Dec 11 - Dec 13 News

December 11

Gombe Gov Promises To Construct 100km Road In Each LG,

Flags-off 21km In Balanga
Gombe Governor flags-off 21 KM road, tree planting, issuance of ATM cards to PWFand SGT
beneficiaries in Balanga LGA

Gombe state Governor, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has flagged-off the construction of Degri-
Dashi- Bembelem- Reme- Dong- Talasse road in Balanga Local Government Area of the state.

The road project contract, awarded to Messrs Eighteenth Engineering Construction International
Limited at the cost of 3.74 billion Naira, has a completion period of 18 months.

While performing the flag-off ceremony, Governor Inuwa Yahaya disclosed that already, about 1.2
billion Naira has been released to the contractor as a mobilization fee.

The Governor underscored the importance of the road, saying when completed, it will connect the
southern and northern parts of Balanga local Government as well as open up many communities around
the hilly terrain.

The Governor disclosed plan to come up with a programme called 'Project Eleven Hundred (11-100) ',
aimed at constructing at least 100KM of roads in each of the 11 local Government areas of the state.

Governor Yahaya had earlier flagged-off the issuance ATM cards to the beneficiaries of Public
Workfare ( PWF) and Special Grant Transfers ( SGT) of the Youth Employment and Social Support
Operation ( YESSO) in Gombe state.

He also flagged-off a tree planting campaign at the Model Central Primary School, Talasse, under the
'catch them young' initiative of the Gombe Goes Green project.

Ismaila Uba Misilli

Senior Special Assistant
( Media and Publicity)

I Don’t Own N1.5bn Hospital Forfeited To FG —lawmaker

A serving member of the House of representatives, Paschal Obi, has said that he does not own the
N1.5bn worth Dews of Hope Specialist Hospital Limited, Owerri, fortified to the Federal Government
by a Federal High Court in Owerri, last week.
Obi, who represents Ideato South/Ideato North Federal Constituency of Imo State at the House of
Representatives, was the principal secretary to the immediate past governor of the state, Rochas
Okorocha.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission had alleged that the hospital was acquired with
proceeds of corruption.

The lawmaker, in a statement issued in Owerri on Tuesday by his Senior Legislative aide, Peter Ezeala,
said he was not a director at the hospital, nor was its financier, owner or promoter.

Obi said the media reports which alleged that the forfeited hospital belonged to him were carried out to
blackmail him and other ex-Governor Okorocha’s ex-aides.

The statement said,

For some days now, stories with the referenced caption have been trending on the social media. It has
also been carried by the Conventional media outfits.

We have delayed our response to the story to enable us to find out, first, how a matter that has been
pending at the Federal High Court, Port-Harcourt in Suit No: FHC/PH/93/2019 suddenly landed in
Owerri and was heard and determined without notice to the interested parties in Suit No:
FHC/OW/CS/132/2019. Having made this point, we want to make these clarifications.

(1) That the suit concerning theDews of Hope Specialist Hospital was filed by the EFCC at the Federal
High Court, Port-Harcourt in Suit No: FHC/PHC/MISC/93/209.

(2) That the owners of the Hospital made applications and provided documents from the corporate
Affairs Commission showing that Dr. Pascal Obi is not the owner of the said Hospital.

(3) That based on the facts available to it, the EFCC filed a preliminary objection on 7/8/2019
challenging the competence of Dr. Pascal Obi in the matter asserting that; Dr Pascal Obi is not a
Director in Dews of Hope Specialist Hospital and is not also the financier, owner and the promoter of
the hospital.

(4) Following the further application made by the EFCC, the Honourable court made an order on 12th
September, 2019 deleting the name of Dews of Hope Specialist Hospital from the list of properties
forfeited in the interim to the Federal Government. It remains a surprise how the matter surfaced again
at Owerri with the ruling of 6th Dec, 2019.

(5) While investigations reveal that the said ruling delivered by the Federal High Court, Owerri, on 6th
December, 2019 is already subject of a pending appeal at the Court of Appeal by the owners of the
Hospital, it is important to clarify that contrary to the claims in the media reports, there was no finding
or decision by the Court that any Imo State Government’s funds was traced to the said Hospital.

(6) We therefore urge the general public to disregard the jaundiced media reports orchestrated by
heartless politicians who want to use this matter to discredit and blackmail, not only the former
governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, but also his Political aides.

#FIRS, AMCON Appointments: Bola Ahmed Tinubu And

Midget VP How Market?-FFK
IgbereTV reports that former Aviation Minister, Femi Fani Kayode has blasted Vice President
Osinbanjo and Bola Tinubu over the recent appointments made by President Buhari in FIRS and
AMCON.

Femi Fani Kayode posted on Facebook and Twitter:

Two sons of the South West removed as heads of two powerful organisations in the finance sector,
namely FIRS and AMCON, in the last 48 hours and both replaced by northerners.

Bola Ahmed Tinubu and midget Vice President how market? It really doesn't pay to be a slave. After a
while they take away even the tiny crumbs they gave you!

Aisha Buhari: Garba Shehu And Mamman Daura Undermining

Office Of The First Lady
How Mamman Daura gave presidential directive without my husband’s knowledge — Aisha
Buhari

First Lady, Aisha Buhari has alleged that Alhaji Mamman Daura gave a presidential directive without
her husband’s knowledge.

Until recently, Mamman Daura, a nephew of President Muhammadu Buhari lives in Glass House inside
the presidential villa. The feud between the first lady and Daura’s family worsened in October when
she returned from a two-month foreign trip. It became public knowledge when a video of the
president’s wife asking questions and making comments about being locked out of a room and
demanding that some people should pack their belongings went viral. She engaged Daura’s daughter,
Fatima.

Daily Trust had exclusively reported in September that the first lady angered by the development in the
villa, left for abroad in August. The feud festered when she returned.

The first lady in a statement she personally signed and made available to our correspondent Wednesday
morning , said the directive scrapping the office of the first lady was issued by Mamman Daura, using a
presidential spokesperson, Garba Shehu. Tagged, ” Garba Shehu Has Gone Beyond His Boundaries”,
she said the directive embarrassed the president.

The statement which was sent to our correspondent through Suleiman Haruna’s email, Aisha Buhari’s
spokesperson reads:

” Nigeria’s development is hinged on the ability of public officials to execute their mandates
professionally, and to be shining examples in their various areas of endeavor. It is not a good sign when
officials abandoned their responsibility and start clutching at straws.

”As spokesperson of the President, he has the onerous responsibility of managing the image of the
President and all the good works that he is executing in the country. Rather than face this responsibility
squarely, he has shifted his loyalty from the President to others who have no stake in the compact that
the President signed with Nigerians on May 29, 2015 and 2019.

”To make matters worse, Mr. Shehu has presented himself to these people as a willing tool and
executioner of their antics, from the corridors of power even to the level of interfering with the family
affairs of the President. This should not be so. The blatant meddling in the affairs of a First Lady of a
country is a continuation of the prodigal actions of those that he serves.

” We all remember that the chief proponent appropriated to himself and his family a part of the
Presidential Villa, where he stayed for almost 4 years and when the time came for him to leave, he
orchestrated and invaded my family’s privacy through a video circulated by Mamman’s Daughter,
Fatima, the public was given the impression that on arrival into the country I was locked out of the villa
by Mr. President. Garba Shehu as Villa Spokesperson, knew the truth and had the responsibility to set
the records straight, but because his allegiance is somewhere else and his loyalty misplaced, he
deliberately refused to clear the air and speak for the President who appointed him in the first place.
Consequently, his action has shown a complete breakdown of trust between the First Family and him. ”

Mr. Shehu was privy and part of the plan and it’s execution and he was shocked when he realized that I
had publicized my return to Nigeria on October 12, 2019 and cleared the air on the many rumors that
took over social media, a job he was supposed to do but kept mute to cause more confusion and
instability for his Principal and his family.

“Garba then, vented his anger on the National Television Authority (NTA) Management insisting that
the media crew to my office must be sacked. He succeeded in getting them suspended for doing their
job. I had to intervene to save the innocent staff from losing their means of livelihood by involving the
Department of State Services (DSS) in order to ascertain roles played by key actors in the saga.

”It is at this late hour that I recall, sadly, that it was the same Garba Shehu who claimed that the
government will not allow office of the First Lady to run. He was later to confirm to one of my aides
that he was instructed to say so by Mamman Daura and not the President. This antic attracted the anger
of Nigerian women. He didn’t realize the fact that First Lady’s office is a tradition which has become
an institution. ”

Today, even without a budget, I am able to run my humanitarian programmes. In saner climes, Garba
Shehu would have resigned immediately after going beyond his boundaries and powers.

” GARBA SHEHU NEEDS TO UNDERSTAND THAT THIS KIND OF BEHAVIOR WILL NO

LONGER BE TOLERATED. ”

The latest of his antics was to wage a war on the first family through an orchestrated media campaign
of calumny by sponsoring pseudo accounts to write and defame my children and myself.

”Based on Garba Shehu’s misguided sense of loyalty and inability to stay true and loyal to one person
or group, it has become apparent that all trust has broken down between him and my family due to the
many embarrassments he has caused the Presidency and the first family. We all have families to
consider in our actions and therefore it is in the best interest of all concerned for Garba Shehu to take
the advice of the authority, given to him sometimes in the first week of November, 2019.”

Haruna in a text message confirmed that the statement emanated from the first lady. A source around
Garba Shehu said the spokesperson will not want to join issues with the first lady.

FG Freezes Sahara Reporters Account. Committee To Protect

Journalists(CPJ) Fumes
Nigerian authorities should halt all efforts to intimidate journalists working with the U.S.-
headquartered, Nigeria-focused Sahara Reporters news website and ensure they are permitted to
continue working to report the news, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today.

Sahara Reporters staff told CPJ their Nigerian bank account was frozen without advance notice in
October, significantly hindering their operations.

The website was separately disabled twice due to allegations of copyright infringement, and staff report
cyberattacks and increased surveillance outside their Lagos office, according to Sahara Reporters staff
who spoke to CPJ.

The site conducts aggressive reporting on corruption, according to CPJ’s review of its reporting. Its
founder, Omoyele Sowore, is in Department of State Services (DSS) custody after organizing August
protests calling for improved governance, according to CPJ research and news reports.

CPJ is unable to confirm a connection between Sowore’s arrest and his journalism, but continues to
investigate the case. “Sahara Reporters must be permitted to keep the Nigerian public informed without
intimidation,” said Angela Quintal, CPJ’s Africa program coordinator. “Surveillance, cyberattacks,
&copyright notices against Sahara Reporters mark a concerning pattern of interference and harassment
of an investigative news outlet.”

Sahara Reporters’ Nigeria-based account with Guaranty Trust Bank was frozen without warning in
October, La Keisha Landrum Pierre, Sahara Reporters’ chief operating officer, told CPJ. The outlet has
struggled to pay operating costs and salaries and was unable to publish for a day on November 10,
Pierre said.

Pierre told CPJ the bank said the account was subject to “a government hold” and “not able to be
operated,” but would not elaborate. When CPJ requested comment by email, Ijeoma Nwachukwu, a
relationship manager with Guaranty Trust Bank, declined to reveal details about specific accounts
because of “duty of confidentiality.”

In mid-September, Sahara Reporters documented three vehicles carrying security officers parked
outside the outlet’s Lagos office. Those officers banged on the gates and called for journalists to come
out before departing, Sahara Reporters news editor Senami Kojah told CPJ.

Staff in Lagos have repeatedly seen vehicles with tinted windows outside the outlet’s office with
occupants wearing black clothes characteristic of DSS agents, Kojah said. Abiodun Sanusi, a reporter
with Sahara Reporters, told CPJ by phone that he saw two men wearing black uniforms and caps in a
van outside the office on November 5.

Calls CPJ made to DSS spokesperson Peter Afunaya in early December went unanswered.
Pierre told CPJ that Sahara Reporters’ website has also been subject to cyberattacks and takedown
requests. She described at least three incidents since August where exceptionally high traffic consistent
with distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks threatened to disable the website, though without
success.

The entire site was separately taken down for several hours each on October 16 and November
17 in relation to a copyright complaint under U.S. law, Pierre said.

A U.S.-based company involved in hosting the website said that a Nigeria-based complainant had
flagged a Sahara Reporters article for violating the U.S. Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA),
according to notifications reviewed by CPJ. The 1998 DMCA incentivizes intermediaries to remove or
disable access to content subject to copyright complaints to avoid liability, according to CPJ reporting
on Ecuador.

Pierre told CPJ that the notifications referenced a 2010 story on political corruption allegations that
another website appeared to have republished with an earlier date. Though Sahara Reporters’ site was
restored each time, the article was unavailable when CPJ attempted to view it in December; Pierre said
they continue to challenge the complaint.

Several Sahara Reporters investigations have alleged senior Nigerian officials’ involvement in
wrongdoing. One May example based on leaked audio recordings alleged that Godwin Emefiele,
governor of Nigeria’s central bank, sought to cover up the theft of 500 billion Naira (US$1.38 billion)
in public funds.

Central bank spokesperson Isaac Okorafor told local media the audio was authentic but misleading,
since no money was missing. Documents released during the prosecution of whistleblower George
Uboh, who accused the banker of taking the money, suggest Emefiele asked Nigeria’s police chief to
investigate Sahara Reporters’ source, according to the outlet’s July report.

CPJ called a number listed for Okorafor on December 9 but the person who answered did not respond
to questions before the line disconnected; subsequent calls rang unanswered. CPJ’s calls to Frank Mba,
spokesperson for the Nigerian police, also went unanswered.

DSS agents arrested Sahara Reporters founder Omoyele Sowore on August 3 after he planned
nationwide protests under the hashtag #RevolutionNow; he is charged with treason, cybercrime, and
money laundering, including for transfers allegedly made to Sahara Reporters’ Nigerian bank account,
according to a U.S.-based legal team’s submission to the U.N. working group on arbitrary detention.
Sowore has been jailed ever since, aside from one overnight release on bail in early December,
according to Pierre and media reports.

CPJ has documented Nigerian security forces repeatedly attacking journalists, including those reporting
on the August demonstrations or related protests against Sowore’s detention. Following the reelection
of Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari in February, journalists told CPJ they worried that his
government would feel less restrained in curbing press freedom.

Lagos Courts To Go Digital In 2020 – Attorney-General

As part of measures to ensure speedy dispensation of justice in Lagos, the administration of Gov.
Babajide Sanwo-Olu is to oversee a digital reform of courtrooms in the state.

Speaking during a media parley on Tuesday at the Ministry of Justice, Alausa, Lagos, the state
Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN), said that the reforms
would take place in 2020.

He said the digital reforms would make the Lagos courtrooms first class in Africa.

“We are going to support the judges by using the latest technology to assist them in their work.

“Our goal is that before this administration leaves office, the courts should be completely paperless as
well as deploying technology which is available in other parts of the world.
“We do not want to see our judges writing down in longhand again. We also want to ensure that when
people go to court, relying on audiovisual evidence will not be a difficult thing.

“This administration wants to ensure that Lagos has the best digitally enhanced courts in Africa.

“The governor is totally committed to doing this and we should be rolling out our plans in the next
quarter of 2020,” Onigbanjo said.

Obaseki Disowns Ize-iyamu’s Defection Rally In Benin

The crisis rocking the Edo state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), worsened on Tuesday,
as embattled Governor Godwin Obaseki, denied knowledge of a rally planned by the party to hold in
Benin City, on Friday.

This is even as the state chairman of the party, Anselm Ojezua, described the supposed rally as
provocative and handiwork of unauthorized persons.

According to sources, the mega rally is for receiving a former governorship candidate of the PDP,
Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu and hundreds of his supporters, to the APC.

It was also gathered that the Vice President, Prof. Yomi Osinbajo and the national leader of the party,
Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, will be at the rally to receive the defectors.

The Governor, in a chat with journalists after meeting with heads of security agencies in the state at
Government House, in Benin City, the Edo State capital, said “I have checked with the state APC
secretariat and as far as I am concerned, the party has not announced officially that they will be having
a rally.”

He said issues of public safety was reviewed at the security meeting, particularly in relation to the
yuletide season.

FIRS Workers Threaten Strike Over Fowler’s Handover To

Abiodun Aina
Workers of the Federal Inland Revenue Service on Tuesday faulted the decision of the immediate past
Chairman of the FIRS, Mr Babatunde Fowler, to hand over to the Coordinating Director, Domestic
Taxes Group, Abiodun Aina.

Fowler, whose replacement was announced on Monday by the Federal Government, had handed over
to Aina in acting capacity, pending the confirmation of a substantive chairman.

But at an emergency meeting held on Tuesday at the Association of Civil Servants’ secretariat in Abuja,
the workers said the action of Fowler violated the presidential directive on the handover.

Specifically, the union in a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting said Aina could not be
regarded as the most senior director in the FIRS.

A copy of the communiqué which was signed by 17 senior officials of the union was sent to the
Minister of Finance, Mrs Zainab Ahmed; the President of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of
Nigeria and the President of the Nigeria Civil Service Union.

It read in part, “The attention of the Joint Union Council of FIRS has been drawn to the handover of the
chairmanship of FIRS on acting capacity to Mr Abiodun Aina on Monday December 9 2019.

“This was a clear departure from the Presidential directive on the handover as he (Aina) is not
the most senior director.

“Mr Abiodun Aina in the first instance does not have the basic qualifications to be employed into
the Service. Secondly, his appointment to the position of Coordinating Director was against the
provision of Section 2.19 of the FIRS Human Resource Policies and Processes.”

The section states that “Appointment to the post of the Coordinating Director shall be made by the
board on the recommendations of the executive chairman. The appointment shall be open to all
confirmed directors of the Service and it shall be competitive based on experience, competence and
seniority.”

The union also stated that Aina was never a director in the Service, adding that he was a Senior
Special Assistant to Fowler.

The union said if the President’s directive was not reversed by Friday, it would no longer guarantee
industrial harmony at the service.

“If by the close of work on Friday, 13th December, no action is taken to this effect, the union will no
longer guarantee further industrial harmony in the system.”

Just-in: Electricity Workers Begin Nationwide Strike

Nigerians may have to brace up for nationwide blackouts as electricity workers in the country begin an
indefinite strike starting this morning.

The decision to embark on the indefinite strike became necessary after the Federal Government failed
to dialogue with the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) to resolve the lingering
industrial crisis in the sector.

According to a statement issued by Assistant Secretary-General of NUEE, Anthony Sule, the 21-day
ultimatum given to Minister of Power Saleh Mamman expired at midnight on Tuesday. The statement
read partly thus:

“The ministry of power has failed to resolve some issues affecting members of the union since 2013
when the power sector was privatised especially issues that with the over 2,000 disengaged former
PHCN workers and their pay off.”

Nairametrics confirmed that the strike has indeed begun across all Electricity Distribution Companies
(DIsCos) in the country.

More details Shortly…

Court Remands 60 Shiite Members In Kuje Prison Till February

2020
A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), sitting in the Apo area of Abuja has remanded 60
members of the proscribed Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), otherwise called the Shiite group to
Kuje prison in Abuja and Suleja prison in Niger State on remand.

The 60 proscribed IMN members were arrested during the July 22 bloody protest at the Federal
Secretariat area of Abuja, which led to the death of a Deputy Commissioner of Police, Usman Umar,
and Precious Owolabi, a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member with Channels Television.

They were arraigned before the court on November 27 by the FCT Command of the Nigeria Police.
The suspects were arraigned on charges bordering on homicide, disturbances of public peace, and
destruction of government properties.

They had, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges preferred against them by the police. On
resumption of the case on Tuesday, counsel for the defendants, Bala Dakum, informed the court that he
had filed a bail application on behalf of the Shiite members. When the court drew his attention to filing
only one bail application for the 60 defendants, which was brought by way of summon, Dakum said he
would withdraw it.

He subsequently did in order to file separate applications for the defendants. Justice Sulaiman Belgore
then struck out the application, having been withdrawn by the defence counsel with no objection from
the prosecution. As a result, the prosecuting counsel, Mr Simon Lough, requested that the defendants
should be remanded in Kuje and Suleja correctional facilities.

Lough, who is a Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), asked that 54 male defendants be remanded at
the correctional facility in Kuje, while the remaining six defendants who are females be sent to the
Suleja correctional on remand. He also applied that trial of the defendants be held where they are
remanded for convenience, adding that the trial should be given an accelerated hearing considering
their number.

The prosecution’s oral applications for the remand of the defendants and trial being held where they are
being remanded were not opposed by their counsel. Ruling on the applications, Justice Belgore held
that having not been opposed by the counsel for the defendants, the court was minded to remand the
defendants at the correctional facilities.

“The defendants be remanded at the correctional facilities. They are to be remanded at Kuje and Suleja
correctional yards. Trial to be held in Kuje correctional yard,” he ruled.

The judge then adjourned until February 5, 2020, for the commencement of trial which he ordered to be
on a daily basis.

There May Not Be Nigeria In 2023 – Fani-kayode Replies Arewa

Youths
There may not be Nigeria in 2023 – Fani-Kayode replies Arewa youths

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and social commentator, Femi Fani-Kayode, has
warned that there may not be a country called Nigeria by 2023.

The former Minister of Aviation was reacting to an earlier warning issued to the South West by Arewa
Youth Consultative Forum, AYCF, that the North may not handover to them in 2023 if the alleged
humiliation of Northerners continues in Yoruba land.

AYCF was angry over alleged humiliation of northerners in Lagos by task force, claiming that
northerners who are in the Southwest State to earn their living were being attacked and humiliated.
Fani-Kayode Kayode, in a tweet on Tuesday night, wondered why the Arewa youths would take the
place God.
He tweeted, “Don’t expect us to hand over to you in 2023′ – Arewa Youths to SW.

“Who are you? Are you God? Do you own the power? Were you born to rule? Are southerners your
slaves?
“You came from Futa Jalon in 1804 and met us here. Stop your f*ckery or there may not be a Nigeria
left in 2023!”

President Buhari’s Spokesman Reacts To Punch Editorial

Spokesman to President Muhammadu Buhari, Femi Adesina, said The Punch newspaper is free to
refer the president by his military rank.

The Special Adviser On Media & Publicity to the President said, "If you decide to call him Major
General, he wasn’t dashed the rank, he earned it. So, you are not completely out of order. The fact that
you can do so is even another testimony to press freedom in Nigeria."

'Abeg Go Siddon', Seun Anikulapo Slams Ajimobi

Seun Anikulapo Kuti, son of afrobeat legend has lambasted immediate past Oyo Governor, Abiola
Ajimobi for saying no Oyo administration marched his feat.
The former governor had will clock 70 on December 16, said his strides are in infrastructural
development and service delivery.

Ajimobi who made the declaration during a live radio programme in Ibadan recalled that while in
office, he made unprecedented achievements in areas of road construction, education, health delivery,
peace, and security.

He explained that his administration’s strides were great adding that it made remarkable achievements
in all ramifications in eight years.

He added that he will be watching the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde on what it will do to
surpass his feat.

“The present administration promised to do many things, so we will be watching what they will do.
However, we can only hope they do well as we are all concerned about the development of the state.”

Oshiomhole Should Stop Meddling In Affairs Of Edo APC –

Tony Momoh
Prince Tony Momoh, a former Minister of Information on Wednesday said Comrade Adams
Oshiomhole, national chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has no business
interfering in the affairs of the party in Edo state.
Speaking in an interview with Daily Independent, Momoh, a former national chairman of the defunct
Congress for Progressives Change (CPC) said the task of organising and funding the party is the sole
responsibility of Governor Godwin Obaseki, who by the party’s constitution is the leader of the APC in
Edo state.

According to him, going by APC’s constitution, the governor is the Chief Executive Officer of the party
in any state where APC is the ruling party.
He advised Oshiomhole to focus on his task at the national level saying there are lots of issues that
needs to be addressed by the national chairman of the party nationwide.

“Oshiomhole is the national chairman of APC. In states where we have a governor, the head of the
party or chief executive officer of the party in the state is the governor. That is the structure of APC. So,
I don’t think Oshiomhole and Governor Obaseki are at loggerheads”.

“Obaseki is the Chief Executive Officer of the party in Edo state according to our structure. He
organizes the party, funds the party and so on. I believe Oshiomhole is not claiming to be the party
leader or chairman of APC in Edo state, because he is not”.

“ As national chairman, he has his hands full at the national level so what will he be doing in Edo state?
He has no business in the organisation of the party in Edo state”.
“ I know some people who are trying to cause crisis in Edo state are doing so in the name of
Oshiomhole but I don’t think Oshiomhole can be advised to champion anybody’s cause in Edo state
because he has so many things to do at the national level” he said.

Femi Adesina Reacts As Punch Calls Buhari 'Major General'

President Buhari's special adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina has reacted after The PUNCH
newspaper vowed to address President Buhari as Major General.

The PUNCH wrote:

As a symbolic demonstration of our protest against autocracy and military-style repression,
PUNCH (all our print newspapers, The PUNCH, Saturday PUNCH, Sunday PUNCH,
PUNCH Sports Extra, and digital platforms, most especially Punchng.com) will henceforth
prefix Buhari’s name with his rank as a military dictator in the 80s, Major General, and
refer to his administration as a regime, until they purge themselves of their insufferable
contempt for the rule of law.

https://punchng.com/buharis-lawlessness-our-stand/

Here is Femi Adesina's reaction to the Punch

ANOTHER TESTIMONY TO PRESS FREEDOM IN NIGERIA, BY PRESIDENCY
 A newspaper says it will henceforth address President Muhammadu Buhari by his military
rank of Major General. Nothing untoward in it. It is a rank the President attained by dint of
hard work before he retired from the Nigerian Army. And today, constitutionally, he’s also
Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.

All over the world, just as in our country, a large number of retired military officers are now
democrats. It does not make those who didn’t pass through military service better
democrats than them.

Rather than being pejorative, addressing President Buhari by his military rank is another
testimony to free speech and freedom of the press, which this administration (or regime, if
anyone prefers: it’s a matter of semantics) has pledged to uphold and preserve.

Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media and Publicity)
December 11, 2019

How New AMCON Boss Helped CBN Gov, Emefiele, Cover-

up Missing N500bn
President Muhammadu Buhari has appointed Edward Adamu as Chairman of the Asset
Management Corporation of Nigeria.

The announcement of the appointment was contained in a letter sent to the Senate by the
President on Tuesday.

But before now, Adamu has been caught in a web of scandal after a tape recording exclusively
obtained by SaharaReporters in May 2019 caught him and governor of the Central Bank of
Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, including Director of Finance, Dayo Arowosegbe, and one of the
Special Advisers to Emefiele, Emmanuel Ukeje, discussing how to cover up the loss of over
N500bn stolen from the apex bank in a deal that went awry.

Adamu was deputy governor of the CBN at the time the conversation took place.

In the said audio recording, Emefiele can be heard telling Adamu, “To avoid any serious problem,
is just for the government to have to agree to give us at least N100bn cash but the government
will not agree. They will kick against it.”

The group was discussing how to cover up the missing money in the audio later authenticated by
the CBN in a statement.

CAUGHT ON TAPE: CBN Gov Emefiele And Top Officials Discuss How To Cover-Up
N500bn They Stole -Part1

The full transcript of the audio conversation

Phone rings

Edward Adamu: Hello sir.

Emefiele: Edward can you please step aside?

Adamu: Okay sir...

Emefiele: I am not too happy that Arowosegbe led us like this.

Adamu: In fact, that was what I was asking. I said we have an impression that we had N500bn, he
said no. I said but that was the impression until the end of the year.

Emefiele: Ahhh! What are we going to do?

Adamu: You know... that’s what I told him.

Emefiele: Along we all thought he had that but it was very shocking to hear that apparently it was
not N500bn... you know.

Adamu: That’s the major issue.

Emefiele: Ahh! ...Ye! I don die now, where I go see money?

Adamu: What I told them is, let’s look at our income if there is anything we can do around that
area, you know, that might be an option.

Because now, we are in a very bad situation. He really didn’t give us full information.

Emefiele: I was like, God, he did a good job, he didn’t pass time he left. How do I handle this?

We have to rack our brain and get something out because we can’t afford it at all, not at this time.

Opposition will say it should have depreciated in the project... and then foreign investors would
begin to panic and take their money out because they would say it would depreciate.

Adamu: Exactly, yes. There would be panic in the market and we can’t take this at this stage, at
all. We have to get a way out. We are just discussing now what are the possibilities, what you can
do. We will get back to you.

Emefiele: Hmmn! I’m just getting hopeless about it because I‘m still thinking which way I should
go.

CAUGHT ON TAPE: CBN Gov Emefiele And Top Officials Discuss How To Cover-Up
N500bn They Stole -Part2
Adamu: Yes, that is really the task now.

Emefiele: If there is a place you can find money. Ahhh!

Adamu: We’ll have to think of a way out because we cannot afford it at all. The implications are
just too many to even think about and damaging. We cannot allow this like this, we cannot.

Emefiele: To avoid any serious problem is just, the government to have to agree to give us at least
N100bn cash but government will not agree. They will kick against it.

Adamu: Yes, they will kick against it. Really. That would have been a good one but the challenge
is how to get back to them but it will be very difficult, almost impossible.

Emefiele: The implication for the economy is... no no, no. I’m just thinking if there is surplus of
one naira, just give us then we’ll begin to refund you in 2019. I can’t even find the partners now
because I cannot talk to the real partners like Ayo.

Ayo is not picking my calls and I’m not used to the CI partner. I don’t’ know him, it’s only Dayo
that I know and Dayo has retired. Hmmn... Oh God!

Adamu: You’ll have to think of something. We really miss. It is a sad one. We’ll have to come out
of it somehow. If only we can say there is money here but I can’t find. I kept on disturbing this
guy in December and January but he kept telling me no problem. God, this guy just...

Emefiele: It’s a mess; it’s really a mess.

SaharaReporters sources at the CBN disclosed that Emefiele, Adamu and other top guys in the
bank eventually found a way out of their dilemma by diverting funds in possession of the
financial institution and also printing cash.

However, with his appointment on Tuesday by President Buhari, Adamu takes over AMCON
from Muiz Banire, who had been in the saddled since July 2018.

http://saharareporters.com/2019/12/10/how-new-amcon-boss-appointed-buhari-helped-cbn-
governor-emefiele-cover-missing-n500bn

Part 1

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l_JNtufeedQ

Part 2

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l_JNtufeedQ

Electricity Workers Begin Nationwide Strike, Blackout

Looms
The National Union of Electricity Employees are set to begin a nationwide strike.

In a statement, Anthony Sule, assistant secretary general of NUEE, said the 21-day ultimatum
given to Saleh Mamman, minister of power, expired at midnight on Tuesday.

He said the union’s decision was made since the federal government failed to have a dialogue
with them to resolve the lingering issues in the sector.

He said they had no choice but to embark on the action.

“The ministry of power has failed to resolve some issues affecting members of the union since
2013 when the power sector was privatised especially issues that with the over 2,000 disengaged
former PHCN workers and their pay off, ” the statement read.

“Some of the unresolved issues are illegal transfer of union properties to power investors and the
alleged refusal by some distribution companies (DisCos) to remit deducted contributory pension
of their members of staff to pension managers.”

Joe Jaeto, general secretary of NUEE, said it was “regrettable” that the ministry failed to respond
to the strike notice .

He said the union has given enough time for dialogue on the issues but that nothing is
forthcoming from the government.

He said letters were sent to all the relevant authorities in the power sector, including security
agencies to inform them of their intention.

“I can assure you, the strike will commence any time from now,” he said.

The union, in a memo dated November 7 and sent to the minister, warned that it will declare a
nationwide strike if its demands were not met.

“Unpaid benefits to over 2000 disengaged staff of the defunct Power Holding Company, PHCN,
since 2013; underpayment of over 50,000 ex-PHCN staff; payment of half salaries to workers by
DISCOs, among other perceived unfair Labour practices,” the memo read.

“The following issues cutting across all facets of the sector are hereby highlighted for your
information and necessary action. The problems created by Bureau for Public Enterprises, BPE,
are BPE’s refusal to address and pay up over 2,000 disengaged Ex-PHCN staff since 2013.”

“Unfortunately, letters to your office since assumption of duty are not acknowledged.

“Consequently, we use this medium to place your esteemed office on notice that we may not
continue to guarantee industrial peace, if these issues are not addressed within 21 days. This is
not a threat.”

Ohaneze-ndi-igbo Honour Former PG

As the former President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Dr Dozie Ikedife is remembered one year
after he joined his ancestors, one of his sons, Dr Somadina Ikedife who has taken over the
management of Ikedife Hospital, Nnewi, Anambra State has described his late father as one who
realized his physical frailty early in life, after he had learnt that "strong men ruled the world."

Dr Somadina disclosed this in a statement he titled "a view of an avatar" which he made available
to journalists.

He said his father then thought of other ways to develop his strength, and chose to develop a very
strong mind and character, adding that this lit in him a very strong desire to acquire knowledge
and wisdom. He noted that his late father then became a very prolific reader and eagerly sort
knowledge.

He acquired his first degree in Anthropology, University of London whilst an undergraduate

medical student at University of Glasgow, Scotland.
This degree and further quest for knowledge exposed him to different phylosophies, religions,
sects, cults and schools of thoughts.
He developed strong bonds with men and women at the head of these various groups.

"Ikenga was a deep and free thinker who interacted with everyone with an inquisitive but open
mind. He had very poor tolerance for dishonesty.
He cherished the Catholic priests for their depth of knowledge, the Jehovah's witnesses for their
strong character, the traditional religions for their punitive system, and the Islamic call "Al
akhbar" because he believed that God is really great. These, created a bit of confusion to many
minds about his religious affiliation, " he submitted.

He said the late Igbo leader welcomed those various groups he interacted with, but belonged to
*none* of them.

He declared that his late father was a symbol of simplicity, someone who was averse to collecting
gifts and very shy at asking for personal favours, "yet he would go miles seeking favours for
others."

Junior Dr Ikedife told journalists that one needed no appointments to see his late father, saying all
that was required was one's patience for him to consult with his patients first, then he would
interact and engage with you in divers topics irrespective of your background.

According to him, the late elder statesman placed so much value on education that he would
rather starve but made sure hundreds got a university degree. His kindness, he said, was
displayed most through numerous free medical and surgical services, especially to those who
could not afford them.

He had a very big sense of contentment, ever grateful to God for His much blessings to him. His
prayers was always "thank God for His blessings and may God's will be done".

