over 100 confirmed killed in Philippines deadly tropical storms - BBC

More than 100 people are reported to have been killed as a tropical storm swept through the southern Philippines, with dozens more missing, BBC reports.

Storm Tembin brought flash flooding and mudslides to parts of Mindanao island.
Two towns badly hit were Tubod and Piagapo, where a number of homes were buried by boulders.
Tembin, with winds of up to 80km/h (50 mph), has now passed across Mindanao and is heading towards the southern tip of Palawan before moving further west.
The Philippines suffers regularly from deadly tropical storms, although Mindanao is not often hit.
Tembin, known as Vinta in the Philippines, started lashing Mindanao on Friday, with a state of emergency declared in some parts, including the Lanao del Norte and Lanao del Sur regions.
Disaster management officials quoted by the Philippine Daily Inquirer said there were at least 62 fatalities in Lanao del Norte, another 46 in Zamboanga del Norte and at least 18 in Lanao del Sur.
Tubod police officer Gerry Parami told the AFP news agency that there had been at least 19 deaths in the town, which is in Lanao del Norte.
“The river rose and most of the homes were swept away. The village is no longer there,” he said.
He said volunteers were digging through mud to try to recover bodies in the village of Dalama.
Another official told AFP that at least 10 people had died in the town of Piagapo, 10km east of Tubod.
“We’ve sent rescuers but they’re making little progress due to the rocks,” Saripada Pacasum said.
More deaths were reported in the towns of Sibuco and Salug.
Power cuts and the loss of communication lines have hampered rescue efforts.
After Storm Tembin skirts the southern edge of Palawan it is forecast to travel west, south of the Spratly Islands, reaching southern Vietnam in about three days
A week ago, Tropical Storm Kai-Tak hit the central Philippines, killing dozens.
The region is still recovering from Typhoon Haiyan, which killed more than 5,000 people and affected millions in 2013.

Return all APC public office holders to power in 2019 - Gov. Bindow

Gov. Mohammed Bindow of Adamawa on Friday urged the electorate to re-elect all politicians occupying various positions in the state.
Mr. Bindow made the call when the APC state executive visited him in Yola for sponsoring them to Jerusalem for pilgrimage.
the State Government had sponsored some Christian leaders in the APC from the state to ward levels for the just concluded Christian pilgrimage to Jerusalem.
The governor said four years in office was not enough for the elected public office holders to give their best, urging the electorate to give them a second chance.
However, he advised political office holders to make themselves accessible to the people.
“I solicit the re-election of all those who are occupying various political elective positions from unit to national level in our party and from councillor to the Senate.
“I am most concerned about the legislature because four years is not enough for one to give out his best.
“I equally feel that everyone is doing his best in his area of assignment except where one has derailed that we will live him to his fate.
“I also enjoined all office holders to make themselves accessible to the people and to consistently sensitise the people on the programmes and agenda of the government,’’ Mr. Bindow said.

2019 presidential election: Labour Party set to field a candidate

The Labour Party, LP, has said it would present its own presidential candidate during the 2019 election.
The party ruled out the adoption of a presidential candidate from another political party.

The Labour Party also said it was time to take over the affairs of the country and lift it to enviable heights.
Addressing reporters in Abuja on Friday, the National Chairman of the party, Dr. Mike Omotosho, also faulted the $1 billion earmarked by the Federal Government to be withdrawn from the Excess Crude Account to fight Boko Haram insurgency in the North- East.
He said, “We will not adopt a presidential candidate the way we have been doing in the past.
“We have an ideology that we are working with and we intend to build credible people.

“We are not going to be a platform for defectors anymore. We are going to have credible candidates that will remain after election and build the party.
“On the issue of the Federal Government earmarking $ 1 bn to be withdrawn from the Excess Crude Account to fight Book Haram insurgency in the North – East, we are concerned about the deployment of such a huge amount of money to just one area of the country.”

Fayose calls for President's Buhari's resignation as fuel scarcity bites hard

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose has condemned the federal government over its nonchalant attitude towards ending the fuel scarcity being experienced across the country.
He called for immediate resignation of President Muhammadu Buhari as the minister of petroleum.

The governor, who reiterated his position that the All Progressives Congress (APC) federal government was punishing Nigerians with fuel scarcity so as to achieve its planned increment of petrol pump price from N145 to not less than N185 per litre, added that; “Already, fuel is being sold officially at between N180 and N200 at petrol stations across the country.”
In a release issued on Friday, Governor Fayose’s Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, quoted him as saying that “It is sad that this Buhari’s APC government had to choose this Christmas and New Year period to ground Nigeria with the fuel scarcity that it deliberately orchestrated.”
The governor called for the immediate resignation of President Buhari as the Minister of Petroleum, noting that “it is obvious that the president has failed in all ramifications and he needs to do Nigerians a favour by relinquishing the portfolio of minister of petroleum.”
Governor Fayose said; “Like I said a few days ago, what the federal government is doing is to create scarcity so that Nigerians will be willing to buy at any price, provided the product is made available.

