2019 election: Buhari, Osinbajo, APC leaders to meet on Thursday

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="470" data-original-width="891" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDaEdEqU8h1GQgGh-21ukFoF_jLEgALNbFk8rUrfUQ6bbyThGOGT0evhfOaKOgxwDlxAr32L4pFBh4J5nGzyO8RawqGcxpWfQFTbdJ7wg1izJOu0YvQ_KMGVKdZyEya20V5hFEXOsrUhSN/s640/APC-Buhari-891x470+osinbajo+smile+buhari.jpg" width="640" /></div> <br /> President Muhammadu Buhari along with other APC leaders will hold a closed-door meeting on Thursday. The meeting according to reports is the first National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, since the defection of Dr. Bukola Saraki, senate president to the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.<br /> <br /> <a id="more" name="more"></a><br /> <br /> NEC is the second highest organ of the ruling party after the National Convention. The meeting Scheduled to hold by 10:am according to Premiumtimes would have APC leaders to discuss on the party’s preparedness for the forthcoming 2019 election. Recall that PDP and other political parties had boasted that nothing would make them loose to APC in the coming 2019 election.<br /> <br /> In other to achieve this PDP with African Democratic Congress (ADC), the Reformed All Progressives Congress (R-APC) and 36 other political parties signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in a grand alliance to form a government of national unity in 2019.<br /> <br /> It can be recalled that the sole agenda according to the MOU, was to produce a joint Presidential candidate capable of winning the election and enthrone a new government at the expiration of President Muhammadu Buhari’s tenure in 2019.<br /> <br /> In view of the above therefore, APC scheduled to meet on Thursday to discuss ways, techniques and political approaches to adopt to win the forthcoming 2019 presidential election.

Latest-News 2019 election: Buhari, Osinbajo, APC leaders to meet on Thursday

President Muhammadu Buhari along with other APC leaders will hold a closed-door meeting on Thursday. The meeting according to reports is t...

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Fake registration website sponsored by opposition to harvest our members - APC

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3n1LhGkKIn9anph_gibPUvpNqkKLjjf7ZAamnZg0qAJ3Y4xWrL2AWovppf9WfvZA7kfTya3eaAV_n819IYXj-_RPMOPm6Pt3jO1J3BkSqBYqf7ALb9igLBdR9N9MeRQL_XZWWWVH3jixT/s1600/APC-LOGO-17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1442" data-original-width="1600" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3n1LhGkKIn9anph_gibPUvpNqkKLjjf7ZAamnZg0qAJ3Y4xWrL2AWovppf9WfvZA7kfTya3eaAV_n819IYXj-_RPMOPm6Pt3jO1J3BkSqBYqf7ALb9igLBdR9N9MeRQL_XZWWWVH3jixT/s320/APC-LOGO-17.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <br /> The All Progressives Congress has dissociated itself from promoters of an online membership registration website — apcregistration.com<br /> <br /> <a id="more" name="more"></a><br /> <br /> The party said its ongoing membership registration exercise had nothing to do with the website.<br /> <br /> This was contained in a statement signed by the APC acting National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Yekini Nabena, in Abuja on Sunday.<br /> <br /> The APC statement read in part: “We alert our supporters, members and indeed the general public to a purported membership registration website of the All Progressives Congress (APC)– apcregistration.com.<br /> <br /> ” The website which is trending on social media is unauthorised and a scam.<br /> <br /> “Our internal investigation has revealed that the fake website is sponsored by one of the main opposition political parties in its desperate and criminal plot to harvest APC members ahead of the 2019 general elections.<br /> <br /> “We have deliberately not named the political party and hereby call on relevant security agencies to urgently investigate the website and its sponsors.”<br /> <br /> Nabena urged APC supporters and members to take advantage of the ongoing Continuous Nationwide membership registration exercise in all 36 States and the Federal Capital Territory and regularise their membership to enable the party issue them permanent membership cards.

Latest-News Fake registration website sponsored by opposition to harvest our members - APC

The All Progressives Congress has dissociated itself from promoters of an online membership registration website — apcregistration.com ...

