Leke Baiyewu, Abuja

President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, is leading senators to the Apo Legislative Quarters residence of Deputy President of the Senate, Ike Ekweremadu, whose house has been under a siege by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and men of the Nigeria Police.

A pregnant woman has been sentenced to 2 years in prison for assaulting her husband's mistress.
The woman, who is five months pregnant, was found guilty of hitting her husband's girlfriend with a sandal in Ghana and she was sentenced to 2 years behind bars. She has now begun her sentence, in her pregnant state.
According to a Ghanaian journalist identified as Ibrahim Oppong Kwarteng, the woman’s husband brought his girlfriend to their house and allegedly gave her his wife’s cloth to put on. When the wife found out, she confronted the lady and hit her with a sandal.
Ibrahim wrote:
I encountered this beautiful young lady at the Nsawam Female Prison last week. She has been convicted for 2 years with a 5 months old pregnancy, and came into the prison with her one and a half year old son. Her offence? She tells me her “husband” brought in his girlfriend into the house and gave the lady her dress to wear.
She couldn’t believe what was unfolding in her eyes and could not contain the humiliation. She confronted the lady and a fight ensued. In the course of the struggle, she hit the lady with a sandals she laid hands on and was jailed for assault. Since coming to prison, this so-called husband has never visited her.
My appeal is for some of our judges to fully consider the overall context of events before handing down sentences. I have a feeling they are sometimes misled by the police? For how long will the Alternative Sentencing Bill which could possibly prescribe community sentences in such cases, continue to gather dust in Parliament?
Shouldn’t pregnant women be given suspended sentences instead? I simply don’t understand why the Criminal Offences Act 1960 which obviously needs a review after so many years of usage continue to dictate the pace. We are all not safe!
She has a fine of 1400 Ghs to pay and another 2000 for the injuries caused to her attacker, making it 3400 Ghs in all to secure her release. You may want to help! At Crime Check Foundation, CCF, we champion the cause of the poor and the voiceless. Join us do so!

https://legitinfobase.blogspot.com/2018/07/pregnant-woman-jailed-for-2-years-for.html

The All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) has insisted that the fulani pastoralists were not responsible for the incessant and wanton attacks on farmers and communities by suspected fulani herdsmen.

AFAN also said that they were willing to work with the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) to bring the criminal elements who perpetrate the evil to book.

The AFAN national president, Architect Kabiru Ibrahim, while briefing journalists at the end of the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, stressed the need to address the lingering farmers/herders crisis dogging the sector with a view to paving a way for agriculture to witness remarkable improvement again.

“To further consolidate the growth of the agricultural economy it is prudent to ensure peace between us (farmers) and herdsmen,” he said. Speaking on the killings by suspected herdsmen, Ibrahim said, “In our midst today we are happy to jointly issue the resolution we reached with Miyetti Allah on the insecurity that threatens our business.

“We agreed to work together to expose the criminals from among us to ensure peace and prosperity in Nigeria. The real herdsmen do not carry AK 47, does not raze a whole settlement but desires peace to harness his pastoral activities. We welcome the idea of ranch development with input from the end-users and are amenable to sitting down with experts to add value to government’s effort.”

Also, speaking, national secretary of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Baba Othman Ngelzarma, said that the association did not indulge in violence. He expressed the readiness of the association to work both with AFAN and the government to restore peace between farmers and herdsmen across the country.

“I have to make it abundantly clear, we represent MACBAN, and we are a peaceful association. We have been working together with AFAN in order to bring peace to this country. We don’t control the entire fulanis in Nigeria; we only represent our registered members who are the legitimate pastoralists, the peace loving pastoralists who are doing their peaceful legitimate business of cattle rearing.

“I will never support, I will never condone any criminality, I will never be a party to any criminality, in fact that is the more reason why AFAN has decided to work with us as collaborators to bring peace to this country, so we are in line with what the president of AFAN has said and we are in line with any policy of the federal government that will bring an end to this crisis in Nigeria,” the MACBAN national secretary added.

PMB At International Criminal Court (ICC): Proud To Be Nigerian by Femi Adesina

I've seen him address the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Seen him speak at AU (African Union) summits. Seen him address the European Parliament at Salzburg, France. Watched him speak to the world a number of times at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). And on Tuesday, July 17, 2018, he stood ramrod straight to address the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, Netherlands. It was a time one felt tremendously proud to be Nigerian.

