2015: Finally FG cautions Asari and Tompolo over war threats

The Federal Government officially reacted on Thursday to the war threat by ex- Niger Delta militants, saying it was reprehensible.

The condemnation came barely a day after a former Minister of Defence, Lt.Gen. Theophilus Danjuma, called for their arrest and seven days after the ex-militants made the threat at the Government House in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

The ex-militants – Mujahiden Dokubo-Asari, Government Ekpemupolo (aka Tompolo), Victor Ebikabowei (aka Boyloaf) and others – had at the end of a meeting attended by Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson, said, “For every Goliath, God created a David. For every Pharaoh, there is a Moses. We are going to war. Every one of you should go and fortify yourself.”

But as the Federal Government, through the Minister of Interior, Abba Moro, cautioned against inflammatory remarks, unrepentant Ekpemupolo, said Danjuma was the one that should be arrested by security operatives.

The minister, at a news conference in Abuja, said that there was no basis for the ex-militants to be beating war drums since President Goodluck Jonathan had said   he would concede defeat if he lost the February 14 presidential election.

He said, “It is reprehensible for people to threaten this country with mayhem should their candidate lose the election . The President,   Dr. Jonathan, has not left anybody in doubt as to his preparedness to conduct a free, fair, credible and transparent election.

“Mr. President has said that in the unlikely event of his losing the election, in the course of this exercise, that he was straight man enough, he was democratic enough to concede defeat.

“So, if Mr. President himself, who is the main contestant, who is the President of this country, who is the leader of the PDP(Peoples Democratic Party) has come out to say that he was going to ensure free and fair elections where the choice of Nigerians would be respected, I do not see where statements from supporters of either Mr. President or any   political party for that matter should derail the course of this democratic movement.”

The minister, who said that the anxiety over the elections was unwarranted, stressed that the Federal Government was determined to conduct hitch-free elections.

He added that security agencies had been sufficiently mobilised for the elections.

Shortly after Moro spoke, Ekpemupolo, in a statement by his Media Adviser, Paul Bebenimibo, wondered why Danjuma, who did not condemn the stoning of Jonathan’s convoy in Katsina and Bauchi states, would want them arrested.

He asked, “Is Gen. Danjuma not aware of the peaceful atmosphere when Gen. Buhari visited Delta, Rivers and Bayelsa   states for campaign? Why is it that President Jonathan’s convoy was attacked in Kastina and Bauchi states without any provocation?

“Where was this so-called statesman when the APC campaign Director General, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, threatened to form a parallel government if Jonathan wins the 2015 elections?”

Ekpemupolo said that Danjuma should be reminded that the treaty that brought the Southern and Northern Protectorates together in 1914, expired last year.

He added, “Let Gen. Danjuma and his cohorts know that they will not see any Ijaw man, Igbo and others to fight on their side if the war that they are planning breaks out.

“And finally, Gen. Danjuma and his cohorts should know that I remain resolute on my position in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, that President Goodluck Jonathan must win this election for Nigeria to continue to stay together.”

Ohaneze Ndigbo also faulted Danjuma and called on him to worry himself more with ending the destructive activities of Boko Haram in the North-East.

The Secretary General of the group, Joe Nworgu, told one of our correspondents on the telephone that   the arrest of Ekpemupolo and Dokubo-Asari was not the solution to the security problem in the country.

He said, “They should prevail on all those behind the insurgency in the North to stop. Let them do that and not to call for the arrest of people who are merely issuing verbal threats.

“The group they armed are destabilising the country. Their men are already armed and fighting and embarrassing the country. These ones are only issuing verbal threats.

“Luckily, Danjuma is in charge of the relief funds for victims of the insurgency. He is in a better position to know those that should be cautioned.”

Nworgu   enjoined those perpetrating violence to realise that no single group of individuals had the monopoly of violence.

But the Northern Elders Forum has declared support for the call by Danjuma.

The forum’s spokesperson, Prof. Ango Abdullahi, said   in a telephone interview with The PUNCH, “It makes a lot of sense. It serves as a wake-up call for people who are derelict of their duties.

“If somebody (in the security services) is asleep, he should wake up and do his job that is all Gen. Danjuma is saying.”

Abdullahi dismissed allegations that the former minister was being partisan by not speaking up when similar statements were made by some   northerners.

He said, “That’s absolute rubbish, it does not make sense to make such claims. This is not the first time they (ex-Niger Delta militants) are issuing such threats; It   has been going on for some time and nobody has cautioned them.

“If you look at the environment and venue where they make such comments you cannot connect it directly to those who are responsible for it. People have been calling for this (arrest) for a long time.”

The Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, has also cautioned those beating the drums of war to refrain from doing so as it threatens the survival of the country.

Secretary of the group, Chief Seinde Arogbofa, said in Akure that the former militants and Boko Haram insurgents were taking issues to the extreme.

He said, “That is not the part of democracy. Although they were reacting to the attack on the President when he went to campaign in the north, it is not sufficient to begin to talk about war.

“Even the President will not accept that. He would not want the country to break in his hands.

“What the former militants should be doing is to campaign effectively for the President so that he becomes President.”

Via: Punch

2015: Ogboru declares war if he losses again in Delta State

The Labour Party governorship candidate in Delta state, Chief Great Ogboru has said that there will be trouble if the next month’s general elections are rigged in the state.

Ogboru stated this while addressing the crowd at the Delta Central mega rally at Ughelli on Thursday.

He said in the past, Deltans had lived with the results of rigged elections.

“But we know that God’s time is the best. This is the time set by God,” he said and burst into a local song, “If Ogboru no win, yawa go dey, if Ogboru no win, yawa go dey,” meaning there will be trouble if Ogboru does not win.

Ogboru added that Delta state has been turned into a ‘jankara state’ where government can no longer provide basic amenities for the people.

He promised to raise the standard of governance in the state such that the timid people without vision would no longer find the chance to govern the state again.

On his vision for Delta State, Ogboru said, “We shall start by restoring your dignity and you will no longer be the thrashing floor.

“You will be able to look at them eyeball to eyeball. All
Deltans will become winners and will enjoy good schools, good hospitals, better pay. Our roads will be safe again. Our streets and homes will be safe again; criminality of any shape will not be tolerated.”

Ogboru further stated that kidnapping and armed robbery held sway in the state because those in government kidnapped and robbed the people of their votes.

“That is why kidnappers are everywhere, kidnapping people because the governor kidnapped their votes,” he said.

He said while the Peoples Democratic Party’s candidacy was up for sale, the All Progressives Congress was a counterfeit.

“If the APC candidate does not step down, he will know the loneliness of a long distance runner.”

2015: Who is who in Nigeria behind Buhari - Bakare

The Serving Overseer of the Latter Rain Assembly, Pastor Tunde Bakare, has said a majority of those that constitute the power blocs in the country are in support of All Progressives Congress pres?idential candidate, Muhammad Buhari.

He said this while speaking on the theme, ‘Nigeria beyond 2015?, at a public lecture organised by Angola Hall of Obafemi Awolowo University, Osun State, on Wednesday.

According to him, power blocs in any country influence and determine winners during elections.

The Nigerian power blocs, he said, were peoples vote, council of state, clerics, governors, traditional rulers, top entrepreneurs and retired generals.

The cleric said, “Peoples vote determines electoral victory anywhere in the world, the entrenched power blocs determine electoral victory more than anything. There are six or seven political blocs entrenched in Nigeria. The incumbent president and former head of states – council of state. From the council of states, we have two candidates – one former head of state and one incumbent president. There are six others that I want you to consider on whose side they are.

“Traditional rulers, retired generals, who have tasted power, who can you say clearly is the person they are supporting? The governors and let us consider the corporate boys, who are the men of commerce. Where is Aliko Dangote, Otedola,Tony Elumelu and others?

“Look at those who control the large constituents of people on Sunday. Tell me who is Pastor Adeboye, Oyedepo, Oritsejafor backing? Those who influence voting are doing so behind the scene and when the results come, we say ‘they have cheated us’.

“Don’t be deceived by what they say in the paper, a lot happens behind the scene. I agree with you, I have said earlier that my loyalty lies with Buhari and maybe because I am an insider, I know better than you.”

If Buhari emerges victorious, the pastor noted that 100 days would be too much to hand over power to the APC candidate.

He said, “If we don’t run it (Nigeria) properly, we will be running into a major storm that can consume us. The February 2015 election further provides the incubator for the hatching of the dreaded scenarios.

“Nigeria has a way of throwing up anti-climax. If Buhari wins, what will happen between March and May. It is too long a time.”

2015: PDP Pardons Bamanga Tukur, as party lifts suspension

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has lifted the suspension of the former Chairman of the party, Bamanga Tukur.

On Thursday, January 28, the party announced the reversal of the suspension of Tukur.

National Chairman of the PDP, Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu, announced the lifting of the suspension during the presidential rally of the party in Yola, Adamawa.

In December 2014, Tukur was suspended for filing a lawsuit against his party, in a bid to return as the chairman of the party, saying he was forced to resign from the post in January 2013.

2015: INEC in dilemma as parties demands poll postponement, APC objects

It was supposed to be a meeting to brief parties on the preparations for next month’s general elections on Wednesday, January 28, when the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) met with the parties’ leaders in Abuja.

