| Source | Date | Story Title | Summary of Reports | Subject/Category | Page No/Weblink | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vanguard Newspaper | Wednesday 27th May 2015 | "The Destruction Of PDP Was An Inside Job"- Olusola Oke | Chief Olusola Oke, former National Legal Adviser of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Ondo State governorship candidate in 2012 has disclosed that the PDP was destroyed from inside. Oke who defected to the All Progressives Congress, APC after the March 28 presidential elections made the disclosure during an interview session with THE GUARDIAN. | Nigeria 2015; People's Democratic Party (PDP) | http://www.nigerianbulletin.com/threads/the-destruction-of-pdp-was-an-inside-job-oke.112302/ | |
| Vanguard Newspaper | Wednesday 27th May 2015 | Lamido Slams APC Over Campaign Promises | "Governor Sule Lamido of Jigawa State has criticised the incoming administration of the All Progressives Congress, APC, for giving excuses for its inability to implement its campaign promises even before taking over power, saying that Nigerians would not tolerate any failure on its part. Lamido spoke while performing his last public function in Dutse, the State capital where he commissioned the N302 million Jigawa State Independent Electoral Commission, JSIEC office. " | Jigawa 2015; People's Democratic Party (PDP) | http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/05/lamido-slams-apc-over-campaign-promises/#sthash.vsRGdsT7.dpuf | |
| Vanguard Newspaper | Wednesday 27th May 2015 | Don't Jettison CONFAB Report, Jonathan Begs Buhari | The President said this, Tuesday, at the Presidential Villa, shortly after being decorated with the “Peace-Loving Global Citizen” award by the Universal Peace Forum led by lawyer, Mike Ozehkome. While he appealed to General Buhari to appreciate the good contributions made by Nigerians towards nation-building irrespective of political party or creed, he was optimistic that the incoming administration would take the time to appreciate the contributions of Nigerians in the efforts to build a greater nation. | Nigeria 2015; President Jonathan | http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/05/dont-jettison-confab-report-jonathan-begs-buhari/#sthash.GEPGOjVg.dpuf | |
| Vanguard Newspaper | Wednesday 27th May 2015 | Jonathan To Formally Dissolve FEC Today | In preparation for its final handing over formalities to the incoming administration, the Federal Executive Council, FEC, will be formally dissolved today. The session which will be presided over by President Goodluck Jonathan is expected to witness a formal speech by the President, highlighting his achievements while in office since May 29, 2011. Ministers are also expected to make speeches on their experience as members of the council under President Jonathan. | Nigeria 2015; President Jonathan | http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/05/fec-to-be-formally-dissolved-today/#sthash.280kqiNi.dpuf | |
| Vanguard Newspaper | Wednesday 27th May 2015 | APC Lawmakers Retreat: Plot To Endorse Gbajabiamila As Speaker Fails | Bid to garner massive endorsement of Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila’s candidacy for the Speakership of the House of Representatives using the 2015 retreat of the All Progressives Congress, APC in Abuja failed woefully yesterday. Vanguard gathered that many new members who came for the retreat kicked against the endorsement. Consequently, it was learnt that they were asked to vacate their rooms in the hotel they were lodged for the event immediately the Programme ended. The bills for the hotel rooms, Vanguard learnt were footed by an influential chieftain of the party from the South-West. | Nigeria 2015; Speaker; House Of Reps; APC | http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/05/apc-retreat-plot-to-endorse-gbajabiamila-as-reps-speakership-failed/#sthash.svBi2FFJ.dpuf | |
| Vanguard Newspaper | Wednesday 27th May 2015 | We Will Rescue Africa From Destitution, Poverty And Ignorance, Says Tinubu | President of the Federal Republic of Guinea, President Alpha Condé yesterday arrived Nigeria ahead of President Muhammadu Buhari’s inauguration in Abuja on Friday, May 29. President Condé arrived at the Presidential Wing of the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos aboard a private aircraft about 12:30pm and was received by the National Leader of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Lagos State Governor elect Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode and other dignitaries who all left in a convoy to Eko Hotel and Suites for a meeting. Speaking to newsmen at Eko Hotel and Suites after the meeting, President Condé said that he was impressed with the way the 2015 general elections were conducted in Nigeria stressing that it was a victory for Africa. | Nigeria 2015; Tinubu | http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/05/we-will-rescue-africa-from-destitution-poverty-and-ignorance-says-tinubu/#sthash.yiiMbVnl.dpuf | |
| ThisDay Live | Wednesday 27th May 2015 | Group Asks Court To Stop CJN From Swearing In Buhari | A group, Advocacy for Societal Rights Advancement and Development Initiative, has instituted a fresh suit before the Federal High Court in Abuja seeking to stop the Chief Justice of Nigeria (NJC), Justice Mahmud Mohammed, from swearing the President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari, on Friday. The suit filed on Tuesday is also seeking an order nullifying the certificate of return issued to Buhari by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). | Nigeria 2015; ASRADI; Judiciary; Buhari | http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/group-asks-court-to-stop-cjn-from-swearing-in-buhari/210370/ | |
| ThisDay Live | Wednesday 27th May 2015 | Probe Me, Amaechi Dares Wike | Rivers State Governor, Chibuike Amaechi, has dared the State's Governor-elect, Chief Nyesom Wike, to probe him to confirm if he was corrupt, adding that he ran a transparent and accountable administration and is not afraid of being probed by the incoming administration. Amaechi spoke on Tuesday in Port Harcourt at the public lecture to mark his 50th birthday anniversary celebration. He said: “I have been listening to Mr. Nyesom Wike and I have been trying not to reply him. He has been accusing me of corruption and I have been trying to keep quiet over the issue of corruption. A thief cannot call me corrupt. The first lesson he needs to learn is that he was Chief of Staff to my government. If I have no records, I have records on him." | Rivers 2015; All Progressives Congress (APC) | http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/probe-me-amaechi-dares-wike/210384/ | |
| ThisDay Live | Wednesday 27th May 2015 | APC To Decide On Zoning After Inauguration | The All Progressives Congress (APC) has once again deferred action on the issue of zoning of principal offices in the incoming government till after Friday’s inauguration of President-elect Muhammadu Buhari. Just like it did shortly after the elections during the heat of the controversy over zoning of posts, the party yesterday issued a statement denying that it had zoned the Senate Presidency and the office of the Speaker of the House of Representatives to any zone. | Nigeria 2015; All Progressives Congress (APC) | http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/apc-to-decide-on-zoning-after-inauguration/210382/ | |
| ThisDay Live | Wednesday 27th May 2015 | Buhari Returns Tomorrow In Company Of Shagari | President-elect Muhammadu Buhari will be returning to Nigeria on Thursday morning after a six-day trip to the United Kingdom in the company of former President Shehu Shagari. Buhari, who during his trip to the UK, met with British Prime Minister David Cameron, will arrive onboard a British Airways flight that is scheduled to land in Abuja around 4 am. Shagari who THISDAY learnt, was in the UK on a private visit, was overthrown by Buhari in a military coup d’etat 32 years ago. Both men will be flying back to the country 24 hours before Buhari’s inauguration as Nigeria’s fifth democratically elected president. | Nigeria 2015; Buhari; All Progressives Congress (APC) | http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/buhari-returns-tomorrow-in-the-company-of-shagari/210383/ | |
| ThisDay Live | Wednesday 27th May 2015 | APC Again Puts Zoning Of Political Offices On Hold | The All Progressives Congress (APC) has once again deferred action on the issue of zoning of principal offices in the incoming government till after Friday's inuaguration of the President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari . Just like it did shortly after the election at the heat of the controversy over zoning of key government positions, the party on Tuesday issued a statement denying that it has zoned the Senate Presidency and the office of the Speaker of the House of Representatives to any zone. | Nigeria 2015; All Progressives Congress (APC) | http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/apc-again-puts-zoning-of-political-offices-on-hold/210325 | |
| ThisDay Live | Wednesday 27th May 2015 | Ihedioha Presides Over House As Tambuwal Bows Out | House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha, will now preside over the affairs of the House as acting Speaker until June 6 when the Eighth Assembly will be inaugurated by the president and a new Speaker will emerge. Conventionally, the out-going Speaker, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, would have completed the few days remaining on the saddle, but having been elected the Governor of Sokoto State and scheduled to be sworn in Friday, his tenure in the lower chamber terminates on that day. Equally, he ceases to be the Speaker on that day. This creates a lacuna in the provision of the 1999 Constitution regarding such situation. | Nigeria 2015; House Of Representatives | http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/ihedioha-presides-over-house-as-tambuwal-bows-out/210371/ | |
| ThisDay Live | Wednesday 27th May 2015 | Jonathan To Buhari "Appreciate Everyone's Efforts In Nation Building" | President Goodluck Jonathan on Tuesday charged the incoming administration of Muhammadu Buhari to appreciate the contributions of all Nigerians towards the development of the nation. Jonathan spoke when he received members of the Universal Peace Federation who visited him at the Presidential Villa. The delegation was led by a constitutional lawyer and human rights activist, Mike Ozekhome (SAN). Ozekhome said the group was in villa to confer Jonathan with an award in recognition of the peaceful and calm manner he handled the aftermath of the general election. | Nigeria 2015; Jonathan | http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/jonathan-to-buhari-appreciate-everybody-s-efforts-in-nation-building/210372/ | |
| ThisDay Live | Wednesday 27th May 2015 | "I Am The Bridge Builder Between North And South-East"- Okorocha | Imo State Governor and the Chairman of the All Progressives’ Congress (APC) Governors Forum, Chief Rochas Okorocha, on Tuesday described himself as a bridge builder between the people of the North and South-east. He also pledged to build a Rochas Foundation College in Sokoto State. Speaking at the inauguration of Mana Model Primary School in Sokoto yesterday, Okorocha said he remained the only one with the voice of change in the South-East, despite the lukewarm attitude of his people to the ideals of the APC. | Imo 2015; All Progressives Congress (APC) | http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/okorocha-i-am-the-bridge-builder-between-north-and-south-east/210373/ | |
| ThisDay Live | Wednesday 27th May 2015 | "I Will Not Fight Buhari"- Wike | Rivers State Governor-elect, Chief Nyesom Wike, on Tuesday declared that he would not fight the in-coming government led by President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari. He said he would rather co-operate with the federal government to attract benefits to the State, insisting that the mandate given to him by the people of the State was not for him to fight Buhari, but to work for the greater good of the State. This came as he stated that the Local Government elections held in 22 out of the 23 Local Government Areas of the State last Saturday was illegal as there was a court order stopping the exercise. | Rivers 2015; People's Democratic Party (PDP) | http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/wike-i-will-not-fight-buhari/210374/ | |
| ThisDay Live | Wednesday 27th May 2015 | Senate Presidency: Atiku Calls For Internal Democracy | As the battle for who becomes the next Senate President continues, a former Vice-President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has urged the National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to adopt the principles of internal democracy to determine who becomes the Senate President. This is coming as 34 Senators out 59 elected and returning Senators of the APC have written to the National Chairman of the party, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, declaring support for the former Governor of Kwara State, Dr. Bukola Saraki, in his bid for the Senate Presidency. | Nigeria 2015; Senate Leadership; APC | http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/senate-presidency-atiku-calls-for-internal-democracy/210375/ | |
| ThisDay Live | Wednesday 27th May 2015 | Oni Denies Meeting Osoba On His Return To APC | The Deputy National Chairman; (South) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Segun Oni, has denied holding a peace meeting with former Ogun State Governor, Chief Olusegun Osoba and his group to woo them back to the party. Oni’s denial was contained in a statement by his Special Assistant, Mr. Ben Oguntuase, noting that it was not true that the former Governor of Ekiti visited Osoba and political disciples at his Ikoyi home reported last week. He said the story was a figment of those behind it, enjoining those who read the said story to discountenance it. | Ogun 2015; All Progressives Congress (APC) | http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/oni-denies-meeting-osoba-on-his-return-to-apc/210376/ | |
| ThisDay Live | Wednesday 27th May 2015 | "We Must Work For The People Or Be Voted Out In 2019"- El-rufa'i | The Kaduna State governor-elect, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, said yesterday that those who have been elected to public offices must work for the people or be voted out in 2019. El-Rufai, who spoke with journalists in an interview in Kaduna shortly after receiving the report of the All Progressives Congress (APC) transition committee, noted that before now, Nigerians thought that it was impossible to defeat an incumbent government. According to him, the defeat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the general election had proved that once elections are free and fair and the vote counts anyone can be removed from government whether incumbent or otherwise. | Kaduna 2015; All Progressives Congress (APC) | http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/el-rufai-we-must-work-for-the-people-or-be-voted-out-in-2019/210377/ | |
| ThisDay Live | Wednesday 27th May 2015 | Get Ready To Serve Nigerians, Oyegun Tasks Lawmakers | With two days to the inauguration of new governments across the country, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, and the out-going Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal, charged newly elected members to realise that campaigns are over and that it is now time to render service to the people. While delivering his opening address to commence the retreat organised for its newly elected members of the House of Representatives, Oyegun said the lawmakers must join hands with the party to fulfill promises made to Nigerians. | Nigeria 2015; All Progressives Congress (APC) | http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/get-ready-to-serve-nigerians-oyegun-tasks-lawmakers/210378/ | |
| Daily Trust Newspaper | Monday 25th May 2015 | Police Ban Street Rallies In Ekiti | "The Ekiti State Police Command has banned street rallies by political parties and their candidates in the state ahead of Saturday presidential poll in the country. The police said the step was taken to forestall outbreak of violence among supporters of the contestants before, during and after elections. This was contained in a statement signed by its Public Relations Officer, Mr Alberto Adeyemi and made available to newsmen yesterday in Ado-Ekiti. He said it was in view of the peculiarity of the State, particularly in terms of perceived high level of political intolerance among the political class." | Ekiti 2015; Police | http://leadership.ng/news/419748/police-ban-street-rallies-in-ekiti | |
| Daily Trust Newspaper | Monday 25th May 2015 | PDP Confirms Fani-Kayode's Membership In Osun | Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Iremo Ward 05, Ife Central Local Government Area of Osun State, Mr. Rasheed Ojikuti, has declared that the director of media and publicity of the PDP Presidential Campaign, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, is an authentic member of the party. Addressing a press conference in Ile-Ife, Fani-Kayode’s hometown at the weekend, Ojikuti said the former Aviation Minister is a committed and financial member of the party and cautioned the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party from victimising the former Aviation Minister. | Nigeria 2015; People's Democratic Party (PDP) | http://www.dailytrust.com.ng/daily/index.php/politics/55466-pdp-confirms-fani-kayode-s-membership-in-osun | |
| Daily Trust Newspaper | Monday 25th May 2015 | Pro Minority Group Supports Dogara For Reps Speaker | A pro-minority pressure group, Centre for Ethnic Minority Rights Advancement in Nigeria (CEMRAN), has called on members-elect of the House of Representatives to pick their colleague, Barr Yakubu Dogara, as speaker of the House of Representatives. The group said this is because Dogara is from a minority ethnic group while both the President and Vice President-elects are from majority ethnic groups. The group, in a statement mailed to Daily Trust, said it was recommending Dogara, among other things, because he was needed to break the tradition of the Speakers of the House of Representatives coming from majority ethnic groups since 1999. | Nigeria 2015; CEMRAN; Speakership | http://www.dailytrust.com.ng/daily/index.php/politics/55459-pro-minority-pressure-group-supports-dogara-for-reps-speaker | |
| Vanguard Newspaper | Monday 25th May 2015 | "God Answered My Prayer For Nigeria"- Jonathan | "President Goodluck Jonathan, yesterday, said the peace and tranquility currently enjoying in the country is an answer to the prayer he prayed to God in 2007. The President also appealed to all Nigerians including clerics to always pray for the success of the incoming administration. Jonathan, who spoke at the 2015 Presidential Thanksgiving and Inauguration Interdenominational Church Service, in Abuja, canvassed support for the President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari and his team to ensure good governance in the country. " | Nigeria 2015; President Jonathan | http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/05/god-answered-my-prayer-for-nigeria-jonathan/#sthash.84GynWxq.dpuf | |
| Leadership News Online | Monday 25th May 2015 | PDP Faults Buhari For Snubbing Hand-Over Program | The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has faulted the alleged snubbing of the handover programmes by the President-elect, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari. The PDP also described Buhari’s absence at the programmes lined up by the Federal Government to transmit power to him on Friday as a behaviour that smacks “of lack of democratic discipline.” PDP National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh, stated this in a statement made available yesterday. | Nigeria 2015; Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) | http://leadership.ng/news/435894/pdp-faults-buhari-for-snubbing-handover-programme | |
| Leadership News Online | Monday 25th May 2015 | Dickson Terminates Jonathan's Men Contracts Over Non-Execution | Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson, yesterday announced the cancellation of contracts awarded to some political opponents in the state, including some Aides to President Goodluck Jonathan, over non-execution and blackmail against his administration. Warning politicians in the State against poor handling of contracts, Dickson,while announcing the cancellation of the jobs awarded to the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Domestic Matters, Waripamowei Dudafagh and the Chairman of the Governing Council of the Federal Polytechnic, Ekeowe, Bekeapo Etifa, said his administration will no longer tolerate impunity among political office holders in the State. | Bayelsa 2015; People's Democratic Party (PDP) | http://leadership.ng/news/435933/dickson-terminates-jonathans-men-contracts-over-non-execution | |