I have been on the entourage of President Muhammadu Buhari to scores of countries round the world, I have seen how he is well respected by global leaders, and how that reverence rubs off on Nigeria. I tell you, despite all the challenges our country currently faces, we have a leader the world adulates. His honesty, integrity, transparency, love for his country, personal discipline, and many others, are stuff that fairy tales are made of.

At 9.35 am Tuesday, President Buhari was ushered into the main hall of the ICC. He stood straight, in a way that belies his age of 75. Before taking his seat, he bowed reverently to the 17 judges, resplendent in their blue robes and white mufflers. The judges were picked from all regions of the world, and four of them were Blacks. Out of those four, the President, Judge Chile Eboe-Osuji, is Nigerian. All hail our own dear native land!

Judge Eboe-Osuji gave the opening remarks, which dwelt on the history of ICC, its successes, and how it could do a lot better in the immediate future. Turning 20 was a landmark, he stressed, and that was why the Nigerian leader had been invited to present a Keynote Address.

President Buhari was invited to the podium. Another bow, and those brisk strides again! A man they said, had died, and had been secretly buried this time last year! God is awesome.

That familiar voice came, and one never felt prouder to be Nigerian. The Fulani man, whom some people have tried (and still keep trying) to demonize, demean, and de-market, was addressing the world again. He was addressing a global audience, and people who mattered on this terra firma, were all ears, catching his every word. Again, really proud to be Nigerian.

What did the keynote speaker say? He first commended Judge Chile Eboe-Osuji, saying Nigeria was proud of him. He then delved into the history of the ICC, saying it was inspired by the Nuremberg trials after World War 2, which held people accountable for crimes against humanity, war crimes, crimes of genocide, and aggression. Such court, President Buhari noted, signposts hope for justice to many, and the world surely needs it.

A strong ICC, the keynote speaker added, is a catalyst for other justice efforts, expanding the reach of accountability. And then his prescriptions, going forward:

Let the court make room for hearing serious cases of corruption by state actors that severely compromise the development efforts of countries and throw citizens into greater poverty.

Also, the court could include cases of illicit financial flows where countries are complicit and obstruct repatriation of stolen assets.

"As AU Champion of Anti-corruption, these are issues dear to my heart," President Buhari stressed.

Before concluding his address, the Nigerian President urged the ICC to avoid bias or political motivations in its dealings, and also challenged more states to accede to the Rome Statute, the 20th Anniversary of which was being marked.

He ended on a bright and cheery note. As Nigeria prepares for general elections next year, the process would be free and fair. There would be no repeat of the 2011 post-election riots and loss of lives, which led the ICC to commence preliminary investigations against Nigeria.

The applause was thunderous, as a man of integrity, Mai Gaskiya (the honest man) concluded his address. It was a day of glory for Nigeria, and all Nigerians of goodwill. Truly, a prophet often has more honour outside, than in his own country. But then, this prophet undoubtedly has honour everywhere.

Adesina is Special Adviser to President Muhammadu Buhari on Media and Publicity.

A video is currently making the rounds online featuring a Fulani man preaching to others publicly. In the footage, the Fulani indigene who is probably a christian - can be heard preaching about Jesus Christ whom he says he strongly believes in and is the only way out.

The man also said that all he is preaching about is written in his bible in Fulani language.

A Facebook user based in Kaduna state, Daniel Okpe, who witnessed the preaching himself, wrote on Facebook; What is the fight all about. Christ is Lord over all. I saw this myself... A Fulani man preaching Jesus Christ. Our Politicians should allow us to live in peace.

Source; https://www.nationalhelm.co/2018/07/fulani-man-spotted-preaching-in-public-in-kaduna-state-photos-video.html

The menace of armed robberies and kidnappings have returned to the Abuja-Kaduna expressway following the killing and abducting scores of travellers on Sunday (yesterday). According to reports, the attack occurred near Gidan Busa village, located between Jere and Kateri along the expressway.

A former Katsina state commissioner of Education Prof. "Halimatu Sa'adiya Idris" was among the victims killed as a result of gunshot by bandits last night along Kaduna/Abuja road.

According to Daily Nigerian, one of the survivors from the scene said an army officer and a policeman were among those killed by the gunmen.