"Ikuku ebu mkpu (an unmoveable earth, as he was fondly called), believed so much in hard work,
honest earning, fairness and justice. He was committed to community development, " he noted.

He explained that his late father was a man of many parts, adding that one needed an encounter
with him to be able to understand that he was fair minded and a just man who desired a free, just
and equitable society.
Dr Somadina insisted that many found late Dr Chief Dozie Ikedife rather quirky.
Dr Dozie Ikedife died on December 11, 2018.

Senate To Probe CBN, NIBSS Over N20 Trillion Unremitted

Stamp Duties
The Senate on Tuesday resolved to probe the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and its
subsidiary, the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS) over an allegedly failure to
remit N20 trillion revenue to the Federation Account.

CBN reportedly collected the amount as stamp duty from banks and financial institutions in the
country.

The resolution follows a motion by Senator representing Ondo central, Ayo Akinyelure.

“The Central Bank of Nigeria and NIBBS have technically refused to comply with the
presidential directives for the recovery of over N20 trillion revenue into the coffers of
government,”

“The CBN and NIBSS deliberately failed to cooperate and comply with the directives of Mr
President for the realisation of over N20 trillion revenue due from stamp duties collected for
2013 to 2016 and subsequently over N5 trillion minimum revenue due to be collected
annually to the federation account to be shared among states of the federation for
infrastructural and economic development.

“The Senate must consider whether the target N20 trillion fund is being recycled into private
banks when federal government had directed its recovery,” he said.

The lawmakers expressed concerns that despite government decision to appoint a consultant to
help it recovered the money; the CBN and NIBSS have technically refused to comply with the
presidential directive for the recovery of the money into the Federation Account.

Senator Isah Jibrin in his contribution said, “I want to support this motion. The issue is a major
problem with financial remittance. The issue is to unravel who is benefiting from the non-
compliance of this directive from President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

The Senate then resolved to Mandate the Committee on Finance to investigate this issue of
over N20 trillion unremitted stamp duties revenue due to the Federal Government of
Nigeria from banks and other financial institutions through (NIBSS) a subsidiary of CBN
for 2013 – 2016 and financial accountability of stamp duty collections from 2016 when the
CBN officially directed all banks to collect on behalf of the federal government to date.

In his concluding remarks, the President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, said, “I engaged the
Ministry of Finance and CBN for an interaction, and I discovered that what we have been
expecting to be available as stamp duty is not so.

“I was under the impression that we had over N20 trillion somewhere. It will interest you to
know that we don’t even have N1 trillion. What has happened is because those that are supposed
to collect the stamp duties were taking advantage of the non-electronic transaction.

“With the passage of the finance bill, this is an opportunity we have to start getting what
ordinarily should go to the government.

“The banks and many private organizations have taken advantage of the way the stamp duties
have been.

“I want to believe that from January 2020, when the Finance Bill will start being effective, the
stamp duty collection will be significantly improved,” he said.

Lawan added that is for our Finance Committee to monitor closely what the collection should be.

“We would like to know in the first quarter how much they have collected, and if they have not
met targets; if they have met targets, how do we do better than that? The idea is not to slow
agencies to do whatever they want.”

Sowore’s Detention: UK Government Asks FG To Respect

Rule Of Law
Like the United States through its Department of State and high-ranking senators, the United
Kingdom has also spoken out over the rearrest and rights violation of pro-democracy campaigner
and journalist, Omoyele Sowore, by the Nigerian Government.

First arrested on August 3, 2019 by the Department of State Services for calling on Nigerians to
pour out to the streets in peaceful demonstrations to demand a better country from the
administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, Sowore was again on Friday arrested inside the
Federal High Court in Abuja less than 24 hours after he was released on bail after 125 days in
detention during which time two court orders had directed his freedom but floured by the
government.

He was standing trial in a case brought against him by the Nigerian Government when the DSS
invaded the court to forcefully take him away.

The Nigerian Government is accusing Sowore of insulting President Buhari and planning to bring
down his regime.

The situation has drawn criticisms from around the world with many calling on the regime of
Buhari to respect the rule of law and Sowore's right to bail and fair hearing and immediately
release him.

Also reacting to the situation, the UK Government through the British High Commission in
Nigeria on Tuesday in a post on Twitter called on Buhari to respect the rule of law as regards
Sowore's case.

It said in a tweet, "We are following closely the continued detention of #Sowore.
"Respect for the rule of law and free and responsible speech are fundamental for #democracy."

Earlier in the week, a coalition of civil society groups gave the Buhari administration a two-week
ultimatum to release Sowore or face mass action.

There have been similar pronouncement from other groups all calling on the Nigerian
Government to do the right thing.

Corruption Increasing In Nigeria Than Other African

Countries-Jega
The former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Attahiru Jega, has
advised African countries to restrategise their approaches in fighting corruption.

Jega gave the advise while reviewing a book titled: “Curbing Electoral Spending” launched by
the Economic and Financial Crime Commission on Monday in Abuja.

The launch was to mark the 2019 International Anti-Corruption Day organised by the commiss-
ion in collaboration with Nigeria Shippers Council, Maritime and Transport Stakeholders.

“Here in Nigeria, where corruption is in the increase compared to other African countries,
we need to take the fight seriously.

“It is a day for sober reflection for us and for reviewing our experiences and restrategise to find
better ways and means of improving the successes in the fight against corruption,” he said.

Jega commended the EFCC for its successes as well as other anti-corruption agencies for their
contributions to tackling the crime in the Nigeria.

“While we commend them, they also need to intensify their efforts in the fight against corruption
because we see that the more effort that is made, the more difficult it becomes.

“The EFFCC and other anti-corruption agencies need to continue to demonstrate that there are no
sacred cows in the fight against corruption.

“We will want to see a rededicated effort in terms of effective utilisation in governance of
resource saved from corruption,” Jega added.

The Secretary, Presidential Advisory Committee against Corruption, Prof. Sadiq Radda, said
fighting corruption required political will and determination of the leaders.

Radda said the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration had made remarkable success in
the fight so far.

“I believe first &foremost we should acknowledge the political will& the determination of the
government led by the president to lead the fight.
“Without the support of the president, I think the kind of momentum we have regarding the fight
against corruption woudn’t have been this much.

“I can say with the EFCC and ICPC of today, looters will have no hiding place in the world,
because wherever they go, they will be arrested and brought back to the country,” Radda said.

Electricity Workers Protest In Abuja, Picket Power Ministry

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xja6U-OtMIU

Members of the electricity workers union are currently protesting in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

The workers in protest blocked main entrance gate and locked out some staff to the
Ministry of Power. This is even in the presence of armed police officers.

The electricity workers are protesting over the non-payment of severance package for members
who were affected by the unbundling of Power Holding Company of Nigeria PHCN into eleven
electricity distribution companies (DisCos), six generating companies (GenCos), and a
transmission company (TCN).

It will be recalled that the Senate President Ahmed Lawan on Monday called on the Executive to,
as a matter of urgency, declare a state of emergency in the power sector to overcome the legion of
problems stalling steady power supply in Nigeria.

According to the Senate President, the privatisation of the power sector in 2005 and 2013 was a
grand scheme conceived with the intention to defraud Nigeria.

Lawan while faulting the power sector privatization process said it hasn’t yielded significant
improvements and the National Assembly is prepared to amend the Power Sector Reform Act of
2005.

Boko Haram: Stop Sponsoring Terrorism In Africa,

Protesters Tell Macron
The Movement Against Slavery and Terrorism (MAST) has cautioned France President,
Emmanuel Macron, to stop sponsoring terrorism in Nigeria and other African nations.

The Pan-African group made their voices heard on Wednesday at the end of a one-day walk to
the French embassy in Abuja, Nigeria's federal capita city.

The visibly frustrated Africans, numbering in their hundreds demanded that the French authorities
must end ties with Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists which it has routinely armed.

Addressing the media in front of the French consulate, convener, Princess Ajibola said the
mission was to get Macron's attention that Nigeria is a sovereign nation and any attempt to
compromise its territorial integrity would be resisted.

According to madam Ajibola, the group has overwhelming evidence to back its claim that the
European nation is indeed behind the recent upsurge in terrorism in the country.

The group reckoned the French action is born out of greed - hinged on economic benefits owing
to the avalanche of economic resources in the North-East, particularly the Lake Chad Basin
region.

The Movement Against Slavery and Terrorism, therefore, warned the French authorities to desist
from further mischief which has undermined the remarkable gains of the Nigerian Army.

The group also called the attention of the United Nations to the crime against humanity being
perpetrated by Macron.

Read full address below:

Ladies and Gentlemen,

This is a protest for the rescue of the soul of our dear country Nigeria from the forces of evil that
have attempted to cause disharmony and disintegration by covertly sponsoring the activities of
terrorists in Nigeria.

We embarked on this protest march to send a powerful message to the French authorities that
Nigerians are indeed aware of its nefarious activities with regards to the ongoing war against
terrorism in North-East Nigeria.

The Movement Against Slavery and Terrorism as a civil society organization decided to take our
protest to the French Embassy in Abuja, so the message could be relayed to the French
Authorities wherever they are that Nigeria is indeed a sovereign country and as such any form or
attempt to compromise our territorial integrity would be resisted wholeheartedly.
Since 2015 when the present administration assumed leadership of this country, there has been
tremendous progress recorded in the fight against the Boko Haram terrorist group. So much so
that Nigerian troops captured their operational headquarters (Camp Zero) in Sambisa forest to the
glory of God.

It didn’t stop there; the Nigerian troops also recaptured the over 16 local government areas in
North-East Nigeria that were once under the control of Boko Haram terrorists. By and large, the
Boko Haram group was decimated and fled in their droves to the fringes of the Lake Chad Basin
region, from where they launch an attack on soft target communities within that vicinity.

We are aware that some vested interest was not happy with the gains made by Nigeria in the fight
against terrorism. As such, they began providing logistic support under humanitarian cover to the
Boko Haram fighters.

They also assumed the role of the mouthpiece of the Boko Haram terrorist group. They used their
state medium to promote their nefarious activities and to give them the needed psychological
boost.

The Movement Against Slavery and Terrorism wishes to state in unequivocal terms that France is
indeed responsible for the resurgence of Boko Haram attacks in Nigeria in recent times because
there is overwhelming evidence that it has been selling arms and ammunitions to the Boko Haram
terrorist group. These arms come into the country through the francophone countries.

We also wish to send this message to the President of France, Emmanuel Macron, that what
France is doing under his watch is indeed a crime against humanity. As such, it must, as a matter
of urgency, desist from spreading terrorism in Nigeria and the African countries.

The Movement Against Slavery and Terrorism sees the actions of France as an assault on our
sovereignty as a country. This is indeed despicable and must be condemned by all and sundry.

We are also aware that the actions of France are hinged on economic benefits given the avalanche
of economic resources in North-East Nigeria, particularly the Lake Chad Basin region.

This is indeed an attempt at recolonization, which by all standards is puerile and won’t stand the
test of time because Nigerians would resist every move with passion.

The Movement Against Slavery and Terrorism is by this protest asking the French authorities to
desist from their evil ways or face the full wrath of Nigerians who are ever ready to protect the
sovereignty of the country.

The Movement Against Slavery and Terrorism is also by this protest informing the relevant
authorities in Nigeria to act in the best interest of Nigeria as it would indeed be a slap on our
faces should we allow France to carry on with its destabilization plot on Nigeria.

The Movement Against Slavery and Terrorism is also calling on the United Nations to investigate
the role of France in the spread of terrorism in Nigeria and Africa.

France must also stop the sale of Arms and Ammunition to the Boko Haram terrorist group in the
interest of peace and tranquility. This is on the heels that the bulk of the French NGOs operating
in North-East Nigeria are carrying out espionage activities and passing the same to the leadership
of the Boko Haram terrorist group on the instruction of French authorities.

The Movement Against Slavery and Terrorism is indeed saying enough is enough, and France
must stop the distasteful support it has been extending to the Boko Haram terrorist group in
Nigeria, which is aimed at making Nigeria erupt in flames.

The Movement Against Slavery and Terrorism wishes to inform the President of France,
Emmanuel Macron, that the world is indeed watching closely and should the French authorities
not halt the spread of terrorism in Nigeria, the day of reckoning is indeed near.

Buhari Will Now Be Addressed As Dictator-Signal News

Signal news has taken a cue from Punch newspaper by addressing now President Buhari as
Dictator Buhari henceforth, this is in protest of the large scale human rights abuse and disregard
for rule of law under the Buhari administration.
In Prison, Orji Uzor Kalu Begins Another Chapter Of Life
Orji Uzor Kalu’s descent from the Red Chamber of the National Assembly as a senator to a
prisoner is certainly a turning point in President Muhammadu Buhari’s fight against corruption in
the country.

Although it took about 12 years in coming, the shock was no less when it happened. Kalu has
become the third ex-governor in the country to be jailed for corruption. But his was the most
shocking.

If Kalu had an inkling of what judgment was coming his way last Thursday, he probably would
have feigned illness. Like most politicians, he was confident that nothing untoward will happen.

After all, he now belongs to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), where, he believed, he
had met all the criteria for his sins to be forgiven and even forgotten.

He had joined the party from the opposition. He had also vilified his former colleagues in the
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at every opportunity. What’s more, he had won a ticket to the
Senate on the platform of the APC. He was a political asset!

He must have been confident that he would be acquitted of the corruption case; and that the the
court process was simply a formality, to send him home with the injunction to sin no more.

However, that was not to be as he was found guilty of corruption and handed the “Go to Jail
Directly” card.

The shock for Kalu was sudden, shocking and devastating. He was heard pleading with
correctional officers: “Please don’t handcuff me, I will cooperate with you.”

It was the rise and fall of an ultimate power broker. The descent of a larger than life man; from a
former governor to a senator; and now, to a prisoner!

The Federal High Court sitting in Lagos and presided by Justice Mohammed Idris found him
guilty. The judge said Mr Kalu was guilty of the charges against. After the conviction, Kalu’s
lawyers pleaded with the court for a favourable sentence.

Kalu has been facing trial for over a decade after he was arraigned by the Economic and
Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for allegedly carting away billions of naira belonging to
the state while he served as Abia governor.

He was tried alongside his company, Slok Nigeria Limited, and Mr. Udeh Udeogu, who was the
Director of Finance and Accounts at the Abia State Government House during Kalu’s tenure as
governor.

The Road to Perfidy

Although Kalu claimed that he started business at age 19 years and at 20 years, he was already a
millionaire; this could not be ascertained. When he was barely 30 years, he had had brushes with
the law. He was expelled from the University of Maiduguri for, as he claimed, activism.

But he gained notoriety when he allegedly donated cash to the Borno State Development Fund.
Coming from a university drop out, the huge donation made the headlines, but the content of the
box was later found out to contain blank papers neatly cut to size and covered with actual Naira
notes. He was promptly arrested. Lke a Ninja, was able to explain himself out of the mess. By
this time, he was already a known face in the nation’s business and political sphere. He began to
hobnob with shakers and makers of the military, business and political hierarchy.

In 1999, at the age of 39 years, like a cat with nine lives, he came out from obscurity to win the
Abia state governorship election to the consternation of many.

The Political Businessman

At the time he became governor on May 29, 1999, the new state had no state secretariat complex.
Government businesses were conducted from rented apartments with civil servants squeezing
themselves into buildings that were inadequate let alone comfortable.

Kalu took advantage of this to rent houses he hurriedly built for himself and others belonging to
friends, family and cronies to the government at an exorbitant rate. Making fast money at the
expense of a government in which he was the executive governor.

Throughout his eight years as governor, he never attempted to build a state secretariat even
though land and monies were allocated for the purpose.

Education

That Kalu was expelled from the University of Maiduguri was no longer news. The news was
how he gained a first degree from the Abia State University, Uturu; an act that could only have
been imagined by a master storyteller.

As governor and visitor to the Abia State University, Kalu enrolled for his degree programme.
Barely three years later, he was awarded a first-class degree without ever attending classes for
one day!

What’s more, to justify the certificate he has just gotten on a platter of gold, Kalu compelled the
university to award him an honorary doctorate to boot. Hence the appellation, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu
that he bears today.

More than 14 years after the alleged graduation, nobody has called this certificate to question!

Revenue Allocation

Although, Kalu’s conviction for stealing over N7.7 billion came over 12 years after he was first
arraigned, up to that time, the state was one of the poorest in the country.

The revenue to the state from Federal Allocation between 1999 and 2007 when he was governor
was N180, 913,356,049.45. What this means is that the state was barely making over N22 billion
yearly, yet almost N8 billion was stolen within the period.

With a population of 2,833, 999, and raked 14th in the states allocation index, he dealt the state
the unkindest cut.

Personal Wealth and Business Venture

As Kalu entered the prisons to begin his 12 years sentence, he was said to be worth over $300
million, according to the American magazine, Forbes in its ranking of richest businesspeople in
Africa

Kalu is the founder of Slok Holdings, a conglomerate with interests in shipping, banking, oil
trading, manufacturing and the media. He claims to have started in business at age 19 after being
expelled from the University of Maiduguri for spearheading a series of student riots.

He borrowed $35 from his mother and started trading commodities like palm oil, rice and sugar.
He diversified into furniture manufacturing and transportation and became a millionaire by the
time he was 20!

He later hit the big time in the early 80s when the Nigerian military government awarded him
lucrative contracts to import and supply arms and ammunition to Nigeria’s military.

The Slok Group operates in all sectors of the economy, mainly focusing on Oil and Gas, Banking
and Finance, Media and Publishing, Real Estate, Manufacturing, Trading, Insurance, and
Tourism.

Politics

Following a fall out with the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Kalu founded the
Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA). The party won gubernatorial elections in 2003 and 2007 in
Abia state and also won the governorship election in neighbouring Imo State that same year.

In Abia, Kalu’s handpicked candidate, Chief Theodore Ahamefula Orji became the governor even
though they later fell apart, while in Imo State, Chief Ikedi Ohakim became the governor.

In the April 21, 2007 National Assembly election, the party won three of the 360 seats in the
House of Representatives and one of the 109 seats in the Senate. This cemented Kalu’s leadership
as force to reckon with in the politics of the nation.

Following the 2007 election, the PPA’s journey into oblivion began when the party agreed to join
the PDP government of President Umar Musa Yar’Adua. For Kalu, the journey back to the PDP
was like a homecoming as he was a two-term governor under the party, but for PPA, its death
knell was just sounded.

The Journey to APC

But as the corruption case continued to dog him, the election of President Muhammadu Buhari in
2015 on an anti-corruption pledge forced the former governor to rethink his fortunes.
The EFCC renewed interest in his corruption cases, a situation which forced Kalu to abandon
both PPA and the PDP for the APC. It was a classic case of a mother abandoning her child to
nurture another person’s baby.

Senatorial Bid

The fact that he was standing corruption trial did not stop the former governor from returning to
politics as he successfully contested a senatorial election under the APC and won.

He had in 2015 lost his bid to be elected senator. But he returned to win the Abia North senatorial
election in February 2019. Kalu won with 30,580 votes while the closest opposition candidate
from the PDP, Mao Ohuabunwa, who beat him in 2015 recorded 21,940 votes. He later emerged
as the Senate Chief whip.

Orji Uzor Kalu’s Mother

In Nigeria’s political firmament, the prevailing scenario is that the wives of governors or political
office holders gain notoriety by becoming the power behind the throne. In most cases, such ladies
become the go-to-person if you want any favour from her husband.

But in the case of Abia state during Kalu’s reign, his mother took this bill, leaving his wife in the
lurch.

Kalu’s mother, Mrs. Eunice Kalu was so powerful that she was called “Mother Excellency.” She
even caused a rift between her son and then President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo.

Not surprisingly, the former governor believes his corruption ordeals stemmed from this rift with
Obasanjo.

According to him, Obasanjo unleashed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)
on him and his mother because she refused to endorse an elongation of tenure for the president.

Kalu disclosed in an interview with a national newspaper that men in police uniform once
stormed the Aba home of his mom in a bid to arrest her, but they were resisted by security men at
the premises who denied them access to the house. They fired sporadic gunshots for over two
hours and subsequently left. That was how powerful she was.

The Fall

After 12 years of standing trial, Kalu was eventually sentenced to 12 years in prison. As he was
being led to the gallows, Kalu reportedly smiled at reporters and said, “2023, here we come” as
he was led out of the courtroom by Correctional Services officials after his sentencing.

However, his steely behaviour soon gave way to reality as he begged the correctional officers,
“please don’t handcuff me. I will follow you.”

QUOTE:
As the corruption case continued to dog him, the election of President Muhammadu Buhari in
2015 on an anti-corruption pledge forced the former governor to rethink his fortunes. The EFCC
renewed interest in his corruption cases, a situation which forced Kalu to abandon both PPA and
the PDP for the APC. It was a classic case of a mother abandoning her child to nurture another
person’s baby.

Presidency To Probe Tunde Fowler’s Tenure As FIRS Boss

PDP Asks FG To Fast-Track Investigation Of Former Tax Chief

There are indications that the presidency may probe the tenure of Babatunde Fowler, the
immediate past chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).

Fowler, whose tenure ended on Monday, had lobbied the presidency for a second term but his
plea was rejected by President Muhammadu Buhari who replaced him with Muhammed Nami, a
tax consultant, on Monday.

A credible source in the presidency told Daily Independent that Fowler, who was appointed in
August 2015 by President Buhari but got his appointment confirmed in December of the same
year, may be required to answer some questions on what transpired during his four-year tenure as
chairman of FIRS.

He was issued a query by President Buhari through his Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari, in August this
year over the issue of insufficient tax accumulated by the FIRS in the span of three years,
specifically from 2015-2018, a move analysts said was tantamount to a vote of no confidence in
him. In the query, the presidency said it “observed significant variances between the budgeted
collections and actual collections for the period 2015 to 2018”.

According to FIRS official records, FIRS has not been able to meet collection targets since
Fowler took over the headship of the service in 2015, unlike the preceding years.

However, in his response to the query, Fowler blamed oil market crisis for the shortfalls in tax
revenues. He also blamed the period of recession for the shortfalls in tax collection. He agreed
that actual tax collection since the beginning of President Buhari’s administration was lower than
the 2012- 2014 period under former President Goodluck Jonathan.

In general terms, he told the presidency that FIRS under him performed better regarding specific
nonoil tax types, such as VAT and CIT.

Also, in May this year, nine senior officials of FIRS were arrested by operatives of the Economic
and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for alleged N2.1 billion scam. Although the alleged
fraud was perpetrated under an agency he headed, it was not established whether Fowler was
involved in the scam. However, more dust were raised when Timi Frank, a former deputy
national publicity secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), claimed that Fowler gave
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo N90 billion from FIRS’ coffers to prosecute the 2019 presidential
election.
Fowler debunked the claim, saying the service’s annual allocation was not even up to that
amount. Sources told our correspondent that Fowler might be investigated by the EFCC over
some developments that happened during his tenure, especially the drop in revenue which
necessitated the query he was issued by the presidency.

“There is a likelihood that he may be investigated, especially as regards the query issued to him
by the presidency.

“Though he has replied, the presidency is not convinced by the responses he gave. That was part
of the reasons why his plea for a second term was rejected by President Muhammadu Buhari.

“He may also be investigated on the allegations raised by Timi Frank. The belief is that Timi
Frank may be wrong on the actual figures he mentioned (N90 billion) but he could be right that
the vice-president’s office actually got money from FIRS for the 2019 presidential election, and
that was probably why he (Frank) kept insisting that the vice-president should charge him to
court,” the source said.

Speaking on the development, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said Fowler should be
investigated over corruption allegations levelled against him during his tenure. Kola
Ologbondiyan, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, said it was not enough for the presidency
to reject a second term for Fowler without investigating the allegations levelled against him. He
said: “Our party will come out with an official position on the Fowler development.

We believe that it is not enough to remove him from office. If there are issues pertaining to
corruption, he should be investigated.

“That is the position of the PDP. To us, it is not enough to say he wasn’t given a second term and
so he should just go like that. “If there are issues bordering on corruption during his tenure, he
should be probed by the anti-corruption agency.

FIRS: Abiodun Aina To Fowler "You Stepped On Toes"

Acting Executive Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS, Abiodun Aina, on Monday,
said Tunde Fowler stepped on toes during his first term as the chairman.

Aina said this at the handover ceremony on Monday after President Muhammadu Buhari
nominated Muhammad M. Nami as the new FIRS chairman

Aina, who spoke in glowing terms about Fowler, thanked him for transforming FIRS even as he
admitted that he stepped on toes during his term.

Aina said: “Thank you very much Mr, Chairman, my boss, my brother, and my good friend Sir.
As you hand over to me I say what am I running? To have fought a good fight. You laid a very
solid foundation

“Within the intervening period that I will be holding fort, I promise you to steady the ship, by the
grace of God. You have done a lot within the space of four years. You have transformed FIRS.
You have modernised it. There has been a lot of innovations and under you, we have achieved
great heights.

“When we look back in 2015, the section was about N3. 3 trillion. At the end of 2018, with your
leadership, we were able to move to N5. 32 Trillion. That was the highest collection ever, in the
annals FIRS. You brought dynamism to FIRS.

“You introduced so many programmes that repositioned FIRS: Tax Amnesty Programme
implemented VAIDS, increased the number of taxpayers nationwide to over 20 million in a space
of four years, began placing lien on the account of taxpayers to ensure that each capable
corporate taxpayers pay his/her dues, fostered collaboration amongst the states through the Joint
Tax Board, began robust information sharing amongst states, launched the JTB TIN so that states
might have access to data for tax purposes, deepened FIRS’ embrace of technology for tax
purposes and many more.

“But like you also mentioned in your speech, change is usually resisted. And so you stepped on
toes. That is normal. Leadership is not a popularity contest. And I’m sure you know that very
well. And that was why you were focused on carrying out the mandate that was given to you. I
can tell you on behalf of my colleagues here that we will miss you. You have left a very big shoe
behind. We will do all we can to ensure that we will keep the flag flying.

“Thank you very much for what you have done for us.”

Senate Receives FCTA 2020 Budget Proposal From Buhari

Approves Conference Committee report on Finance Bill

The Senate on Wednesday received the 2020 statutory budget proposal of the Federal Capital
Territory Administration (FCTA).

This was even as the upper chamber approved the report of the Conference Committee of the
Senate and House of Representatives on the Finance bill passed by the National Assembly
recently.

President Muhammadu Buhari, in a letter dated December 10, 2019 and addressed to the
President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, requested the National Assembly to consider the 2020
budget proposal of the FCTA.

Buhari, in his letter, explained that the request to the Senate was in compliance with Sections 121
and 299 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

The letter reads: “Pursuant to Sections 121 and 299 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal
Republic of Nigeria (as amended), I forward herewith, the 2020 statutory budget proposal of the
Federal Capital Territory Administration, for the kind consideration and passage by the Senate.

“While hoping that this submission will receive the usual expeditious consideration of the Senate,
please accept, Distinguished Senate President, the assurances of my highest consideration.”
Meanwhile, the upper chamber also on Wednesday referred President Buhari’s request for the
confirmation of the Chairman and Members of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) to the
Senate Committee on Finance.

It also referred the President Buhari’s request for the confirmation of Edward Lametek Adamu as
Chairman, Assets Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) to the same committee for
further legislative action.

The Committee, which is chaired by Senator Olamilekan Adeola, is expected to submit its report
on December 18, 2019, before the National Assembly adjourns on Thursday for the Christmas
break.

Reps Summon Mamman, Ngige, PENCOM Boss Over FG,

Power Sector Workers’ Crisis
The House of Representatives has resolved to intervene in the crisis between the Federal
Government and workers in the power sector.

The House, at the plenary on Wednesday, resolved that the leadership should intervene in the
crisis within 24 hours to avert the strike.

This was based on the unanimous adoption of a motion titled, ‘Urgent Need for the Federal
Government to Interface with the Managements of Electricity Companies and the National Union
of Electricity Employees to avoid impending electricity blackout.’

The parliament urged the Federal Government to direct the Ministers of Power, Saleh Mamman;
and Labour, Employment and Productivity, Chris Ngige, to amicably resolve all issues as raised
by NUEE.

The House further directed the Committees on Power and Labour to, respectively, “invite the
ministers of Power, Labour, Employment and Productivity; (Acting) Director-General of the
National Pension Commission (Aisha Dahir-Umar); and the heads of the various GENCOS and
DISCOS to investigate the allegations against the companies and report back to the House in two
weeks.”

Before the Deputy Minority Leader, Mr. Toby Okechukwu, moved the motion, the Speaker, Femi
Gbajabiamila, who presided over the session, noted that the motion was to be moved by the
Deputy Minority Leader was a good example of a motion of urgent national importance.

Following the adoption, Gbajabiamila asked the relevant committees to write the ministers,
workers and other stakeholders to appear at a hearing scheduled for 2pm on Thursday.

Moving the motion, Okechukwu recalled that a petition dated November 7th, 2019, was written
to the Minister of Power by the National Union Of Electricity Employees.

He said NUEE copied the Distribution Companies and Generation Companies, where the union
warned and gave a 21-day ultimatum, after which a nationwide strike would be declared it their
demands are not met by the electricity companies.

The demands include non-payment of salary arrears, remittance of pension deductions, refusal to
pay over 2000 disengaged workers of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria since 2013,
underpayment of over 50,000 ex-PHCN staff (members), casualisation/outsourcing of workers.

Okechukwu also recalled that the workers, under the auspices of the NUEE, accused the Ministry
of Power of failing to respond to their strike notification letter, which expired Tuesday and the
union, and threatened that they had no other option than to withdraw services without further
notice, having exhausted every avenue for resolution of the dispute.

The Deputy Minority Leader said, “The House is concerned that their resolve to go on with the
strike without further notification came as a result of the information by a power sector
consultant, Mrs. Rahila Thomas, wherein she stated that the GENCOS and DISCOS direly
needed N1.2tn bailout to improve their services.

“The House is concerned further that if this threat is carried out, the whole country will be
plunged in total blackout and considering the consequential role which electricity plays and the
dependence upon electricity by all sectors of the country ,including the National Assembly, there
will be severe economic losses, which will further impact our society negatively.”

Okechukwu expressed concerns that Nigeria, as a member of the International Labour

Organisation, had ratified over 40 international labour conventions and had, through the National
Assembly, enacted the Labour Act, among other labour laws, by which the country swore to
protect the right of workers in the country.

Okechukwu added, “The House is bothered that if this threat by NUEE is not immediately looked
into and nipped in the bud, it will result in serious financial losses by both private and
government establishments, and as well as security challenges in our country.”

Producing President, Not Our Priority- Igbo Leaders

IGBO Leaders of Thought, ILT, have asked South-East governors to collaborate and carry out
joint services that would help address infrastructural deficit in the South-East zone.

Lamenting that Igbo have become a people under siege in Nigeria, the Professor Ben Nwabueze-
led body said occupying presidency in 2023 should not be the priority now. They urged the
governors and other leaders to key into its Perspectives In National Development, PIND,
proposal to turn the fortunes of the Igbo around.
The ILT, which is taking the proposal to South-East governors for action said: ‘’For several
decades, within the Nigerian Federation, Ndigbo can be described as a nation in desperate search
for acceptance as full citizens, a people deprived of the basic appreciation of their sacrifices in the
task of founding and nurturing the Nigerian State. This unsatisfactory situation has continued
unabated. The problem of how to accord Ndigbo their rightful place in the scheme of things in
Nigeria persists and has continued to grow in intensity with each succeeding Government. The
impression is gained, that an urgent need exists for an aggressive rethinking targeted at solving
the problems of our last-in-the-queue status in Nigeria.’’ ILT Deputy Leader, Professor Chiweyite
Ejike, who represented Professor Ben Nwabueze, when the leaders visited Governor Willie
Obiano of Anambra State, weekend, said: ‘’Our position paper (PIND) has advocated for a new
operational paradigm that would allow for a plausible mechanism for developing new ideas and
action plans on what requires to be done to advance the collective endeavours of Ndigbo to
transform the Igbo homeland into a modern political entity capable of addressing satisfactorily
the economic well being and industrial transformation of the Igbo States of Nigeria.’’
Ejike, who commended Obiano on his efforts to develop Anambra State, provision of first class
educational facilities for teaching and learning, plans to build an International Cargo Airport in
the state, and leadership style and measures to stem the increasing state of insecurity, urged the
governor to inspire his team to do more. Decrying the woes of the Igbo and proffering the way
forward, Professor Ejike said: ‘’I should like to reiterate a few of the core messages to Ndigbo
which we in the ILT have constantly and consistently placed before our Governments and People
over the past five years: ‘’The Igbo people, particularly in their homeland and all over Nigeria
would appear to be a people under siege. Consequently our leaders, especially our political
leaders and heads of governments need to adequately buckle-up and provide bold, daring and
decisive leadership. We have heard it said that–the Igbo have no Kings! This is not correct. Yes,
we abhor absolute monarchs, but we do have and indeed yearn for kings: philosopher kings;
humble kings, even-handed kings, rational and wise kings, objective kings and kings that exhibit
deep intellect, courage and passion for solidarity and integrity.
‘’The ILT has repeatedly stated that we as Ndigbo should not see the Presidency of Nigeria as our
priority. We demand for a knowledge-driven, rationally restructured Federal Nigeria where every
component nation is treated equally and allowed sufficient space in the political governance
architecture of the country which we have contributed so much to build. ‘’We stand for a Nigeria
where power is appropriately devolved; a Nigeria in which Ndiigbo and other nationalities are
not treated as “Enemies” who can never be trusted to form part of the core power structure. A
people under quarantine and perpetually under surveillance cannot be expected to access
opportunities needed for their desired development and self-fulfilment. We stand for a new
peoples’ constitution which would address these and other critical concerns. ‘’We advise all our
home states’ governors to double their efforts to unify and develop the homeland; quickly close
the humongous infrastructural deficits in the South-East zone and embark upon such Public and
Private projects capable of engendering massive job creations for our teeming unemployed
youths through rapid industrialization,upgraded food security initiatives,first-rate digital
education facilities and e-commerce. Nobody is going to do that for us.

‘’The ILT enjoins our Governors’ Forum to promote appropriate States Joint Services initiatives
particularly targeting enhanced security and the early development of strategically important
projects. Chief among such are Deep-water Port-Facilities in the South East and thereby quicken
the tempo of productive efficiency of our internal and external trades.’’
FFK Replys Femi Adesina

Again, Presidency Sends Powerful Message To Punch

Newspaper
The Presidency has again reacted after Punch Newspaper vowed to address President
Muhammadu Buhari as 'Major General'.

