visit, I will address a special plenary of the Federation’s council,” Saraki said.<br /> <br /> Speaking to our correspondent on the visit, Special Assistant to Saraki on Foreign Affairs and International Relations, Bamikole Omishore said that the visit is sequel to the meeting of Saraki with the Chairperson of the federal council Madam Valentina Matviyenko at the 2017 Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly (IPU).<br /> <br /> “They exchanged ideas and she invited the Senate President to deliver a speech during a joint special session.<br /> <br /> “The event will also have a wreath laying ceremony at tomb of unknown soldier and other meetings to strengthen parliamentary relationship between both Russia and Nigeria.<br /> <br /> At the 2017 IPU, Saraki also began negotiations for a better trade relationship between Nigeria and Russia.<br /> <br /> Omishore disclosed that Saraki will also make out time to support the Super Eagles during one of their games at the World Cup.<br /> <br /> He listed those that would be accompanying Saraki on the trip to include: Minority Leader of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, Majority Whip, Senator Adeyeye, Senator Danbaba, Senator Sunmonu and others.</div>

Latest-News Saraki to address Russian Parliament, cheer Super Eagles

The President of the Senate Dr Bukola Saraki will be addressing the Russian Parliament during an exchange visit between June 19th and June...

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Trump advocates Russia’s reinstatement into G-7

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH9l-Ua-mxR-7LuAueHLRs6GscXUspbZXteoN9RQ0qPqIWiqfnWZjVLiwec6zF9m-g-5NGC2EXop0V6qD39bQSGvOLDQsElEK2jqgY9PjprzqGXV4JYkB2WKFXYLoHk87VCmoFF59IF2E/s1600/donald+trump.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH9l-Ua-mxR-7LuAueHLRs6GscXUspbZXteoN9RQ0qPqIWiqfnWZjVLiwec6zF9m-g-5NGC2EXop0V6qD39bQSGvOLDQsElEK2jqgY9PjprzqGXV4JYkB2WKFXYLoHk87VCmoFF59IF2E/s320/donald+trump.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> United States President, Donald Trump, has called for an end to Russian expulsion from the Group of Seven leading economies in the world.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The President had, on the South Lawn of the White House on Friday, made a case for Russia’s readmission into G-8, which became G-7 following the annexation of Crimea.<br /> <br /> Russia was expelled from the G-7 four years ago following its role in the Crimean crisis.<br /> <br /> Washington Post quotes Trump as saying that Russia should be readmitted to the G-7, thereby breaking with other world leaders who have insisted that Moscow remain ostracized following its involvement in the 2014 Crimean crisis.<br /> <br /> “Now, I love our country. I have been Russia’s worst nightmare … But with that being said, Russia should be in this meeting,” Trump said as he left the White House.<br /> <br /> “It may not be politically correct, but we have a world to run. … They should let Russia back in,” he added.<br /> <br /> Trump had tweeted that he was heading to Canada for the annual G-7 summit, where he also hopes to hold talks that will mostly center on the “long time unfair trade practised against the United States.”<br /> <br /> He said that from there, he would go to Singapore and hold talks with North Korea on Denuclearization.<br /> <br /> “Won’t be talking about the Russian Witch Hunt Hoax for a while!” he had promised; while informing that he looked forward to straightening out unfair trade deals with the G-7 countries, and that, “if it doesn’t happen, we come out even better!”</div>

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United States President, Donald Trump, has called for an end to Russian expulsion from the Group of Seven leading economies in the world. ...

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June 12: "Buhari has done what other presidents couldn’t do"