INEC invited the parties for briefing on its preparations for the election, including the status of the distribution of the Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), the use of card readers, relocation of polling units and other logistics.

However, it became a shouting match between the representatives of  the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the United Progressives Party (UPP), who were against the postponement of the election, and other parties, who argued that the polls should be postponed to allow the electoral commission prepare adequately.

It is believed that virtually all the parties, except the APC and the UPP, were in favour of postponing the elections.

The representative of the APC, Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, who was said to have been screaming at the top of his voice, was of the opinion that shifting the elections would not be acceptable to Nigerians.

As he made the stand of his party clear on the issue, other political parties reportedly threatened to boycott the elections, if the election doesn’t get postponed.

Perturbed by the turn of events,  INEC chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega, intervened by saying the commission would take the best possible decision.

A source, who was privy to the development, recounted the incident: “Though the issue was not on the agenda, a lesser party and its presidential candidate began the discussion on Jega’s address by asking for the postponement of the elections. Like a rehearsed script, others joined the chorus and started impressing on INEC why it must shift the poll. They alleged that most registered voters were yet to get their PVCs.”

“The vehemence of these parties suggested a kind of alliance. It also showed that some forces were pulling the strings. But the APC team, led by Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, opposed the demand. The UPP delegation, under the leadership of its presidential candidate, Chief Chekwas Okorie, also said polls postponement would damage the nation’s reputation in the comity of nations.”

“At a point, the other parties threatened to boycott the polls and they started shouting, ‘APC, UPP, we will leave you and INEC to participate in the February elections and then we will see if this will be acceptable to Nigerians and the international community.”

Another source said: “They pointed accusing fingers at each other like school children and it was a big shame watching these leaders create a rowdy scene before an umpire. At a stage, Jega took control by merely adding a clincher: ‘We will take the best decision.’ This intervention calmed frayed nerves and orderliness was restored,” the source said.

2015: APC takes MTN and 5 Others to Court as they floor NCC over sms fund-raiser

The All Progressives Congress on Wednesday secured an interim injunction overruling the ban on its fund-raising scheme via telecommunication networks pending the determination of a substantive suit.
An ex-parte application brought by APC counsel, Dr. Muiz Banire, on the issue was granted by Justice Ibrahim Buba of a Federal High Court in Lagos.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the National Communication Commission had stopped the telecommunications service providers from allowing the APC to use the 35350 SMS code to raise funds for its presidential campaign.
Buba, on Wednesday, ordered that the 2nd to 6th defendants – Etisalat Nigeria, MTN Nigeria Limited, Globacom Limited, Airtel Nigeria and Visafone Communications Limited – should immediately reactivate the applicant’s presidential campaign fund-raising SMS scheme.
The judge also granted the applicant the leave to serve the respondents the originating summons and other processes outside the court’s jurisdiction.
Buba adjourned till February 4 to hear the substantive suit.
NAN reports that the APC in the substantive suit had urged court to award N25 billion damages against the Nigerian Communications Commission for allegedly prohibiting its presidential campaign fund-raising scheme.
Also joined in the suit are Etisalat Nigeria, MTN, Globacom, Airtel and Visafone.
In a 16-paragraph affidavit deposed to by one Ademola Sodiq, the APC accused the NCC of instructing the 2nd to 6th respondents to discontinue an SMS platform it created for donations for its presidential campaign.
According to Sodiq, the participatory fund-raising strategy was for members of the public to contribute N100 to the APC’s presidential campaign fund each time they sent APC as an SMS to 35350.
Sodiq explained that the party’s strategy was borne out of its commitment to raise fund for its presidential campaign in a “transparent and accountable manner”.
The deponent said that within few hours of launching the strategy on January 20, the party received a total of 5,400 SMS before the NCC directed the telecommunications service providers to discontinue the scheme.
Sodiq said shortly after the APC announced its participatory fund-raising strategy on January 20, the first respondent immediately wrote a letter to the second respondent to stop it.
He said that the NCC warned the networks to avoid running political advertisement/promotions that would portray them as being partisan.
According to Sodiq, since the purported directive, members, supporters and other Nigerians, who intend to donate to the presidential campaign of the applicant, had been incapacitated.
He said that the action of the 1st respondent had consequently adversely affected the plaintiff’s financial capacity to effectively prosecute its presidential campaign.
Sodiq said by banning the APC presidential campaign fund-raising scheme, the NCC contravened Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution.
He also said that the action was a violation of Articles 9 (1) (2) and 19 of the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act, Cap. A9, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
The APC counsel, Kola Awodein (SAN), urged the court to declare the NCC’s directive as “unconstitutional, illegal, null, void and of no effect”.
He argued that the NCC acted beyond its powers when it gave such directive against the provisions of Sections 39 and 42 of the Nigerian 1999 Constitution.

