Herdsmen killings: Wole Soyinka speaks, tells FG what to do

Prof. Wole Soyinka 

Nobel laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka has called on the Federal Government to do more to end attacks and killings allegedly by criminal herdsmen in parts of the country.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria, Soyinka, who made the call in a statement in Lagos on Sunday, said recurring cases of alleged criminal herdsmen unleashing terror on communities, leaving in their trail tears and blood, required lasting interventions.

Soyinka acknowledged that a few armed herdsmen had been apprehended by security agencies but said that was not enough to put a stop to the mayhem by the criminals.

He said there were so many of the criminals hiding in the forests which needed to be tracked down by security agencies.

The Nobel Laureate expressed regrets that some communities had been sacked by the criminals, causing residents to flee.

He said there was the need to order the invaders out or drive them away and provide security for safe return of residents.

Soyinka called for justice and restitution for victims of herdsmen attacks, saying that would give them some succour.

“We must go beyond arresting a token of herdsmen caught with arms as there are still hundreds of them in the forests.

“It is not enough to back the anti-open grazing law,so late in the day, but we shall leave that for later.

“Right now, the violated and the dispossessed demand restitution and with no further delay or subterfuge.

“All available forces should be deployed to right the hideous, unprecedented wrong that has left the nation drowning in blood. We simply cannot continue one day longer to watch this forceful feeding of human blood,” he said.

He also called on the agencies to track down and identify the sponsors of the criminals in order to curb their activities.

Soyinka wished “those who laboured for humanity ”a Happy May Day”, adding that he was optimistic that the solutions to the security challenges would come in no distant time.

Source: Daily Post

Benue Killings: Reps summon Buhari

Buhari

The House of Representatives have resolved to summon President Muhammadu Buhari over the spate of killings in Benue state and other parts of the country.
The unprecedented decision was unanimously welcomed by an overwhelming majority of members after a Kano lawmaker, Baballe Bashir (APC, Kano) moved for the amendment of a motion moved by Mark Gbilah (APC, Benue).
The House also resolved to suspend its plenary for three days (one week) in solidarity with victims of attacks across the country.
At least 15 people were killed early Tuesday at a Church in Benue.


Source: Premium Times

Buhari Reacts To Benue Church Massacre, Reveals Intention Of Perpetrators

Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday, April 24, 2018, reacted to the latest killings in Benue state, insisting that the perpetrators of the crime were clearly making attempt to stoke up religious conflict and possibly plunge our communities into endless bloodletting.

He who learnt of the killing of some worshippers including two priests at a Catholic church in Ukpor-Mbalom community in Gwer East Local Government Area of Benue State, reacted by describing the attacks as vile and satanic.

He expressed his condemnation through a statement authored by his Media Aide, Femi Adesina.
“I extend my sincere condolences to the government and people of Benue State, the Mbalom community, and especially the Bishop, priests and members of the St Ignatius’ Catholic Church, whose premises was the unfortunate venue of the heinous killings by gunmen.”

“This latest assault on innocent persons is particularly despicable. Violating a place of worship, killing priests and worshipers is not only vile, evil and satanic, it is clearly calculated to stoke up religious conflict and plunge our communities into endless bloodletting,” the President said.

Buhari noted that the country will not bow to the machinations of evildoers, adding that the assailants would be hunted down and made to pay for the sacrilege committed.

The killings came barely few days after an attack in Naka community, where two persons were feared dead and several houses burnt to ashes.

Benue state which is believed to be under siege by settling cattle herders have experienced unprecedented killings since January this year when the anti-open grazing policy took effect.

