PMB Certificate Controversy: Shocking WAEC HQ Letter Shared By Reno Goes Viral - Politics

The Attestation issued to President Mohammadu Buhari has continued to generate More controversy as Reno Omokri has accused the president of influencing the Nigerian office to issue a certificate. Reno who is a lawyer took to his Facebook page to bear his mind on the action of the Nigerian office. He wrote :

"The Headquarters of The West African Examination Council (WAEC) is in Ghana. They are immune to political control by President Muhammadu Buhari. In 2015, Move On Nigeria wrote WAEC Headquarters and they said they have no record of Buhari’s certificate. Also, University of Cambridge confirmed that they did not use the alphanumeric grading system in 1961 which appears in Buhari’s ‘certificate’"

Many on social media were not left out calling the attestation an Honorary WAEC certificate while others say ot was genuine but with a stamped letter from WAEC Headquarters in Ghana disowning Buhari this controversy is far from being over .

https://www.facebook.com/1152008079/posts/10216872966073733/

Fayose Reacts To Presentation Of Buhari's WAEC Certificate - Politics

Former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayo Fayose has reacted to the presentation of a West African Examination Council (WAEC) certificate to President Muhammadu Buhari in Aso rock on Friday.

Fayose described the development as a "national embarrassment, PoliticsNGR gathered.

The President was presented with an 'Attestation of Result' by a WAEC official on Friday, November 2, 2018.

Fayose took to Twitter on Saturday to express his displeasure. He wrote;

"If it was this easy to get WAEC to issue the "Attestation/Confirmation Certificate, why waiting this long? Why contesting four times without a single certificate? So when will the military produce the credentials that he claimed are with them? Many questions begging for answers.

"My consolation is that (provided they will allow votes to count) Nigerians will have the opportunity of ending this national embarrassment in 4 months time. I have never seen a nation that has been so embarrassed by a mere question of 'Mr President, where are your credentials?'"

https://politicsngr.com/just-fayose-reacts-presentation-buharis-waec-certificate/

Sylvester Debe Ojukwu Is Dead! Ojukwu's First Son Dies (PHOTO) -Politics

PoliticsNGR has just gathered that Chief Sylvester Debe Ojukwu, first son of late Igbo leader, late Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu, is dead.

Debe reportedly died on Friday night after a brief stay in Hospital.

https://politicsngr.com/breaking-ojukwu-dead-photo/

Premium Times:- No Discrepancy In Buhari’s WAEC Attestation Certificate -Politics

There is no discrepancy in the results of the school certificate examination of President Muhammadu Buhari released in 2015 and the results in an “attestation certificate” issued to the president by the West African Examination Council (WAEC) on Friday.

The president’s school certificate examination, which was a major controversy in the build-up to the 2015 elections, recently became a matter of public discourse after Mr Buhari told the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that his school certificate is still with military authorities.

Mr Buhari stated this while submitting essential forms to INEC for the 2019 elections, which he would be participating in as the candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The president’s claim immediately drew another round of intense criticism from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and many Nigerians who expressed doubt that Mr Buhari took the examination.

However, on Friday evening, the president Tweeted via his official handle that he had received the attestation and confirmation of his result.

“Today I received the attestation and confirmation of my 1961 West African School Certificate (WASC) Examination result, from the Registrar of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC). It was also an opportunity for me to thank WAEC for upholding its integrity over the years,” he wrote.

“As a Nigerian military officer, it would have been impossible for me to have attended the Defence Services Staff College in India in 1973, and, after that –in 1979 – the United States Army War College, had I not sat for the WASC examinations, which I did in 1961.

“The late General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua was my classmate. We spent close to nine years in boarding school, at primary and secondary levels. And from there, after our WASC, we moved to join the Army, where we had to take a military examination as one of the requirements,” he further explained.

The series of tweets about his result were accompanied by pictures showing the president holding a copy of the result presented to him by WAEC with a man that appears to be an official of the examination body, another of the picture showed passing the result among jubilant aides.

No Mathematics, No Woodwork

But after the results was released, some Nigerians suggested on social media that there was discrepancy in the attestation certificate.

They claimed that in the statement of results this newspaper obtained in 2015, stamped and signed by Principal of Government College Katsina, Mr. Buhari’s alma mater, the president scored four credits in English Language, Hausa Language, Geography, and health Science, respectively. He also scored a ‘Good’ in History but failed Mathematics and Wood Work with the lowest possible grades represented by F9.

However, in the attestation certificate released Friday, while other results remained the same as those in the statement of results obtained by this newspaper in 2015, the president’s score in Mathematics, and in Wood Work, was conspicuously missing.

But PREMIUM TIMES can report that there is no discrepancy in the result.

WAEC tweeted Friday that “subjects that a candidate has F9s are no longer captured in Certificates or Attestation of Results.

EDITOR’S NOTE: This report initially erroneously indicated that there was discrepancy in the attestation of result issued to the president. The post has now been updated to correct that.

https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/293915-no-discrepancy-in-buharis-waec-attestation-certificate.html

APC Places 4 Governors, 12 Chieftains On Watchlist Over Atiku - Politics

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is currently keeping tabs of political activities of no fewer than four of its governors and some of its chieftains, including members of the National Assembly over their alleged support for the presidential bid of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar. Atiku is one of the 77 candidates expected to be on the ballot in the February 16 election against the incumbent, President Muhammadu Buhari of the APC.

The former Vice President was a member of the APC until he defected to the PDP and eventually emerged as the leading opposition party’s presidential flagbearer last month. According to highly placed sources within the party, the decision to place a political surveillance on some of the party’s leaders is to nip any form of anti-party activities in the bud ahead of the 2019 general elections.

While stating that its not as if the party is sniffing or suspecting the leaders, he said some of those being monitored are those with antecedents of anti-party activities before, during and after elections, as well as those aggrieved with the outcome of the various primaries of the party in the country. Specifically, one of the sources hinted Saturday Telegraph that, among those being watched are two governors from the South who are said to be angry with the party and two others from the North, allegedly working with Atiku. “I can confirm to you that we are watching four governors; two from the South and two from the North. We learnt that they have been telling their people not to work for the party.

“We cannot trust them totally, that is why they have to be watched. If they are not working for us, we too should not let down our guards”, he said. The National Chairman of the PDP, Prince Uche Secondus, had recently let the cat out of the bag, when he gave a hint that three governors on the platform of the APC, and some ministers in Buhari’s cabinet are in secret talks with his party over possible defection. Speaking recently during the 81st National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the PDP, Secondus said: “Three more governors and some ministers are coming to our fold, they (APC government) are not aware. Security and economy have collapsed, they are not aware.

There are killings in different parts of the country, they are not aware. Until we reclaim power in 2019, they won’t be aware of anything.” Another source within the party hierarchy who corroborated the first source, told our correspondent that the party is ready to tame the governors to do its bidding. “The APC is not leaving any stone unturned ahead of the 2019 election especially the presidential poll which is the biggest determinant of other elections. “That is why the party is currently taking some discreet steps, howbeit, constitutional, to ensure that the party come top in 2019.

“The party has considered it necessary to get it-self updated on the political activities of some of our leaders who we feel have political, economic and perhaps social relationship with Atiku. I can tell you that about four governors and almost 12 leaders are on close watch of the party. “Of course, we are not on their trail with police or anything, but we want to make sure that they are not susceptible to anything from the other side or got blackmailed on the account of their previous relationships with some members of the opposition.”

Though the sources refused to reveal the governors involved, Saturday Telegraph investigation however showed that the issue might not be unconnected with those involved a the recent faceoff with the party’s National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, over the APC primaries. Governors Rochas Okorocha and Ibikunle Amosun of Imo and Ogun states respectively, had been talking tough against the party leadership in recent times.

While declining to mention names of the APC leaders on the radar, the second source noted that the ruling party is well aware of the various games the opposition party is planning to play ahead of the crunch battle. “Atiku was once with us and don’t forget that he was once a Vice President of this country for eight years. In that regards, you can’t rule out his pedigree of influence. He has it across as a politician and businessman, but we wont sit, fold our arms and not see how to protect what and those who are ours.

“At this stage, friendship is out, it’s all about interest. You are either for us or against us. That is why any seeming act of anti-party activity would be accordingly punished.

“Yes, some governors who are aggrieved about the primaries are part of those being kept in constant check the party and same goes for some leaders who might have benefitted from Atiku one way or the other in the past. The APC platform and Buhari’s aspiration is not where to observe the one good turn deserves another prism.