NAN.

9 Secrets Women Never Tell Their Men

Women are known to be very open and extremely talkative creatures in comparison with men. But you`ll get surprised that not only men have some things to hide, but women also have some secrets. There is a mystery in every woman for a man to clear up. But unfortunately, only a few of them succeed. Though it is not that complicated to understand a woman, men have great difficulties with it. So here are some women`s secrets which I hope will help you to clear up the situation.

1. We want men to take initiative

It is a very important thing. We do not like to take care, to plan and to do all sorts of things by ourselves. We want men to take initiative. Though, we never tell about it, you should know that it is important that you carry out some difficult tasks or surprise us. When a man takes initiative it means that he is involved, that he is attentive and caring. Do it more often, no matter what kind of thing it is – list of stuff to buy, or prepare dinner, or plan your next holiday.

2. We want to be surprised more often

All women go crazy with surprises, so we secretly dream about our partner to show his creativity and to astonish us as frequently as possible. Even a small unexpected sweet trifle will make a woman feel special and loved. It shouldn’t be an expensive gift, simply showing your initiative, concern and deep affection are priceless. It is not difficult, just be open and careful to your lady. When she realizes the fact that some effort has been taken to make her feel happy, you will be soon rewarded.

3. We are afraid that another women attract him more

It is a hidden fear among most women that other women in their man`s life, coworkers or female friends, may attract him more. The reason for it is quite simple, we all want to have something that we can`t have. So women are afraid that their man`s heart may be stolen or he will start fantasizing about another woman. There is nothing worse for a woman than that.

4. We want men to be sincere

Every person wants his\her partner to be always open and sincere no matter what. Nobody likes being fooled. And, of course, women are no exception. We can forgive a lot of things but not lies. Irrespective of the situation or how bad your fault is, a woman will always hear you out and even help you to solve the problem.

5. We notice and understand body language

Women are known to have a sixth sense, especially if it concerns relationships. We always notice and analyze all small details in another person, and that includes body language of our partners. So we usually are aware of his sympathy to a colleague, which we have never met. Once we notice something suspicious, it starts bothering us, though we may not be even aware of what exactly annoys us. And if a woman suspects something, she will be very upset when her man doesn`t spend time with her but stays in the office.

6. We agree with “Guy Time”

That is another secret that only a few men know about. A lot of women actually agree with “guy time”. We understand perfectly well that our husbands, boyfriends need some space for themselves, and that it is very important for them to spend some time with friends, watching football matches, drinking beer or playing various kinds of games. The only problem here may be when a woman feels lack of attention, while a man focuses only on spending time with friends.

7. We want their friends to like us

No woman will say this out loud. But it is so. His friends are very important for our men, so we want them to like us. This means that we want to show how we love our partner and what a beautiful person he is. Such tendency also helps to avoid unnecessary conflicts and arguments if we don`t like the friends or vice versa. Another reason for that is that his friends` sympathy for you will influence your partner`s decisions in various ways, which is, of course, to our advantage.

8. We need space

If a woman tells that she needs space, it doesn’t mean that she doesn’t want to see you so don’t get in your car and drive away for hours. She just wants understanding. Your girlfriend or wife wants you to know that she has important things to do and you need to assume that she really means what she says.

9. We want them to be honest

Every woman wants her man to be honest. So if your woman looks fat in that dress, don’t say “You look gorgeous.” Women always know how they look. Don’t be afraid to tell her that she’s put on several pounds, but still she looks amazing. Show your woman that you love her for who she is. You may even suggest her to exercise together. She will definitely appreciate your honest opinion.



So these are 9 things that women usually keep in secret from their partners, but should definitely know about them. Sure, these are only a few things; the list may be much longer. What do you usually hide from your man? I`m eager to know, and I`m sure not only me!