“It was to achieve this planned increment of petrol pump price that they restricted supply of petrol to NNPC alone.”
The governor, who sympathized with Nigerians for the hardship they are being made to go through by the APC government, said; “I warned Nigerians before President Buhari was elected and I am telling Nigerians now that the only option to rescue our country from being brought down completely is to vote out Buhari and his APC in 2019.”

Credit: Daily post

Photos: Popular pastor surprises 4 year old daughter with brand new Maserati jeep on her birthday

A popular African Pastor Prophet shepherd Bushiri and founder of Enlightened Christian Gathering (ECG) on his on his official Facebook page shared pictures of a brand new car worth about 28 million Naira he bought for his 4 year old daughter on her birthday. He wrote that "I always count myself blessed during this time of the year because I get the honor to celebrate, not only one but two God-given gifts in my life.
I celebrate the birth of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and also the birth of our first daughter, Israella Bushiri.

It seems like just yesterday when her little palms held my forefinger. It seems like only a while ago when I celebrated that finally I could lift her up and allow her to rest on my shoulders. It's been a joy and heavens honor to watch her grow from being a baby to being the strong and brave child that she is today. I count myself blessed because not only did she give me a reason to smile but she gave me the opportunity to be called a Dad.

My sweet little daughter, my pride and joy. May God's loving kindness always shine on your beautiful face. I prophesy long life! You shall be great and yours, shall be a life that heaven celebrates.
Happy birthday my princess!"

Opinion: A Multi-million Naira Birthday Vanity for Mr. President - By Dr. Aliyu Tilde

How much would the President’s birthday party, attended by governors from various states, cost Nigerians?

I wonder how much the various Governors would spend on this trip from the treasury.

Some said he did not plan it. Of course I know Buhari will not do so. But he should raise his voice against it such that it doesn’t repeat itself. Is he a leader or a follower? If in his position he cannot object to such vanities, where is the greatness that we attach to him. These were the flies that he rebuked some few months ago over going to sleep without paying salaries but they can, without paying the salaries, still attend his birthday without rebuke? A gyara dai.

Oga would have privately celebrated it with his family and those of his close associates - the VP and co, out of his pocket without attracting these flies.

Or he would have chosen to celebrate it by “feeding the poor in the days of hunger” or such other charities which others will scramble to emulate. This closer to the perception we have of him and more in line with his agenda of change than letting it be an occasion for bleeding the treasury by vampires.

Great leaders lead by example and avoid vanity.

Happy birthday.

Scholarship Funds: NAPSS react to PLSG's failure to honour agreement

The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF PLATEAU STATE STUDENTS (NAPSS) UNIJOS CHAPTER, wishes to address NAPSSites on the following issues.

FIRSTLY , NAPSS UNIJOS CHAPTER, recieved an information from the state government that they will complete disbursement of scholarship fund before the end of the week, which we earlier made  publicity round, and the state government has failed again to keep to that agreement. On that note, with deep regret, we announce to NAPSSites that we are still waiting to hear from the state government. NAPSS will always work hard to ensure that what belongs to NAPSSites is completely given to them. In that case, NAPSSites traveling for the festive season can go ahead and those still within should keep ears on ground as any development will be communicated to them.

SECONDLY , we wish to make a disclaimer on the fake news and rumor circulating that NAPSS has started payment of scholarship yesterday at Law faculty which has kept NAPSSites waiting yesterday. On that note, NAPSSites should discard such rumor as any information will be promptly communicated to them.
In regards to the first paragraph, we deeply regret any inconvenience this might have caused our members. THANKS FOR YOUR UNDERSTANDING.

NAPSS 2017 EXCOS ARE WISHING ALL CHRISTIANS AROUND THE WORLD MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL. HAPPY HOLIDAY.

TOKAT JOSHUA OSWALD
P. R. O NAPSS UNIJOS CHAPTER.

Tragedy as fire kills six-year-old child

An early morning fire has killed a six-year-old child identified as Emmanuel, at Awka Street in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
It was learnt that the building went up in flames at about 1.30am on Thursday as a result of an adulterated kerosene which exploded in a stove.

According to Punch, the fire affected part of the building, adding that neighbours who could have come to the rescue of both mother and child were asleep when the incident occurred.
According to an eye witness , the mother of the child sustained serious injury while trying to save her son from the flames and was rushed to a hospital by sympathizers.
When contacted, the Information Officer of the National Emergency Management Agency in the state, Mr. Victor Akpakpan, said they had not been informed of the fire outbreak.