| Leadership News Online | Monday 25th May 2015 | Benue Transition: Ortom Disagrees With Suswam On Governance, Appointments | Benue State Governor-elect, Chief Samuel Ortom yesterday disagreed with the outgoing Governor Gabriel Suswam over the pattern of governance and appointments in the State. Ortom spoke to a congregation of Catholic faithful during the inauguration and thanksgiving service held at Our Lady of Perpetual Cathedral, Makurdi. The Governor-elect maintained that he is not like other politicians or leaders who dwell on deceit, mischief and crookedness, but that he is a practical leader who promotes excellency above mediocrity. | Benue 2015; All Progressives Congress (APC) | http://leadership.ng/news/435943/transition-ortom-disagrees-with-suswam-on-governance-appointments | |
| Leadership News Online | Monday 25th May 2015 | Jonathan To Nigerians- "Pray More For Buhari's Government" | President Goodluck Jonathan, yesterday, implored Nigerians to pray more for the incoming government of President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari, because the President-elect and other members of the incoming government need the prayers of Nigerians to avoid making costly mistakes that could adversely impact on Nigerians. Speaking at the 2015 Inauguration Inter-denominational Church Service and Presidential Thanksgiving held at the National Christian Centre, Abuja, yesterday, Jonathan also bade Nigerians goodbye ahead of the May 29 ‘hand-over’ ceremony where he will officially bow out of office. | Nigeria 2015; President Jonathan | http://leadership.ng/news/435944/jonathan-to-nigerians-pray-more-for-buharis-govt | |
| Leadership News Online | Monday 25th May 2015 | "Jonathan Handing Over Nation In Deep Crisis"- APC | The All Progressives Congress (APC) has said that President Goodluck Jonathan is handing over a nation in deep crisis, even as they accused the outgoing administration of contriving more crises without making any effort to solve any of the problems. The party in a statement issued in Abuja yesterday by its national publicity secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed and made available to journalists appealed to Nigerians not to lose hope, despite the daunting challenges they are currently facing in this atmosphere of contrived chaos, saying help is on the way. | Nigeria 2015; All Progressives Congress (APC) | http://leadership.ng/news/435949/jonathan-handing-over-nation-in-deep-crisis-apc | |
| Leadership News Online | Monday 25th May 2015 | Speakership: Tambuwal's Endorsement Divides Lawmakers | As the race for the position of the Speaker of the House of Representatives hots up, federal lawmakers from Kano State have condemned the attack on Speaker Aminu Waziri Tambuwal over his reported backing of the Chairman, House Services and Welfare Committee, Yakubu Dogara, as speaker in the in-coming 8th Assembly. Speaking to journalists, a returning member of the House, Aliyu Sani Madaki (Kano/APC) accused Tambuwal of backing Dogara for “selfish interests”. Madaki, a vocal supporter of Minority Leader, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila’s bid to be Speaker, accused Tambuwal of “instigating” House members to snub the yet-to-be announced All Progressive Congress (APC) zoning formula if it does not favour his candidate. | Nigeria 2015; All Progressives Congress (APC) | http://leadership.ng/news/435958/speakership-tambuwals-endorsement-divides-lawmakers | |
| Nigerian Bulletin News Online | Monday 25th May 2015 | "I Don't Understand Fuel Subsidy"- Buhari | "Muhammadu Buhari, Nigeria's president-elect in a weekend interview with DAILY TRUST disclosed that he doesn't understand fuel subsidy. ''It’s Nigerian money [that was spent on exploration of crude oil and building of refineries and depots]. From each Nigerian crude, whether Akwa Ibom, Bonny Light or whatever it is, you can work out how much products it will give you; how much petrol it will give you; how much diesel it will give you if you want to produce diesel."" | Nigeria 2015; Buhari; All Progressives Congress (APC) | http://www.nigerianbulletin.com/threads/i-dont-understand-fuel-subsidy-buhari.112211/ | |
| Nigerian Bulletin News Online | Monday 25th May 2015 | "Buhari Cannot Fix Nigeria Overnight"- Obasanjo | "Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Sunday said that Muhammadu Buhari cannot fix Nigeria overnight. Obasanjo made the remark when receiving Southwest women leaders at his residence in Ogun State. He said, ''When you met me before the elections, there was a very important issue you discussed with me. I raised the issue with the concerned authority and I got a reply that it would be addressed, and I am sure the issue has been addressed. " | Nigeria 2015; Obasanjo | http://www.nigerianbulletin.com/threads/buhari-cannot-fix-nigeria-overnight-obasanjo.112208/ | |
| ThisDay Live | Monday 25th May 2015 | Ogbulafor Calls For The Resignation Of PDP NWC Members | A former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Vincent Ogbulafor, has called on the members of its National Working Committee (NWC) to resign voluntarily from the committee. Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Umuahia yesterday, Ogbulafor said the members should take the path of honour by bowing out of the committee. | Nigeria 2015; Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) | http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/ogbulafor-calls-for-resignation-of-pdp-nwc-members/210209/ | |
| ThisDay Live | Monday 25th May 2015 | Bishop Kattey Calls For Amaechi, Wike's Reconcilliation | The Archbishop of Diocese of Niger Delta North, Most Rev. Ignatius Kattey, has said there was need for Rivers State Governor, Hon. Chibuike Amaechi, and the Governor-elect, Chief Nyesom Wike, to reconcile their differences in the interest of the State. This came as Wike vowed to remain in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to exercise the mandate given to him to govern the State. | Rivers 2015; Reconciliation | http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/bishop-kattey-calls-for-amaechi-wikes-reconciliation/210210/ | |
| ThisDay Live | Monday 25th May 2015 | "Why I Fell Out With Jonathan"- Amaechi | The out-going Governor of Rivers State, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, yesterday traced his disagreement with President Goodluck Jonathan and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)-led Federal Government to the over-bearing influence of the First Lady, Mrs. Patience Jonathan on the security apparatus in the State. He said his attempt to draw the president’s attention to the ugly incident resulted to smear campaign against him. Amaechi bared his minds at the Silverbird Galleria in Abuja where a documentary piece on his achievements in office was aired. | Rivers 2015; All Progressives Congress (APC) | http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/amaechi-why-i-fell-out-with-jonathan/210211/ | |
| ThisDay Live | Monday 25th May 2015 | APC Holds Retreat For House-Members Elect | The All Progressives Congress (APC) will hold a two-day retreat for all its House of Representatives members-elect in Abuja today. In a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said the retreat would be held at the Rockview Hotel, Wuse 2 area of the city. | Nigeria 2015; All Progressives Congress (APC) | http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/apc-holds-retreat-for-house-members-elect/210212/ | |
| ThisDay Live | Monday 25th May 2015 | Oni Denies Meeting Osoba On His Return To APC | The Deputy National Chairman (South) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Segun Oni, Sunday denied holding a peace meeting with former Ogun State Governor, Chief Olusegun Osoba and his group to woo them back to the party. Oni’s denial was contained in a statement by his Special Assistant, Mr. Ben Oguntuase, noting that it was not true that the former governor of Ekiti visited Osoba and his political disciples at his Ikoyi home as reported last week. | Ogun 2015; All Progressives Congress (APC) | http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/oni-denies-meeting-osoba-on-his-return-to-apc/210213/ | |
| ThisDay Live | Monday 25th May 2015 | Bamidele Upbraids APC Leaders For Listing Conditions For Him To Defect To Party | Barely a week he defected to All Progressives Congress (APC) from Labour Party, a member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Opeyemi Bamidele, yesterday upbraided some aggrieved APC leaders in Ekiti State, for declaring that he would have to sign undertaking before he could be recognised in the party. Bamidele, who defected into APC last week, described the listing of conditions for him before could be recognised in the party, as not only antithetical to democratic norms and ethos, but hypocritical and smack of ignorance about the party’s modus operandi on the part of these party leaders. | Ekiti 2015; All Progressives Congress (APC) | http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/bamidele-upbraids-apc-leaders-for-listing-conditions-for-him-to-defect-to-party/210215/ | |
| ThisDay Live | Monday 25th May 2015 | "Why I Stepped On Many Toes"- Chime | Enugu State Governor, Sullivan Chime, has admitted that he may have stepped on many toes in the course of his eight-year stay in office but said he did that in order to bring his vision of transformation for the state to fruition. Chime, who spoke yesterday at a valedictory thanksgiving Mass at the Holy Ghost Cathedral, Enugu, said he was satisfied that the people of the state appreciated the positive changes his administration has brought to their lives. | Enugu 2015; Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) | http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/chime-why-i-stepped-on-many-toe/210216/ | |
| ThisDay Live | Monday 25th May 2015 | Disqualified House Member Elect Fights Back | Christian Abah, whose election into the Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives was voided last week by a Federal High Court in Abuja has applied to the Court of Appeal to set aside the judgment. A notice of appeal filed by his lawyer, Sunday Ameh (SAN) said the judgment of the high court was a nullity because it was delivered without jurisdiction. Ameh said the trial judge, Justice Adeniyi Ademola, though aware that an appeal on the suit was pending before the Supreme Court but still went ahead to determine the suit. | Benue 2015; Judiciary | http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/disqualified-house-member-elect-fights-back/210217/ | |
| ThisDay Live | Monday 25th May 2015 | Yero Holds Farewell Prayers With El-rufai | The out-going Governor of Kaduna State, Alhaji Mukhtar Ramalan Yero, and the State Governor-elect, Malam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai at the weekend put away their political differences for a farewell prayers ahead of the May 29 handover to a new administration. The prayers, which was organised by the Kaduna State Government Transition Committee on Friday at the 44 Comilla Army Barracks Mosque, was attended by top government officials and chieftains of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Speaking shortly after the prayers, El-Rufai expressed gratitude to God for His kindness and benevolence and prayed for a successful transition. | Kaduna 2015; Peoples Democratic Party | http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/yero-holds-farewell-prayers-with-el-rufai/210218/ | |
| ThisDay Live | Monday 25th May 2015 | Yoruba Students Seek Support For Lawan | Yoruba students in the nation’s higher institutions have urged South-west Senators-elect to vote Senator Ahmad Lawan as the next Senate President because of his “pro-poor” credentials. The students under the umbrella of National Association of Yoruba Students (NAYS), which is made up of students unions and associations of all Yoruba speaking states in all high institutions, made the call during a solidarity visit to Lawan. | Nigeria 2015; Senate Leadership; APC | http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/yoruba-students-seek-support-for-lawan/210219/ | |
| ThisDay Live | Monday 25th May 2015 | Senate Presidency: Lawan Group Boasts Support Of 37 Senators | The Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP ) has expressed outrage over the the statement credited to Vice-President, Namadi Sambo, to the effect that the unbundling of Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) was successful. In a statement issued by the National Publicity Secretary of CNPP, Mr. Osita Okechukwu, the group said available record showed that one and a half years after Federal Government privatised the unbundled assets of the PHCN, the successor companies have not fared better, to say the least service delivery is epileptically and poor. | Nigeria 2015; Senate Leadership; APC | http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/senate-presidency-lawan-group-boasts-of-37-senators-support/210220/ | |
| ThisDay Live | Monday 25th May 2015 | Jonathan In Dilemma Over Acceptance Of BOT Chairmanship Post | As the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) met last night to appoint a replacement for the former Chairman, Chief Tony Anenih, who resigned last week, there was fear that if the out going President Goodluck Jonathan accepts the offer of being the next Chairman it might present PDP as a regional party. Also, there is the fear that Jonathan is trying to grab all the structures of the party in his pocket against all other major stakeholders. This fear is coming against the background that the acting National chairman of the party, Mr. Uche Secondus, is from Rivers State and the National Secretary, Prof Wale Oladipo, is from Osun State. Both are from the southern part of the country. | Nigeria 2015; People's Democratic Party (PDP) | http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/jonathan-in-dilemma-over-acceptance-of-bot-chairmanship-post/210221/ | |
| Daily Trust Newspaper | Friday 22nd May 2015 | "No Plans To Victimize Civil Servants In Kwara"- APC | "The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State yesterday dismissed allegations that the state government was planning to victimise civil servants. According to the party, the government has no plan or mission to victimise civil servants on account of political difference. It stressed that those who are perceived as loyalists of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) would not be persecuted. Its Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Sulyman Buhari, in a statement said the allegation from the PDP was an attempt to cause confusion and tension in the civil service." | Kwara 2015; All Progressives Congress (APC) | http://www.dailytrust.com.ng/daily/index.php/news-menu/news/55355-no-plan-to-victimise-civil-servants-in-kwara-apc | |
| Daily Trust Newspaper | Friday 22nd May 2015 | Shema Canvases Support For Masari In Katsina | Katsina State Governor Ibrahim Shema has stressed the need for people to support the incoming APC administration to sustain development projects. Shema who was speaking at the official launch of the Songhai agricultural scheme yesterday said it was only proper to accord similar support he enjoyed to his successor to enable him excel in office. According to him, sustenance of projects, especially of such nature, is needed in view of its tremendous benefits, adding that he would always be available to support with advice. | Katsina 2015; People's Democratic Party (PDP) | http://www.dailytrust.com.ng/daily/index.php/news-menu/news/55354-shema-canvasses-support-for-masari | |
| Leadership News Online | Friday 22nd May 2015 | Rivers APC Accuse PDP Of Plot To Disrupt LG Polls | The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State has accused the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of planning to disrupt the chairmanship and councillorship elections scheduled to hold tomorrow, Saturday, May 23, 2015 in 22, out of the 23 Local Government Areas in the State. Chairman of APC, Dr. Davies Ibiamu Ikanya, in a statement issued in Port Harcourt yesterday, alleged that political thugs imported by PDP leaders in the State have already started arriving for the unholy assignment. | Rivers 2015; All Progressives Congress (APC) | http://leadership.ng/news/435237/rivers-apc-accuse-pdp-of-plot-to-disrupt-lg-poll | |
| Leadership News Online | Friday 22nd May 2015 | Reps: Opeyemi Bamidele Defects To APC | Former gubernatorial candidate of Labour Party in Ekiti State, and member House of Representatives, Hon. Opeyemi Bamidele yesterday formally defected from Labour Party to the All Progressives Congress (APC). House Speaker, Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal at yesterday’s plenary session read out an official letter from Hon. Bamidele representing Ado Ekiti/Irepodun-Ifelodun Federal Constituency announcing his defection. Bamidele who is the outgoing chairman, House Committee on Legislative Budget and Research, in his correspondence to the Speaker entitled, “Re: Defection from Labour Party”. | Ekiti 2015; All Progressives Congress (APC) | http://leadership.ng/news/435247/reps-opeyemi-bamidele-defects-to-apc | |
| Leadership News Online | Friday 22nd May 2015 | Niger APC To Governor Aliyu- "We Will Not Cover Up Your Mismanagement" | The All Progressives Congress (APC), Niger State, has told the outgoing government of Dr Muazu Babangida Aliyu, to make public, the financial status of the State, saying that the State is groaning under huge debt and that the incoming APC government will not cover him up. The party, in a statement by the chairman, Mohammad Jibrin Imam recalled that in 2007, Gov Aliyu had told the people of Niger State that he inherited empty treasury so it is only right to ask the chief servant to tell the people of Niger, the nature of the treasury he will be leaving behind by 29th May 2015. | Niger 2015; All Progressives Congress (APC) | http://leadership.ng/news/435256/apc-to-gov-aliyu-we-wont-cover-up-your-mismanagement | |
| Leadership News Online | Friday 22nd May 2015 | Gbajabiamila's North-West Speakership Endorsement Disputed | Some members of the House of Representatives from the North West have faulted the claim by a lawmaker from the zone that about 75 lawmakers from the zone are supporting the Minority Leader, Femi Gbajabiamila for the position of Speaker in the 8th Assembly. Hon. Ahmed Rufai Chanchangi (Kaduna/APC) had told journalists in Abuja on Tuesday that out of the 92 reps-elect from the North West, between 75 and 80 were backing Gbajabiamila’s speakership bid. But some of the lawmakers from the zone refuted that claim, saying instead, majority of the North West lawmakers are with Yakubu Dogara, who is a major contender for the position. | Nigeria 2015; Speaker; House Of Reps; APC | http://leadership.ng/news/435258/gbajabiamilas-north-west-speakership-endorsement-disputed | |
| ThisDay Live | Friday 22nd May 2015 | Dickson Hails Mu'azu, Anenih's Resignation | Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Henry Seriake Dickson, has hailed the resignation of the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Adamu Mu’azu and the party’s Chairman, Board of Trustees (BoT), Chief Tony Anenih, commending both men for putting the interest of the party and that of the nation above their personal interests and aspirations. While wishing the former Governor of Bauchi State, who is on medical treatment abroad, a quick recovery, Dickson said he looks forward to his return to the country in sound health, to support in the on-going effort to rebuild the party. He thanked Anenih for his years of service to the party. | Nigeria 2015; People's Democratic Party (PDP) | http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/dickson-hails-mu-azu-anenih-s-resignation/209969/ | |
| Vanguard Newspaper | Friday 22nd May 2015 | PDP Spies In Kogi APC, Member Alleges | A group within All Progressives Congress, APC, in Kogi State, Confluence for Change, has called on the President-elect, Gen Muhammadu Buhari (retd) and the national leadership of the party not to disband the State executives of the party as proposed by the State APC Elders Forum. Convener of the group, Ibrahim Isah, who spoke to newsmen in Lokoja yesterday, said those canvassing for the disbandment of executives were PDP agents now masquerading as members of the party with the aim of causing confusion. | Kogi 2015; All Progressives Congress (APC) | http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/05/pdp-spies-in-kogi-apc-member-alleges/#sthash.fWlEjJwY.dpuf | |
| ThisDay Live | Friday 22nd May 2015 | APC Transition Committee Submits Reports, Laments FGs Poor Cooperation | The President-elect, Muham-madu Buhari, yesterday expressed regret that the federal government did not seem to appreciate his intention of setting up the Transition Committee and the terms of reference given to it. Buhari blamed this lack of proper understanding for the refusal of the government to provide the committee with the needed information to carry out its duty. Buhari's concern chimed with the complaint of the Chairman of the APC Transition Committee, Ahmed Joda, who regretted that the government committee headed by Vice-President Mohammed Namadi Sambo was yet to provide them with information to work with and that they had to make do with what they could develop on their own initiative. | Nigeria 2015; All Progressives Congress (APC) | http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/apc-transition-committee-submits-report-laments-fgs-poor-cooperation/209963/ | |