“There is an army officer travelling with his orderly and daughter. The orderly escaped with gunshot but they killed the army officer and his daughter on the spot,” Haruna Isa, a VW Golf driver who survived the attack said.

“There is another person they killed after identifying that he was a policeman. Several other passengers were killed, while many were abducted.”

Witnesses said the security officers refused to engage the kidnappers on the premise that “they were waiting for reinforcement”.

The latest attack is coming one day after a young man identified as Shehu Alaka, a student of Umaru Musa Yar’adua University in Katsina state, was killed by armed robbers. The deceased who was based in Abuja – was said to be returning home when his bus was ambushed by armed robbers along Kaduna-Abuja road and he was killed in the process.

Source;https://www.nationalhelm.co/2018/07/halimatu-saadiya-idris-former-katsina-commissioner-killed-by-armed-robbers.html

During the Abacha regime, Nigeria was in words and actions the true African leader. Throughout his time as head of state, Abacha never travelled outside Africa, perhaps to give effect to Nigeria’s Africa-centred foreign policy. The World Council of Mayors was hosted here in Abuja for the first and only time. Pope John Paul II was here on state visit. Nigeria was president of the UN Security Council during Abacha when the obnoxious apartheid policy of the minority white regime in South Africa was dismantled. For the first time in the history of Africa also, Abacha reversed a coup d’état and re-installed the overthrown democratically elected President Tejan Kabbah in Sierra Leone, when Nigeria’s General Maxwell Khobe successfully flushed out the Paul Koroma junta there. Nobody joked with Nigeria. Nigeria was well respected by all.

http://www.eyeway.ng/2017/11/16/remembering-the-abacha-regime/

Former interior minister Abba Moro has announced he will stand next year for the Benue South senatorial seat, currently occupied by Senator David Mark.

He told a news conference in Otukpo that after touring the nine council areas that comprise the Idoma-speaking Benue south senatorial district, known as Zone C, he felt standing for elections was the right thing to do.


source and morehttp://kaakakinews.com/2018/07/22/former-minister-abba-moro-to-contest-david-marks-senate-seat/

The Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki has reacted to reports making the rounds that he was made juicy offers by President Muhammadu Buhari and the All Progressives Congress, APC, to remain in the ruling party.

Following the meeting, there were speculations about juicy offers being made to him and his associates as part of the on-going discussions.

Source and morehttp://kaakakinews.com/2018/07/23/2019-bukola-saraki-speaks-on-being-offered-au

tomatic-ticket-oil-well/

I quickly want to share with you what I learnt years back in one training session I attended. During the training session, the trainer collected a Nokia Hand Set with fully charged battery and then brought a fresh egg.

He placed the egg and the handset together inside a polythene bag and then tied the bag, after which he told us to start calling the Hand Set Number, Calling and Calling, Busy – Busy.

When the Hand Set battery completely drained down, he gave the phone to the owner and cracked the egg. Behold the egg was cooked! Done! We were surprised and asked for explanation.

He told us that every handset emits Electromagnetic Rays which was the rays that was responsible for cooking of the egg. He also said that for device to be named “Hand Set by international bodies is not by accident, he said that it is never a Pocket Set

He went on to say that MEN have scrotum, an egg resemblance in between their legs. He admonished men to stop putting their hand set in their pockets, but to hold it on hand so that the radiation from it will not denature their spermatozoa and cook their scrotum.

He also said further that by putting their hand set in their pocket close to their scrotum can cause them a serious health challenges especially Prostate Cancer and likewise infertility. One advise, do not take this lightly really, prevention is much better than cure.

Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has stated that the tempo of the killings arising from farmers-herders crisis was going down.

He also said that the government was committed to ending the incessant clashes once and for all.

Mohammed urged Nigerians in the diaspora not to believe everything they read on social media about happenings in the country.

Addressing the staff of the Nigerian Embassy to the United States in Washington DC, the Minister advised them to download the FGN-iAPP on their mobile devices in order to have access to authentic Nigerian news.

Alhaji Mohammed said the federal government recently launched the National Campaign Against Fake News in order to stem the spread of false and misleading information, which is capable of threatening the peace and security of the country.

The Minister, who interacted with past and current senior US government officials and stakeholders in the US policy on Africa, under the auspices of the think tank Atlantic Council, said the picture being painted in some circles of an ethno-religious crisis in Nigeria was far from the truth.