Credit: Punch

former APC spokesman blasts El-rufai for lying against Atiku's contributions to Buhari's electoral success

Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Timi Frank, has said Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State lied by saying that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar did not make tangible contribution to the 2015 presidential campaign of the ruling party.
El-rufai, who spoke on a Voice of America (VOA) Hausa Service Programme, “Democracy Today”, had challenged Atiku to mention those who collected his financial contribution to the presidential campaign from him.

However, Frank, in a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday, described the governor’s statement as “a height of ingratitude of a jilted lover.”
He implored the Kaduna State governor to refresh his memory by either watching the campaign video or meeting the then Director General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, Rotimi Ameachi, for the record of what transpired before, during and after the campaign in 2015.
He said, “Amaechi has record of those who contributed to the campaign. So, if El-rufai does not know, he should contact the Minister of Transportation. Moreover, it is on record that the former Vice President had responsibility for seven states during the campaign.
“Again, it is also on record that Atiku’s media asset was transferred to the campaign. If El-rufai has forgotten so soon, the Director of Media, APC Presidential Campaign Council, Malam Garba Shehu, who is now the spokesman to the President, was handed over to the party campaign team from Atiku Media office, the deputy director of Atiku media team Mr Paul Ibe was also part of APC media team during the 2015 campaign and other key members of Atiku’s group. I don’t know how El-rufai will quantify the cost?

“Moreover, President Muhammadu Buhari, as a President-elect himself acknowledged the role these people played as a group when he met with them at the Defence House in Abuja.”
He advised the governor of Kaduna to stop what he called “his political sycophantic act toward President Buhari” and urged the President to study El-rufai’s antecedents in politics.

Credit: Daily Post

History in the making: Plateau Youths storm Lagos in solidarity with miss Plateau Abigail Zere Kim

No fewer than two youths from Plateau state Mr. Alfred Wade and Miss Kyermun Dagin otherwise known as Kerry stormed Lagos in solidarity with miss Plateau Abigail Zere Kim as the Miss Nigeria beauty contest rides on at Eko hotel and suites. The two youths went as representatives of other youths. Their solidarity journey is adjudged by this medium to be a sign of courage and an uncommon believe in the future of Plateau youths. It is no longer news that Plateau state has given birth to countless political and entertainment icons like P-square, Ice-Prince, Efe, 2-Face, Mikel Obi and others too numerous to mention. Having won with a landslide the online voting part of the beauty contest, Miss Abigail Zere Kim will by God's grace win the crown. This is an eloquent testimony of her pedigree, experience, diligence, beauty and wide range of knowledge on critical national issues. History is about to be made. Many thanks to Comrade Alfred Wade and Kerry for taking the bull by the horns to explore the possibility of success and togetherness as far as Plateau state is concerned.

The Plateau Nationalism: A State Devoid of Religious and Ethnic Divides - Datong, Dominic Gwaman

The need for affiliation and association with beings of one kind has been a characteristic of all living things including plants. Plant cluster together for the interest of the favourable nutrients so also do animals and then the primitive man who had found the need to protect himself from attacks from animals or other communities. In so doing, they developed a culture, a language, norms and a sense of belonging to the group. These characteristics made humans to live in communities that are distinctively different from another. These communities are called nations. Nations existed before the states of today.
The coming of the new age, Nation States which are more for political administrative conveniences came up. From this time, countries and states were formed however, because of the large expanses of land covered by states, each country may hold a multitude of nations having characteristics as seen earlier: language, culture, beliefs, religion, preferences etc. The interactions between these multiple nations in many third world countries tows the lines wars and unhealthy competition which today is vividly seen in the politics in Nigeria: Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba etc. These lead to communal clashes also within the states.
The most contemporary “national” division is religion which is mostly between Christianity and Islam. There is normally this stiff competition on who gets what based on the religion of the person; this division has gone so serious that it has caused riots because either a Christian or a Muslim is given a political appoint or refused to be given. The responses between these 2 major “nations” tears apart states and countries. We lose strategists, technocrats, great statesmen because we tag them Muslim or Christian.
In a mostly Christian state like the Plateau, we are also bedevilled with such issues to the benefit of a few. Some promote it so they can benefit from zoning; some promote it because it can be used to edge out people from being nominated/elected for positions.
A group that is mostly unfavoured is the indigenous Muslim who is sometimes not considered in one community as eligible to be voted for and also not considered by the Hausa community to share in the “zoning” or “federal Character” arrangements.
Nationalism is that strong affiliation to the Nation State with a view to protect its resources, core values and principles. Nations States like America that have built nationalism looking at skill, abilities, capabilities and knowledge normally prosper. Others mostly in Africa and the less technologically advanced countries build their nationalism based on tribal, religious, cultural, colour differences.
Are you a Christian, what do you think when a Muslim is ascending to power?
Are you a Muslim, what do you think when a Christian ascends to power?
You are of one ethnic nationality, what do you think when one of another nationality ascends to power?
The People of Plateau need to build a new Plateau Nationalism that is devoid of religious and ethnic divides for development.
__________
Datong, Dominic Gwaman
Conflict, Security and Development Expert
dgdatong@gmail.com

