The presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Bola Tinubu, danced to Kizz Daniel’s hit song, ‘Buga’, to celebrate the Chatham house outing in London on Monday.
Tinubu Dances ‘Buga’ In London
Obi Meets UNOWAS Deputy Special Representative
The presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has met with Giovanie Biha, the Deputy Special Representative of United Nations Office For West Africa and Sahel, in Abuja.
He shared pictures from the visit via his Twitter handle on Monday.
Obi wrote;
“Earlier today, I received Giovanie Biha, Deputy Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General and the UNOWAS delegation.
We exchanged views on national, regional and global issues.
Dogara dumps APC for PDP
Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, has dumped the ruling All Progressives Congress for the Peoples Democratic Party.
Dogara was received into the party during the presidential campaign by the party’s presidential candidate and former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar in the nation’s commercial capital, Lagos State.
This is also coming barely 48 hours after a group led by Dogara, the Northern Leaders Consultative Forum adopted Atiku as the preferred presidential candidate for the 2023 election.
I’ve received original certificate from Chicago varsity – Tinubu
The presidential candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has addressed the controversies surrounding his age, school and record in the private sector.
Fielding questions at Chatham House in London on Monday, the former governor of Lagos State said he was born on March 29, 1952, adding that those who disputed claims that he was from the Tinubu family could request for a DNA test.
On his academic and private sector records, Tinubu announced that he just received his original certificate from Chicago State University just as he stated that Mobile Oil attested to his outstanding record.
He said;
“At the time of birth, I was dated March 29, 1952, in the family record. Then, I don’t think I had decided to be President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, not even that I would go into politics.
“I’ve had a very good record in life. My record is consistent in the university they questioned. They’ve now confessed that they wasted their money and their time. The record is there, and the transcript is there showing March 1952.
“I’m not claiming another father, I’m Tinubu and Tinubu proper. If they want a DNA, they could as well request for one.
“One of them was even accused of not being a Nigerian citizen, I didn’t touch that area.
“Equally, it remains the same. Chicago State University where I graduated has attested to that. Now, I can announce that I have received my original replacement degree certificate from them.
“Deloitte trained me as an accountant. Mobile Oil has attested to my outstanding record. I got to the pinnacle of my career in the private sector. Who among them can brag about that?
“Yes, you want to wrestle with the pig, you’ve got to live with the dirt. That’s what I’m doing. I got into politics knowing fully well that it is muddy water.
Smog will come, and you will have to live with the dirt and make sure you are upright to finish the job.
Asked to state why he avoided engaging in debates unlike his colleagues in the presidential race, he said;
“I see myself as a marketable individual. You want to use me to make money and I’m saying no.”
ECOWAS Needs Urgent Action Plan Against Terrorism in West Africa- President Buhari
Nigeria President Muhammadu Buhari, has called for quick implementation of ECOWAS action plan against terrorism and other crimes in West Africa.
The president, who canvassed this position in his welcome address at the 62nd Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government in Abuja, yesterday, stressed that there is the urgent need to fully bring into operation, the regional action plan in the fight against terrorism and other acts of criminality in the sub-region.
According to him, this move would guarantee enhanced safety aimed at sustaining national governance efforts that would ensure the growth and progress of the West African sub-region.
He called on the new management team at ECOWAS Commission led by Dr. Omar Alieu Toure, to complete the review and harmonisation of ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening the sub-regional body.His words:
“The Commission must, therefore, work assiduously to complete the review and harmonisation of the Protocols on Good Governance and Democracy, as this would enable our sub-region to sustain our collective efforts to deepen, not only democracy but her dividends through good governance to the community citizens.”
Welcoming fellow regional leaders, President Buhari noted that this year’s summit was the 8th that Nigeria, under his leadership has hosted.
“All of those occasions, including this one, have brought honour and respect to my country as Nigeria continues to be at the centre of sustained solidarity and collaborative efforts to maximise our relationships in order to address common challenges to our countries and the community’s citizens,” he said.
The president paid tribute to his Ghanaian counterpart, Kuffour Addo-Nana, the immediate past Chairperson of the Authority for his services and congratulated President Umaro Embalo of Guinea Bissau, on assuming the leadership of the sub-regional organisation, expressing his confidence in the latter’s ability to “discharge his responsibilities to the sub-region, as well as meet the expectations of the Community citizens.”
Buhari thanked fellow leaders for the support he received as the Regional Champion on COVID-19 at a time the pandemic ravaged the entire world, ascribing the successes recorded in the region to their cooperation.