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Nigerian Airforce wants quick delivery of A-29 Super Tucano Aircraft

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1087" data-original-width="1600" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPcV8OOoNHvHIJLgthDXADkbNUXDozVTP0ln9cvch8SUX1oCAlSPKqSkpCtAVhZVZqW7NWSGGg2F4oWu0zBv4tg2MPf2EKTbSrumlpodid7dVShCPFCCR8NwrSWulA6NHhwz_657ZmzvHC/s400/aircraft+fighter+jets.jpg" width="400" /></div> <br /> <br /> The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, has appealed to the manufacturers of the A-29 Super Tucano Attack Aircraft, to expedite action on its delivery to Nigeria.<br /> <br /> <a id="more" name="more"></a><br /> <br /> Abubakar said this when Mr Taco Gilbert, the Senior Vice – President of Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC), manufacturer of the aircraft, visited him in Abuja.<br /> <br /> The Air Force chief said a quick delivery of the aircraft would enhance Nigerian Air Force’s (NAF) operational capability for the swift conclusion of the counterinsurgency operations in the North- east.<br /> <br /> The CAS commended the visiting delegation which included officials from the Office of Security Cooperation of the United States Embassy in Nigeria.<br /> <br /> Abubakar expressed his delight at the US government’s support for the fight against insurgency with the signing of the contract to sell the Super Tucano Aircraft to Nigeria.<br /> <br /> The air chief, however, noted that the major concern of the NAF was the time frame for delivery of the aircraft.<br /> <br /> He expressed confidence that the counterinsurgency operations in the North- east could be executed more effectively, if the aircraft like the Super Tucano could be made available to the NAF in good time.<br /> <br /> He noted that the light attack aircraft with its long range, precision munitions as well as day and night capability would boost counterinsurgency operations in the affected area.<br /> <br /> He urged the company to expedite production so that at least two of the aircraft would be available to Nigeria within an earlier timeframe, to boost counterinsurgency operations.<br /> <br /> Gilbert assured the CAS of the company’s determination to deliver quality aircraft capable of providing the needed impetus for NAF air operations.<br /> <br /> He expressed the commitment of the company to provide adequate training for NAF’s air and ground crew to ensure effective and efficient operation of the aircraft.<br /> <br /> The SNC Vice – President said that “the company looks forward to continued collaboration with NAF towards building a new air capability to address the security challenges in the country”.<br /> <br /> Air Force’s (NAF) spokesman, Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola, who issued a statement encapsulating discussions at the meeting said one of the highlights was the presentation of a model of the Super Tucano aircraft to the CAS.<br /> <br /> The Nigerian government in February, 2018 placed an order for 12 Super Tucano aircraft at a cost of $496million. Delivery date is 2020.<br /> <br /> The planes will be delivered along with Paveway 11 guided bombs, laser-guided rockets and infrared sensors.<br /> <br /> The details were published late August last year in the US Federal Register, according to a report by the website: www.defenceweb.co.za.<br /> <br /> The US Defence Security Cooperation Agency on August 3, 2017 announced the Foreign Military Sale of 12 A-29 Super Tucano aircraft, along with weapons, spares and training, to Nigeria in a contract that could be worth $593 million.<br /> <br /> The US Congress was notified on August 2, 2017.<br /> <br /> The Federal Register revealed Nigeria has requested Paveway II and Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) laser-guidance kits and ammunition.<br /> <br /> It listed these items as “major defence equipment” valued at $29 million, while the “other” component of the deal, for the Super Tucanos, sensors, training and support, is valued at $564 million.<br /> <br /> The weapons and ammunition include 100 GBU-12 (500 lb) Paveway II Tailkits; 100 GBU-58 (250 lb) Paveway II Tailkits; 400 Laser Guided Rockets including Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) rounds; 2000 MK-81 (250 lb) bombs; 5000 2.75 inch (70 mm) Hydra 70 unguided rockets; 1000 2.75 inch Hydra 70 unguided rockets (practice); and 20000 rounds of .50 calibre machine gun ammunition.<br /> <br /> The APKWS is a low cost semi-active laser guidance kit developed by BAE Systems, which is added to unguided 70 mm rockets, turning them into precision strike weapons.(NAN)

Latest-News Nigerian Airforce wants quick delivery of A-29 Super Tucano Aircraft

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, has appealed to the manufacturers of the A-29 Super Tucano Attack Aircraf...