| ThisDay Live | Friday 22nd May 2015 | Senate Presidency: APC Leadership Meets Senators On Friday | Determined to get done with the issue of which zone should produce the Senate President, the All Progressives Congress (APC) will friday meet Senators elected on its platform behind closed doors to explore the possibility of reaching a consensus on the candidate for the position of Senate Presidency in the incoming 8th National Assembly. The move by the APC leadership is coming on the heels of an accusation by Credible Alternative Alliance (CAA) that the party is planning to ignore the provisions of the Constitution regarding the election of principal officers of the National Assembly. | Nigeria 2015; Senate Leadership; APC | http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/senate-presidency-apc-leadership-meets-senators-friday/209962/ | |
| ThisDay Live | Friday 22nd May 2015 | Nigeria Would Have Been In Crisis If Jonathan Had Not Concede Defeat, Says Buhari | The President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari, has again commended President Goodluck Jonathan for conceding defeat in the just concluded presidential election. Buhari, who gave the commendation in Abuja on Thursday when he received Nigerien President, Issoufou Mahamadou, said Jonathan’s action turned around Nigeria’s nervous political process. While disclosing the outcome of the meeting he had with Issoufou to journalists, Buhari said: “The Nigerien President purposely came to congratulate me on my victory and President Jonathan for the maturity and statesmanship that he exhibited by accepting that he had lost the election." | Nigeria 2015; All Progressives Congress (APC) | http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/nigeria-would-have-been-in-crisis-if-jonathan-did-not-concede-defeat-says-buhari/209978/ | |
| Vanguard Newspaper | Friday 22nd May 2015 | Ohaneze Youths Urge Ndigbo To Support Buhari's Government | "Ohaneze Youths Council has called on Ndigbo to rally round President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari, saying it would be in their best interest to do that, since his success was the success of Nigeria. The group in a statement in Umuahia by the National President, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, also called on the incoming President to allay the fears of marginalization by Ndigbo." | Nigeria 2015; Ohaneze Ndigbo | http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/05/ohanaeze-youths-urge-ndigbo-to-support-buharis-govt/#sthash.NNYtqyif.dpuf | |
| Vanguard Newspaper | Friday 22nd May 2015 | Speakership: Tinubu, Lagos Lawmakers-elect In Ding-Dong Over Ikuforiji's Replacement | Countdown to the inauguration of the 8th Legislative Assembly in Lagos State, there is currently a serious face-off between some lawmakers-elect and former Governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, over who will take-over from Rt. Hon. Adeyemi Ikuforiji, as Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly (LAHA). Barely 10 days to the inauguration of the incoming Legislative Assembly, the challenge of who to fit into Ikuforiji’s shoes capable of maring the smooth take-off of the incoming administration Legislative and Executive Arms of government is yet to be settled among members–elect. | Lagos 2015; House Of Assembly | http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/05/speakership-tussle-tinubu-lagos-lawmakers-elect-in-ding-dong-over-ikuforijis-replacement/#sthash.OfI95o6t.dpuf | |
| Vanguard Newspaper | Friday 22nd May 2015 | "Mu'azu, Anenih Were Not Forced Out Of PDP"- Secondus | Acting Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Prince Uche Secondus, has dismissed reports that the erstwhile Chairman of the party, Alhaji Adamu Mu‘azu and former chairman of the Board of Trustees, BoT, Chief Tony Anenih were forced to resign their positions on Wednesday. Speaking with State House correspondents yesterday, Secondus also affirmed that the remaining 11 members of the National Working Committee, NWC, of the party will not resign but rather dedicate themselves to rebuilding of the party. | Nigeria 2015; People's Democratic Party (PDP) | http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/05/muazu-anenih-were-not-forced-out-secondus/#sthash.4IWL2THj.dpuf | |
| Vanguard Newspaper | Friday 22nd May 2015 | Weeklong Presidential Inauguration Begins Today In Abuja | "The Presidential Inauguration Planning Committee, PIPC, would commence today with Jumat prayers at the National Mosque in Abuja. A statement by the office of the Secretary to the Federal Government of the Federation, SGF, said the processes leading to the transfer of power , would end with an inauguration gala night on May 29, 2015. There would also be a church service and thanksgiving at the National Ecumenical Centre on May 24, while inauguration dinner would be held at the State House Conference Hall in Abuja on May 28, 2015." | Nigeria 2015; All Progressives Congress (APC) | http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/05/week-long-presidential-inauguration-begins-today-in-abuja/#sthash.FcsvsznK.dpuf | |
| Vanguard Newspaper | Friday 22nd May 2015 | Senate Presidency: "We Will Not Compromise Merit"- Tinubu | The All Progressives Congress (APC) National Leader, Sen. Bola Tinubu, says merit will not be compromised while choosing the Senate President. Tinubu said this in Abuja on Thursday after holding a closed-door meeting with the President-elect, retired Maj.-Gen. Muhammadu Buhari. He said he would not go against anything the party decided but assured that merit would not be compromised while making the decision. | Nigeria 2015; Senate Leadership; APC | http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/05/senate-presidency-we-will-not-compromise-merit-tinubu/#sthash.bh4ZOtHH.dpuf | |
| ThisDay Live | Friday 22nd May 2015 | Makinde, Oyo SDP Guber Candidate Denies Quitting Politics | The Social Democratic Party (SDP) governorship candidate in the last election in Oyo State, Mr. Seyi Makinde, has refuted a report that he had quit partisan politics. Makinde, while reacting to the report where the writer claimed that he had told his supporters that if he lost the last election, it would be the end of his participation in politics, said since the election was held, he was yet to meet with his followers on his political future, wondering where the writer got his information. | Oyo 2015; SDP | www.thisdaylive.com/articles/makinde-oyo-sdp-guber-candidate-denies-quitting-politics/209980/ | |
| ThisDay Live | Friday 22nd May 2015 | Impeachment: Court Dismisses Nyako's Suit | Mild tension Thursday enveloped Yola, the Adamawa State capital as the supporters of former Governor Murtala Nyako who were expecting the verdict of the Federal High Court in the city to return the former Governor to office as Governor had their hopes dashed. The court, presided over by Justice Bilikus Bello Aliyu, dismissed the suit for what she described as an abuse of court process. Nyako had challenged his impeachment at the court, arguing that it was illegally executed by the State House of Assembly. | Adamawa 2015; Judiciary; Impeachment; Nyako | http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/impeachment-court-dismisses-nyako-s-suit/209981 | |
| ThisDay Live | Friday 22nd May 2015 | "Our Achievements Proved Doomsday Predictions Wrong"- Jega | "The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega, has said some predictions, especially by some international media organisations, suggesting that the outcome of the recently concluded 2015 general election may lead to the end of the country, have been proven to be false due to the free, fair, credible and peaceful conduct of the elections. Before the elections, there were tensions everywhere with the fear of possible outbreak of violence, but the tension, anxiety and fear fizzled out after the elections." | Nigeria 2015; INEC | http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/jega-our-achievements-proved-doomsday-predictions-wrong/209982/ | |
| ThisDay Live | Friday 22nd May 2015 | Secondus Explains Why He Didn't Resign With Mu'azu | The acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Uche Secondus, yesterday gave an insight into why he did not resign with the National Chairman of the party, Adamu Mu’azu. He said he had no reason to resign as he was elected and as such, could only be voted out at the expiration of his tenure. Secondus refuted insinuations that Mu’azu and the Chairman of the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT), Chief Tony Anenih, were forced to resign | Nigeria 2015; People's Democratic Party (PDP) | http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/secondus-explains-why-he-didnt-resign-with-mu-azu/209983 | |
| Vanguard Newspaper | Thursday 21st May 2015 | "PDP's Scorecard Doesn't Deserve Encomiums"- APC Chieftain | Ogbueshi Sam Abumujor, an APC chieftain has condemned Anioma Congress, an umbrella organization for political and socio-economic development of Anioma, for pouring encomiums on Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan led administration. Chatting with newsmen, Tuesday, in Asaba, Abumujor wondered what the outgoing Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, had achieved in the last 16 years in the state to warrant encomiums being poured on the Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan-led administration by the Congress. | Nigeria 2015; All Progressives Congress (APC) | http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/05/pdps-scorecard-doesnt-deserve-encomiums-apc-chieftain/#sthash.zf6BP88l.dpuf | |
| Vanguard Newspaper | Thursday 21st May 2015 | "I Made A Choice To Keep The Country Away From Conflict"- Jonathan | President Goodluck Jonathan has again called on the global community and Nigerians to support the incoming government of President-elect Muhammadu Buhari. He spoke at the Presidential Villa while receiving members of the African Ambassadors Group, who were on a farewell and solidarity visit to him. According to President Jonathan, the incoming government will need the cooperation and commitment of the global community and Nigerians to effectively deliver on its promises to the people. | Nigeria 2015; Jonathan | http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/05/jonathan-seeks-nigerians-global-communitys-support-for-buhari-2/#sthash.FaPbzMYO.dpuf | |
| Vanguard Newspaper | Thursday 21st May 2015 | Recover Stolen Funds, Remove Fuel Subsidy, CD Tells Buhari | Rights group, Campaign for Democracy, CD, yesterday urged the President-elect, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, to set up a high-powered government machinery to recover stolen public funds. Chairman of CD in Anambra State, Comrade Vincent Ezekwueme, told newsmen in Onitsha that Buhari should consider total removal of fuel subsidy since the common man was not feeling the impact. | Nigeria 2015; CD; Buhari | http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/05/recover-stolen-funds-remove-fuel-subsidy-cd-tells-buhari/#sthash.FG1I491X.dpuf | |
| Vanguard Newspaper | Thursday 21st May 2015 | House: Bid To Change Rules Suffers Setback | Plans to amend the rules of the House of Representatives to allow open voting for the Speaker of the House were, yesterday, dropped following continued intrigues in the camps of the two leading aspirants for post. The House, however, amended its rules to allow for the continuity of work on bills not concluded at the end of the tenure of the House. The move was aimed at overcoming the challenges arising from the president’s veto on the Constitution (Alteration) Bill. | Nigeria 2015; House Of Representatives | http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/05/house-speaker-bid-to-change-rules-suffers-setback-2/#sthash.SaiYqU6P.dpuf | |
| Vanguard Newspaper | Thursday 21st May 2015 | "Why Africa's Economy Should Be Diversified"- APC Governors | "Outgoing and incoming governors under the aegis of Progressive Governors Forum, PGF, of the All Progressives Congress, APC, yesterday underscored the need for the diversification of the Nigeria’s economy. According to the governors, running a mono economy dependent on oil has affected agriculture and other sectors which they said could become alternative national income earners. The decision followed a communique raised at the end of one day pre-inaugural retreat of the governors in Abuja. " | Nigeria 2015; All Progressives Congress (APC) | http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/05/why-nigerias-economy-should-be-diversified-apc-governors/ | |
| Daily Trust Newspaper | Thursday 21st May 2015 | PIB: Reps Set To Give Up On Passage | Series of rejections of the provisions contained in certain clauses of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) are proving costly midway into the consideration for passage of the bill by the House of Representatives. The House had last week Wednesday kick started the consideration of the controversial bill, but the process has been fraught with consistent objections, amendments and deletion of clauses forcing the stepping down of the controversial areas. | Nigeria 2015; PIB; House Of Reps | http://www.dailytrust.com.ng/daily/index.php/news-menu/news/55259-pib-reps-set-to-give-up-on-passage | |
| Daily Trust Newspaper | Thursday 21st May 2015 | Valedictory: FEC Shifts Date | The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has shifted its valedictory session earlier proposed for yesterday. At a three-hour FEC meeting presided over by President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday, it was resolved that the valedictory session would hold on Wednesday. The Minister of Information, Senator Patricia Akwashiki, had on April 15 told State House journalists that yesterday’s council meeting would be the last in the life of the current administration. | Nigeria 2015; FEC | http://www.dailytrust.com.ng/daily/index.php/news-menu/news/55258-valedictory-fec-shifts-date | |
| Daily Trust Newspaper | Thursday 21st May 2015 | You Can't Dissolve Jigawa Councils, Lamido Tells APC | "Governor Sule Lamido of Jigawa State yesterday told the incoming APC government in the state that it cannot dissolve the local government councils. Lamido said in Dutse that the incoming government dared not do such a thing. “There are rumours that the incoming government would dissolve the local government councils. I want to say that they cannot do it and I dare them to try it. Local government councils were duly elected and are constituted by law. Their tenure elapses in February 2016. I want to use this opportunity to tell the Local Government Chairmen to calm down and relax. Nobody can dissolve them and if they try it, they will see what will happen”, the Governor said. He added that he had left a legacy that will be difficult to erase." | Jigawa 2015; People's Democratic Party (PDP) | http://www.dailytrust.com.ng/daily/index.php/news-menu/news/55256-you-can-t-dissolve-jigawa-councils-lamido-tells-apc | |
| Daily Trust Newspaper | Thursday 21st May 2015 | Ilorin Emirate Urges Governor Ahmed To Address Insecurity, Education | The Ilorin emirate community has advised Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara State to address insecurity and the falling education standard in the State. The community under the aegis of Ilorin Emirate Descendants’ Progressive Union (IEDPU), a socio-cultural organisation of Ilorin emirate indigenes at home and abroad, also urged the Governor to tackle infrastructure deficit in the community. These were the highlights of the position paper presented to the governor by the IEDPU leadership led by its president, Alhaji Abdulhamid Adi. | Kwara 2015; Emirate | http://www.dailytrust.com.ng/daily/index.php/news-menu/news/55253-ilorin-emirate-urges-ahmed-to-address-security-education | |
| Daily Trust Newspaper | Thursday 21st May 2015 | Senate Presidency: Group List Reasons For Backing Akume | A non-governmental organisation, Network for Positive Democracy in Nigeria (NPDN) has listed 10 reasons why Senator George Akume should be made the next Senate President when the eighth National Assembly is inaugurated next month. A statement jointly signed by Barrister Morris Odeh and Otunba Olusegun Folorunso, Executive Director and National Secretary respectively said their interest in the Senate Presidency was to ensure that the most appropriate person emerged and that apart from being the Chairman of the National Assembly he is the official head of the legislature, a complimenting arm to the executive and the judiciary. | Nigeria 2015; Senate Leadership; | http://www.dailytrust.com.ng/daily/index.php/politics/55229-senate-presidency-group-lists-reasons-for-backing-akume | |
| Daily Trust Newspaper | Thursday 21st May 2015 | "Tinubu Has No Hand In My Ambition" Gbajabiamila | Minority Leader of the House of Representatives and a major contender for the position of speaker in the 8th Assembly, Femi Gbajabiamila, has said that national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has no hand in his ambition. Addressing members-elect of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abuja yesterday, Gbajabiamila also refuted claims in some quarters that Tinubu has already written down the names of committee chairmen in the 8th House. He said as someone who led the opposition for the past eight years in the House, he has seen a lot and garnered the experience to lead the House, saying the way he fought for the opposition is the same way he would work for Nigeria if elected as Speaker. | Nigeria 2015; House Of Representatives; APC | http://www.dailytrust.com.ng/daily/index.php/politics/55228-gbajabiamila-tinubu-has-no-hand-in-my-ambition | |
| Nigerian Bulletin News Online | Thursday 21st May 2015 | "Aregbesola's Recklessness Is Responsible For Osun's Inability To Pay Salaries" Ex-Head Of Service | "Segun Akinwusi, former Head of Service in Osun State, has blamed the failure of the state government to pay salaries on the recklessness of the Rauf Aregbesola led administration. PUNCH reports that Akinwusi made the disclosure during an interview session. He said, ''They are quick to blame Jonathan for non-payment of workers for six months. Only the naive can believe them. Are they not getting allocation from Abuja? They are collecting allocation on monthly basis." | Osun 2015; Head Of Service; Aregbesola | http://www.nigerianbulletin.com/threads/aregbesolas-recklessness-is-responsible-for-osuns-inability-to-pay-salaries-ex-head-of-service.112041/ | |
| Nigerian Bulletin News Online | Thursday 21st May 2015 | Anenih Says He Resigned As PDP BoT Chairman So That President Jonathan Can Take Over | "Tony Anenih, former BOT Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP; who resigned on Wednesday has disclosed why he resigned. According to VANGUARD, Anenih said he was resigning in favour of President Goodluck Jonathan to take over as Chairman of the BoT. Anenih's one page resignation letter addressed to President Goodluck Jonathan, dated May 20, 2015, read,''Your Excellency will recall that in a conversation I had with you a few weeks ago, I had offered to step down from the office of the Chairman of our party’s Board of Trustees and proposed to hand over to you as its new Chairman in a ceremony that would have taken place on the 23rd of May, 2015. I had also repeated this position in our subsequent meetings." | Nigeria 2015; People's Democratic Party (PDP) | http://www.nigerianbulletin.com/threads/anenih-says-he-resigned-as-pdp-bot-chairman-so-that-president-jonathan-can-take-over.112043/ | |
| Nigerian Bulletin News Online | Thursday 21st May 2015 | Tony Blair Advices Buhari On How To Run Nigeria | Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair has advised for Muhammadu Buhari on how to run the affairs of Nigeria. According to THE NATION, Represented by Lord Mandelson at a two-day policy dialogue on the implementation of the agenda for change organised by the Policy Research and Strategy Directorate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council, Blair said , ''Let me give you an example of another emerging economy that I have spent time more recently. President of Indonesia was elected last year with huge public support. As a foremost businessman without link to the political elite, he was hailed as a leader who could transform Indonesia." | Nigeria 2015; Tony Blair; Buhari | http://www.nigerianbulletin.com/threads/tony-blair-advises-buhari-on-how-to-run-nigeria.112047/ | |
| Nigerian Bulletin News Online | Thursday 21st May 2015 | "Please Support Buhari Just Like You Supported Me"-President Jonathan To African Ambassadors | President Goodluck Jonathan on Wednesday urged the international community to support the incoming Muhammadu Buhari administration just like they supported him. The President made the call while receiving members of the African Ambassadors Group in Abuja. | Nigeria 2015; President Jonathan | http://www.nigerianbulletin.com/threads/please-support-buhari-just-like-you-supported-me-president-jonathan-begs-african-ambassadors.112050/ | |
| Nigerian Bulletin News Online | Thursday 21st May 2015 | "When Will You All Resign" Femi Fani-Kayode Reacts To PDP Probe | "Femi Fani-Kayode, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP has reacted to an order from the NWC asking the Osun state chapter of the Party to probe him. Speaking to CHANNELS TV, Fani-Kayode said, ''The issue they addressed in their letter will be addressed by the people they wrote their letter to. I will not dignify that kind of rubbish with any kind of response. What I am trying to tell you is that I will not be put on the defensive here. Those that need to be on the defensive are those that cheated their party members, Those that lied to their party members, those that betrayed the presidential campaign organization and sought to degrade us and ensured that we couldn't do our job." | Nigeria 2015; People's Democratic Party (PDP) | http://www.nigerianbulletin.com/threads/when-will-you-all-resign-fani-kayode-reacts-to-probe-by-pdp.112054/ | |