Source: Breaking Times

NOUN disowns questions on Buhari’s statement on youth

The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) has denied links with questions on President Muhammadu Buhari’s recent statement on the Nigerian youth.
The institution’s director of media and publicity, Ibrahim Sheme, said this in a press statement made available to PREMIUM TIMES on Tuesday evening.
According to the statement, the so-called examination questionnaire issued by one “Henry Osas” had nothing to do with NOUN as all the institution’s exams were concluded long before the President’s visit to the United Kingdom, where he delivered the speech Mr Osas quoted.
It further said its attention had been drawn to a publication on social media in which a purported examination questionnaire, titled “School of Education Course Code GST 103,” was circulated as a document emanating from the University.
“In the fake exam sheet, four questions were posed, built around His Excellency President Muhammadu Buhari’s recent statement on the Nigerian youth. Each question was said to attract 30 marks if answered correctly,” the statement said.
“Even though some might consider the document invented and circulated by “Henry Osas” and his co-travellers as a mere social media joke, we believe that the use of the hallowed name of the National Open University of Nigeria and its official logo to transmit the joke was done with mischief. We take serious exception to the use of our well-respected identity for such unpatriotic and unbecoming behaviour,” the institution said in the statement.
The university said it has filed a formal complaint with the security agencies, with a plea to fish out the culprits behind this mischief and the view to take the appropriate legal action against them.
The National Open University of Nigeria is a federal Open and Distance Learning (ODL) institution. It is Nigeria’s largest tertiary institution in terms of student numbers


Premium Times.

CAN orders national protest against killings, bloodshed



Rev Supo Ayokunle

The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, has urged Christian faithful to stage national protest against the unending killings and bloodshed in the country.
The call was made by the CAN President, Rev. Supo Ayokunle, via a statement made available to DAILY POST on Wednesday against the backdrop of the killing of two priests and 17 worshippers of St. Ignatius Catholic church, Mbalom, Gwer East LGA of Benue State.


He urged Christians to hold the peaceful protests within their church premises on Sunday, April 29, 2018.
He said: “CAN urges Christians in Nigeria to hold peaceful protest on the set aside date, in the premises of their churches asking the Federal Government and the security agencies to stop the unending killings and bloodshed in the country.
“Christians are to carry placards with inscriptions meant to address issues about sustained killings, attacks and destruction of their property in Nigeria.
“The inscriptions on placards could read, “Enough of bloodshed in Nigeria”, “Enough of unlawful killings in the country”, “FG, Release Leah Sharibu from the bondage”, “FG, Stop Herdsmen Killings”, “CAN rejects FG’s poor handling of insecurity”, etc.

“Government should be called upon to perform their constitutional responsibility of protecting citizens now. No excuse should be given for this wicked act again and perpetrators must be brought to book now.
“CAN seizes this medium to appeal to the government of President Muhammadu Buhari to mount different effective plans aimed towards disarming herdsmen across the northern states and in communities where they have been wreaking havoc across the country in National interest.
“It notes that the failure of the government to raise an effective campaign against the killings by herdsmen is the reason they have continued to kill, while there is no visible plan to pacify the aggrieved.
“The Association also calls on the heads of the security agencies to wake up to their constitutional role of protecting lives and property across the federation while preventing Nigeria from descending into chaos and a lawless country.
“CAN recalls with pains, disappointments, and worries how Nigerians in the North East, Middle Belt and southern parts of Nigeria become visibly endangered with sustained attacks from Boko Haram, herders and armed bandits. It contends that such developments are not only inimical to the progress of Nigeria, they will continue to weaken the unity of the country if left unchecked
“CAN urges all and sundry to continue to pray for peace and tranquillity of Nigeria and most importantly, for the parents and relations of all abducted schoolchildren.
“Christians across the federation should also not forget to pray for the bereaved families of those attacked by the Boko Haram terrorists, armed herdsmen, bandits and other criminals in the past couple of months in Nigeria.”
“CAN reminds Christians across the federation the importance of the forth coming general election and the need for them to fully participate this time, by trooping to obtain their voters cards with which to play a role in the emergence of new set of political leaders in Nigeria during next year’s elections who could guarantee their security and safety.”


Source: Daily Post

OAU Sex Scandal: Prof. Akindele Deliberately Failed Me - Student

Miss Monica Osagie, the female student in the sex-for-marks scandal at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, has told a panel set up by the institution to investigate the affair that the lecturer involved in the affair, Richard Akindele, intentionally failed her.
She said the intention of the lecturer was to force her to give in to his sexual demand.
The student’s lawyer, Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi disclosed this while addressing journalists after she appeared alongside her client at the panel sitting on Tuesday.
Miss Monica was identified as the female voice in the viral audio recording in which a lecturer demanded to have sex with a student five times in order to upgrade her score in from 33 percent to a pass grade in a course.
  But the student said she did not score 33 percent as the lecturer had claimed in the audio recording.
Rather, she claimed the lecturer failed her deliberately in order to get the sexual gratification.
Journalists, students and some members of the National Human Rights Commission who came to observe the sitting were not allowed into the venue as security personnel of the institution were instructed to block the entrance.
Mrs Akiyode-Afolabi said Miss Osagie informed the panel that she reported the sexual harassment by the don to some lecturers in the university, but they took no action.
She expressed optimism that the outcome of the investigative panel would serve as a lesson to other lecturers who also engage in such activities.
She then urged the panel to ensure justice on the issue so as to maintain the integrity of the institution.
This website had earlier reported that a recorded audio conversation of the don demanding for sex to increase the marks of the female postgraduate student had gone viral after it was released on social media.
The lecturer involved in the sex scandal has since been suspended by the management of OAU.