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Osun Governorship 2018: 48 parties, candidates vie for power

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibo3JUsDE0xkq-QAvd5DNpaS4UnWWPwT-mz686zZG1e0lAnrIpdkt_BXbfF1JFB5MR8J3ir1EmoKFOSvErI9h8hK9OnrnpGzEsYpFPmQ92RCSaK5lPSrCi7DdzBxg3SCPIfXTBXIB_Zqgi/s1600/Governor-Rauf-Aregbesola+osun.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="250" data-original-width="503" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibo3JUsDE0xkq-QAvd5DNpaS4UnWWPwT-mz686zZG1e0lAnrIpdkt_BXbfF1JFB5MR8J3ir1EmoKFOSvErI9h8hK9OnrnpGzEsYpFPmQ92RCSaK5lPSrCi7DdzBxg3SCPIfXTBXIB_Zqgi/s400/Governor-Rauf-Aregbesola+osun.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has presented the names of 48 political parties cleared to contest for September 22 governorship election in Osun State.<br /> <br /> <a id="more" name="more"></a><br /> <br /> The State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Segun Agbaje, said majority of the non-sensitive materials that would be used for the conduct of the election have been received from the electoral commission, INEC headquarters, Abuja; and distributed to INEC offices across the state.<br /> <br /> Although there are 48 parties and thus 48 governorship candidates, about five of them are expected to be the major contenders. These are a former secretary to the state government, Fatai Akinbade of the ADC; immediate past secretary to the state government, Moshood Adeoti of the ADP; the candidate of the governing APC, Adegboyega Oyetola; a senator, Ademola Adeleke of the PDP; and a former senator, Iyiola Omisore of the SDP.<br /> <br /> The winner will succeed outgoing governor, Rauf Aregbesola of the APC.<br /> <br /> The names of the parties and their candidates as presented by INEC are as follows:<br /> <br /> 1. Party – Accord<br /> Governor – Julius Olapade Okunola<br /> Deputy Governor – Azeez Kayode Jimoh<br /> <br /> 2. Party – AA<br /> Governor – Ogunmodede Adeloye<br /> Deputy Governor – Adepoju Timothy Adetunji<br /> <br /> 3. Party – ABP<br /> Governor – Oludare Timothy Akinola<br /> Deputy Governor – Halimat Bunmi Ibrahim<br /> <br /> 4. Party – ACD<br /> Governor – Genga Afeni<br /> Deputy Governor – Oni Esther Oluwatoyin<br /> <br /> 5. Party – ACPN<br /> Governor – Rufai Adebisi Mujidat<br /> Deputy Governor – Agboola Peter Oluremi<br /> <br /> 6. Party – AD<br /> Governor – James Olugbenga Akintola<br /> Deputy Governor – Abdulhakeem Oyeniyi Bello<br /> <br /> 7. Party – ADC<br /> Governor – Fatai Akinade Akinbade<br /> Deputy Governor – Arowolo Oladele<br /> <br /> 8. Party – ADP<br /> Governor – Adeoti Moshood Olalekan<br /> Deputy Governor – Durotoye Adeolu Akinbola<br /> <br /> 9. Party – AGA<br /> Governor – Kehinde Olufemi Lawrence<br /> Deputy Governor – Lawal Oluseyi Afusat<br /> <br /> 10. Party – AGAP<br /> Governor – Adejola Adebayo Rufus<br /> Deputy Governor – Adebayo Adewale Olaolu<br /> <br /> 11. Party – ANRP<br /> Governor – Alarape Babatunde A.<br /> Deputy Governor – Adelu Ayoade David<br /> <br /> 12. Party – APA<br /> Governor – Adeleke Adesoji M.A<br /> Deputy Governor – Agbonmagbe Tosin Omowumi<br /> <br /> 13. Party – APC<br /> Governor – Adegboyega Isiaka Oyetola<br /> Deputy Governor – Benedict Olugboyega Alabi<br /> <br /> 14. Party – APGA<br /> Governor – Oluwatoki Adetokunbo Adedayo A.