Plateau son in North Cyprus Garba Danladi awarded as 500 most influential expert in Educational Studies on earth

Credit: CIU International Center - "Congratulations to our Cyprus International University student, Dept Electrical and Electronics Engineering for winning the World Academic Championship-2017 in Educational Studies. The International Agency for Standards and Ratings honored Garba Muhammad Danladi from Nigeria with World Academic Championship -2017 in Educational Studies for great scientific contribution.
The purpose of the award is to identify brilliant scientists and academicians around the world through World Academic Championship. The World Academic Championship is organized by International Agency for Standards and Ratings at international level. Garba Muhammad Danladi, (World Academic Champion and Fellow, Directorate of Education, IASR) plays a vital role in advancement of scientific knowledge in Biochemical Science. World Academic Championship- 2017 in Educational Studies acknowledges the outstanding international contributions and is selected based on international meritorious competition. IASR extends best wishes for your endeavours enlightening scientific domain with your efforts. Your research article is winner among 5772 nominations from 62 countries, screened for the World Academic Championship- 2017 in Educational Studies. IASR recognizes Garba Muhammad Danladi among World's 500 Most Influential Experts in Educational Studies for the Year 2017 on Earth.

Public holiday declared by Federal Government for Christmas and New Year Celebrations

The Nigerian government has declared December 25 and 26 as well as January 1 as public holidays.
The holidays are to celebrate the Christmas and New Year.

The announcement of the holidays was made in a statement by the Permanent Secretary in the Interior Ministry, Abubakar Magaji.
Dambazau urged Christians and all Nigerians to use the period to pray for continued growth and development of the country.
“Christians and all Nigerians are urged to use the period to pray for continued growth and development of the country.
“Nigerians should also strengthen their resolve to maintain national peace and unity.

“All citizens, both at home and abroad are enjoined to support the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari in its determination to improve the living standard of the people,” Dambazau said.

Nigerian customs service recruitment: Controller clears air

Area Controller of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for Borno and Yobe States, Joshua Angbalaga, has cleared the air about reports on mass recruitment exercise by the agency.
Angbalaga told newsmen at a parley in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, on Wednesday, that the reports were false.

He said when the time is right for customs to begin mass recruitment, the agency will inform the public accordingly.
The controller, however, warned Nigerians to be wary of suspected hoodlums going about claiming that they could help them to get jobs in the Customs Service.
“When the customs begin to recruit, we shall inform you accordingly”, he said.
“I assure you that anybody parading himself as having the power to help any young person come in is not telling you the truth.

“He is a lying tout,” Angbalaga stated.

Plateau state 2018 local government elections: Jos North, A panorama of myth and truth - Dakwom Longgul

As the Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASSIEC) concludes arrangement to conduct the most awaited Local Government Elections by February 2018 many issues have been raised, some truth and other fallacy of myth as to statues and reason why the cantre that attracts the magnet (Jos-north) is in such a theatre of complication, the issue is both simple and complicated:

a.       Should elections be conducted in Jos-North considering the reason why past Administrations hold on, setting in place caretaker committees in order of Succession?

b.      With a supposedly Hausa –Fulani (JASAWA) as Flag Bearer to the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) this time round isn’t that tantamount to a political suicide on the side of the indigents (Berom, Anaguta and Afizere) owing to the precedence of the House of Assembly Elections and the House of Representatives Elections which saw the other side winning despite the number and place of indigents?

c.       The Governor should just appoint a caretaker from the indigenes   just like his predecessors, if not, it a clearance to the propaganda going round “Governor Lalong have negotiated to sell Jos North, we shall not take it!

d.      The JASAWA need to be Chairman by all means in order to secure indigene certificates to make them citizens with full rights haven’t been a major issue for long in Jos North? Again the issue of land and no go area have heighten tension …because the areas occupy by the Jasawa cannot contain the growing population they need new settlement areas so  with the political backup of one of their own  in the Local Government such an ambition could be attain

e.       Whereas many are indifferent to the effect of the outcome of the elections many sees it as a deciding factor in the history of  Jos North local Government and the State but to others it is the threshold to sealed up the long years of waiting to be certify first class citizens.