2015: INEC bars Delta governorship candidate plus six others from standing for elections

INEC disclosed that its decision was in line with section 187 of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended)

The Independent National Electoral Commission on Monday rejected the submission of governorship candidates by seven political parties in different states of the federation.
According to INEC bulletin made available to newsmen in Abuja on Monday, the names of the parties and states affected as follow: Peoples Party of Nigeria in Delta State; Labour Party in Niger State; New Nigeria Peoples Party in Ogun State; Unity Party of Nigeria in Oyo State; United Democratic Party in Rivers State and the Peoples Democratic Movement in Sokoto and Zamfara States.
In a decision extract issued and signed by the Director (Commission’s Secretariat), Ishiaku Gali, the commission also approved that the House of Representatives election in Ado/Opoku/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency of Benue State, being uncontested, the nominated candidate should be declared elected on the day of the election by the Returning Officer.
INEC disclosed that its decision was in line with section 187 of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended), which “provides that a candidate to the office of a governor shall not be deemed to be validly nominated for such office, unless he appoints another candidate as his running mate who shall occupy the office of deputy governor.”
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the INEC, Professor Attahiru Jega, on Monday, warned Resident Electoral Commissioners to remain non-partisan and ensure credible elections next month.
Jega, who handed the warning to the RECs at his quarterly meeting with them, declared that there was the need to ensure that “they conduct, free fair and credible elections in the forthcoming general election.”
According to him: “We have to have this meeting, because it is important as we approach 2015 elections that we put head together and review where we are and so that we can take stock as we prepare adequately for the very daunting and challenging task ahead.”

Via; Nigerian Tribune.

2015: More crack in Elechi's camp as SSG and others resigns

A few weeks to the general elections in Nigeria, some prominent members of Ebonyi State, Governor Martin Elechi’s cabinet, including Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Chief Fidelis Mbam, Commissioner for Grants and

Donor Agencies, Fred Udeogu, prominent members of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and council bosses have resigned their appointments.

The resignations, Daily Independent gathered, were in sympathy to the governorship ambition of the PDP governorship candidate, Dave Umahi.

Whereas Uddeogu explained that he resigned for the reason of strange political outings of the government, Mbam kept close to his heart his reason for the action.

The commissioner in his resignation letter explained that he had watched the political situation in the state, saying that hence his advice was not needed to tackle the situation it was morally better for him to resign from the cabinet.

Udeogu who had served as Commissioner in the both Dr. Sam Ewgu and Elechi-led administrations said it would smear his integrity and standing to pretend to be in two political parties, the ruling Peoples Democratic Party and the Labour Party at a the same time hence he had to leave the government and participate fully in the affairs of the PDP.

Two coordinators of development centres who resigned, Mr. Ogbonnaya Odi and Dr. Emma Kanadu, said they resigned their appointments so that they could freely campaign for the PDP in the elections.

In their reaction, they stated that: “We decided to resign so that we can freely support our great party, PDP. We are not members of the Labour Party but PDP. We believe that it is necessary that power should go the South senatorial district of the state and Dave Umahi is our candidate. We are with him and will support him till he becomes the next Governor of Ebonyi state”.

Feelers in some quarters revealed that by this week, about five more commissioners are likely to resign their appointments in solidarity with the PDP governorship candidate, who last week begun his campaign to the 13 local government areas in the state.

Reacting to the development, the state supervising Commissioner for Information, Dr. Ifeanyi Ike, described their resignations as ennobling, adding that their decision was in line with constitutional provisions for those occupying public offices.

Via; D.I

2015: PDP will end Saraki’s dynasty in Kwara – Oyedepo

 Chief Iyiola Oyedepo, the Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Kwara State chapter in this interview with NEWS EDITOR (Saturday), AJIBOLA ABAYOMI, takes on the leader of All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, Senator Bukola Saraki and vowed that his party will ensure that the incumbent governor of the state, Abdulfatah Ahmed is defeated during the general elections. Excerpts…

With political giant, like Senator Bukola Saraki leading Kwara APC, do you think your party can reclaim power during the general election?


I am happy that you talked about giant and not giants in APC. Bukola Saraki’s leadership in APC is a fake one. You cannot compare him with his dad, late Chief Abubukar Olusola Saraki. In a democratic setting, no leader rules forever. With time, what you call dynasty will expire and another one will come to being. When Alhaji Lamidi Adedibu was alive in Ibadan, he was dictating the pace of Oyo State politics. When Joseph Takar was there, he was in charge of Benue State . When both of them died, their leadership died with them. Even when Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Nnamdi Azikwe and Tafawa Balewa died, none of their family members occupied the same political space they had. By February this year, we shall show the whole world that Bukola cannot wear that over size shoe left behind by his father except you are saying those of us in Kwara State are not human beings anymore. It was the PDP that made Bukola governor in 2003. Could he or his father have won the poll, if they had joined another party?   In 2011, when Chief Olusola Saraki was alive, he was defeated by the PDP when he chose to join another party. Don’t forget that it was the PDP that helped Bukola to defeat his dad who was the original owner of the dynasty. Even in 2011, Bukola was almost defeated before votes from the suburb rescued him during the senatorial election. Of course, he was lucky to have used the benefit of his office as governor to control the security and the electoral process. That was a sigh that the end of Saraki’s dynasty is in the offing. The current crop of politicians holding sway in Kwara State government took away the mandate given to them on the platform of the PDP to APC. However, they were not able to take away the people of the state with them to their party. To that extent, we are confident that we are going to reclaim the state during the election. The people are not happy that their mandate has been taken to the APC.