<br /> Deputy Governor – Adefila Mary Olaitan (Nee Olaleke)<br /> <br /> 15. Party – APP<br /> Governor – Ekundayo Ademola Precious<br /> Deputy Governor – Ojo Olugbenga Samuel<br /> <br /> 16. Party – BNPP<br /> Governor – Olapade Olajide Victor<br /> Deputy Governor – Dunmade Adejoke Wuraola<br /> <br /> 17. Party – C4C<br /> Governor –Ilori Titus Oluwafemi<br /> Deputy Governor – Alabi Temitayo Kadijat<br /> <br /> 18. Party – DA<br /> Governor – Mutiu Abiodun Ibrahim<br /> Deputy Governor – Fafioye Hammed Abiodun<br /> <br /> 19. Party – DPC<br /> Governor – Aderemi Aree<br /> Deputy Governor – Onitayo Yemisi Mary<br /> <br /> 20. Party – DPP<br /> Governor – Solomon Ayodeji Oni<br /> Deputy Governor – Issa Ademola Aderibigbe<br /> <br /> 21. Party – FJP<br /> Governor – Babatunde Salako Joseph<br /> Deputy Governor – Onifade Saheed Alade<br /> <br /> 22. Party – GDPN<br /> Governor – Adetipe Adebodun Abiola<br /> Deputy Governor – Ajiboye Funke<br /> <br /> 23. Party – GPN<br /> Governor – Rafiu Shehu Anifowose<br /> Deputy Governor – Oluwatoyin Adebayo<br /> <br /> 24. Party – HDP<br /> Governor – Adedoyin Adegoke Joshua Oluwole<br /> Deputy Governor – Olawale Adesoye Adewumi<br /> <br /> 25. Party – KP<br /> Governor – Fabiyi Oluseyi Olubunmi<br /> Deputy Governor – Ibrahim Adekunle Akande<br /> <br /> 26. Party – LP<br /> Governor – Babatunde Olaniyi Loye<br /> Deputy Governor – Aderonke Adebayor Jabar<br /> <br /> 27. Party – MMN<br /> Governor – Raphael A. Feranmi<br /> Deputy Governor – Ariyo Sunday Sina<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> 28. Party – MPN<br /> Governor – Lawal Ganiyu Akanfe<br /> Deputy Governor – Idowu Kayode Olusegun<br /> <br /> 29. Party – NCP<br /> Governor – Kamarudeen Kalemi Abiodun<br /> Deputy Governor – Lawal Temitope Serifat<br /> <br /> 30. Party – NPC<br /> Governor – Olaniyi Anthony Fadahunsi<br /> Deputy Governor – Abdulrasheed Afusat Olanike<br /> <br /> 31. Party – NEPP<br /> Governor – Jegede Hannah Taiwo<br /> Deputy Governor – Rebecca Adeleke Oladepo<br /> <br /> 32. Party – NNPP<br /> Governor – Adefare Segun Adegoke<br /> Deputy Governor – Adeyeye Nurudeen Adeyemi<br /> <br /> 33. Party – PANDEL<br /> Governor – Adebayo Rasheedat<br /> Deputy Governor – Ajibola Fatimat<br /> <br /> 34. Party – PDC<br /> Governor – Kolawole Rafiu Ojonla<br /> Deputy Governor – Oladapo Deborah Oluwatoyin<br /> <br /> 35. Party – PDP<br /> Governor – Ademola Nirudeen Adeleke<br /> Deputy Governor – Albert A. Adeogun<br /> <br /> 36. Party – PPA<br /> Governor – Adedokun Musbau Olalekan<br /> Deputy Governor – Ibrahim Bukola<br /> <br /> 37. Party – PPC<br /> Governor – Ifeolu Kehinde Adewumi<br /> Deputy Governor – Sunday Makinde Babawale<br /> <br /> 38. Party – PPN<br /> Governor – Akintunde Adesoji<br /> Deputy Governor – Akanmu Saheed Abiodun<br /> <br /> 39. Party – PRP<br /> Governor –Badmus Tajudeen Adefola<br /> Deputy Governor – Olajire Gbolahan<br /> <br /> 40. Party – PT<br /> Governor – Adegboyega Aderemi<br /> Deputy Governor – Usman Omobolaji Taofeek<br /> <br /> 41. Party – RP<br /> Governor – Ayodele Mercy Tosin<br /> Deputy Governor – Adejumo Mukaila<br /> <br /> 42. Party – SDP<br /> Governor – Iyiola Omisore<br /> Deputy Governor – Lawal Azeez Olayemi<br /> <br /> 43. Party – SNP<br /> Governor – Ayoade Ezekiel Adegboyega<br /> Deputy Governor – Omolade Anike Adebayo<br /> <br /> 44. Party – SPN<br /> Governor – Alfred Adegoke<br /> Deputy Governor – Lameed Gafar<br /> <br /> 45. Party – UPN<br /> Governor – Adediji Olanrewaju Adewuyi<br /> Deputy Governor – Alabi Ola-Olu Adeniyi<br /> <br /> 46. Party – UPP<br /> Governor – Odutade Olagunju Adesanya<br /> Deputy Governor – Karonwi Festus Olamilekan<br /> <br /> 47. Party – YDP<br /> Governor – Adebayo Adeolu Elisha<br /> Deputy Governor – Aleem Atinuke<br /> <br /> 48. Party – YPP<br /> Governor – Adetunji Olubunmi Omotayo<br /> Deputy Governor – Salawu Kareem Adeniyi