            To theorized the situation which is synonymous to the parable of the Elephant and the Blind men,  John adams (1735-1826) the second president of America pointed out that among all nations the people were naturally divided into two sort “The Gentle Men and the Simple Men” The Gentlemen, being superior in abilities, education,& other advantages were therefore qualified to rule:  whereas the later becomes the opposites. To subject this view within  the context of our discuss I found the position of John Adams  in many ways contradicting,  citing the bi-polar political walls that exist between indigents mostly  “Dominant Divided Christian” and the Hausa-Fulani (JASAWA) a |”United Minority”,  mostly Muslim. Suffice to say that, Politics of religion and ethnicity plays a cardinal role in Africa, Nigeria Plateau and Jos North is not an exception to that laid down political heritage in primitive  Nigerian Democracy.

            If plateau State’s appellation of a “Miniature Nigeria” is anything to go by, Jos North becomes the magnet that attracts such, in many ways. The assumption of simple men and gentlemen seem to be different within the case of Jos –North, as the dominant, disunited educated indigents are “Simple Men” within the context of politics and the united minority (JASAWA) Hausa-Fulani becomes the “gentlemen”….  The politics of Jos-North have been dominated in the last sixteen years by the JASAWA community currently, the Member Representing the Constituency in the House of Assembly Hon Baba Hassan, and Hon Suleiman Kwande represents the constituents in the House of Representative. Again the commissioner’s slot for the Local Government was also given to the same community. Can we say the other communities are marginalized politically? Putting to consideration the theory of Democracy as a game of numbers?

JOS NORTH AT A GLANCE

             By Population  in 2006 census  429,300,and land mass 291km2  major languages spoken in Jos North according to www.platestate.gov.ng) are Anaguta, Afizere and Berom, while others includes Igbo, youruba Hausa-Fulani, Tiv,Idoma among Many. Villages in Jos North include: Babale, Dong, Furaka,Gwafan, Gwash, Jos-Jarawa , Kabong, Laranto, Nabyar, Nabor, Nasohom, Naraguta, Nasarawa A, Nupkis, Rigiza, Russa, Tudun Wada, Taraong, Zakaliyo, Zangan, with these villages, tribes both from and none plateau occupy same, contributing to the socio economic development of the area.

            Analyzing the above twenty villages in numerical terms the Jasawa’s can occupy not complete but in fraction  at least two (2) out of the twenty therefore is represented as 2/20 but it seems over the years, something went wrong, indigenization of a Jasawa was not an easy task and taking political wheel seem to be the option to change statue score  Hence, emergence of the “Gentle man” class was not without its historical line. The current “simple men” have failed to unite against many factors of ancient hate and rivalry thereby giving way to the emergence of a new class of “gentlemen” but as the say what is good for the goose is good for the ganders  the “Simple Men” of yesterday are now part of the system and cannot be washed away so easy, it’s for all  to come up with a political arrangement of convenience for all,.

            What if the JASAWA concede to the other “simple men” who now are at the disadvantage politically to show peace and oneness? Or could it be that by next political dispensation the JASAWA will be willing to give the membership of the house of assembly, which the held for sixteen years. The problem is not stopping the election on account of interest of the “Gentlemen” or the “Simple men” the crux of it all is Justice… Hence it’s the case of who the cap fits and what Next because the future will never remain the same hmmmmm what  do I even know about politics!!!

            In my humble view, all that stands in the way of a plunge into the dark pit is a five letter word. THINK!!!

Dakwom Longgul Kuwel

Freelance Journalist, writer and

A Literary critic

Email dakwomlonggul @gmail.com

  

Pilgrims from Plateau state arrive Jerusalem safely

the over 200 Pilgrims to Jerusalem from Plateau state have arrived safely this morning. One of the Pilgrims Mrs. Hilda Alexander confirmed to this medium through a phone conversation. "We left Abuja yesterday at 12 midnight and arrived Jerusalem safely to the glory of God." The pilgrims are expected to return after 7 days. During the Pilgrimage, they will pray for the state and nation in general and have a personal communion with God.

contest for president or we will charge you to court - Civil Society Organization to Atiku Abubakar

NANS Report: The Intellectual Think Tank for Advancement Initiative (ITTA), a civil society organisation, has called on a former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, to formally declare his intention to contest for president in 2019 general elections or be dragged to court.

The Chairman of the group,Theophilus Ohuoba, told newsmen on Wednesday in Abuja that the time was ripe for Atiku to make public his intention to run for the position.