“We know some governors are his (Atiku) friends, ditto for some lawmakers. There is freedom of association but we wont let that culminate into something hurtful for our candidate and party. That is why we keep repeating our averseness to anti-party activities. Any discussion that can’t be held in the public should be kept till after Feb 16. The party will not condone any nocturnal meeting with any member of the opposition,” he said.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/11/breaking-apc-places-4-governors-12.html

Omoyele Sowore Laments On The Sorry State Yaba Railway Station (Pics) -Politics

Presidential Candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) and publisher of the online news platform Sahara Reporters, Omoyele Sowore on Thursday 1st of November 2018 boarded the train at the Yaba railway station. On a post he shared on Facebook, Sowore lamented the bad state of the Yaba railway station, likened the ticketing office as a place that could not even pass for a horse stable in sane democracies.

”Yesterday I visited the derelict and unbelievably shabby makeshift shack that is the Yaba Train Station in Lagos. There we found a ticketing office which could not even pass for a horse stable in sane democracies. As if to shock us further, we were shown a space made of roofing sheet, dirt, drowned ambition and the shamelessness of our leaders. This space was supposed to be the waiting area of the station. My interaction with Nigerians on the spot and even inside the dingy train opened my eyes to something I hope your eyes will open to as well. Nigeria must be rescued no matter the cost! We have heartless, thieving, conniving and lying dishonourables as leaders. Do the right thing by Nigeria, tell someone about our candidacy and let’s fire up this revolution once and for all!!!”

See more photos: Nigeria News Headlines

WAEC: Why Buhari's Current Passport Pix Appeared On The Attestation Certificate

Why we took result to Villa –WAEC

WAEC, however, said that the media frenzy that trailed its presentation of its certificate to President Buhari at the Villa on Friday was unnecessary.

In a short telephone interview with Saturday Tribune on Friday, the Head of Public Affairs Division of WAEC in Nigeria, Mr Demianus Ojijeogu, said what the body presented to the president was an attestation of result, and not a certificate.

“The Registrar to Council, Dr Iyi Uwadiae, and in company of the Head of National Office of WAEC in Nigeria, Mr Olu Adenipekun, went to the Villa to present not a certificate but an attestation of result.

“When we issue attestation of result, it comes with a passport photograph of the candidate. It’s not a certificate,” he said.

When did the president apply for it?

Saturday Tribune probed further. To this, the WAEC spokesman said what was important was that the president applied, and was issued his attestation of result.

“We can’t be saying he applied yesterday or day before yesterday; the only thing is that he applied, and we must give honour to whom honour is due as the president of the country. There is nothing wrong in that (taking the document to the Villa),” he said.

The photograph on the document issued to the president has also been an object of controversy with many saying that it was incongruous that the Buhari’s 1961 ‘certificate’ would bear the image of an adult Buhari.

But Demianus also explained this.

“When we issue attestation of result, it comes with a photograph the person presented when he was applying for the attestation of result.

“It’s not a certificate; it’s attestation of result. We did that (started issuing attestation of result) because of the rate at which candidates were losing their certificate; since we (WAEC) don’t issue certificate twice.

“So, we issue attestation of result for those who have lost their certificate, or their certificate is damaged or they cannot find it. You can apply for attestation of result. [color=#550000]And whatever passport you submitted when you applied for it is what will appear on the attestation of result.”[color]

Asked in another discussion why it is now that WAEC is giving Buhari attestation of result and not much earlier, he said Buhari didn’t apply for it until now.

On when Buhari collected the original certificate, he said since the examination was a school-based one, the candidate collected it from his school and WAEC would not know when he did so.

In his remarks earlier at the Villa, WAEC Registrar, Uwadiae, said it was possible for candidates to lose their examination certificates through fire or any other unfortunate incident.

“We don’t issue certificates twice but we can issue attestations or duplicate copy of the certificate.

“We also have what we refer to as confirmation; usually, universities were using this in those days when Information Technology was not in vogue.

“Whoever sat for WASC exams in whatever year, we have the records in our database, and Mr President, we have the records of the examinations you sat in 1961.

“We have the attestation of results which we issue to candidates who lost their certificates and confirmation of results,” Dr Uwadiae said.

Culled From Saturday Tribune

https://www.tribuneonlineng.com/171896/

‘You are an embarrassment to APC’ —Oshiomhole blasts Okorocha

Adams Oshiomhole, national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has described Rochas Okorocha, governor of Imo state, as an embarrassment to the ruling party.

The national chairman said this at a press conference in Abuja.

His comment comes after the governor accused him of working against the interest of the party and making the APC lose five million voters.

“I also request that Oshiomhole must learn to respect the rule of law and obey court orders where they apply. This issue of treating court orders as tissue papers must stop; it doesn’t reflect the image of our party,” Okorocha had told journalists after meeting President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday.

“Since his inception and after the primaries, we have lost almost five million voters. There is anger, protest everywhere. He needs to be called to order; he has to respect the rule of law, respect court orders and do the right thing.”

But Oshiomhole denied the allegations by the governor, maintaining that he is on the right path.

“Okorocha’s action is against the Christian community in Imo state and also an embarrassment to APC… we are not ready to join him in antagonising his people,” Oshiomhole said.

“Yesterday, I watched Okorocha on television urging me to obey the rule of law but we followed due process to rescue him because the congresses conducted by my predecessor swept Okorocha out of the system. We thought it wise to restore due process and ordered fresh congress in the state.

“If Governor Rochas chose to relocate to the villa and use the ground of villa to try to intimidate me to create a dynasty, I will uphold the best interest of APC members and indeed of APC people in Imo state.”

Oshiomhole said the desperation of Okorocha to pick a senate ticket and a governorship ticket for his son-in-law amounted to turning Imo into his family dynasty.

He added that the NWC had met and decided to submit the name of Hope Uzondima to INEC as the party’s governorship candidate of Imo.

Uzondima was declared winner of a primary conducted by an NWC committee headed by Ahmed Gulak but the APC leadership had disbanded the panel and ordered a fresh primary which never held.

Oshiomhole also took the opportunity of the conference to descend on Ibikunle Amosun, governor of Ogun state, accusing him of injustice and fraud in relation to the APC primaries held in Ogun.

He said the governor had called him to say that the Ogun APC was going to adopt consensus option, but he rejected it, insisting on direct primary.

“Governor Amosun decided that him and his prefered aspirant will not participate in the primaries organised by the working committee and even tried to withdraw the security that was necessary for the primary panel,” he said.

“At a stakeholders’ meeting, Governor Amosun decided to introduce the third element which didn’t feature in the resolution of the NEC, announced that Ogun State was going to adopt consensus and he proceeded to define what in his view constitute consensus.

“He announced somebody as the consensus governor, he proceeded to announce another man as the deputy governor, he went on to proclaim (himself) as the next senator and he said the current serving senator, Tejuoso, should step aside.

“He also went on to announce that the second senator also from Ogun State will step aside while another man will come in. Governor Amosun went on to announce another man who will be the next speaker, and another one as the next deputy speaker. He also singlehandedly pronounced that of the eight House of Representatives members, seven will not return. According to him, only one will return. All these he claimed is a consensus.

“However, Ogun state governor decided in his wisdom to conduct his own self help, I mean resulting to what you can call self help by conducting what he called his own primary. The Secretary to Ogun state government became the chief returning officer and I and other NWC members were watching the Channels Television and we saw the secretary to Ogun state government proclaiming himself as the returning officer, and purported to have conducted primary.”

Evans asked God for forgiveness during interrogation – Witness tells court

By Onozure Dania

A Police Inspector, Idowu Haruna, yesterday told a Lagos High court sitting at Igbosere, how suspected kidnap kingpin Chukwuemeka Onwuamadike, also known as Evans, regretted the atrocities he committed and kept asking God for forgiveness of his sins.

Evans

Truck dealer sentenced to 3 years jail term for stealing N1.6m

Haruna, who was giving evidence as a prosecution witness in the trial of Evans and three others

in two separate charges bordering on conspiracy to kidnap, kidnapping and attempted murder told Justice Adedayo Akintoye that Evans admitted kidnapping and killing people in his statement.

Rivers APC crisis: A-Court strikes out motions by factions

Evans has however disowned his statement saying he made it under duress following his torture by his interrogators. The court therefore ordered a trial within trial before proceeding with the substantive charge.

At the hearing yesterday, the counsel to the first and third defendants Mr Noel Brown told the court that he could not go on with the trial, as the lead counsel Mr Chino Ogbiagwu SAN, was with the case file and asked for adjournment.

Justice Adedayo Akintoye however insisted that the trial must go on, as the counsel had been part of the defense team since the commencement of the trial.

At the trial within trial yesterday, the police inspector said “on the day I recorded Evans’ statement, I cautioned him and asked if he had a lawyer who could guide him before writing his statement but he said no and that he was ready to narrate the whole story to the police.