Source: Sahara Reporters

No fewer than 20 persons have been killed and several persons declared missing after herdsmen attacked Tse Agudu in Mbawa Council Ward, Guma LGA Area of Benue State.

No fewer than 20 persons have been killed and several persons declared missing after herdsmen attacked Tse Agudu in Mbawa Council Ward, Guma LGA Area of Benue State.
The armed men invaded the village at about 8am on Tuesday, setting over 67 houses on fire.
DAILY POST reporter gathered that the attackers, numbering over 30 stormed the village with sophisticated weapons and were shooting people at sight.
A bush meat vendor in the village told DAILY POST on phone that the entire village is now empty as residents have deserted their homes for the intruders, who are feasting on their farm produce with their cattle.
Just yesterday, over 53 persons were killed in separate attacks in Gwer East and Guma LGAs of the state.
The development forced the state governor, Samuel Ortom to cut short his 12-day vacation.

Atiku

Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has said he is not desperate to become president in 2019, contrary to what some Nigerians have said.
“If I am desperate, I wouldn’t have stepped down for M.K.O Abiola in the 1993 presidential race,” he said. Atiku stated this in an interview with the BBC Hausa morning programme, yesterday.
He said if Nigerians could follow his political antecedent, they would not see him as a desperate politician.
“In 1993, I contested with M.K.O Abiola. I later withdrew from the race. In 1999, I was elected governor of Adamawa State, then, invited to be Nigeria’s vice president, under Olusegun Obasanjo,” he said.
Atiku also said in 2007, he contested against Obasanjo, “to show the world that I have the right to contest and I did that to satisfy my conscience.
“All the times I have been contesting for the presidency, I have been opportuned only once to be presented to Nigerians; as a candidate.
“I could have become Nigeria’s president in 2003 when, virtually all the state governors then, rallied support for me to contest, which I declined. I am not desperate to be president; as some Nigerians view it.
As a former vice president, I am opportuned to know things. If I am opportuned to be elected as a president, I will accomplish my mission by reviving the economy, by making Nigeria an investor’s haven.
“The present administration discouraged investors into the country because the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) exchange rate policies is too tedious for investors. CBN has three different exchange rate policies, which is not supposed to be.
“If elected Nigeria’s president, I will expand the nation’s source of wealth, to cater for the growing youth population in the country. Nigeria can justify my claims, going by the number of youth that are working in my industries across the country,” he said.


Source: The Sun

Okonjo-Iweala’s comment in new book ‘demeaning’, Donald Duke hits back

Donald Duke

Former governor of Cross River state, Donald Duke on Wednesday described the inclusion of a private conversation between him and former Minister of Finance, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, in the latter’s new book as being in “poor taste.”
The former minister of finance recently published a new book, titled, ‘Fighting Corruption is Dangerous: The Story Behind the Headlines’, detailing her experience as a minister of finance. In the book,  Okonjo-Iweala said Duke had urged her not to serve in President Goodluck Jonathan’s government in 2011.
This, she said, was to deny Jonathan’s government credibility so that it would be “weak and not succeed”. However she rejected his counsel and served in the government.
This revelation didn’t sit well with the former governor as  he took to his Twitter handle to react.
He wrote; “It’s true I met with Ngozi when the rumors were swirling about her being considered for appointment. As “friends”, she having been literally dismissed from an earlier appointment as finance minister, I urged caution. I made no mention of adding or subtracting credibility to anyone or govt. It was “two friends” discussing careers. It ended there and she subsequently made her choice which I respected.
However, I think it is in poor taste and demeaning of her to report a private conversation in whatever self laundering attempt she may be up to.
With hindsight, I was vindicated, Ngozi, as Minister of Finance and Economy, despite massive revenue receipts, left Nigeria poorer than she met it.”