In a statement made available to Igbere TV on Wednesday by Senior Special Assistant to

President Buhari on Media, Garba Shehu said
it is not within the power or rights of a newspaper to unilaterally and whimsically change the
formal official title or the designation of the country's President as it pleases.
The Presidency noted that the Punch never changed President Olusegun Obasanjo's title from the
President to General Obasanjo, despite the latter's refusal to comply with Supreme Court
judgment, ordering him to release N30 billion of Lagos State local councils funds.

The statement reads in full,

"The reported new editorial policy of the Punch Newspapers to address President Muhammadu
Buhari as Major General in his official title and refer to his government as a regime instead of
administration, comes to us as totally curious and utterly incredible.

"The paper claimed that it is changing President Buhari's official title to General because of his
government's alleged disregard for the rule of law.

"Major General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd), for that is his title, and he was indeed Major General,
but today retired from that position and now twice democratically elected president of Nigeria –
is not the choice of Punch Newspaper’s editors and owners, that is clear.

"He is, however, the two-time electoral choice of the voters of Nigeria, those very people who
Punch Newspapers described this morning as “lethargic”: a disdaining epithet apportioned to
decent, hard-working, everyday Nigerians for not agreeing with, and for not having voted in line
with their publication’s editorial and political opinions.

"Punch’s editorial today is, however, entirely in line with holding and exercising the right of free
speech and freedom of the press, as my friend and colleague, Femi Adesina said earlier today.

"Femi, Special Adviser, Media and Publicity said the fact the Punch can insult the President in a
front page editorial and they go home to sleep, peacefully, is the best testimony to the prevalence
of the freedom of the press and of expression in the country.

"To quote him, “rather than being pejorative, addressing President Buhari by his military rank is
another testimony to free speech and freedom of the press, which this administration (or regime,
if anyone prefers: it is a matter of semantics) has pledged to uphold and preserve.”

"In countries around the world where this right does not exist, newspapers do not publish articles
such as the one Punch did today; nor do they get to express political opinions contrary to that of
government. The exact freedoms Punch claims are missing are self-evident here – in print, on the
internet – for all Nigerians and the whole world to see.

"There is nothing wrong with expressing contrary opinions to this government - nor being in
opposition to the president: this is the right of very Nigerian.

"However, calling for the armed overthrow of the democratically elected administration is a
different matter entirely: this Punch has in no way done – but others who they seek to defend,
have.

"There is the difference. Punch: oppose the government as much as you want to.

"We welcome your contribution to the debate. But we ask you not to throw insults at the good
voters of Nigeria for not agreeing to your choice at the last election.

"Oppose in good humour: for that is the mark of the true democrat – that which you purport to be.

"It is not within the power or rights of a newspaper to unilaterally and whimsically change the
formal official title or the designation of the country's President as it pleases.

"It is unprecedented and absurd in our recent political history. The Punch never changed
President Olusegun Obasanjo's title from the President to General Obasanjo, despite the latter's
refusal to comply with Supreme Court judgment, ordering him to release N30 billion of Lagos
State local councils funds.

"When General Ibrahim Babangida who wasn't democratically elected assumed the title of
President, why didn't the Punch challenge him or address him by any title it so desired?

"In fact, IBB closed media houses for several months and years, including Punch.

"But the paper didn't stop addressing him as President, despite the fact that he wasn't elected.

"It is obvious that the Punch newspapers are playing partisan opposition politics which has
nothing to do with journalism.

"The Constitution of Nigeria recognises the President as the formal official title of the occupant
of that office. Can the Punch newspapers, in their hubris address the President as Prime Minister
as it pleases?

"Is it within the paper's responsibility or power to change the official title of the man who
occupies the office of the President? Does that mean any newspaper is free to address the
Comptroller General of Customs a Colonel rather than his official title?

"The Punch newspaper should separate journalism from partisan politics. What it is embarking
upon is purely political and it is designed to play to the gallery and cause confusion.

"Punch Newspaper's double standards in cuddling some of our past dictators and their open
contempt for President Buhari clearly show that the paper has sinister motives for its current
curious editorial judgment. Its personal hatred for and animus towards President Buhari should
not be allowed to becloud its good judgment."

We’re closely monitoring Sowore’s case, EU

cautions
The European Union (EU) yesterday said it was closely following recent developments in the
case involving the publisher of Sahara Reporter, Omoleye Sowore and the Federal Government.
EU Ambassador, Ketil Karlsen, stated this in Abuja at an event to mark the International Human Rights
Day and the grand finale of the 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence.
The envoy noted: “As always, it is not for the EU to interfere in the judicial processes of countries
where we operate but it goes without saying that we are following up very closely and we are hoping
that there will be due process and the justice system will play its role as it is supposed to with full
transparency which is necessary in any democracy.”
According to Karlsen, the bloc “stands very firm on the principle of freedom of speech and
fundamental values as laid down in the universal declaration of human rights in the European
convention of human rights.”
He submitted that in any democratic society, people must be allowed to participate as long as they seek
peaceful means to voice their opinions.
Insisting that this was a crucial component of democracy, he added: “So, as a matter of principle, it is
important that when somebody is detained, there is a due process that the justice system provides.”
On gender-based violence, the ambassador noted that the struggle could not be left for the international
community alone, calling on government at all levels to show political will and prioritise the struggle.
However, the Executive Director of African Centre for Peace and Development, Senator Shehu Sani,
has called on government to respect the constitution and the rule of law in all its dealings.
“Our human rights record as a nation presently is appalling, repugnant and odious,” he stated
The lawmaker described Nigeria as a “graveyard for human rights and a mortuary for rule of law.”
He added: “We cannot aspire to be a moral power in Africa and the world when the pages of the books
of our laws and our constitution are used as toilet rolls and sanitary pads.”
Also yesterday, the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) urged Nigerians to walk
towards achieving a functional civil society community.
It also called for the decentralisation of the police to free it from the stronghold of the executive arm of
government.
Its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko at a press conference in Abuja, stated that the civil
society community “is not just about the CSOs, but about every individual asking the right questions
and holding the government accountable all the times.” He added that democracy was as good as dead
if Nigerians could not ask questions.

Unemployed Nigerians should be paid

stipends until they get jobs - Senate
The Senate has asked the federal government to initiate a sustainable unemployment fund for the
payment of living stipends to unemployed Nigerians until such persons secure employment.
Currently, the millions of unemployed Nigerians do not get any kind of benefits from the government.
The federal government has, however, initiated programmes like the N-Power to reduce the number of
unemployed in a country where the unemployment rate was 23.1 per cent by the third quarter of
2018.
On Wednesday, the Senate also called on the federal, state, and local governments to declare a state of
emergency on the provision of employment to Nigerian youth.
These were some of the resolutions taken by the Senate after it deliberated on a motion on ‘Escalating
rate of unemployment in the country.’ The bill was sponsored by former Deputy Senate President, Ike
Ekweremadu.
Mr Ekweremadu, who raised a Point of Order, complained that the large number of various levels of
graduates that Nigeria’s higher institutions are turning out yearly, but cannot be absorbed by the labour
market, is a time bomb waiting to explode.
The Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, had in April, disclosed that Nigeria’s
unemployment rate will reach 33.5 per cent by 2020.
A report by the National Bureau of Statistics in 2019 states that Nigeria’s unemployment rate stood at
23.1 per cent of the workforce in the third quarter of 2019.
Leading the debate, Mr Ekweremadu said any nation with such number of unemployed, but employable
youth population, is only sitting on a keg of gunpowder.
The most pressing demand on the hand of every legislator and public officer is the rising number of
Curriculum Vitae and application for employments from constituents and Nigerians, he said.
“A situation where every graduate has to queue up for job only in government offices is an indication
of the breakdown of the private sector, which is the major driver of world economies.
“These energies and potential talents that are lying idle and wasting away are usually misdirected
toward many unprofitable and harmful ventures and lifestyles,” he said.
The lawmaker said the high level of crime in any society is most times related to the high rate of
unemployment and it is one of the major causes of the upsurge in Rural-Urban migration, which puts
pressure on facilities at the urban centres.
In his contribution, Smart Adeyemi (APC, Kogi West), said unemployment is an issue that should be
taken seriously.
One of the major achievements of the government, is the efforts of President Muhammadu Buhari to
make sure the iron and steel complex is back to business, he said.
“Iron and steel complex alone is capable of employing 25,000 people, today I doubt if they have up to
500 people at the iron and steel complex Ajaokuta, it was abandoned by previous administrations.”
He added that banks have contributed in no small measure to the problem of unemployment in Nigeria.
“They refused to give faculty to small scale industry but when they see you as a politician, Nigerian
banks are easily available to you.”
Biodun Olujimi (PDP, Ekiti) lamented that Nigerians have moved away from agriculture.
“Nobody wants to go back to the farm. Even those on the farm are just nominal farmers. That is not
sufficient.
“We must declare an emergency on unemployment. The emergency is as good as being declared now.”
The Senate thereafter urged the federal government to put up mechanisms and programmes that would
provide employment for unemployed graduates/youth at all tiers of government.
The lawmakers also urged the federal, state, and local governments to revitalise existing industries,
build new ones, and provide a conducive and enabling environment for the private sector to build more
industries.
The Senate asked the federal government to initiate a sustainable unemployment fund for the payment
of living stipends to unemployed Nigerians until such persons secure any kind of employment.

Wole Soyinka Centre Apologizes To Osinbajo: 'We Were Wrong,

The VP Is Right'
Remember earlier this week, The Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism postponed the
presentation of award to the Nigerian Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo.

According to the organisation in a statement signed by its Executive Director/CEO, Motunrayo Alaka,
“the postponement was decided on, to align with protests against the repression of freedom of speech in
recent times especially the incident between the Department of State Security (DSS) and Omoleye
Sowore, Publisher of Sahara Reporters, on Friday 6 December.”

But the press statement released by the Centre has apologized for that move.

https://twitter.com/WSoyinkaCentre/status/1204431342647287809?s=20

Buhari: The Rain Doesn’t Fall On One Man’s Rooftop Alone

Nigerians are a people that forgets their history easily!
We are a people that doesn’t learn from the past! What hurts the most is that the elders who knows the
truth have had it hidden from the youths just because of what they will get. They have all sold their
consciences because of pot of porridge.

Buhari was sold as a converted democrat, and many people bought it. The elders who knew him as a
dictator sold him as a Saint, and the young people most of who never knew him saw him as the
messiah. We warned and fought against it, but they called us wailers.
Most of them were ready to even kill during the electioneering campaign.
When he started his sectional appointments, they said he was appointing the people he trusts.
Now that they didn’t see god Buhari perform miracles and turn naira to a dollar, they have taken over
our wailing.
Most of the young ones are still jobless, and are yet to see his 3 million jobs per annum.
Where’s his 24/7 electricity?
I thought they said he was going to end borrowing?
He has continued to borrow and shows no sign of slowing down.
A General that promised to lead from the front and stop Boko Haram in 3 months rarely talks about the
terrorists.
Where are those military equipments he bought from the US?

Those same people who condemned GEJ’s subsidy have lost their voices in Buhari’s subsidy.
Remember he told Nigerians that there’s nothing like subsidy.
Those who said he was right to invade the house of judges gestapo style are now trembling with fears.
Those that sold him to Nigerians as a converted democrat are now his victims.
Those that were rejoicing when he was ruthlessly dealing with others are now crying in his dungeons.

It’s already too late for Nigerians!

They have no choice that to stick with the evil they desperately needed!
Punch and other media houses realized very late.

The only thing that will save us is to always remember our history!
Let’s always remember that rain has never fallen on one Man’s roof alone, but on every man’s roof!

Akpabio Withdraws From Senatorial Rerun

The Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godswill Akpabio, has withdrawn from the planned Akwa Ibom
North West senatorial rerun election.

Akpabio, who was a former Senate minority leader, stated this in a letter addressed to the National
Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Adams Oshiomhole.

The Minister, in the letter, dated December 2, 2019, but obtained by our correspondent on Wednesday,
said a huge responsibility has been placed on him as Minister of Niger Delta Affairs

Akpabio said he won’t abandon a critical national assignment placed on him by Major General
Muhammadu Buhari (retd) in pursuit of a rerun election.

He urged the party to write the Independent National Electoral Commission, in line with Sections 33
and 35 of the Electoral Act, 2010, and submit a replacement to run in his place.

Akpabio in the letter, urged the national chairman of APC to prevail on the chairman of INEC,
Professor Mahmood Yakubu, to redeploy the State Electoral Commissioner in Akwa Ibom State, Mr.
Mike Igini if free and fair elections must be held.
He said, “I wish to recall that I was the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the Akwa
Ibom North-West Senatorial District Election held on the 23rd day of February, 2019.

“Upon the declaration of Christopher Ekpenyong of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the
purported winner of the election by the Independent National Electoral Commission, I challenged same
at the National and State Houses of Assembly Election Petition Tribunal, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

“The Tribunal in a split decision by a majority of two to one (Honourable Justice W. O. Akanbi and
Honourable Justice 0. D. Etubu) dismissed our Petition, while in a dissenting judgment delivered by
Honourable Justice Hahz S. Tahlr, the petition was adjudged proven and all the reliefs sought were
granted.

“Being dissatisfied with the decision of the majority judgment and upon the erudite points of law and
conclusion contained in the minority judgment, we appealed to the Court of Appeal, Calabar Judicial
Division which in a unanimous decision delivered on the 9th day of November, 2019, allowed our
appeal and set aside the Judgment of the Lower Tribunal.

“I have taken into consideration the critical national assignment bestowed on me by Mr. President
which will be of immense importance to Nigerians and in particular the indigenes of the Niger Delta
region and have resolved to remain as a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to further discharge
my contributions and services to our great fatherland.

“It is on the premise of the foregoing and particularly in line with the provisions of Section 35 of the
Electoral Act, 2010 (as amended) that I want to formally and voluntarily withdraw my candidature as
the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the forthcoming Court ordered Re-run
Election for the Akwa lbom North-West Senatorial District.

Malami: FG Has Ordered Probe Of Court Invasion By DSS

The Federal Government has ordered an investigation into the Friday invasion of the Federal High
Court, Abuja, by the operatives of the Department of State Service, the Attorney-General of the
Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami, has said.

The DSS, in their bid to rearrest the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress in the
February 2019 general election, Omoyele Sowore, had invaded the court, during which the judge
fled the scene.

Malami spoke to reporters on the premises of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday, after
paying a courtesy visit to the Chief Judge of the court, Justice John Tsoho.

He evaded question on the reason for Sowore’s rearrest, which had drawn criticisms locally and
internationally.
Fielding questions from reporters, he said he did not visit the Chief Judge over Sowore’s case but to
congratulate him on his confirmation by the Senate as the substantive Chief Judge of the Federal High
Court.

Asked if he was not appalled by the DSS’ conduct, Malami said, “Whatever affects the integrity of the
court is a worrisome issue for us.

“I can never be preemptive of an incident over which I was not a live witness to.”

He added, “But one thing I am certain of is that the government has put in place mechanism for
investigation of the reported incident.

“So, I would not like to be preemptive in terms of a conclusion, one way or the other, without
allowing the consummation and conclusion of the investigation process.”

Major-General: PUNCH Has Embarrassed Nigerians - Sagay

Prof. Itse Sagay (SAN), Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption
(PACAC) on Wednesday said PUNCH newspaper has greatly embarrassed over its resolve to
henceforth address President Muhammadu Buhari as a retired Major-General.

Speaking with Daily Independent, he said the newspaper has finally, come out of hiding having
pretended all this while as a secret mole of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

In a titled “Buhari’s lawlessness: Our Stand”, PUNCH had stated that it will “henceforth prefix
Buhari’s name with his rank as a military dictator in the 80s ‘Major General’ and refer to his
administration as a regime until they purge themselves of their insufferable contempt for the rule of
law.

The newspaper made the decision while making reference to DSS’ non-compliance to court orders on
trial of Omoyele Sowore, publisher of SaharaReporters; invasion of courtroom and trial of Shiites’
leader, Ibrahim El-Zakzaky amongst others.

Speaking with our correspondent, Sagay said by its action, PUNCH has shown utter disrespect to not
only President Muhammadu Buhari but the entire presidency and the sovereignty of Nigerians.

“That is disrespect and discourtesy promoted to the highest level. As far as I am concerned, PUNCH
has come out of hiding. It has been operating as a mole against this government for a long time. But
now, it has finally come out in its true colour”.

To say that a President that was elected by this country does not deserve to be addressed as President
because you disagree with something; for me, that is the limit of disrespect not just to the President but
the presidency and sovereignty of this country”.

“I think the PUNCH people have exposed themselves and they might as well declare themselves as a
party organ of the PDP and stop pretending to have any objective attitude to public affairs. It is a shame
and a great embarrassment to any decent-thinking Nigerian” he said.

Major- General:Afenifere Commends PUNCH, Says Buhari

Lied About Being A Democrat
Pan Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere has commended the courage of the PUNCH
newspaper over its resolve to henceforth address President Muhammadu Buhari as Major-General due
to his flagrant disregard for the rule of law and acts of dictatorship.

Speaking with Daily Independent, Yinka Odumakin, the organisation’s National Publicity Secretary
said the action of the newspaper is a commendable way of registering displeasure against a government
and its descent into dictatorship.

“It is a commendable act of expression of displeasure against the descent of dictatorship in Nigeria.
It reminds of newspapers leaving their front pages blank to protest of Kamuzu Banda’s reign of terror
in Malawi”.

“It is a medal to the shameless cap on the head of the Presidency that it missed the importance of this
weighty decision when Femi Adesina said his boss earned the title and can be addressed so”.

“It then means that he lied to us when he said he was a born again democrat if he still fancies himself
behaving like a General who overthrew a democratically elected government in 1983,” the organisation
said.

Gov. Ugwuanyi Felicitates With The President Of Ohanaeze Ndi-

igbo, Nwodo @ 67
Gov. Ugwuanyi Felicitates With The President Of Ohanaeze Ndi-Igbo, Nwodo @ 67(Photos)

The Executive Governor of Enugu State, on Wednesday, joined friends, relations and well-wishers of
the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief John Nnia Nwodo, to celebrate Mass at St. Mulumba
Catholic Church, New Haven, Enugu, in commemoration of Nwodo's 67th Birthday.

The governor in a newspaper advertorial today heartily congratulated the iconic leader of the Igbo
Socio-cultural body, on his attainment of 67 years, wishing him many happy returns.

Happy Birthday, Ike Ukehe!

Buhari Will Now Be Addressed As RULER-- Breaking Time
News
Breaking Times News has joined other News agencies such as Punch Newspaper and Signal News
, to show their displeasure with President Buhari disregard for rule of law and reckless display of
Dictatorial tendencies

In Total Support of @MobilePunch

and other news platforms the editorial board of @BTBreakingTimes has directed that
henceforth we shall no longer use the term "President Buhari"or "Government" these words
shall be replaced with the words "RULER" and "REGIME" on all our platforms.
NASS to Gulp N2.1tr in 2020 as Senate Moves to
Legalise 20% of Annual Budget to Their
Constituency Projects
POLITICS DIGEST – If a Bill seeking to set aside 20 per cent of the nation’s annual budgets for
constituency projects becomes law, Members of the National Assembly would be allocated N2.1trillion
in 2020.
The Senate on Wednesday passed for second reading a bill which seeks to legalize constituency
projects and also dedicate at least 20 per cent of annual budgets for lawmakers’ zonal intervention
projects.
Going by the N10.594trillion 2020 Budget recently passed by both chambers of the National Assembly,
the lawmakers are expected to get at least N2.1trillion, representing 20 per cent of the budget for
constituency projects.
The Bill titled: “Constituency projects (budgetary provisions) Bill, 2019” was sponsored by Senator
Stella Oduah (Annmbra North)
In her lead debate, Senator Oduah noted that one of the unique features of the nation’s democratic
journey so far is the concept of ’Constituency Projects’.
According to her, available statistics show that 70 per cent of Nigerians live in the rural areas and the
intention of the Bill is to ensure that good governance is delivered to these crucial areas.
“The Bill is also intended to correct the top-bottom approach of governance and replace it with the
bottom-top approach,” she said.
She noted that constituency projects have become a veritable means of attracting federal presence to
various communities in Nigeria
“If not for these projects, majority of federal constituencies would not have a single federal project due
to lopsided nature of project allocation in the budget,” Oduah said.
According to her, constituency projects are not peculiar to Nigeria as similar mechanisms have been
institutionalized in Kenya, Uganda, India and Tanzania.
“Instead of vilifying the National Assembly on the constituency project, people should advocate for an
institutional framework for the implementation of the constituency projects as it is the case in Kenya.
“This Bill therefore is an attempt at providing both institutional and legislative frame work for the
operation of constituency projects in Nigeria thereby making it part of our National Budget,” Oduah
added.
She further insisted that while it is true that Local Government councils have the responsibility of
developing local communities, “the Federal Government has the overall responsibility of providing
federal presence in these areas through developmental projects.
“There is no way this can be achieved without the input of the parliamentarians who are the
representatives of the people at the federal level.”
In his contribution, the Deputy Minority Whip of the Senate, Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, supported the Bill.
According to Abdullahi, who represents Niger North, “I think it is only very fair to ensure that every
part of this country have that sense of belonging, those little interventions as democratic dividends.”
He added: “Like the lead debater said, there are a lot of interpretations, misinformation and even
disinformation out there and it is very obvious that if we are to look at the intent of the Nigeria
constitution that states we must act in a manner that gives every constituency a sense of belonging and
that national feeling, then you agree with me that it is only through the instrumentality of the
constituency projects that every part of Nigeria is getting, no matter how little, something that comes
from the federal government.”
Senators approved that the Bill be read a second time when it was put to voice vote by Senate President
Ahmad Lawan.

Nig Senate To Investigate Pppra Non-remittance Of #800bn For

Road Maintenance
The Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency is set be investigated by the Ahmed Lawan led
Senate over alleged non-remittance of N800 billion to the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency
(FERMA) for the maintenance of roads across the country.

Lawan stated this in his concluding remarks on a bill for an Act to Repeal the Federal Roads
Maintenance Agency Act, 2002 and to Establish the Federal Roads Authority Bill, 2019.

According to the Senate President, previous efforts by Nigeria to concession government enterprise
failed as a result of systemic corruption.

He, therefore, called for Public – Private – Partnership in the construction of roads across the country if
government must meet up to its responsibility of providing good roads.

Ebonyi House Of Assembly Approves The Upgrade Of Three

LGAs To Urban Areas

The Ebonyi State of House Assembly, on Wednesday, approved the letter seeking for the upgrade of
three Local Government Areas in the State to Urban Areas.

The letter which was written by Governor David Nweze Umahi to the House had Afikpo North LGA,
Ohaozara LGA, and Ivo LGA as the key areas to be upgraded.
In a statement made available to Igbere TV on Wednesday by the Special Assistant on Media to Umahi,
Hon. Francis Nwaze said the Ebonyi State House of Assembly under the leadership of Rt. Hon. Francis
Ogbonnaya Nwifuru approved the request.

More details soon…

Aisha: PDP Says First Lady’s Outburst Exposes President’s

Incompetence
Abuja – Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday mocked President Muhammadu Buhari over the
First Lady, Aisha Buhari outburst.

Challenging President Buhari to put his house in order, PDP said that the public outburst by First Lady,
is another sad commentary that further exposes the President’s incompetence and why the government
has failed in his hands.

The party, in a statement by its spokesman, Kola Ologbondiyan said that the development has also
exposed President Buhari’s failure to lead and enforce an organized governance structure, and that the
governance of “our nation has been ceded to the chaotic and selfish whims of a cabal.

“It is indeed appalling that under President Buhari, our once productive and highly organized
Presidency has been bastardized and reduced to Kunle Bamtefa’s soap opera, Fuji House of
Commotion.

“Instead of governance, the Buhari Presidency has continued to serve Nigerians and the international
community with tragicomedies that make mockery of leadership.

“Nigerians can now further see why nothing works under the Buhari Presidency; why the
administration has remained shambolic and plagued with policy summersaults and executive
recklessness; why our economy has remained comatose and why our nation has been dangerously
drifting to the brinks under President Buhari’s watch.

“Indeed, the Buhari Presidency has proven to be a huge national embarrassment and a big problem for
our nation.

“Never in the history of our nation has the office, essence and symbol of Nigeria’s Presidency been so
stripped and ridiculed.”

The PDP urged President Buhari to immediately put his house in order and save the nation further
embarrassments under his very incompetent, disorderly and messy regime.
Africans No Longer Need Visa To Enter Nigeria, Buhari
Announces In Egypt
Other Africans travelling to Nigeria will from January 2020 be able to get their visas at the point of
entry.

This was stated by President Muhammadu Buhari Wednesday at the Aswan Forum for Sustainable
Peace and Development in Africa, holding in Egypt.

“We in Nigeria have already taken the strategic decision to bring down barriers that have hindered the
free movement of our people within the continent by introducing the issuance of visa at the point of
entry into Nigeria to all persons holding passports of African countries with effect from January, 2020.”

The Nigerian government last year announced visa on arrival policy for selected categories of people.

Over 2,000 of such visas were given to potential investors at Nigeria’s main airport in Lagos in July, an
official said.

The government has also been considering new types of visas for applicants.

In his speech at the Egypt event, the Nigerian leader emphasised the need to resolve conflicts across
Africa.

“As Africans it is important to focus on the issues of conflict prevention and resolution. Conflicts have
devastating effects on our societies and they militate against our progress. In this regard, the need to
silence the guns cannot be overemphasized,” he said.

Read a full statement by the presidency containing Mr Buhari’s speech at the event below.

THE NEXUS BETWEEN PEACE AND DEVELOPMENT, BY PRESIDENT BUHARI AT ASWAN

FORUM

President Muhammadu Buhari has declared that the resolution of conflict situations in African
countries remains a key component in the overall development of the continent.

Speaking Wednesday during the opening session of the ongoing Aswan Forum for Sustainable Peace
and Development in Africa, taking place in the Egyptian town, the President said: “As Africans it is
important to focus on the issues of conflict prevention and resolution. Conflicts have devastating
effects on our societies and they militate against our progress. In this regard, the need to silence the
guns cannot be overemphasized.”

President Buhari equally emphasized that massive investment in transportation infrastructure was
necessary for African economic resurgence as this would facilitate the African Free Trade Area
Agreement recently signed on by the continental leaders.

“Africa should embark on the provision of transport connectivity by enhancing the development of
roads, rail, and air links which will ease the free movement of persons, goods and services within the
continent. In this regard, we in Nigeria have already commenced an aggressive drive to upgrade our rail
transport system and road networks across the country.

“We should furthermore promote free trade within and amongst Africa and Africans especially now that
we have launched the African Free Trade Area Agreement,” he said.

In order to realize its Pan-African vision of an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa driven by its
own citizens and representing a dynamic force in the global arena, President Buhari declared: “We in
Nigeria have already taken the strategic decision to bring down barriers that have hindered the free
movement of our people within the continent by introducing the issuance of visa at the point of entry
into Nigeria to all persons holding passports of African countries with effect from January, 2020.”

The Nigerian leader also stated that Africa must take its destiny in its own hands by minimizing
reliance on donor funding for the execution of its vital peace, security and development agenda.
According to him, “Nigeria is not only host to our sub regional body ECOWAS but has also been
supporting substantially the ECOWAS budget up to about 60 percent.

“Nigeria has been funding by almost a 100 percent the operations of the Multinational Joint Task Force
(MNJTF) fighting Boko Haram Terrorists in the Lake Chad Basin.”

President Buhari also harped on the fight against corruption and inclusive growth: “The menace of
corruption undermines our efforts to achieve sustainable development and realize the goals of the AU
Agenda 2063. It is also important to attach great priority to the promotion of good and inclusive
governance as we equally strive to empower our women and youth.”

The President once again used the opportunity to draw global attention to the recession of the Lake
Chad and its attendant economic consequences for the region.

“The issue of climate change should be given the due attention that it deserves. The effects of Climate
Change are at the root of some of the conflicts in parts of the continent. This is why we must focus on
the issue of the recharging of the Lake Chad which used to provide livelihood to over forty million
people in the region. It is difficult to expect durable stability in the region without restoration of the
shrinking lake.

He urged African leaders to see education as a key tool for the transformation and repositioning of our
continent, saying, “Africa would need to heavily invest in education and capacity building. Education
creates opportunities and holds the key for a better and prosperous future of our people.”
The President added that his administration was, “ pursuing the diversification of our economy through
the development of agriculture and mineral resources, the promotion of manufacturing sector and the
creation of job opportunities for our teeming youths. By so doing, we will also discourage the irregular
migration of our youth out of the Continent through dangerous journeys.”

IPOB: ECOWAS Court Struck Out Nnamdi Kanu's Petition

The Community Court of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on Wednesday
held that the arrest and detention of leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB),
Nnamdi Kanu, by the Nigerian government was not unlawful and arbitrary.

In its judgment, the court consequently dismissed the suit by Kanu alleging torture, assault, inhuman
treatment and the violation of his property rights by the Federal Republic of Nigeria for lacking in
merit.

Delivering judgment in the suit, Hon Justice Dupe Atoki who read the judgment of the court also held
that Nnamdi Kanu’s arrest and detention were not unlawful and arbitrary as claimed by the plaintiff.

The three member panel of the court equally dismissed the request of Kanu for monetary compensation
to the tune of $800 million US Dollars.

While the court acknowledged that the plaintiff had the locus standi (legal capacity) to approach the
court for the alleged violation of his human rights, it adjudged that without a mandate, he lacked the
legal personality to represent the IPOB before the court.

On the issue of proper parties before the court, the names of the second and third defendants (Attorney
General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, and Director-General, State Security Service) who
are not signatories to the ECOWAS Revised Treaty, were struck out of the suit as improper parties,
leaving the 1st defendant, the Federal Republic of Nigeria as the sole defendant in the case.

In the suit no ECW/CCJ/APP/06/16 filed before the court on March 3, 2016 by his counsel, Mr. Ifeanyi
Ejiofor, the plaintiff claimed that his rights to life, personal integrity, privacy, fair trial, freedom of
movement, freedom of expression, personal liberty, freedom of association, private property, right to
existence and right to self-determination were violated following his arrest and detention by agents of
the defendant state.

The plaintiff also alleged that he was a victim of arbitrary arrest, detention, torture, inhuman and
degrading treatment while in detention and that his personal belongings were confiscated by the
defendant through its agent.

Mr. Kanu, who is also the Director of Radio Biafra, registered under the regulatory laws of the United
Kingdom and the United Nations, demanded monetary compensation in the sum of $800 million US
dollars.

But counsel to the government of Nigeria, Mr. Abdullahi Abubakar, averred in his defence that the
country was obliged to enforce the rule of law as stipulated in its Constitution, Treaties and Protocol
which included defending the sovereignty of an undivided Nigeria.

The counsel added that the activities of IPOB were secessionist in nature as it instigated a separationist
agenda among the people of the country’s South-East and South-South using its Biafra Radio.

Mr. Abubakar further averred that the acts of the plaintiff were intended to garner support for war
against the defendant and carve out a geo-political area to be declared “Republic of Biafra.”
Consequently, he said the defendant initiated an investigation into the allegations against the plaintiff
which led to his arrest and discovery of illegal firearms and radio transmitters in his possession, items
that posed security risk to the country.

The defendant also submitted that the plaintiff was investigated while in detention for offences of
criminal conspiracy, managing and belonging to an illegal society and that though granted bail whose
conditions he could not meet, he was detained on fresh charges of treasonable felony instituted at the
Federal High Court against the plaintiff.

Counsel to the defendant avowed that although the plaintiff and some members of IPOB had severally
threatened the peace of the nation with their demands, the defendant gave no orders to its agencies to
kill members of IPOB nor did any such killings occur but that the defendant had remained committed
to upholding the rule of law while recognizing and protecting the fundamental rights of its citizens and
all groups including the IPOB.

The defendant, therefore, urged the court to dismiss the case.

Also on the panel were Justices Edward Amoako Asante and Keikura Bangura.

Sharia Law Should Be Taught In Nigerian Schools With Arabic

Language — Cjn Tanko
Justice Ibrahim Tanko-Muhammad, Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, on Wednesday advocated for
teaching of Sharia law in Nigerian universities in Arabic language.

He made the remark while declaring open the 20th Annual Judges Conference held at the Faculty of
Law Moot Court, Kongo Campus of Ahmadu Bello University, ABU, Zaria, Kaduna State.

The two-day conference was organised by the Centre for Islamic Legal Studies, CILS, ABU in
collaboration with National Judicial Institute, NJI, Abuja.
The theme of the conference is: “Documentation of Contracts in Islamic Law: Procedure, Sample
Precedents and Practice.”

The CJN, who was represented by Justice Muhammad Danjuma, Grand Khadi of Niger State, said the
call became imperative in view of the importance of Arabic to Sharia legal system.

“The Sharia law should be taught in Arabic instead of English, there is no university in Nigeria that
runs Sharia in Arabic, they all teach Sharia in English.

“So, academicians let’s also look into this issue, let’s try something, let’s have a Faculty of Sharia.”

Mr Tanko-Muhammad blamed Muslims for their lukewarm attitude towards moving the Sharia forward
in Nigeria, advising that there should for a change of attitude to propel Sharia to certain level of
advancement.

He recalled that since the issue of Sharia was introduced in Nigeria, there was no meaningful progress
up to today, saying that “while others are moving, the Shari is not moving in this country.

“As we all know that there are sections of the constitution that allow the implementation of Sharia
personal law and apart from that, we cannot do more than that.”

He said there was a section of the constitution that says: “Not less than three of Judges of the Court of
Appeal should be learned with Sharia, as at that time the number of Justices of the Court of Appeal was
limited.

“It comes to a time where the number of Justices of Court of Appeal was increased, but the number of
Justices to be learned in Sharia is still limited to not less than three.

“We should have fight, because Muslims are there when they increased the number of the Justices, we
say ok, since the number of Justices has been increased, we should also increase our number to be not
less than 10 or five,” he advised.

This, according to him, will enable those Justices with Sharia background attend to issues that have to
do with Islamic law.

In his speech, the Vice-Chancellor, ABU, Prof. Ibrahim Garba lauded the collaboration between CILS
and NJI for providing a platform for a national discuss on core issues in Islamic jurisprudence.

Mr Garba, who was represented by the Dean, ABU School of Postgraduate Studies, Prof. Sani
Abdullahi, assured the organisers that the management of the university identifies with the philosophy
and objectives of the Annual Judges Conference and had fully thrown its weight behind it.
He said the university decided to do so largely due to its far-reaching significance for both the
development of Islamic Legal Education as well as National Development.