“Evans said he didn’t have any lawyer and didn’t know anyone because of the kind of job he did. And the only thing he kept saying was for God to forgive him his sins because he has kidnapped and killed”.

According to the witness, Evans in his statement to the police said that he had four AK47 rifles, two pistols and chains which he used on his victims as well as a Lexus Jeep he used in kidnapping his victims to their hideout at 21, Prophet Asaje Close Igando Lagos.

Haruna, who is a member of the Inspector General of Police Intelligent Response Team, is the seventh prosecution witness, in the second charge, involving Joseph Emeka, Linus Okpara and Victor Aduba.

He said that Evans narrated to the police that he was the only one who negotiated for ransom and also arranged how to pick the ransom. Evans did not involve the other members of the gang in the negotiation and only gave them small portion of the ransom.

Evans also told the police that he usually used the fourth defendant, Victor Aduba a serving Army Officer as an escort during operation in order to have free passage on their way to their hideout.

According to Haruna, Evans further said hat he was the leader of the gang and that the gang started operation since 1997. They were involved in kidnapping, and armed robbery in different parts of the country, as they had no other job.

Haruna who was being led in evidence by the Director of Public Prosecution Titilayo Shitta-Bey, told the court that when Evans was arrested, he gave the police information that led to the arrest of the other defendants.

He also said that the first defendant informed the police that the job of the third defendant Linus Okpara, was to look for victims and would then give him information before the victims were kidnapped.

The witness said that Evans was never tortured, as it was against the ethics of the Nigeria Police Force.

The defendants had through their counsel Mr Noel Brown, Ogedi Ogu and Emmanuel Ochai, informed the court that their statements were not voluntary as they were beaten and tortured before the statements were taken.

The second defendant Joseph Emeka, in the open court told his counsel Ogu, that he was beaten to stupor, before his statement was taken.

The Inspector, who said that the defendants’ statements were taken at Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS Ikeja Lagos, added that none of them was tortured, nor were they put under duress, when they volunteered their statements.

Police Commission, Force HQ set up monitoring teams to visits to Police Stations

By: Kingsley Omonobi Abuja – The Chairman of the Police Service Commission, Alhaji Musiliu Smith, (IGP rtd) on Friday, November 2nd, 2018, disclosed that joint monitoring teams to be made up of personnel of the Police Service Commission and Force headquarters to pay periodic surprise visits to police stations across the country following allegations of human rights abuses and police brutality.

Shi’ite Protest: Members of Shi’ite clash with Police during their protest at the Central District of Abuja calling for release of their Leader El ZakZaky . Photo by Gbemiga Olamikan.

Alhaji Smith made the disclosure when he received in audience, the National Co-ordinator of SERVICOM, Mrs.Nnenna Akajemeli who came on advocacy visit, accompanied by four of her senior staff, to appeal to the Commission to ensure among other things, that citizens-focused service delivery is implemented in the Nigeria Police Force and Police Service Commission.

The PSC chairman said the new Management of the Commission is aware of what it takes to have an efficient service delivery in the Police, stressing that the Commission would ensure that very soon service delivery in the Nigeria Police Force will be effective, efficient and citizen focused.

He further noted the determination of the Commission to closely monitor recruitment of personnel into the Nigeria Police Force to ensure that newly recruited Officers are properly trained to relate well with the public, to be focused, always neat and operate within the confines of the law.

On Discipline, Smith said the Commission will always ensure that disciplinary matters were speedily disposed off, adding that the Commission will use its powers to dismiss, reduce etc, fearlessly and fairly to serve as examples to all personnel.

Earlier, Mrs. Akajemeli in her speech emphasised the fact that government is about the people.

According to her; “the quality of governance is determined by the quality of services delivered to citizens and the extent to which these services meet their needs and expectations”.

The National Coordinator said that since public service is the only contact that most citizens have with government, SERVICOM according to her, therefore focuses on improving the quality of that contact by working with Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to ensure effective service delivery”

APC has no room for emperors Oshiomhole fires back at Okorocha, Amosun

By Omeiza Ajayi

The insistence of Imo State governor, Chief Rochas Okorocha and his Ogun State counterpart on fielding their choice candidates as governorship flagbearers in their respective states despite the position of the All Progressives Party, APC, finally met a brick wall yesterday with the party’s refusal to recognise their candidates.

Oshiohmole can’t be removed, not violated APC constitution – Tinubu

APC National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole

Specifically, the party’s decision practically dealt a mortal blow to the scheming and horse-trading over the determination of the governors to ensure that their candidates were given the tickets to contest governorship elections in Imo and Ogun states.

2019: Danger lies ahead of APC — Gov Amosun

At the same time, the APC dismissed the decision of the Independent Electoral Commission, INEC, barring it from having a governorship candidate in Zamfara State over the failure to meet the deadline for the submission of candidates’ names.

The party said the stance of the electoral umpire was an act of disenfranchisement, aimed at awarding the governorship position in the state to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

These positions which seemed like the highpoints of the fallout of the party’s governorship primaries across the country were taken yesterday in Abuja.

Addressing newsmen to that effect, APC National Chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole said the party would not bend its rules for the personal interest of some party members.

Oshiomhole, who spoke on the contentious outcomes of its primaries in Imo, Ogun, Rivers and Zamfara states, said the APC would abide by a Supreme Court judgment on Rivers State.

He added that measures would be put in place for fresh congresses across the state.

The APC National Chairman specifically said Okorocha and Amosun were bent on fielding their choice aspirants at the expense of the party’s constitution.

The duo had recently accused Oshiomhole of being responsible for the crisis in the party.

RIVERS: We will abide by Supreme Court order

His words: “On the judgment given by the Supreme Court, as a political party, we respect the judiciary. We also appreciate that democracy is basically about the rule of law and not the rule of might. Based on this fact, which is not a choice, we are obliged to respect the rule of law and at the heart of that is total obedience to the letters and the spirit of judicial findings which are not meant to be convenient. In a democracy, there are orders that need to be obeyed.

Therefore, the judgment of the Supreme Court is very clear that the court has nullified the ward congresses that were done by my predecessor in Rivers State and also nullified the state and local government congresses that were done in the state. What is important is that as things stand, the highest court in the land has pronounced that those congresses did not meet the requirements of the law and are therefore not valid. As a law-abiding party, we accept the decision of the court and we will call a meeting in no distant future of all the stakeholders in Rivers State to put the necessary machinery in place to conduct fresh ward, local government, and state congresses.

OGUN: Amosun behaving like an emperor

“In the APC Constitution, the only body authorised to conduct primaries is the NWC of which I am privileged to be the chairman but there are processes that must be followed before this exercise is made a possibility. Our National Executive Committee NEC met and decided to invoke the relevant parts of our constitution which among other things allow us to conduct either direct or indirect primaries in which every card-carrying member of our party is entitled to vote.

“In the case of Ogun state, Governor Ibikunle Amosun like any other governor convened a meeting of the State Executive Committee SEC as directed by NEC and those meetings were meant to include not just the SEC members but critical stakeholders for the purpose of primaries. There can be no question that anyone who is standing for an election is obviously a stakeholder in the process particularly when the matter on the agenda is how to conduct the primaries. And in order to ensure transparency in the process, the NEC also resolved that when a state opted for any of the options, the state executive is obliged to ensure that majority of the members sign the resolution and not just one or two on behalf of the others.

Substantial compliance

“Amosun convened a meeting that substantially met the requirements as resolved by the NEC. I talk about substantial compliance because there were people who were supposed to be invited to that meeting but were not invited. These include former senators, former governors or deputy governors. At the meeting, Amosun in his wisdom decided to introduce a third element which did not feature in the resolution of the NEC.

He announced that Ogun State was going to adopt consensus and he proceeded to define what in his view constitutes a consensus. Having defined it to mean the pronouncement of the governor, he went on to announce a consensus candidate, one Akinlade as the next governor. He proceeded to announce another gentleman as the running mate.

Okorocha, Amosun and Oshiomhole

He went on to proclaim himself as the next senator and also said the current senator in his own zone, Sen Lanre Tejuosho, would step aside so that he, Amosun, at the end of his tenure would proceed to the Senate. He announced also that another senator from Ogun State would step aside and another gentleman would come in his place. Not done, Amosun went on to announce a particular gentleman as the next Speaker and another one as Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly.

Amosun also unilaterally pronounced that of the eight seating House of Representatives members, seven were not going to return. He went on to list the names of the House of Assembly members who would seek re-election and those who would not seek re-election, announcing a total of 40 names. When he was done in a manner that an emperor would do to his subjects in a feudal society, the people of Ogun state at that meeting rejected the imposition.