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu9kSnPoxBfU7ZttG0NrO2teSuXvnJq1LS8WHOeDBji8vGGpmOgxff9ayALdk4-a5f6T-Dp5XQdrxPqR4urlCAnTe4i4JGfXaxBycB6mtneFh-OAaSLKDA7J5cc7kaqrPNyO7zIfYPIRA/s1600/President+Muhammadu+Buhari.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu9kSnPoxBfU7ZttG0NrO2teSuXvnJq1LS8WHOeDBji8vGGpmOgxff9ayALdk4-a5f6T-Dp5XQdrxPqR4urlCAnTe4i4JGfXaxBycB6mtneFh-OAaSLKDA7J5cc7kaqrPNyO7zIfYPIRA/s320/President+Muhammadu+Buhari.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> The Director, Center for American Studies, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, UNN, Prof Jonah Onuoha has commended President Mohammadu Buhari for bestowing the highest national honour to late Chief Moshood Abiola, the supposed winner of the annulled June 12 presidential election in 1993.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Speaking in an exclusive interview with Vanguard, Prof Onuoha said that though the president may want to score some political points with the move, he deserves serious commendation for taking the bold step as he has done what past presidents failed to do.<br /> <br /> “The President has done justice to the family of Late Abiola, to Western Nigeria and the entire nation. He should be commended for that. Past presidents failed to do this, so Buhari has done well.<br /> <br /> “I don’t know why there is all these noise about it. It is true that there could be a political undertone to it but the courage with which it was done should be commended. On the other hand, the West is also expected to reciprocate this gesture in 2019.<br /> <br /> “Though I am not Yoruba, I am happy about this development and I know most Nigerians are happy about it too especially the Yoruba and they will reciprocate during the elections,” he said.<br /> <br /> According to him: “the real democracy day is June 12 and not May 29. Nigerians have no historical attachment to May 29. So on that day, everyone should come out to celebrate Democracy. May 29 should remain as a day for handover of power but not our Democracy Day.<br /> <br /> On the lingering crisis between the executive and the legislature, Prof Onuoha posited that, “clashes are normal in any establishment, what is happening is good for democracy”.<br /> <br /> He however frowned at the way the Senate president Senator Bukola Saraki was being labeled as a criminal in some quarters stating that such was not in any way reasonable.</div>

Latest-News June 12: "Buhari has done what other presidents couldn’t do"

The Director, Center for American Studies, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, UNN, Prof Jonah Onuoha has commended President Mohammadu Buhari ...

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BREAKING: Obasanjo Raises Alarm, Accuses Buhari Of Plotting His Arrest On False Charges

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RIDICULOUS! Banky W, others blast Chimamanda Adichie over ‘anti-chivalry’ statement

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-BN0SOllQjXqrdFmEAd5FYHInHnJ_0GV6Rum2Rvuayawo1SNIm_I1ls1KhSGH-Yzh9QqdQzSg5yUskOw-FJazwBHhKsnPt23l2FgW1WB7DrHYKBDo_wgH9Xy3faPDZa-GqMGH-GfkQow/s1600/banki+w.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-BN0SOllQjXqrdFmEAd5FYHInHnJ_0GV6Rum2Rvuayawo1SNIm_I1ls1KhSGH-Yzh9QqdQzSg5yUskOw-FJazwBHhKsnPt23l2FgW1WB7DrHYKBDo_wgH9Xy3faPDZa-GqMGH-GfkQow/s320/banki+w.JPG" width="294" /></a></div> Popular singer, Bankole Wellington, aka ‘Banky W, has described as ridiculous the anti-chivalry statement made by Nigerian author Chimamanda Adichie.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Appearing on the American Daily Trevor Noah show on Thursday, Chimamanda spoke condemned the idea that it is an act of chivalry for men to open doors for women, noting that it conveys the wrong impression that women are dependent and weak.<br /> <br /> She also rebuked the practice of aiding women and children first in a crisis situation, as opposed to taking care of anyone who needs help.<br /> <br /> Banky W, who is also an actor, joined other Nigerians on social media who are dissecting Chimamanda’s anti–chivalry statements currently trending on Twitter.<br /> <br /> Reacting to the now-viral statement, Banky W shared a post on his Instagram page @bankywellington.<br /> <br /> He wrote, “Chivalry is done not because women are a weaker sex, but because some of us want to be gentlemanly and romantic.<br /> <br /> “Apparently, this is not ok to her, but to me, this is just reaching. I’m sorry but this is now getting a little ridiculous. To each his/her own, I guess”.<br /> <br /> Further diverse discussions followed on the topic, as Nigerians shared opinion and debated on the validity of her statements in the African society.<br /> <br /> NAN reports that though some Twitter users agreed with her opinion which they claim promotes equality in a simple manner, others feel the controversial writer went overboard and tried to force her beliefs on people.<br /> <br /> Here are some of the reactions:<br /> <br /> @DrJoeAbah tweeted, “Life would be so much easier if people just said what they want and what they don’t want.<br /> <br /> “If Chiamaka wants me to hold a door open for her because she’s a lady, I will. If Chimamanda doesn’t want me to hold open a door for her because she’s a lady, I won’t. Kini big deal?”<br /> <br /> @DamiElebe said, “Why are these ones not taking what Chimamanda said as “be kind to everyone”?<br /> <br /> “Why have you chosen to interpret it as “be kind to no one”? Does this mean you really, truly are only kind to women? Why is that? Why are you so upset?”.<br /> <br /> @iSlimfit wrote, “The day I will respect and take Chimamanda’s opinions seriously is when she opens her mouth to say – “I find it offensive when a man pays a woman’s bride price. Women are invaluable and no man should ever try such again.”<br /> <br /> @UtdFan4 said, “According to Chimamanda, women should be encouraged to carry bags of cement when pregnant so they don’t appear weak.”<br /> <br /> @Onuohadave tweeted, “You feel good. Not because you’re opening it for a woman, and just because she’s a woman, you need to open the door for her. Is that so difficult to understand?”.<br /> <br /> @OvieO, “In the world of Chimamanda, if it’s raining, and you have an umbrella, but a lady you’re with doesn’t have one, you really don’t have to cover her or let her have it. Doing so makes the lady seem “weaker”. Correct?”<br /> <br /> Adichie, who is popular for her controversial feminist statements, also insisted that men should be involved in the fight for equality of both genders.<br /> <br /> The mother of one is a recent recipient of honorary degrees from Duke University and John Hopkins University, U.S.<br /> <br /> <br /></div>