“A university without public discuss or an avenue to discuss research findings or critical problems
confronting society is not worth its name,” he argued.

Earlier, the Director, CILS, Prof. Muhammad Bello-Uthman said the main objective behind the
conference was for the development of Sharia.

He recalled that in the last 20 years of organising the conference it had handled several areas of interest
to Sharia including Islamic Criminal Justice, procedural matters, marriage and divorce, issues relating
to children and recently Islamic financial legislation.

“The centre has found that there is a gap in the existing financial legislation in this country, and that
several Non-Interest Financial Institutions (NIFIs) do not actually possess the documentary
wherewithal required to compete with many of the advanced Non-Interest Financial jurisdictions
around the world.

“In the light of this, we resolved to do some work on this in order to fill in the gap that exists. To
achieve this, we need to generate the mandate of jurists, hence the selection of this conference theme,”
he noted.

The conference attracted participants such as Grand Khadis from different states of Northern Nigeria,
Sharia Court Judges, academics and lawyers.

The Speech That Landed Orji Uzoh Kalu In Prison (video)

Many ex governors are corrupt, if not all but the anti corruption bulldog will only bite those who speak
against the selective style of government by Major General Buhari hence the reason there is hardly a
strong opposition. Below is the footage of the speech that got ex governor Orji Uzoh Kalu into prison
and guess what? He's also a senator, the law puts him in jail while he's still entitled to his benefits as a
senator of the federal republic.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7bRnyl5MsGw

Orji Uzor Kalu:No Roads In Abia State But Look at Roads he

Built In his Mansion
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fsM7SQ6648M&t=367s
BREAKING: Judge Recuses Self From Agba Jalingo’s Case —
After Leaked Audio
Simon Amobeda, a judge in the federal high court in Calabar, has recused himself from the case of
Agba Jalingo.

Jalingo, a journalist standing trial over “attempt to topple the government of Cross River”, had accused
Amobeda of making statements implying that judgment in his court is a matter of favour rather than
law and justice.

In an audio obtained by TheCable, the judge was heard saying the journalist’s life was in the hands of
the court.

He also accused Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, Jalingo’s counsel ,of being too proud, saying he would not
be intimidated by the senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN).

After the publication, Jalingo wrote to John Tsoho, chief judge of the federal high court in Abuja,
seeking reassignment of his case.

He said it had become clear that he would not get fair trial under Amobeda.
“As Justice Simon Amobeda also reportedly stated in the secret audio recording, the charge on which
he is to try me ‘is a criminal matter that the punishment carries death penalty.’ The charge I am to face
trial on is based on some trumped-up allegations by Governor Benedict Ayade of Cross River State, and
I am eager to meet it head-on-head and defend myself and establish my innocence before the court of
law and justice,” he wrote in the letter.
“However, I see no chance of fair trial for me in my case when the judge before whom the case (and
my fate) lies is one whose understanding of justice, and the dispensation of it, is depicted in the above
statements and comments, among many others alike made by Justice Amobeda in the secret audio
recording.”
When the journalist’s matter came up for hearing on Wednesday, Amobeda referred the case to Sule
Shuaibu, the administration judge of the division who is the senior judicial officer there.
Amobeda explained it was only proper for him to step aside, given the attention accorded the case by
the media.
Making reference to the affidavits deposed to by Jalingo, the judge said supporting the motion were
“false, unfounded and misguided.”
He said Jalingo never applied for the record of proceedings to tender before the court but rather
resorted to “inciting the public against the court”.
Amobeda added that it was “regrettable” that Olumide-Fusika, who according to him does not have the
record of proceedings, relied on “ baseless accusations”.
Jalingo was first arraigned in August following a story he published on how Ayade allegedly approved
and diverted N500 million meant for Cross River State Microfinance Bank.

Army Says Video Of Boko Haram Killing Soldiers Fabricated

By IPOB
The attention of the Nigerian Army has been drawn to a viral, unsubstantiated and apparently fabricated
video clip circulating on the social media portraying the stage managed/so called capture and killing of
some Nigerian soldiers by Boko Haram terrorists on the 10th of December 2019.

The Nigerian Army wishes to emphatically state that there was no incident that involved the "capture
and killing of tens and tens of Nigerian soldiers on the 10th of December 2019" as mischievously and
wickedly portrayed in the video.

Similarly, preliminary observation of the video clip (even by the amateur) will reveal that the video was
doctored and that the entire events captured in the footage was not an occurrence that took place at any
point in time within the shores of Nigeria.

To this end the Nigerian Army is hereby calling on the members of the general public and indeed
personnel of the Nigerian Army especially those in the North East theatre of operation to disregard the
sinister, very inciting and divisive video concocted and peddled by the outlawed IPOB members whose
main objective is the disunity and fragmentation of Nigeria as clearly shown or espoused in the video.

Accordingly, the call by one Simon Ekpa, (the principal actor in the clip), calling on soldiers of South
East extraction presently serving in the North East to desert the Army and return to Biafra as well as
calling on South Easterners not to join the Nigerian Army is an obvious indication of the essence and
objective of the masterminds of this fake video which should be dicountenanced by the public.

Meanwhile the leadership of the Nigerian Army wish to also reiterate its unflinching commitment to
sustain the war against terrorism and shall not be deterred by the evil machinations or propagandist
activities of mischievous persons whose main interest is the disunity of our beloved nation.

SAGIR MUSA
Colonel
Acting Director Army Public Relations
11 December 2019

Grid collapse: Blackout in the country

The country is in blackout as a result of a persistent grid collapse.

The national electricity grid has recorded more than 10 collapses in 2019, worsening power supply
across the country.
DISCOs and their franchise points affected:

IBEDC - Oyo, Osun, Ogun and Kwara States.

https://twitter.com/IBEDC_NG/status/1204815946885586944?s=19

IKEDP & EKEDC - Lagos State.

https://twitter.com/IkejaElectric/status/1204694719684644865?s=19

https://twitter.com/EKEDP/status/1204869383434252295?s=19

BEDC - Delta, Edo, Ondo and Ekiti States.

https://twitter.com/BEDCpower/status/1204723197121368066?s=19

AEDC - FCT
https://twitter.com/aedcelectricity/status/1204892334791548928?s=19

Kaduna Electric - Sokoto, Kaduna, Kebbi & Zamfara States.

https://twitter.com/Kadunaelectric/status/1204843897475739648?s=19

EEDC - Abia, Enugu, Anambra, Imo and Ebonyi States.

https://twitter.com/enugudisco/status/1204862480092188676?s=19

JosEDP - Plateau, Bauchi, Benue and Gombe States.

https://twitter.com/josdisco/status/1204926731112665088?s=19

December 12

No Going Back On Building Fourth Mainland Bridge – Lagos

Governor, Sanwo-Olu
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Wednesday said his administration is determined to
build the Fourth Mainland Bridge.

He also highlighted key component of his administration aimed at delivering his Greater Lagos vision.

Sanwo-Olu revealed his administration’s strides while answering questions as a guest on Channels
television’s flagship programme, Sunrise Daily on Wednesday.

He said the construction of the 4th mainland bridge, would make use of private equity to achieve the
project.
“Two weeks ago, we advertised the 4th mainland bridge project locally and internationally. Our total
budget for next year is about $3 billion and that’s the highest in the country. The 4th mainland bridge,
from the design we have seen that it is a 37 kilometres road. We cannot handle it alone so we are going
to use private equity. We have advertised. We have the alignment, we have the right of way and all of
the biometric study. Let everyone worldwide come and play a role,” he said.

Nnamdi Kanu's Lawyer Sues Nigerian Police, Demands N2bn

Compensation
Ifeanyi Ejiofor, the lawyer of the leader of the Indigenous People Of Biafra (IPOB) Nnamdi Kanu, has
filed a lawsuit against the Nigerian police over an alleged invasion of his house and alleged killing of
four occupants by operatives of the force.

Ejiofor who filed the lawsuit through his lawyer Maxwell Okpara, demanded N2bn as compensation
for burning of his house and alleged shooting of his aged mother by the police at his home town in
Anambra State on December 2.

Channels Television reported that Nnamdi Kanu's lawyer also asked the court to stop the police from
further harassing, intimidating, threatening his life and destroying his properties.

He asked the court to compel the police to retract a public notice issued on December 3, which declared
him wanted. Ejiofor demanded for an apology from the Nigerian police which will be published in five
major newspapers.

FFK Cautions Buhari Over Alleged Plot To Remove Seyi

Makinde
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Femi Fani-Kayode, has told President Muhammadu
Buhari not to meddle with the affairs of Oyo State. According to the former minister of aviation,
the biggest mistake President Buhari will make is to either bribe or coerce the Supreme Court
into nullifying the election that brought Governor Seyi Makinde to power.

This statement came after the PDP in South West raised allegations that the president was planning to
upturn the victory of Governor Makinde at the Supreme Court.

This was said in a meeting, which was attended by top PDP members like the Deputy National
Chairman, Yemi Akinwonmi; the Vice Chairman, North West, Senator Ibrahim Kazaure; National Vice
Chairman, South West, Dr. Eddy Olafeso; and Dr. Doyin Okupe.In a tweet yesterday, the former
minister advised the president not to tread that dangerous path, as it would result in nothing but
calamity, chaos and disaster.
We Are Not Answerable To US, UK - Femi Adesina
The Presidency says Nigeria is a sovereign nation and will not be bothered about the reports from the
United States, the United Kingdom and the European Union as regards human rights abuses.

The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, said this on Channels
Television’s ‘Politics Today’ programme on Wednesday.

Adesina was asked to react to reports from the EU, UK and the US that Nigeria’s high record of human
rights abuses.

He was also asked to react to the invasion of the Federal High Court, Abuja by men of the Department
of State Services who arrested the Publisher of SaharaReporters, Omoyele Sowore, last Friday.

Responding to the question, Adesina said, “We are not answerable to the US, the UK or the EU. We are
Nigeria, a sovereign country. Those countries and entities have issues of their own. Let them deal with
their issues. Let Nigeria also deal with her internal issues. We are not answerable to them.”

When asked to respond to criticisms against the regime of the President, Major General Muhammadu
Buhari (retd.) by Prof. Wole Soyinka, Adesina said the Nobel laureate was free to express his opinion.

“We respect Prof. Soyinka. You don’t have too many of them in the country or even on the continent.
He is an avatar and he is well respected but his opinion will remain his opinion. It will be considered
and if there are things to act on, we will act on them,” he said.

Adesina said the Presidency would not take the opinion of a few Nigerians as that of the majority.

He said the ultimatum issued by 14 civil society groups as well as the editorial by The PUNCH was not
the mind of the majority of Nigerians.

“Genuine issues will be looked into. We have had instances in which the government had to reverse
itself because there were concerns raised. It shows that the government is responsive but you cannot
listen to a babble of voices. It will distract you from what you are doing,” the President’s spokesman
said.

When reminded of the fact that he was also a journalist before taking up the job to be the President’s
spokesman, Adesina said he would remain true to his calling.

“I am still in the media. It is just that the roles are a bit reversed… when I am done with government by
the grace of God, I will still return to the media,” he said.

Adesina said he would not make any comment on the allegations levelled against the nephew of the
President, Mamman Daura; and the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity,
Garba Shehu; by the First Lady, Aisha Buhari.

In a statement on Wednesday, Mrs Buhari had alleged that Shehu, took orders from Daura, adding that
Daura ordered Shehu to issue a statement announcing that the office of the first lady had been scrapped.

When asked to react to the allegations, Adesina said the questions should be directed to Shehu since it
was he that the allegations were levelled against.

He further stated that he did not like to meddle in the President’s family affairs except he was asked to
speak on the matter by the President himself.

Buhari’s title: No law states how a President should be

addressed - NBA
Prominent lawyers, including Mr Femi Falana, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa and Jiti Ogunye, on Wednesday
supported the decision of PUNCH to henceforth address the President of the country as Major General
Muhammadu Buhari (retd.).

But the Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption, Prof. Itse Sagay, and a
Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Dr Alex Izinyon, opposed PUNCH’s decision.

The PUNCH, in a front page comment on Wednesday, assessed the President and stated that Buhari,
who ruled the country as a military head of state from 1983 to 1985, had failed to “wean himself off his
military antecedents.”

A few hours after PUNCH’s comment was published, two presidential aides expressed reservations
about the decision to prefix Buhari’s name with Major General.

The President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, in a statement, said
PUNCH’s decision was an indication of freedom of speech in the country.

He stated, “A newspaper says it will henceforth address President Muhammadu Buhari by his military
rank of Major General.

“Nothing untoward in it. It is a rank the President attained by dint of hard work before he retired from
the Nigerian Army. And today, constitutionally, he is also the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed
Forces.

“All over the world, just as in our country, a large number of retired military officers are now
democrats. It does not make those who did not pass through military service better than them.

“Rather than being pejorative, addressing President Buhari by his military rank is another testimony to
free speech and freedom of the press, which this administration (or regime, if anyone prefers: it is a
matter of semantics) has pledged to uphold and preserve.”

But the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr Garba Shehu, in a separate
statement, disagreed with the newspaper for changing the title of the President to Major General. He
said a newspaper did not have the power to change the title of a President.

He said PUNCH “never changed President Olusegun Obasanjo’s title from the President to General
Obasanjo, despite the latter’s refusal to comply with the Supreme Court judgment ordering him to
release N30bn to Lagos State.”

Shehu said when “General Ibrahim Babangida, who wasn’t democratically elected, assumed the title of
President,” PUNCH did not challenge him.

He recalled that Babangida closed media houses, including PUNCH, for several months.

“The Constitution of Nigeria recognises the President as the formal official title of the occupant of that
office. Can the Punch newspapers, in their hubris address the President as Prime Minister as it
pleases?” he asked.

NBA backs PUNCH

The Nigerian Bar Association, however, threw its weight behind the decision by PUNCH to begin
prefixing the President’s name by his last military rank, major general.

The National Publicity Secretary of the association, Mr Kunle Edun, in an interview with The PUNCH,
said the newspaper did not violate any law by its decision.

He noted that the newspaper was only expressing its right to freedom of expression in reaction to the
acts of the regime.

Edun stated, “We all know that military regimes have no respect for the rule of law and the judiciary is
usually under attack,” he stated.

Edun said referring to Buhari as a major general was not defamatory since it was his last rank in the
military.

He said, “I am not aware of any law that expressly states how the President of the Federal Republic of
Nigeria should be addressed or prefixed; whether as Mr President, a General or simply as Alhaji, is of
no consequence at the moment because it is a fact that Buhari is a retired military general and someone
who has undergone the mandatory hajj.
“Moreso, the appellations used are not defamatory. Punch has just decided how to express its
fundamental right to freedom of expression in conveying its reactions about certain actions of this
government.”

PUNCH has not violated any law – Falana

A Lagos-based rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), said PUNCH had not violated any law, adding that
the description was appropriate for the present regime.

The Senior Advocate of Nigeria explained that the reactions of both Adesina and Shehu did not address
the grave allegations of gross human rights abuses that had become the hallmark of the Buhari regime.

Falana noted that contrary to the diversionary ploy of the presidential spokespersons to cover up the
desecration of the Federal High Court in Abuja last Friday, the State Security Service had apologised to
Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu and the Chief Judge of the court for the armed invasion of the temple of justice.

He said, “While commending PUNCH for imposing the symbolic sanctions on the Buhari regime, it is
pertinent to remind Mr Garba Shehu that he was arrested and detained by the State Security Service in
2006 during the Obasanjo/Atiku face-off. It was the human rights community that fought for his release
from the illegal custody.

“In the case of the IGP vs ANPP (2008) 12 WRN 65, we also won the Nigerian people the right to
protest for or against the government without police permit. In exercise of the right of freedom of
expression won through the court, Major General Buhari and other APC leaders convened rallies to
protest election malpractices and insecurity in the country. But as far as the Buhari regime is concerned,
any Nigerian citizen, who participates in a peaceful rally, is liable to be charged with treasonable felony
or terrorism.

“Mr Garba Shehu alluded to the illegal closure of the PUNCH newspaper by the Babangida junta. It is
embarrassing that the senior journalist is not aware that the closure was declared illegal, while the sum
of N22m was awarded in favour of the newspaper by the Federal High Court. The said judgment has
since been affirmed by the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court. The era of military dictatorship in
Nigeria has passed. The current era of civilian dictatorship will pass too.

Electricity Workers Suspend Strike Action

The National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) has suspended its strike action embarked upon
on Wednesday to draw federal government’s attention to the plight of its members.

Following a meeting with officials of the federal government, the union accepted to discontinue the
one-day old strike action.

According the National President of NUEE, Comrade Joe Ajaero who confirmed the outcome of the
meeting to THISDAY, the workers’ grievances were conclusively addressed.

He said that all the concerns of the union and it’s members were addressed at the talks which lasted till
the wee hours of today.

“ We have concluded deliberations and all issues were addressed but we are awaiting implementation.

Meanwhile, our strike action is suspended,” Ajaero said.

Following the expiration of the 21 days ultimatum issued by NUEE to the Minister of Power, Saleh
Mamman, to implement their demands, and the failure of the minister to dialogue with the union before
the ultimatum which lapsed midnight Tuesday, a nationwide blackout was imminent as electricity
workers began indefinite strike Wednesday morning.

The strike action led to the shutting down of most of the offices of Distribution Companies (Discos)
across the country.

Tony Momoh: Obaseki, Not Oshiomhole Is Leader Of Edo APC

– Ex-Minister
Prince Tony Momoh, a former Minister of Information on Wednesday said Adams Oshiomhole,
national chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has no business interfering in the
affairs of the party in Edo State.

Speaking in an interview with Daily Independent, Momoh, a former national chairman of the defunct
Congress for Progressives Change (CPC) said the task of organising and funding the party is the sole
responsibility of Governor Godwin Obaseki, who by the party’s constitution is the leader of the APC in
Edo State.

According to him, going by APC’s constitution, the governor is the chief executive officer of the party
in any state where APC is the ruling party.

He advised Oshiomhole to focus on his task at the national level saying there are lots of issues that
needs to be addressed by the national chairman of the party nationwide.

“Oshiomhole is the national chairman of APC. In states where we have a governor, the head of the
party or chief executive officer of the party in the state is the governor. That is the structure of APC. So,
I don’t think Oshiomhole and Governor Obaseki are at loggerheads.

“Obaseki is the Chief Executive Officer of the party in Edo State according to our structure. He
organises the party, funds the party and so on. I believe Oshiomhole is not claiming to be the party
leader or chairman of APC in Edo State, because he is not.”
As national chairman, he has his hands full at the national level so what will he be doing in Edo state?
He has no business in the organisation of the party in Edo state”.

“ I know some people who are trying to cause crisis in Edo state are doing so in the name of
Oshiomhole but I don’t think Oshiomhole can be advised to champion anybody’s cause in Edo state
because he has so many things to do at the national level” he said.

APC Governors Want Abdulaziz Yari To Replace Oshiomhole As

APC National Chairman
Despite the intervention of President Muhammadu Buhari, the All Progressives Congress (APC)
governors have returned to the trenches in their bid to unseat the National Chairman, Mr. Adams
Oshiomhole, zeroing in on the former governor of Zamfara State, Alhaji Abdulaziz Yari, as his
replacement.

THISDAY learnt last night that about 10 of the party’s 17 governors have resolved to deepen their push
against the national chairman, who has been under intense pressure to stand down over sundry
accusations, including his style of leadership, which his traducers claim has left the APC more divided
than ever.

Pressure from the governors had forced Oshiomhole to summon the meeting of the National Executive
Committee three weeks ago, having not been held since August last year contrary to the provision of
the party’s constitution, which mandates a quarterly meeting.

Preceding the NEC meeting was the National Caucus, where the president was said to have provided
the national chairman with a lifeline, requesting all the combatants to sheath their swords and
recommended that a reconciliation committee be set up to douse the raging inferno he warned could
consume the party.
But at the NEC meeting, Oshiomhole’s opponents still drew blood. He was, however, saved by the
Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr. Boss Mustapha, who called the attention of
the meeting to Buhari’s proposal for reconciliation and pleaded that the process be allowed to run its
course.

The president’s thinking, according to THISDAY’s sources at the meetings, was that the national
chairman should be given another chance to retrace his steps by reconciling with aggrieved leading
members, including in the party’s National Vice Chairman (North-west), Alhaji Inuwa Abdulkadir, who
had been suspended by his Sokoto State branch; Governors Rotimi Akeredolu and Godwin Obaseki as
well as former governors Rochas Okorocha and Ibikunle Amosun.

Buhari was also said to believe that fences could still be mended between Oshiomhole and his Edo
State Governor, Obaseki.
But weeks after the lifeline NEC meeting, the president has been slow in setting up the reconciliation
committee, a development, THISDAY gathered, has displeased the national chairman’s traducers, who
have now returned to the trenches.

THISDAY gathered that the antagonistic governors led by the Progressive Governors’ Forum, Alhaji
Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi State were sharpening their strategy for the ousting of Oshiomhole. With him
in trench, it was learnt, are Dr. Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti), Malam Nasir el-Rufai (Kaduna), Alhaji Ibrahim
Badaru (Jigawa), Mai Mala Buni (Yobe), Alhaji Inuwa Yahaya (Gombe), Alhaji Abdullahi Sule
(Nasarawa), Alhaji Abdulrahman Abdulrazak (Kwara), Mr. Simon Lalong (Plateau) and Obaseki.

Behind Oshiomhole are governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Gboyega
Oyetola (Osun) and Babagana Zulum (Borno).

Those on the fence, preaching peace, THISDAY learnt, are Alhaji Bello Masari (Katsina), Alhaji
Abdullahi Ganduje (Kano) and Akeredolu, who were said to have abstained from a recent meeting of
the governors called to discuss the issue.

However, a member of the National Working Committee (NWC) told THISDAY last night that there
was no cause for alarm as he was certain that the national chairman would survive the plot.

“It is true that some of the governors have issues with the national chairman, but they have an uphill
task achieving their objective of removing him,” he said, adding: “They don’t have the numbers.”

According to him, “Let them get a majority among themselves first. Then we shall see if they get the
required number at the NEC. I doubt if they can.”

His confidence apparently derives from the support Oshiomhole enjoys from the state chairmen of the
party, who dominate the critical NEC. With majority of this caucus coming from non-APC states that
are immune from the influence of APC governors, the source thinks, all the national chairman needs is
the continued support of the National Leader, Senator Bola Tinubu, who is believed to be playing
behind-the-scene to achieve reconciliation and maintain the status quo.

The source also doubts the viability of the opposing governors’ strategy of proposing Yari as
replacement, saying although the party has no zoning policy, practical politics dictates that the
president and the national chairman could not possibly come from the North, talk less of the same
North-west.
Orji-uzor Kalu: A Testament That Igbos Hate Their Corrupt
Politicians
Contrary to the belief in some quarters that Igbos shield their corrupt Politicians, it is evident that well
meaning Igbos in different walks of life are happy that Sen Orji Uzor and co, who crippled Abia State
treasury are languishing in jail.

Prayer 2: For us to have total confidence in Pres Buhari's fight against corruption, we urge him to as a
matter of urgency, pick the second Orji (T.A) from the Senate and double his jail term. Infact, instead
of allowing T.A. Orji to remain in the Senate, we are ready to exchange the bigger thief for Orji Uzor
Kalu.

Sen T.A Orji is the CEO of Abia State. He controls the State allocation and gives directives to the
Governor. He hand-picked his son (Ikuku) and made him the Speaker of Abia State House of Assembly.
Ikuku is a Governor in waiting in Abia State as we write.

#Please pick the Second Orji and deliver Abia#

US Seizes Jet Of Nigerian Man Involved In Multi-Million Dollar

Fraud
DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. - Federal agents seized a jet Tuesday from a man charged in an international
fraud scheme.

Only Channel 2 investigative reporter Aaron Diamant was at Peachtree DeKalb Airport as the federal
agents processed the plane for evidence.

Diamant learned the seizure is just the latest in a growing list of local cases.

“For the most part, people don’t even understand. They don’t know what’s happening in Atlanta,
Georgia,” Dept. of Homeland Security Special Agent Thor Whitmore said. “We’re looking at it as kind
of a turn back to the 1980s.”

Investigators said the plane belongs to a Nigerian national charged in a multimillion-dollar

international fraud scheme.

Diamant watched on Tuesday as agents collected evidence from the plane and a K-9 team swept the
plane for drugs and other contraband.

New figures we received from the Department of Homeland Security show in 2019, the Atlanta field
office spun up more than 1,100 cases and made 779 arrests. So far, it has led to 254 indictments and
241 convictions.
While seizing a jet is rare, this year, local agents seized more than five tons of drugs, 200 guns and
more than $4.3 million in cash.

“This is all day, every day. I mean, this is the fruits of our labor, and this is the successes of a great
team effort by our state, local and federal partners coming together to hit the bad guys where it hurts, in
their pocket,” HSI Acting Special Agent in Charge Robert Hammer said.

Agents won’t say specifically how they connected the plane to the man now facing fraud charges.

“When we see a certain type of aircraft get sold, it raises our suspicions,” Whitmore said.

As federal agents went through the plane, the accused was in court Tuesday for an initial appearance.

A removal hearing will also be held to send him back to New York, where the charges he faces were
originally filed.

Top Promises Of Buhari In 2015 And Their Current Status

Today
The 2015 presidential campaign of President Muhammadu Buhari was filled with very wonderful
promises of what he said he would do for the country.

Then, the country experienced slight economic growth and was ranked third in fastest growing
economy. However, Nigerians were already disillusioned with the government of former president Dr.
Goodluck Jonathan and indeed yearned for a change of government.

In 2015, Buhari historically defeated Goodluck Jonathan to become the number one citizen of the
country; with the campaign promises still fresh in the minds of many Nigerians who voted for him,
much was expected from him citing the lofty promises he made.

Below are top promises by President Buhari and their current status today.

1. Free Food For Schools

During the 2015 presidential campaign, Buhari promised to introduce free feeding program for pupils
in Nigerian nursery and primary schools; the need for this program cannot be unduly overemphasized
due to the fact that a good number Nigerian school children go to school hungry due to the prevalent
poverty in the country. The idea to feed school children was highly welcomed by the public. The
program kicked off successfully; but the quality of food given to school children was nothing to write
home about as the food depicted penury and poverty. Rating: 4/10
2. Create 740,000 Jobs

Under the Buhari administration, NBS estimated that 3.3 million Nigerians lost their jobs in a space of
9 months. The recession that bit hard in the country can be connected to that. Under his administration,
the high side had job losses with very few securing a job. However, Buhari introduced a youth
empowerment scheme known as N-POWER aimed at securing jobs for the Nigerian youth. Rating:
3/10

3. 4 Million New Homes For The Common man:

This particular campaign promise was never fulfilled and there is no hope or light at the end of the
tunnel to see that it is going to be fulfilled. Housing in Nigeria remains a very serious challenge facing
the country. Rating: 2/10

4. 24 Hour Electricity By 2019:

This was a lofty promise by Buhari when he campaigned back in 2015; and many Nigerians were quick
to believe him. We are in 2019 already and we cannot see the slightest sign that this promise will be
fulfilled. This particular campaign promise dates back to the elections in the country in the 1970s and it
is sad to note that even in our times, Nigeria can still not provide stable electricity for her citizens.

5. Super Highway, Modern Rail and Commercial Airports:

President Buhari must be commended for his effort towards reviving the decaying railway system in
the country. The transportation minister Rotimi Amaechi must also be commended for his effort in
ensuring that these rail projects meet completion deadline. The Abuja Metro station which links Abuja
to Kaduna is world-class. The government of Buhari is also putting effort to ensure that the rail line
from Ibadan to Lagos is completed soon.

The Akanu Ibiam International airport is also under maintainance to ensure it meets international
standards. Rating: 5/10

FG To Establish Community Museums To Boost Tourism – Lai

Mohammed
The Federal Government has announced plans to establish community museums as part of efforts to
ensure that local communities benefit from tourism.

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, announced the plan on Thursday at
the ongoing 4th World UNWTO/UNESCO World Conference on Tourism and Culture in Kyoto, Japan.
A statement on the event was made available to newsmen in Abuja by Mr. Segun Adeyemi,

Special Assistant to the President (Media) Office of the Minister of Information and Culture

”In Nigeria, we observed that tourists stay in the big cities when they visit.

‘They visit the museums in the cities where objects gotten from different parts, including the rural
areas, are displayed but they hardly go to the rural areas.

”To encourage tourists to visit the rural areas where money spent is quickly reflected in the local
economy, we are trying to establish community museums,” the minister said.

”Parts of ancient residencies of traditional rulers and important chiefs are being turned to museums.

‘Thus, we are not limiting museums to big cities. Money spent by tourists while visiting these rustic
places stay longer in these areas.

“Lamido Adamawa now has the Fombina Palace museum, just like the Emir of Potiskum has palace
museum,” he said.

Nigeria Unseats South Africa As The Most Valuable Brand In

Africa
Brand Finance, the world’s leading independent brand valuation consultancy, has named Nigeria the
most valuable nation brands in Africa.

Last year, South Africa was the world’s 49th most valuable national brand, while Nigeria was the 50th.
This year, Nigeria leaps 10 places and comes six places before South Africa, securing the 40th place on
the ranking. Africa’s former most valuable national brand now occupies the 47th place on the report.

Egypt, up from the 54th position in last year, now sits in 49th position, making it the third most
valuable nation brand in Africa. As fourth in line Algeria sits at 56th, thought it occupied the 58th
position in the previous report. Morocco and Kenya were ranked at 64th and 66th respectively.

According to the report Developing economies have seen 30 times faster nation brand value growth
over the past year than developed ones.

The report also revealed that 11 out of the 20 fastest growing nation brands of 2019 come from the
Middle East and Africa, with Ghana (up 67%), Uganda (up 56%), and Egypt (up 50%) in the top 5.

Here are the top five most valuable African nation brands in Africa.
5. Morocco
4. Algeria
3. Egypt
2. South Africa
1. Nigeria

See full list below

https://listwand.com/nigeria-unseats-south-africa-as-the-most-valuable-brand-in-africa-2019/

DSS Invites Danlami Nmodu, Newsdiary Online Publisher Over

Investigative Story
The hierarchy of the Department of State Services (DSS) has invited the Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of
Newsdiary online, Danlami Nmodu, to the headquarters of the Agency in Abuja for questioning.

A DSS operative who called Danlami by telephone on Wednesday morning, said the invitation was
with respect to a story recently published on the Kano Ecological Fund projects.

He was asked to come either Wednesday or Thursday morning.

It could be recalled that Newsdiary online had published a story, titled, “Diplomatic backlash, legal
tussle loom as FG dumps German firm over Kano Project”.

After publishing the story, the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss
Mustapha, made further facts available through a rejoinder, which clarified the issues.

The Federal Government’s equally illuminating rejoinder was copiously published by the newspaper.

The online newspaper was also among those who went for an on-the-spot assessment of the Challawa,
Sharada and Bompai N2.6 billion ecological projects in Kano in the aftermath of the Newsdiary online
story.

However, highly placed sources said on Wednesday that the DSS may be investigating how some
documents quoted by Newsdiary online leaked.

The editor-in-chief, a Member of the National Institute, Nigeria’s highest policy think tank institution,
Nigeria Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, who was asked to report for questioning, it was
learnt, will be at the DSS headquarters on Thursday morning from 10am.
Maina Hides Assets Using Son Faisal’s Name - Witness
An EFCC operative, Mohammed Goji has revealed how Abdulrasheed Maina, former Pension Reform
Task Team boss, illegally acquired several properties using his son, Faisal’s name.

Goji, who is a Principal Detective Superintendent with the anti-graft agency, was also the second
prosecution witness (PW2) in the ongoing trial of Faisal.

Goji, a member of Pension Fraud Team of EFCC that investigated Maina, gave the narrative while
giving evidence on Wednesday before Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court, Abuja.

He said that the Pension Fraud Team was constituted in 2010 to conduct investigation into pension
accounts audit at the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation as well as the Police.

“During that time, Abdulrasheed Maina was the chairman of the Pension Reform Task Team,
established to restructure the pension office.

“He also became a subject of investigation. It was in the course of the investigation of Abdulrasheed
Maina that the name of the defendant (Faisal) featured prominently.

“We investigated Maina’s money laundering deals, which included movement of funds from the police
pension account and the accounts of the pension office of the Office of the Head of Service of the
Federation to corporate entities as payment for biometric enrollment.

“The monies were also allegedly meant for the payment of collective allowances and payment of
contracts, which were fraudulent,” he said.

He added that in the course of the investigation, a letter was sent to Corporate Affairs Commission
(CAC) to request for information on some of the companies they came across.

“They obliged us with copies of incorporation, Form C02 and other documents, which revealed the
directors of the companies and their shareholders.

“Also, we sent letters of investigation activities to banks and requested for details of accounts and they
obliged us with these documents,” he said.

The EFCC operative explained further that sometimes in September 2019, the EFCC received an
intelligence report that Abdulrasheed Maina was in the country but they did not know where he was.

“So, the EFCC liased with the DSS to assist us in effecting the arrest of Maina.

“He was eventually arrested along with the defendant (Faisal) on Sep. 29, 2019.
“The DSS handed them over to us on Oct. 2, 2019 along with some items recovered from them, which
included cars and personal belongings in suitcases, handbags and Bagco bags.

“We granted them an opportunity to invite their lawyers because we were directed to record their
statements.

“On Oct. 3, Faisal was interviewed in the presence of his lawyer. His statement was recorded in his
own handwriting and signed.

“Additional statements were recorded about three or four times later. He also filled his declaration of
assets form in the presence of his lawyer,” Goji said.

The witness added that during the investigation, they came across an account owned by Alhaji Faisal
Abdullahi Farms, with the UBA, with Faisal and Abdulrasheed Maina as co-signatories.

He added that the account was operated by Abdulrasheed Maina, with further investigation revealing
that the account was funded with the proceeds of illegality.

Only God Can Stop Buhari Now - Femi Fani-kayode

A former minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode has said that it is only God that can stop President
Muhammadu Buhari from Islamising Nigeria.'

The chieftain of the People's Democratic Party 9PDP) stated this in a series of tweets on Thursday
morning.

This is a reaction to a comment credited to President Buhari which he stated in Egypt that Africans
don't need a visa to come to Nigeria.