Amosun did not recognise that democracy is a game of numbers, not a game of power. He went on angrily to announce that if they did not accept the imposition, he was going to do direct primaries which the people agreed. Upon this decision, the SEC wrote to the NWC copying the office of the chairman
to inform me.

Minimum Wage: Conciliation meeting with labour will go ahead—Ngige

By Johnbosco Agbakwuru MINISTER of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige on Friday said that conciliation on the National Minimum Wage will continue despite the injunction of the National Industrial Court restraining the organized labour from embarking on strike.

N56,000 minimum wage

The Minister in a statement by the Director Press in the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Samuel Olowookere said that the conciliation meeting involving the Organized Labour, the Organized Private Sector and Government scheduled for Sunday, November 4, 2018 at the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation by 6:00 p.m was still on course and will hold.

This will be followed on Monday, November 5, 2018 by 11:00 a.m the meeting of the National Tripartite Minimum Wage Committee at the same venue

The Minister used the opportunity to again appeal to all tripartite members to attend these meetings in the interest of the Nation.

Recall that the President of Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Ayuba Wabba, had vowed that the organised labour would not be part of any conciliation meeting or negotiation on minimum wage, alleging that every discussion about minimum wage had been concluded.

He said that the only meeting organised labour will attend will be the signing of the minimum wage report and not negotiation.

UGWUANYI In Three Weeks!

TUC/World Bank rating; Rangers feat; Ohaneze’s nod

By Louis Amoke

The Enugu State Governor, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, as usual featured prominently in the news in the last three weeks. During the period under review, Gov. Ugwuanyi was named the “2018 Sun Governor of the Year” for good governance; rapid rural development; regular payment of workers’ salaries and retirees’ pensions even without the receipt of federal allocation; nurturing peace and harmony among the political class and critical support for security agencies, among others.

Prior to this well-deserved feat, the National President of Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), Comrade (Dr.) Bobboi Bala Kaigama, while in Enugu for the ground breaking of 100 Housing Units for Nigerian workers, commended Gov. Ugwuanyi for his sterling performance in office and outstanding commitment to the welfare of the state’s civil servants.

Comrade Kaigama added that his leadership was proud of Gov. Ugwuanyi for paying workers’ salaries regularly and ensuring that they “have decent working environment”, saying, “If there is any governor that Nigerian workers can come up and work for his success particularly for his second term, we are proud to say that our members will work for you”.

The housing project under reference is being developed by the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) in collaboration with Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), Nigeria Employer’s Consultative Association (NECA) and the Enugu State Government. The Gov. Ugwuanyi administration in fulfillment of one of its contributions to the speedy actualization of the project, which is so dear to the workers, recently awarded contract for the construction of access roads to the site.

Also within the weeks under review, the Rangers International Football Club of Enugu staged one of the greatest soccer comebacks to win the 2018 Challenge Cup now tagged the NFF/ AITEO Cup after 35 years of the club’s last victory in the competition. It would be recalled that Enugu Rangers FC, under Gov. Ugwuanyi’s administration, exhibited similar historic feat when it won the 2015/2016 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) cup – breaking the jinx of being unable to win a trophy after 32 years.

Also, the World Bank Group rated Enugu State as the second most advanced state in Nigeria towards the frontier of global good practices with regards to Ease of Doing Business.

The objective rating, which was contained in the recently released World Bank Doing Business in Nigeria 2018 report, by implication, proves that Enugu State, under the visionary leadership of Gov. Ugwuanyi has institutionalized far-reaching socio-economic reforms and provided critical infrastructure and security that have engendered a robust climate of Ease of Doing Business, creating an increased inflow of local and foreign direct investments in the state. It has also gone a long way to showcase the ingenuity of the present administration in advancing the cause of business engagements in the state through innovations, accountability, fiscal discipline and efficient public expenditure management for the overall wellbeing of the masses.

Prior to the recent World Bank rating, Gov. Ugwuanyi’s administration had received an avalanche of similar verdicts and commendations from well-respected bodies. These include the Senate on the judicious utilization of the bailout funds; the BudgIT report, which listed Enugu, Lagos and Rivers as the only three states out of the 36 states of the federation that have fulfilled obligations to their workers; the recent Economic Confidential magazine verdict that listed Enugu among the seven states that are solvent with impressive over-30 per cent Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to fund additional economic activities.

Others include, the fifth most competitive state in Nigeria, according to the National Competitiveness Council of Nigeria; the third most debt sustainable State in Nigeria; the first state in Nigeria to publish its Audited State/Final Account for three consecutive years; first in the South East geo-political zone and ninth in the country based on IGR as against Federal Allocation; one of the twelve states in Nigeria that can survive without federal allocations, among others.

The climax of the weeks’ event in favour of Gov. Ugwuanyi was the Ohanaeze Ndigbo’s validation of the gale of endorsements for the governor’s re-election by various groups across the state and beyond. The Enugu State chapter of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, which made the stance during its rich and colouful Iri-Ji (New Yam) Festival held at the popular Michael Okpara Square, Enugu, stated that the validation was “an ultimate Seal of Authority in Igbo Land”

The highly revered body added that it was also “the most bankable promissory note that beckons on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for a Certificate of Return to His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyichukwu Lawrence Ugwuanyi as the governor-elect in Enugu State come 2019”.

Speaking on behalf of the excited members of the organization’s state chapter, its President, Chief Chiedozie Alex Ogbonnia, further explained that they were amazed at the list of numerous groups in the state that have endorsed the governor for a second term in office, which included – “The traditional rulers council and the members of their cabinets; Association of former elected Local Government Chairmen; Enugu State Amalgamated Traders Association; Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN); National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS).

Others, according to Ohanaeze Ndigbo, include, “NULGE/ LG Pensioners; NURTW; National Assembly members; Enugu State Resident Doctors Association; Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT); Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC); Association of Former Members of Enugu State House of Assembly; Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), etc”.

It is also remarkable to note that the ex-councilors in the state, between 1999-2015, have thrown their weight behind the governor’s second term bid in 2019 and more groups have continued to endorse him, accordingly, based on his outstanding performance and uncommon leadership style.

Speaking further, the chapter’s President applauded Gov. Ugwuanyi’s “steady trajectory of massive infrastructural developments” stressing that it has “turned Enugu State into a huge and seamless construction site with all the tiers of government, namely the federal, state and the local at work in project implementation synergy”.

According to him, “the above observations by the Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Enugu State Chapter, are reinforced by the clamour for endorsements of Governor Ugwuanyi for his re-election as the governor of Enugu State in the 2019 general election”, revealing that “well over 100 groups have endorsed Governor Ugwuanyi to run for a second term” and “the list of such groups above is a tip of the iceberg”.

In his remark, the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Nnia Nwodo, who witnessed the historic cultural festival with Gov. Ugwuanyi and other dignitaries, noted that the validation by the Enugu State chapter of the organization was an outward demonstration of solidarity for the governor, saying that “you (Ugwuanyi) are such a humble man that I don’t know how low you can get again in order to show more humility”.

His words: “Well I cannot say anything rather than that I have noted with great satisfaction what the people of Enugu State have said today. And when I summon the next meeting of Ime-Obi Ohanaeze, which is the highest decision making organ in Igboland, we will take into consideration what was said today because Ohanaeze must look at all our governors and their respective states and say our opinions as to who has been doing well. On this note, I say congratulations to you, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi as we invite you to come and appreciate what we are doing today”.

During the recent workers’ 100 housing units’ ground breaking ceremony, the TUC National President recalled that Gov. Ugwuanyi’s administration had provided similar 100 units of one-bedroom apartments for the state’s civil servants between grade levels 01-10, who became proud landlords, after the state government paid 54 percent Equity Contribution.

Appreciating him further, Comrade Kaigama declared that “Gov. Ugwuanyi is second to none in the provision of workers’ welfare in the South East geo-political zone”, and “a performer and humble leader” who listens when it comes to challenges confronting the workers and the entire people of the state. He stated that the governor has set the pace for other states to emulate, stressing that “Enugu State is working under your leadership and that is not only because you are a performer, but you exhibit the sense of performance with humility”.

According to him, “we would say it anywhere because you have done it and you are still doing it. We assure that the working class not only in Enugu State but also in the entire nation is supporting you on your efforts to deliver the dividends of democracy”.

From the foregoing, it is being reaffirmed that Gov. Ugwuanyi has continued to make a positive mark in the governance of Enugu State, through his selfless service, vision, strength of leadership, sheer dexterity, and passion for the wellbeing of the people of the state – the true heroes of democracy. It is therefore, expected of the people to continue to reciprocate this gesture through their solidarity, goodwill and support.

Amoke, writes from Enugu State

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/11/ugwuanyi-in-three-weeks/

Why Do Our Lawyers Still Wear White Man Wigs?