Source: Punch Newspapers

APC governors endorse Buhari for second term

All the 24 governors elected on the platform of the ruling All Progressive Congress(APC) on Tuesday announced their endorsement of President Muhammadu Buhari’s candidature for the 2019 presidential election.

Gov. Rochas Okorocha of Imo made the position of the governors known to State House correspondents after a closed door meeting with the President at the Presidential villa, Abuja.

The President, had at the last APC National Executive Committee meeting, declared his intention to run for second term in 2019.

Source: The Guardian

Governance in Nigeria has collapsed – Soyinka

Prof Wole Soyinka

Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, yesterday, declared that governance in Nigeria has collapsed, noting that democracy and the society are totally in danger. He said enemies of democracy, who inaugurated certain policies which contributed to the nation’s woes are once again coming out and positioning themselves as saviours and messiahs ahead of the 2109 general election. Speaking during the 80th posthumous birthday celebration of the late legal luminary and human rights activist, Chief Gani Fawehin-mi (SAN), in Lagos, Soyinka called for drastic actions to rescue the already endangered Nigeria’s democracy. His words: “All I want to say in connection with the title of today’s event is just one word; vigilance. Please be vigilant.

The theme of the gathering today is most pertinent. There is no question whatsoever that democracy is in danger; not just democracy; in fact, the society is in danger. I do not believe any moment in my existence in this world and in this nation specifically what I have felt myself in an environment of mere total collapse. We all know that.

“The question is; do we see it as an opportunity to do a rescue mission or do we see it as an opportunity to take advantage once again and continue our role; our contribution for bringing the nation to its knees. In other words, it is no news whatsoever that we have reached a point where drastic actions has to be taken to rescue the nation as a corporate entity and at the same time to rescue what I called the conglomeration of protocols that keep us together, which we placed under the rubric of democracy.

“And so, I find it ironic that those who themselves; the enemies of democracy, who really committed acts, not just negligence but actually inaugurated certain policies which contributed to our being where we are today are once again coming out and positioning themselves as saviours and messiahs that this nation can really dream of; a nation of modestly about 200million people.”

He continued: “I find it very strange and even stranger because at the beginning of this movement towards ‘rescuing the nation, there were one or two organisations that came out under different names and they had people in them, whom I can say was following what encouraged them and what is encouraging others to study closely and even consider following. The list thing I knew was that this movement was being hijacked by the very people who laid the foundation for the collapse of the democratic edifice.

Senate resumes plenary with replacement mace

The Senate has resumed plenary about an hour after thugs stole its symbol of authority, the mace.
The lawmakers appear to have secured a replacement mace which is being used for the plenary.
The thugs, who stormed the Senate chamber on Wednesday morning, are believed to have been led by a suspended lawmaker Ovie Omo-Agege.
The Senate has already accused Mr Omo-Agege of leading the thugs who went away with the mace in a black SUV.
Mr Omo-Agege was suspended for 90 days after accusing his colleagues of working against the interest of President Muhammadu Buhari.
After the thugs left, the Senate went into an executive session after which it announced it was starting plenary.
The plenary is being presided by Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu.
Sabi Abdullahi, the senate spokesperson, in a statement sent to PREMIUM TIMES said “The Senate has mandated the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Idris Kpotum Ibrahim and Director General of the State Security Services (SSS), Mallam Lawan Daura, to retrieve the mace stolen by the hoodlums within 24 hours.”
“At the moment, some House of Representives members led by Deputy Speaker. Hon. Yusuf Lasun, are in the Senate chambers in solidarity visits. The session is presently live on NTA Channel 10.
“We are determined to conclude all matters slated on the Order Paper for today, even if it means us sitting until 6 p.m.,” the spokesperson quoted Mr Ekweremadu as saying.




Source: Premium Times

Senate: Invasion, an Act of Treason

Sen. Sabi Abdullahi

The Senate has condemned the invasion of its chambers and seizure of its mace, describing the development as an act of treason.

An interim statement issued by the Senate spokesman, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, said it was an attempt to overthrow an arm of government by force.