"Sharia law should be taught in Nigerian schools with Arabic language"- Justice Ibrahim Tanko
Muhammed, Chief Justice of Nigeria. And some still say there is no islamisation agenda? Who has
bewitched the Nigerian people?
"Africans do not need visas to come to Nigeria anymore"-
@MBuhari
. And some still believe that there is no Fulanisation agenda? Who has bewitched the Nigerian people?

No more visas for Africans coming to Nigeria? The Fulanis of West Africa, rejected &unwanted
elsewhere, have finally been given what they wanted all along: a homeland of their own. They will
flood Nigeria in their millions and within 5 years our demographics will change forever.
The world has finally seen the truth about Buhari. Despite my constant and persistent warnings since
2014 it took Nigerians 5 years for their eyes to open and to know that he is a vicious monster and
merciless tyrant. Sadly he is in full power now and only God can stop him.

The greatest wisdom is to learn to fear God and to desist from repaying good with evil. The stubborn
refusal to do both will lead to sudden destruction and endless suffering.

A visa free policy for Africans to come into Nigeria is a shameless and subtle attempt to alter the racial
and religious demographics of our country and open our front door for mass Fulani, Berber, Taureg and
Arab migration into our shores. By the time they come here from all...

...over north and west Africa and settle down, we the indigenous people of Nigeria will be a tiny
minority. The next thing they will do is to implement RUGA to the letter and take our land and insist on
sharia law being implemented all over the country...

..It is a dangerous, self-serving & self-seeking policy which will ultimately result in great conflict,
carnage, racial and religious strife and total catastrophy. In an attempt to implement an ancient agenda
of Fulani hegemony and turn us into a conquered and enslaved people..

..Buhari, his born to rule co-travellers & their vast legion of slavish sympathisers and supporters are
likely to set Nigeria on fire. You will not believe me now just as you did not believe me when I warned
about the true nature of Buhari in 2015 and the grave consequences of..

..electing him as President. Yet my words have proved to be prophetic & just as I have been vindicated
on Buhari I shall be vindicated on this matter of the grave and dangerous consequences of visa-free
mass migration by vagrant, stateless and nomadic Africans into our shores..

...With this irresponsible, unpatriotic, dangerous and self-serving policy, I repeat, we are playing with
fire and sitting on a keg of gunpowder which will eventually explode. It will be the final nail in the
coffin of a united Nigeria. May God deliver us from the coming evil.

"I commend @Mbuhari for his visa free policy to all citizens of African Union member nations"-
@benmurraybruce

My brother, your motives on this matter may be pure cos you have a clean spirit but I assure you
Buhari's are not. Do not be fooled.What he is attempting to do is EVIL!

The greatest & most dangerous enemies are the ones that are within your family, household & friends.
They are like snakes, waiting to strike when you least expect it. Without Dalilah Samson would not
have been captured and without Jezebel Ahab would not have been a whimp.
ABS, @BukolaSaraki Democratic Forum Puts
@AsiwajuTinubu on Notice
The Abubakar Bukola Saraki democratic movement is a group of individuals who are patriots and
believe in the tenets of democracy just like our principal Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki and we are young
professionals determined to see true democracy enthroned in the Nigerian polity.
We have been watching and studying events unfolding in Nigeria presently and we can state that the
democratic principles in which Dr. Saraki fought and sacrificed everything for is gradually being
eroded and his legacy being attacked by certain elements in the ruling party, APC (all progressive
congress). Notably amongst the media attacks against the person of the immediate Past Senate
president is that of the self acclaimed National leader of the ruling party, APC better known as Asiwaju
Bola Tinubu, his attack at the launching of Akande’s book and in an article on the back page of ‘thisday
newspaper’ will not go without a response from us.
There is a need to send out a clear note of warning that we will not allow Dr. Saraki to be dragged into
politics for the sake of the ambition of any politician. Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu needs to stop
attacking the person of Abubakar Bukola Saraki because as supporters we will not sit idly and watch
his good name dragged in the mud just for the sake of gaining cheap popularity.
It is clear to everyone that the period of Dr Saraki as Senate president can be said to be the golden years
of Nigeria’s democracy as each arm of government was respected both in Nigeria and outside the
country and within that period of four years our leader, Dr. Saraki insisted that we respect Bola Tinubu,
if for anythingelse, but for his old age and we adhered strictly to that because of the office he occupied
but now that he is out of office we are not obliged to keep mum, it falls on us to defend his honour and
good name.
Henceforth, we have resolved that any more attack from Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, be it verbal or
otherwise will be met fire for fire. We have done a comprehensive background check on all his
activities in Chicago, USA and we are ready to fully reveal aspects of his past life that may not be good
for his image. You can fool some people all the time but you can’t fool all the people all the time, Same
Asiwaju Bola Tinubu who postures as a lover of the masses and a progressive, recently took possession
of a private jet worth $60million, an equivalent of 20 billion Naira with a tail number VP-CBT, one
wonders how a lover of the masses will squander such funds on his personal luxury at a time the
country has 90% of its citizens living in poverty.
We are aware Asiwaju claims the funds for the purchase of the private jet is from private business,
Nigerians are eager to know if he can support such claims with evidence and tax papers. The Bullion
van that was seen entering his home few days to 2019 general election is also a case we have serious
interest in and we will make sure that the drive for the prosecution of whoever is responsible for such
act is seen to a conclusive end by the EFCC and the Interpol if necessary.
If Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu feels insulted by this publication and write-up, we simply call on him to
tell Nigerians how he came about his stupendous wealth. After all, that wouldn’t be too much to ask
from someone who has his eyes on the number one seat in the land.
This sound warning should remind Tinubu that eceb though he forfeited half a million dollars of drug
money in the 90’s, he should be aware that there are no statue of limitations and with new evidence, he
can still be charged.
Tinubu should be reminded that Andre W Kellum, officer of the Drug Enforcement Agency of United
States still has sealed dossiers of his criminal file. A word is enough for the wise
Adedeji Adesanya writes from Minnesota USA

BREAKING: Court Jails Two Men Over N362m Trial, Orders

IGP To Produce Diezani
High Court sitting in Yola, Adamawa State, has sentenced two men to prison over N362m allegedly
disbursed by former Petroleum Minister, Diezani Allison-Madueke.

Justice Nathan Musa of High Court 1 on Thursday in Yola also ordered the Inspector-General of Police,
Mohammed Adamu, to produce the 3rd defendant, Allison-Madueke before his court.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission had charged Ibrahim Mohammed Umar (1st
defendant), Sahabo Iya Hamman (2nd defendant) and Allison-Madueke (3rd defendant) to court for
allegedly laundering the said N362m.

He said, "The 3rd defendant in her desire to influence election in favour of then President, Goodluck
Jonathan, authorised the release of N362m public money through Fidelity bank to the 1st and 2nd
defendants to corrupt election officials.”

Considering the evidences as provided by both the prosecuting and defence counsels, Justice Nathan
convicted Umar and Hamman on three-count charges.

He therefore, sentenced them to seven years on each of the charges.

The judge however, considered a plea of allocotus from the defence counsel and ordered that the
sentences will run concurrently.

Nigerian Senate Makes Case For Nuclear Energy

- Senators agreed with the notion that nuclear energy is one of cleanest and safest source of energy in
the world today

- Recall that the Nigeria and Russian Federation have signed bilateral agreements on nuclear energy
cooperation

As the federal government of Nigeria presses on with its plan to diversify the nation's energy mix - with
inclusion of nuclear energy technology from Russia, the Nigerian Senate has also called for the
inclusion of nuclear power into the country’s energy mix.
This was part of the resolution reached by the upper chamber recently following a motion by Senator
Tanko Al-Makura representing Nassarawa South senatorial district.

The Senate noted that the primary sources of energy for the production of electricity in Nigeria includes
gas, hydro, oil and coal, with current power generation capacity of 7000 mega Watts.

The lawmakers noted that experts using modern energy modeling tools had estimated that for the
Nigerian economy to grow at the rate of 10 percent, the country’s electricity requirement by 2020 will
need to reach 30,000MW, and by 2030 it will be 78,000MW.

The red chamber agreed with the notion that nuclear energy is one of cleanest and safest source of
energy in the world today and nuclear power generation does not produce greenhouse gases.

The lawmakers also hinted that they are aware that in 2006, Nigeria ratified critical treaties with
International Atomic Energy agency (IAEA) Vienna Austria, with the aim of enabling Nigeria access
nuclear power into the country’s energy mix.

Recalling that the Nigeria and Russian Federation signed bilateral agreements on nuclear energy
cooperation, the Senate pointed out that the recent visit by President Muhammadu to Russia was a
move in the right direction to stimulate implementation.

Worried that power outages in Nigeria have constituted the major constraint to the development of the
manufacturing sector and negatively affect the cost of running business in Nigeria and ultimately the
economy of the country, the Senate opined that unless the energy mix in Nigeria is broadened to
include nuclear energy, the persistent power outages being experienced by the country will not be easy
to address.

Accordingly the upper legislative chamber resolved to:

1. Urge the federal government to reposition the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority to enable it to
carry out its mandate of ensuring safety, security safeguards and physical protection of nuclear
materials including hazardous waste in Nigeria.

2. Urge the federal government to re-engineer, refocus and recognize the Nigerian Atomic Energy
Commission with the mandate to ensure timely contacts and negotiations with nuclear vendors for
construction of nuclear power plants with time line.

3. Urge the federal government to expedite action on the Nuclear Safety, Security and Safeguards Bill
currently with the Senate; and

4. Pass into law all treaties and protocols on nuclear energy as ratified by Nigeria.
Recall that in 2017, Russia's state-owned nuclear energy corporation, Rosatom and Nigeria signed
agreements for the construction and operation of nuclear power plants and nuclear research centre in
Nigeria.

Last month, African countries were advised to embrace nuclear research and energy to empower and
grow their economies.

The advice was given at the African Nuclear Business Platform conference that took place on Tuesday,
15 and Wednesday, October 16 October in Nairobi, Kenya.

The conference gathered over 150 energy and nuclear professionals from across the globe.

Kano Will Turn Almajiri Population From Liability To Assets –

Ganduje
…Say’s all Almajiri ‘ll enjoy free compulsory education
By Gabriel Udeh, Kaduna.
Governor of kano state Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has said that, with the highest population in
Nigeria, Kano is vulnerable but, his government is working to turn the population from being liability
to an asset.He said his government has mapped out plans to integrate Almajiri children, who constitute
the majority of the out of school population, into the free, compulsory education policy of the state,
adding that, most of the Almajiri children were not from Kano.Governor Ganduje stated this in Kaduna
on Wednesday while declaring opened, a three days retreat for executive council members, Permanent
Secretaries and top government functionaries open.According to the Governor, “Two services are very
key to this administration; one education and second the provision of healthcare services to our people.
These two are the major indicators between developed and developing countries, aside the economy.
So, we are taking these two sectors very seriously.
“Concerning the education sector, we have already made a pronouncement that, education from now
would be free and compulsory from basic to secondary education. Therefore, we need to work very
hard and make very solid foundation to ensure that we achieve this laudable objective.
“Kano State being the most populous state in the federation, we are vulnerable as we have always said.
Our population could be an asset or liability. And all we want to do is make our population an asset.
“There are certain countries in the world that do not have a drop of oil, yet they are among the strongest
economies in the world. So, by developing this aspect of education, we are taking Kano State to the
next level and we are taking advantage of our population.
“So, this issue of out of school children is a very serious issue in Kano State and in Nigeria. But Kano
State, being our state, our concern is to see how we can address this problem.
TRENDING VIDEO: Boris Johnson shares food items before
election
Boris Johnson, prime minister of the United Kingdom, was seen on Wednesday sharing groceries
in Leeds shortly before commencement of UK elections.
The prime minister tweeted the video on his official Twitter handle, telling voters they would get more
if they voted for his party.
“Good morning folks! Up early delivering groceries in Leeds – and we’ll deliver more if you vote
Conservative tomorrow,” he tweeted.
Elections in the UK usually take place every four or five years. The UK held elections in 2017 and is
not supposed to hold any other one now but in October, Johnson called for an election to end months of
political impasse over the UK’s bid to exit the European Union.
Polling stations in 650 constituencies across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland opened at
07:00 GMT and voting will end by 22:00 GMT. Over 45 million registered voters are expected to cast
their ballot.
A total of 650 MPs will be chosen under the first-past-the-post system used for general election, in
which the candidate who secures the most votes in each individual constituency is elected.
Whoever wins the election will ultimately determine whether the UK leaves the EU in January 2020.
Below is the video that the prime minister tweeted earlier:
https://twitter.com/BorisJohnson/status/1204675985137905664

Throwback Video: Buhari Scolded By BBC Journalist Over

Human Rights Abuses
President Major General Mohammed Buhari justifying jailing critics who embarrassed his regime. And
got scolded several times by BBC journalist for not backing down on grievous human rights abuses.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3jFhDzZQ7N4

Aisha Buhari vs Garba Shehu: I have no

business with what happens in Buhari’s family-
Femi Adesina
Senior presidential spokesman, Femi Adesina has refused to comment on the allegations raised by
Aisha Buhari on Wednesday.
Buhari’s wife had accused Shehu of “crossing his boundaries”, and interfering in her family matters.
She said the presidential spokesman had been in the middle of some of the controversies that rocked
her family of recent.
Asked to comment on the matter during a phone-in programme a TV programme, Adesina said any
clarification on the matter should be directed at Shehu and not him, The Cable reports.
“I heard you quoting earlier from what the first lady said, and in all that you have said, she referred to
somebody. There are two of us who speak for the president, Garba Shehu was the one she was referring
to,” he said.
”Therefore, if you will get clarification on that matter, it is only fit and proper and just that you will be
seeking it from Garba Shehu. These kind of clarifications, you don’t get by proxy, but from the horse’s
mouth.”
He added that family matters were off limits among the duties of presidential spokespersons, adding
that they have no business with issues within Buhari’s family.
“Family matters are off-limits; they are off-limits to spokesmen. We don’t talk about it because that is
not what we have been hired to do,” he said.
“That is not why we were invited to government. If the president would want us to say anything about
his family, then it will be a specific instruction.
“Otherwise, family is off limits and you see that I don’t touch it.”

Senate probes DSS court invasion

The Senate has mandated its committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters to investigate
Friday’s invasion of a federal high court and rearrest of the publisher of Sahara Reporters, Omoyele
Sowore, by operatives of the State Security Service (SSS).

This comes almost a week after the incident.

Nigerians have criticised the lawmakers for failing to react and address the issue.

The chairman of the Senate committee on Judiciary and Human Rights and Legal Matters, Opeyemi
Bamidele (Ekiti Central), raised the matter during plenary on Thursday.

He came under Order 43 of the Senate Standing Rule.

Order 43 allows for a lawmaker to raise and issue but prohibits other lawmakers from making
contributions or debating the said issue.

He said the “alleged” invasion of the courtroom by “alleged DSS officials”, has raised a lot of concerns
in different quarters in Nigeria.

“The leaders and members of the judiciary are particularly concerned about this happening because
they believe that the courtroom is meant to be a sanctuary. But for us as a Senate, we cannot begin to
take a position or analyse issues based on conclusions without facts.

“Yet, much as we cannot just jump into conclusions, we cannot pretend not to know that Nigerians are
concerned about this development,” he said.

Mr Bamidele said he came under Order 43 so as not to “generate any controversy or make the Senate to
begin to debate an issue that we need fact and evidence about.”

He prayed that as elected representatives of the people, the Senate mandates its committee on
National Security and Intelligence to interface with the relevant security agencies and investigate
the matter and report back to this Senate.

The Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, simply said the matter be investigated by the Judiciary
committee.

The committee is expected to report back after a week.

Already, the House of Representatives has mandated its relevant committees to investigate the
actions of the SSS.

Mr Sowore was arrested alongside another activist, Olawale Bakare, on August 3 for planning a protest
to call for good governance.

They were charged with treasonable felony, fraud and insulting President Muhammadu Buhari.

The court granted the duo bail twice but the SSS refused to release them until Thursday night.

However, less than 24 hours later, the SSS rearrested them within the federal high court in Abuja,
sparking national outrage.

In a bid to justify the action of the SSS, the presidency said Mr Sowore’s call for revolution was aimed
at overthrowing the democratically elected of Nigeria.

Many Nigerians and organisations have condemned the act and called for the sack of the Director-
General of the State Security Service (SSS), Yusuf Bichi, over the illegal detention of Omoyele
Sowore, and Friday’s invasion of a federal court.

The Nigerian Bar Association also called for the suspension of Mr Bichi.
Yahaya Bello: Buhari Is The Most Democratic Ex-Military Head
Of State
The Kogi State governor, Mr. Yahaya Bello, has faulted Punch newspaper’s characterisation of
President Muhammadu Buhari as a dictator.

Governor who spoke to State House Correspondents in Abuja on Thursday also pointed out that those
who interpreted the report of the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) to mean Kogi State is the poorest
in Nigeria were quoting the agency out of context.

Speaking about the Punch newspaper’s judgment of President Buhari’s administration, Bello said there
has not been a more democratic ex-military head of state-turned politician in Nigeria’s political history,
opining that whoever tagged him a dictator might actually be the one wishing to be a dictator.

“Mr. President is the most democratic president I have ever seen. This is the first time we are
seeing a former military head of state that is so democratic to the extent of allowing things
happening in his home front to be democratized not to talk of things happening in the country.
Whoever is tagging him to be a dictator, I think that person wished to be a dictator himself not
Mr. President,” the governor said.

Reacting to the report credited to the NBS, Governor Bello said contrary to the claim that the state is
the poorest; Kogi is the most prized state in the country, noting that his administration had done so
much to institutionalise transparency, which he said had improved the economic outlook of the state.

“You see, you have to look and read the details of that report before you can judge. You see, we
shouldn’t just listen to somebody and quote him out of context. Like I said, in Kogi State before now,
for civil servants before you become a Permanent Secretary you must pay through your nose, but this
time around it has been merit-based.

“Before you become a local government chairman, or let’s take it from the political aspect, I am the
leader of APC in Kogi State, no single person obtained form or become whatever and will claim or
claiming to have paid one dime to any political leader.

“It is out of blocking the loopholes and leakages that we have been able to raise the revenue of Kogi
State from pittance of N300 million to over N1 billion on monthly basis. If you look at the percentage
then you can be the judge. So if anybody is saying Kogi state is the most corrupt state, then that person
must have his facts wrong.

“Kogi state is the most prized state in the country and it is out of fighting corruption as well because,
the little resources we have we are so managing it that we are developing the state and fighting
insecurity. If corruption is that prevalent then that wouldn’t have happened,” he said.
Speaking on the focus of his administration in its second, he said “human capital development,
continue on infrastructure development and continue on the trajectory we are in now and ensure Kogi
State is taken to the next level.”

President Buhari And Abdelfattah el-Sisi Parley On Counter

Terrorism
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

PRESIDENT BUHARI , EGYPTIAN PRESIDENT PARLEY ON COUNTER TERRORISM

President Muhammadu Buhari and his Egyptian counterpart Abdelfattah el-Sisi have pledged to
collaborate to eradicate the menace of terrorism in parts of Africa.

Speaking during an audience with the Egyptian President on the sidelines of the Aswan Forum on
Sustainable Peace and Development in Africa taking place in Egypt, President Buhari said that
countries of the West African sub-region were already in close collaboration towards combatting
terrorism by setting up a multinational task force. He said since terrorism was a worldwide
phenomenon, more collaborative efforts were needed to rein in the menace.

According to him:

“Together with other West African leaders, we are working hard to ensure that terrorism is eradicated. It
is also important that the conflicts in North of Africa particularly in Libya do not frustrate our efforts.
We seek your cooperation in this regard.”

President el-Sisi conveyed his appreciation to his Nigerian counterpart for honouring his invitation to
participate in the gathering and for his contributions. He also praised the Nigerian President for his
leadership qualities and pledged to deepen cooperation and partnership with Nigeria in all areas of
common interest.

The Egyptian leader briefed President Buhari on efforts of his government on counter terrorism,
particularly on the Sinai and the borders with Libya. He reiterated his willingness to synergize with the
Nigerian government on all fronts to conquer the “evil of terrorism.”

The Egyptian President also invited President Buhari to the opening of the new Capital and the Grand
International Museum in October, 2020.

Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media &Publicity)
December 12, 2019
Rail Modernisation: Any Hope For Narrow Gauge?
Two years after American Corporation, General Electric (GE) withdrew from Nigerian Railway
Corporation's narrow gauge concession, it seems modernising the nation's centenary asset has reached a
dead end, writes ADEYINKA ADERIBIGBE.

Say what you will, the narrow gauge and its very aged rolling stocks - tracks, coaches, wagons and loco
(for locomotive engines) - still remains one of the prized assets of the Nigerian Railway
Corporation (NRC).

Through several walks in and out of turbulence in its 129 years of existence, the workers, especially
those in operations, hold unfettered allegiance to the old train, regaling their younger colleagues with
stories of the 'good old days of the railway when being a railway worker was an honour badge in social
circuit.'

Then came the 'season of the locusts' when the railway sank to its nadir - almost getting to bankruptcy,
when workers were owed interminably, and retirees' woes mounted unfettered. From being a sought
after place to work, it sank into the most ignoble.

But then, the workers became their own motivation and, without any external help, they threw
themselves back to work. Today, the good days look well on their way back and workers' salaries are
regular and the golden age seems to be on its way.

The narrow gauge

The nation was upbeat when the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration, in May 2016,
announced the American Corporation, General Electric (GE), as its preferred concessionnaire for the
narrow gauge.

The Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, said the government threw its weight
behind GE because it was in a hurry to give Nigerians a new travel experience, which would be
complemented by the speed train whenever it comes on stream.

He assured Nigerians that GE would spearhead the modernisation of the narrow gauge to run at par
with the standard gauge.

But, a year on, after series of assurances and talks with the government's Transaction
Advisors, GE walked away from the concession deal.

GE's action laid to rest speculations about its preparedness to take over the assets that the Federal
Government has been showcasing as one of its poster projects.

GE walked away because it removed transportation business from its portfolio. It said it wanted to
concentrate on its core competence - healthcare and power generation.

Under the agreement, GE was to inject $2.7 billion into the narrow gauge modernisation,
including the tracks and provision of rolling stock.

It was to introduce 20 locomotives and 200 wagons within the first 12 months of the take-off of
the temporary agreement. By the second year, it would strip the Nigerian Railway
Corporation (NRC) of its rail assets as it consolidates on the modernisation, while the
corporation operates as the regulator.

Initially, a roll out was fixed for May 2017. Rather, what commenced were series of meetings by
the Transaction Advisory Committee (TAC), government appointed consultants with the new operator.

Amaechi, changed the take-off date to December 2017. Again it failed.

Amaechi insisted that private investors' participation in the railway was in line with global best
practices.

'While the government owns the rail tracks, investors are usually encouraged to own the rolling stocks,
both coaches and wagons.'

The narrow gauge connects the food and industrial or productive centres of the nation.

Logisticians said an active narrow gauge would assist in the rapid development of the agriculture,
mining and steel sectors and link same directly to sea ports for export.

But the greatest gain would have been the take-over of the cost of continuous rehabilitation and
maintenance of the narrow gauge from the Federal Government.

Outside the 1,100 kilometres Western line (Lagos-Kano narrow gauge track), regarded as the most
lucrative route and the major rail backbone, which includes Lagos, Abeokuta, Ibadan, Ilorin, Kano,
Funtua, Zaria, and Kaura-Namoda, the GEwould also take over the Eastern line - Port Harcourt-
Maiduguri route, which includes Port Harcourt, Aba, Umuahia, Enugu, Makurdi, Jos, Gombe and
Bauchi to Borno State.

Growing freight movement

'The activation of the narrow gauge was meant to grow freight movement exponentially. We have
over 30 million tons worth of freight on the Lagos-Kanoroute and presently the train hardly
moves above 1,000 tons. While the Port-Harcourt-Maiduguri route is currently moving nothing,
we are anticipating 11 million tons on that route,' Amaechi had said.
That was why GE had opted for cargo as its preferred choice of line of trade. It proposed to move
one million tons of freight in the first year and outstrip as importers are explore the new deal.

The new proposition is a departure from government's projections, which had wanted to have
more friendly passenger shuttle. Intercity shuttle, as presently run, is epileptic with the rusty
coaches, driven by aging locomotives that take no fewer than 72 hours travel time
between Lagos-Kano.

'This is absolutely unacceptable. The railway system will not be able to attract any quality passenger
traffic with such tradition. We must look at fast-tracking things at the railway,' Amaechi said.

C2C

The journey of General Electric'sintervention in the nation's rail sector started in 2009, when it signed
a Country-to-Company (C2C) agreement with the Federal Government to support the financing, design
and building of infrastructure and capacity across the rail, power and healthcare.

This agreement was renewed for another five years at the Head of States conference in Washington,
DC in 2014, a deal which was inherited by the Buhari administration in 2015.

Under the agreement, GE is to partner with the Ministry of Power to develop 10GW power over the
next 10 years, assist the Ministry of Health to develop diagnostic centres across the country, and help
the Ministry of Transportation in the modernisation and expansion of the nation's locomotive assets.

On its website www.ge.com/africa the firm said, GE would be transferring the agreement to Transnet
International, a member of a four- firm consortia led by GE, which had been holding series of meetings
with FG's Transaction Advisers over the take-over model of the narrow gauge. Other members
are: APMT Ltd, and Sino Hydro.

While Transnet handles the modernising of the tracks, APMT handles the container cargoes,
while Sino Hydro handles the operationalising of the locomotives.

The source which preferred not to be mentioned, said: 'While the concession agreement had
covered Lagos to Kano, GEhad insisted on shuttling between Apapa and EBJ (Ebute Metta
junction).

Again, while the Nigerian government would love passenger/cargo services, GEhad insisted it
would only run freight services. These are issues that are still being negotiated before GE threw
in the towel,' the source added.

GE's withdrawal may however have thrown the window open for fresh negotiations for new bidders.
Mr Patrick Adenusi saw this possibility when he said, GE's withdrawal might thrown spanner into the
nation's march into a modernised narrow gauge system.

According to him, when the picture becomes clearer, the National Assemblymay need to pass a
resolution requesting the executive government to begin the process for the award of the
concession again in view of GE's withdrawal.

The NRC Managing Director, Engr. Fidet Okhiria, said though Federal Government is yet to
shop for another firm to take over GE's bid, it remained open to receiving fresh bidder and
Amaechi has foreclosed any further negotiation with the other parties to the concession
agreement. But even if this is accepted would the consortia be willing to accept the government's
terms, or would they be insisting on working within Lagos alone or interested only in freight
services?

The reality: Nigerians may just have to wait much longer for the modernisation of the narrow gauge to
materialise.

But while the nation wait, Okhiria said the corporation will continue to run the narrow gauge tracks
until the government finds a replacement.

'We have suspended services on the narrow gauge to allow for the replacement of tracks as a
result of the ongoing construction of the standard gauge.

'While this is going on, we are embarking on the massive rehabilitation of all the wagons and
coaches we are using on the Iddo-Ijoko and the Lagos-Kano corridor.'

He said the NRC will continue to keep the narrow gauge busy and functional. 'We will continue
to rehabilitate the tracks and make the coaches more cozy for our people pending the time we
would see other bidders for thenarrow gauge.'

All Africans Can Come To Nigeria Without Visa From 2020 –

NIS Boss, Babandede
Igbere TV reports that Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Muhammad
Babandede, says the Federal Government has approved that all Africans can enter Nigeria without a
visa from January 2020.

Mr Babandede disclosed this at the inauguration of the Africa–Frontex Intelligence Community (AFIC)
on Wednesday in Abuja.

“The announcement would be made soon by the President of the Federation.

”But we cannot succeed without a tool like AFIC. This tool is keen if we want to implement an
effective free movement across our border.

“The tool is actually coming at the right time. AFIC would help African countries especially Nigeria
that want to open its border for all Africans to enter at will. And now that tool is available, it would
make the work easier for us,” he said.

Babandede added that it was important to acknowledge the different forces in Nigeria curbing crime
and insecurity.

“But our duty is unique and you may not see it as it is in Chad, Benin or Cameroon.

“The essence is that we are very keen and we have been working with EU for a long time. Frontex is in
charge of border before they got another responsibility called coast guard which is also very keen to
Africa especially checking member state of ECOWAS,” he said.

IGP Cancels Edo State Mega Rally Scheduled For Tomorrow

The Inspector-General of Police, Mr Mohammed Adamu, has suspended the rally of a faction of the All
Progressives Congress scheduled for Benin, Edo State, on Friday.

The faction is loyal to the National Chairman of the party, Mr Adams Oshiomhole.

The IG’s letter suspending the rally was communicated to the Deputy Governor of the state, Mr Philip
Shuaibu, about one hour ago.

The deputy governor showed a copy of the letter to reporters in Abuja.

Olu Of Warri Urges Buhari To Make Ogidigben Gas Revolution

Park A Star Project
The Olu of Warri, Ogiame Ikenwoli, on Thursday, pleaded with President Muhammadu Buhari to make
the Ogidigben Gas Revolution Park his star project by resuming work in the shortest time possible.

This is just as His Royal Majesty (HRM), Ogiame, has urged members of his kingdom to get ready to
work with officials of the National Population Commission to ensure a smooth operation during the
coming Early Area Delineation enumeration exercise.

The Itsekiri monarch, who underscored the significance of the census exercise, made the pleas while
addressing hundreds of Itsekiri gathered at Ode-Itsekiri, the ancestral home of all Itsekiri in Warri
South Local Government Area of Delta State to mark his fourth coronation anniversary.

The 20th Olu of Warri opined that the $16 billion gas city project, which groundbreaking was
performed by former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2015, should ordinarily be the topmost priority of
the Federal Government, given its economic importance to the nation, especially in the area of job
opportunities.

“We have at every opportunity called Mr President’s attention to the Ogidigben Gas Project.

“Ordinarily, this is a project that should engage Nigeria’s full priority given the economic importance,
job creating opportunities and other economic potentials it promises.

“We believe that this should be one of President Buhari’s star projects, but we’ll continue to plead with
him for work to resume there in the shortest time possible,” he enthused.

Ogiame, however, thanked President Buhari and the Minister of Transport, Mr Rotimi Amaechi, for the
recent approval and bringing the new Warri Deep Sea Port project to fruition.

According to him, the development came as a result of his advocacy to President Buhari soliciting the
resuscitation of the Warri Port, building a new Warri Sea Port, the Ogidigben Gas Revolution Park, the
Koko-Ogheye road and the Ode-Itsekiri trans-highway, among others.

The monarch further appealed to the ministry of works to dualize and double the pace of work ongoing
at the Koko-Ogheye road in Warri North so that President Buhari could inaugurate it before leaving
office in 2023.

The Olu, who prayed for each group that paid colourful homage to his throne in dances and
presentation of gifts in the presence of his chiefs, urged all Itsekiri across the globe to unite on all fronts
to reposition the kingdom for greater heights, especially in political and economic matters.

Dignitaries at the weeklong coronation anniversary which started on Monday included Amaju Pinnick,
president of the Nigerian Football Federation, House of Representatives member, Thomas Ereyitomi,
among others.

BREAKING: Tension in Edo as APC youths

barricade Airport, set burn fires
There was tension in Benin City as hundreds of youths believed to be members of the Edo State
Chapter of the All Progressive Congress (APC) stormed the busy Airport Road in protest of the party’s
lingering crisis, factionalisation and imposition of leadership on the people.
The angry youths blocked the two sides of Airport Road, setting burn-fire, thereby causing serious
traffic logjam and panic in the state capital, while motorists sought alternative routes out of the area.
The protesting youths also set burn-fire around Golf Course, Akenzua junction and along Akenzua
Road in Benin metropolis, thereby disrupting human and vehicular movement.
The youths, however, opened one side of the road to traffic when the representative of the
Commissioner of Police, Danladi Isa, persuaded those who barricaded the main gate of Benin Airport
to allow for free flow of traffic.
He had pleaded, “I am here because of you people. I heard there is a protest here. That is why the
Commissioner of Police sent me to find out what the problem is. I am the Area Commander in-Charge
of this area. Blocking of the high way is a criminal offence, we appeal to you to open the highway for
people to pass. We have instructed the police not to arrest anyone.”
One of the protesters, Lucky Ehimen, who spoke with journalists, charged the National Chairman of
the APC, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole to stop meddling in the state’s politics and concentrate on
national issues.
“Oshiomhole should leave us alone in the state and allow us to live in peace as Governor Godwin
Obaseki has performed excellently well and the youths in the State are happy with his performance and
want him to continue in office. We will not allow any imposition of the leadership of the party in the
state,” he said

Reps Member Declared Wanted By ICPC Over

Constituency Projects

The Independent Corrupt Practice sand Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has declared a
member of the House of Representatives, Shehu Koko, wanted.

ICPC in a statement issued by its Director, Public Enlightenment of the ICPC, Rasheedat Okoduwa,
said the Koko, who represents Maiyama/Koko/Besse Federal Constituency, was declared wanted
because he failed to appear before the commission for an ongoing investigation into constituency
projects.
The statement reads: “Hon.SHEHU KOKO MOHAMMED is hereby declared wanted by the
Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for his failure to
appear before the Commission, for an ongoing investigation against him.

“Hon. Mohammed, an indigene of Kebbi State, is currently serving as an Honourable Member

representing the Maiyama/Koko/Besse Federal Constituency at the National Assembly. He was born on
16th June 1978 (41 years old) and is dark in complexion.
“His current address is Wamban Koko Campaign Office, Jega Road, Maiyama, Kebbi State.
“The commission in the statement also provided several mobile phone numbers for anyone to call to
arrest Mr. koko.
“Anyone who has useful information on his whereabouts should report to ICPC Headquarters Abuja,
any of the ICPC State Offices or the nearest police station, or call ICPC Toll-Free lines:0803-123-0280,
0803-123-0281, 0803-123-0282, 0705-699-0190, 0705-699-0191 and 0800-CALL-ICPC (0800-2255-
4272),” it stated.

Sa’ad Abubakar: Disobedience To Court Order, Recipe For

Lawlessness, Chaos
The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs,
Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar has warned that disobedience to any court order is a recipe for lawlessness and
chaos.

In a veiled reference to the arrest of the #RevolutionNow convener, Omoyele Sowore by the
Department of State Services in violation of a court order, Abubakar stated that “everyone must be law-
abiding in the interest of national development.”