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Where is Michael Adikwu, the Offa robbery suspect arrested by police?

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Award of GCFR to Abiola won’t win our hearts – Fani-Kayode blasts Buhari

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CNN's Anthony Bourdain commits suicide

<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj88AgBkvHav81aIfXxpE8uQbmgVs4oJNVTA1ILX3G35cCY1L4UYsgF9O13RTrooEfP3omeiVwfoBHPg7qaFLFv3HtOnKJ1SKqUASsVsAoTo79C4BVQXcfpr2yc4IEd5LTBPfqAnL7f5sQ/s1600/BOURDAIN.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="580" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj88AgBkvHav81aIfXxpE8uQbmgVs4oJNVTA1ILX3G35cCY1L4UYsgF9O13RTrooEfP3omeiVwfoBHPg7qaFLFv3HtOnKJ1SKqUASsVsAoTo79C4BVQXcfpr2yc4IEd5LTBPfqAnL7f5sQ/s320/BOURDAIN.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <br /> Anthony Bourdain, a chef, storyteller, and writer, has committed suicide.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Bourdain, 61, was a presenter and host of ‘Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown’ on CNN since 2013.<br /> According to the network, he committed suicide.<br /> <br /> The network reports that Bourdain’s close friend Eric Ripert, a French chef, found him unresponsive in his hotel room Friday morning.<br /> <br /> “It is with extraordinary sadness we can confirm the death of our friend and colleague, Anthony Bourdain,” CCN said in a statement on Friday.<br /> <br /> “His love of great adventure, new friends, fine food and drink and the remarkable stories of the world made him a unique storyteller.<br /> <br /> His talents never ceased to amaze us and we will miss him very much. Our thoughts and prayers are with his daughter and family at this incredibly difficult time.”<br /> <br /> Bourdain was in France working on an upcoming episode of his CNN series “Parts Unknown.”

Latest-News CNN's Anthony Bourdain commits suicide

Anthony Bourdain, a chef, storyteller, and writer, has committed suicide. Bourdain, 61, was a presenter and host of ‘Anthony Bourdain:...