”Despite such crises as the farmers-herders clashes and communal conflicts, Nigerians – for the most part – are living together harmoniously. Nigeria is not at war,” he said.

Francis, a final student of the Department of Microbiology, Unizik, died yesterday, after slumping during a basketball competition.

The deceased, who was meant to write his last last paper tomorrow, signed out last week. He was rushed to the school’s clinic but there was no doctor on ground or oxygen to help stabilize him.

He was later rush to another hospital, where he was confirmed dead on arrival. Two years ago, Ugo, from the same Department, also died because of the careless of the doctors and lack of equipment at the institution’s clinic.

The Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps in Bayelsa, on Sunday warned oil thieves and pipeline vandals in the area to steer clear of the infrastructure or risk crackdown by the law.

The Commandant of NSCDC in the state, Mrs Christiana Abiakam, who gave the warning in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Yenagoa, said that the corps was committed to stopping the crime.

She said that the command was determined to overcome the obstacles before it.

She said that to that end, the corps would work collaboratively with sister security agencies in joint operations to sustain the stability so far achieved in the crude oil operational environment for increased oil production.

“We will not be deterred by the challenges before us.

“We have resolved to sustain the fight against economic crime by oil thieves and vandals of oil facilities and we have sent warnings to them.

“With our intensified and intelligence-driven operations, the criminals will have no option other than to turn a new leaf or leave the state.

Former Vice President and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential aspirant, Atiku Abubakar said he would ensure Adamawa returns to PDP.

Abubakar gave the assurance Saturday in Yola while speaking at a Mega Rally organized by the state branch of the party.

Atiku said that Adamawa was a PDP state and he would do all things possible to bring back the party to power in 2019.

Atiku who formally declared his intention to vie for the presidential seat under PDP said he was overwhelmed by the mammoth crowd that graced the occasion confirming the popularity of PDP in the state.

He criticized the All Progressives Congress (APC) for failing Nigeria in areas of economy, security and job security, adding that he would address the problem when elected president.

The National Chairman of PDP, Prince Uche Secondus described Atiku as a leading presidential aspirant in the party that has the capacity to dislodge APC in 2019.

“PDP is a tsunami that will soon wipe out APC. We are not afraid, we are strong and coming like the train to crush APC,” Secondus said.

Secondus assured all presidential aspirants level playing field and tasked APC on ensuring level playing field for all parties in 2019 general elections.

Without mentioning names, Secondus announced the defection of some commissioners, House of Assembly members and council chairmen from APC to PDP.

Speaking on behalf PDP senators, Sen. Ben Murray-Bruce said Atiku has what it takes to make a difference 2019.

Representatives of Atiku supporters in North East, North Central, South-South and South East who spoke at the occasion also endorsed Atiku for 2019 election.

Frederick Fasheun, the founder of Odua People’s Congress, OPC, has revealed why Yoruba leaders don’t listen to the warning from former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Fasheun said leaders of the South West don’t listen to Obasanjo because they believe his cautions on the crisis in the country are “belated”.

Speaking with The Sun, the OPC founder noted that the volte-face made by Obasanjo against the second term agenda of President Muhammadu Buhari was an indication of the former president’s regret for throwing his weight behind Buhari in 2015.

Fasheun, however, urged the South West to listen to Obasanjo.

He said, “Nothing says he should not express his regrets. If he has expressed his regrets because he has seen what is now happening, please let him feel sorry for past misdeeds and let him be the statesman he has always been. Obasanjo is one leader that has not precipitated the crisis.

“So, let us listen to him. Any leader that comes out to warn us against looming violence is a good leader.

“Yoruba leaders have never listened well to Obasanjo because they think his warning is belated, but warning against violence is never belated.

“So, let us listen to him and call ourselves to order. I think Obasanjo is in a good position to warn us. Obasanjo has seen both sides of governance; military, democracy, so he is in the best position to warn Nigeria. So, let us listen to him.”

The Senate president, Dr. Bukola Saraki, has been conferred with a chieftaincy title in Ilorin.

Saraki was surprisingly bestowed with a chieftaincy title ‘Waziri’ of Ilorin by Emir, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari when he visited him for a thanksgiving ceremony on Sunday.

The thanksgiving prayer session according to Saraki who disclosed this via his Facebook handle, was to thank Allah for his recent victory at the Supreme Court.