The statement reads: “Today, some hoodlums led by suspended Senator, Ovie Omo-Agege, walked into the Senate plenary and seized the symbol of authority of the Upper Legislative Chamber, the mace,”

“This action is an act of treason, as it is an attempt to overthrow a branch of the Federal Government of Nigeria by force, and it must be treated as such,”

“All Security agencies must stand on the side of due process and immediately mobilise their personnel to retrieve the mace and apprehend the mastermind and the perpetrators of this action.”

Meanwhile the Senate has resumed its plenary session after a closed door session.
An alternate mace has been brought into the chamber.

Source: This Day

Thugs invade Senate, steal mace

The Senate plenary was on Wednesday disrupted after suspected thugs invaded the chamber and made away with the mace.
The incident happened few seconds after a suspended senator, Ovie Omo-Agege, entered the chamber.
PREMIUM TIMES reporter observed that about 10 suspected thugs who came to the venue with the senator forced their entrance into the chamber.
Seconds later, the thugs ran out of the chamber with the mace causing pandemonium in the Senate.
They left the National Assembly with the mace in a black SUV.
The mace is the symbol of authority of the parliament.
One of the security personnel at the entrance of the National Assembly said the thugs told him and other officers they were with the senator.
“We tried to stop them but they told us they were with him (Omo-Agege),” he said.
The senators are yet to reconvene as at the time of filing this report.
The Senate has accused a lawmaker, Ovie Omo-Agege, of leading hoodlums to seize the mace, which serves as the chamber’s symbol of authority.
In a statement after the incident on Wednesday, Senate spokesperson, Sabi Abdullahi, said the incident is an act of treason.
Read the full statement below:
*RESPONSE TO TODAY’S INCIDENT IN THE SENATE CHAMBER*
Today, some armed hoodlums led by suspended Senator, Ovie Omo-Agege, walked into the Senate plenary and seized the symbol of authority of the Upper Legislative Chamber, the mace.
This action is an act of treason, as it is an attempt to overthrow a branch of the Federal Government of Nigeria by force, and it must be treated as such. All security agencies must stand on the side of due process and immediately mobilise their personnel to retrieve the mace and apprehend the mastermind and the perpetrators of this act.
This action is also an affront on the legislature, and the leadership of the House has come to express their support against this action.
The Senate is now in an Executive session.
An updated statement will be released immediately after the closed door session.
*Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi*
*Senate Spokesperson*


Source: Premium Times

Coachella: Beyonce honours Chimamanda and Fela during performance

Beyoncé

Beyonce made it to the Coachella stage this year with a stunning performance, featuring Nigerian author, Chimamanda Adichie and Afrobeat legend, Fela Anikulapo Kuti.
During the live streaming of Beyonce’s performance on Youtube, the singer sang along as Adichie’s voice echoed across all the corners of the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California, venue of the concert.
She also paid tribute to Fela through the 1976 classic “Zombie”, during her performance. See the performance below:
This is not the first time that the performer had been inspired by Adichie’s materials, her self-titled 2013 album, which included the track Flawless” included sample of Adichie’s TED Talk ‘We Should All Be Feminists’.
Beyonce, who was supposed to perform at the festival last year, pulled out on doctor’s orders, has become first woman of colour to headline the music festival in Indio, California.
This year, she started off her almost two-hour set with the girls’ anthem, Run the World (Girls).

The mother of three’s performance was loaded with surprises,  she sang “Deja Vu” with her husband, Jay-Z, and danced with her sister, Solange. It also led to a Destiny’s Child reunion.

Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams appeared on stage with Beyoncé to sing their ’90s hits “Say My Name,” “Soldier” and “Lose My Breath.”

Fela

Source: Punch Newspapers

What we are facing in Togo – Nigerian prisoners seek repatriation

Nigerians serving jail terms in Lome, Togo Republic have cried out over what they are passing through at the neighbouring country, revealing that where they are being kept is like a concentration camp of Hitler’s Germany wherein six million Jews were killed.
Disclosing that most Nigerians in Togolese prisons are business people, the Diasporans stated that Togolese authorities hate Nigerians to the latter, adding that Nigerians are thrown into prison for years without judgment for every little offence.
Citing an example, they stated that while Togolese are handed 2 to 5 years for drug offence, Nigerians residing there get sentenced to between 10 to 15 years for the same crime.
The prisoners of Nigerian extraction expressed their ordeal in a statement signed on their behalf by one Yemi, which was sent to DAILY POST, disclosed that while imprisoned, they (the prisoners) are the ones feeding themselves.
Begging that they want their cries to get to the Nigerian government, the prisoners expressed readiness to be repatriated “to our country Nigeria to serve our jail their even if it will be more harder than here”.
The statement from Yemi read in part, “We want Nigerians and Nigerian government to be aware of this. We are feeding ourselves here in the prison.
“We are dying one after another, as of last month one Mr Charles died due to non medical attention despite the money we the Nigerian prisoners contributed and gave to the authorities of the prison for his treatment. Many Nigerians have died since four years I entered into this Togo prison without judgement.”
Meanwhile, efforts by DAILY POST to get the reaction of the Togo Embassy in Abuja proved abortive as at the time of filing this report.