| Nigerian Bulletin News Online | Thursday 21st May 2015 | PDP Orders Investigation Into Femi-Fanki Kayode | The National working committee of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP has ordered the Osun state chapter of the party to investigate Femi Fani-Kayode for anti-party activities. | Nigeria 2015; People's Democratic Party (PDP) | http://www.nigerianbulletin.com/threads/pdp-orders-investigation-into-fani-kayode.112052/ | |
| ThisDay Live | Thursday 21st May 2015 | APC Governors-Elect Map Out Governance Strategies | The All Progressives Congress (APC) Governors’ Forum yesterday held a retreat/ valedictory session for all incoming Governors-elect, returning governors and their out- going colleagues. As part of the resolutions reached during the retreat, the governors rejected any move to out-rightly ban importation of foreign products but that government should look for ways to diversify the economy and create a competitive market with those products that are being imported. The event which took place in Abuja and lasted for several hours, had all the newly-elected governors except the Kaduna State governor- elect, Nasir El- Rufai in attendance. Addressing the gathering, the Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum and Governor of Imo State, Chief Rochas Okorocha, said the essence of the retreat is to prepare the Governors- elect for the challenges of governance. “In view of the impending handover on May 29, the Progressive Governors’ Forum organised a pre-inauguration retreat with the objective of defining strategic ways of delivering on the electoral promises of the APC,” he said. | Nigeria 2015; All Progressives Congress (APC) | http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/apc-governors-elect-map-out-governance-strategies/209889/ | |
| ThisDay Live | Thursday 21st May 2015 | Court Stops Police From Harassing Saraki Over Illegal Bank Loan | A Federal High Court in Abuja has cleared a former Kwara State Governor, Senator Bukola Saraki of any wrongdoing in a bank loan being investigated by the Police Special Fraud Unit (SFU) since 2012. The clearance given to the former Governor in court was based on a legal opinion by the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice that the allegations of wrongdoing against him were baseless and unfounded. The legal opinion of the justice Minister was a response to a report submitted to him by the Inspector General of Police (IG) onpolice findings in a complain of Joy Petroleum Limited. | Nigeria 2015; Saraki; Judiciary | http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/court-stops-police-from-harassing-saraki-over-alleged-bank-loan/209890 | |
| ThisDay Live | Thursday 21st May 2015 | Court Orders INEC To Nullify House Member-Elect's Return Certificate | A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to nullify the certificate of return issued to Christian Abah as winner of election into the Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency seat of Benue State in the House of Representatives. Justice Adeniyi Ademola, while delivering judgment in a suit challenging Abah’s eligibility to stand for the election, held that the allegation of certificate forgery levelled against him by the plaintiff, Mr. Hassan Saleh, was proved. Abah was said to have forged an National Diploma certificate in Accountancy purportedly obtained from the Federal Polytechnic, Mubi, in 1985. | Benue 2015; Judiciary | http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/court-orders-inec-to-nullify-house-member-elect-amp-8217-s-return-certificate/209893/ | |
| ThisDay Live | Thursday 21st May 2015 | We Are Not Part Of Governor's Forum Reconciliation, Says Jang NGF | The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) under the leadership of Governor Jonah Jang of Plateau State has denied any reconciliation with the Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi-led faction. In a statement released in Abuja and signed by the Secretary and Administrator of the Forum, Osaro Onaiwu, the Governors stated that any such reconciliation attempt was futile as a majority of the Governors will be out of office in a matter of days and therefore should leave issues of reconciliation, reorganisation and a new Chairman to the incoming Governors. The statement further described the purported reconciliation as a selfish attempt by a group of Governors to force new leadership of the forum on the in-coming Governors. | Nigeria 2015; NGF | http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/we-are-not-part-of-governors-forum-reconciliation-says-jang-s-ngf/209898/ | |
| ThisDay Live | Wednesday 20th May 2015 | Speakership Race: Legislators Clash Over Gbajabiamila’s Aspiration | "Majority of the legislators of the House of Representatives, both old and new, from the North-west geo-political zone, on Tuesday threw their weight behind the aspiration of Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila. This is in spite of the growing cynicism and rejection of such actions credited to members from the North-east and North-central zones. Some elements of the House All Progressives Congress (APC) caucus from the two zones have recently rejected claims made in an advertisement and some stories that they support Gbajabiamila. This is as Hon. Ahmed Rufa’i Chanchangi, from Kaduna, told journalists that the zone supports the bid of Gbajabiamila, given the sacrifices he has made to uphold the interest of the North-west since 2011. By his pronouncement, about 80 federal lawmakers out of the 90 coming from the North-west geo-political zone have lined up to back the candidacy of the Minority Leader, Gbajabiamila, in the race for speakership of the incoming eighth House of Representatives. Chanchangi said: “I think, to me and to the returning members of the House, there is no conflict at all. The only person in the race is Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila”." | Speakership; All progressives Congress; | 50 | |
| ThisDay Live | Wednesday 20th May 2015 | Bamidele Defects To APC, Praises Buhari, Tinubu For Their Sacrifices | "The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Legislative Budget and Research and former Labour Party chieftain, Hon Opeyemi Bamidele, on Monday defected to All Progressives Congress, saying he is not returning to the party to flex muscle with its leaders. He said he was defecting with his supporters. At a press conference in his Iyin Ekiti country home to herald the return of the LP members to APC, Bamidele said they took the step in a bid to rescue the party from the brink of collapse occasioned by the defeat it suffered to Governor Ayodele Fayose during the June 21 Governorship poll. Bamidele praised the national leaders of the party, Major Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, former National Chairman, Chief Bisi Akande and his successor, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, for their resolute belief in him despite his defection to LP. Though Bamidele contested for the Governorship poll on the platformof LP, Fayose had won the election by defeating the then. incumbent Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi and the candidate of the APC in all the 16 Local Government Areas of the State." | Defection; Opeyemi Bamidele; All Progressives Congress | 51 | |
| ThisDay Live | Wednesday 20th May 2015 | Court Stops Jonathan From Signing Amended Oil And Gas Bill | "Justice Saliu Saidu of the Federal High Court in Lagos on Tuesday restrained President Goodluck Jonathan from assenting to the bill for an Act to amend the Oil and Gas Export Free Zone Act. The judge also restrained the National Assembly, the Clerk of the National Assembly from forwarding the bill for an Act to Amend the Oil and Gas Export Free Zone Authority Act. Cap. 05 to the president for assent. He also restrained the defendants, their agents and privies from prohibiting the usage of the plaintiffs’ facilities at Snake Island Integrated Free Zone for Oil and Gas cargoes destined for use in the free zone. The order was sequel to a motion ex-parte, in a suit number FHC/L/CS/719/15, filed before the Court by Professor Olanrewaju Fagboun, on behalf of Niger Dock Nigeria Limited, Simco Free Zone Company and Niger Dock Nigeria Plc-FZE, who are plaintiffs in the suit. The Court also restrained the National Assembly, the Clerk of the National Assembly, the Attorney-General of the Federation, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, the Minister of Transport, and the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA). In an affidavit sworn to by Yusufu Abdullahi, the Director of Simco Free Zone Company, the deponent averred that Niger Dock Nigeria Limited is a promoter of Snake Island Integrated Free Zone (SIIFZ), and that the Simco is a company saddled with the responsibility to develop, market, manage, operate, and administer SIIFZ. The deponent averred that SIIFZ was approved as a privately owned and managed Free Zone by a presidential declaration in January 2005, and was duly licensed by the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA), in April 2005. Justice Saidu has adjourned till May 26, 2015, for hearing of originating summon of the suit." | Federal High Court; Amended Oil And Gas Export Free Zone Bill; Goodluck Jonathan; National Assembly | 11 | |
| ThisDay Live | Wednesday 20th May 2015 | Orubebe Debunks Plans To Defect To APC, Threatens Legal Action | "Former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Mr. Godsday Orubebe, has debunked reports making the rounds that he is planning to dump the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC). Orubebe had debunked the news following the uproar that trailed a tweet he supposedly tweeted announcing his decision to join the APC. The uproar was caused by his infamous protest at the collation centre during the just concluded general election where he accused the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Attahiru Jega, of rigging in favour of the APC. Tweeting from @ElderGOrubebe, he supposedly wrote, “I have concluded plans to join my folks in the APC to champion and sustain the movement for a better Niger Delta in the new administration. Details will be released soon. Thank you all.” Following his announcement, all hell was let loose on Twitter with one writer simply identified as Woye, who seemed to have captured the general feeling of almost all Twitter users. Tweeting from @woye he wrote, “This account must have been hacked. Not the Orubebe that I know.” | Defection; Godsday Orubebe; Debunked | 50 | |
| ThisDay Live | Wednesday 20th May 2015 | Kidnapping: New Ekiti CP Assures Of Safety As PDP Stages Peaceful Protest | "The new Commissioner of Police, Ekiti State Command, Mr. Etop John James , on Monday assured the people of the State that the spate of kidnappings would be tackled. The new CP, who heads the special squad deployed to the State by the IGP on Tuesday followed a Save Our Soul by Governor Ayodele Fayose urging the IGP to urgently intervene in the increasing wave of criminality in the state. James said the Command would partner with every legal group in the State to stem the crime rate in the State, saying he has always believed in the powers of the people being a specialist in community policing during his career that spanned over 30 years. He added that he has the mandate of the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Solomon Arase to restore normalcy in the State . Meanwhile, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in the state, has suspended emergency services in hospitals across the state. The association said the move was to protest the kidnap of its members and continued receipt of threat letters by members of the association from suspected kidnappers who had abducted no fewer than nine members in the last three weeks. Those in the kidnappers' den are medical doctors, academics, nurse and their families are yet to make contacts with their captors." | Kidnap; Ekiti State | http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/kidnapping-new-ekiti-cp-assures-of-safety-as-pdp-stages-peaceful-protest/209750/?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter | |
| ThisDay Live | Wednesday 20th May 2015 | Court Dismisses Amaechi’s Suit Against Wike’s Inauguration | " Efforts by the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Rivers State Governor, Chibuike Amaechi, to stop the inauguration of the State governor-elect, Chief Nyesom Wike, as the state Governor on May 29 suffered a set-back yesterday as the Federal High Court sitting in Owerri Imo State, struck out a suit instituted by the governor. The state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Worgu Boms, and the APC had in suit number FHC/OW/CS/100/2015 asked the court to stop the inauguration of Wike and the deputy governor-elect, Dr. Ipalibo Harry-Banigo, on May 29. But at the sitting of the Court yesterday, the presiding judge, Justice S. M. Shuaibu, struck out the matter on the grounds that his court lacked jurisdiction to entertain the matter. Counsel to Amaechi and the APC, Beluolisa Nwofor (SAN), had argued that the court could hear the suit as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that was listed as the third defendant, the police (listed as the eighth defendant) and the Department of State Security (DSS), listed as the 10th defendant, all had offices in Owerri. Shuaibu however did not buy the argument. He held that by the provisions of the Federal High Court 2011, notice on the venue of filing suits and the territorial jurisdictional limits of the judicial divisions of the Federal High Court enacted by the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court pursuant to section 19 of the Federal High Court Act, Port Harcourt and not Owerri is the place in which the suit ought to have been filed. The judge said it was so because all the principal claims in the suit are against Wike, and Harry-Banigo. Reacting to the ruling, the Chairman of the PDP in Rivers State, Felix Obuah, praised the judiciary for rising up to the occasion as the true hope of the common man. He noted that Amaechi was a creation of the judiciary as a court judgment put him in office. He, however, said the Governor had shown only one agendum since he came to power: ridiculing and destroying the judiciary. He stated that Wike and the PDP were ready to meet the governor in any court of law." | Rivers 2015; Transition | 10 | |
| ThisDay Live | Wednesday 20th May 2015 | Crack In PDP Deepens As Fani-Kayode Calls NWC Members Cowards, Traitors | "The crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) took a new dimension as the party's presidential campaign organisation dismissed allegations of hate campaigns allegedly orchestrated by the campaign directorate as one of the reasons President Goodluck Jonathan lost the election and why the PDP lost the general election. The PDP Campaign Organisation accused the NWC of using hate campaigns on the All Progressives Congress (APC) as it described APC as a 'Janjaweed' and Taliban party. The National Publicity Secretary of PDP, Olisa Metuh had said that President Goodluck Jonathan basically lost the presidential election because of the hate campaigns introduced by the Presidential Campaign Organisation of the party. But reacting on Tuesday, the Director of Publicity in the PDP Presidential Camapigns, Femi Fani Kayode, dismissed the allegation. He said, ""The truth is that their allegation is not only baseless but it is also unadulterated rubbish and those who made them are nothing but ingrates, cowards and traitors who know nothing about politics, political campaigns, intellectual discourse or political engagement. However, he exonerated some of the NWC members, explaining,""It is important to note that not all of them were bad. Some of them like Uche Secundus, Kema Chikwe, Barrister Jalo, Wale Oladipo, the National Youth Leader and a few others did their very best and supported the President as best as they could but the majority of them were terrible." | Peoples Democratic Party; Crisis | 8 | |
| ThisDay Live | Wednesday 20th May 2015 | Trial Of Nyanya Bomb Blasts' Suspects Finally Begins | "After several adjournments, the Federal Government on Tuesday began the trial of the alleged mastermind of the Nyanya bomb blast, Aminu Sadiq Ogwuche and five others before the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja. Others are Ahmed Abubakar, Mohammed Ishaq, Ya’u Saidu (alias Kofar Rama); Anas Isa, Adamu Yusuf and Nasir Abubakar. The accused persons were charged with terrorism for bombing Nyanya motor park in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. The trial was initially scheduled to commence last week, but could not go ahead because of the absence of the prosecution witnesses. At the resumed trial, Prosecution Counsel, Mohammed Diri, told the court that he had 37 exhibits and six witnesses to tender before the Court. He also said an 8-count charge was filed against the suspects contrary to Sections 1(2a), 5, 8, 16, and 17 of the Terrorism Prevention (amendment) Act, 2013." | Nyanya Bomb Blasts; Trial of Accused Persons | 11 | |
| ThisDay Live | Wednesday 20th May 2015 | Buhari Appoints Femi Adesina Special Adviser On Media And Publicity | "Less than 10 days to the inauguration of his administration, the President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari, may have made his first official appointment by naming the Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of The Sun newspapers, Mr. Femi Adesina, as his Special Adviser (SA) on Media and Publicity. Adesina's appointment, though yet to be formally announced, is said to have been concluded but merely waiting for some formality before the official announcement. Already, the management of The Sun Newspaper, it was gathered, is concluding plans to re-organise its management structure following Adesina's impending departure. Adesina was recently re-elected as the President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) for another term of two years. The NGE President was returned unopposed at the 2015 bi-ennial convention of the Guild which held in Lagos by his colleagues, most of whom described his tenure as the “best the Guild has ever had.” With his new appointment, Adesina also becomes the second person to be so appointed while serving as the President of the Guild of Editors. The first person was the late Mrs. Remi Oyo, who was the SA, Media and Publicity to former President Olusegun Obasanjo." | Appointment; Special Adviser On Media And Publicity; Femi Adesina; Muhammadu Buhari | 7 | |
| ThisDay Live | Wednesday 20th May 2015 | Govs, Okonjo-Iweala Disagree On Excess Crude Account | "There is probably no better way of summing up the eventual reconciliation of the factionalised Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) than to say all is well that ends well. After almost two years of deep crisis, the 36 Governors of the federation in the early hours of yesterday put their partisan differences aside and asked the Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, to account for the $20 billion oil revenue the nation earned. This is the first joint meeting of all the Governors since May 24, 2013, when the Governors’ crisis broke out, following the election that produced the Rivers State Governor, Chibuike Amaechi, with 19 votes to beat Jonah Jang of Plateau State who polled 16 votes. Reading the resolution of the meeting at about 1.08 am, the Chairman of the forum, Governor Amaechi, said: ""In the light of the fact that funds in the Excess Crude Account were last disbursed in May 2013, there is need for the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, to provide explanation for accruals to the account from June 2013 to April 2015, which is estimated at over $20 billion."" In her response to the demand for an explanation on the $20 billion accruals to the Excess Crude Account, Okonjo-Iweala described as strange demands by the Governors for an explanation on alleged missing $20 billion from the Excess Crude Account (ECA). In a statement issued last night by her Special Adviser, Mr. Paul Nwabuikwu, the Minister affirmed that the governors’ allegation was totally strange because the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) meets every month “and the ECA is discussed at every session with all the State Commissioners of Finance present”. “The reference to June 2013 in the statement is probably because the National Economic Council last met in May 2013. But this is immaterial because the FAAC meetings during which the ECA and similar issues are discussed have generally held regularly every month"", she added" | Excess Crude Revenue; Federal Ministry of Finance; Governors' Forum | 1 & 6 | |