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FLASHBACK: Full result of June 12 1993 election

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N’assembly lacks power to declare no-confidence vote on IGP -AGF, Malami

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Tinubu reacts to Buhari’s declaration of June 12 as Democracy Day

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Federal govt declares readiness to pay workers’ promotion arrears, allowances

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Deji of Akure calls for end to zoning of presidency

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5m8QvYogImtE8gXLtwMItffVaBccyHingg0VQxp-XiwgDmIUK38bRJsYm8Qitn7G-22OqEWoaWEe1z2yGHNZQFbefHQXyhXgzTGZqHDXbER4y3lkLxjRRJ0GEEMhFoq6-6_XF3yLXx0Q/s1600/Nigerian+National+flag.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5m8QvYogImtE8gXLtwMItffVaBccyHingg0VQxp-XiwgDmIUK38bRJsYm8Qitn7G-22OqEWoaWEe1z2yGHNZQFbefHQXyhXgzTGZqHDXbER4y3lkLxjRRJ0GEEMhFoq6-6_XF3yLXx0Q/s320/Nigerian+National+flag.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> The Deji of Akure, His Royal Majesty, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, yesterday, called for the ending of geographical zoning in the determination of who should lead Nigeria as President and Commander-in-Chief.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> HRM Aladelusi made the call while receiving in his palace Professor Kingsley Moghalu, aspirant of the Young Progressive Party (YPP) in the 2019 presidential election. Moghalu was at the palace to pay a courtesy visit to the Deji.<br /> <br /> In an internal arrangement within then-ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) at the inception of the Fourth Republic in 1999, the presidency was to rotate between the northern and southern parts of the country, presumably every eight years. But the extra-constitutional arrangement, which presumed a one-party dominance of the presidency, collapsed in 2011 when then-President Goodluck Jonathan contested and won the presidential election after succeeding President Umaru Yar’Adua, who died in office three years into his tenure.<br /> <br /> In his unreserved call for merit as the overarching qualifying criterion for deciding who should lead the country, the Deji said: “If President Buhari’s son is qualified, he should be able to run for the office.” He contextualised this in the example of the United States, where George W. Bush became president eight years after his father, George H. W. Bush, left office as President.<br /> <br /> In responding, Moghalu said the advanced countries of the world elect their leaders mainly on the merits of their policies and qualifications. He said choosing leaders on the basis of their capacity, competence and character, as opposed to their ethnicity, is critical for any country to make progress, and that this principle applies to Nigeria.<br /> <br /> “Zoning has failed. After 19 years of zoning, the country is divided, the economy remains weak and more Nigerians are trapped below the poverty line,” he said.<br /> <br /> Moghalu said he is running for President in 2019, based on his education, leadership experience gained over 17 years in the United Nations (during which period he rose from the entry level to the highest career rank, helping to rebuild broken nations, including Croatia, Cambodia and Rwanda), knowledge of economic management as a former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and his vision to lead Nigeria into the 21st Century with great ideas and resolve.<br /> <br /> He further echoed the Deji’s view of “zoning” by asserting that the framework is not in the Nigerian constitution.<br /> <br /> He said: “I am running for president, not as an Igbo candidate, not as a Yoruba candidate, and not as a candidate of the north. I am running as a well-qualified Nigerian.”<br /> <br /> The erudite professor, who until recently taught International Business and Public Policy at the prestigious Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Tufts University in Massachusetts, USA, said his vision for Nigeria was based on a tripod: first, to heal our country and build the nation; second, to wage a decisive war against poverty and unemployment; and, third, to restore Nigeria’s standing in the world.<br /> <br /> Moghalu paid the courtesy visit ahead of holding a town hall meeting later in the day with his teeming supporters and admirers in Ondo State. The state officials of YPP also attended the two events.</div>

Latest-News Deji of Akure calls for end to zoning of presidency

The Deji of Akure, His Royal Majesty, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, yesterday, called for the ending of geographical zoning in the ...