Source: Daily Post

I'm Too Old To Join SDP - Babangida

Gen. Ibrahim Babangida( retd)

Nigeria’s former military ruler, General Ibrahim Babangida (retd.) has said if not for his old age, he would have joined the Social Democratic Party (SDP), a political party being led nearly mostly by those who worked with him as a military president.
Speaking when he received the executive of the party led by its national chairman of Chief Olu Falae who was Babangida’s Secretary to the Government of the Federation, at his Minna residence, however, endorsed the party as an alternative to the ruling All Progressives Congress and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.
He also asked the younger generation and women should give their support to SDP because, in his words, the party “is populated by men of integrity, men who when they work, they work well, when they speak, they speak well.”
The former military president tagged ‘Maradona’ over his shifty, dubious approach to politics told his guests: “If I hadn’t been too old, I would have loved to join the youth’s vanguard of your party. I have faith in the political party, for what it is and what it stands for.
“When I heard in the news that a party has come on board, the first thing that occurred to me was that the name sound familiar, so I made a decision that I will wait and see how it plays out, I was looking at how SDP will populate itself. And then the next pleasing thing that I heard was that it has people like Olu Falae, Professor Jerry Gana and Professor Adeniran.
“After that, I said this party is real because most of the names are names that I have known and I have worked with and for the sake of this country, so I said the party is smart to convince all these gentlemen to come and join them.
“That is why I did not hesitate to give direction to those who came me to seek advice on which direction to go.
“The security and well-being of Nigerians are very important and you have identified this in your programme so Nigerians must rally round you and support you to ensure that this is realizable.
“You must tell Nigerians what you intend to do for them because this is very important. The people must know if we vote SDP what do we expect so that it becomes politics of issues not politics of insult and name-calling.”


Source: Sahara Reporters

Ex-FBI chief: Trump ‘morally unfit’ to be president

Former FBI director, James Comey, has said Donald Trump is “morally unfit to be president,” because he treats women like “pieces of meat.”
Mr. Comey was giving his first major television interview since he was fired by President Trump last year, the BBC reports.
He told ABC News that Mr. Trump lies constantly and may have obstructed justice.
Hours before the interview aired, the President went on the offensive, accusing Mr. Comey of “many lies.”
Mr. Comey told ABC’s 20/20 programme on Sunday night: “I don’t buy this stuff about him being mentally incompetent or early stages of dementia.”
“I don’t think he’s medically unfit to be president. I think he’s morally unfit to be president.
“Our president must embody respect and adhere to the values that are at the core of this country. The most important being truth. This president is not able to do that,” Mr. Comey said.
After the interview aired, Mr. Trump’s party – via the Republican National Committee – released a statement saying Mr. Comey’s publicity tour for his new book showed “his true higher loyalty is to himself.”
“The only thing worse than Comey’s history of misconduct is his willingness to say anything to sell books,” it said.