| Daily Trust Online | Tuesday 19th May 2015 | May 29: Army Alerts Public On Firing Of 21 Gun Salute | "The Guards Brigade of the Nigerian Army on Monday in Abuja alerted the public on firing of artillery guns for Presidential Inauguration and Swearing in Ceremony come May 29. This information is contained in a statement issued by Maj. Charles Ekeocha, the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations in the Guards Brigade. The statement quoted Ekeocha as saying rehearsal for the Presidential Inauguration and Swearing in Ceremony has commenced since May 4 at the Eagle Square, Abuja. He said the rehearsal involved firing of the traditional 21 gun salute. He stated that “the practice session for the 21 gun salute will take place on May 20 and May 25, and on the inauguration day, May 29. “The public is hereby notified, especially those living within Asokoro area of Abuja and its environ not to panic at the sound of simulated firing of military weapons during the dates.’’" | Nigerian Army; Public Notification; 21 Gun Salute | http://dailytrust.com.ng/daily/index.php/news-menu/news/54996-may-29-army-alerts-public-on-firing-of-21-gun-salute | |
| Daily Trust Newspaper | Tuesday 19th May 2015 | Criticisms As Sacked BPE DG Becomes Ibadan Disco MD | "Stakeholders have continued to raise questions over the emergence of former Director-General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) Ms. Bolanle Onagoruwa as acting Managing Director of Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IEDC or Ibadan disco). Ms. Onagoruwa whose appointment as IEDC MD took effect on 27th February, 2015, followed the sudden resignation of the pioneer Philipino CEO, Fortunato Leynes. The propriety or otherwise of her emergence has, however, been greeted with mixed reactions among stakeholders in the electricity value chain. President Goodluck Jonathan on November 2012 relieved Ms. Bolanle Onagoruwa of her appointment as the Director-General of the BPE. Though no reason was given for her sack, reports had it that Onagoruwa might have lost her job following the controversies that surrounded the handling of privatization matters at the Bureau. The Senate had in the report of its ad hoc committee on privatisation and commercialization of public companies between 1999 and 2011, called for Onagoruwa’s sack for “gross incompetence in the management of the BPE” as well as the “illegal and fraudulent sale of the five per cent Federal Government’s shares in the Eleme Petrochemical Company limited (EPCL).” Ibadan Disco which Onogoruwa is now its acting MD was among the 17 PHCN successor companies that were advertised for sale in December 2010. Electricity experts who spoke to our reporter in separate interviews said stakeholders in the industry need to raise eye brow because mediocres are now managing the industry. Engr. U.S Ladan said, “Eventually if you look at the people who bought the company, it is what I call family and friends. At the end of the day, they sacked almost all the technical staff including those who have been trained by this organization (PHCN), and who know the nitty-gritty of the organization.”" | Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE); Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (Ibadan disco) | 23 | |
| Daily Trust Newspaper | Tuesday 19th May 2015 | President Jonathan Dissolves Cabinet Tomorrow | "Barring last minute change of plan, President Goodluck Jonathan will tomorrow dissolve his cabinet, Daily Trust has learnt. A presidency source told our correspondent yesterday that the president would dissolve the cabinet after a valedictory session scheduled to hold inside the Council Chambers of the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Abuja, Wednesday morning. The source also confirmed that the Wednesday’s Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting would be the last in the life of the administration of President Jonathan. He said the President would use the opportunity to thank his cabinet members and request prayers for the country. The valedictory council session, prayers would also be offered for the incoming government of General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd). Jonathan, who lost the March 28 presidential election to Muhammadu Buhari, is scheduled to hand over the affairs of the country to Buhari on May 29. A member of Jonathan’s kitchen cabinet told our correspondent yesterday that all the Ministers had received letters from the president since Friday thanking them for serving their father land. The Minister, who is from the South-West said the president emphasised in the letters that the Wednesday’s council meeting would be the last to be held under his stewardship. He further disclosed that in compliance to a directive from Jonathan, all ministers were expected to hand over the affairs of their ministries to their respective Permanent Secretariy by Thursday. The Minister, who pleaded not to be mentioned, added that there would also be send-off ceremonies for Ministers also on Thursday. " | Nigeria 2015; Transition | 3 | |
| The Nation Newspaper | Tuesday 19th May 2015 | Kidnapping: Varsity Teachers Protest In Ekiti, Threatens Strike Action | "Members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) yesterday marched on the streets of Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, to protest the kidnap of their colleagues in the state. The protest, which started at the gate of the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH), moved to the Ewi’s palace, and ended at the Governor’s Office. The placard-carrying protesters, comprising ASUU members from Ekiti State University (EKSU) and Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, moved round the town, drawing the public’s attention to their plight. The protest was led by EKSU-ASUU Chairman Prof. Olufayo Olu-Olu, OAU ASUU Chairman Dr. Caleb Aborisade and Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) ASUU Chairman Dr. Bola Oniya. EKSU ASUU gave the government till Friday to secure the release of its members or face an indefinite strike. An EKSU lecturer, Dr. Folashade Alade, was one of the three women kidnapped last Friday on the Ifisin-Igbole Road on their way to a wedding. Other ASUU members still in captivity are Dr. Alade, Dr. Kikelomo Adegun both of EKSU and Dr. Femi Omisore of OAU. The kidnappers are demanding N70 million for each of the three victims." | Kidnap; Ekiti State | 62 | |
| The Nation Newspaper | Tuesday 19th May 2015 | APC To Unveil Buhari’s Policy Direction Tomorrow | "The All Progressives Congress (APC) will tomorrow unveil the policy direction of the incoming Muhammadu Buhari administration at the beginning of a two-day policy dialogue in Abuja. The Deputy Head of Policy, Research and Strategy Directorate of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, said this in a statement yesterday. Abdullahi said Buhari is expected to open the dialogue, which would be chaired by Vice President-elect, Prof. Yemi Osibajo (SAN). He added that former British Prime Minister Tony Blair will be the keynote speaker at the dialogue with theme: “Implementing Change: From Vision to Reality”, adding that input to the roadmap for the actualisation of the policies of the incoming administration would be made by experts drawn from different fields and members of the public. He said the core areas of focus of the two-day dialogue will include the economy, governance, job creation and security in line with the APC manifestoes for change. The former minister added that topics for discussion will include: “Improving the National Economy for Shared Prosperity”; “Repositioning Agriculture for Job Creation and Economic Prosperity”; “Developing Infrastructure for National Development”; “Achieving Sustainable Reforms on Oil/Gas Sector”; “Reducing Inequality and Achieving Sustainable Human Development” and “Achieving Holistic and Sustainable Reforms in the Education Sector”. Others include “Developing an Education System Relevant to Nigeria’s Developmental Aspiration”; “Achieving Qualitative and Affordable Healthcare”, “Achieving Diversity and Inclusion in Public Life”; “Exploring Sports, Tourism and Creative Industry for Job Creation”; “Governance and Improved Efficiency in Public Service”; “Tackling Corruption in Public Sector” and “Foreign Policy and Agenda for Change”. Some of the speakers and discussants expected at the dialogue include Ms Ifueko Omogui-Okauru, former chairperson of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS); Dr. Rilwan Babalola, former Minister of Power; Dr. Tajudeen Umar, former Country Chair, Nigeria –Sao Tome and Principe Joint Development Authority; Prof. Niyi Ayoola Daniels, president, International Institute for Petroleum Energy Law and Policy; Mr. Tunde Ahonsi, Resident Representative, UNFPA, Ghana; Maj.-Gen. Ishola Williams (rtd)." | All Progressives Congress; Muhammadu Buhari; Policy Direction | 5 | |
| Vanguard Newspaper | Tuesday 19th May 2015 | Alleged Cover For Gangs: You’Re A Hypocritical Political Merchant, Fayose Tells Falana | "Ekiti State Governor, Mr Ayo Fayose has faulted Mr Femi Falana’s claim that he (Fayose) was providing cover for armed gangs to operate in the state, saying such a comment is ridiculous and nonsensical. Speaking in Ado-Ekiti yesterday through his Chief Press Secretary, Idowu Adelusi, the governor wondered why the Lagos-based lawyer would always stand truth on the head. The Governor, who was reacting to a comment by Falana in a national daily that the governor was the one sponsoring armed hoodlums to operate in the state described Falana as a hypocritical political merchant, who always kept silent whenever APC controlled States are involved. He asked; “Is this not hypocrisy? And Falana did not find it important to ask those All Progressives Congress (APC)-controlled states what they have done with their workers’ salaries if truly he is a human rights activist as he claims to be. Hypocrisy has made Falana not to say a word on the collapse of the judiciary and the legislative arms of government in some APC controlled states. Or is the judiciary in Rivers working? And has Falana said a single word on the collapse of the judiciary in Rivers State?" | Kidnap; Ekiti State | 10 | |
| Vanguard Newspaper | Tuesday 19th May 2015 | PDP Crisis: Fashola Calls For Vibrant Opposition | "As the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP crisis intensifies, Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State has urged the party to resolve its crisis and form a vibrant opposition in the country, saying; “the country’s democracy needs opposition.” Fashola, in an interview, said that the country’s democracy cannot survive without a vibrant opposition to checkmate the party in government (All progressives Congress, APC). According to him, “We have been in opposition and it is necessary. Today, those who were in opposition for 16 years are now preparing to get into governance, and those who were in government before now see how opposition life is.” The governor noted: “It is important that opposition must remain. The country’s democracy needs opposition.” Explaining the importance of vibrant opposition in democratic governance, he said “for instance, the two dominant parties in United States of America, USA, are either in or out of government. While one serves as opposition for some years, the other is in government and vice verse. Speaking about his successor, Fashola said; “ in a sense, we have gained and for my successor, Akinwunmi Ambode, he stands at the threshold of history because all the issues that affected the state may ultimately come to an end during his tenure." | Opposition; Peoples Democratic Party; Babatunde Fashola | 10 | |
| Vanguard Newspaper | Tuesday 19th May 2015 | How 197 Drug Convicts Escaped From Jail—NDLEA boss | "Chairman/Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Ahmadu Giade, disclosed yesterday that a cartel comprising some Court Clerks and Prison Warders aided 197 convicted drug traffickers to evade serving their sentences”. The NDLEA boss who disclosed this while supervising the destruction of illicit drugs valued at N3.5 billion at Ibereko area of Badagry Lagos revealed how the convicted drug traffickers manipulated their way out of lawful custody. Giade, who accused prison officials and court clerks of criminally aiding the release of notorious drug traffickers added men of NDLEA uncovered this plot when a drug convict who ought to be in prison was re-arrested while attempting to smuggle drugs at the Kano Airport. According to him, “a cartel that aided 197 convicted drug traffickers to evade serving their sentences was detected by his men. “The Police investigated the case and confirmed my findings that 197 drug convicts were left off the hook with the connivance of some Court Clerks and Prison Warders” Giade explained that “statutory, NDLEA has no business taking care of an accused once the person had been arraigned and remanded in prison custody. The Agency discovered that the criminal act took place between the court and the prison after an accused had been sentenced. " | NDLEA; Jail break; Conspiracy; Court Clerks; Prison Warders | 10 | |
| Vanguard Newspaper | Tuesday 19th May 2015 | Governor Kashim Shettima Emerges Chairman Of The Northern Governors’ Forum (NSGF) | "Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State emerged chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum, NSGF, yesterday, taking over from the outgoing governor of Niger State, Dr. Babangida Aliyu who spent eight years as chairman. His election came as the NGSF vowed to ensure reconciliation among the larger body of Governors in the Nigerian Governors Forum, NGF. Reflective of that pledge, Governor Aliyu following the meeting of the Northern Governors led his colleagues to the scheduled meeting of the NGF called by the Governor Rotimi Amaechi-led faction. Speaking after the meeting of the NGSF that took place at the Niger State Governor’s Lodge, Asokoro, Abuja yesterday night, Aliyu said that the move to mediate and unite all the Governors would among others, help rebuild the body for a better Nigeria. He said: “The goal is to mediate and unite the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, NGF, that has been fragmented in the past few years.”" | Northern Governors' Forum; Election | 5 | |
| Vanguard Newspaper | Tuesday 19th May 2015 | NGF: Governors Broker Truce | "The troubled Nigeria Governors Forum, NGF, was on the path of reconciliation last night as henchmen behind the two factions met for the first time since the divisive election that splintered the body in May, 2013. The Governors, who met at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, last night, were as at 9.30 p.m. yet to formally commence deliberations. However, the presence of the leading lights of the two factions gave the assurance that the Governors were set to bury the hatchet. The NGF split into two after the leadership election in May, 2013 when Governor Rotimi Amaechi’s score of 19 votes was rejected by supporters of Governor Jonah Jang of Plateau State who polled 16 votes. Jang, who was recognised by the Presidency eventually set up a parallel secretariat from the one that had served the unified body before the election." | Governors' Forum; Reconciliation | 5 | |
| Vanguard Newspaper | Tuesday 19th May 2015 | Boko Haram: Buhari Slams Military For Hiring Mercenaries | "The President-elect, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday, expressed disappointment with the way the military handled the war against insurgency in the North East. He wondered why the military could not secure 14 out of the 774 local government councils in the country without the assistance of “South African mercenaries.” Buhari stated this in Kaduna yesterday while hosting the National Executive Council of the Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF. His words: “The military has never been so incapacitated like now. It is a shame that the Military cannot secure 14 out of the 774 local governments in the country. “What is more worrisome is the fact that Nigeria’s military has to rely on South African mercenaries before it could gain recent success in the war against Boko Haram. This situation is shameful and unacceptable. “My administration will concentrate on three major areas on assumption of office, that is insecurity, the economy/unemployment and corruption. We will ensure we nip insecurity in the bud.” Speaking on governance, Buhari said, his administration would make sure that every Nigerian lived within his means or earnings, adding that “a situation where people live above their earnings will not be tolerated.” Earlier in his address, ACF chairman and retired Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Coomassie had told Buhari that Nigerians voted for him because they believed in his integrity, knack for transparency, accountability, honesty and commitment to security of lives and property. " | Boko Haram; Defence Headquartes; Muhammadu Buhari | 1 & 5 | |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Tuesday 19th May 2015 | EFCC Re-Arraigns Sylva Over Alleged N2.45b Fraud | "After stalling twice on his re-arraignment, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday re-arraigned a former Governor of Bayelsa State, Timipre Sylva, at the Federal High Court, Abuja, over an alleged N2.45 billion fraud committed between October 2009 and February 2010 while he was governor. Sylva, who also has similar charges pending before Justice Ahmed Mohammed of the same court division, pleaded not guilty to the six-count charge before Justice Evoh Chukwu. On June 5, 2012 when he was first arraigned on substantially the same charge, he had pleaded not guilty, but following the retirement of Justice Bello, the trial had to start afresh before a new judge, Chukwu. The charge, signed by EFCC counsel, Festus Keyamo, accused Sylva of offences including the conversion of various sums of money belonging to the State, with the aim of concealing their illicit origins. It also accused him of inducing Union Bank Plc to fraudulently grant him a N2 billion overdraft facility under the pretext of using the money to augment workers’ salary. Sylva allegedly committed the offences in conspiracy with other unnamed persons said to be at large. After Sylva’s arraignment yesterday, Justice Chukwu granted him bail in the conditions and terms previously granted by the former trial judge, as the oral bail application by his lawyer, Israel Olorundare (SAN), was not opposed by John Ainetor of Keyamo’s chambers. The court has fixed May 25 for commencement of trial." | Fraud; Timipre Sylva; EFCC; Federal High Court | 7 | |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Tuesday 19th May 2015 | Nigeria’s First Sugarcane Bio-Factory Begins Operations | "The Federal Government yesterday inaugurated Nigeria’s first sugarcane bio-factory in Zaria as part of efforts to achieve self-sufficiency in the nation’s sugar requirements. Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Olusegun Aganga, said the inauguration of the one million seedling per annum capacity bio-factory was the first in the series of bio-factories to be established in the next five years, with combined capacity estimated at 12.5million cane seedlings per annum. Aganga spoke while declaring the sugarcane bio-factory open for operations at the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State. He said: “The provision of high grade and quality seedlings of sugarcane is essential for the attainment of the set goals of the National Sugar Master Plan.(NSMP) A bio-factory is a facility where disease-free crop seedlings are rapidly micro-propagated under controlled laboratory environment for planting in the fields." | Federal Government; Sugarcane Bio-factory; | 7 | |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Tuesday 19th May 2015 | Campaign Funds, Ministerial Slot Divides Enugu APC | "Despite its success in the last elections across the country, the All Progressive Congress (APC) is not in a comfortable zone in Enugu State and from all indications; it appears that the party is not yet ready to dominate the political space. For a political party that has just won the presidential election for the first time, it is expected that the victory should have brought the needed cohesion that should propel it towards dominating the political field. This however is not the case as the party is enveloped in internal bickering since the conclusion of the 2015 general elections. The cause of the bitter quarrel that has divided the leadership of the party in the State are allegations of mismanagement of the presidential campaign funds and controversy over filling the State’s ministerial slot. The Guardian learnt that the bickering started immediately the campaign funds were drawn in January this year. It has now become a public issue following a suit filed at the Federal High Court, Enugu by some members of the party. However, while the issue of the campaign funds awaits the adjudication of the court, controversy over who gets the only Ministerial slot and other appointive positions in the cabinet of the in-coming president is further crippling the party. It could be recalled that late last month, there was an alleged brawl between National Vice-Chairman for Southeast, Emma Eneukwu and Ezea over the ministerial slot of the state. Early this month, some members of the party’s executive wrote the national chairman, furnishing him with names of party members in the three zones of the state that should be considered for ministerial and other positions in Buhari’s administration. Nominated in the letter copied to Buhari were Southeast zonal Publicity Secretary, Osita Okechukwu (Enugu West), businessman, Onyemuche Nnamani (Enugu East) and Gen Chris Eze (rtd) (Enugu North). The letter signed by the Vice-Chairman of the party, Anike Nwoga, State Publicity Secretary, Kate Offor and three others, also recommended other names that could be considered for other positions. To buttress their alleged desperation, they went further to advice the national leadership of the party “not to accept any list forwarded to it by Nwoye, Eneukwu and Ezea”." | Enugu State; All Progressives Congress; Dispute | ||