The title ‘Waziri’ of Ilorin was last held in Ilorin by Saraki’s father, late Dr. Abubakar Olusola Saraki.

See Bukola Saraki’s post below;

“This morning, I went to the Palace of the Emir of Ilorin for a Thanksgiving Prayer Session organized by the Emirate to thank Allah for my recent victory at the Supreme Court.

The Holy Quran teaches us that those who give thanks to Allah for His favors will always get more. Alhamdulilahi Robil Al-Amin.

As the prayer session was coming to an end, the Emir, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, surprised all of us by announcing my elevation to the traditional title of Waziri in Ilorin, a position last occupied by my late father, Dr. Abubakar Olusola Saraki.

May the Almighty Allah (SWT) retain for him a place in Aljannah Al-Firdaus. Alhamdulillahi, Alhamdulillahi, Alhamdulilahi Robil Al-amin.”

The Assistant Inspector General in charge of zone 2 commands, AIG Adamu Ibrahim, has upheld the recommendation of police disciplinary body that recommended dismissal of four policemen attached to Special Anti Robbery Squad Ikeja, Lagos.

The four policemen were charged to court on offenses of Armed Robbery, Kidnapping, Unlawful detention, Intimidation and threatening violence, after one Chukwudi Godwin Odionye submitted a petition against them on May, 2, 2018.

Odionye stated that on the 4th of June 2017, he was in his house around Alagbado, when the four armed men stormed his house to effect his arrest on the allegation of performing ‘FAKE’ miracles.

He stated that after his arrest, he was taken to one hotel at Agege where he was detained and threatened to be killed if he fails to cooperate. He explained further that on the following day, he was taken to the bank where he was made to transfer N7m to one of the operative’s account. .

The investigation revealed that no proper police procedure for Investigation was followed in Odionye’s arrest and that the four SARS operatives actually abducted him from his house and Unlawfully detained him in the hotel.

The policemen are Sgt Adeoye Adekunle, Sgt AdeniraAdebowale, Sgt Agbi Lucky and Sgt Odighe Hehosa. .

They were found guilty during the orderly room trial for professional misconduct, corrupt practices and discreditable conduct and were dismissed and consequently charged to court on criminal charges of Armed Robbery, Kidnapping, Unlawful Detention, Stealing, Intimidation and threatening violence.

Former Governor of Kaduna State, Alhaji Balarabe Musa, has said that killings of innocent Nigerians in various parts of the country will continue beyond 2019 if the present administration is allowed to continue.

The former Governor said the attacks will not stop because the President Muhammadu Buhari-Federal Government was weak and irrelevant.

Speaking with Vanguard, Musa said it was clear that President Buhari lacked ideas on how to stop the killings, adding that the only end to the menace was for Nigerians to decide in their own favour in 2019.

He said, “Certainly we cannot allow it to continue. But, unfortunately, it will continue because we have a weak government at the centre.

“In other words, the Federal Government and the ruling party are so weak and irrelevant. The insecurity has reached a level that it has overwhelmed this administration.

“The overwhelming nature was proved by President Muhammadu Buhari when he said he did not know what next to do, asking for prayers and requesting that Nigerians be patient with his government.

“How can we be patient when lives are lost everywhere in the country almost on daily basis? The worrisome aspect of it all is that the killings are dragging into 2019 election year.

“As far as I am concerned, knowing the dangers we are facing as a nation, that is, political, the decision regarding 2019 is left for Nigerians to decide.

“We will not teleguide the people on who to vote for come 2019. All we can do is to present the facts to the people the way they are.

“But it’s obvious that this administration is overwhelmed by the gruesome killings that are going on in parts of the country and they cannot do anything about it.

“The question is, what is responsible for the negative state of the nation? That should be our task as citizens to find out.”

Filani Dankali aka Musa Ardo, 70, has died in custody of the Police Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS, after he was allegedly brutalised by the personnel.

According to the lawyers of the deceased septuagenarian, SARS officers from Kano had seized him from his residence at Gedege village in Kubau Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

In their petition filed by Al Qasim Ja’afar and Co. (Gidado Chambers) dated July 16, 2018, and addressed to Kano State Commissioner of Police, late Mr Ardo’s family requested for the full details of the SARS action and the circumstances that led to his death as well as an autopsy report.