Nearly 60 years after independence from colonial rule, why do our lawyers still wear these things on their heads?

Is it that we cannot devise a home-grown attire for our lawyers, or is it that we so love the colonial rulers and exploiters of our land, that we just cannot let go of their legacy?

Did somebody do juju on us to turn us into mumus where the colonialists are concerned?

India, Pakistan, and parts of China were colonised by the British. But their legal systems have jettisoned those colonial wigs ages ago.

In Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, and other ex-colonies, still continue to wear them.

What is wrong with us as a people?

Seriously, we need to approach our ancestors for forgiveness, in case we did something to them that made them place a curse on us, that has turned us into dumb mumus without basic common sense and dignity, especially where it concerns Europeans.

Imagine for a second how the white people will be laughing their heads off when they see us wearing these things, a full sixty years after independence.

It's truly disgusting.

CBN Increases The Capital Base Of Microfinance Banks

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has raised the minimum capital base of microfinance banks in the country giving them up to April 2020 to recapitalise.

The CBN in a circular issued and signed by the director, financial Policy and Regulation department, Kevin Amugo, had increased the minimum capital base of National MFBs to N5 billion from N2 billion while that of state was increased to N1 billion from N100 million. Under the new capital base Unit license MFB which previously requires N20 million minimum paid up capital to operate will now require N200 million.

The CBN said the move had become inevitable as the sector had been contending with challenges such as inadequate capital base, weak corporate governance, ineffective risk management practices, dearth of requisite capacity and mission drift. Given the role of microfinance banks in economic growth and development, the CBN introduced the Microfinance Policy, Regulatory and Supervisory Framework on December 15, 2005 (revised in 201 l). The key focus of the policy was among others, to increase financial inclusion rate in the country: improve access to financial services for the active rural poor; and pursue poverty eradication. The microfinance banking sub-sector, in pursuit of the above objectives.

It said having reviewed the state of health of the industry and it is of the view that microfinance banks as presently constituted, would be unable to meet the critical targets set out in the Microfinance Policy, hence the need for specific reforms to strengthen the subsector and reposition microfinance banks towards improved performance. “Consequently, the CBN, in exercise of the powers conferred on it by the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act and in furtherance of its mandate to promote a sound financial system in Nigeria, hereby increases the minimum capital requirement of microfinance banks as follows: - Unit Microfinance Bank N200 million, - State Microfinance Bank N1 billion, - National Microfinance Bank N5 billion.

To meet these requirements, existing microfinance banks are expected to explore the possibility of mergers and acquisitions and/or direct injection of funds. The Revised Regulatory and Supervisory Guidelines for Microfinance Banks, Code of Corporate Governance for Microfinance Banks and sector specific Prudential Guidelines for Microfinance Banks would be issued in due course. “Institutions that meet the capital requirements as well as demonstrate the existence of strong corporate governance in their operations would be allowed to open account at the CBN office within their state of operation. Such institutions would also be channels for micro funding activities at the CBN and the Development Bank of Nigeria.’’

Source: Leadership Newspapers

https://leadership.ng/2018/10/24/cbn-reviews-minimum-capital-base-for-microfinance-banks/

"Beware Of Self-styled Group Called Buhari Campaign Organization" -Keyamo warns

According to Festus Keyamon (SAN), the group is not working for the interest of Mr. President.

Frsc Reintroduces Fines For Old Number Plates

Nigerians have condemned the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) for reintroducing the suspended enforcement of the new vehicle number plates on motorists without adequate information.

Since last September, some motorists, particularly in Abuja and other major cities across the country, have complained about being accosted by FRSC officials and being issued fines for vehicle number plate violation.

Some of those who spoke with PREMIUM TIMES described FRSC’s action as an “ambush and an attempt to extort from innocent Nigerians.”

The motorists claimed although Nigerians were aware of the initial directive in 2011 for old number plates to be replaced with new ones, after the implementation and enforcement of the directive was suspended in 2014 following the intervention of the National Assembly, they were not informed when a new order was issued.

Motorists’ complaints

A senior official in Akwa Ibom Liaison Office, Abuja, Uduakabasi Udo, said she was accosted by FRSC officials on September 14 and asked to pay N3,000 fine for not using the new plate number.

“When FRSC officials stopped me around the Corps’ former headquarters in Zone 7, Abuja and requested for my vehicle papers, I was shocked when, after seeing my documents were complete, they still booked me for using an old vehicle number plate,” Mrs Udo told PREMIUM TIMES.

“When I insisted on seeing the document that authorised the Corps to restart the enforcement of the earlier suspended directive, I was the more surprised when the official took me to his office to show me a memo on the subject issued the previous day from the Corps headquarters,” she said.

Despite her strong protests, Mrs Udo said she was issued papers for the fine of N3,000.

She said she was asked to approach any FRSC office to get a new number plate, which will attract additional cost of between N12,500 and N15,000.

For Philemon Adjekuko, he said he was accosted close to the National Hospital in Abuja by some FRSC officials at about 10 a.m. on Tuesday.

“After going through my license and vehicle particulars, despite finding them up-to-date they still booked me and issued me a fine for using an old plate number,” Mr Adjekuko told PREMIUM TIMES.

“The fine struck me like a bolt, because I had no idea what that was all about. The official who booked me said the FRSC had just gotten a court judgment in their favour and were only resuming the enforcement earlier suspended,” he said.

Mr Adjekuko said “assuming FRSC actually got such a judgment, does it not owe Nigerians a duty to make a public announcement in all the media before the commencement of the enforcement?

“What FRSC is doing is morally wrong, even if legal. Nigerians have a right to know an issue before a court of law has been resolved one way or the other.

“Besides, equity demands Nigerians should be given adequate time to obtain the new plate number in the light of the so-called judgment. Equity demands the best way to go about it will be to phase out the old number plates by attrition,” he said.

For instance, Mr Adjekuko said FRSC would have asked all those going to renew their vehicle particulars to obtain the new number plates alongside. That way, he said, people can prepare their minds towards undertaking such financial burden.

“What FRSC is doing on the roads amounts to an ambush, with the aim of extorting the people. Nigerians are already suffering from a high level of distress. To add to that distress by impounding their vehicles or confiscating their licenses and imposing a fine using old number plates is against the principles of natural justice,” he noted.

When PREMIUM TIMES visited the FRSC official website, no information on the judgment was published to notify the public of the latest development.

A lawyer weighs in

A Lagos-based public interest lawyer, Jiti Ogunye, who was one of the few Nigerians who challenged the introduction of the new number plate by FRSC in 2012, agrees with Mr Adjekuko that the Corps owes Nigerians a duty to publicise its latest court order on all media platforms before embarking on enforcement.

Besides, Mr Ogunye faulted the FRSC for abdicating its mandate and responsibility to Nigerians in pursuit of the revenue generating agencies’ role.

“If the FRSC informed Nigerians of the suspension of enforcement of the directive, now that it claims it has a fresh court order for them to recommence the enforcement of the earlier directive, I believe they have a duty to inform Nigerians through publications of the judgment in all media platforms,” Mr Ogunye said.

He said FRSC was not established as a revenue generating agency, but to ensure safety on federal highways.

He said what the FRSC is doing is not only enforcing indiscriminately its rules even on state roads in violation of the federal principle, but also elevating revenue generation above its core mandate.

Origin of the problem

The new vehicle number plate and driver’s licence were introduced by the FRSC in 2011.

Consequently, the Corps announced the old number plates would be phased out by August 2012.

However, the enforcement of the directive was mired in controversy as some Nigerians took the matter to court.

By November 2012, the FRSC was compelled to extend the deadline by a year, with a warning using old number plates would not only become illegal by September 30, 2013, but also an offence effective October 1, 2013.

Regardless, on September 30, 2013, Ogedi Ogu, filed a suit at the Federal High Court, Lagos through Emmanuel Ofoegbu, a rights activist, to challenge the FRSC’ powers to enforce its directive on the old number plates.

The suit had rejected a July 15, 2013 ruling by an Anambra State High Court in Awka authorising the FRSC to go-ahead with the enforcement of the directive, as it was ‘legal and constitutional.’

In his ruling, Justice James Tsoho of the Federal High Court, Lagos, held that it was unlawful for FRSC to impose the new number plates on Nigerians, where there was no existing law permitting.

Following the court’s ruling, FRSC’s plan to commence enforcement of the new number plates by October 1, 2013 was halted.

Although the Corps resolved to file an appeal, it however announced it was determined to go ahead with the enforcement of the new drivers’ licence and number plates come August 1, 2014 on the basis of the Anambra court ruling

But, following the insistence by concerned lawyers that the federal high court’s order restraining the FRSC was still valid and subsisting, the FRSC officially announced the suspension of the enforcement notice on new number plates in 2014.