He gave the warning on Thursday in Abuja at the 2019 fourth quarter meeting of the Nigeria Inter-
Religious Council with the theme: ‘Religion and Civil Authorities in Dialogue for Nation-Building.’

The monarch said, “We must regularly obey and respect the laws of our land. We should never
disregard the laws to avoid the consequences. If a court makes a judicial pronouncement on a
particular matter, it should be obeyed to the letter.

“If you have any problem or disagree with the pronouncement, the next step is to appeal the
pronouncement instead of disregarding or violating court judgments.”

Speaking further, the Muslim leader noted, “If you are served a court order and you deliberately
refused to obey it because you are a governor, president or any influential person, then you are
setting a dangerous precedent.”
There’s no society that will prosper through lawlessness; Citizens must be law-abiding so that we
can achieve the desired development,” Abubakar said.

The NSCIA President-General also stressed the need for inter-religious dialogue in the country, noting
that it would foster a better understanding among the people.

He admonished the citizens to be wary of extremism and prevent extremists from causing trouble in the
polity.
Abubakar further emphasised the importance of education and particularly stressed the need to enrol
street children in school and to combat the rising menace of drug abuse in the country.

Minimum Wage: NLC Gives Governors Dec 31 Deadline

The Nigeria Labour Congress says it cannot guarantee industrial peace and harmony, if state governors
refused to conclude negotiations and payment of the National Minimum Wage by December 31.

In a communique issued at the end of its meeting with state council chairmen on the implementation of
the National Minimum Wage, the union said there were currently three implementation categories in
which all states fell into.

The communique was jointly signed by the NLC President; Dr Ayuba Wabba, NLC General Secretary;
Emmanuel Ugboaja and Abdulrafiu Adeniji; National Chairperson, Joint National Public Service
Negotiating Council (Trade Union Side).

Two INEC Staff Jailed 21 Years For N362M Fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has secured the conviction of the duo of
Ibrahim Muhammed Umar and Sahabo Iya Hamman before Justice Nathan Musa of the Adamawa state
High Court, Yola.

Igbere TV gathered both of them were sentenced to 21 years imprisonment on three counts charge
bordering on conspiracy, corruptly procure monetary benefit and receive of monetary benefit.

Their journey to correctional services started when Ibrahim, a former Electoral Officer of Independent
National Electoral Commission, INEC, incharge of Yola South Local Government Area of Adamawa
state, alledgely conspired with the Second convict, Sahabo, a retired staff of INEC and also a
representative of an NGO-West African Network of Election Observers (WANEO) who served as a
State coordinator, Adamawa State, during the 2015 Presidential Election, to withdraw the sum of
N370M from Central Bank of Nigeria at Fidelity Bank Plc, Yola branch, in which the sum of N362m
was released to them.

APC Rally: Steer Clear Of Edo, Group Warns

Oshiomhole
Edo Youth Vanguard, An APC factional group, has warned the national leadership of the All
Progressives Congress (APC), Adams Oshiomhole to steer clear of Edo State on the illegally planned
rally scheduled for Friday, December 13, 2019 in the state capital, Benin

It urged President Muhammadu Buhari to call the party’s National Chairman, Comrade Adams
Oshiomhole to order over his support for a rally that has the potential of creating crises and breaching
the fragile peace in the state.
A faction of the party in the state which has the backing of Oshiomhole has fixed Friday for a rally to
receive defectors into the party without the knowledge of the state governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki and
the party’s state chairman, Mr Anselm Ojezua.

Governor Obaseki travelled on Tuesday with President Buhari to Egypt on national assignment and
they are expected to return on today.

In a statement issued in Benin by its president, Nosakhare Oseghale and Secreatry General, Edward
Ikhide, the EYV questioned the rationale behind the proposed rally, stating that the timing and
approach are not only wide off the mark but has sinister motives of eventually fomenting trouble to
create an impression of anarchy in the state.
According to Oseghale and Ikhide, issues of public safety are hanging in the balance if the purported
rally is allowed to take place, adding that available security reports clearly give credence to the
apprehension that the political rally has sinister motives.
He said: “We are amused that some politicians are planning an ill-conceived political rally for Friday
and it’s being done without the knowledge of the state’s Chief Security Officer, Governor Godwin
Obaseki, who is on a national assignment with President Muhammadu Buhari.
“More curious in the ill-timed proposed rally was the complete and deliberate neglect of the party’s
state executive led by its chairman, Mr Anslem Ojezua. So, the question begging for answer is who is
the Abuja team organizing the rally for?
“This is the yuletide season and there are already movements within and outside the state, why the
desperation to pull down the fragile peace in our state just to prove that a deteriorating influence is still
potent?
“For all intents and purposes, this planned rally is provocative and highly susceptible to violence. How
can you guarantee the safety of Edo people in a rally where neither the state governor, who is the leader
of the APC in Edo State, nor other leaders of the party is aware of the purported declaration rally?”
He urged President Buhari to put a check on the activities of Comrade Oshiomhole, adding that, ‘Edo
State is greater than any man or interest.
List Of APC Governors To Remove Oshiomhole
As Chairman
The Governors under the platform of the All Progressives Congress, APC that pushed for former
Zamfara State governor, Alhaji Abdulaziz Yari as the replacement of Adams Oshiomhole.
Recall that President Muhammadu Buhari has intervened the crisis between the APC governors and the
party chairman, Adams Oshiomhole but the governors have returned to the trenches in their bid to
unseat the National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, zeroing in on the former governor of Zamfara
State, Alhaji Abdulaziz Yari, as his replacement.
Newsflash247 gathered that about 10 of the party’s 17 governors have resolved to deepen their push
against the national chairman, who has been under intense pressure to stand down over sundry
accusations, including his style of leadership, which his traducers claim has left the APC more
divided than ever.
Recall that the governors had forced Oshiomhole to summon the meeting of the National Executive
Committee three weeks ago, having not been held since August last year contrary to the provision of
the party’s constitution, which mandates a quarterly meeting.

Preceding the NEC meeting was the National Caucus, where the president was said to have provided
the national chairman with a lifeline, requesting all the combatants to sheath their swords and
recommended that a reconciliation committee be set up to douse the raging inferno he warned could
consume the party.
But at the NEC meeting, Oshiomhole’s opponents still drew blood. He was, however, saved by the
Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr. Boss Mustapha, who called the attention of
the meeting to Buhari’s proposal for reconciliation and pleaded that the process be allowed to run its
course.
The president’s thinking, according to sources at the meetings, was that the national chairman should
be given another chance to retrace his steps by reconciling with aggrieved leading members, including
in the party’s National Vice Chairman (North-west), Alhaji Inuwa Abdulkadir, who had been suspended
by his Sokoto State branch; Governors Rotimi Akeredolu and Godwin Obaseki as well as former
governors Rochas Okorocha and Ibikunle Amosun.
Buhari was also said to believe that fences could still be mended between Oshiomhole and his Edo
State Governor, Obaseki.
But weeks after the lifeline NEC meeting, the president has been slow in setting up the reconciliation
committee, a development, gathered, has displeased the national chairman’s traducers, who have now
returned to the trenches.
The list of governors who want Oshiomhole out are:
(1) Alhaji Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi State;
(2) Godwin Obaseki of Edo State,
(3) Dr. Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State,
(4) Malam Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna State,
(5) Alhaji Ibrahim Badaru of Jigawa State,
(6) Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State,
(7) Alhaji Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State,
(8) Alhaji Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State,
(9) Alhaji Abdulrahman Abdulrazak of Kwara State,
(10) Mr. Simon Lalong of Plateau State.
Those governors behind Oshiomhole are Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun),
Gboyega Oyetola (Osun) and Babagana Zulum (Borno).
Those on the fence, preaching peace, are:
(1) Alhaji Bello Masari of Katsina State
(2) Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State
(3) and Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State.

Nigeria Launches Website To Check Beneficial Owners Of Oil

Assets
The Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) on Thursday launched an online
register for the verification of beneficial owners oil assets and mines in the country.

The initiative is part of government’s efforts to ensure transparency in the extractive sector in Nigeria.

In some cases, public officials use the position to award contracts to firms they have huge interest in.
They register such companies with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) using fronts. These legal
owners are used to run the organisations.

Executive Secretary of NEITI, Mr Waziri Adio, speaking at the unveiling of the register today, stated
that the list of the beneficial owners contains extractive companies covered under NEITI ‘s audits.

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“Today is a very important day because knowing who owns what in the extractive sector will ensure
the growth of the country as it will tackle potential ills such as tax evasion, money laundry etc.

“Nigeria is joining other countries in the creation of its Beneficial Ownership register today. It might
not be perfect but while searching for perfection, we should not be the enemy of good. Let us use it to
create awareness,” he said.

Also, speaking at the launch, the Director of Communications and Advocacy at NEITI, Dr Orji, said the
initiative was not created to go after anyone, but to create transparency in the extractive industry. “Let
us use this tool for advocacy and enlightenment as this is not a tool to witch hunt anyone,” he urged.

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In her remarks, representative of the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), Mrs Chidera Onwuka,
said, “We are delighted to work with NEITI in the unveiling of the Beneficial Ownership register. It is a
great achievement in moving the country forward. We look forward to the tool reducing corruption and
encouraging investment in the country.”

On his part, Chairman of Civil Society Steering Committee, Mr Kolawole Banwo, congratulated the
agency for this idea, saying, “We must use this tool for public good and not as a witch hunting tool. We
must be able to balance public information and privacy rights.”

ALSO READ 3Line Targets Unbanked Nigerians With SUSUBYU

Business Post reports that to access the register, users must visit bo@neiti.gov.ng and type the name of
the company or a suspected owner on the search bar on the website to know what percent of stake such
person has in the company.

At the moment, the register has details of beneficial owners of companies in the solid mineral and oil &
gas sectors.

Court Denies Bail To Lawyer Charged With Terrorism For

Criticising Governor
The Federal High Court, Calabar, on Wednesday denied bail to Joseph Odok, a Nigerian lawyer and an
avowed critic of the Cross River governor, Ben Ayade.

Mr Odok was arrested on September 26 in Abuja and taken to Calabar by road.

His arrest and incarceration is believed to have been instigated by the governor, Mr Ayade, because of
his constant criticism of the Cross River government.

Mr Odok’s lawyer, Oliver Osang, told PREMIUM TIMES that the court presided by Justice Simon
Amobeda ruled against their bail application on the grounds that “we have not shown exceptional
circumstances in which he should be granted bail”.

Mr Odok’s bail application was based on health grounds.

The judge, Mr Amobeda, however, said the court was open to receiving any “fact available” from the
defence counsel that could lead to a review of its ruling on the bail application.

“We will still pursue it (the bail application),” Mr Osang said.

Mr Odok was present in the court, so was the prosecution counsel, Dennis Tarhemba, a deputy
superintendent of police.

The court last month rejected an application by the Nigerian police to withdraw the charges against Mr
Odok, saying it was the attorney general of the federation, and not the police, that has the power to
withdraw the charges.

The lawyer is accused of inciting some communities in Cross River against one another which the
police said was capable of undermining the security of the state and punishable under The Terrorism
Prevention Amendment Act, 2013.

He is also charged with cybercrime for allegedly accusing the chief of staff to Mr Ayade, Martin Orim,
of being a cultist.

He pleaded not guilty to the two-count charge.

Mr Odok’s Facebook page contains critical remarks on Mr Ayade.

In one of his posts on the social media site in September, Mr Odok described the governor as a ‘joker”’

“Ayade keep getting it wrong with lofty projects. Why talk of Spaghetti flyover when you have not
maintained or completed a single road project from your first administration?

“A man that can’t complete a single road keeps talking Super High Way, Deep Sea Port and now
Spaghetti flyover. This joke is getting out of hands,” he wrote on Facebook.

Mr Ayade’s spokesperson, Christian Ita, had denied the governor’s involvement in the arrest and
detention of Mr Odok.

“It’s wrong for people to describe as the governor’s critic, anyone arrested by the police. The governor
does not know anything about his arrest, the police are in a better position to tell you why they have
arrested him,” Mr Ita told PREMIUM TIMES.

Another critic of Governor Ayade, Agba Jalingo, is facing treason trial over a report published in his
newspaper, alleging that the governor diverted N500 million belonging to the Cross River state
government.
Mr Jalingo, a journalist and publisher of an online newspaper, CrossRiverWatch, is currently remanded
in the Calabar prison.

New Sugar Estate Boosts Nigeria's Sugar Master Plan, Provides

10,000 Jobs
- The sugar master plan of the federal government has received a massive boost and it is on
course
- The plan, an initiative of the Muhammadu Buhari administration, was designed to attract over
$1 billion annually in local and foreign direct investments
- It is also geared towards creating an estimated 107,000 jobs over the first ten-year period
The sugar master plan of the federal government has received a massive boost due to the Sunti Sugar
Estate investment in Mokwa, Niger state.
This was revealed by the minister of industry trade and investment, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, when he
visited the facility on Thursday, December 12.
The minister who commended the Sunti Golden Sugar Estates for the level of investment made in the
sugar sector in Nigeria stated that the investment by was the largest under the Sugar Backward
Integration Policy of the federal government.
With a production target of over 1,500 tonnes by the end of 2019, the minister described the Sugar
Estate’s investment as laudable, adding that it will provide jobs for many Nigerians.
“I just arrived at the Sunti Golden Sugar Estates in Mokwa, Niger state, for my assessment tour of the
backward integration programmes in the sugar industry.
“On my tour of the Sunti Sugar Estates, I emphasized that I am quite impressed with the level of
investment and planning that has gone into this enterprise. It is my hope that this will translate into
more jobs and opportunities for all Nigerians.
“During my assessment tour, I had a great time learning how to harvest sugarcane at the Sunti Golden
Sugar Estates farm — the largest investment under the Sugar Backward Integration Policy, which falls
under the Nigeria Sugar Masterplan,” the minister wrote on his social media pages.
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The National Sugar Master Plan was designed to attract over $1 billion annually in local and foreign
direct investments and create an estimated 107,000 jobs over the first ten-year period.
Meanwhile, over 10,000 jobs have already been created by the Sunti Golden Sugar Estates.
According to the owners, over N64 billion had been so far invested in the Sugar estates with a number
of facilities already provided, including a landing strip, roads, schools, clinics among others.
“The Sunti Sugar Estate has 17,000 hectares of arable farmland, a sugar mill with a capacity to
process 4,500 metric tonnes of sugarcane daily and at full capacity.
“As at today, 3,000ha of sugar cane has been developed and is under pivot, sprinkler and furrow
irrigation,” the management said.

New Minimum Wage: NLC Prepares For Showdown With State

Governors Dec 31
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on Wednesday, said it cannot guarantee industrial peace and
harmony, if state governors refuse to conclude negotiations and payment of the National
Minimum Wage by December 31.

In a communique issued at the end of its meeting with state council chairmen on implementation of the
national minimum wage, the union said there were currently three implementation categories in which
all states fell into.

NAN reports that the communique was jointly signed by NLC President; Dr Ayuba Wabba, NLC
General Secretary; Emmanuel Ugboaja and Abdulrafiu Adeniji; National Chairperson, Joint National
Public Service Negotiating Council (Trade Union Side).

The communique noted that Kaduna, Kebbi, Lagos and Adamawa have commenced implementation
and payment of the new minimum wage, while Jigawa had concluded negotiations but yet to make its
first payment to workers.

It also noted that Borno, Abia, Kano, Bayelsa, Sokoto, Niger, Akwa Ibom, Edo, Ondo, Ebonyi,
Katsina and Zamfara States, have constituted a negotiating committee between their state
government and Labour, following consequential adjustments of salaries.

“States which have not put in place a Negotiating Committee between the State Government and
Labour on the consequential adjustment of salaries, include Bauchi, Yobe, Rivers, Benue,
Gombe, Kwara, Imo, Osun, Ekiti, Oyo, Anambra, Taraba, Cross River, Ogun, Enugu, Nasarawa,
Plateau, Kogi and Delta States.”

The communique noted that Organised Labour in the states comprising the Nigeria Labour Congress,
Trade Union Congress, and the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council (Trade Union Side)
would work in harmony to ensure that all workers enjoy the full benefit of the new National Minimum
Wage.

The union urged state chairmen to immediately convoke an emergency State Executive Council
meeting and State Congress of all workers to brief them of the outcome of the stakeholders’ meeting on
the new national minimum wage implementation.

“States that are still on the discussion table (Category 2) should expedite discussions to conclude
the negotiations on or before the 31st of December, 2019.
“States which have not commenced discussion should quickly constitute a Negotiating Committee and
expeditiously conclude discussions on salary adjustment consequent on the new national minimum
wage on or before 31st December, 2019.

“In the event that any state fails to comply with these resolutions on or before 31st December,
2019, organised labour would not guarantee industrial harmony in such states,” it added.

Afdb President, Adesina Hits Dance Floor After Raising $7.6bn

For Africa
Igbere TV reports that president of African Development Bank (AfDB), Akinwumi Adesina, has hit the
dance floor with his team after successfully raising $7.6 billion for Africa’s low income and fragile
states.

Mr Adesina tweeted late Thursday in excitement over his team surpassing its target.

“With $7.6 Billion secured for Africa through the African Development Fund, we hit the dance floor
and celebrated! Kool!������,” he said.

Adesina added: “My team at African Development Bank did a fantastic job on the African
Development Fund 15th replenishment. We secured $7.6 Billion for Africa’s low income and fragile
states. They are a 1st class group. I call them the Quantum Analytical Team! Well done guys! So proud
of you��.”

The AfDB boss is in the habit of celebrating his team and does not miss an opportunity to tell how
pleased he is to have them.

Igbere TV reports that he specifically recognised the coordinator of the African Development Fund
(ADF) 15th replenishment, Kyle Peters, who led the team in securing the big win.

The former minister of agriculture was recently named 2019 African of the Year by Forbes Africa.

“African of the Year Award by Forbes Africa: I give a big ‘High 5’ to all the amazing staff and highly
supportive Boards of Governors and Directors of the African Development Bank Group. Together, we
continue to fast-track Africa’s development!” Adesina said on receiving the award.
Development Taking Place In Kano Gives Hope For The North"
- Says El-rufa'i
Governor Nasiru Ahmed El-Rufa'i commends the feats achieved by the Kano state governor, Dr
Abdullahi Umar Ganduje in the state, which he (El-Rufa'i) describes as a beacon of hope for all other
parts of Northern Nigeria.
At a 3-Day Retreat organised for Kano state Commissioners, Permanent Secretaries and heads of
government agencies, that took place, at Hotel Seventeen, Kaduna, El-Rufa'i was there to wish the state
governor and all other participants well.
He lamented that, "Unfortunately as Northern Nigeria we have the highest number of illiteracy, highest
number of infant mortality rate and morbidity rate. We must take the destiny in our hands and change
the direction and condition of our people."
Encouraging that, "We can be better, we would do better. And from what I have seen at least in Kano,
we are doing better. Under your leadership Your Excellency, the Kano state governor, there are a lot of
development recorded. And we look forward to seeing more."
While observing that, Kano and Kaduna states, combined, have about 30 percent of population in
Northern Nigeria, he urged all to put heads together for the development of the region and the nation in
general.
Governor Ganduje thanked El-Rufa'i for attending the occasion, telling him that, the Retreat was meant
for taking the newly cabinet members, Permanent Secretaries and heads of government agencies to the
rudiments of governance.
"We are doing this to have clear cut approach to developing our state. To also come up with all the
necessary modalities, as roadmap for the development of the our dear state," he concludes.
Abba Anwar
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Kano State
Thursday 12th December, 2019

No more hiding place as FG unveils 270 mining

licences, 56 oil firms’ owners
There is no more hiding place for the real owners of crude oil and gas and mining assets in
Nigeria as the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, NEITI, has finally begun
unveiling the extractive sector Beneficial Ownership Register for Nigeria on Thursday.
The disclosure began with the unveiling of the real owners of 270 licences in the mining sector, the
owners of 61 assets and 56 companies in the oil and gas sector.
Speaking at the launch of the extractive sector Beneficial Ownership Register for Nigeria, the
Executive Secretary of NEITI, Mr. Waziri Adio, said the register was a way of enthroning transparency,
as anyone would easily access it electronically.
He added that the portal would be continuously updated as more information becomes available and
would periodically be upgraded to allow for better user-interface.
According to Adio, knowing who-owns-what, especially in a sector given to opacity, was strategic
platform needed for resource-rich countries like Nigeria as it promotes legitimate business.
He explained that ownership transparency advances the frontiers of transparency and accountability in
more than symbolic ways.
Adio added that the beneficial ownership register was a practical and potent tool that countries can use
to tackle the potential ills that hidden ownership usually mask, such as tax evasion, corruption, conflict
of interests, illicit financial flows, money laundering, and even drug and terrorism financing.
He said: “When these ills are reduced or eliminated, resource-rich countries will have more resources
to invest in the welfare of their citizens and in physical infrastructure needed for individuals and
businesses to thrive.
“Legitimate businesses, and most businesses also stand to benefit from knowing who they are doing
business with, from reduced exposure to reputational risks, from having a level-playing field, and from
improved trust in their operating environment.
“So let me say this upfront: this beneficial ownership register is not against businesses. Rather, it is for
the good of businesses as it is for the good of countries, and it is for the good of civil groups, the media,
and individuals. So there is nothing for anyone, especially anyone engaged in legitimate businesses, to
be jittery about.
“In a short while, the beneficial ownership register for the extractive sector in Nigeria will go live. At
the touch of a button, anyone with internet access can find out, for free, the owners and the ownership
structure of extractive assets that are in production in Nigeria. These are the assets covered within the
scope of the NEITI audits.
“In this free electronic register, you will find the owners of 270 licences in the mining sector, and the
owners 61 assets and 56 companies in the oil and gas sector. The register will continuously be updated
as more information becomes available and will periodically be upgraded to allow for better user-
interface.”
Adio further stated that the soon-to-be-introduced beneficial ownership registers by the Department of
Petroleum Resources, DPR, and the Mining Cadastral Office, MCO, are in progress,and would be more
comprehensive because they will contain ownership information of all extractive assets, whether
producing or not.
Also in progress, according to the NEITI boss, is the Corporate Affairs Commission, CAC, beneficial
ownership, register, which would have ownership information of all the companies operating in
Nigeria.
He declared that the register aligns with the anti-corruption mandate of President Muhammadu Buhari
administration, adding that it aligns with the spirit of the Open Treasury Portal unveiled by the
President recently.
He added that it was in fulfilment of the commitment that President Buhari made at the London Anti-
Corruption Summit in 2016, and a fulfilment of Nigeria’s commitment under the Open Government
Partnership and to the EITI.
He said: “The NEITI BO register is a precursor to these larger registers that are still being built. The
NEITI register will feed and fold into these larger registers when they are ready. So this is a pilot, if
you will. It is a pilot starting from a sector that is historically known for opacity and distrust, but also a
sector that is increasingly opening up and is still the livewire of our economy.
“It is hard to think of a better place to start. And starting with the extractive sector has positive
signalling effect: if Nigeria can enthrone ownership transparency in its extractive sector, it sure can in
other sectors. Additionally, this pilot will allow us the strategic opportunity to learn, adapt, iterate, then
go to scale.
“As you know, the campaign for ownership transparency is a global one. In fact, BO Transparency is
one of the hottest issues across the globe at the moment. EITI-implementing countries are expected to
start implementation of BO disclosure by 1st January 2020. EU countries are expected to have BO
registers in place by 10th January 2020 and the BO registers in EU countries are expected to be
integrated into one database by 10 March 2021.
“As at today, however, very few countries have BO registers that are operational and open. Nigeria is
thus joining the elite league of a handful of countries with open BO registers, such as the United
Kingdom, Netherland, Denmark, and Ukraine. Nigeria is the only country that I know of in Africa,
Asia, and the Americas to be in this league,” he said.
December 13

I Never Saw Myself As A Politician Until 2018 - Governor

Sanwo-olu
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has disclosed that he never saw himself as a politician
until 2018 even though he held public offices for over a decade.

The Lagos State Governor made the disclosure on Thursday December 12, at a lecture he delivered at
the 3rd Alumni Lecture of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) Faculty of Engineering Alumni
Association which was held at the University campus.

He said;

“I saw myself purely as a professional – a technocrat- in politics and public service.

"The opportunity to run as governor was a bigger responsibility than anything I had ever
done, and, and unlike everything before, not a role to which I could be simply appointed. I
can say that it was at that point that I became a politician”.

Chi Onwurah: A Nigerian Wins In UK Election As Member Of

Parliament
UK election results are trickling in.

I make bold to announce that I voted in less than 3 minutes.

New castle result was the first to be announced in all of UK. A Nigerian worn by wide margin.

Congratulations to Chi Onwurah

Her profile.

Chinyelu Susan Onwurah (born 12 April 1965) is a British Labour Party politician, who
was elected at the 2010 general election as the Member of Parliament for Newcastle upon
Tyne Central, succeeding the previous Labour MP Jim Cousins, who had decided to step
down after 23 years. She is Newcastle's first black She is currently Shadow Minister for
Industrial Strategy, Science and Innovation, having been appointed to the role in October
2016.

Onwurah’s mother was from Newcastle. Her father, from Nigeria, was working as a dentist
while he studied at Newcastle University Medical School when they met and married in the
1950s.

After Onwurah was born in Wallsend, Northumberland, her family moved to Awka,
Nigeria, in 1965 while she was still a baby. Just two years later the Biafra War broke out,
 bringing famine with it, forcing her mother to bring the children back to Tyneside, while
her father stayed there in the Biafran army.

Onwurah graduated from Imperial College London in 1987 with a degree in Electrical
Engineering. She worked in hardware and software development, product management,
market development and strategy for a variety of mainly private sector companies in a
number of different countries – the UK, France, the United States, Nigeria and Denmark
while studying for an MBA at Manchester Business School.

Prior to entering Parliament, Onwurah was Head of Telecoms Technology at Ofcom, with a
focus on broadband provision.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chi_Onwurah

Oil Marketers, PENGASSAN Call For Subsidy Removal

Oil marketers in Nigeria and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria
(PENGASSAN) have called for the removal of fuel subsidy. The groups said the Federal Government
should stop the payment of subsidy, which gulped a whooping N60.37 billion in November 2019.

The oil marketers, under the umbrella body, Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN)
said the Nigerian government should relax control and let the price of petrol be determined by market
forces. The association said no matter how long Nigeria distances itself from the decision, it will have
to embrace it at some point.

Nairametrics had reported that the Petroleum Product Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA), disclosed
that the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) spent an average of N39.59 subsidizing
every litre of petrol imported into the country in November 2019. The NNPC, which is the sole
importer of petrol in the country, reported that Nigeria consumes between 55 million and 60 million
litres of petrol every day while Punch reported that FG is expected to spend N750.81 bn on petrol
subsidy in year 2020.

Subsidy payment degrades industry: Clement Isong, the Chief Executive Officer and Executive
Secretary, MOMAN, which comprises of Total Nigeria Plc, Forte Oil Plc, OVH Energy Limited (an
Oando licensee), MRS Oil Nigeria Plc, Conoil Plc and 11Plc (formerly Mobil Oil Nigeria Plc), subsidy
payment degrades operational efficiency and economics of the downstream sector.

“We are consistent in our view that the subsidy payment or subsidy in the petroleum downstream sector
degrades operational efficiency and economics of the downstream sector. We don’t think it is good for
the industry as a whole. The industry is fraught with malpractices throughout the supply chain and
needs improved governance and transparency; we think it is only deregulation that can help us clean up
the industry and bring back efficiency.” Isong said.

PENGASSAN’s spokesperson, Fortune Obi, also backed MOMAN’s request, stating that the position
of the association remains that subsidy should be removed because the country can’t pay it forever.

Where subsidy payment will be useful: Both associations said the cost of subsidy could be disbursed to
finance infrastructure which is in dire need of the capital. Also, while MOMAN said the payment on
fuel subsidy could be used to improve the road, PENGASSAN called for the funds to be used on
revamping the refineries.

Obi said, “Amount that is to be used for subsidy should be invested in our refineries to give us the
quantity of petroleum products we need.” He advised that the government should invite investors and
let them operate it as a commercial business.

Chuka Umunna Loses MP Seat In UK Election

CHUKA Umunna has sensationally lost his seat as voters turn their back on the rising star MP once
dubbed "Britain's Barack Obama".

The candidate came second in the Cities of London and Westminster to the Tories after flip-flopping
from Labour to Change UK to Lib Dem ahead of the election.

Chuka suffered a dramatic fall from grace this morning after once being heavily tipped to become
Labour leader.

Chuka used to be a rising star in Labour and ran briefly for leader in 2015.

He was regularly tipped to become the UK’s first black Prime Minister and drew comparisons to
former US president Obama after he was elected in 2010.

But he withdrew his candidacy and was cast to the backbenches when Jeremy Corbyn became Labour
leader.

Chuka quit the party in February in a furious row over Brexit and the hard-left direction Corbyn was
taking it in.

He then sensationally defected to Jo Swinson's party months later when his attempt to set up new
political party Change UK flopped.

His move to the Lib Dems was part of a humiliating climbdown for the arch-Remainer, who once said
the country "can't trust" the party.

The MP was accused of hypocrisy after the criticisms were unearthed - including scathing comments
about Lib Dems "betraying the British people.”
Buhari’s Kinsmen Attack Aisha Over Villa Crisis
Kinsmen of the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), have faulted his wife, Aisha,
over her Wednesday’s statement, which attacked the Senior Special Assistant to the President, Garba
Shehu.

The kinsmen in Daura, in separate exclusive interviews with the Kastina State correspondent of The
PUNCH, on Wednesday evening, berated Mrs Buhari for making what they called a purely private
family affair, public.

Mrs Buhari, had in the statement on Wednesday morning, said, “It was Garba Shehu, who claimed that
the government would not allow the office of the first lady to run. He was later to confirm to one of my
aides that he was instructed to say so by Mamman Daura and not the President. This antic attracted the
anger of Nigerian women. He didn’t realise the fact that the first lady’s office is a tradition which has
become an institution.”

Commenting on the statement by Aisha Buhari, residents of Daura, the home town of the President,
said the first lady should have reported the matter to her husband.

Attack on Shehu akin to attacking Buhari – Daura associations

The Chairman of the Coalition of Associations in Daura, Mallam Muhammed Saleh, in an interview
with The PUNCH, said Mrs Buhari’s feud with Shehu should be seen as a pure private affair.

He said that the outburst by the wife of the President was not good enough. According to him, attacking
Shehu was akin to attacking Buhari.

Saleh said, “I try as much to refrain myself from commenting on the issue as some people are bound to
misinterpret whatever one says on the issue. But I need to stress that this is a family affair which should
be resolved.

“Attacking Garba Shehu who is the spokesperson for the President is akin to attacking the President
himself and I think , this is not good enough. I will urge all of them to resolve any issue at stake
privately.”

Aisha is giving wrong impression of her husband – Daura elder

But another elder in Daura, Alhaji Usman Kalgo, said the first lady’s public outburst on Shehu was an
insult to Buhari.

Kalgo said, “ If Aisha sees any shortcomings on the part of Garba Shehu or any other person working
for her husband, the best person to complain to is her husband and not making the issue public.

“The President knew that Garba Shehu was competent before giving him the job of a spokesman and if
there is a feud between Aisha and him or any other person, Aisha should respect her husband. She
should report Shehu to her husband and not making it public. By making the issue public, she is giving
a wrong impression of her husband, which is not good enough.”

A lawyer, who is an indigene of the town, Ado Lalu, said the wife of the President’s approach of
making the issue public would not solve the problem.

Lalu said the feud between the first lady and Shehu or any other person in the Presidency ought to have
been resolved behind closed doors.

Lalu said,” Logically, attacking Garba Shehu publicly by the first lady is not good enough. The first
lady has a direct access to the President and she could have discussed the issue that concerns her with
him. Making her grievances public will not help matters.

“Even if he (President) is busy to attend to her complaints now because of his tight schedule, she will
always get time to discuss the issue with the President. There are several ways of making one’s
grievances known not by making such public, which will only aggravate matters. This is a strictly
private matter and should be settled privately.”

It’s a family affair – Daura emirate

But the Spokesman for the Daura Emirate Council, Mallam Usman Ibrahim, when contacted on the
phone, said, “It is a family matter and we don’t speak on family issues.”

It’s a family affair – Emir of Gusau

In Zamfara State, the Emir of Gusau, Alhaji Ibrahim Bello, told The PUNCH through his Protocol
Officer, Alhaji Abdulkadir Usman, that the issue was entirely a family affair.

He stated, “It is a family affair; it is not an official issue, as such, I wouldn’t want to talk much about
it.”

Before the 2019 elections, the President’s wife had alleged that those who did not contribute to the
election of her husband in 2015, were benefiting from the regime.

The crisis between the first lady and Daura’s family worsened in October, when the President’s
nephew’s daughter, Fatima, released a video.

Fatima, in an interview with the BBC Hausa Service, admitted that she recorded the video that went
viral to provide proof for her parents and security officials about Mrs Buhari’s outburst during an
encounter with the first lady.
In an interview with the BBC Hausa Service after her return from Europe in October, Mrs Buhari
reacted to the viral video.

She said, “I was the one in the video, those behind me were the security personnel given to protect me,
but Mamman Daura’s daughter, Fatima, shot the video in the presence of security officials and
everybody. She was laughing at me because my husband said they should vacate the place (Glass
House) for my son to occupy.”

Sowore: Body Of SANs Knocks Nigerian Government, Demands

Investigation
-The body of SANs said the audacity with which the operatives entered the courtroom had
exposed the nation's hallmark of indiscipline to the whole world.

As condemnation continues to trail the manner at which operatives of Department of State Services
invaded the Federal High Court on Friday to forcefully rearrest pro-democracy campaigner and
journalist, Omoyele Sowore, less than 24 hours after his release on bail after spending 125 days in
detention, the body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to set
up a judicial commission of enquiry to probe the action of the agency.

The body of SANs said the audacity with which the operatives entered the courtroom had
exposed the nation's hallmark of indiscipline to the whole world.

The latest call by the SANs followed earlier moves by the Nigerian Senate, which called for an
investigation into the court invasion and Sowore’s rearrest.

On Wednesday, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami
(SAN), had said that government was setting up a panel to investigate the incident.

Malami’s statement followed widespread condemnation from around the world that greeted the action
of the DSS operatives.

Sowore was first arrested on August 3, 2019 by operatives of the DSS in Lagos for calling on citizens
to take to the streets in peaceful demonstrations to demand a better country from Buhari’s
administration.