Latest-News Osun Governorship 2018: 48 parties, candidates vie for power

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has presented the names of 48 political parties cleared to contest for September 22 g...

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Pope begs for God’s forgiveness for se.xual abuse scandal

<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="174" data-original-width="289" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNmgfjOP7mTKPrqV0XQQu2pqTCQHKryKt9MavCxxX1id5L1QLposBtZYVU0e6Ea7enUnXnI_GKE7MKdaEb3MX4o8gog65GKSmynqyIACAGUbxVb_8MyLmKvU1YVAywx3OfOMyxmSXUerdq/s400/Pope+unknown.jpg" width="400" /></div> <br /> Pope Francis in Ireland on Sunday “begged for God’s forgiveness” for the child sexual abuse scandal rocking the church, but faced accusations by a former Vatican official that he had personally ignored allegations against senior clergy.<br /> <a id="more" name="more"></a><br /> <br /> Francis is due to speak in front of some 500,000 faithful in Dublin’s Phoenix Park as part of his two-day visit to the former Catholic stronghold of Ireland, as abuse victims and their supporters gathered in a “Stand for Truth” rally in the city centre to demand justice.<br /> <br /> During Sunday’s address to 45,000 supporters at the rain-soaked Knock shrine in the west of the country, the pope “begged for God’s forgiveness” for the “open wound” of the scandal and demanded “firm and decisive” measures to find “truth and justice”.<br /> <br /> The scandal has dogged the visit, and intensified overnight when a former Vatican envoy to the US accused Francis of personally ignoring sexual abuse claims against prominent US cardinal Theodore McCarrick, who was forced to resign last month.<br /> <br /> Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano wrote in a letter published in the National Catholic Register that he had told Francis of the allegations in 2013, but that he had responded by lifting sanctions imposed on McCarrick by predecessor Pope Benedict.<br /> <br /> “He (Pope Francis) knew from at least June 23, 2013 that McCarrick was a serial predator,” wrote Vigano,” adding “he knew that he was a corrupt man, he covered for him to the bitter end.”<br /> <br /> The Vatican said it had no comment to make on the claims.<br /> <br /> Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar on Saturday directly urged the pope to take action against abuses and ensure justice for victims worldwide.<br /> <br /> Francis said inaction over “these repellent crimes has rightly given rise to outrage, and remains a source of pain and shame for the Catholic community. I myself share those sentiments”.<br /> <br /> Francis on Saturday also met eight abuse victims, including a woman assaulted by a priest when she was in hospital aged 13 and a man who was illegally adopted because his mother was unmarried.<br /> <br /> In a strongly-worded speech at the start of the pope’s visit, Varadkar said the abuses in Ireland were “stains” on the Catholic Church, the state and Irish society as a whole.<br /> <br /> “There is much to be done to bring about justice and truth and healing for victims and survivors. Holy Father, I ask that you use your office and influence to ensure that this is done here in Ireland and across the world,” he said.<br /> <br /> He demanded of Francis “that from words flow actions”.<br /> <br /> Paul Jude Redmond, who was illegally adopted from a Church-run ‘Mother and Baby Home’ and met the pope on Saturday, said the pontiff appeared “genuinely shocked” by the stories of abuse.<br /> <br /> But at a news conference in Dublin on Saturday by the group Ending Clergy Abuse, victim Mark Vincent Healey said the pope’s speech in Dublin was a “total missed opportunity”.<br /> <br /> “We’re still waiting. We’re left with uncertain silence. When is he going to act? What is he going to do?”<br /> <br /> This is the first papal visit to Ireland since John Paul II spoke in front of 1.5 million people during a visit in 1979.<br /> <br /> The Church’s role and standing has been badly dented by the abuse scandals and the Irish have shed traditional Catholic mores, voting earlier this year to legalise abortion after approving same-sex marriage in 2015.<br /> <br /> The pontiff is in Ireland to close the 2018 World Meeting of Families — a global Catholic gathering that addressed issues, including the treatment of gay people, in the Church.<br /> <br /> Street vendors in Dublin selling papal souvenirs complained of sluggish trade, as protesters rubbed shoulders with devout Catholics in the streets of the city.<br /> <br /> In Tuam, a town in western Ireland not far from Knock, a silent vigil was planned for Sunday in solidarity with victims of ‘mother and baby’ homes — institutions accused of being punishment hostels for unwed pregnant women.<br /> <br /> “Significant quantities” of baby remains found in makeshift graves at the site of one such home in Tuam last year shocked the country.<br /> <br /> Multiple probes in Ireland have found Church leaders protected hundreds of predatory priests; and former Irish president Mary McAleese revealed this month that the Vatican had sought to keep Church documents inaccessible to government investigators.<br /> <br /> The abuse scandals in Ireland are part of a worldwide crisis for the Vatican.<br /> <br /> A devastating report earlier this month accused more than 300 priests in the US state of Pennsylvania of abusing more than 1,000 children since the 1950s.<br /> <br /> (AFP)