FRSC Speaks

When contacted, FRSC spokesperson, Bisi Kazeem, told PREMIUM TIMES enforcing the new number plate directive by the Corps was official.

Mr Kazeem did not address why the Corps did not publicise the latest court order permitting it to commence enforcement of the suspended directive.

We gave room for people to purchase new number plates when renewing their vehicle licence, but people ignored and continued to use the old plates,” he said.

https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/293714-new-vehicle-number-plates-nigerians-accuse-frsc-of-ambush-extortion.html

Al Ahly Wins African Champions League Final First Leg With Help Of VAR

Walid Soliman scored two VAR penalties to give Egypt's Al Ahly a 3-1 first-leg win over Esperance in the African Champions League final in Alexandria.

It was the first time VAR was used in a Champions League final and referee Mehdi Charef watched replays before awarding the spot kicks.

Amr Elsolia scored the other goal for the hosts while Youcef Belaili converted a penalty for Esperance.

The Egyptian club are aiming to win their ninth continental title.

Tunisian side Esperance have won the title twice but they lost 1-0 at home to Ahly in the group stages of the competition.

The second leg takes place at Stade Olympique in Rades on 9 November.

The overall winners will also earn a place at December's Club World Cup in the United Arab Emirates.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/46057470

Okowa’s Second Term Bid, Done Deal —Uduaghan

Says Gov unruffled by defection of party members BY CHARLES KUMOLU, Deputy Features Editor

DELTA State Commissioner for Transport, Mr, Vincent Uduaghan, in this interview, explains why the re-election chances of the state governor, Sen Ifeanyi Okowa are bright. He also spoke on the activities of his ministry and defection of some Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, members among other issues.

Delta State governor, Sen Ifeanyi Okowa and the state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, seem unruffled by the defection of a few prominent PDP members in the state. What could be responsible for such comportment?

The Governor cannot be ruffled because politically he is a grassroots man. He works closely with the electorate, he feels their pulses and he has a track record of carrying people along politically. He doesn’t show the attitude of “I know it all”. So many people from the opposition also defected to the PDP recently. We are not threatened because Okowa has done well in every area to deserve a second term. Because of his track record, he was appointed the Chairman Organising Committee that put together the National Convention of the PDP in Port Harcourt. Recently, the Vice President Yemi Osibanjo commended Okowa for being very proactive on the flooding incidents across the state. The governor has so far, given adequate attention to Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, in various camps across the state. He was equally given an award for the best governor in the country. The award is a recognistion of what he is doing in the state. Mr. Vincent Uduaghan,

A former governor of the state, who is also your elder brother, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan defected to the All Progressives Congress, APC. Are you concerned about that?

Many things are happening politically. He is an adult, who was a member of the PDP for a long time. If he chose to leave, I believe he left as a result of reasons that are personal to him. So many persons have equally defected from the APC to the PDP in large number. It is politics at play. The members of the state executive council are concerned about how we can jointly help Okowa to succeed. That is why we are committed to our various assignments. With Okowa as our boss, we don’t have any option but to perform.

The state government has been adjudged in various reports to have done well in road construction across the senatorial zones in the state. Could explain more on that? The Governor is doing his best in the areas of road rehabilitation and construction. It is an expensive venture but much has been achieved. Delta State is a mini-Nigeria where most projects are sited in the three Senatorial Districts of the State. More roads will be given attention in the state. He had equally done well in the health, education, agriculture, and information sectors, among other areas. Governor Okowa has already succeeded in his 2019 re-election bid. His report card and political prowess give him an edge.

Transport sector

The Governor has done well and expended so much in the transport sector. The Delta State Traffic Management Authority (DESTMA) was inaugurated, by the administration. DESTMA is established to control and manage traffic as well as address traffic issues. Presently, there is a high level of compliance by motorists. There is also a Mechanic Village which is being constructed under a Public Private Partnership, PPP. It is very important because it will bring together all mechanics and spare parts dealers scattered all over the state capital and it will facilitate the gathering of data by the government concerning the artisans. It will also create synergy among them. The accreditation of the School of Marine Technology Courses in Burutu was achieved under him. Vehicle Inspection Officers are well positioned because of the good working condition created by the Okowa administration. It is quite remarkable to know that drivers who had not been promoted for over four years were recently remembered by the governor, who approved a training programme for them. After the training, about 200 people were promoted in the first phase, while another 250 are about to commence another training for 2018/2019 session. The Government of Senator Dr. Okowa equally deemed it fit to embark on the privatization of Delta Line Company in order to bring complete overhauling of the moribund transport company, after many years of poor management. Traffic Lights were also installed in different locations across the state. At the same time, we are constructing a tanker park in the Effurun/Warri Axis. At the completion of this project, the hazardous parking of tankers along the Nigeria Port Authority, NPA, and Refinery Roads would become a thing of the past. It will also address the issues of accidents in Effurun /Warri axis.

Delta State Ministry of Transport It is quite interesting to know that the goal of the ministry is to provide safe, reliable, efficient and integrated transport operations and infrastructure that will meet the need of passengers and freight services. The policy thrust of the ministry is to channel all available resources to the provision of adequate, sustainable, affordable, comfortable and safe transportation services. We also provide mechanical engineering and marine services to Deltans.

The ministry is to ensure effective management, control of road traffic policies, and the safety of lives and property on our roads. The ministry also harnesses revenue accruing from motor vehicle-related transactions and taxation among others.

Has the state started reaping from the privatisation of Delta Line?

The privatisation of Delta Line was a hectic assignment. But what is worth doing is worth doing well. That is the reason the Governor took the decision to redeem the transport company through a privatization process. Over the years, the state government invested so much in the company without the desired result. There were cases of financial mismanagement, and poor attitude to work among other issues that could wreck any public or organisation. The benefits and gratuity of those affected are being disbursed to them accordingly. Even before now, the inherited salaries of staff owed by the previous management were paid up to date before the process of the payments of benefits. My colleagues in the Ministry of Finance, Olorogun David Edevbie and Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Festus Agas were at the forefront of seeing that the process of paying all benefits to affected staff and interfacing with the union was done smoothly.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/11/okowas-second-term-bid-done-deal-uduaghan/? utm_source=&utm_medium=twitter

2019: ‘i’m In The Race To Win, Not Splitting Any Votes’ – Oby Ezekwesili Insists

The presidential candidate of the Allied Congress Party of Nigeria (ACPN), Obiageli ‘Oby’ Ezekwesili, has reacted to claims that her candidacy will only result in splitting votes originally meant for the big political parties.

Ezekwesili, a former Minister of Education rejected this notion, saying that her presidential ambition stands as a credible alternative to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

“I don’t know why anyone will think it makes sense that I’m here to split votes. I am here to answer the call of majority of Nigerians who are living in abject poverty in the midst of abundance. I am running as a credible alternative to the Siamese Twins of failure that the #APCPDP represents – that is precisely why I am in the race be President,” Ezekwesili said.

“It is high time the ruling elite know that they have a fight in the hands – and the fight is not against me – it is against the hundreds of millions of people out in the streets with no assurance of food, shelter, and other basic amenities. That is the fight that they are in, and I can assure you that they – Nigeria’s failed leadership –cannot win,” she added.

There are insinuations in some quarters that Ezekwesili’s involvement in politics is a ploy to split votes in favour of certain presidential candidates, a rumour that has been denied by the former Vice President of the World Bank for Africa.

Ezekwesili’s insists her campaign is positioned as an alternative to the two main parties which has continued to exhibit incompetent leadership and grand corruption in all its activities.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/11/2019-im-in-race-to-win-not-splitting.htm

Nigerian Army Dislodges Boko Haram Terrorists In Borno - Crime

The Nigerian Army on Friday disligded operatives of the Boko Haram terrorist group in Borno state.

According to a statement by Nigerian Army and made available to NGHUBS, the incident happened at Mude Village in Borno State.

"Troops of 117 Task Force Battalion Chibok in conjunction with members of CJTF and vigilantes on fighting patrol dislodged BHTs at Mude, a village ahead of Gumsuri in Borno State."

"The terrorists fled in disarray on sighting the gallant troops and most of them escaped with gunshot wounds."The statement partly read

Recovered during the gunbattle were 7 X AK Rifle, 3 X Magazine, 1 X RPG Tube, 1 X RPG Bomb, 1 X Double Barrel Gun and 7 X Bicycle. Medical Equipment and accessories include 2 X Nylon Sutures, 3 X Fortified Procaine Penicillin, 1 X B-Complex, 1 X Chloroquine, 1 X Stethoscope, 1 X Stitch Forcep, 1 X Alice, 1 X Artery Forcep, 1 X Sponge Holding Forcep, 2 X Disecting Forcep, 1 X Lidoncain, 2 X Needle/Syringe, 1 X Gentamicin, 2 X Hand Gloves, 1 X First Aid Box and cotton Wool. Other items include blanket and sleeping kits.