“Let me specifically thank you, brother heads of state and government, for the confidence you reposed in me to be the Regional Champion on COVID-19, an opportunity that brought me to working closely with sectoral ministers, ECOWAS commission as well as the West Africa Health Organisation to develop regional mechanisms that mitigated the effects of the COVID-19.
“Without doubt, the commitment shown by member-states yielded very positive results as West Africa emerged as one of the regions with the least mortality rate, not only on the continent, but globally,” he declared.
The president, however, lamented that despite the efforts of ECOWAS leaders towards deepening democracy, the region suffered some unpleasant setbacks.
“Regrettably, some of our gains, especially, in fully democratizing our governance space, have faced and continue to face severe challenging threats from unconstitutional change of government as witnessed in Mali, Burkina Faso and Guinea,” he said.
Earlier, at the official ground-breaking ceremony of the new ECOWAS Headquarters Building, Buhari expressed appreciation to the government of the People’s Republic of China, “for their financial and technical contribution to ensuring that a monument of this nature, is built on behalf of our region.”
The building, to be named the EYE OF WEST AFRICA, with an expected completion period of 26 months, would house the three major ECOWAS Institutions, namely the ECOWAS Commission, the Community Court of Justice and the Parliament.
According to the President, “We have waited for this day, since 10th of July, 2019, when ECOWAS and the People’s Republic of China signed an implementation agreement for this diplomatic gift to the West African States.
“The new complex would represent the unity and brotherhood of the Member-States, as well as signify a re-commitment to progress and regional integration. It will be our home and a regional rallying point.”
In his remarks, the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Cui Jianchun, said, “To sponsor and construct the new ECOWAS Headquarters is a vivid reflection of China’s support to the work of ECOWAS as well as the traditional friendship between China and the West African countries.
“We will continue to promote the common development of China and Africa, and are ready to make new contribution to the building of the China-Africa community with shared future in the new era.”
Oil can no longer feed Nigeria’s growing population – Obasanjo
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has said the oil and gas sector can no longer feed the growing population of Nigerians.
Obasanjo spoke at the weekend when the leadership of the apex socio-cultural group in Tiv land of Benue State, Mzough U Tiv (MUT) paid him appreciation and friendship visit at his Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) Penthouse residence in Abeokuta, Ogun State capital.
He said only farming and agribusiness could tackle the nation’s growing population.
He called on people to focus on farming and agribusiness as an alternative to Nigeria’s oil-dependent economy.
“If Nigeria is ready to get it right, the 2023 election should be a turning point. We should not go for emotion that will destroy us” Obasanjo said
Groundbreaking Ceremony for ECOWAS Commission Headquarters Held in Abuja
The groundbreaking ceremony of the new ECOWAS Commission Headquarters has been performed in Abuja.
The event took place at the commencement of the 62nd Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government in the Nigeria’s capital city.
The new headquarters project consists of a set of office buildings, comprising a central wing of ground floor plus 9 floors, framed by an east wing and a west wing (ground floor plus 7 floors) with a conference centre (ground floor plus 1 floor) and other buildings for maintenance, sports, care and bank.
The project, which is being financed by the Chinese Government through ChinaAid is expected to be delivered in 26 months.
In his opening address at the commissioning, the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr Alieu Omar Touray said the present activities of the ECOWAS Commission are being carried out in three seperate buildings across Abuja, Nigeria, and as such the need for a new secretariat that would accommodate all its staff in one location towards increasing productivity and efficiency.
He thanked the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for giving the land covering an area of seven hectares in the Institutions and Research Area located along the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport road for the building project.
Touray added that in July 2019, the ECOWAS Commission signed an implementation agreement with the Chinese Government who provided technical and financial support for the construction of the headquarters whose groundbreaking ceremony is being held, and praised the Heads of State and Government across the region for the cooperation and support towards the project and promised to ensure the completion of the project within the timeline proposed.
The Chinese Ambassador to the Federal Republic of Nigeria and ECOWAS, Cui Jianchun said the government of China is keen on expanding diplomatic relations with Africa through support for construction projects like the new ECOWAS Commission heaquarters.
He said that new ECOWAS headquarters is the second interregional building to be sponsored by the Chinese government after the AU Commission headquarters in Addis Ababa.
He highlighted the principle of sincerity, real results and mutual partnerships which form the fulcrum of China’s strategy in Africa towards commitment to great good and common interests.
He however stated that these buildings demonstrate China’s sincere determination to support the unity, peace and development of the African region along her efforts to promote the Belt and Road Initiative to support Africa’s infrastructure development programme.
President Muhammadu Buhari, who is the host of the 62rd Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government,in a brief remark, said it is a great day for ECOWAS-China partnership after the signing of the implementation agreement for the construction of the new ECOWAS Commission Headquarters.