Latest-News Pope begs for God’s forgiveness for se.xual abuse scandal

Pope Francis in Ireland on Sunday “begged for God’s forgiveness” for the child sexual abuse scandal rocking the church, but faced accusat...

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2019: I am confident of picking PDP’s presidential ticket – Makarfi

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5n12s0DNc6INEpahLAo8gd08RuJMFaAEp3KZm5rV-G5c-uTQzwDe_UQN2f0FTrifVuF7kZ3flDTEIch1k-hjO2VeSaGYsQ5hdXGfvqj9ySH1wQzTJT0uAhAuB30viC_q3Y8bEBmFuhr7H/s1600/Makarfi+j.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5n12s0DNc6INEpahLAo8gd08RuJMFaAEp3KZm5rV-G5c-uTQzwDe_UQN2f0FTrifVuF7kZ3flDTEIch1k-hjO2VeSaGYsQ5hdXGfvqj9ySH1wQzTJT0uAhAuB30viC_q3Y8bEBmFuhr7H/s320/Makarfi+j.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <br /> Sen. Ahmed Makarfi, a presidential aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Sunday said he was confident of picking the party’s ticket for the 2019 election.<br /> <a id="more" name="more"></a><br /> <br /> Makarfi made the declaration at an interactive session with newsmen in Lagos on Sunday.<br /> <br /> Makarfi, a former governor of Kaduna State who also served as the Chairman, PDP National Caretaker Committee, is now one of the over 12 presidential aspirants of the party.<br /> <br /> The PDP aspirant, who just concluded meetings with PDP members in the Southwest, said his exceptional performance as chairman of the caretaker committee would give him an upper hand at the primaries.<br /> <br /> “PDP has become a beautiful bride because of what I did. The party was considered dead until I came in as chairman of the caretaker committee and turned it round.<br /> <br /> “No other presidential aspirant in the party has my pedigree. I have been assured of becoming the groom by members who are aware of those efforts and have sworn they will not sell their votes at the primaries.<br /> <br /> “Since I joined the PDP, I have never left the party.<br /> <br /> “My experience as a member of the Senate committee on finance for eight years is also an advantage. I will bring the experience to bear when I pick the ticket and emerge as president,” he said.<br /> <br /> Makarfi said contrary to certain opinions, money would not determine who picks the PDP ticket, and that money has never been a determinant factor in who becomes the president of Nigeria.<br /> <br /> “When did Nigeria start to produce presidents because of resources? Former presidents Alh. Shehu Shagari, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Alh. Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, Dr Goodluck Jonathan and now President Muhammadu Buhari, did not become presidents based on money.<br /> <br /> “In one of the southwest states I visited, a member said other aspirants have been giving them money and gifts, but I don’t have to give them money or gifts to vote for me in the primaries because they know I am the best man for the job,” he said.<br /> <br /> On a female vice president, Makarfi said he had wanted a female running mate if he won the primaries, but the person he had in mind declined and opted for a lower responsibility.<br /> <br /> He lamented that Nigerian women were yet to take up the challenge of becoming presidents or vice, noting that those positions were not exclusive to men.<br /> <br /> “I look forward to seeing a female president not even vice in Nigeria someday. It is time the women stop taking back seats,” he said.<br /> <br /> The PDP aspirant, reacting to INEC’s registration of more political parties that brought the number registered to 91, said while it allowed freedom of association, there was need for sanity.<br /> <br /> “I know that the major parties will reduce the number via coalitions and MOU’s. However, it is not the duty of political parties to do so,” he added. (NAN)