Where did the Kwara PDP get it wrong that made all the elective office holders in state except a Senator to decamp with Bukola to the APC?

The mistake was that the PDP under the leadership of Bukola was not democratic. Candidates without clout and political relevance were the ones imposed on the party.  Those types of politicians had no choice than to follow him because they were not even accepted by their own people. There is nothing on ground since Bukola became governor that will make the people of Kwara State to be so fanatical to support him and his stooge, Governor Ahmed Abdulfatal during the general election.

But how come that the big wigs in the PDP folded their arms and allowed Bukola to choose all the candidates while he was in PDP?

To be honest, when the PDP was in the hands of Bukola, the party was not democratic. When he joined the PDP, he drove those he met in the party and became an octopus. He began to take decisions alone. That was his undoing. Power intoxicates a lot such that when some people become governor, they will be behaving as if they are God onto themselves.

The APC is so confident that those of you in the PDP are just remnants of the power block in the state as such you are not a threat to the party?

They are not being honest. The only set of people that left the PDP with Bukola were commissioners and the handpicked political office holders he appointed like the Local Government chairmen, House of Assembly members, councilors and the those chopping from him. The real power brokers are still with the PDP. Immediately Bukola joined the APC, more than 80% of those that left the PDP and more 80% of those that were with him refused to defect to the APC. So the PDP is now stronger.

But how do you intend to blend all the stakeholders in the PDP given the picture you painted?

To those who are used to one man command structure, our party now is strange to them. There is strength and unity in diversity of interest. We are going to do away with the one man political culture.


But Kwarans are used to one man leadership style in politics as shown by late Olusola Saraki?

That is not the culture of Kwara people at all. We are not made to be subservient to one man. The slogan of the PDP is now freedom to the people. The reliance on one man knowledge is inimical to societal progress. That is why there has not been progress in Kwara State for years.

What will the PDP do differently if you are able to regain power?

Let me start with agriculture that has not been truly tapped into. The present governor and Bukola brought 15 Zimbabweans farmers and wasted several billion of naira on them without any meaningful achievement. We are going to ensure mechanised farming by empowering the farmers. We also have plans for the health sector. In the area of education, for over 10 years now Kwara has been scoring less than 10% in West African Examination Council (WAEC) in terms of aggregate pass mark for both English and Mathematics. The primary schools are in comatose. We shall provide for quality and affordable education and open up the rural roads. Again, we are going to ensure that there is provision of portable water in the state. In all the areas, I have mentioned the present government in Kwara State under Governor Ahmed Abdulfatal has failed.

The governor is almost four years in office, are you saying he has nothing to show for that?

You can ask anybody in the state to tell you when last they had water except through their own borehole. The governor said he renovated Omu-aran Hospital. Some people were involved in an accident and were taken to the hospital; you cannot believe that it was the relatives of the victims that bought fuel to power the generator in the hospital.  To make the matter worst, the people had to be moved to a teaching hospital in Ilorin. You can imagine the lies they tell the people. Unemployment under the present governor is on the increase. When he was building stadium, Aviation College and faking agriculture development, the people of the state were never with him or Bukola, I was in the APC. I defected to the PDP because Bukola joined the APC. If he joins the PDP today, I will run away from the party. I had written petition against him to the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) and other agencies, so people like us with different political ideology can never work with him.

Since the man is yet to be convicted or indicted on any of the allegations you raised against him that shows that he is innocent, why don’t you let him be?

There are lots of criminals working along the streets that the law is yet to catch up with. Governor Ahmed is from Kwara South like my humble self but he won’t win second term in office because his government made no meaning to the people in terms of infrastructure, health, education and employment. By the time we release score card on him, you will shed tears for the state. The allocation he has collected for over three and half years shows that he has underperformed just like Bukola, his predecessor whom for eight years also failed the state. It is not in the interest of the people of Kwara to vote for the APC at any level. Anybody that even leaves PDP to join the APC will be devaluing he or herself. Those with Bukola are only following him because they are chopping from him.

Some have alleged that elections have never been free in Kwara State, how are you looking forward to the poll this time around?