Source: The Nation

2019: Falola reveals what will happen if Tinubu dumps Buhari

A professor of History at the University of Texas, Toyin Falola, has warned that if national leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Bolaji Ahmed Tinubu dumps President Muhammadu Buhari, he (Buhari) runs the risk of losing popularity before the 2019 elections.
Fielding questions from Punch, Falola noted that Tinubu is the only hope of Buhari’s election come 2019, adding that the former Lagos State governor may also decide to withdraw support for the President.
According to him, the South East, South South, Middle Belt and Kanuri have already dumped Buhari.
He stated, “We don ’t know what Bola Tinubu (APC national leader) will do because if he says that he will not support Buhari, the South-West is gone.
“Already the South – South, South – East, Middle Belt and the Kanuri are gone. The Boko Haram insurgency is a (source of) deep anger of the Kanuri against the Fulani that has merged into the pre -existing Boko Haram issue.
“The conflict between the Kanuri and the Fulani dates back to the time that the caliphate was established.
“Uthman Dan Fodio established the caliphate. When he wanted to conquer the Kanuri, they refused, which led to the collapse of the dynasty and the emergence of the current dynasty. An anti- Fulani movement is already building in the North- East .
“Once Tinubu leaves him, that is the end of his regime. That is one scenario.
“The second scenario is that he (Buhari) controls the whole security apparatus and the Independent National Electoral Commission. He will drop electronic voting and win the election.
“You don’t have to ask me why. He only has to fill the ballot boxes and he is back in Aso Rock . So , he also has his own nuclear option which is ‘if you don’t want me , I can rig the election’.


Source: Daily Post

Kenya Airways Sack 86% of its Nigrerian workers

Add caption

Kenya Airways, weekend , sacked 22 out of its 26 Nigerian employees, representing 86.4 per cent of its Nigerian workers. Only four Nigerian staff are currently retained by the management of the airline after the exercise. Those retained are Country Manager, Mr. Afeez Balogun, the Station Manager, and two other staff.
The source also said that the “affected staff were only given four weeks wages on disengagement by the management”. And that the abrupt sack of the Nigerian workers “happened when the airline was still negotiating a new condition of service with the industry unions. The management took the decision without taking into consideration the Nigeria labour laws, which kicks against unilateral decision by employers when disengaging workers”. While confirming the sack of the 22 workers, the General Secretary of the National Union of Air Transport Employees,NUATE, Comrade Olayinka Abioye said that the unilateral sack of the workers by the airline would not be allowed to stand by the industry’s unions.


Source: Vanguard Newspapers

Buhari, Tinubu Meet in London

Buhari and Tinubu

President Muhammadu Buhari met with the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Sunday at the Abuja House in London.

In the photos of the meeting released by the Special Adviser to the President on Media, Mr. Femi Adesina, the President wore a caftan and a cap while Tinubu wore a black jacket. Both sat on a sofa.

The presidential aide captioned the photo thus: “President Buhari receives in audience Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu in London on 15th Apr 2018.”

Also on Sunday, the President received members of the Buhari Diaspora Support Organisation.

President Buhari is currently on official visit to the UK. He left Nigeria last week shortly after announcing to the leaders of the APC at the NEC meeting of the party that he would be seeking reelection in 2019.


Source: ThisDay

Why I spoke against my husband – Aisha Buhari opens up

Aisha Buhari

Aisha Buhari, Nigeria’s first lady and wife of President Muhammadu Buhari has finally given reasons why she criticized her husband in a 2016 interview on BBC Hausa.
She disclosed that she was critical of her husband’s administration because of her strong sense of Justice. In a statement sent to the 2017 Vanguard awards where she was honoured with the Vanguard personality of the year award, Mrs Buhari, who was represented at the event by one of her daughters, Halima, stated that was brought up to stand by the truth and that was how she has been living her life.
The statement read;
“I wish to thank the management of Vanguard Media Limited for this unexpected award, in recognition of my humanitarian efforts towards improving the health and welfare of Nigerians particularly women, children and less privileged.
One of the reasons adduced for honouring me was the interview I granted which some people saw as criticism to a government that I am part of.
I need to state that my position was a result of my sense of justice and not confrontation or disrespect. I was brought up to stand by the truth and this is how I have always been.
As we are all aware, Nigerians elected this administration based on the trust and confidence they have on my husband; I, therefore, feel that we are here to serve Nigeria to the best of our ability.
Let me use this opportunity to state that I support my husband in this call to service and will continue to do so. On this note, I hereby dedicate this award to the people of Nigeria, especially women. Thank you sincerely for this award.”


Mrs Buhari had in the 2016 interview with BBC warned her husband that she might not back him at the 2019 election unless he shakes up his government.
She has claimed that the President did not know most of the top officials he appointed.
She had said, “The President does not know 45 out of 50, for example, of the people he appointed and I don’t know them either, despite being his wife of 27 years.
Some people are sitting down in their homes folding their arms only for them to be called to come and head an agency or a ministerial position.”
In the BBC interview, the Mrs Buhari refused to name those who had hijacked the government, saying, “You will know them if you watch television.”