| The Guardian Newspaper | Tuesday 19th May 2015 | Supreme Court Halts Action On Chevron, Seplat's Oil Blocks Deal | "The Supreme Court yesterday barred Chevron from taking any action regarding the sale of the oil mining assets OML52, OML 53 and OML 55 to Seplat Petroleum Development Company following Brittania-U Nigeria Limited appeal. The appeal, filed by Brittannia-U Limited arose from the ruling of an Appeal Court, which vacated an order of interlocutory injunction by a High Court, restraining Chevron and Seplat from concluding any deal on the two oil leases. When the matter came up yesterday, the five-man panel presided over by Justice Tanko Muhammad ordered thus: “Parties in the matter are ordered to maintain status quo. No party is allowed to take any step that will affect the res (subject matter) of the appeal.” The apex Court reached the decision to issue the order for maintenance of status quo following request by Rickey Tarfa (SAN) with whom was Abiodun Owonikoko (SAN) to argue the appellant’s application for mandatory injunction seeking to reverse steps taken by Chevron to sell the disputed oil blocks to Seplat. Although counsels to Seplat, Damian Dodo (SAN) and Etigwe Uwa (SAN) agreed with Tarfa’s submission, he, however, said the appeal itself was ripe for hearing and prayed that energy be committed to arguing the appeal and not an interlocutory motion. Counsel to Chevron Nigeria and BNP Paribas Securities Corp, Uche Nwokedi submitted that “the position as stated by Mr. Dodo is an accurate account of the history of this matter. And I’m bound by all he has said.” n the unanimous decision, the court, perhaps out of caution, ordered parties to maintain the status quo pending the outcome of the appeal, which it adjourned to October 6, 2015." | Supreme Court; Disputed Oil Blocks; Chevron; Seplat; Brittania-U | 8 | |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Tuesday 19th May 2015 | Five Years On, $23b Greenfield Refineries Remain A Mirage | "The intrigues of international and local politics may have hit hard on the Federal Government’s move to build a $23 billion petroleum refinery in three States of the Federation-Lagos, Kogi and Bayelsa – by the China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC). Several inquiries into the state of the projects have been turned down, while investigations showed that international politics and local intrigues may have been brought to bear on the matter. The project was envisaged to add 750,000 barrels per day of extra refining capacity to Nigeria’s current 445,000 barrel per day (bpd) refining capacity as well as stem the tide of imported refined products into the country. Conceived in 2010, the project was expected to be completed and ready for operations in 2015. However, five years after, the fate of the laudable idea is yet unknown. The House of Representatives had last year mandated its Committee on Petroleum Downstream to investigate why the Federal Government failed to construct the $23 billion refinery project. The order followed a motion brought before it by Abbas Tajudeen who observed that in spite of the agreement signed by the Federal Government since May 13, 2010 with the China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC) for the construction of Greenfield refineries with a completion period of five years, nothing has been done. Some months down the lane, the project has remained a mirage and the planned probe seemed to have been swept under the carpet. The stakeholders who spoke to The Guardian on the matter believed that there is more than meet they eye in the process of constructing the Greenfield refineries, such as issues of private refineries have also lingered over the years. An industry analyst, and consultant on good governance in development, Ademola Oshodi, said: “The failure and the delay in completion of the Greenfield refineries summarises the challenges faced in the oil and gas sector during the past five years. “Though CSCEC is meant to pick up 80 per cent of the bill, with NNPC the rest, refineries were unusually still meant to operate strictly on a commercial basis. A joint partnership with the unreliable government-run NNPC was always going to be fraught with difficulty. However, the biggest reasons for the delay are the non passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) and its resultant hesitation for the sector to attract foreign direct investment, the unsettling international oil market with the prevailing drastic fall in prices, and the slowdown in the Chinese economy,” he said." | Greenfield Refineries; NNPC; China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC); Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB); Federal Government | 1 & 6 | |
| Leadership News Online | Sunday 17th May 2015 | Reps Candidate Petitions IGP Over Threat To Life | "The All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Representatives candidate for Ukanafun/Oruk Anam federal constituency, Akwa-Ibom State, Mr Eshiet Offiong, has petitioned the Inspector General of Police, Mr Solomon Arase, over alleged threat to his life. Offiong, in the petition by his lawyer, Felix Udoh, alleged that his life was being threatened by a member of House of Representatives in Abuja. He said, “On May 6, 2015, at 9.45pm, and 10.15pm Mr Namso Udorok, the APC collation agent in Ward 13, Oruk Anam local government area of Akwa Ibom State, received a call wherein the House of Reps member threatened to deal with our client. “At 8am on May 7, the said Reps member through the same number, 07068122614, called Mr Udorok stressing and reaffirming his decision to deal with our client and all those who were APC agents in Ukunafun/Oruk Anam federal constituency election held on March 28, 2015.” He therefore called on the police high command to look into the petition with a view to investigating it to save his life." | Akwa Ibom 2015; Threat To Life | http://leadership.ng/news/433887/reps-candidate-petitions-igp-over-threat-to-life | |
| Leadership News Online | Sunday 17th May 2015 | Investors Will Return To Rivers Soon – Wike | "Rivers State governor-elect, Chief Ezebunwo Nyesom Wike, has assured the British government of the collaboration of the Rivers State government to ensure the immediate return of investors to the state. Wike who stated this yesterday in Abuja while receiving the head of the Political Section of the British High Commission in Nigeria, Ben Llewellyn-Jones, noted that the incoming administration would create the right environment for international investment in the state. The Governor-elect assured that the administration would improve security across the state and check kidnapping activities perpetrated by criminals, noting that his election as governor of the state was a collective will of the people, who are in search of urgent development and restoration of normalcy in governance. He said, “We are going to create the right environment for international investors to return to Rivers State. Our people overwhelmingly voted for us because they are in need of urgent development”. Wike also used the opportunity to assure the public that all efforts are being made to ensure a smooth transition in the States on May 29, 2015." | Rivers State | http://leadership.ng/news/433883/investors-will-return-to-rivers-soon-wike | |
| Leadership News Online | Sunday 17th May 2015 | Rivers: NBA Frowns At Location Of Election Tribunal | "The Nigeria Bar Association in Rivers State has decried the transfer of the state election petitions tribunal to Abuja, saying it has deprived lawyers in the state of income that would have accrued to them due to the location. President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa, had approved the relocation of the election petitions tribunal to Abuja in order to avert further violence in the state. The public relations officer (PRO) of NBA, Port Harcourt branch, Mr Angus Chukwuka, reasoned that petitioners would prefer to hire lawyers in Abuja and its environs in order to avoid the extra cost associated with transporting lawyers from Rivers State. Chukwuka said, “They will pay high bills to hire lawyers here in Port Harcourt to Abuja; pay their hotel bills, flight tickets and feeding. What in practical terms that means is that, those persons who would want to file matters at the tribunal would have to recourse to lawyers in Abuja or its environs thereby cutting down on the earnings of lawyers in Rivers State.”" | Rivers 2015; Tribunal | http://leadership.ng/news/433869/rivers-nba-frowns-at-location-of-election-tribunal | |
| Leadership News Online | Sunday 17th May 2015 | Election Tribunal Serves Letter Summoning Kebbi Governor-Elect | "The Governorship Election Tribunal holding in Birnin Kebbi, on Thursday granted order for notice of hearing to be served by substituted means on the Governor-elect of Kebbi State, Senator Atiku Bagudu of the APC. In a two-page letter of summon signed by the Secretary of the Tribunal, Michael Nwaebegbe and made available to newsmen, Nwaebegbe sought a leave to substituted means in petition No: EPT/KB/ GOV/100/2015 between Gen Bello Sarkin Yaki (Rtd) and 10 Others Vs. Sen Abubakar Atiku Bagudu and Two Others and court processes in this suit on the first respondent specifically by pasting same at the gate of Senator Abubakar Atiku at No. 13, Kaduna Road, Birnin Kebbi which is the first respondent’s last known address.” Earlier, in a one-page affidavit sworn to by one Umar Halidu Soba, he stated that he was assigned by the Tribunal Secretary to serve the first respondent a copy of the petition and on getting to the house, he did not see him to serve him the letter. He also went to the house for the second time the following day to serve the same petition but to no avail, adding that the secretary of the tribunal had also before him went to the house and could not effect the serve because the senator was not available." | Kebbi 2015; Tribunal | http://leadership.ng/news/433892/election-tribunal-serves-letter-of-summon-on-kebbi-governor-elect | |
| Leadership News Online | Sunday 17th May 2015 | APC Sets Up Committee For Youths’ Welfare | "The National Youth wing of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has set up a committee that would liaise with the leadership of the party and the government in all matters that have to do with the youths. The committee is also expected to negotiate on all matters on behalf of the youth of the party and report their activities to the National Youth leader in order to effectively champion the interest of the youths. While inaugurating the committee in Abuja recently, National Youth leader of APC, Hon Ibrahim Dasuki Jalo, said the youth wing of the party will continually strive to evolve better and more inclusive nation in which every youth will be a proud committed stakeholder. The Youth Leader explained that the composition of the committee was drawn from the six geopolitical zones, with each zone represented by one member while the deputy national youth leader and six zonal leaders are members. He told the 13-man committee not to be under any illusions as they begin their assignment, saying over the coming weeks, the committee will be confronted with complex and emotive issues while strong views will be expressed by many people. According to him, “the committee therefore, will engage in intense introspection about the challenges confronting our youth and to chart the best and most acceptable way for the resolution of such challenges in the overall collective interest of all the Nigerian youth.”" | All Progressives Congress; Youth Welfare | http://leadership.ng/news/433897/apc-sets-up-committee-for-youths-welfare | |
| Leadership News Online | Sunday 17th May 2015 | Electoral Loss: We Won’t Change Our Values, Ideology – PDP | "The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said despite losing control of the Federal Government and some of its states in the last general elections, it is will not change its name, character values or it’s identity. The party therefore stated that it is not contemplating a change of identity, noting that the unassailable vision of its founding fathers remains timeless in building a Nigeria of the collective wish and aspirations of all citizens. Governor of Niger State, Babangida Aliyu had while calling on the National Working Committee (NWC) of the PDP to resign over its poor showing at the 2015 polls, disclosed that there were plans by some party members to form a new party. But a statement by the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Olisa Metuh, on Saturday said that having been the guardian of Nigerian democracy for sixteen years during which it nurtured and blossomed democratic governance as well as etched its name in the pantheon of good governance, the PDP would not in the circumstance of ephemeral loss of power change its identity or its time-honoured characteristic values. “We have a name, tradition and values. Sixteen fruitful years as the guardian of Nigerian democracy cannot be nullified by the reason of temporary setback. We shall rise beyond all and regain our rhythm. Our colour remains green, white and red and power still belongs to the people. And to assert that we are proud of the successes of our successive leaders in taking Nigeria to its present height is an understatement, which the passage of the next four years under the APC will certainly prove”, the party said." | Nigeria 2015; Peoples Democratic Party | http://leadership.ng/news/433942/electoral-loss-we-wont-change-our-values-ideology-pdp | |
| Leadership News Online | Sunday 17th May 2015 | I Will Leave With President Jonathan On May 29 – Kuku | "Chairman of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, and special adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan on the Niger Delta, Hon. Kingsley Kuku, has said that he has no intention to stay in office after his principal leaves office on May 29. Kuku made this known yesterday in a statement where he reacted to media reports that he is lobbying to retain his job under the incoming government of Gen Muhammadu Buhari, describing the report as patently. Kuku, said the report was speculative, highly provocative and that of the imagination of the writer. The Amnesty Programme chairman said he was very proud to serve Nigeria under the outgoing administration of President Jonathan and that he is ready to leave with his boss on May 29, 2015. “As a Special Adviser and Chairman, Presidential Amnesty Programme, I served this country for four years and four months under President Jonathan. If it was an elected four-year term, the four months would have been a bonus. I’m however proud of my achievements and for lifting the amnesty programme beyond what I met on ground. I’m leaving this office 200 per cent better than what I inherited. I therefore challenge my successor to better my record,” Kuku said. Kuku stated further that such reports were the handiwork of political jobbers and spin-doctors who had become uncomfortable with his soaring profile and were doing everything to tarnish his image and discredit his record of service to the country." | Governance; Kingsley Kuku; Muhammadu Buhari | http://leadership.ng/news/politics/433992/i-will-leave-with-president-jonathan-on-may-29-kuku | |
| ThisDay Live | Sunday 17th May 2015 | APC Leaders Must Disassociate Themselves From Legislators’ Business, Says Lawmaker | "In order to avoid crisis in the All Progressives Congress (APC), the leaders of the party have been advised to stop intervening in the business of National Assembly members. A National Assembly lawmaker, who gave this advice, also said the business of electing the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives is vested in the hands of the lawmakers, saying that it is wrong for some leaders in the party to impose someone on the legislators. According to the legislator who pleaded anonymity, “it is clearly stated in the constitution in Section 50 (1): “There shall be: (a) a President and a Deputy President of the Senate, who shall be elected by the members of that House from among themselves; and (b) a Speaker and a Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, who shall be elected by the members of that House from among themselves.” For APC to enjoy the success it recorded in the just concluded general election, the lawmaker stated that the party leaders must leave aside personal interest and allow National Assembly members elect their leaders (Senate President and Speaker) rather than imposing people on them." | All Progressives Congress; National Assembly | http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/-apc-leaders-must-disassociate-themselves-from-legislators-business-/209524/ | |
| ThisDay Live | Sunday 17th May 2015 | Aliyu, Lamido’s Advice Not Well-Intentioned, Says APC | "The All Progressives Congress (APC) has accused Niger State Governor Babangida Aliyu and his Jigawa counterpart Sule Lamido of engaging in unwarranted electioneering campaign rhetoric even after elections have been won and lost. The party accused the two Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors of getting stuck in the pre-election mode, urging them to wake up to the reality that electioneering campaign is over and it is time for nation building. In a statement issued on Saturday by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party described the duo’s “unprovoked vituperation (which they couched as a piece of advice)” against the APC and the President-elect as uncouth, ill-intentioned and in bad faith. “Nigerians have switched from pre-election to post-election mode, making the unsolicited advice and the rehash of the electioneering campaign rhetoric from the two governors totally out of tune with reality. Our commitment to Nigeria is sacrosanct, irrespective of the state of the economy, hence we do not need any cheeky advice from Governors Aliyu and Lamido. We are not making any excuses, but we will let Nigerians and indeed the world know how much the economy has been wrecked and the role of anyone in bringing the economy to its knees,’’ it said." | Nigeria 2015; All Progressives Congress; Peoples Democratic Party | Nigeria 2015; All Progressives Congress; Peoples Democratic Party | |
| ThisDay Live | Sunday 17th May 2015 | ‘Stop Politicking And Face Governance’ -Tambuwal | " The Speaker, House of Representatives, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal has advised winners of the recent general elections to stop politicking and concentrate on how to translate the dividends of democracy to the Nigerian populace. Tambuwal disclosed this at the Government House in Yola, Adamawa state capital and explained that the electorates who voted them into power did that so that they will provide good governance to Nigerians. The speaker, who is also the governor-elect of Sokoto, said upon assumption of office, the issue of politicking should be over, and advised that everybody should be carried along; regardless of their political parties, and religious affiliations. He urged leaders to be honest and be committed to their mandate, advising them to always consult properly with the people to know exactly the yearnings of the people. “We are done with politicking and now it is time for governance. What Nigerians are yearning for is good governance and that is why they have elected us. I am calling on those who emerged victorious at the last polls to face governance and stop politicking. They should be honest and dedicated to the mandate which the people gave to them. They should always consult with the public to avoid unnecessary conflict.”" | Nigeria 2015; Governance | http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/-stop-politicking-and-face-governance-/209527/ | |
| ThisDay Live | Sunday 17th May 2015 | Agbakoba Reiterates Calls For New National Order | "Former National President, Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Chief Olisa Agbakoba has tasked president-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari to put in greater efforts towards bringing about a new national order in the country. Agbakoba, who made the call at the weekend during a chat with Journalists at his new office Lagos, said the last elections came with expectations of Nigerians, which he said is a challenge. “The president-elect must go back in history and borrow a leaf from ex-American President Roosevelt who ably dealt with the shock of the great depression that ravaged the United States of America when he became the US President in the 1930’s. The first shock to the Nigerian system is that we are in a post oil economy. The second shock is that our oil resources have gone out of fashion as the world moves from smelly hydrocarbon oil to clean shale oil. In order to manage these shocks; the president-elect must rally Nigerians to the tough decisions he must take. The president will need the National Assembly fully behind him. The president-elect, like President Roosevelt, is encouraged to make an emergency proclamation before the National Assembly and present a profusion of executive orders and legislative proposals,” he said . “Buhari can build a new national order by recognising our diversity and managing it in an inclusive process that would lead to an agreed constitution by all Nigerian. The president-elect must refrain from calling yet another wasteful national conference. All that is needed is a comprehensive review of the reports of past national conferences. It will be a very difficult but not an impossible task"", Agbakoba added." | Law and Order; Muhammadu Buhari | http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/agbakoba-reiterates-calls-for-new-national-order/209528/ | |