The machinery of rigging formerly in the hands of Bukola is no longer there. Police, Department of State Security (DSS) and other security agents will no longer give him cover. All we are asking for is a level playing ground. If the people voted APC in a free and fair manner, we will congratulate them. But by the grace of God, they will not win. There is nothing strange beaten an incumbent governor or party. That has been demonstrated in Ekiti State last year. Kwara State has depended on monthly dash from Abuja for long. If the state is unable to If the state is unable to get statutory allocation for one month, then the state government will collapse. We have a governor that cannot make the state to be financial independent after 12 years he and his masters have been in power, he is a failure. We have more than 2.5 million people to motivate for productivity in Kwara State but the governor is not creative at all. If the state government is organised, they can even live on tax. In Kwara State, government has failed in all ramifications that is why people beat up tax collectors because there is no presence of government anywhere. I am both the local government and state government where I live in Ilorin, the state capital because I provide my own water and the security called olode myself. In fact, whenever people sighted tax collectors, their thought is always that maybe the governments are not even contended with the money they are making and as such they still want to milk their pockets. You can’t blame the people because the state government is not responsive at any level.



An interview by Daily Independent.

NAPS to Fayose: Don't discriminate against HND holders

The leadership of National Association of Polytechnic Students, NAPS handed down a note of warning to the Governor of Ekiti State; H.E Ayo Fayose over his recent discrimating directive on polytechnic alumuni of which he is one.
The warning by NAPS was contained in a press release sent to our publisher by the organisation.
The full text read:
"The leadership of National Association of Polytechnic Students L, NAPS  has come out boldly to caution his excellency Gov. AYODELE FAYOSE of Ekiti State to stop any attempt to stop recognizing any certificate from the northern Nigeria institutions, this was contained in a statement issued by the association outgoing Senate President/National President Elect Comr. Salahudeen A Lukman, the association stress that such attempt can affect admission quota of the Ekiti State indigenes also stating that northern institution are the best in NIGERIAN in terms  of facilities, personnel and access to admission while reminding the governor that ekiti state has only 7 institutions which can not produce all work forces required by ekiti state only talk more of the nation, ekiti is fountain of knowledge as well land of honor the need for the Governor to jealously protect this title can not be over emphasis said Lukman. We appeal to his excellency to use his intimacy with president GOODLUCK JONATHAN to speed up the total removal of dichotomy between HND/BSC certificate in nigeria not engaging in comments and actions that is capable of distarbilising the system or rise tension in the polity as an HND certificate holder. We are much concern about Mr. AYODELE FAYOSE because he is our alumuni, haven graduated from The Polytechnic Ibadan.

Signed: Comr. Lukman Salahudeen,
NAPS outgoing Senate President/National President elect.

UNILAG Lifts ban on Students' Unionism as new students matriculates

Authorities of the University of Lagos on Friday said they had lifted the ban on students’ unionism.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Rahamon Bello, made the announcement at the institution’s 2014/2015 matriculation in Lagos.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the students union was proscribed in 2005 under the former Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Oye Ibidapo-Obe, sequel to a violent students’ unrest.
NAN reports that the vice-chancellor’s lodge was attacked during the mayhem.
According to Bello, university education should offer opportunity for well-rounded development.
He said: “You are leaders of tomorrow and as such, opportunity for leadership development should be unrestricted.
“With the recent endorsement of the University of Lagos Students’ Union Constitution, the authority of the institution has approved the unbanning of full students’ union activities at the university.”
Bello directed the Dean, Students’ Affairs, to immediately commence arrangements for the election of the Students’ Union executives, in line with the new constitution.
He, however, urged the students to guard against anything that was capable of bringing back “the dark days”.
The vice-chancellor said that of the 61,931 candidates who applied during the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, and 4,361, from the Direct Entry platform, only 26,641 scored 200 and above.
He said that 15,597 candidates wrote post-UTME of the university.
Bello said 5,796 candidates were offered provisional admission in the UTME category and 2,805 in the direct entry category, making a total of 8,601.
The vice chancellor, however, said that after a thorough screening exercise, only 6,644, representing 10 per cent of the total number of applicants, scaled the registration procedures.
He advised the students to be good ambassadors of their families, alma maters, departments, faculties and the university at large.

Finally Buhari's WAEC Result is Out, fails Mathematics

PREMIUM TIMES has obtained a copy of secondary school certificate examination results belonging to Muhammadu Buhari, presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC.

The media house obtained the computer printout from Cambridge University as well as a statement of result, signed by the current principal of Katsina College, dated January 21, 2015.

Congratulations to all APC supporters as we believe this exposure will finally put a stop to the media war between PDP and APC, occassioned by the result controversy.