Source: Politicsngr

What my father did to me for accepting Jesus Christ – Senator Binta Garba

Sen. Binta Masi Garba

The Senator representing Adamawa North Senatorial District in the Senate, Binta Masi Garba, has revealed what she went through in the hands of her biological father for accepting Jesus Christ.
The lawmaker on Sunday recounted how all her properties were set ablaze after she gave her life to Jesus Christ.
She spoke during a thanksgiving service organised to mark her 50th birthday at the Chapel of Praise International Church, Yola on Sunday.
Binta said she become a cornerstone after the deprivation and rejection she suffered for accepting Jesus Christ as her Lord and Saviour.
She said, “I gave my life to Christ when I was in primary school.
“My father was infuriated and he burnt everything I had because of my decision to follow Christ.
“I suffered so much because of the name of Jesus. I would have been nothing if not for His grace.
“The rejected child, because of my faith, has become a cornerstone. I give glory to His name.”


Source Daily Post

Buhari brought disaster Nigeria-Junaid Mohammed

Junaid Mohammed

Elder statesman and Second Republic lawmaker, Junaid Mohammed has described the president Muhammadu Buhari-led government as a complete disaster.
Mohammed said the Buhari government had thrown Nigeria into turmoil, thereby making the nation ungovernable.
He made these observations in an interview with Vanguard.
According to him, “The country is in turmoil. The country is essentially ungovernable. The country has no leadership, politically, economically or otherwise. And the appearance, unfortunately, as it was, through free and fair election of the Buhari government in 2015 has now turned to be an unmitigated disaster. We have a president who is horribly limited, no ability.
“And I am not surprised that his governance has turned out to be the biggest disaster in the history of this country. So, whatever you say doesn’t deny the fact that we are in serious trouble because we have the wrong leader, we have the wrong group, we have the wrong party.”
He also flayed the president for his inability to curb the issue of insecurity in the country.
Mohammed added, “He is responsible for the security of every Nigerian wherever he is in this country. So, don’t deceive yourself. If you want to buy into his propaganda, you are welcome to do so. But I am telling that the welfare, peace and security of people in the North-East is his responsibility and not those of you who are living in Abuja and are comfortable because Abuja is safe enough for you.”

Why only thieves can become Nigeria’s president – Balarabe Musa

Balarabe Musa

A former governor of Kaduna State in the Second Republic, Balarabe Musa has said that nobody can become the President of Nigeria without first being a thief or backed by thieves.
Musa said there was hardly how any politician can legitimately raise the kind of money required for presidential campaign in Nigeria
The former governor further blamed the socio-economic woes of the country on the political structure.
Musa claimed that 99 per cent of the people in the corridors of power were thieves.
He said this in a video clip circulating on the Facebook.
He was captured as saying this while playing host to a presidential hopeful, Omoyele Sowore, the publisher of an online news medium.
Sowore, in the clip, said he visited the Kaduna politician to seek his counsel on how to go about his presidential ambition in 2019.
Musa said, “What is the quality of Nigeria’s leadership? The quality of the Nigerian leadership is a thief, [sic].
“Since the end of the Second Republic, how has it been possible in Nigeria to have a political leadership which is not made up of thieves?
“Of course, there are exceptions… I’m not saying that 100 per cent of the leadership in Nigeria is made up thieves, no, there are exceptions, but I doubt if there are up to one per cent who are clean…99 per cent are thieves.
“For example, how can you win on the basis of the Nigerian laws and the Nigerian culture; how can you be a Nigerian President without being a thief first?
“Because it is through stealing that you can make it. Both the political parties and election in Nigeria are based on money power and this money power is equal to corruption. So, this is what you have.
“We have a socio- economic and political system controlling all developments in the country and the political leadership produced by that system both of which are made up of people who regard self -interest first, public interest second, as opposed to public interest first and self-interest second.
“Now, how can you have order; how can you have development in a situation like this?
“I gave you the example of the President; nobody can be a President of Nigeria unless he is a thief or supported by thieves.
“I mean, the fact is clear. You know, the reasonable estimate of the cost of campaigning for presidency in Nigeria is billions. How can you acquire these billions?”
Musa added that the situation was not so before the Second Republic, recalling that “( Shehu) Shagari became the President of Nigeria without being a thief.”


Source: Daily Post