It reads in part: “One Alh. Musa Kano consulted the deceased in his resident at Gedege village in Kubau Local Gov’t Area of Kaduna State and sought a protection charm (Layar Bata), which they negotiated at the cost of N30,000. The client left for Kano after being informed about the strict guidelines, which must be adhered to in order to avoid the disappearance of the charm.

“To the amazement of late Malam Musa Ardo, he returned two days after, thus before the completion of the directives given, complaining that the charm had disappeared. He demanded for another charm but the deceased perceived that it was a clever way of tryingnto secure another one for free. Malam Ardo then insisted that Alh. Musa Kano should bring back the charm to claim his money.

“Alh. Musa Kano returned to the deceased house two days after in company of a police officer from SARS Office, Kano by name Auwal. They made three trips in an effort to force the deceased to refund the money Alh. Musa was now claiming was N1.6million. He later even claimed it was N2million while the deceased rejected the claims in totality.

“It is evident that Alh. Musa Kano who is with NNPC Kano Depot has connived with Auwal, Umar and one other SARS Officer to cause the arrest and detention of the deceased as to hatch plans to eliminate him which they succeeded in doing. This amounts to flagrant violation of the deceased’s right to life, besides, no cogent explanations were given to either the deceased family or their lawyers on the matter.

“All those involved in the arrest and detention of the deceased should be immediately apprehended and interrogated for their role in conniving to cause the death of the deceased.”

The deceased son, Shehu Musa, recalled that they followed up the case to SARS office a day after, and met their father in good condition.

“But on Wednesday, July 11, we received calls from the police that we should come to Kano as our father was seriously sick. We arrived the following day to meet his corpse deposited at Murtala Mohammed teaching Hospital Kano. Our father apparently died on that Wednesday.

“The Police officer named Auwal told me to go back as arrangement had been concluded for the burial in Kano,” he said.

The spokesman for Kano Police Command, Magaji Majiya, confirmed the incident and receipt of the petition told Daily Nigerian.

He said the matter was before Chief Magistrate Court 30, sitting at Audu Bako Secretariat, and that the court has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of Mr Ardo for criminal conspiracy and threat to Mr Musa’s life.

On the circumstances leading to Mr Ardo’s death, Mr Majia said the deceased was rushed to Sir Sanusi Hospital at Hedejia Road, Kano and later transferred to Murtala Mohammed Teaching Hospital, where he died of complications of cholera.

The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has come up with the real reason the All Progressives Congress, APC, candidate, John Kayode Fayemi, won the last Saturday’s governorship election in Ekiti State.

Labour said Fayemi won as a result of the failure of the outgoing administration in the state to pay workers their salaries and other benefits.

For this reason, the NLC called on the incoming administration to settle workers salaries and pension immediately it takes over power.

This was contained in the NLC President, Ayuba Wabba’s congratulatory message to Fayemi in Abuja on Saturday.

According to him, Fayemi’s election was a reflection of the popular wishes of the people and their appreciation of the work he started when he was governor of the state.

Wabba advised Fayemi against vilifying or going after his predecessor, adding that he should rather complete the work he started in his first tenure.

Wabba said the newly elected governor should use the opportunity of his second coming to render higher and greater services to the people of Ekiti State, “who have kept faith with you in spite of everything.”

He said, “Few, if any, suffered the level of government-engineered vilification and witch-hunt aimed at frustrating your bid for a second term in office. That you won this election in spite of these obstacles or frustration should be a source of joy and pride to you and your esteemed supporters.

“We believe that the non-payment of workers salary and pension by the outgoing government was enough reason for the vote of no confidence by the people.

“We are confident that one of your first executive actions upon your inauguration would be to clear the backlog of salaries and pension owed Ekiti workers.”

The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has come up with the real reason the All Progressives Congress, APC, candidate, John Kayode Fayemi, won the last Saturday’s governorship election in Ekiti State.

Labour said Fayemi won as a result of the failure of the outgoing administration in the state to pay workers their salaries and other benefits.

For this reason, the NLC called on the incoming administration to settle workers salaries and pension immediately it takes over power.

This was contained in the NLC President, Ayuba Wabba’s congratulatory message to Fayemi in Abuja on Saturday.

According to him, Fayemi’s election was a reflection of the popular wishes of the people and their appreciation of the work he started when he was governor of the state.

Wabba advised Fayemi against vilifying or going after his predecessor, adding that he should rather complete the work he started in his first tenure.