He said the construction of the building represent China’s commitment to West Africa’s sub-regional bloc and an evidence of a strong and mutual cooperation between Africa and China, adding that the new complex represent the unity and brotherhood of ECOWAS Member States and signifies a re-commitment to regional integration and development of the countries in the sub-region.
He thanked the Chinese Government for their technical and financial support for the building of a modern and befitting complex to house the ECOWAS Commission, and also praised the previous and current management of the ECOWAS Commission for working in collaboration with Nigeria and China towards the realization of the project.
The Chair of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS and President of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau, Umaro Sissoco Embalo, said it is an honour to attend the groundbreaking ceremony of the new ECOWAS Commission headquarters.
He thanked the Governments of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Peoples Republic of China for their contribution towards the realization of the building complex.
He said the new and modern headquarters will enable the staff of the ECOWAS Commission perform their duties better and provide a suitable working environment.
Benue state Commissioner and three others kidnapped
Unknown gunmen have abducted the Benue State Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Ekpe Ogbu, alongside Honourable Agbo Ode, one of his in-laws and the driver on Sunday night, December 4, at about 8.45pm.
According to reports, they were kidnapped along David Marks Farm, after Akpa Otobi while on their way from Otukpo to Utonkon in Ado Local Government Area of Benue state.
The commissioner was said to have attended a Church programme, where Senator Abba Moro, representing Benue South Senatorial district, dedicated his newly inaugurated Campaign Council to God at St. Augustine Catholic Church, Otukpo and was going to his village in NDEKMA, Utonkon District of Ado LGA after the Church programme when the gunmen who laid an ambush struck and whisked them away.
The state police have since recovered his official vehicle and deposited it at the Divisional Police office in Otukpo.
Efforts are currently being made to rescue the victims unhurt.
Kaduna APC Governor candidate awards scholarship to students
The All Progressives Congress governorship candidate in Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, on Saturday, awarded scholarships to 270 indigent students studying in four different tertiary institutions across the state.
The beneficiary students were drawn from The Kaduna State University, College of Education, Kafanchan, Federal College of Education, Zaria and Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic, Zaria, all in the state.
The governorship hopeful, who’s also the incumbent senator representing Kaduna Central Senatorial District, said he went a notch further to explore funding avenues for students who were confronted by current financial difficulties associated with school fees.
Sani said;
“I had the privilege and honour of handing over scholarship grants to hundreds of indigent yet brilliant students in the following tertiary institutions; Kaduna State University, College of Education, Kafanchan, Federal College of Education, Zaria and Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic, Zaria.
“I facilitated the financial intervention to create opportunity for the teeming students of Kaduna State who cannot afford to pay their school fees.”
While reiterating the importance of education at the event, Sani said the scholarship was “the only thing we can give the children of the underprivileged to compete with that of the rich,” adding that education is “the greatest leveller.”
This was just as the lawmaker while speaking at a media parley held at the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Kaduna State Council in the state capital, on Saturday, said he would continue from where Malam Nasir El-rufai stopped in administering the state if elected governor in 2023.
APC debunks Tinubu US entry denial,shares copy of his visa
The All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council has debunked the rumour that its presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu, postponed the United States trip scheduled to start this month because he was denied a visa.
It had been reported that Tinubu would travel to key western capitals from December 4 and was expected to return to Nigeria latest December 12 to continue his campaign rallies and stakeholders’ engagement.
After a few days, the APC PPC denied a viral picture of Tinubu in the US with President Biden, saying it was “the latest attempt in a series of misinformation being dished out by the political opposition.
While responding to the rumour of the visa denial, the spokesperson for the party’s PPC, Festus Keyamo, released a photo of Tinubu’s US visa to shut critics up.
“For mischief-makers who peddle unfounded rumours about Bola Tinubu being denied a visa to the US, you leave us with no option but to show you his current visa (that has always been renewed since time immemorial).
“This is for the misguided ones who believe these rumours,” Keyamo said on his verified social media handles.
However, Tinubu has been billed to speak at Chatham House in London with a host of foreign investors and economic brainiacs to break down his presidential bid and plans for the country.
Aisha Buhari’s Critic Apologises After Regaining Freedom
Aminu Mohammed, the 500 level student of the Federal University, Dutse, Jigawa State, has apologised for critising the First Lady, Aisha Buhari.
Mohammed had been arrested, arraigned and remanded before he was released on Friday night after Mrs Buhari withdrew the case against him.
In a tweet on his handle on Saturday, he said;
“I would like to use this medium to express my sincere apologies to those I’ve hurt especially our mother, Aisha Buhari. It was never my intention to hurt your feelings and Insha Allah I will change for the better. However, I’m also grateful for your forgiveness, thank u mama”.