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Issue executive order to validates June 12 election results! Yakasai tells Buhari

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLaVzoL1iJAvfv10ZC2YNdHUmfe2KaNPR7_EMSve5AjrFDUWuOty7ezQpoHmCC1QjAJfPE2vFpiN0iJdYDVAxIgIoaC8qNtGWgJY9Y7wV3aRe42MLvOWd6kE-q8EyOQ2do7o05L5DooIc/s1600/buhari2.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLaVzoL1iJAvfv10ZC2YNdHUmfe2KaNPR7_EMSve5AjrFDUWuOty7ezQpoHmCC1QjAJfPE2vFpiN0iJdYDVAxIgIoaC8qNtGWgJY9Y7wV3aRe42MLvOWd6kE-q8EyOQ2do7o05L5DooIc/s320/buhari2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Elder statesman, Tanko Yakasai has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to issue executive order to validates the results of June 12, 1993 elections.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Yakasai said that validation of the results and proclamations of a winner would add value to Buhari’s postulation and  honour already done to MKO Abiola, and teeming June twelvers.<br /> <br /> Yakasai noted “by recognising Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola as the presumed winner of June 12,1993 presidential election and the conferment of the highest Award of the land on him,  Buhari should proceed to give meaning to that by actualising the results.”<br /> <br /> Yakasai said,  ” the annulment of June 12 Presidential election was done by the military via a military fiat,  and President Buahari as executive President can equally use executive fiat to validates the June 12 election which I believe strongly will give value and meaning to his declaration”.<br /> <br /> The fierce critics of Buhari’s administration noted that although “it is coming too late, but he can make it useful,  gives value to it by directing Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) to collate the figures of June 12, 1993 Presidential contest between Alhaji Bashir Tofa,  and Chief MKO Abiola , and announce a winner”.<br /> <br /> He advised President Buhari ” now that Chief MKO Abiola is no longer alive to benefits from the declaration if it is  done by INEC, then his running mate,  Ambassador Babagana Kingibe who is still alive can claim the mandate,  and be so declare as the President.”<br /> <br /> Yakasai, a chip from the old block explained that “the announcement by the Presidency declaring June 12 as a democracy day as mere gimmickry because democracy day was created by Chief Olusegun Obasanjo administration to commemorate the return of Nigeria from military rule to democracy”.<br /> <br /> The elder statesman said “what President Buhari did was mere change of date from the old one to June 12, and in all intent and purpose, the original date has no relation whatsoever to Chief MKO Abiola,  and June 12 election”.<br /> <br /> Speaking further,  Yakasai said “what the presidency did on this sensitive political matter was political jobbery, and  abuse of office because it clearly intended not to honour the late business mogul or actualise his mandate,  but to appeal to the sentiment of his teeming supporters to vote for Buhari as a candidate when he becomes one in not too distant future “.<br /> <br /> The Elder statesman wondered the new found love for Chief Abiola by the sitting President against the backdrop that “from June 12,1993 to date Buhari has never spoken for or against the annulment of that election”.</div>

Latest-News Issue executive order to validates June 12 election results! Yakasai tells Buhari

Elder statesman, Tanko Yakasai has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to issue executive order to validates the results of June 12, 1993...

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Why MKO Abiola, Gani Fawenhinmi would have outrightly rejected Buhari’s GCFR, GCON – Ozekhome