| ThisDay Live | Sunday 17th May 2015 | Tony Momoh: Mastermind of Change Is 76 | " The story of the President-elect Major General Muhammadu Buhari’s rough road to Aso Rock cannot be told without the contributions of Prince Tony Momoh. He was not only one of the masterminds of the merger of the three main opposition political parties-Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), All Nigerians Peoples’ Party (ANPP) and Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) as well as a faction of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) to form the All Progressives Congress (APC) but has been on the project with Buhari for about 12 years when he headed the Media and Publicity Campaign Council of the president-elect under the then All Nigerians Peoples’ Party (ANPP). He later became Chairman of the defunct CPC. When Buhari lost in 2003 and 2007, he was one of those who helped pursued the case all through the Appeal Court to the Supreme Court. At a time the president-elect had given up having publicly declared he was not going to contest elections again, Momoh was one of those who convinced him to rescind that decision. In fact, he went ahead asking Nigerians to beg Buhari to contest. Having convinced Buhari to contest the primaries after the merger into All Progressives Congress (APC), he formed “Those Who Care Group” (TWCG) promoting Buhari as “The Face of Change”. With the level of his participation in politics, he appears to have surpassed the achievements of the late Chief Anthony Enahoro, one of those he admired in his younger days, reports THISDAY." | Tony Momoh; Muhammadu Buhari; | http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/tony-momoh-mastermind-of-change-is-76/209515/ | |
| ThisDay Live | Sunday 17th May 2015 | Sen. Esuene: We Can Reduce Rigging By Punishing Offenders And Making Positions Less Attractive | The Governorship Candidate of Labour Party in the 2015 General Elections in Akwa Ibom State, Senator Helen Esuene, objects to the 11th April 2015 elections won by the Peoples Democratic Party candidate, Udom Emmanuel. "People just feel that they can do as they like, feel they can disobey the law and get away with it. If they feel they can get away with it, they will try it tomorrow, next tomorrow. But if something is wrong and somebody gets punished, another person will think twice before doing that thing. I say this also with respect to election malpractices. How many INEC officials have been charged to court? How many have been publicly chastised? I’m not even talking about losing one’s job because I don’t think that’s punishment. If somebody collects money that the sum total of his job in 20 years cannot guarantee him, if you tell him to go, he will just go home and enjoy his loot. That’s not punishment. If we don’t punish people who commit offence, it’s bound to continue. The general feeling or perception is that the end justifies the means. Just do whatever you can do when you have the chance. Really, that’s not the way it should be done," she observed. | Akwa Ibom 2015; Labour Party | http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/esuene-we-can-reduce-rigging-by-punishing-offenders-and-making-positions-less-attractive/209517/ | |
| ThisDay Live | Sunday 17th May 2015 | Okori: I’m Confident The Election Tribunal Will Do Justice To My Petition | The All Progressives Congress senatorial candidate for Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District in the March 28 elections, Chief Inibehe Okori , has reposed confidence in the Tribunal as the last hope of the common man. In an interview with THISDAY, Okori who contested against Governor Godswill Akpabio said "A day to that election, the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Akwa Ibom State changed the list and took the list of people that were not trained that were mainly members of the PDP and posted as ad-hoc staff, made up mainly of Supervisory Presiding Officers (SPOs) and Presiding Officers (POs). Under the regulation, the sensitive and non-sensitive materials were to be given to the SPOs, which were all PDP members. They took out all the result sheets from every polling unit and kept it aside, took it to PDP members’ houses where the coalition was done. There was rigging of monumental proportion. We did campaign in 108 wards of Ikot Ekpene senatorial district; we had an overwhelming support of the masses. At every ward that we went to, what the people were interested in knowing was how their votes would be protected, because if it is voting, they will vote for us. With the assurance we got from INEC that with the card reader, rigging, hijacking of ballot boxes, ballot stuffing were a thing of the past, how would one have done something else than follow the regulation of the electoral umpire, which in this case is INEC. But, unfortunately, the reverse was the case and today you have election results that were declared where there was no collation or where no election took place at all. As law abiding citizens of Akwa Ibom North West senatorial district, Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria, the election results having been declared, we have gone to the tribunal to seek redress. We have filed our matter at the tribunal. We have a very strong case and we believe that the tribunal and the judiciary, being the last hope of the common man, will dispense justice and we are very sure that with the strong case we have, we will redeem the stolen mandate". | Akwa Ibom 2015; North-West Senatorial District; Tribunal | http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/okori-i-m-confident-the-election-tribunal-will-do-justice-to-my-petition/209518/ | |
| ThisDay Live | Sunday 17th May 2015 | Moves To Oust Fayose Before May 29 Thickens | " There are renewed moves to oust Governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Ayo Fayose, before May 29, THISDAY was reliably informed. The Governor who has had a running battle with 19 All Progressives Congress (APC) Lawmakers in Ekiti State House of Assembly since he assumed office on October 16, 2014, has been in Court to stop moves by them to oust him. A reliable source told THISDAY that Speaker of the House, Dr. Adewale Omirin, who along with his 18 colleagues had been denied access to the House of Assembly by security forces with the intention to foil the impeachment plot was said to have held a meeting with a Senator from Ekiti State in the National Assembly recently over the plot to oust Fayose. According to the source, a former Minister from Ekiti State who is close to a former President sent the Senator to the former President to discuss the impeachment move with him. He disclosed further that after meeting with the former president, the latter asked him to send the 19 APC Lawmakers to him. At the scheduled meeting with the Lawmakers by the former President, a top security agent was invited with the intention to co-opt him into the plan with the overall intention to seek his assistance to dislodge the security agents who barricade the road leading to the House of Assembly so that the Lawmakers can gain access to the Assembly chamber. The source also said the security big-wig was asked how he would dislodge the security agents and simultaneously pave way for the return of the aggrieved lawmakers. The top security source was alleged to have said it would be easier to get it done when it would be few days to May 29 as it was said to have been concluded that a panel of enquiry that would be constituted could finish its assignment within two days. Once the panel concludes its work and recommends Fayose’s impeachment, THISDAY was told, he would be gone in a matter of hours as the Lawmakers who would be adequately protected, would immediately pronounce him impeached." | Ekiti State House of Assembly; Impeachment | http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/moves-to-oust-fayose-before-may-29-thicken/209529/ | |
| Leadership News Online | Saturday 16th May 2015 | Development: North East Group Asks Buhari To Grant Zone Special Priority Status | "A North East group known as the North East Change Initiative, has urged President-elect Muhammadu Buhari to accord the zone special priority status in addressing the numerous challenges facing it. In a press statement signed on Saturday by the group’s spokesman, Alhaji Garba Sani, the group urged the federal government and the National Assembly to carefully consider, choose and appoint experienced and capable technocrats, legislative leadership and professionals with good geo-political and local knowledge of the zone’s issues towards addressing the challenges ahead. While calling on Governors, Legislators and people from the zone to unite and support the Federal Government’s efforts at addressing the challenges of the zone, the group stated, “We strongly advocate for a special priority status to be accorded to the zone in addressing the numerous and complex challenges currently being experienced in the zone"". North East Change Initiative is a body formed by some stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from the North East Zone to encourage greater unity and harmony within the zone to effectively work towards promoting a coherent policy framework towards the restoration, rehabilitation and reconstruction of the devastated zone." | North East Development; | http://leadership.ng/news/433720/development-north-east-group-asks-buhari-to-grant-zone-special-priority-status | |
| Leadership News Online | Saturday 16th May 2015 | Yero Faces Impeachment Over N2.7bn SURE-P Fund | "Fourteen members of the Kaduna State House of Assembly have declared their intention to initiate the process of impeaching the State Governor, Mukhtar Ramalan Yero, should he dare spend the 2.774bn Local Government SURE-P Funds. The members who addressed the Journalists after a closed door meeting held at the Kaduna state House of Assembly, directed the governor to stop any attempt to spend the N2.744bn belonging to the 23 local government areas of the State. According to them “if by Tuesday he refuses to listen to us, we will be left with no option than to commence impeachment proceedings against him”. The House led by the deputy minority leader, Dr. Aminu Abdullahi Shagali, accused the Governor of last “minute looting and squandering of public funds.” They alleged that the incumbent Governor is attempting to quickly disburse the 2014 SURE-P funds of the 23 Local Government of the State. Governor Yero of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lost his re-election bid to the Former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai of the All Progressive Congress in the April governorship elections." | Kaduna State; Impeachment; SURE-P Fund | http://leadership.ng/news/433476/yero-faces-impeachment-over-n2-7bn-sure-p-fund | |
| Leadership News Online | Saturday 16th May 2015 | Abia: APGA Governorship Candidate Urges Tribunal To Nullify Ikpeazu’s Election | "Dr Alex Otti, All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) governorship candidate in Abia, on Friday, filed a petition seeking the nullification of the election of Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, as the Governor-elect. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the 411-page petition was filed at the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Umuahia. One of Otti’s counsel, Mr Ken Ahia, who filed the petition, told newsmen that the plea was based on the grounds that the governorship poll was “marred by a lot of irregularities.’’ The petitioner urged the Tribunal to nullify the results from Obingwa, Osisioma, Isialangwa North and Ugwunagbo LGAs due to election malpractices in those areas. The counsel said the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and PDP were also joined in the suit." | Abia 2015; Tribunal | http://leadership.ng/news/433666/apga-governorship-candidate-urges-tribunal-to-nullify-ikpeazus-election | |
| ThisDay Live | Saturday 16th May 2015 | Adamawa Legislator Kidnapped | "Member representing Toungo Constituency in Adamawa State House of Assembly, Adamu Usman, has been kidnapped. Reports indicate that those who kidnapped him stormed his house at Kofare area of Yola, the state capital, at 11 pm on Friday, forced him into a car and whisked him away at gunpoint. The reports revealed that the kidnap may be connected with the lingering crisis in the State House of Assembly which had divided the Assembly into two factions with two speakers. According to the reports, the faction headed by Alhaji Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri is sitting at the Assembly complex while the other faction headed by Honourable Jerry Kumdisi allegedly loyal to Governor Bala James Nggilari is sitting at the Government House conference hall. However, the kidnappers are yet to place a ransom on the abductee or state any reason for the kidnap at the time of sending this report. The Adamawa Police Command Public Relations Officer, DSP Othman Abubakar, who confirmed the incident said the police are investigating the incident." | Kidnap; Legislator; Adamawa State | http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/adamawa-legislator-kidnapped/209491/ | |
| ThisDay Live | Saturday 16th May 2015 | Defection: Dickson, Bayelsa Assembly Declare Defecting Legislators' Seats Vacant | "In an unusual move, Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Henry Seriake Dickson, has declared the seat of four defecting legislators vacant. The action of the Governor, which one of the defecting lawmakers described as a huge joke, is coming on the heels of the decision of the State House of Assembly to declare the four seats of its members, who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress, APC, vacant. The Governor said in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Iworiso-Markson, that the action of the State Legislature was not only constitutional, but will also instill party discipline and sanitize the polity. Meanwhile one of the lawmakers who said they would come out with a statement on the action of the house wondered: ""How can the Governor and the Speaker can just wake up from the wrong side of the bed and make such unconstitutional pronouncement? We have less than two weeks to the end of our tenure, that is to tell you that the Governor has indeed lost it."" But undeterred, Dickson condemned the practice where politicians cross carpet at will without recourse to the parties under which they were elected into positions was no longer acceptable and practicable, under a thriving democracy like ours. According to him, the State assembly, has by this singular act, set the pace and shown the direction of the new PDP in the State, where party discipline and loyalty, must be the overriding principles and factors for all members, going forward. " | Bayelsa 2015; Defections | http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/defection-dickson-bayelsa-assembly-declare-defecting-legislators-seats-vacant/209492/ | |
| ThisDay Live | Saturday 16th May 2015 | Delta Records 550% Growth In IGR Under Uduaghan | "Monthly internally generated (IGR) of Delta State increased by over 550% following an aggressive drive under the eight-year tenure of Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan since 2007. Governor Uduaghan, who stated this on Thursday during the commissioning of the Delta State Revenue House, headquarters of the Delta State Board of Internal Revenue (DBIR) in Warri, stressed the determination of the government to achieve the goal of a Delta State economy not tied to oil revenue. Uduaghan, who was represented at the ceremony by the state commissioner for finance, Chief Kenneth Okpara, noted that state was now generating internally what was enough to meet its recurrent expenditure. Over-dependence on oil revenue had for a long time practically turned Nigeria into a mono cultural economy, which has led to fluctuating revenue for the federating states as they depended almost entirely on the monthly allocation from the Federation Account. He expressed happiness that the overall of the state internally generated revenue machinery by his administration since 2007 had shot the IGR to an unprecedented high of more than 550 per cent. He said that the projected IGR for the current fiscal year (2015) was between 73 billion naira and 75 billion naira, saying over N5 billion was currently generated by the DBIR." | Delta State; Internally Generated Revenue | http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/delta-records-550-growth-in-igr-under-uduaghan/209471 | |
| ThisDay Live | Saturday 16th May 2015 | Sambo Inaugurates NDPHC Biggest Transmission Station In Lagos | "Electricity consumers in the country, especially those in Lagos and Ogun states will experience relief as the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), owners of National Integrated Power Project (NIPP) on Friday inaugurated the Oke-Aro 330/132/33kV, a gigantic power transmission station at Oke-Aro, a border town between Lagos and Ogun states. Speaking at the inauguration of the biggest power transmission infrastructure in the country, Vice President Namadi Sambo, who was represented by the Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo stated that prior to the advent of Oke-Aro substation, there were only three numbers of 330/132/33kv substations in Lagos. One of these three, according to him, was Ikeja West 330/132/33kV Substation which was the major marshalling point for all power plant that flow its generation into Lagos. Sambo noted that this development had thrown the state into a state of great congestion with limited space for safe expansion of capacity for increased flows into Lagos and environs. “All the 330kV power lines from the Benin and Oshogbo 330kV hubs of the national grid - which were also serving as evacuation lines for NIPP new power plants at Omotosho as well as Olorunsogo, terminated there. Even 330kV evacuation lines for older major power plants such as Egbin in Lagos also terminated at Ikeja West,” Sambo said." | Power; Federal Government | http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/sambo-inaugurates-ndphc-biggest-transmission-station-in-lagos/209475 | |
| ThisDay Live | Saturday 16th May 2015 | Senator Ahmed Zannah Dies At 60 | "The senator representing Borno Central, Ahmed Zannah, has passed on at the age of 60. He died in Abuja on Saturday after years of battle with a terminal disease. Zannah was elected into the Senate in 2011 on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) after surprisingly defeating the outgoing governor then, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff who was planning a return to the Senate after eight years in the saddle as governor. He won a re-election during the last election without much struggle on the the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and could have been in the Senate till 2019. The senator came into national prominence with his criticisms of President Goodluck Jonathan’s handling of the Boko Haram issue, which left over half of his constituency captured by the insurgents. These criticisms came as a surprise to many bearing in mind that they were in the same party. Zannah recently came back from London where he had gone for medical treatment immediately after he won his re-election." | Death; Senator Ahmed Zannah; Borno Central | http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/borno-loses-senator/209490 | |
| ThisDay Live | Saturday 16th May 2015 | MPC MEETING: Economists Say Slow Growth, High Inflation, Naira Value Will Top Agenda | "When members of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meet for their 244th meeting in Abuja tomorrow, economic experts believe the key policy considerations will be the current stagnation in the nation’s growth rate, high inflation, naira volatility, precarious state of the nation’s external reserves and anxiety over the policy thrust of the incoming administration. Speaking in separate interviews, the economic experts also explained that although the committee may not want to pre-empt the incoming administration by voting for a fundamental shift, they however believe that the MPC will not hesitate to make their concerns known to the public. In his opinion, Managing Director, Wema Bank Plc, Mr. Segun Oloketuyi, believed majority of the committee members will likely vote for the retention of the current rates. He maintained that “The disposition of the regulator is still in favour of a tightening regime in protection of the value of the naira. In my view however, the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) should be reviewed downward.” According to the banking chief, lending has slowed down significantly in the economy and that is having a major negative impact on development. “The average CRR will be in the region of 30-40 per cent in addition to a liquidity ratio of 30 per cent.” According to him, failure to soften the stance on the rate may be tantamount to attacking a challenge and inadvertently creating a bigger one, explaining that, “A series of coordinated actions from both the monetary and fiscal authorities are required to fix the economy. Certainly, fixing one variable will not solve the problem,” he concluded. However, Managing Director of Financial Derivatives, a financial and investment advisory firm, Mr. Bismarck Rewane, believes that the considerations the nation will be facing primarily include the stagnant growth and the need to do something about the interest rate to stimulate growth, explaining however that bringing down the interest rate will affect the value of the naira." | Economy; Staflation; Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) | http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/mpc-meeting-economists-say-slow-growth-high-inflation-naira-value-will-top-agenda/209504 | |