See photos below.

http://nghubs.com.ng/2018/11/02/breaking-nigerian-army-dislodge-boko-haram-terrorists-in-borno/

Buhari: Why I am disappointed in national assembly

President Muhammadu Buhari says he felt disappointed in the national assembly for delaying the passage of the 2018 budget by seven months.

Femi Adesina, presidential spokesman, quoted Buhari to have said this when he received a delegation of citizens of Niger state led by Abubakar Bello, the governor, at the presidential villa in Abuja on Friday.

Buhari presented the budget to the national assembly in November 2017 but it was not passed until June 2018.

The president blamed the delay in the completion of projects across the country on the deferral of the budget by the lawmakers.

“If the National Assembly takes seven months to pass a budget, then we should be commended for the much that we have achieved, and can still achieve,” Adesina quoted Buhari as saying.

“I personally feel very disappointed. I spoke with the leaders of the National Assembly on the issue that seven months is a long time to work on a budget.”

Buhari said ongoing efforts to improve road, and rail networks across the country will be increased as infrastructural development remains paramount for improving the livelihood of Nigerians.

He said his administration will pay more attention to the stretch of 2,150 km federal roads in the state.

Speaking on security, he said, “we cannot manage our communities and societies without security. A lot of resources is being diverted to provide security instead of going into infrastructural development.’’

APC to conduct fresh congresses in Rivers

Adams Oshiomhole, national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has announced the decision of the party to conduct fresh congresses in Rivers state.

Oshiomhole said this at a press briefing in Abuja on Friday.

Citing the supreme court judgement on the congresses in the state, the chairman said in the case of Rivers, it was clear that the congresses conducted by the John Odigie-Oyegun national working committee was a nullity.

He said they were conducted in defiance of a subsisting court order restraining them from doing so.

The apex court had annulled the congresses conducted by the faction loyal to Rotimi Amaechi, minister of transportation, describing it as a “serious violation of court order”.

It berated the court of appeal which nullified a high court order against the controversial congress.

Following an ex-parte application by aggrieved members of the APC, led by Abdulahi Umar, a high court in the state instructed the party members to suspend plans for the conduct of its local government congress on May 12, pending the determination of the substantive application alleging the marginalisation of some of its members.

Rather than comply with the court order, the APC filed an application at an appeal court and proceeded to conduct its primaries on basis of the application filed.

In a decision on the matter on May 31, the lower court presided over by a judge, Chinwendu Nwogu, said the APC conducted its congress in outright violation of subsisting court orders. The judge described the said congress as a nullity.

However, in a counter ruling, the appeal court in Rivers in its ruling by the lead judge, Isarah Akeju, overruled Nwogu’s nullification of the APC congress, resulting in a fresh application by Umar at the supreme court.

On October 22, a five-member panel of the apex court led by Centus Nweze berated the appeal court for affirming the congress and warned that the court would not tolerate attempts to undermine its decision by any Nigerian.

“It is unfortunate and wrongful for the Court of Appeal to entertain a party in contempt of a valid court order, to the extent of granting judicial favour by way of stay of execution of an injunctive order,” he held.

“It is a serious matter for anyone to flout a court order and in the instant case, it is clear that the respondent (APC) was in grave disobedience of two lawful court orders.

“It is sacrilegious, ill-fated and a suicide mission for the Court of Appeal to have departed from various decision of the Supreme Court that any party in contempt of court ought not to be granted judicial discretion and in this matter, appeal court is bound to follow Supreme Court final decision.”

CUPP accuses WAEC of presenting doctored certificate to Buhari

The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has accused the West African Examination Council (WAEC) of manufacturing a doctored result for President Muhammadu Buhari.

The examination council presented an attestation certificate and confirmation of school certificate result to Buhari on Friday.

Iyi Uwadiae, WAEC registrar, presented the certificate to the president at the presidential villa in Abuja.

The document showed that Buhari enrolled for the exams in 1961.

In a statement issued by Ikenga Ugochinyere, CUPP spokesman, the group alleged that the examination body “manufactured an after thought confirmation of result” not backed with any evidence to show that the president sat for the exam.

CUPP described the release of the attestation certificate result as a desperate effort to mislead the court and shield Buhari from being disqualified in the 2019 presidential election.

The party accused WAEC of succumbing to a “high level pressure” to issue out the document.

It alleged that the result was meant to mislead Nigerians and the court to believe that Buhari wrote the exam.

“Let Nigerians be reminded that few days ago the opposition raised an alarm that there was ongoing move to tamper with the records of WAEC and pressure the leadership into manufacturing a result for President Buhari,” the statement read.

“Today’s action of WAEC have vindicated our earlier fears and confirmed our stand that WAEC is now competing with Oluwale Market in manufacturing documents.”

The CUPP challenged WAEC to publicly display the original 1961 ledger and booklet containing the scores and names of students who sat for the exam in the provincial secondary school, Kastina, (now called Government Secondary School) to back up the confirmation of result issued to the president or apologise to Nigerians for attempting to mislead them.

It noted that no amount of engineered misinformation can change the mind of the electorate from voting out the “incompetent regime of Buhari that have destroyed the Nigerian economy, divided our people and made our nation insecure”.

There has been controversy over whether or not the president wrote the O’Level exam having claimed in his affidavit to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that his original credentials were with the military.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the main opposition party, had threatened to go to court over the certificate saga.

Buhari: Shehu Musa Yar’Adua and I wrote WASCE in 1961

President Muhammadu Buhari says he and the late Shehu Musa Yar’dua sat for the West African School Certificate (WASC) in 1961.

Buhari said this on Friday after Iyi Uwadiale, registrar of the West African Examination Council (WAEC), presented him with a re-issued certificate at the presidential villa in Abuja.

The president has been under pressure following his failure to submit his credentials to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ahead of the 2019 elections.

Buhari had said his WASC certificate was with the military board but the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said the president was being economic with the truth, seeking his disqualification from the race.

After collecting the re-issued certificate from WAEC, Buhari said it was his certificate that enabled him to attend the Defence Services Staff College in India and the United States Army War College.

”My colleagues and I who spent close to nine years in boarding school both in primary and secondary, including Gen. Musa Yar’Adua, when we intended to join the military we had to take a military examination,” Buhari said.

”We were examined in three subjects, English, Mathematics and General Knowledge because English is the language for general instruction throughout the country because of our colonial heritage.

”Mathematics in the military was necessary, coupled with Geography. We were trained how to be dropped off in the bush, given only a pair of compass and since we were not astronomers, you have to learn to find your way, calculate, using the Pythagoras Theorem and others to work out your position.”

On his part, Uwadiae said the council could issue attestations to those who have lost their certificates.

”We don’t issue certificates twice but we can issue attestations or duplicate copy of the certificate. We also have what we refer to as confirmation; usually, universities were using this in those days when Information Technology was not in vogue,” the registrar said.

”Whoever sat for WASC exams in whatever year, we have the records in our database, and Mr President, we have the records of the examinations you sat in 1961.”

Buhari retired as a major-general in the army.

The City of Worri hosts Farmers' conference.- Mariogreen

Details later...

NHIS ES: I was suspended for refusing to release N975m to health ministry

Usman Yusuf, executive secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), says he was suspended for refusing to release N975 million to the ministry of health.

He said this on Friday when he appeared before the house of representatives panel investigating the crisis that followed his suspension.

The NHIS governing board recently suspended Yusuf after accusing him of financial infractions and abuse of office.

He was first suspended last year by the ministry of health over similar allegations.

Addressing the house committee in Abuja, Yusuf alleged the panel that investigated him was bribed.

He said his “refusal” to grant the request from the health ministry “led to the setting up of a panel to probe me.”

“And the panel delivered as the panelists were given N19 million, even the security too were given money,” he said.

Asked whether he has any evidence, Yusuf responded in the affirmative saying, “I even have documented evidence of how the money was shared.”

He also said the day the governing board announced his suspension was the day he was meant to present a report on the violation of the public procurement processes at the agency.

“Why was I suspended on October 18 and not 19th of October? The 18th of October was the day I was going to present a result of the forensic audit of the activities of HMOs,” Yusuf said.

“Eighteenth of October was nothing but preemptive coup at the NHIS. It was a gang up to stop my fight against corruption.

“These are all allegations that have been recycled. They were all investigated by the ICPC and EFCC; and they found nothing and I was cleared. They wrote to me clearing me.”