Ohuoba described Atiku as a man with the pedigree to move the country forward by building a robust economy that would create wealth for Nigerians.
“We therefore call on Alhaji Atiku Abubakar to immediately make public his intension to run for the presidency of this country come 2019 or we shall collectively drag him to court for denying Nigerians of his good services.
“We also call on all other social organisations to immediately join hands in this crusade to restore Nigeria’s lost glories by promptly declaring for an Atiku Presidency in 2019," he said.
According to Ohuoba, if Atiku is elected as president of the country, there will be an unprecedented participation of distilled youths in his government that is unparalleled in the history of Nigeria.
“Security of lives and properties of both Nigerians and foreigners alike will be assured and he will restructure Nigeria in a way that the North, South, East and West will be better for it.
“We have never been this divided along ethnic, religious and tribal lines.
“Atiku will be the first professional, liberal minded, accommodating, detribalised and successful businessman politician; Nigeria will have as a president.
“He has been tested and trusted. He alone knows the right buttons to press that will re-gig the economy. He is a great communicator; he has a listening ear, a unifying factor that will put us back together to be one strong united Nigeria as it was in the beginning," Ohuoba said.  (NAN)

President Buhari has been endorsed by "Allah" for second term - Gov Yahaya Bello

The Governor of kogi State Mr. Yahaya Bello has paid glowing tributes to President Buhari and said he has been endorsed by Allah (God) for second tenure. The Governor made the statement while addressing the people of Kogi West in a political rally organized by a former senator Smart Adeyemi on the 19th of December 2019. his statement reads “I am one of your own and you know what I have done and what I am still doing for the state. The adoption of President Buhari for second tenure in office is the most important thing for the state and the nation in general.

“We thank God for restoring the health of President Muhammadu Buhari. He has been winning and will win again in 2019. What happened here in Kabba today is the beginning of the endorsement of Buhari for 2019.

“Nobody can stop the President from winning. Buhari has been endorsed by Allah. Nobody can remove him, his leadership is from God and nobody can fight God,” he said.

He called on Nigerians and Kogites to continue in their support for the APC, saying that President Buhari remains committed to their welfare and the lifting of the economy from the doldrums into which the past leadership steered it.

Reacting to the allegations of double registration leveled against him by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Governor Bello described it as the handiwork of his detractors, who he said colluded with compromised staff of the electoral body.

He said the picture in circulation, showing where he was registering for a new INEC voters card, must have been ‘photoshopped’. He explained that he was in Dubai for medical check-up on the day he was said to have indulged in the double registration.

Igbo traders and entrepreneurs threaten to close their accounts with GT Bank in solidarity with Founder of Innoson motors

Chukwudi Iwuchukwu has this message to say for Igbos who have accounts with GT Bank:

"This morning, I walked into the nearest GTB branch and requested for a form to close our company account with them.

The gorgeous lady who attended to me wanted to know why I was closing the account and moving the funds to Zenith bank.

I told her is very simple! I’m taking this action as a form of protest to the bank for the way they handled the Innoson saga and most importantly, for victimizing the man simply because of business transaction that went wrong.

Not only this, I have been on the phone since morning talking to 2 of my friends who are billionaires and who have billions of their company’s fund with the bank to move it as well.

Thank God they have done that, one authorized his accountant to move the funds from GTB to first bank, the other one from GTB to Zenith bank

The lady was dazed and I think it is very important the management of GTB get this memo.

I’m not a tribalist, I avoid tribal sentiments but you see there is a limit to what you see and observe happening to your people without taking action to protest.

What Innoson is going through in the hands of GTB is corporate wickedness and witchcraft.

I call on young and older Igbo entrepreneurs who have their business funds in that bank should move it today, not tomorrow but today in solidarity with our brother, jewel and one of our brightest son who slept in EFCC custody last night because of GTB."

Crack in APC as deputy governor threatens to dump his boss in 2019

News at this medium's news desk indicates that a crack has appeared in the Kano State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) following an alleged leaked audio in which the Deputy Governor, Prof. Hafiz Abubakar said that he would dump his principal, Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje, and return to the university in 2019.
Abubakar, a Professor of Food and Nutritional Biochemistry at the Bayero University, Kano reportedly vented his anger over developments in the Kano chapter of the APC where he was reportedly sidelined in the scheme of things. “I did not bring myself here. I was engrossed in my academic activities when I was picked as the deputy governorship candidate. God that chose me is not sleeping. Whether I am in the university, God knows the best. I pray to him to choose the best for me,” he said.

Gov. Willie Obiano speaks about speculated presidential ambition in 2019

In a press release signed by James Eze, Senior Special Assistant to Governor Obiano on Media said, “Our attention has been drawn to some speculative reports in the media alleging that the Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano may run for the office of the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in the coming 2019 elections.
“We hereby refute the said reports as totally untrue, false and misleading. Governor Obiano has no intention of running for president.”
The statement said that fter recording a historic victory at the November 18, 2017 gubernatorial election in which Anambra people gave him overwhelming mandate, Obiano was totally committed to initiating new revolutionary projects rather than vying for president.

PDP national chairman Prince Secondus bares his mind on politics of imposition in the Party

The national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party Prince Uche Secondus has given a stern warning against imposing candidates against popular wishes and aspirations. "I assure you my leaders that there will be no more imposition in PDP and the will of the People shall prevail." He spoke during a recent leadership retreat organized for all the newly elected party officials in Abuja. Prince Secondus further assured party members and stakeholders that under him, PDP will coast to victory in 2019.