In charges that have been described as baseless and laughable by observers around the world, the
government is accusing Sowore of insulting Buhari and planning to bring down his government.

But despite two court orders directing his freedom on bail, the 48-year-old journalist remains in
detention – a glaring breach of his fundamental human rights as guaranteed by the Nigerian
constitution and several conventions the country is a signatory to.
Tayo Lawal: Birth Certificates In Lagos Are Free; Stop Paying
For Them
The Lagos State Government has asked residents to stop paying for birth certificates , saying any
state official who demanded money should be reported for disciplinary actions .

The Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Primary Health Board, Dr Tayo Lawal , spoke during the
inauguration of the Surulere Primary Health Centre, Agbado- Oke -Odo , Alimosho Local Government
Area.

The health centre was renovated and equipped by the Embassy of Japan in partnership with a non -
governmental organisation, Street- to -School Initiative .
Lawal , who was represented on the occasion by the Director of Medical Services and Disease Control ,
Dr Eniola Erinosho , commended the embassy and the NGO for supporting government ’ s drive to
improve access to quality health care.

He urged the people to protect the facility and equipment, assuring them that the government would
deliver efficient medical services at the health centre .

“ There is , however , one thing I want you to monitor . If we have birth registration in this place
and we are issuing birth certificates , you are not expected to pay a kobo for them. If anybody
asked you for money, report such a person. We are assuring you that we will provide adequate
personnel for this health centre, ” Lawal added.
The Baale of Oke Abiye Town , Nojeeb Ajolojuota, asked that doctors be deployed in the health centre
and a house built for them so they could operate 24/ 7.

The Charge D’ Affairs of the Embassy of Japan, Mr Takayuki Shinozawa, said the project was aimed at
“ bringing inclusive basic health care to everyone in the community by renovating the facility,
providing a water purification system , a solar power system , office furniture , hospital equipment,
among others.”

The founder of the Street -to - School Initiative , Oluwatosin Olowoyeye-Taiwo , said the death of a
pupil and a parent over poor health care informed her decision to seek interventions .

She noted that the centre was her second project in the area.

Sharia Law In Arabic Language : Justice Tanko Fails Arabic In

WAEC
Justice Tanko Muhammad who was appointed Chief Judge Of Nigeria by Major General Buhari failed
Arabic in his WAEC.
Recently Justice Tanko was reported to have said that Sharia Law should be taught in Arabic in our
universities.

But the man himself didn't even get a credit in Arabic in his WASC but went ahead to study Sharia
Law. He also had no credit in English.

Source: https://ngg.ng/2019/12/13/sharia-law-in-arabic-language-justice-tanko-fails-arabic-in-waec/

CAN Knocks CJN Over Call For More Sharia Provisions In

Constitution
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has faulted the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN),
Justice Ibrahim Muhammad, for advocating a constitution amendment to include more
Shari’a content in the country’s school curriculum, describing the call as ill-timed,
provocative and unacceptable.

Muhammad on Wednesday had advocated the amendment of the constitution to

accommodate some of the concerns of Muslims and the Shari’a law.

He spoke while declaring the 20th Annual Judges Conference open at the Ahmadu Bello
University (ABU), Zaria Faculty of Law’s Moot Court.

Speaking on the theme of the two-day conference, ‘Documentation of Contracts in Islamic

Law: Procedure, Sample Precedents and Practice,’ organised by the Centre for Islamic
Legal Studies (CILS) of the ABU in collaboration with National Judicial Institute (NJI),
Abuja, Justice Muhammad also urged academics to champion the cause of redesigning the
methods of teaching Shari’a law.

The CJN, who was represented by the Grand Khadi of Niger State, Justice Muhammad
Danjuma, said the implementation of his suggestions would be more feasible if universities
give the Shari’a law its own faculty.

“As we all know, there are sections of the constitution that allow the implementation of
Shari’a personal law and apart from that, we cannot do more. However, we have the
number to amend the constitution to suit our own position as Muslims,” he said.

Muhammad had also advocated increase of judges who were learned in Shari’a to allow
them to attend to Islamic law issues.

The CJN said in view of the importance of the Shari’a system to the legal profession,
Shari’a law ought to be taught in Arabic language in Nigerian universities.

“The Shari’a law should be taught in Arabic not English. There is no university in Nigeria
that runs Shari’a in Arabic; they all teach Shari’a in English. So, academicians let’s also
look into this issue,” the CJN added.

But in a reaction, CAN described the call by the CJN as ill-timed, provocative and
 unacceptable.
The Special Assistant to CAN’s President, Mr. Adebayo Ayodeji, told THISDAY yesterday
that there were many challenges ranging from kidnappings, banditry and terror attacks
facing the country that were begging for solution.

According to him, rather than dwell on needless controversy over such issues, attention
should be given to efforts to make the country more peaceful.

He said: “We have not seen the full text of the paper presented and we learnt the Chief
Justice was represented at the event. So, it is difficult to know if the speech was that of the
Chief Justice or his representative. Be that as it may, asking for the constitutional
amendment with a view to adding more to the Sharia contents is ill-timed, provocative and
unacceptable.

“Today, there is a cloud of uncertainty over the country, occasioned by the menace of
insecurity and alleged assault on the judiciary, to add the controversial Sharia to the list is
very unfortunate.

“The proponents of the idea, whoever they may be, should bury the thought. Let us join the
well-meaning Nigerians who are searching for the solution to the kidnappings, bandits and
terror attacks if truly we want Nigeria to be peaceful.”

No Bad Blood Between Buhari, Osinbajo — South West Forum

The All Progressives Congress (APC) South West Forum, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) chapter, has
dismissed the purported existence of a souring working relationship between President Muhammadu
Buhari & Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, saying that there is no bad blood between the duo.

The chairman of the forum, Pastor Olusegun Erinle, who addressed a press conference yesterday in
Abuja, said both Buhari & Osinbajo have enjoyed cordial working relationship since their election in
2015.

Pastor Erinle, who warned those fanning the embers of discord to repent, dismissed the story of rancour
between the duo and claimed that the insinuation was orchestrated by the fifth columnist.

The APC chieftain, who implored Nigerians to support the Buhari government to deliver its electoral
promises, voiced concern that such divisive insinuation was capable of distracting the government from
implementing and achieving the Next Level Agenda if not checked.

He said, “It becomes auspicious and expedient of us that the APC South West Forum, FCT chapter,
should come on air particularly to allay the fear that has currently become palpable in our public space
over time on the purported souring working relationship between President Buhari and his deputy, Prof.
Osinbajo.

“Since the inauguration of this government in 2015,Change Agenda has not only brought about the
meaningful redirection that has positively positioned our economy on the part of progress and
sustainable development, but has also demonstrated a healthier understanding and a robust working
relationship like we have never had before between our past president and his deputy.

The president has always expressed confidence on his deputy. People should not instigate our leaders
against themselves. There is no bad blood between the two.”

Appointments: Buhari Silent Over Monguno, Service Chiefs,

Others
Some officials holding sensitive positions in the federal government have remained in their offices
despite the fact that their tenures have ended.

Daily Trust findings reveal that others are still in office because of the ambiguity in the laws
establishing the agencies they are superintending.

Many political appointments made by President Muhammadu Buhari at the beginning of his first term
in 2015 were to expire at the end of his tenure in May 2019.

In the alternative, the president has the option of renewing such appointments after he was sworn-in for
a second term.

Though the president has made some fresh appointments in the recent past, he has not yet announced
the reappointment of the National Security Adviser (NSA) and the acting chairman of the Economic
and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The situation is the same with the service chiefs who were appointed on July 13, 2015 and their
appointments renewed in December 2017.

Antecedents

Daily Trust reports that it took several weeks and a lot of pressure before the president announced the
reappointment of Mr Boss Mustapha as Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) on
Friday, July 6. He also reappointed Malam Abba Kyari as his Chief of Staff same day.

The reappointment of the two top officials was made barely 24 hours after the Coalition of United
Political Parties said it had filed a suit against the Buhari administration for “illegally” keeping his
former appointees in office without reappointing them.

CUPP, through its National Publicity Secretary, Mr Imo Ugochinyere, specifically named Mustapha
and Kyari, among other aides, who it said were still occupying offices illegally.
A State House statement signed by Garba Shehu said “Both appointments take effect from May 29,
2019.”

Other appointments/reappointments announced on that day included Mohammed Sarki Abba (Senior
Special Assistant to the President on Household and Social Events), Ya’u Shehu Darazo (Senior Special
Assistant to the President on Special Duties), Dr Suhayb Rafindadi (Personal Physician to the
President), Lawal A. Kazaure (State Chief of Protocol), Sabiu Yusuf (Special Assistant, Office of the
President) and Saley Yuguda (Special Assistant, House Keeping).

Others are: Ahmed Mayo (Special Assistant, Finance and Administration); Mohammed Sani (Special
Assistant, Special Duties); Friday Bethel (Personal Assistant, General Duties); Sunday Aghaeze
(Personal Assistant, State Photographer); and Bayo Omoboriowo (Personal Assistant, Presidential
Photographer).

Those still on seat

Our correspondents report that there are still senior government officials whose re-appointment or
retention requires some explanation or clarification but there is nothing to that effect.

Some analysts and security experts are therefore calling on the National Assembly to do the needful as
a way of sustaining democratic tenets in that regard.

Mohammed Babagana Monguno

A retired Nigerian Army Major General, Monguno was appointed by President Buhari as NSA on July
13, 2015.

General Monguno’s appointment along with Service Chiefs followed the sacking of former heads of
Army, Navy and Air Force as well as the former NSA under ex- President Goodluck Jonathan, Col.
Sambo Dasuki.

The NSA is a senior aide who serves as the chief advisor to the president on national security issues. He
participates in the meetings of the National Security Council and other deliberations on security
matters.

“The NSA is often appointed by the president and serves for not more than four years unless he is
reappointed,” said Salihu Bakhari, a retired Nigerian Army officer.

“The office is political. The president has the prerogative to retain whoever is there but I think he has to
announce the reappointment. I am not sure if Buhari has done that in respect of General Monguno,” he
said.
Ibrahim Magu

Ibrahim Magu was appointed as Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission
(EFCC) on November 9, 2015, after his predecessor, Ibrahim Lamurde who served twice was sacked
by President Buhari.

Section 2(3) of the EFCC Establishment Act of 2014 provides that, “The Chairman and members of the
commission other than ex-officio members shall be appointed by the president and the appointment
shall be subject to the confirmation of the Senate.”

It further provides that the chairman and members of the commission other than ex-officio members
shall hold office for a period of four years and may be re-appointed for a further term of four years and
no more.

Magu, who was appointed on November 9, 2015, has remained in office in acting capacity till date.
Attempts were made by the Presidency to get him confirmed twice but he was rejected on both
occasions by the 8th Senate as a result of petitions written against him by the Department of State
Services (DSS) and other political scheming.

Senate Ahmad Lawan had in November said there was no request before the 9th Senate for the
confirmation of Magu as EFCC chairman.
Lawan made this known when Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Anti-Corruption
(PACAC), Prof. Itse Sagay, paid him a visit to the National Assembly complex, Abuja. However, on
Wednesday last week, Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, dismissed a suit
challenging the stay of Magu as acting chairman of the EFCC.

Justice Ojukwu held that the EFCC Act, especially Section 2(3) did not restrict the powers of the
president to retain Magu as acting EFCC chairman.

She said the gap in the law literally handed President Muhammadu Buhari, the “proverbial yam and the
knife to do as he pleases, being that there is no specific time stipulated for acting capacity.”

“Order 1(2)1 of the Senate Rule applies only to ministerial appointees and cannot be enforced on the
position of the acting chairman of the EFCC,” the judge averred.

Service Chiefs

Buhari on July 13, 2015, appointed his defence and service chiefs for a statutory two years.
Those appointed included: Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Gabriel Olonisakin; Chief of Naval
Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas; Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar; and Chief of
Army Staff, Lt. General Yusuf Buratai.
Based on the Armed Forces Terms and Conditions of Service, the tenure of the defence and service
chiefs expired on July 13, 2017.
However, President Buhari at the time approved the extension of the tenure till December 2017.

And on Monday, December 18, 2017, the then defence minister in a statement stated that the president
extended the tenure of the defence and service chiefs after “having carefully reviewed the on-going
military operations across the country.”

The minister, however, did not specify the duration of the new extension of tenure.
Section 09 Sub-section 08 of the Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service for Officers of the
Armed Force of Nigeria (2012) states that: ‘An officer appointed to the substantive appointment of the
Chief of Defence Staff, Chief of Army, Chief of Naval Staff and Chief of the Air Staff will hold the
appointment for a continuous period of two years. The appointment could be extended for another
period of two years from the date of the expiration of the initial two-year period.

General Olonisakin, a member of the Combatant Regular Course 25, is believed to have spent over 40
years in service as against the statutory 35 years, having enlisted in the Nigerian Defence Academy for
cadet training on January 3, 1979. Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, a member of Course 26, has also spent
40 years in service, having joined the Navy in 1979.

Air Marshal Abubakar, a member of Course Cadet Military Training Course (CMTC 5) joined the Air
Force in November 1979. He has also spent over 40 years in service.

Lt. General Buratai, a member of the Course 29, has spent over 39 years in service.

BREAKING: Court orders arrest of Diezani

A high court in Adamawa has ordered the arrest of Diezani Alison-Madueke, former minister of
petroleum resources, for allegedly giving a bribe of N362 million to INEC officials to influence the
outcome of the 2015 presidential election.
Nathan Musa, the judge, gave this order on Thursday while delivering judgement against Ibrahim Umar
and Sahabo Hamman, two staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) who
received the bribe from Alison-Madueke.
The judge directed Mohammed Adamu, inspector-general of police (IGP), to liaise with the
International Police Organisation (INTERPOL) to ensure that the former petroleum minister is arrested.
In a statement, Wilson Uwujaren, spokesperson of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission
(EFCC), said the former minister and three others were charged “for allegedly deploying over
N362million derived from a $115m slush fund to influence the outcome of the 2015 presidential
elections in favour of the candidate of the then ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)”.
Count two of the charge read: “That you, Ibrahim Mohammed Umar, Sahabo Iya Hamman and Mrs
Diezani Alison-Madueke (now at large) sometime between March and May 2015 in Yola, Adamawa
state, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, while being a public officer working with
Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and retired public servant and former minister of
petroleum resources (now at large) and in capacities, did corruptly procure monetary benefit of three
hundred and sixty-two million naira, (N362,000,000.00) in favour of public officers and staff working
with Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of Adamawa State, contrary to and
punishable under Section 9 (1) (a) & (b) of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related
Offences Act, 2000.”
Alison-Madueke, who fled Nigeria shortly after she left office in 2015, has been named in several
corruption cases pending in different courts in the country.
Some of these cases have been stalled owing to her absence.
The EFCC said it is working at extraditing the former minister from the United Kingdom

Disquiet In Senate Over N100b Constituency Cash

Sanni Onogu, Abuja

No cause for alarm, says spokesman

Why confidence vote suffered setback

The alleged lopsided sharing of N100 billion constituency projects fund is causing disaffection in the
Senate.

The fund is meant for projects in senators’ constituencies.

Some senators said some of their colleagues were “unduly favoured” in the distribution of the fund.

According to them, while some were allocated up to N500 million, others received less than N200
million for execution of projects in their constituencies.

It was leant that to nip the brewing disquiet in the bud, some senators hurriedly planned a vote of
confidence motion in Senate President Ahmad Lawan.

The motion was aborted due to lack of quorum.

It was learnt that those who were “favoured” in the allocation of the fund, were behind the confidence
vote.

Findings showed that some ranking senators whose names were on the list as sponsors of the
confidence vote, disassociated themselves from it in the last minute “because they were not consulted
before their names were included”.

A source noted that due to the sharp division among the sponsors of the confidence vote, the
arrowheads called it off.

Another source who claimed to be part of the original initiators of the confidence vote, noted that the
“talk about a possible crack in the upper chamber is real.”

He said: “Nobody is taking chances hence the need to pass a confidence vote in the leadership.”

Senator Kashim Shettima (Borno Central) on Tuesday sponsored the motion.

There were 36 other senators – 25 All Progressives Congress (APC) and 11 Peoples Democratic Party
(PDP) as co-sponsors.

But the motion was abruptly stepped down “till another legislative day”.

The withdrawal of the motion fueled speculations that all is not totally well in spite of the seeming
unity of purpose with which senators have operated.

The Ninth Senate has made tremendous landmark performance within a short time. It passed the 2020
budget in a record time to return the country to the January to December budget cycle.

It has also passed the Public Procurement Act amendment Bill, among others.

It has worked seamlessly with the House of Representatives and harmoniously with the Executive,
which has received commendation from President Muhammadu Buhari.

But the Chairman, Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Godiya Akwashiki, said there was
no cause for alarm.

Senator Akwashiki insisted that the loyalty of senators to the leadership of the Senate is total and
complete.

Akwashiki said: “There is nothing to worry about in the vote of confidence in the leadership of the
Senate which was stood down on Wednesday during plenary.

“It is a vote of confidence and not a vote of no confidence. A vote of confidence is moved when
members of a group are in support or in total agreement with the leadership.

“I see no big deal in the motion being stood down. I want us to exercise patience and wait for the day
that the motion would be mentioned on the floor of the Senate.

“I won’t speak further on it because it is a vote of confidence. I would speak more if it was a vote of no
confidence and the Senate President decided to use his power as Presiding Officer to stand down the
motion.

“Those who are moving the vote of confidence are in total support of the leadership. So, it is not a
serious issue.

“On the 36 Senators comprising 25 APC and 11 PDP members listed as co-sponsors of the motion is a
normal thing.

“All of us are in total agreement of the motion but we cannot all have our names in the motion.

“If all of us should put our names on the list, then it’s no longer a motion. Now that the motion has
been brought before the Senate, every senator would have the opportunity to speak on it. The number
of sponsors does not matter.

“The vote of confidence motion has nothing to do with any crisis in the Senate. There is no crisis. Our
loyalty to the leadership is total and complete. It is even possible for two senators to move motion on
vote of confidence.”

Only 5 States Paying N30,000 Minimum Wage – NLC

Workers losing patience over minimum wage implementation process, IPAC tells Nigerian govt

The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has disclosed that only five states have started implementing the
new national minimum wage, eight months after passage into law by President Muhammadu Buhari.

In a communiqué issued at the end of its one-day stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja, the labour union
listed Lagos, Kaduna, Kebbi, Adamawa and Jigawa states as those paying their workers the new
salary package.

The communiqué was signed by the NLC President, Ayuba Wabba, General Secretary, Emmanuel
Ugboaja, and National Chairperson, Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council (Trade Union),
Abdulrafiu A. Adeniji.

The NLC listed the states that are yet to set up committees, to include: Bauchi, Yobe, Rivers, Benue,
Gombe, Kwara, Imo, Osun, Ekiti, Oyo, Anambra, Taraba, Cross River, Ogun, Enugu, Nasarawa,
Plateau, Kogi and Delta.

The communique reads: “Each state should immediately convoke an emergency executive council
meeting and state congress of all workers to brief them on the outcome of the stakeholders’ meeting on
the new national minimum wage implementation;

“States that are still on the discussion table (Category 2) should expedite discussions to conclude the
negotiations on or before December 31, 2019;

“States which have not commenced discussion should quickly constitute a negotiating committee and
expeditiously conclude discussions on salary adjustment consequent on the new national minimum
wage on or before December 31, 2019.

“In the event that any state fails to comply with these resolutions on or before December 31, 2019,
organised labour will not guarantee industrial harmony in such state.”

Sowore: AGF Malami Orders DSS To Hands-Off Trial, Takes

Over Case-file
The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, has ordered
the Department of State Service, DSS, to hands-off the prosecution of detained pro-democracy activist
and convener of RevolutionNow Protest, Omoyele Sowore.

The AGF, in a statement that was made available to newsmen by his media aide, Dr Umar Gwandu, on
Friday, said he directed the security agency to forward the case file in respect of charge pending against
Sowore before the Federal High Court in Abuja, to his office.

Malami further directed the Federal Ministry of Justice to immediately take over the prosecution of all
charges against Sowore, in line with the provisions of Sections 150(1) and 174 (1) (a-c) of the 1999
Constitution (as amended).

He said the Federal Government was committed to respecting the sanctity of the rule of law, protecting
the virtues of human rights and ensuring speedy dispensation of justice in the matter.

“As part of deliberate efforts to probe emerging issues related to the recent imbroglio related to
Omoyele Sowore’s case and for speedy dispensation of justice, the Attorney-General and Minister of
Justice has requested that the case file in respect of charge pending before the Federal High Court,
Abuja be forwarded to his office”.

In the statement, Dr Gwandu said the request for the transfer of the case to the office of the AGF was
contained in a letter dated December 11, 2019 and addressed to the Director-General of the DSS,
National Headquarters, Abuja.

The Solicitor General of the Federation and the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Justice, Dayo
Apata, SAN, who signed the letter, refereed to an initial letter the DSS wrote to the AGF on September
9, 2019.
According to the statement, Apata’s letter to the secret service, read: “The Honourable Attorney-
General of the Federation and Minister of Justice upon a further review of the case has directed the
immediate takeover of the prosecution of all charges in respect of Omoyole Sowore by the Federal
Ministry of Justice in line with the provisions of Sections 150(1) and 174 (1) (a-c) of the

1999 Constitution (as amended)”.

It said the letter requested the DSS DG to “promptly forward all the case files” in respect of Omoyele
Sowore to the office of the AGF and Minister of Justice.

Sowore, who was the presidential candidate of African Action Congress, AAC, in the last general
election and publisher of an online news outlet, Sahara Reporters, and his co-defendant, Olawale
Bakare (aka Mandate), are answering to a seven-count treasonable felony charge.

They were in the charge marked FHC/ ABJ/CR/235/2019, accused of conspiracy, money laundering,
cyber-stalking and insulting President Buhari.

Though the defendants perfected all the conditions the court gave for their bail, the DSS declined to
release them, claiming that no surety came forward to receive them.

Following a 24 hours ultimatum trial Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu issued for their release, DSS, temporarily
freed them from detention last week Thursday.

The agency subsequently re-arrested Sowore the next day within the court premises after his trial was
adjourned till February 11, 2020.

Circumstances that surrounded the manner in which he was re-arrested, which involved the invasion of
the courtroom by alleged operatives of the DSS, has continued to attract condemnation for the security
agency.

Though DSS claimed that its officers were not involved in the court invasion saga, insisting that they
waited and arrested Sowore outside the court premises, however, counsel to the defendants, Mr Femi
Falana, SAN, insisted that the agency was involved.

Malami earlier disclosed that the Federal Government had commenced its investigation into the matter.

Similarly, the Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria, on Thursday, called for the setting up of an
Independent Judicial Commission of Enquiry to unravel those behind the courtroom invasion.

Sowore was arrested on August 2 in Lagos and later transferred to Abuja for prosecution, after he called
for a nationwide protest against perceived maladministration by the President Buhari-led government.
Despite his arrest, the protest held in various parts of the country on August 5, with security operatives
clamping down on some of the participants.

NBS- Nigerians Became Poorer Than Ever Before In The Last

12 Months
A new survey report has shown that as much as 44 per cent of Nigerian households (HHs) were unable
to eat a healthy and nutritious/preferred food due to lack of money within the last 12 months of 2019.
It also indicated that 21 per cent of Nigerian households (HHs) were hungry and did not eat because of
lack of money in the last 30 days.

The report is part of findings from the National General Household Survey (NGHS) recently released
by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) in collaboration with the World Bank.

Specifically, the NBS observed that 32 per cent of Nigerian households (HHs) faced food shortages
within the last 12 months of the NGHS, with August ticking as the month where food shortage was
most experienced (40% of Households) and February lowest at 13 per cent of HHs.

Further breakdown of the report showed that among the regions in Nigeria, households in South-South
experienced food shortage the most at 43 per cent of HHs. In the South East, 42.8 per cent of
households and 31 per cent in the North East experienced food shortage.

The same 31 per cent of households in the South West, 26 per cent of households in the North West and
17 per cent of households in the North Central experienced food shortage in the last one year.

Further findings showed that for 30 days preceding the survey visits, 27 per cent had to skip a meal
because of lack of money.

However, the most common shocks to households increased in food prices, an increase in the price of
inputs, flooding and theft of crops, cash, livestock or other property.

The NBS noted that 10 per cent of households received safety net assistance and food is the common
form of safety net assistance received.

According to the National Bureau of Statistics, households were also asked about their experience with
food security and their history of shocks.

It revealed that the percentage of households reporting a food shortage has increased exponentially
from 11.1 per cent in 2012/13, to 19.6 per cent in 2015/16, and in 2018/19, 31.6 per cent.
The biggest risk of food insecurity, according to the report, was experienced in the months of July and
August.

44 per cent of households reported being unable to eat healthy and nutritious/preferred foods because
of lack of money, while 41.3 per cent ate only a few kinds of foods because of lack of money.

The NBS further disclosed that an increase in the price of food items consumed was the most prevalent
shock, with 18.5 per cent affirming to this. Most households, 68.8 per cent, when faced with some form
of shock, “did nothing” to cope with the shock.

The Nigerian General Household Survey (GHS) is implemented in collaboration with the World Bank
Living Standards Measurement Study (LSMS) team as part of the Integrated Surveys on Agriculture
(ISA) program and was revised in 2010 to include a panel component (GHS-Panel).

The objectives of the GHS-Panel include the development of an innovative model for collecting
agricultural data, inter-institutional collaboration, and comprehensive analysis of welfare indicators and
socioeconomic characteristics.

DSS Clears Supreme Court Justice Okoro Of Misconduct

Three years after the invasion of his residence by Department of State Services (DSS) operatives,
Supreme Court Justice John Inyang Okoro has been cleared of any wrongdoing or misconduct,
The Nation has learnt.

The agency has also returned to him, $38,000 (about N13.68m), taken away from his residence,
among other items.

The DSS on October 8, 2016 arrested Justice Okoro and another Supreme Court Justice, Sylvester
Ngwuta, during sting operations.

Also arrested were: a former Presiding Justice of the Court of Appeal, Ilorin Division, Justice
Mohammed Ladan Tsamiya, who was picked up in Sokoto; Justice Adeniyi Ademola (Federal High
Court); the late Chief Judge of Enugu State, Justice I. A. Umezulike; Justice Kabiru Auta of Kano State
High Court; and Justice Muazu Pindiga of Gombe State High Court.

While Justice Ngwuta was discharged by the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), the National Judicial
Council (NJC) cleared Justice Pindiga but recommended the compulsory retirement of Justice Tsamiya,
Justice Ademola and the late Justice Umezulike.

Justice Auta was slated for prosecution over an allegation that he collected N197million from one
Alhaji Kabiru, who wrote a petition to the NJC against him.

The DSS gave Justice Okoro back the cash in his house on November 8 after a three-year probe.
Besides, Justice Okoro was neither arraigned nor tried for corrupt practices.He was “not
confronted with any petition or complaint from any quarters whatsoever by the DSS.” Nothing
incriminating was found against him, The Nation learnt.

A source, who spoke in confidence said: “The DSS has returned over $30,000 and other items
recovered from Justice Inyang Okoro to him, the investigation has been concluded.

“The step taken by the security agency was a vindication of Justice Okoro, who many regarded in the
Judiciary as incorruptible. It also demonstrated the fairness of the DSS in upholding the truth.

“Going by what the Justices went through, the clearance of Justice Okoro by the DSS is being
celebrated at the bar and the bench.”

Investigation confirmed that many respected lawyers, among them SANs, have been pushing for
a public declaration of Justice Okoro’s clearance by the DSS.

A source said: “the eminent lawyers believe since the public heard about Justice Okoro’s
investigation, they ought to know the outcome.
hey are disturbed about the negative media propaganda which his arrest and investigation
generated which affected his reputation.”

In an October 17, 2016 letter to a former Chief Justice of Nigeria, the Supreme Court Justice listed the
items recovered by DSS operatives from his house.

These are: one iPad, three telephone handsets (only one is active), $38,800 N3.5 million, and four
cheque books. The foreign currency was the “leftover from the sum of $24,000 and £10,000 a year
he has received each of the previous three years as annual medical/vacation allowances. He
explained that he had not spent more than £5,000 on each of three trips he made.

He added: “I was entitled to have more than the amount recovered from me. Put differently, My Lord,
the money was the balance of my estacode received from this court for the past three years. This is
quite outside the estacodes I have received for the International Conferences I have so far attended
since joining the bench of this court.”

While the investigation lasted, Justice Okoro insisted that he had “always eschewed all forms of
corrupt practices and never “received any bribe from anybody.”It was the second time Justice
Okoro will be absolved of alleged misconduct.

On August 15, 2011, he swore to an Affidavit on Facts which he submitted to a former President of the
Court of Appeal, Justice Ayo Salami, on a botched attempt to compromise him as a member of Appeal
Panel on the Sokoto State Governorship Election Petition in 2010.
It’s Wrong For Kalu To Retain Senate Seat – Group
A group , the Global Centre for Conscious Living Against Corruption , on Thursday called on the
Senate Chief Whip, Orji Kalu , to resign from the upper chamber of the National Assembly.
It said it was morally wrong for the senator who was convicted and handed a 12- year jail term recently
to continue to represent Abia North Senatorial District from prison .
The group ’s leader, Dr Nwambu Gabriel, made its position known at a press conference in Abuja to
mark the International Anti- Corruption Day .
A Federal High Court in Lagos presided over by Justice Muhammed Idris had in a December 5
judgment slammed a 12 - year jail term on the former governor of Abia State having found him guilty
of a N7 .6bn fraud allegation levelled against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission .
Gabriel said Kalu could not continue to represent the people of his constituency from prison, hence the
need for him to resign .
He said , “ We wish to advise the convicted Chief Whip of the Senate to honourably resign his seat as
Senator representing Abia North Senatorial District.

“ It is morally wrong for him as a convict to still represent a people from jail.
“ We agree that he has the right to appeal the ruling of the lower court, but we make bold to say here
that morally, it is wrong for him to remain the representative of Abia North.
“ He cannot effectively represent Nigerians from prison. We need not to tell him that if he indeed loves
the people of Abia North , he should throw in the towel. ”
Gabriel said the conviction of the former governor had added impetus to the anti - corruption campaign
of the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari ( retd.) .

Edo Government Bans All Political Rallies In The State

Edo State government on Friday announced that a ban has been placed on all political rallies and
demonstration in the state.

This announcement is coming barely 24 hours after a protest by some youths who set up bonfires at
some strategic locations in the capital city, Benin, leading to increased political tensions.

The Government of Edo State in a statement signed by Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion
Ogie, said the decision to place the ban was important following alleged plans by some mischief-
makers to organise an unauthorised political rally in Benin City.

According to him, the rally is capable of leading to a breakdown of public peace and also a danger to
the persons and property of Edo citizens.

[b]“The event of yesterday, 12th December, 2019, were a scary prelude to the absolute mayhem which
these irresponsible activities would generate if left unchecked.

“In defiance of the clear and publicised instruction of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), calling off
the proposed rally owing to the security implications, these desperate persons are presently shopping
around for alternative venues to carry out their incendiary activities.

“The primary purpose of Government is the protection of life and property. Consequently, the
government of Edo State has placed a total and complete ban on all political rallies, demonstrations
and/or procession in any part of Edo State,” [/b]the statement read in part.

The state government therefore directed all security agencies to deal firmly with all persons who act in
breach of this directive.

The also urged parents and guardians to advise their children and wards not to allow themselves to be
used as “cannon-fodder in aid of misguided political ambition and ego of people, whose own children
reside and school abroad.”

The statement concluded that all property owners used for activities in breach of this order shall have
their right of occupancy immediately revoked and forfeited to the state government.

Sowore: Chris Coons, Chuck Schumer, Karen Bass Demand For

His Release
More American lawmakers continue to raise concern over the continued detention of Omoyele Sowore,
a political activist and publisher of Sahara Reporters.

The Nigerian presidency, wary of international criticisms, accused foreign governments of interfering
in Nigeria’s affairs by questioning Mr Buhari’s respect for the rule of law.

A presidential spokesperson, Femi Adesina, on Wednesday asked foreign countries to stop interfering
in Nigeria’s affairs, especially on the issue of human rights abuses.

He disclosed this while reacting to reports from the EU, UK and the U.S. that they were concerned
about Nigeria’s disrespect for the rule of law including in its treatment of Mr Sowore.

However, many foreign lawmakers continue to criticise the Nigerian government over the re-arrest and
detention of Mr Sowore on treason charges by the State Security Services (SSS).

He was arrested on August 3 for planning a #RevolutionNow protest against poor governance. He spent
over 100 days in detention alongside his co-defendant, Olawale Bakare, despite two court orders
mandating their release much earlier.

The duo were released a day before their court hearing last Friday. But the SSS operatives invaded the
courtroom to re-arrest the political activist.
The activities of the secret police already sparked nationwide furore and international criticism against
Mr Buhari’s government.

On Tuesday, Chris Coons, a U.S. senator spoke out about Mr Sowore’s re-arrest. Mr Coons is the
Vice-Chair of the Senate Ethics Committee and a member of the Senate Foreign Relations.

He said in a tweet that he is “concerned that this case is representative of closing of political and
media space in Nigeria. Civil society leaders and human rights defenders should be celebrated,
not persecuted, in Nigeria and around the world.”

“I’m deeply concerned by the harassment and repeated detainment of Nigerian activist, journalist, and
former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore. I urge Nigerian security services to respect due process
and the rule of law, release Sowore per his bail terms, and launch an investigation into his re-arrest.”

Again on Thursday, a senator from New York, Chuck Schumer, asked Mr Buhari to honour
previous court rulings. He also expressed dissatisfaction over Mr Sowore’s continued detention.

“I am disheartened by reports that Omoyele Sowore—activist, journalist, American citizen—was

re-arrested by Nigeria’s government. President Buhari should heed the previous court rulings,
and international sentiment, and immediately free Omoyele Sowore now.”

Before now, PREMIUM TIMES reported how Bob Menendez, a member of the United States Senate’s
Foreign Relations Committee and Josh Gotthiemer wrote to the Nigerian ambassador in the U.S.,
Sylvanus Nsofor, over the continuous detention of the political activist.

In the letter dated November 25 and made available to PREMIUM TIMES, the congressmen said there
have been a number of troubling reports about Nigeria’s security agencies assaulting and detaining
journalists. Mr Menendez in another video and public statement promised US intervention over the
case.

Also, in October, a member of the United States House of Representatives, Karen Bass, said the act of
the DSS to Mr Sowore violates a “fragment of his fundamental human right”.