Yusuf also denied accusations he illegally awarded contracts at will at the agency, but, however, admitted that a company owned by his brother – Mohammed Kabir-Yar’Adua –was awarded a N406 million contract at the agency.

He told the committee the company won the contract through due process in 2016.

Isaac Adewole, minister of health, insisted Yusuf was justly indicted of corrupt practices.

The minister, represented by Abdulaziz Abdulahi, permanent secretary at the ministry, insisted cases of financial infractions were established against the NHIS executive secretar.

“All the allegations levelled against him are 100 percent correct,” Abdullahi said.

Nicholas Ossai, chairman of the sub-committee, directed Boss Mustapha, secretary to the government of the federation and officials of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to speak on the NHIS’ financial transactions during the next hearing

BREAKING: WAEC Presents Certificate To Buhari - Politics

The West African Examination Council has presented attestation certificate and confirmation of school certificate result to President Muhammadu Buhari.

The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, disclosed this on his Twitter handle, @FemAdesina, on Friday.

Adesina wrote, “WAEC presents attestation certificate and confirmation of school cert result to President Buhari. What will the naysayers say next?”

Five red flags that shows your serious relationship is going no where .

A relationship may last for months, a year, five, 10 years or more before leading to exchange of vows and on the other hand, it may hit the rocks before getting to that point.

Before a relationship experiences a nosedive, there are some obvious pointers often overlooked.

Here are some clues to know if your serious relationship might be on the brink of failure.

No communication

No relationship thrives without communication. Communication is in two parts; how often you talk, chat or see each other, and how well you communicate. George Bernard Shaw writes: “The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place.”

Communication has been made a lot easier with the advent of technological inventions and no excuse can suffice for lack of communication.

It’s through communication that humans express their emotions. It, therefore, follows that a communication gap is an indication of a failing relationship.

No talk about future plans

At a candlelight dinner with a romantic ambience, amidst all the sweet romantic talks, a discussion about future plans is one way to know if your relationship is making headway.

When your partner avoids or frowns at the mention of future plans together, then it’s likely you are both not on the same page.

Lack of respect

Respect is the core of every human relationship and your partner cannot claim to love you and not respect you.

Lack of respect is easy to notice as it manifests in different ways; your partner makes decisions without considering how it may affect you or never considers your preferences.

If he ignores your calls, messages or abuses you verbally or otherwise, then you simply need to walk out of that relationship.

Disappearing at challenging times

A key component of a healthy relationship is the ability to give and accept support. Only true partners are there in good times as well as bad times.

If your relationship hibernates at every challenge that pops up and if your partner cannot trust you enough to assist with personal challenges, that’s a red flag that needs attention.

Stashing

This may seem pretty insignificant but when the person you’re seeing shies away from introducing you to family and friends, then there’s a likelihood of a failure in the relationship.

Minimum wage: Court stops Labour from embarking on strike.

The National industrial court has ordered the organised labour not to go ahead with the nationwide strike scheduled for November 6.

At its sitting on Friday, Sanusi Kado, a judge, ruled that the planned strike by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) will cause huge economic loss to the nation.

Kado ruled on an ex parte application filed by the ministry of justice, urging the court to halt the industrial action.

The unions had threatened the strike action, following disagreement with the federal government over the minimum wage for workers.

The unions went on strike in September but suspended the industrial action after talks with government.

While labour demanded an upward review of the minimum wage from N18,000, the federal government proposed N24,000 while the state governments suggested N22,500.

Labour rejected the proposals and, just recently, pegged its demand at N66,500.

It also accused the government of not showing any sign of seriousness to resolve the workers’ concerns.

Ruling on the motion filed by Dayo Apata, permanent secretary, ministry of justice, the judge said the intended strike could also endanger the health of many Nigerians by the time hospitals are closed.

The judge subsequently adjourned sitting till November 8.

2019 elections : APC upholds Tonye Cole as party Guber candidate in Rivers-Politics

The All Progressives Congress (APC) says Tonye Cole, billionaire entrepreneur, is its candidate for the governorship election in Rivers state.

Lanre Issa-Onilu, spokesman of the ruling party, announced this in a statement on Thursday.

He said the clarification became necessary as a result of a supreme court ruling on the congresses conducted by a faction of the APC in the state.

The apex court had annulled the congresses conducted by the faction loyal to Rotimi Amaechi, minister of transportation.

Cole belongs to this faction. But Issa-Onilu said the ruling of the court did not affect Cole’s candidacy.

“In view of conflicting interpretations that have greeted the recent verdict of the Supreme Court on the contentions among our members in Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), it has become necessary to clarify that the Supreme Court’s verdict has nothing to do with the primaries conducted for the governorship and legislative positions in the state,” the statement read.

“Therefore, the candidature of Arch. Tonye Cole along with his running mate, Hon. Victor Giadom remains inviolate. The list of our candidates for the governorship, National Assembly, and House of Assembly have been processed by the National Working Committee (NWC) according to the INEC guidelines.

“Our party appreciates the support of the good people of Rivers State and their commitment towards the victory of our governorship candidate, Arch. Tonye Cole and other APC candidates at all levels in the 2019 elections.

“A progressive leadership under the APC beckons and the people of Rivers State are poised to effect a change to move the beleaguered state to a path of progress and development.”

Bala Nikyu is new coach of Nasarawa United-Sports

Former Niger Tornadoes boss, Bala Nikyu, has agreed to be the head coach of Nasarawa United.

A source in the club told TheCable that the deal hasn’t been made official by the management of Solid Miners.

But feelers from the team’s camp suggest that he has agreed to a one-year deal.

The former Wikki Tourists and Katsina United coach returns to the familiar terrain for the third time in his career.

Known for stabilising average teams, Nikyu is expected to mould a solid team that the “hard to please” Nasarawa United fans will be proud of.

The Solid Miners will be featuring in the Abridged 2018/19 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season which kickoffs on December 1.

Ex-ABS manager Kabiru Dogo recently resigned after a five-year stint at Nasarawa United.

PDP Hires Brian Ballard For $90k Per Month

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has hired Brian Ballard, a top US lobbyist, ahead of the 2019 elections.

The influential lobbyist has President Donald Trump as one of his clients. Politico Magazine, a top publication in the US, says Ballard is closer to the US president than perhaps any other lobbyist in town.

“He’s parlayed that relationship into a booming business helping clients get their way with the Trump administration — and his clients and even some of his rivals say his firm has a better grasp of what’s going on in the West Wing than almost anyone else,” the magazine said in a report.

“Ballard was one of the top fundraisers in the country for Trump’s campaign and continues to raise millions for his reelection campaign. Wiles, one of his top lieutenants, ran Trump’s campaign in Florida and delivered the nation’s biggest swing state to the president.”

Documents seen by TheCable showed that Nigeria’s main opposition party has agreed to pay $90,000 (N31.5m) to Ballard on a monthly basis throughout the duration of the contract.

TheCable understands that the contract which was signed on September 21, 2018 is for a year, meaning Ballard would rake in close to N400 million from the deal.

Ballard with Trump at a fundraising ceremony “This contract is entered into between the Peoples Democratic Party of Nigeria (“the Client”), Plot l970 Michael Okpara Street, Wuse Zone 5, Abuja, and Ballard Partners, Inc. (“the F irm”), 601 13th Street NW, Suite 450N, Washington, D. C. 20005,” the agreement read.

“This agreement shall automatically renew for successive one-year periods on the anniversary of the effective date of the agreement unless either party terminates the agreement. Upon renewal this agreement may be terminated within thirty (30) days written notice by either party.

“Duties of the firm. It shall be the Firm’s duty to consult with the Client and advocate on its behalf those issues the client deems necessary and appropriate before the US Federal government. Issues and objectives may include, but not be limited to, enhancement of US Nigerian relations; strengthening and advancing democratic values and the rule of law in Nigeria, with a special focus in the coming months on maintaining political and security conditions free of intimidation and interference in order to ensure the success and fairness of Nigeria’s national election for president in 2019. It shall further be the Firm’s duty to inform the Client of developments in legislation and policy relevant to the Client’s issues and objectives.

The master strategist “It shall be the Client’s duty to provide the Firm the information necessary to best represent the Client. It shall also be the Client’s duty to timely compensate the Firm for its services.

“Compensation. The Firm shall receive from the Client $90,000 a month, payable in quarterly installments for this agreement, plus the reasonable costs associated with the representation, including but not limited to, necessary registration fees; and travel expenses.”

Osita Chidoka, a former minister of aviation, signed the contract on behalf of the PDP.

This report comes two weeks after Atiku Abubakar, presidential candidate of the party, led PDP stalwarts to Dubai for a strategy meeting.

https://www.thecable.ng/exclusive-pdp-hires-trumps-lobbyist-for-90k-per-month