Nekede Polytechnic Inaugurates SUG Executives 2014/2015 (+PHOTOS)

The entire management and students of Federal Polytechnic Nekede gathered today at the ETF 500 seating capacity hall to witness yet another inauguration of the Student Union Government Executives of the institution for the 2014/2015 session.
The outgoing President; Comr. D'jenere Emmanuel charged the incoming executives to shun material benefits and always stand by the Nigerian Students at all time. Responding, the newly inaugurated President; Comr. Iwulu Ugochukwu assured the students of improved welfare. The management of the institution, speaking through the Rector, as represented by the Registrar assured the executives of continuous cooperation from the management end.
The outgoing executives were presented with merit certificates.
NANS was represented in the inauguration ceremony by NANS National PRO; Comr. Nwankwo Ezekiel, NANS Zone B Coordinator; Comr. Okorie Ikechukwu, NANS Zone B PRO; Comr. Pedro Chibuzo Obi and NANS Zone B Director of Mobilization; Comr. Victor Nwagwu and others.

 Dean of Students Affair

 Registrar Representing the Rector

Cross-section new executives

SUG Executives taking oath of Office

Outgoing Executives

SUG Parliamentarian (SRC) taking oath of Office

 SUG Judicial Arm taking Oath of Office

Outgoing President (D'jenere Emmanuel)

Certificate of Merit

Newly inaugurated President

Pedro Chibuzo, Okorie Ikechukwu and Nwankwo Ezekiel (NANS Officials)

DELTA 2015: Izeze dedicate victory to God (+PHOTOS)

Comr. Izeze Rume Reuben, the Peoples Democratic Party PDP House of Assembly candidate for Ughelli South constituency, on sunday dedicated his victory as the party standard flag bearer. Appreciating God for his victory in the party primaries and subsequent presentation of party flag as standard flag bearer of the People's Democratic Party PDP to represent the good people of Ughelli-South Constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly in the 28th February 2015 General Elections. The thanksgiving service was held at the Christ Missionary Crusaders Church, Oginibo Town, Local Government Area of Delta State.

The thanksgiving which was tagged ‘God's Own Time Is Now Thanksgiving’ saw several clergy men, party leaders, community leader, men, women, youths across the local government and beyond turn out en mass to celebrate with their son and brother because before now there had been rumor of name changing by one Mr Despirado.

The occasion was also graced by different bodies, among them are, the Ughievwen Council of Chiefs, Team Izeze, Izeze Grassroot Movement, Concern Ughievwen Women In Politice, Ughievwen Political Assembly, Believer's Council, National Association of Delta State Students, National Association of Nigeria Students.
Comr. Izeze, in his thanks to God told the congregation that it has been God all the way and all power belongs to God. He dedicated the party flag to God.

He said “Ughelli-South under my leadership will be more united as I am putting everything in place to see more united and better Ughelli-South as I promise to run an open door administration. With unity and cooperation whatever Ughelli-South demands for can be achieved, but in disunity we cannot succeed.”

Comr. Izeze who was overwhelmed by the large turnout commended all the people who came to thank God with With him especially those who came from far as he prayed to God to grant them journey mercy to their various destination.

On his part, Rev. Ogheneruemu Okoro, the residing Pastor of Christ Missionary Crusaders Church In't admonished Izeze to lead by example when elected, by living a life worthy of emulation as to encourage the entire Delta State. He further urged congregation to have the spirit of humility charging them to always humble and respect everyone.

Speaking to newsmen, the Public Relations Officer of NANS Zone B; Comr. Pedro Chibuzo Obi, posited that the emergence of Comr. Izeze who once occupied this office as the Zonal PRO of NANS, has once again rekindled the hope of the youths of this country who for years has been wickedly pampered as the leaders of tomorrow, yet the tomorrow refuse to come, Izeze haven broken the barrier, we can now say that the tomorrow is here with us. Continuing, Comr. Pedro called on all Nigerian Students/Youths in Ughelli South to go get their PVC and rally round Izeze in order to deliver him come 28th February 2015 as his victory is non-negotiable.

In a chat with journalist, Comr. Izeze in his word “I will bring to the good people of Ughelli-South whatever is due for them, I will make laws the will better the lives of my people”

The thanksgiving was attended by dignities across the state, among whom were Dr & Mrs. Chris Ogehenchiovwen, Chief Francis Aguonigho, Prof. G.G Darah, Chief (Dr) A.P Fovie, Chief Moses Orhokpor, Comr. Ologe Elijah, Prince Okiemute Oviri, Evang & Mrs Johnson Baro, Barr. Edewor Omonemu, Comr. Michael Akpobire Olorogun & Olorogun(Mrs) Itietie Benson, Sir (Engr) & Mrs Isaiah Kekej, Hon. Eunice Okoh-Oguma, Elder Dan Pel and of course the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Students Matters; Comr. Ohwofarador Oghenewegba.