Apart from Mr Sowore, the Nigerian government is also illegally detaining many others including a
former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki and the Shiite leader, Ibrahim El Zakzaky.

‘I don’t have pillow talk with my husband’ —

Aisha Buhari reveals why she keeps ‘talking’
Aisha Buhari, wife of President Muhammadu Buhari, says she does not have intimate conversations in
bed with her husband owing to a lack of time.
She said it is the reason she keeps ”talking”.
Speaking when she featured on Journalists Hangout, a programme on Television Continental (TVC),
the first lady said this is so because they are busy tending to national issues.
Aisha, who often gives her opinions on national issues, was asked if she gets to raise some of these
matters with the president during “pillow talk”.
“There is no pillow in the villa,” she answered.
She was also asked “not even in the other room”, an allusion to her husband’s statement in 2016 that
“she belongs in my kitchen and my living room and the other room”.
She again, replied “no”.
According to her, their tight schedule has deprived them of such moments.
She added that if members of the cabinet carried out their responsibilities as expected, then her and her
husband can rest and she would not have to keep on commenting on issues.
“There is no pillow in the villa. No, because we are always busy listening to one story or another. I
think the people he put in the cabinet, they should just sit up and do the needful. That is why it is not
good to have godfatherism,” Aisha said.
“We just have to chose the right people to be at the right place so that we would rest, so that the first
lady should stop talking.

Nations Without Crude Oil Performing Better

Than Nigeria – IMF

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Thursday announced that oil-dependent economies like
Nigeria’s continued to perform worse than countries dependent on other exports. According to the
organisation, the trend has been on since the crash in oil prices in 2014.

The IMF disclosed this in its policy paper on macroeconomic developments and prospects in Low-
Income Developing Countries (LIDCs), a paper it said its executive directors deliberated on on 13
November, 2019.
The LIDCs comprise 59 IMF member countries specifically defined by income per capita level below a
certain threshold (fixed at $2,700 in 2016).
“The LIDCs are expected to record average annual growth of some five per cent in 2018-2019, a
reasonably robust performance against the backdrop of loss of momentum in the global economy,” the
organisation stated.

“Looking ahead, growth is expected to pick up marginally in 2020 and beyond, although risks to the
global economy threaten this outlook.
“Debt levels in several countries (notably fuel exporters) fell sharply on fiscal tightening and recoveries
of GDP and/or real exchange rates (which boosted dollar-equivalent denominators). An important
exception is Nigeria, where debt to GDP ratio continued to increase.
“The number of countries facing serious debt challenges, as assessed by bank-fund debt sustainability
assessments, has risen only marginally since 2017, after increasing sharply in the preceding four years,”
the IMF added.
The Fund also affirmed as follows: “Among fuel exporters, current account deficits narrowed over the
period, helped by recovery in export revenues — except in Nigeria, where recovery in import levels
dominated a transitory increase in export revenues in 2018 on the back of higher oil prices.
“Among fuel exporters, the median deficit fell from 5.4 per cent in 2017 to a projected 2.3 per cent in
2019 (below the 3.2 per cent median in 2010–14), with tight financing constraints limiting expenditure
growth.
“Nigeria is an outlier in this context, with the fiscal position, though improving, still significantly
weaker than in 2010-2014 (the era of high oil prices).
“While spending levels are projected to increase across commodity exporters as a group, the increases
are concentrated in less than half of the 30 countries (such as Nigeria, Uzbekistan and Sudan), with
spending levels falling in most of the other countries (Côte d’Ivoire, Republic of Congo and
Mauritania).”

A Nigerian, Kemi Badenoch Re-elected In UK

Election

Nigerian-born Kemi Badenoch has been re-elected as a Member of the UK parliament.

Badenoch, who contested the election on the platform of the Conservatives was appointed the Minister
for Children and Families in July by the British Prime Minister, Boris Johnson.
She expressed her gratitude to her constituents, who voted for her and also promised to serve those who
didn’t vote for her for the next five years.”

Kemi Badenoch via her verified Twitter handle said, “I’m grateful to the nearly 40,000 people who put
their trust in me yesterday. Being your MP is a privilege. I’m proud not just to have won your vote, but
to have increased the majority to 27,500! However you voted, I‘ll be working hard for you over the
next 5 years!”

She represents the Saffron Walden constituency in the parliament.

See her tweet:
I’m grateful to the nearly 40,000 people who put their trust in me yesterday. Being your MP
is a privilege. I’m proud not just to have won your vote, but to have increased the majority
to 27,500! However you voted, I‘ll be working hard for you over the next 5 years!
pic.twitter.com/VHMHI1NBDj

— Kemi Badenoch (@KemiBadenoch) December 13, 2019

History: 8 Points Demand Of Northern Nigeria In 1966

The Northern delegation advocates a system of government which differs from anything that has been
attempted in Nigeria in the past.
As each region has managed to preserve some measure of order and sense of unity within its confines,
each region shall be constituted into an autonomous state:

1. The new Nigeria comprise a number of autonomous states.

2. The autonomous states of Nigeria ,that is to say,Northern Nigeria,Eastern Nigeria, Western Nigeria
and Mid-Western Nigeria or by whatever name they may choose to be called later and such other states
as may be formed subsequently should agree to a union which shall have a Central Executive Council
representation to which shall be on equal representation from all the states comprising the Association.

The powers of the Central Executive Council shall be delegated by the component states except that
powers connected with external or foreign affairs, immigration can be unilaterally withdrawn by the
state Government while all other functions or powers delegated to the Central Executive Council can
only be withdrawn by the State Governments after a unanimous decision by their representatives in the
Central Executive Council.

3. Any member state of the Union should reserve the right to secede completely and unilaterally from
the Union and to make arrangements for co-operation with the other members of the Union in such a
manner as they may severally or individually deem fit.

4. Each state shall have its own Army, Air force, Police, Civil Service and Judiciary.
There shall be a Navy composed ofpersonnel in proportion to the population of each state.
(a) All the States must sign a treaty to defend the country against any external aggression.
(b) Where there is an internal trouble within a state which its forces cannot put down, the State
concerned may ask the Central Executive Council to approach the other states to assist.
(c) A system should be worked out whereby installations controlled by the Central Authority are
protected wherever such installations are situated.

5. There shall be the following common services for the country:

Currency Central Banking, (Communications, Railways, Ports and Harbours, Inland
Waterways,Territorial Waters, Airways, Civil Aviation and Merchant Shipping and Central Shipping
Lines). Telecommunications and Postal Services, Niger Dam Authority, Weights and Measures, Central
Public Service Commission, Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, Customs and Excise Immigration and
Emmigration. Associate Citizenship, Central Court of Apoeal, Central Capital of Lagos, External
Publicity and Information.

6. A central Defence Commission or a similar body should be created to eliminate the danger of an
arms-race within the association.The commission should have a civilian head and shall not obtain
external military aid without the unanimous agreement of all the states. Heads of state Forces shall be
included in the membership of the commission.

7. Movement from one State to another shall be free.

8. Fiscal arrangements in respect of central sources of revenue should be based on the Principle of
Derivation.

Rights of Self -determination

Right of self-determination of all people in the country must be accepted and a referendum or plebiscite
shall be the method through which the wishes of the people concerned shall be ascertained.These rights
include the right of any state within the country to secede. But the implementation of these principles
shall not delay the determination of the future of Nigeria. All necessary guarantees shall however be
written in the future constitution to establish the right of self-determination by any section.

A recall of the Ad-hoc Conference summoned by the then Lt-Col. Yakubu Gowon about two months
after he took over power between September 12 and 28 and again between October 28 and November
4, 1966,would reveal that Northern leaders in the past had taken more radical positions on the
constitution of Nigeria than these gentlemen have done.

The four regions in Nigeria mainly North, Mid-Western, West and Eastern Region attended the first
session of the conference while no delegation from the East attended the second session of the
conference because of the political situation in the country then.

The Northern delegation included Sir Kahim Ibrahim, Alhaji Inua Wada, Mallam Aminu Kano, Chief
Joseph Sawuan Tarka, Alhaji Abdul Razak and Chief Josiah Sunday Olawoyin.

The Lagos delegation included Alhaji Femi Okunnu and Alhaji Lateef Jakande.

The Eastern delegation was led by Professor Eni Njoku with Chief C.C. Mojekwu, Chief E. Eyo and
Chief Matthew Mbu as members.

The Midwest delegation led by Chief Anthony Enahoro also had Dr. Mudiaga Ogie.

The Western delegation was led by Chief Obafemi Awolowo and it included Professor Hezekiah
Oluwasannmi assisted by Professors Ayo Ogunseye, Sam Aluko and Akin Mabogunje.
Source:
Excerpts from the memorandum by the Northern delegates to the conference.

I‘ll Bounce Back In 2023 – Senator Shehu Sani

The immediate past senator representing Kaduna Central and former Chairman Senate Committee on
local and foreign debts, Senator Shehu Sani, has said that he will bounce back to play active politics of
Kaduna in 2023.

“We are not done yet with Kaduna politics, and we shall return,” Sani said. The senator stated this on
Wednesday, shortly after he was conferred an award of excellence by Sabon Garin Nassarawa Elders’
Forum in Kaduna, for his outstanding performance and generosity in the service of humanity both in
and outside public office.
Senator Shehu Sani who was one of the leading figures in the struggle for the restoration of democracy
in Nigeria, said, “we have no fear for anything and nothing will scare us from contesting in 2023.
When our people want us to return, we shall return.”

While receiving the award in his Kaduna residence, he said it was a testimony of his stewardship and
quality representation as a senator in the 8th assembly.
He reiterated his commitment towards vying for a political office in 2023 election, just as he said he
does not like money politics. Sani who is also a human rights activist, explained that while in office,
the 8th Senate was able to defend the integrity and independence of the parliament.
According to him, the 8th Senate stood firm to protect and defend democracy, and checkmated the
excessive power of the executive and carried out its constitutional functions and duties without fear or
favour.

Oshiomhole Under House Arrest As APC Mega Rally Fails To

Hold -Daily Independent
Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, National chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) was
on Friday morning placed under temporary house arrest as the police prevented him from attending the
planned APC mega rally in Benin.

It will be recalled that the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu had on Thurdsay suspended
the rally organised to welcome a former chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Pastor
Osagie Ize- Iyamu and his loyalists to the APC.

Speaking with Daily Independent, a credible source who is monitoring the development said the State
Commissioner of Police, Lawal Tanko Jimeta went to Oshiomhole’s residence on Friday morning
stopping him from attending any rally in view of the prevailing security situation in the state.

“As we speak, Oshiomhole is under house arrest because the Commissioner of Police told him you
can’t go anywhere”.

” Also, the rally they were proposing to hold in Garrick couldn’t hold because the police authority has
placed a ban on it. The state government also issued a statement banning any open rally”.

On the strength of that, the rally failed and all the artistes and musicians who were supposed to play at
the venue were dispersed including media houses like Channels TV, AIT who were already scheduled
to do live broadcast of the event”.

” A few people now went to Ize-Iyamu’s residence where he addressed them. That is the situation for
now” our source said.

Osagie Ize-Iyamu Officially Joins APC

Pastor Osagie Ize-iyamu officially joins
@OfficialAPCNg today 13th December 2019. Edo APC is further strengthened with POI joining with
almost the entire structure of the Edo PDP.
Muric Supports CJN On Sharia In Constitution, Says The
Present One Is British
The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has reacted to the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice
Muhammad Tanko’s call for constitutional amendments to accommodate some peculiarities of Shariah
law which have been ignored for so long.

The CJN made the statement while declaring open the 20th Annual Judges Conference at the Ahmadu
Bello University (ABU), Zaria, Kaduna State, yesterday.

The CJN was represented by Justice Muhammad Danjuma, the Grand Khadi of Niger State.

MURIC backed the CJN’s suggestion, adding that the current constitution was a child of British
colonial Christianisation of the country which had failed to take into consideration the multi-religious
nature of the Nigerian nation.

MURIC spoke through its director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, who issued a press statement to DAILY
POST on the matter, Friday.

The statement added, “The CJN has our full backing on this. The British colonial government
bequeathed a legacy of Christianisation to the Nigerian nation. Muslims were not comfortable with it
but the British did not listen.

“The British did not give a damn. The Northern Muslims resisted and the British invaded the North.

“Muslim resistance was brutally broken by the ruthless massacre of thousands of Muslim freedom
fighters in Hausaland, particularly in Burmi (1903), Satiru (1906) and Zinder (1917).

“Even those who surrounded were not spared as they were mowed down with machine guns.
Thereafter, the British victors curtailed Islamic landmarks.

“Islam had arrived in Karnem Borno in the year 1085 (818 years before the invasion of the North by
the British) during the reign of King Humi Jilmi while Christianity was first preached in 1842 (757
years after the advent of Islam) under the Agacia tree in Badagry.

“As far as we are concerned, therefore, the British who brought Christianity to Nigeria spread their
religion by force after invading the North, after intimidating the South West and after subdueing the
Muslims who had been practicing their faith for more than 800 years. They used excessive force
against the Muslims and carried out barbaric and extra-judicial killings.
“The bombardment of Lagos in 1851 by Commodore Captain R. W. Bruce during the ‘Boiling Battle’
(Ogun Ahoyaya) and the subsequent surrender of the city was the first operation ‘shock and awe’
designed to cow Southerners. It was equally intended to send a strong message to the North.

“The booming of cannon shells and other bombs was hitherto unknown to the city. Lagos quickly put
its tail between its legs like a frightened dog and other cities in the South West took the cue.

“It was a fait accompli. The Muslim population cautioned its membership against courting the ire of the
colonial masters. This surrender paved the way for the creation of the Lagos Colony ten years later
(1861).

“From then onwards, the city of Lagos which by 1775 had more than fifty Islamic schools, opened the
floodgate to the intimidation and coercion of Muslim children in colonial schools. This persecution has
lasted to date.

“We have gone down the lanes of history because today was born from the wombs of yesterday.
Muslims in Yorubaland put up no armed resistance to colonial invasion and forceful conversion
whereas Northern Muslims died in their thousands resisting colonial invasion.

“This resulted in the bold and ruthless conversion of Muslims to Christianity in the South West whereas
the colonialists exercised caution in their dealing with Northern Muslims.

“This situation also informed British adoption of indirect rule in the North. Nobody should ask MURIC
to forget the history of Nigerian Muslims. Brutalisation of Muslims by the British marauders is part of
our history just as the forceful abandonment of Islamic landmarks as ordered by the British Christian
evangelists.

“It was after the British had killed all Muslims who resisted their occupation of Northern Nigeria and
after they had imposed restrictions on the Shariah that they established a Christian-oriented
administration.

“Western education through which thousands of Muslims were forcefully converted was also
introduced to replace Islamic education which was already popular before the arrival of the British.
“This was the situation until Nigeria obtained independence in 1960 and the Muslims continued to bear
the brunt of subjection to a Christian-oriented system.

“Unfortunately successive regimes in post-independence Nigeria have failed to review the system after
the exit of the British in spite of repeated demands. As a result of this, the Muslims remain
unintegrated, unaccommodated and displeased.

“Without attempting to justify violent uprisings, it is our contention that this lop-sidedness is partly
responsible for the interreligious clashes which Nigeria has experienced to date, including, of course,
Boko Haram insurgency.

“The system we run in this country is not only alien to Muslim culture, it has marginalised the Muslim
population. Our democracy is deceptive in as much as Muslims who form the largest segment of the
population are not integrated into the system. Participatory democracy is the global best practice. But
not in Nigeria.

“Nigeria’s democracy excludes the Muslims. Our weekends shut Muslims out. It is the entire monopoly
of Christians. Saturday and Sunday are free but Friday is not.

“The Muslim girl-child goes to school with tears in her eyes because she must not enter the school with
hijab on her head. There is no single Shariah Appeal Court in the entire South West and Muslims in that
sub-region are subjected to Christian common law in all civil matters.

“Muslim marriages conducted inside mosques are not recognised but those held in churches are
sacrosanct. This democracy is fraudulent.

“Christian women enjoy the monopoly of recruitment into the army, navy, police, civil defence, traffic
wardens, immigrations, customs, etc but Muslim women cannot because those uniformed agencies will
not recruit users of hijab. Yet Muslim police women and soldiers use hijab in Britain, United States,
Ireland, etc. Female Muslim graduates therefore remain jobless and impoverished while their Christian
counterparts smile to the banks.

“Yet it was not so ab initio. It was the British Christian colonialists who changed the system to favour
Christians only. This is not good enough and we need to sit down like neighbours to renegotiate our
nationhood.

“It is always better to jaw-jaw than to war-war. If we all condemn the Boko Haram style, what
alternative have we put forward?

“MURIC therefore embraces the CJN’s idea of the need for constitutional amendment. It is even
belated. It is part of restructuring.
“We hope the restructuring camp will welcome the CJN’s idea because it is not going to be about
Muslim demands alone but a comprehensive one. We call for objectivity in this matter.

“Those who always oppose anything which is likely to benefit Muslims are urged to consider this
initiative with an open mind. Constitutional amendment has all the potentials to usher in peace and
tranquillity if we approach it with sincerity.”

FG To Stop Importation Of Petrol By 2023

The Federal Government has set a 2023 deadline to stop the importation of petrol into the country.

Nigeria, an oil-producing country has been heavily dependent on the importation of petroleum products
since its four major oil refineries have been under-utilized.

According to the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC),
Mele Kyari, while signing the Condensate refinery strategy programme Front End Engineering Design,
the strategy is expected to deliver 20 million litres of Petrol when it’s completed.

Mr Kyari explained that President Muhammadu Buhari is concerned that as an oil-producing country,
Nigeria is one of the highest importers of petrol in the world.

In 2017, the Federal Government planned to stop the importation of fuel by 2019 with the approval of a
new National Oil Policy by the Federal Executive Council.

Ghana Becomes Nigeria’s Biggest Trade Partner After Border

Closure
The latest foreign trade report released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) shows some
interesting numbers, as Ghana emerged Nigeria’s biggest export destination for the first time.

The report revealed that Ghana tops Nigeria’s export destinations in the third quarter of 2019, as the
country imported N908.5 billion worth of Cable sheaths of iron, submersible drilling platforms and
crude oil.

Nigeria’s top 10 trade partners

In Q3 2019, Nigeria’s top 10 trade partners are Ghana, India, Netherlands, Spain, United States, France,
South Africa, Italy, China and Canada.

As reported in earlier publication on Nairametrics, India has remained Nigeria’s biggest export
destination after it eclipsed the United States from the position.
According to the latest report, Ghana imported N876.5 billion non-crude oil products from Nigeria,
while crude oil export stood at N32.02 billion in Q3 2019 only. By this, Ghana imported 17.18% of
Nigeria’s total export in three months.
India now takes the second position with a total of N775.6 billion to import Nigeria’s goods. India
imported N694.8 billion crude oil from Nigeria and N80.8 billion on non-crude oil.

The Netherlands ranks third, accounting for 9.82% of the total goods exported by Nigeria in the third
quarter of 2019.

Spain is Nigeria’s fourth-biggest export market, with an estimated N454.6 billion in the third quarter of
2019. This represents about 8.60% of the total value of exported goods.

The United States once again returned to Nigerian oil, as the country emerged Nigeria’s fifth biggest
export destination. It country imported N322.2 billion (6.28%) goods from Nigeria, with crude oil
constituting N329.8 billion.
France is Nigeria’s 6th biggest export market, accounting for 5.02% of the total goods exported from
Nigeria. The total export comprises N201.4 billion worth of crude oil products and N63.8 billion worth
of non-crude oil goods.

South Africa accounted for 4.92% of the total value of goods exported in Q3 2019 from Nigeria, with
N259.7 billion on crude oil and N512 million worth of non-crude oil exports.

In the first quarter of 2019, Italy accounted for 3.77% of the total value of Nigeria’s export. Basically,
crude oil export to Italy was valued at N190.6 billion and non-crude oil products export were estimated
at N8.54 billion.

China makes the list of Nigeria’s biggest export countries. In Q3 2019, Nigeria exported N168.2 worth
of goods to China.

Canada completes the top 10 list with N149.5 billion worth of exports from Nigeria.

Why it matters?

The latest report is somewhat interesting as the development comes against the backdrop of recent
border closure in the country.

In recent times, Nigeria’s neighbouring countries have pleaded with the federal government to open its
borders due to damage it brings to its economy.

For instance, former President of Ghana, John Mahama recently appealed to President Muhammadu
Buhari to open Nigeria’s borders, saying that Ghana has been heavily affected by the closure of the
borders.
“I am sure that businesses in Nigeria that rely on supplies from these countries are also suffering. With
the signing of the joint border task force agreement between Nigeria and her neighbours, I will like to
take this opportunity to appeal to Nigeria to open up her border so that economic activities can
resume,” Mahama said.

Why Akpabio Withdrew From Senatorial Rerun - PDP

Akpabio withdrew from rerun poll out of fear of another defeat – PDP

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom state has mocked the Niger Delta Affairs Minister,
Senator Godswill Akpabio, saying he withdrew from the rerun poll to avoid another defeat.

The PDP in the state described as a joke the former governor’s withdrawal from the rerun election,
insisting that he and the All Progressives Congress(APC) must submit themselves for “confirmatory”
defeat.

State publicity secretary of the PDP, Comrade Iniobong Ememobong in press conference on Friday in
Uyo said it was inappropriate for Akpabio to seek to be replaced by another candidate for the Ikot
Ekpene Senatorial district rerun poll.

“Senator Akpabio was a party before the court and the order of the court is that he should go back for a
rerun in Essien Udim- that’s an order of the court and as a lawyer, he should obey that order and submit
himself for confirmatory defeat”.

“Some days ago, our party, like other members of the reading public, saw a letter infixed in the headed
paper of Senator Godswill Akpabio attempting to convey the purported withdrawal of the Senatorial
candidate of the All Progressives Congress candidate in Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District.

“Due to the cunning and comical nature of the dramatis persona, we had to wait for a reasonable time
to be sure that he will not make his habitual volte-face and claim that he didn’t write the letter or it was
one of the skits in his newfound hobby of national comedy.

“Having not had any rebuttal either from him, his official media sources or his litany of online
guttersnipes, we can now ascertain that the said letter emanated from the once revered former
Governor, then-seemingly invincible Senate Minority Leader, recently defeated former Senator and
now compensated and controversial Minister.

“Our response to that joke taken too far is that the rerun is a court ordered election to complete an
earlier started electoral exercise, which by the judgement of the court has been declared inchoate.

“The only way the APC can substitute a candidate is if the incumbent candidate dies a physical death,
not a political death as that currently witnessed. Senator Akpabio was a party before the court and the
order of the court is that he should go back for a rerun in Essien Udim- that’s an order of the court and
as a lawyer, he should obey that order and submit himself for confirmatory defeat”, he said.

The party’s spokesman further said, “The purported withdrawal of the Senatorial candidate is a clear
face-saving attempt by Chief Akpabio, in a bid to avoid a recurring defeat by Senator Chris Ekpenyong,
whom he had earlier boasted was not a match for him.

“But like it’s common knowledge, pride goes before a fall. Senator Ekpenyong Defeated Chief Akpabio
in 8 local government areas with a large margin of more than 38,000 votes-which is Akpabio’s present
nightmare.

The party urged the Independent National Electoral Commission to treat the withdrawal letter of
Senator Akpabio as a concession of defeat and hold that APC has no candidate in the forthcoming
Senatorial rerun due next year.

“Additionally, we ask the commission to ignore and discountenance the shameless demand for the
removal of Mike Igini as REC. This call is ill-motivated as he wants REC that will allow him the
liberty to concoct results in Essien Udim during the rerun, as that is the only way he can win elections
there”, he said.

Responding the Senior Special Assistant on Media to Senator Akpabio, Anietie Ekong said he will not
glorify the PDP with response as the party was free to say whatever it likes.

“The PDP is free to talk Its usual trash and we are not ready to respond to their trash”, Ekong said.

Nigerian Man Returns ₦98million That Was Mistakenly Paid

Into His Account
A Nigerian man identified as sunny Anderson has narrated how he returned a whooping 98 million
Nigerian Naira which was mistakenly transferred to his bank account.

Sunny Sunday took to social media to share his good deed, while praying for grace on Nigerians, so
that Nigerians to be able to return whatever doesn’t belong to them to their rightful owners

In his words;

“Today, God gave me the grace to return the sum of N98, 000, 000 (Ninety Eight Million Naira) that
was mistakenly transferred into my Acct by a company based in Abuja.

God will never allow us take what belongs to someone else, no matter our level of LACK”.

Transnet Scores A Rail Deal In Ghana

Transnet has continental ambitions beyond freight and wants to be a major player in railway equipment
and expertise. It is starting by reviving narrow-gauge railways in West Africa.

South African state-owned rail and freight operator Transnet has agreed to a rail revitalisation deal with
the Ghana Railway Company Limited and the Ghana Railway Development Authority.

The agreement stipulates the revival of Ghana’s narrow-gauge railway between Takoradi and Tarkwa,
in Western Region – a distance of around 82km.

Takoradi Port is Ghana’s main export facility, and the inland town of Tarkwa, home to one of the
largest gold mines in Ghana and in the world, Tarkwa mine.

The three entities have agreed to rehabilitate and maintain the line, refurbish and maintain existing
locomotives and wagons, supply additional rolling stock, jointly operate the line, and have factored in a
skills development component.

Shift from road to rail

Transnet and the two Ghana entities have established a joint project team that will conduct due
diligence of infrastructure and facilities.

“Transnet is committed to working with local Ghanaian companies to achieve the objectives of the
project,” said Transnet International Holdings chief executive Petrus Fusi. “Through this partnership,
Transnet believes it will contribute to the revival of Ghana’s railway infrastructure and operations, and
return it to full reliability. This is expected to result in a shift of transporting bulk cargo from road to
rail, and contribute to a reduction in Ghana’s cost of logistics.”

Nigeria first

The Ghana deal follows a successful tender in Nigeria. In November 2018 Transnet replaced General
Electric as the lead consortium partner in the country’s narrow-gauge railway project. That project
entails rehabilitating and operating Nigeria’s western and eastern narrow-gauge lines.

Transnet said the consortium aimed to enter into a 30-year concession agreement with the Nigerian
government.
I Am Not Joining APC To Make Trouble, Ize-iyamu Says
Former Secretary to the Edo State Government, Osagie Ize-Iyamu has dismissed insinuation that he is
defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC) to make trouble.

He stated this during his defection at his house after Police stopped the rally from holding at
proposed Garrick Memorial school ground due to security concerns.

Undeterred by the action, the faction loyal to the chairman of the ruling party, Adams Oshiomhole held
the rally at the private residence of Pastor Ize-Iyamu. Dignitaries present at the event include APC
chieftains loyal to Oshiomhole but Oshiomhole was absent at the rally.

APC South West Governor To Be Made President In 2023 –

Former Minister
Former minister of aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, says that a governor in the All Progressives Congress
(APC), South West region, has been told by a cabal that he would be made president in 2023, Igbere
TV reports.

Mr Fani-Kayode said in a tweet on Friday that the governor has been asked to ‘divide’ and ‘destroy’
socio-cultural group, Afenifere, as condition for being made president.

“An old friend of mine who is an APC Governor in SW has been told by the cabal that they will make
him President in 2023. As quid pro qou he has been asked to divide & destroy Afenifere. He is making
a big mistake because no matter how hard he tries Afenifere cannot be destroyed,” he said.

The APC governors in the South West region include Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, Rotimi Akeredolu
of Ondo, Gboyega Oyetola of Osun, and Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti.

Seyi Makinde of Oyo is a member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

It is not known if the cabal Fani-Kayode refers to is any different from that which First Lady Aisha
Buhari says has hijacked her husband’s government.

Oshiomhole Not Under House Arrest – John Mayaki

Former Executive Director on Media and Publicity to the National Chairman of the All
Progressives Congress, Prince John Mayaki has denied reports that Comrade Adams Oshiomhole
is under house arrest.

This claim has been making the rounds on the internet as part of the ongoing crisis surrounding the
rally organized to mark the return of Pastor Osagie Ize Iyamu to the APC from the PDP.
“Reeling from the public humiliation suffered over the clear abuse of power and instigation of
violence in the state today, the Edo State government is trying to save face by spreading the false
and fictitious reports that the National Chairman of the APC, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, is
under house arrest,” Prince John Mayaki said in a statement released to reporters this evening.

“Nothing could be further from the truth. The National Chairman has committed no crime or
wrongdoing and thus cannot be denied his freedom.”

“Members of the public are urged to disregard this false report concocted by the government after it
was unsuccessful in its attempt to block the peaceful rally held to herald the homecoming of Pastor
Osagie Ize Iyamu to the APC,” he said.

Let The Healing Begin’: Johnson Calls For ‘closure’ After

Conservatives Secure 80-Seat Majority
British prime minister Boris Johnson has urged “everyone to find closure and to let the healing begin”
after his Conservative Party secured an 80-seat majority in Thursday’s general election.

The final seat to be confirmed was St Ives bringing the total to 365 seats for the Conservatives as voters
backed his promise to “get Brexit done”.

Speaking outside 10 Downing Street, Mr Johnson said he had an “overwhelming mandate” to take the
UK out of the EU by the end of January. However, he told Remain voters he wanted them to know a
“One Nation” Conservative government would “never ignore” the “positive feelings of warmth and
sympathy towards the other nations of Europe”.

He added that “the overwhelming priority of the British people is that we should focus, above all, on
the NHS”.

Read Fintan O’Toole’s column on Johnson’s victory

Labour suffered catastrophic losses in the electionwith the party winning 203 seats, a loss of 59 seats.
Party leader Jeremy Corbyn announced he would stand down before the next election.

Northern Ireland has returned more nationalists than unionists for the first time after Democratic
Unionist Party (DUP) deputy leader Nigel Dodds lost his seat to Sinn Féin’s John Finucane.

The DUP won eight seats, but Sinn Féin won seven and the SDLP won two, with the Alliance winning
a seat in North Down. The DUP lost two seats and its crucial influencing role supporting the Tory
government.

The final seat of the 18 to declare was Fermanagh/South Tyrone where Sinn Féin’s Michelle Gildernew
held the seat by 57 votes from Ulster Unionist Tom Elliott.

Liberal Democrat leader Jo Swinson lost her seat in East Dumbartonshire, and her party has won 11
seats, just one more than in 2017.

Ms Swinson was the most high-profile casualty of the night and Sir Ed Davey and president Baroness
Sal Brinton were appointed as joint leaders ahead of a leadership election next year.

Apart from the Conservatives, the Scottish National Party (SNP) were the other clear winners, with 48
seats and a large majority in Scotland.

Yahaya Bello’s Victory Is Proof Of Apc’s Impunity— Okorocha

Former Governor of Imo State, and Senator representing Imo East Senatorial District, Senator Rochas
Okorocha has said that the pronounced victory of Governor Yahaya Bello as the winner of the Kogi
State Governorship Election which held on November 18, 2019, is proof that his party, the All
Progressives Congress (APC) can go to any length to desecrate the electoral process.
Okorocha who said this in Abuja said the world confirmed the impunity that is APC by virtue
of Bello’s electoral victory.
According to the Senator, the abysmal performance of Yahaya Bello during his first term ensured that
Kogites were going to vote him out. The outcome of the election, preceded by the approval of
N10billion by a rubber-stamp Senate, was proof that the electoral process in Nigeria has been
desecrated thus proving that the ruling party has enthroned impunity.

I'm The He-Goat Of Edo Politics - Oshiomhole

National chairman of the All Progressives Congress, (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, has
debunked reports that he was placed under house arrest and also described himself as the ‘he-goat’ of
Edo politics.

Oshiomhole spoke Friday afternoon, while addressing journalists at his Benin GRA residence, where
Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, a new APC convert from the PDP, was presented to him by Hillard Etta, the
national vice chairman (south-south) of the party.

A rally to receive Iyamu into the APC fold had held earlier, in a venue different from the one police
disapproved.

Oshiomhole did not attend the rally.

He said he was not surprised he was the butt of attacks by some within the party, because, like the
proverbial he-goat, he will always be at the receiving end of the party’s crisis in the state.
“I saw that they write a story from the Government House that I’m under house arrest. You can see,
either way, they want to make me look like the proverbial he-goat.

“In the traditional Nigerian society, when the family child is sick, and you go and consult the traditional
native doctor, he will ask them to sacrifice a he-goat, so that witches and wizards will not kill the child.

“On the hand, when a baby is born or they are celebrating birthday or something good is happening to
the family, they get a he-goat, they slaughter and celebrate. So, either way, the he-goat is in trouble.

“God knows my heart, and he will help me and he has been helping me. We will sustain the governance
of this state under the APC, with Edo people as our principals and our ultimate employers, and to them,
we are grateful for the support they have given us in spite of any weaknesses we have,” Oshiomhole
said.

Oshiomhole said he stayed away from Ize-Iyamu’s rally to sustain the peace of the party.

“Our party doesn’t believe in rigging, certainly not in this state. We have entrenched the culture of one-
man-one-vote, and the name of the game is not threat, the name of the game is persuasion. That day,
everybody is equal,” he said.

Oshiomhole who blamed the state Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, for the crisis rocking the state
chapter of the party, however noted that the real victim of the crisis will be Governor Godwin Obaseki.

“The real man who is the executioner of violence is Philip Shaibu, but he doesn’t understand that the
real damage is to his Principal, and his Principal is not able to see through their own frustration,” he
said.

He however insisted that members of the party must work to sustain peace.

“There will be peace. Today we have tested that, but I wasn’t there, which shows that this peace is not
in the hands of one man. Once the party below is united, that is what matters and that is what we have
displayed today, where people from all parts of the state came with one objective, to welcome people
into the party.

“You have tension when you find out that the local party members are fighting each other, because,
party membership, you can remain there as long as you obey the rules of the party.

“There is no limit for being a member of APC, but there is limit for being chairman, there is limit for
being governor and there is limit to the tenure of being president, but there is no limit for being a
member.
“So, once the members are united and comfortable, we will sustain the path of peace. That is why I
opted not to go there today,” he said.

Ibrahim Bawa: The DSS Lawyer/imposter Who Injected Sowore

In The Neck
Sowore was injected with a substance at the court by a guy in a lawyer robe; he has been identified as
Ibrahim Bawa.

People say he is a senior advocate but nothing has been said about him.

Does anyone have more info about his practice and his links to the DSS

Watch the attached video at: 0.3 seconds.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4kbDdOXNH6I