PDP House of Reps member decamps to APC

A member of the House of Representatives from Imo State, Nnanna Igbokwe, has decamped from the opposition People’s Democratic Party, PDP, for the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.
In a letter read by Speaker, Yakubu Dogara, at plenary on Tuesday, Mr. Igbokwe who represents Ahiazu Mbaise/Ezinihitte, cited division in his former party as his reason for defection.
He said he joined the APC in January 2017 before the Supreme Court decided on the leadership tussle between the then caretaker committee chairman, Ahmed Makarfi and Ali Modu-Sheriff.
Mr. Igbokwe said he stoped attending PDP functions both in his home state and the National Assembly since January when he registered with the APC.
Present in the chamber to receive him was the Governor of Imo State, Rochas Okorocha.
In a swift reaction, the deputy minority whip, Binta Bello, objected, saying there was no division in the PDP since the Supreme Court had decided on the leadership tussle. She urged the speaker to declare his seat vacant.
Ossai Ossai also brought the attention of the House of the Supreme Court ruling that solved the crisis of the PDP.
He cited section 68(1)g where a member would vacate his seat when he decides to leave the party which sponsored him without any division.
But Speaker Dogara in his ruling said he can only declare a seat vacant when the majority of the House agrees.

Credit: Premium Times

Dino Melaye bags award as the best senator in Kogi state since 1990

The Conference of Nigeria political
parties (Kogi State chapter) on
Monday gave Senator Dino
Melaye the award of ‘the best
senator in Kogi State since
1999’.

The award was given to him at
his residence in Abuja.
Mr. Melaye shared the
pictures on his Instagram
page with the caption:
“Conference of NIGERIA
political parties Kogi State
chapter gave award today as
best senator in Kogi State
since 1999.”
“State Chairmen of Political
parties in Kogi State at my
Abuja residence today.”

Taoheed Adedoja drags PDP to court, calls for the conduct of fresh elective convention

Apparently not satisfied with the outcome of the recent PDP national convention, A former Minister, Taoheed Adedoja has dragged newly elected national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Prince Uche Secondus to court.
Adedoja was one of the aspirants who vied for the position of the party’s national chairmanship at the December 9 convention.

He filed a suit seeking the nullification of the result of the chairmanship election.
During the election, Prince Uche Secondus, polled 2,000 votes and was declared the winner ahead of Adedoja, Dr Raymond Dokpesi and Prof. Tunde Adeniran.
Addressing the press on Monday in Abuja, the former Minister of Youths and Sports, claimed that he was excluded from the chairmanship race.
He claimed that the zero score credited to him by the PDP had embarrassed and maligned him “and brought great ridicule ”to his political career which he claimed he built over 14 years.”

He said the name on the ballot paper was “Taoheed Oladoja ”while his name is “Taoheed Adedoja.”
In the suit, marked FHC/ ABJ/CS/ 1225 /2017 filed on his behalf at an Abuja Federal High Court by Messrs Rickey Tarfa & Co., the aspirant is seeking four prayers.
He is praying “the court to declare the election of the national chairman of the PDP held at the Eagle Square in Abuja on December 9, 2017, null and void.
“Pray the court to declare as null and void any document submitted by the PDP or by the purported occupier of the position to the national chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission.

“Pray the court for the cancellation of the national chairmanship election held on Saturday, December 9, 2017 at the Eagle Square Abuja.
“Pray the court to order the conduct of another elective national convention for the election of the national chairman within 30 days of nullification of the elective national convention held on December 9, 2017.
“Restrain INEC from recognising Uche Secondus as the national chairman of the PDP on the grounds that the election where Uche Secondus was declared national chairman of the PDP, where I was unlawfully excluded from the list of the contestants for the position of national chairman of PDP, is a flagrant violation of the Electoral Act, the constitution of the PDP, the guidelines for the conduct of the PDP National Convention and the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
The defendants in the suit are the Chairman and the Secretary of the PDP National Convention Planning Committee, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa and Dr. Ibrahim Umar respectively.
Secondus, the PDP and INEC were also joined as defendants.
Adedoja said he drew the attention of Okowa to the error in his name, which he said the governor promised to correct but nothing was done on the matter.
He said the zero score recorded against his name had opened him to ridicule.
Adedoja said, “I have suffered psychological trauma as a result of the public ridicule the election result has caused me, my family members, friends and associates.
“My lawyers are demanding appropriate compensation for damages, ridicule, embarrassment and the disrepute brought to my name as a result of the wilful exclusion of my name from participating in the election, resulting in the zero score credited to my name which is now in the public domain.”
It was gathered that no time had been fixed for the hearing of the case.