Latest-News 2019: I am confident of picking PDP’s presidential ticket – Makarfi

Sen. Ahmed Makarfi, a presidential aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Sunday said he was confident of picking the party’s t...

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McCain bans Trump at funeral, Obama, Bush to give eulogies

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="300" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDIYFx-2sVtKokUONFTPMgP1CNZxrPf0j_c_OSLc3PDXoon-YwY7gpf6yAaCp1OvlelZjnf38rZnP9f17GmDfihKLdXMill5DWih0uy-vUvJcA_AIuSepIqFvET7CMgDoXsX-yJMuxy5HB/s400/trump+funny+face.jpg" width="400" /></div> <br /> The New York Times said former Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush have been asked to give eulogies at Sen. John McCain’s funeral, but President Donald Trump has been banned from attending the ceremony.<br /> <br /> <a id="more" name="more"></a><br /> <br /> Two Republicans familiar with the funeral arrangements told the Times that, under initial plans, Vice President Pence has also been asked to attend.<br /> <br /> Similar plans were reported earlier this year, the newspaper said.<br /> <br /> Sen. John McCain, who died on Saturday at age 81, will lie in state in the Capital Rotunda in Washington, D.C., and receive a full dress funeral service at the Washington National Cathedral.<br /> <br /> McCain, a “maverick” of the Republican Party and longtime giant of the Senate, garnered the respect of lawmakers on both sides of the aisle throughout his decades-long career.<br /> <br /> Despite his absence from the Senate this year, McCain managed to leave his mark on Washington, criticising Trump on numerous occasions for his policies and his attacks on the media.<br /> <br /> His death on Saturday has triggered a flood of tributes and even from U.S. President Donald Trump that he trenchantly opposed.<br /> <br /> Former presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and Jimmy Carter, have also paid tributes in memory of the senator.<br /> <br /> McCain, 81, a Republican Senator representing Arizona at the congress since 1982, died after failing to battle brain cancer .<br /> <br /> The family announced in a statement: “Senator John Sidney McCain III died at 4:28 p.m. on August 25, 2018. With the Senator when he passed were his wife Cindy and their family. At his death, he had served the United States of America faithfully for sixty years”.<br /> <br /> Trump, in a tweet on Saturday evening said: “My deepest sympathies and respect go out to the family of Senator John McCain. Our hearts and prayers are with you!”<br /> <br /> The late Arizona Republican, had organised his funeral, and close associates had told the White House in May that he did not want Trump to be invited.<br /> <br /> Instead, Vice President Mike Pence, who served with McCain in Congress, would be asked to attend the service, at the ceremony that would be held at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C.<br /> <br /> Pence, in a tweet on McCain’s death, said: “Karen and I send our deepest condolences to Cindy and the entire McCain family on the passing of Senator John McCain. We honour his lifetime of service to this nation in our military and in public life. …”<br /> <br /> Speaker Paul Ryan also in a tweet said: “John McCain was a giant of our time – not just for the things he achieved, but for who he was and what he fought for all his life. He will always be listed among freedom’s most gallant and faithful servants”.<br /> <br /> Obama, who ran against and defeated McCain in the 2008 presidential election, said in a statement that all Americans were in debt of the late senator.<br /> <br /> “John McCain and I were members of different generations, came from completely different backgrounds, and competed at the highest level of politics.<br /> <br /> “But we shared, for all our differences, a fidelity to something higher – the ideals for which generations of Americans and immigrants alike have fought, marched, and sacrificed.