Wabba said the newly elected governor should use the opportunity of his second coming to render higher and greater services to the people of Ekiti State, “who have kept faith with you in spite of everything.”

He said, “Few, if any, suffered the level of government-engineered vilification and witch-hunt aimed at frustrating your bid for a second term in office. That you won this election in spite of these obstacles or frustration should be a source of joy and pride to you and your esteemed supporters.

“We believe that the non-payment of workers salary and pension by the outgoing government was enough reason for the vote of no confidence by the people.

“We are confident that one of your first executive actions upon your inauguration would be to clear the backlog of salaries and pension owed Ekiti workers.”

Ekiti State Government has challenged the governor-elect, Dr. Kayode Fayemi to begin his probe of the Ayodele Fayose led government now instead of waiting till October 16 that he will be sworn in, saying; “it is obvious that he will be consumed in his vendetta mission and rather than grandstanding, Fayemi should first seek legitimacy for his stolen mandate. ”

Governor Fayose’s Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, said in his reaction to Fayemi’s threat that “he (Fayemi) should stop living in the world where threat of probe scares people because we in the government of Fayose are not afraid of victimization and vendetta that Fayemi is obviously coming with.”


He described Fayemi as a beneficiary of a stolen mandate who is afraid to even come to the open to celebrate his false victory, adding that; “Even yesterday when he went to collect the certificate of the mandate that was snatched and handed to him by the powers that be in Abuja, he had to be protected by police helicopter and hundreds of armed policemen. One wonders how he is going to rule the people they forced him on.”

Olayinka said; “If Fayemi is on vendetta mission, which is obvious that he is, he will first destroy himself because like Ekiti and its people survived him during his first tenure, the people will outlive him this time too.

“During his first tenure, he probed the government of Engr Segun Oni and said he (Oni) should refund N5.4 billion to the state government account. He went further to say that the state government should explore all legal means by inviting anti-graft bodies like Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) and Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences (ICPC) including courts to compel Oni and others so indicted to refund the money to the government purse.

“However, he is now wining and dining with the same Segun Oni.”

Declaring that all books of the government are open for the public to see, Governor Fayose’s spokesperson said “it is funny that the same Fayemi, who refused to appear before a duly constituted commission of inquiry is the one talking talking about probe.

He said; “What is he waiting for? Can’t he start the probe today?

“As for us, we have counted the cost for shenanigans of Fayemi and his Abuja impostors and we are not afraid to confront them when the time comes.

“To us, there are just two things that can come from dictators – death and incarceration, we are not afraid of any.”

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/07/fayemi-can-start-his-probe-now-his-vendetta-mission-will-consume-him-ekiti-govt/amp/look

CRIME NEWS REPORT – It is reported on Wednesday, the Police in Borno paraded 22 suspected Boko Haram terrorists, including eight men said to be responsible for the 2014 abduction of over 200 girls at Government Girls’ Secondary School, Chibok.

The suspects, were paraded by the state Police Commissioner, Damian Chukwu who revealed they were apprehended at different locations in Borno and Yobe States.

Chukwu said the police recovered 11 AK47 rifles and other weapons from the suspects, adding that they confessed to over 50 suicide bombings within Borno and Adamawa States, invasion of Bama, Gwoza and several other attacks.

He also said the suspects admitted to killing thousands of innocent citizens including security agents in the North East.

The police commissioner said:

“Suspects narrated various roles each of them played. Amongst them are the commanders and coordinators of suicide bombings in Borno State, coordinator and members of the Chibok School Girls kidnapping, ambushes of security agents, logistics suppliers and receivers of gold, international currencies and cows, among others.

Mayinta Modu, 23, alias Abor, confessed to being one of the Boko Haram commanders, who coordinated and led the kidnapping of the Chibok School girls in 2014 and several attacks on Bama, Gwoza and Mubi towns in Borno and Adamawa States.”

Those allegedly responsible for the Chibok girls’ abduction and several murderous attacks were identified as Commander, Mayinta Modu (23), Adam Mohammed (20), Gujja Jidda (21), Mamman Wadi (25), Alhaji Modu Jidda (29), Ajiri Bulama Dungus (22), Mohammed Abba (20) and Fannami Mustapha (22).

Governor-elect of Ekiti state, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has expressed his intention to probe the activities of incumbent Governor Ayo Fayose when he takes over office in a few months time.