Credit: Daily Post

Southern Kaduna people call on President Buhari to create new state for them

Communities in the Southern Kaduna Senatorial zone, under the aegis of Southern Kaduna Peoples’ Union (SOKAPU) yesterday called on President Muhammadu Buhari to begin the process for the creation of Gurara state.
President of SOKAPU, Solomon Musa said that creating Gurara state out of the present Kaduna State would meet the aspirations of the people in the interest of justice.

At a press briefing in Kaduna, Musa said the provisions of the 1999 Constitution on creation of states should be amended to make the creation of new states easier and less cumbersome.
“The case for creation of another state out of the present Kaduna State is very cogent given that the population of the area in question is over 3,945,201 people and its landmass is over 26,076Km2.
“The Gurara state, if created will be viable given its rich agricultural potential, the solid minerals in the area and its abundant human capital,” he said.
Recall that SOKAPU had earlier in the year thrown its weight in support for the call made by the Middle-Belt Elders’ Forum for the establishment of 12 regions instead of the current six and the creation of additional six new states in the country.

Credit: Daily Post

Making money is not my priority, I'm not good at that - President Buhari says

President Muhammadu Buhari has said his major weakness lies in not knowing how to make money.

He also disclosed that he even borrowed money to build his three houses in Daura, Abuja and Kaduna.

The President made this known while speaking on his assets during an Interview with Sun Newspaper.

According to him, “When Murtala/Obasanjo regime came, they made sure that certain grades of public officers must declare their assets when they assumed that office and they must declare when they were leaving. So, when I was sworn in as governor of North East, I declared my assets.

“I declared surprisingly, even the number of my cows then. Even if they were supposed to be producing every year, but I declared them the time I was there. And when I was leaving governorship, I became petroleum minister.

“When I was leaving to go to War College, I declared my assets. I could recall General Jemibewon then, was the Adjutant-General of the Army. He rang me and said he was sending me asset declaration form, that I must fill it, sign it before I left for the United States. And I did.

“General Jemibewon is still alive. And when I became head of state eventually, I declared my assets again.

“So, if you people are serious and interested about political officers becoming multi-billionaires, you can find out from Murtala downwards. And those of us who were not very good in making money you should pity us.

“Everybody likes money but I am not very good at making money. Let me put it that way. I borrowed from the banks to build the house in Daura and the one in Abuja that you mentioned and the one in Kano. The bank then was Barclays, now Union Bank. Kaduna State or North Central then housing scheme and the Federal Mortgage Bank for the house I am in and AIB, which was, I think, terminated by Central Bank. So, when you go through the records, you find out that the houses I built, I borrowed from there.”

Press Release: $1bn: PDP Replies APC, Insists ECA Withdrawal Is A Ruse

December 18, 2017
Press Statement
$1bn: PDP Replies APC, Insists ECA Withdrawal Is A Ruse

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) says no amount of finger-pointing by the APC can justify the fraudulent attempt by the Federal Government to withdraw $1bn from the Excess Crude Account (ECA) to finance partisan activities, adding that APC’s arguments are diversionary and lame.
The PDP also maintained that “the attempt to claim that 11 PDP governors were part of the approval in a meeting superintended and eminently directed by Vice President Professor Yemi Osinbajo was merely begging the question” and further underpins the manipulative proclivities of the APC government.
PDP National Publicity Secretary Kola Ologbondiyan in a swift reaction to APC’s defence on Monday noted that the ruling party always paints holier than thou picture of itself whereas the whole world knows it reeks of corruption.
“The truth remains that the APC government has been caught in the act and no amount of diversionary finger-pointing will detract from the fact that it tried to use the fight against insurgents as a ruse to secure the money, which they have arranged to spend on extraneous subheads including partisan activities.
“It is a known fact that under this APC government, monies meant for insurgency related issues in the northeast had been diverted and that the only reasons the culprits have not been prosecuted is that they enjoy the cover of APC government.
“Nigerians have not forgotten how leading members of the APC diverted funds and sold items meant for insurgency related issues including relief items for internally Displaced Persons (IDP) in the north east.
“How can the APC point accusing fingers when Nigerians are all aware of the heinous diversion of N5billion meant for the IDPs under the Presidential Initiative on the Northeast, for which the Senate mounted a stiff investigation, leading to the indictment of officials of the APC government?
“What has the APC to say to the open indictment of their former SGF over the atrocious diversion of N500 million meant for IDP activities in the northeast?
“Nigerians have equally not forgotten the motion by Senator Baba Kaka Garba from Borno Central, who last year unveiled how some individuals known to have connections with the APC fraudulently cornered N1.2 billion from the Federal Government under the guise of supplying items to IDPs, only for the money to be diverted for other purposes, which we know are related to APC interests”, the PDP said.
The PDP said Nigerians on daily basis are now counting the exit day for the APC-led federal government and no amount of propaganda will save the ruling party from the doomsday.
Signed:
Kola Ologbondiyan
National Publicity Secretary