<br /> <br /> “We saw our political battles, even, as a privilege, something noble, an opportunity to serve as stewards of those high ideals at home, and to advance them around the world. …,” Obama said.<br /> <br /> Former President George W. Bush, who was also a political opponent of McCain during the 2000 Republican Party primary election, lauded his career serving the U.S., first in the military and war, and second in the U.S. Congress.<br /> <br /> Bush said: “Some lives are so vivid, it is difficult to imagine them ended. Some voices are so vibrant, it is hard to think of them stilled.<br /> <br /> “John McCain was a man of deep conviction and a patriot of the highest order. He was a public servant in the finest traditions of our country. And to me, he was a friend whom I’ll deeply miss….”<br /> <br /> Former President Bill Clinton and his wife, Hillary, said in a statement: “Senator John McCain believed that every citizen has a responsibility to make something of the freedoms given by our Constitution, and from his heroic service in the Navy to his 35 years in Congress, he lived by his creed every day.<br /> <br /> “He was a skilled, tough politician, as well as a trusted colleague alongside whom Hillary was honoured to serve in the Senate. He frequently put partisanship aside to do what he thought was best for the country, and was never afraid to break the mould if it was the right thing to do.<br /> <br /> “I will always be especially grateful for his leadership in our successful efforts to normalise relations with Vietnam. …”<br /> <br /> Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter said: “John McCain was a man of honour, a true patriot in the best sense of the word. Americans will be forever grateful for his heroic military service and for his steadfast integrity as a member of the United States Senate….”<br /> <br /> Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said: “Senator John McCain was an American patriot and hero whose sacrifices for his country, and lifetime of public service, were an inspiration to millions. Canadians join Americans tonight in celebrating his life and mourning his passing”.<br /> <br /> Former Vice President Al Gore described “McCain was an American hero and a true patriot. I always admired and respected John from the opposite side of the aisle, because he thrived under pressure, and would work to find common ground, no matter how hard”.<br /> <br /> Sarah Palin, McCain’s running mate in 2008, said: “Today we lost an American original. Sen. John McCain was a maverick and a fighter, never afraid to stand for his beliefs.<br /> <br /> “John never took the easy path in life – and through sacrifice and suffering he inspired others to serve something greater than self”.<br /> <br /> Sen. Lindsey Graham, a very close friend of McCain at the senate, said: “America and Freedom have lost one of her greatest champions. ….And I’ve lost one of my dearest friends and mentor”.<br /> <br /> Nancy Pelosi, the Minority Leader of the U.S. House of Representatives also mourned McCain: “He was a patriotic, courageous hero who served his country above all. You will be missed, Senator McCain. May you Rest In Peace”.<br /> <br /> Sen. Bernie Sanders tweeted: “As you go through life, you meet few truly great people. John McCain was one of them. His dedication to his country and the military were unsurpassed, and maybe most of all, he was a truth teller – never afraid to speak truth to power in an era where that has become all too rare”.<br /> <br /> McCain decided to stop treatment for the brain cancer he had been battling for over a year, his family announced on Friday, precipitating a rare moment of bipartisan empathy for the Vietnam war hero

Latest-News McCain bans Trump at funeral, Obama, Bush to give eulogies

The New York Times said former Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush have been asked to give eulogies at Sen. John McCain’s funeral, ...

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