Labour Party Lists Seven Priority Areas In Manifesto
The Labour Party has released its manifesto, which is titled “Our Pact with Nigerians: Creating a New Nigeria.
“The party manifesto also highlighted seven of the party’s priorities for governing the country.
The presidential candidate of the party, Peter Obi, shared the manifesto on his Twitter handle on Sunday and said;
“I have the honour to present our 72-page Manifesto, titled, “It’s POssible: Our Pact with Nigerians.” This Manifesto, its overarching and visionary policy planks lay out our mission focus and mandate for securing, uniting and making Nigeria productive.”
Some of the seven priorities include ending insecurity, moving the nation from consumption to production, rule of law, improve power supply, human capital development and others.
Sanwo-Olu Kicks Off Governorship Campaign
The Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Saturday, kicked off the campaign for his re-election bid.
The event held at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan.
INEC office in Imo set ablaze by hoodlums
The Independent National Electoral Commission office in Orlu Local Government Area of Imo State was, on Thursday, vandalised and partially set ablaze by some unknown people.
This was disclosed in a statement signed by the National Commissioner & Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye, on Friday.
This is the fourth attack on Local Government INEC offices within the space of three weeks, following attacks in Ogun, Osun and Ebonyi states.
The building which is undergoing extensive renovation was earlier set ablaze in 2020.
According to the statement, three out of seven construction workers were abducted but later released.
The statement read, “The Resident Electoral Commissioner for Imo State, Professor Sylvia Uchenna Agu, reported that our office in Orlu Local Government Area was attacked. The incident occurred yesterday Thursday, December 1, 2022.
“The building, which is undergoing extensive renovation following an earlier attack, was vandalised and partially set ablaze.
“Three out of seven construction workers were abducted but later released.
“The damage would have been more extensive but for the quick response of the Nigeria Police which has deployed its personnel to the site.
“This is one attack too many. The Commission once again expresses its concern over the spate of attacks on its facilities and the negative consequences on our preparations for the 2023 General Election.”
Expose governors stealing local government funds- Governor Wike and Governor Ortom challenge President Buhari
The Governors of Rivers and Benue States, Nyesom Wike, and Samuel Ortom, have challenged President Buhari to expose state governors who are stealing local government funds.
President Buhari in a speech delivered at the presidential parley for members of the Senior Executive Course 44 (2022) of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) at the State House, on Thursday, December 1, said that state governors steal allocations meant for local governments.
Reacting to the comment, Governor Wike while speaking at the inauguration of the Mgbuosimini Internal Roads in Rivers state, denied ever taking funds meant for the local government since he assumed office as governor in 2015.
He challenged the president to name governors that are doing that as his statement could be termed class defamation.
“I want to challenge Mr. President, Mr. President you are a leader and we believe as leaders you must come out and tell Nigerians, who are those committing this offence? You said the governors are taking local government funds, I want to say in the name of Almighty God I have never touched local government funds one day, I have never and I have no reason to do that.
So Mr. President who are those people? You know them, tell us. It is not good to say what you call class defamation, you say, governors, please I am not one of those governors, so Mr. President please spare me, tell Nigerians that the Integrity governors are not part of them, we have integrity, we are not part of them” Gov Wike said In the same vein, his Benue state counterpart, Samuel Ortom, who was also at the road commissioning, denied touching funds meant for local government, saying that their funds go to them directly from the federation account.
”It is a logical fallacy to say that all governors are criminals; all governors are stealing from local government. I join governor Wike to say from 2015, let EFCC come, let ICPC come, let every other agency that can unearth this, as far as Benue State is concerned let them bring it out so that we know the people, there is no point generalising that all of us are evil people.
I don’t do it, I didn’t like it when the Federal Government enacted something and said local government should have financial autonomy, but from that day all monies are paid to the local government, and no single naira has been paid through anyone, all monies that come from the federation account go straight to the individual councils” he said
Governor Wike gives out his Jacket, Hat at Project Inauguration
Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State, on Thursday, handed out his jacket and hat to members of the audience during a project inauguration.
Wike inaugurated the Rumuodogho Link Road in Emohua Local Government Area on Thursday.
During his speech, he suddenly said, “The heat is too much abeg,” and started to remove his jacket.
Then he looked at the audience and asked in Pidgin English, “I should dash you?”
He beckoned on the beneficiary and threw the jacket to him.
He also threw his hat and it was grabbed by a woman.
Lead singer of Governor Wike’s band survives motor accident
Bamidele, the lead singer of the band that performs at different functions concerning Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers, has survived a serious motor accident.