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM0_lOP-Kt3Qyyermc-wLBrinMHblHbF5ihySy25Am9raSan6rgRTi2k3mSLogvTGN4Fr-bI8exAYtTmPQvciJ9g03jrSpB0Tu2yzs4pET7SQl0-tQv9wm7V5tnUfZXCBJwVOc2G7cklI/s1600/Mike+Ozekhome.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM0_lOP-Kt3Qyyermc-wLBrinMHblHbF5ihySy25Am9raSan6rgRTi2k3mSLogvTGN4Fr-bI8exAYtTmPQvciJ9g03jrSpB0Tu2yzs4pET7SQl0-tQv9wm7V5tnUfZXCBJwVOc2G7cklI/s320/Mike+Ozekhome.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Human Rights Activist and Constitutional Lawyer, Chief Mike Ozekhome has said that Late Chief Moshood Kachimawo Abiola, the acclaimed winner of June 12, 1993 elections would have rejected President Muhammadu Buhari’s post-humous award of Grand Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (GCFR) reserved for heads of State unless he was first declared by INEC as winner and pronounced as President and Commander in Chief, Federal Republic of Nigeria.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Chief Abiola would also have insisted that his campaign slogan ‘Farewell to Poverty’, be accomplished.<br /> <br /> In the same vein, Ozekhome said late Chief Gani Fawehinmi would have said a categorical “No” to the honour of Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON), “given the prevailing atmosphere of morbid fear, executive rascality, recession of human rights, rule of law and civil liberties.”<br /> <br /> The Senior Advocate of Nigeria made disclosure in a statement he signed containing his reaction to President Muhammadu Buhari’s pronouncement of June 12 as Democracy Day, entitled ‘June 12: The Stubborn Phoenix That Rose from its Ashes’.<br /> <br /> Ozekhome said, “I knew the time would come. When the gestation period is over for a pregnant woman, she must surely deliver. It does not matter how – whether through normal delivery or caesarian operation. June was all along like the pregnant woman.<br /> <br /> “On June 12, 2014, I moved a motion at the National Conference that not only should June 12 be declared a national holiday and the real Democracy day, but that Chief M.K.O. Abiola and all the souls of the faithful departed of those who gallantly lost their lives fighting for the realization of June 12, be remembered and immortalized.<br /> <br /> “I demanded for one minute’s silence for those heroes. The leadership of the Conference led by Justice Idris Legbo Kutigi agreed with me and a minute silence was accordingly observed. The details of this can be found at pages 185 – 192 of my latest book, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee”.<br /> <br /> “President Muhammadu Buhari for declaring June 12 Nigeria’s Democracy Day and honouring Chief M.K.O. Abiola, and my late mentor, Chief Gani Fawehinmi with the highest and second highest honours in Nigeria.<br /> <br /> “To me, it is not the right argument that PMB did it for political reasons. Yes, he may very well have done it to shore up his battered political image and fast dwindling democratic credentials.<br /> <br /> “But, the inescapable fact is that he has done the right thing for which history will remember him.<br /> <br /> “This is the more reason, I believe the argument should now go, why he should retire quietly to his Daura home, having done one great thing for which he would be remembered.<br /> <br /> “When Chief Olusegun Obasanjo wrote his scathing letter to PMB in December, 2017, I applauded the letter for the import of its correct contents, even though I am not a fan of OBJ.<br /> <br /> “I argued then that we should listen to the message and not look at the messenger.<br /> <br /> “In the same vein here, we should look at the historical significance of PMB’s political masterstroke on the June 12 brouhaha; and not him as a person, or the ulterior motives for which he did it.<br /> <br /> “I applaud him for this singular act that breathed fresh exhilarating oxygen into his tack luster performance.<br /> <br /> Would Abiola and Gani Have Accepted these Awards?<br /> <br /> “The argument of political pundits and critical voices should now turn to whether these honours, though well-deserved by Abiola and Gani, would have been accepted by them, given the prevailing atmosphere of morbid fear, executive rascality, recession of human rights, rule of law and civil liberties. The answer is a categorical “no”.<br /> <br /> “Though well intended, even if for political reasons by PMB, I am convinced MKO and Gani would have out rightly rejected the national honours if they were alive.<br /> <br /> “I will give my reasons anon.<br /> <br /> “On 14th December, 2008, barely 9 months before his death, Chief Gani outrightly rejected the national honour of OFR (Officer of the Federal Republic of Nigeria), bestowed on him by the then President, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.<br /> <br /> “In rejecting the honour and giving his reasons, Gani said, inter alia: “Today I am seventy (70) years and 8 months old. I am struck down by lung cancer for which I have been receiving medical treatment outside my country because my country Nigeria has one of the poorest medical services in the world but one of the richest countries in the world in terms of revenue.”<br /> <br /> Question: has anything changed? Answer: “No”. Even PMB has himself been receiving medical treatment in London, outside Nigeria.