Speaking to State House correspondents after visiting President Muhammadu Buhari in Abuja on Thursday he said that it will not be reasonable to expect that he will not look into the past.

He said: “Well l think we need to remove this election from personalities. This was an election that we fought on issues and it will be irresponsible on my part to come here and say that we will not examine what transpired in the last four years in the manner of government.
“What was received in Ekiti State and the expenditures in that period? Why were we not able to pay salaries in the state? These issues should be examined in the interest of good governance.

“It is not about probing Fayose, probing Eleka etc, it is about not repeating the mistakes of the past and giving our people good government and how to do so will also involve looking at what transpired in the last four years.”
On the reports of widespread vote buying during the recent Ekiti state governorship election, Fayemi said he was not aware of such as he did not see any evidence in the areas he visited.

He added: “I haven’t any substantive evidence of allegations of vote buying and intimidation. In the place where l visited, there was no vote buying anywhere. As far as our party is concerned, we did not engage in that, it is not our style.

“We won the election fair and square and it was an election that we fought on issues and not on the basis of any vote buying. So, who ever has any evidence of that should present it to an independently verifiable audience.”

Fayemi noted that creating a decent life for the people had always been his interest as he castigated Fayose for presiding over pedestrian policies.

The governor-elect further stated: “We have always been interested that out people lived a decent life, a life without hunger, with social support and that is why we were paying social security benefits to the elderly, we provided the youth graduate scheme for the recent graduates, provided support for the communities.
“For us, we never saw stomach infrastructure from any pedestrian manner that the current administration has lived it up to. For us, it is about total development of our people, human capital development in education, health care, in social services and infrastructure development.
“It is total services we focused in. We increased salaries three times so that people could put food on their table in four years. That was why we provided range of allowances for the workers .

“There was a huge difference between what we did and the present administration with lack of salaries , heartless, despair and despondency. We are restoring the values and reclaiming our mandate.”

Senate President, Bukola Saraki met with President Buhari, VP Osinbajo and four APC governors in Aso-rock earlier today.

Below are photos of the meeting

Breaking News : Some men in police uniform from Lokoja ambushed senator DINO Melaiye in Ayetoro as the whereabouts of the senator is yet unknown

The Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, has said that going by what happened in Ekiti State last Saturday, the opposition party would lose the 2019 general elections.

The pro-Biafra group said that the governorship poll was characterized by “charade.”

According to IPOB, the coalition of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and all other opposition parties cannot defeat President Muhammadu Buhari because he would be aided by the military, police and all paramilitary agencies as allegedly witnessed in Ekiti State.

The Biafran group, therefore suggested a total boycott of the forthcoming general elections by the South-South, South-East, South-West and the Middle Belt geo-political regions.

IPOB’s position was contained in a statement signed by the Media and Publicity Secretary of IPOB, Comrade Emma Powerful and made available to reporters in Enugu yesterday.

The statement was entitled, “Ekiti State election; another vindication of IPOB no election stance.”

It reads, “Those unfortunate enough to have witnessed the disgraceful charade that passed as Ekiti State governorship election over the weekend, would no doubt, by now, have come to the full realisation that only a total and complete boycott of elections in Nigeria has the remotest chance of setting the poor masses free.

“For anybody to describe the electoral dance of shame at Ekiti as “free and fair elections” means that Nigeria is yet to develop an appreciable sense of understanding of what democratic elections is meant to be.

“This singular event at Ekiti has proven IPOB right yet again, that voting in Nigeria within the present political arrangement is utterly useless and counter productive.

“Under the current electoral conditions in Nigeria, a PVC has transmuted from a supposedly potent object of freedom to one of bondage. IPOB worldwide therefore wish to restate categorically and for purposes of clarity that it would boycott all elections in Nigeria come 2019.

“Presidential elections next year will afford IPOB an opportunity to demonstrate our cast iron determination to set Biafra free by totally shutting down South East and South South.

“By going out to vote, instead of demanding their freedom, the masses are only helping tyrants to legalize rigging and electoral fraud. What people are doing by voting is willingly and legally renewing their pain and suffering every 4 years.

“All the institutions which should act as electoral watch-dogs and umpires (including all the security forces) are under the control of the tyrants.

“South East, South-South and Middle-Belt would be foolhardy to agree to participate in the 2019 elections under such conditions”.