Sharing photos of him bleeding and receiving medical attention, Bamidele said his car “somersaulted over 8 times into the bush from the road”.
Akwa Ibom YPP governorship candidate bag 7-year jail sentence
Bassey Albert Akpan, the governorship candidate of the Young Progressives Party (YPP) has bagged a 7-year jail sentence after being arraigned on a six-count charge bordering on money laundering, including graft.
The YPP governorship candidate who is also a Senator representing Akwa Ibom North-East (Uyo), was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on June 24, 2019 on charges of corruption over the receipt of exotic vehicles estimated at over N204m.
It was revealed that in May 2010, Akpan, who was then the Commissioner for Finance, Akwa Ibom State, reportedly received from one Jide Omokore, a BMW X5 (bullet-proof car) worth N50m; in December 2012, another Infinity QX56 (bullet-proof) worth N45m was also received from the same source.
In November 2013, he received a Toyota Landcruiser V8 (bullet-proof) valued at N40m and in March 2014, he received a Range Rover, valued at N40m; in September 2014, another Toyota Hiace High Roof bus valued at N27m was received from the businessman.
It was also disclosed that at different times between 2012 and 2014, Akpan also received a Toyota Hiace High Roof buses valued at N16m and six units of Toyota Hilux vehicles valued at N36m.
Justice Agatha Okeke who presided over the case, found the senator guilty of the offences.
Delivering judgment on Thursday, December 1, the court ruled that Akpan must serve seven years in prison for each of the six counts. The jail term is to run concurrently. There’s no option of fine.
Zamfara court grants bail to ex-information minister
The Zamfara State Shari’a Court has granted bail to former Information Minister, Ikra Bilbis.
Bilbis was arrested by the police last Tuesday and brought to the court for allegedly destroying billboards of the All Progressives Congress and other government property during a rally of the Peoples Democratic Party on Sunday.
Delivering the judgement, the presiding judge, Justice Jibril Ibrahim, said he granted bail to the accused person based on sections 300 and 301 of the Zamfara State Shari’a Penal Code.
He, however, gave the accused person three conditions to fulfil.
He said, “Considering the fact that, both prosecutor and counsel for the accused person James Shaka have reached an agreement and based on sections 300 and 301 of the shari’a penal code I hereby grant bail to the accused person”.
“He should however fulfil the following conditions:
“He will bring two sureties. One of the sureties must be a serving permanent secretary in the state’s civil service.
“The other surety must have a house in Gusau town valued between N20 million and above.Ikra Aliyu Bilbis was the Minister of Information during the Goodluck administration and is currently contesting for a Senatorial position for Zamfara central zone.
He was arrested last Tuesday and detained at the state police headquarters in Gusau for allegedly taking part in the destruction of APC billboards and other government properties during a rally organized by the PDP gubernatorial candidate Dr Dauda Lawan Dare.
Five other PDP stalwarts included the gubernatorial candidate Dauda Lawan Dare, his deputy Governor, Malam Mani Mummuni, PDP acting chairman, Muktar Lugga Salisu Maibuhu Gummi and Shehu Ahmed Regan.
The matter has been adjourned to December 14 2022 for further hearing.
Father and Uncle of boy allegedly arrested by DSS and Police speaks on how he was allegedly beaten on Aisha Buhari’s order
Father and uncle of Aminu Mohammed, a student of Federal University, Dutse, (FUD) Jigawa State, who has reportedly been languishing in detention after security officials comprising the police and men of the Department of State Service, allegedly arrested him over a Twitter post where he alleged that First Lady, Aisha Buhari, was feeding fat on poor people’s money, have opened up on his alleged travail.
Recounting how his son called him from detention in an interview with BBC Hausa, Aminu’s father pleaded with Aisha Buhari to forgive her son.
Shehu Baba Azare, Aminu’s uncle also told BBC Hausa that they need their son to be released to them.
He said;
“We were not aware of it until five days later, Aminu’s friend called my brother (Aminu’s father) and told him that he hadn’t seen Aminu for the last five days.
“The next day Aminu called his father and told him that he was arrested and taken to Aisha Buhari in Presidential Villa and he was beaten and detained. He said one of the security gave him his phone to make the call.
“Adamu (Aminu’s father) also told me that he was called from the university informing him that his son was arrested but without their knowledge. We are begging the First Lady, please forgive him, you are a mother”
Spokesperson for the FUD, Abdullahi Bello, who also commented on the development, said Aminu was trailed to Dutse where he was arrested.
He said;
“The university authorities have spoken to the parents who have already engaged the services of a lawyer to handle the matter and they are hopeful for an amicable resolution soon.”