<br /> <br /> “Deprecating the poor socio-economic and political situation in the country, Gani was emphatic that: “whether now or in the life beyond, how can I wake up in the morning and look at the insignia of honour bestowed on me under a government that persecutes…Nuhu Ribadu?” (Whom he believed did a great job on the anti-corruption fight).<br /> <br /> “Does this government not persecute political opponents, opposition and critical voices? Answer: yes.<br /> <br /> Gani had continued:<br /> <br /> “A government that covertly and overtly encourages corruption has no honour in its arsenal of power to dispense honour.<br /> <br /> “Consequently, I reject the dishonor of OFR termed “honour” given to me by the Federal Government…<br /> <br /> “I wish to reiterate that in all ramifications of human existence, the masses have found themselves in the doldrums of pain occasioned by gross mis-governance of the country… the decadent socio-economic situation does not engender the well being of ordinary people and there is no hope in sight. In view of the foregoing, I reject the award of OFR”.<br /> <br /> “The question is whether anything has changed for the better since 15th December, 2008, when Gani, in rejecting the Yar’Adua National honour, listed 8 critical areas the then government had failed. I am afraid, nothing has changed.<br /> <br /> “The situation has rather gotten worse. The areas Gani had listed included “the abolition of poverty from the face of the country, the unqualified need to preserve, defend and protect the fundamental human rights; the governance of our country through democratic process; the subjection of everybody and everything to and under the Rule of law;<br /> <br /> “The right of the people to free and qualitative education at all levels; the right of the people to free and qualitative health services and facilities; the strengthening of our economy through sound development of infrastructures and corruption” (holistic and all embracing fighting of same, without discrimination).<br /> <br /> “Gani had ended his rejection of the national honour with a “clarion call on the suffering masses” to “unite and fight for your legitimate right to the abolition of poverty.<br /> <br /> “Why should you continue to suffer while your leaders and their families continue to enjoy the best at your expense?”<br /> <br /> “Thus, Gani would have rejected the honour of GCON.<br /> <br /> Continuing Ozekhome said, “But even then, I thank PMB for doing the right thing, just like Yar’Adua had done.<br /> <br /> “As regards the martyr of democracy, Chief MKO Abiola, who paid the supreme price in his quest for genuine redemptive messiahnism, he would also have rejected the GCFR given him, except certain things were first done.<br /> <br /> “Recall that Abiola had rejected his bail which was burdened with unacceptable conditionality’s.<br /> <br /> “If Abiola were alive, he would demand that before he accepts the GCFR honour (reserved only for Presidents and Heads of State, the presidential elections in which he clearly emerged the winner in the freest, fairest and most credible elections ever held in Nigeria, should first be declared by the present INEC which succeeded Professor Humphrey Nwosu’s National Electoral Commission (NEC), which had conducted the election.<br /> <br /> “He would insist that he be first formally pronounced “President, Commander-In-Chief, Federal Republic of Nigeria”, before accepting same.<br /> <br /> “He would insist that his campaign slogan of “farewell to poverty” be accomplished.<br /> <br /> “To me, the argument of what reasons actuated PMB in declaring June 12 our democracy day, and giving post-humous awards to Abiola and Gani, does not arise at all.<br /> <br /> “If anything, the very acts themselves form the very prong and catalyst to hold PMB strictly accountable to the ideas, philosophy, and democratic credentials and convictions that drove these two great sons of Nigeria, nay, Africa.<br /> <br /> “These include socio justice, egalitarianism, respect for human rights, observance of the rule of law and due process, treatment of all Nigerians equally, wholesome and non-selective fight of corruption, good, transparent and accountable governance, respect for the will of the people through a fair, just, credible and respectable electoral process, etc.<br /> <br /> “In endorsing and applauding PMB for this historic feat, let me add that he must carry out the necessary legal, constitutional and legislative requirements to bring this to fruition.<br /> <br /> “For now, the pronouncement remains in the realm of executive fiat.<br /> <br /> “PMB should also go ahead, with the necessary political will, to immediately restructure the lopsided Nigerian federation, remove the glaring nepotic and cronystic imbalances and enthrone true, fiscal federalism.<br /> <br /> “He should also ensure that the June, 1993 presidential election results are officially declared and Abiola formally pronounced the winner, and therefore president of Nigeria.<br /> “His name, undoubtedly, will be inscribed in gold in Nigeria, whether or not he goes ahead to contest the 2019 presidential election.<br /> <br /> “To me, he should not, even though it is his constitutional right to do so. He should play the Nelson Mandela card. God bless Nigeria.”</div>

Latest-News Why MKO Abiola, Gani Fawenhinmi would have outrightly rejected Buhari’s GCFR, GCON – Ozekhome

Human Rights Activist and Constitutional Lawyer, Chief Mike Ozekhome has said that Late Chief Moshood Kachimawo Abiola, the acclaimed winn...

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