| Daily Trust Newspaper | Friday 15th May 2015 | Northern Governors' Forum To Elect New Chairman May 18 | "A special meeting of the Northern States Governors' Forum (NSGF) is slated for Monday May 18, 2015 at the Niger State Governors' Lodge, Jose Marti Crescent, Asokoro District, Abuja, to elect a new chairman and review outstanding issues. This was contained in a statement issued yesterday by the Secretary to the Government of Niger State and Coordinating Chairman, Forum of Secretaries to the Governments of Northern States, Saidu Ndako Idris Kpaki. He said top on the agenda, the chairman of the forum, Governor Mu'azu Babangida Aliyu of Niger State, would give account of his stewardship. The statement commended members of the forum for their commitment to promotion of unity and peace in the region. Governor Aliyu assumed leadership of the forum in 2007." | Northern Governors' Forum; Election | 8 | |
| Daily Trust Newspaper | Friday 15th May 2015 | Boko Haram Attack: Military Deploys Six Fighter Jets | "About 79 people including three soldiers were killed Wednesday when suspected Boko Haram militants advanced towards Maiduguri, the Borno State capital. The military has deployed six combat helicopters to fight the insurgents and imposed a 24-hour curfew on the state capital. DailyTrust correspondent disclosed that at least six fighter jets landed at the Maiduguri International Airport yesterday. Not long after, they took off and headed towards the direction of Konduga, Bama and the Sambisa Forest. Six vigilantes and an unspecified number of Boko Haram insurgents were killed in Wednesday’s attack. Also, two villages including Bale Galtimari and Kayamla on the outskirts of Maiduguri, were also sacked by the suspected Boko Haram militants while on their way to the state capital. Troops of the seventh Division stopped the insurgents overrunning the 21 Brigade, Giwa Barracks, which reportedly houses sophisticated military weapons. Though the Nigerian Army said everything was under control the 24-hour curfew remained in place in the state capital. " | Boko Haram; Defence Headquarters | 1 & 5 | |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Friday 15th May 2015 | Jonathan’s Concession Of Victory Proves Nigeria Has Future, Says Gowon | "Former Head of State and Convener of Nigeria Prays, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (rtd) yesterday, said the uncommon action of President Goodluck Jonathan in conceding victory in the last general election shows that the country has a future. Gowon who spoke at the Diamond Jubilee of Four Square Gospel Church in Lagos an event attended by dignitaries, including the Olu of Warri Ogiame Atuwatse 11 said Jonathan’s congratulatory telephone call to his opponent, Muhammadu Buhari brought a sense of relief, not just to Nigeria and Africa but the whole world. He said by that singular act, Jonathan told the world a bright future lies ahead for Nigeria, even as he called on leaders, past or present to be mindful of their actions and utterances so as not to create tension that could put the peace and future of the nation in jeopardy." | Nigeria 2015; Yakubu Kgowon; Goodluck Jonathan | 4 | |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Friday 15th May 2015 | Presidential Panel Wants Amnesty For B’Haram, Civilian ‘JTF’, Others | "The Presidential Committee on Continued Dialogue and Resolution of Security Challenges in the North has turned in its report to the Federal Government, offering far-reaching recommendations on how to end the insurgency and other related security challenges in the region. Among other things, the report, which was obtained exclusively by The Guardian yesterday, called on the Presidency to grant amnesty to combatant members of the Boko Haram and Ansaru sects who renounced violence and were willing to disarm and re-integrate into the community. The same gesture was also proposed for those whose crimes or membership could not be proven. President Goodluck Jonathan had, in opting for multi-faceted approach towards solving the problem of insecurity especially in the North East, constituted the subterranean committee to work outside the public view towards negotiating for ceasefire, amnesty and immobilisation of members of the terror group. The constitution of the panel was one of the recommendations of the Presidential Committee on Dialogue and Peaceful Resolution of Security Challenges in the North headed by Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Alhaji Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, (SAN). The Turaki-led committee had, while submitting its report to Jonathan on November 5, 2013 recommended among others the setting up of an advisory committee on continuous dialogues that will have powers to advise the President on all matters related to dialogue and resolution of crisis. It also recommended the setting up of a Victims Support Fund for victims of insurgency to be administered by a new agency established specifically to assist the victims." | Boko Haram; Amnesty; Presidential Panel | 1 & 2 | |
| Leadership News Online | Friday 15th May 2015 | Obasanjo Gives Buhari Clues On Security, Power, Others | "Former President Olusegun Obasanjo yesterday gave the President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari the strategies for solving the nation’s major problems of security, power, education, economy and infrastructure. Obasanjo’s prescriptions were contained in a strategy report submitted to the former Military Head of State. The former President had, four months ago, set up an independent think-tank group headed by Prof. Akin Mabogunje of the Obasanjo Presidential Library with the aim of carrying out a study on the challenges facing the country. Presenting volumes of the report to Buhari on behalf of Obasanjo think-thank team at the Buhari Support Organisation Campaign Office, Wuse 2, Abuja, yesterday, the Vice Chairman of the Committee and former Minister of Finance, Dr Kalu Idika Kalu, said: “The whole idea was that Obasanjo set up his own think- tank with the aim of carrying out a study on challenges facing the country in five key areas of education, power sector, economy, security and infrastructure. The study was commissioned four months ago so that the outcome will be made available to the incoming administration after the election”. Also, Dr Christopher Kolade, who heads the power committee, gave various stages of the proposed power sector development plan to include short term, medium term and long term solutions. He said under the short term solution, the plan seeks to raise country’s power generation to 10,000 MW within a very short period of time. In his response, an appreciative Buhari expressed gratitude to the former president and his team, describing their intervention as a great impetus for the incoming government. The president-elect lamented that the outgoing government that is supposed to give him tips on how to take off had done nothing so far. He thanked Obasanjo’s team for its gesture, assuring it that his administration would be needing its advice as time goes on." | Olusegun Obasanjo; Muhammadu Buhari; Strategic Report | http://leadership.ng/news/433285/obasanjo-gives-buhari-clues-on-security-power-others | |
| Leadership News Online | Friday 15th May 2015 | FG Ordered My Arrest – Amaechi | "At the presentation of the book, Dynamics of Change: The Amaechi Years, in Lagos yesterday, Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi narrated how he was a marked out following a secret order from the federal government to security agencies to arrest him if the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) won the presidential election. The presentation which had in attendance eminent personalities who contributed immensely to the success of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the just concluded general elections, including captains of industries, x-rayed the eight years of Amaechi as governor of Rivers State from 2007 to 2015, his policies, speeches and motives behind his actions. Amaechi gave thanks to God for the change that took place at the elections, saying he had been a marked man for his vehement opposition to injustice in the country. According to him, the federal government had hunted him and had been determined to cage him, withdrawing his diplomatic passport and refusing to re-issue him an ordinary international passport. “I was so determined that there would be change because if there was no change, I would be finished. For me, it was a matter of life and death. The federal government sent a signal that if they won,nobody should allow me to leave Nigeria. Today, I have been given back my diplomatic passport two weeks to the end of the government. I lost my green passport in Ghana sometime ago. Now, they have re-issued me a new one.” | Rotimi Amaechi; Federal Government | http://leadership.ng/news/433277/fg-ordered-my-arrest-amaechi | |
| Leadership News Online | Friday 15th May 2015 | Fire Engulfs Abuja Federal Secretariat, Destroys Documents, Valuables | "An inferno, which allegedly began from the 5th floor of the Federal Secretariat, Abuja yesterday, nearly consumed the entire multi-billion naira building but for the timely intervention of men of the Nigerian Fire Service. The combined team of the Federal and FCT Fire Services put out the fire which started by 1.30pm and engulfed the 5th floor of the phase 3 housing the Federal Ministry of Education at the secretariat. LEADERSHIP learnt that the minister of education was holding a meeting with principals of Unity Schools across the country as the fire spread to the 6th floor of the building. The meeting was said to have ended abruptly as the minister and others were evacuated from the building. Public relations officer of the Federal Fire Service, Mr Collins Elechi said the cause of the fire was not immediately known, but confirmed that there was no casualty in the incident. He, however, lamented that one of the immediate constraints his men faced in quenching the inferno was that the Federal Secretariat building had no fire hydrant." | Fire Outbreak; Federal Secretariat | http://leadership.ng/news/433279/fire-engulfs-abuja-federal-secretariat-destroys-documents-valuables | |
| Leadership News Online | Friday 15th May 2015 | BBOG Group Calls For Check On Boko Haram Expansion As Iraqi Militia Kill 5 | "The #BringBackOurGirls group has called on the security agencies to keep an eye on the expansion strategies of the Boko Haram sects in order to avoid any future occurrences. The group made the call, while responding to a report that at least five Boko Haram militants, who were in Mosul, Iraq, to undergo military training under ISIS were killed by Mosul Youth Resistance Movement. Speaking at the sit-out, one of the members of the group, Elvis Iyorngurum, also decried the treatment meted on many Nigerians who were said to be rescued by the military from the Sambisa Forest and those returnees from Niger, stating that most of them were being taken back to their states with no form of rehabilitation." | Boko Haram; BringBackOurGirls Group | http://leadership.ng/news/cover-stories/433281/bbog-group-calls-for-check-on-boko-haram-expansion-as-iraqi-militia-kill-5 | |
| Leadership News Online | Friday 15th May 2015 | Senate Presidency: Unity Forum Emerges Following Buhari’s Statement | "As the National Assembly prepares for the inauguration of the 8th Senate on June 9 and the election of new presiding officers, a new group, the Unity Forum, has emerged among the ranks of returning senators and senators-elect. The Unity Forum was formed sequel to the consistent stand of the president-elect, Muhammadu Buhari, that the National Assembly should elect leaders with unblemished integrity. Buhari reiterated this position when he received a delegation from Benue State, including one of the aspirants, Sen George Akume. Spokesman of the Unity Forum, who is a senator-elect from the North Central, told select newsmen in Abuja that the new leader of the Senate must not have any corruption case hanging on his neck, must be a team player and above all, must have the requisite and cognate experience according to the Senate Standing Orders, to lead the chamber. The spokesman, who refused to give his name, said: “We believe that the new leadership should be able to help the president-elect achieve and deliver on his campaign promises to rid Nigeria of corruption, and also establish the rule of law and good governance in the country.”" | Senate Leadership; Unity Forum | http://leadership.ng/news/433319/senate-presidency-unity-forum-emerges-following-buharis-statement | |
| Leadership News Online | Friday 15th May 2015 | Kaduna 2015: Why We Failed – PDP | "The ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kaduna State yesterday disclosed why the party failed to retain power in the recent presidential and governorship elections. The publicity secretary of the party, Barr. Ibrahim Mansur, disclosed that the party lost because of lack of synergy between the governor’s campaign team and the party structures. The party’s spokesperson who spoke to our correspondent, said “the party failed because there was no synergy between the party and those who claimed to be in charge of the governor’s campaign team.” “There was serious mistrust between the governor’s organisation and the party structures from the ward to the local government levels in the build-up to the elections. Even though the governor did his best by trying to carry everybody in the party along, some of his close aides who never had the party’s interest and the governor’s interest at heart were creating differences among party officials for their personal gains,” he said. According to him, if not for the division created in the party by the governor’s aides, the APC would not have had a smooth ride to victory." | Kaduna 2015; Peoples Democratic Party | http://leadership.ng/news/433325/election-why-we-failed-in-kaduna-pdp | |
| ThisDay Live | Friday 15th May 2015 | Army To Dismiss 4,000 Soldiers Over Boko Haram | "About 4,000 Nigerian soldiers will be dismissed soon for flouting the orders to fight Boko Haram insurgents in an operation in Mubi, Adamawa State, in 2014, one of the allegedly affected soldiers has told TheCable. Investigation revealed that tension appears to be simmering as soldiers in the North-East, and their families are in suppressed agitation over the possibility of being axed. According to a source in the army, who is one of the accused soldiers, a signal had been sent by the army headquarters in Abuja to its divisions for the soldiers to be dismissed without trial. “We are accused of disobeying orders to fight insurgents and also for allowing them to takeover Mubi town the last time. The army headquarters sent signal for our dismissal,” he said. He explained that the army divisions involved – of those who allegedly failed to participate in the Mubi operation – were from the second division, Ibadan, made up of 200 soldiers; first division, Kaduna, which has about 500 soldiers, and “some from the third division, Jos, among others”. The source also revealed that about 227 soldiers from the 3rd Division, Jos, had been dismissed already, just as four other soldiers from the Lokoja division." | Nigerian Army; Dismissal | http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/army-to-dismiss-4-000-soldiers-over-boko-haram/209386/ | |
| ThisDay Live | Friday 15th May 2015 | NJC: Judges Now To Be Appointed Through Advertisement | "The National Judicial Council (NJC) has disclosed that it will henceforth advertise to fill vacancies as the Council introduces stringent measures to make sure that only honest, hardworking and untainted Lawyers become Judges. Advertising to fill vacancies in the bench is one of the new measures contained in the 2014 Revised NJC Guidelines and Procedural Rules for the Appointment of Judicial Officers of All Superior Courts of Record in Nigeria. The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Mahmoud Mohammed, who disclosed this yesterday in Abuja at the swearing of Justice Amiru Sanusi as a justice of the Supreme Court said: “The guidelines provide for a more comprehensive, robust and transparent method of appointment, leading to the emergence of only the best legal minds with high moral standards to serve as judges in our revered temples of justice.” The CJN said Justice Sanusi was the first judicial officer to be appointed under the new guidelines. According to him, the process began by advertisement in the media for the vacancy and calling on interested candidates to show interest in filling the vacancy." | National Judicial Council (NJC); Appointment of Judges | http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/njc-judges-now-to-be-appointed-through-advertisement/209388 | |
| ThisDay Live | Friday 15th May 2015 | Unpaid Salaries: NLC Threatens To Shut Down Airports Across The Country | " The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has threatened to shut down airports across the country if the State Governors owing Civil Servants' salaries do not pay such outstanding wages immediately. The National Vice-President of the NLC, Lucy Offiong, who issued the threat in Jos on Thursday while supervising a protest of the State chapter of the congress over the non-payment of salaries of members by the Plateau State Government, said such a drastic measure might become imperative to compel Governors to pay up. Offiong said: “Governors, who are among the most frequent users of airports may need to be deprived of the facility so that they can be moved to give their workers what is theirs by right, their monthly wage.” Also speaking at the State House of Assembly, venue of the protest, the State Chairman of the NLC, Mr. Jibrin Bancir, said the NLC took its protest to the State Assembly because the Assembly which passed the state budget, with provision for workers’ salaries, should be able to compel the State Governor, who proposed the budget to implement it, including the payment of workers’ salaries. He said: “I don’t know what the House of Assembly members are doing to provide relief to the plight of the civil servants whose children are out of school and who cannot afford to feed their families; so we are here to let the Assembly know what workers are going through and to ask it to prevail on the Governor to fulfill his obligations to the workers, including the payment of their salaries and other outstanding entitlements.”" | Labour; Governors | http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/unpaid-salaries-nlc-threatens-to-shut-down-airports-across-the-country/209360/ | |
| ThisDay Live | Friday 15th May 2015 | We Will Resist Any Attempt To Impeach Fayose, Drivers Warn APC Lawmakers | "Commercial drivers’ unions operating in Ekiti State have warned the All Progressives Congress lawmakers in the state House of Assembly against displaying “power-drunk syndrome’’ over their insistence to impeach Governor Ayodele Fayose, saying they would resist any act to subvert the mandate freely given to the governor. They said this in a statement issued in Ado-Ekiti yesterday and signed by the Chairman, Road Transport Employers Association (RTEA), Samuel Agbede, Chairman, National Unions of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Clement Adekola and Chairman, Pick-Up and Lorry Drivers Association, Hon. Atowoju Oluwatosin. The drivers also handed down a warning to their Lawmakers’ sponsors, who they said seem determined in destabilising the state, saying they are monitoring their movement between now and the end of their tenure on June 6, 2015. The unions said they are aware of the meeting held by eight of the APC Lawmakers with a former president yesterday night and the one they have scheduled for Osogbo, Osun State tonight as well as the two dates they have picked to invade Ekiti, adding: “All efforts by the APC lawmakers and their sponsors to throw Ekiti State into chaos will be resisted. “We are following every of their moves and whatever funny move they make between now and the end of their tenure will be resisted.”" | Ekiti State; Impeachment; Drivers | http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/we-will-resist-any-attempt-to-impeach-fayose-drivers-warn-apc-lawmakers/209364/ | |
| ThisDay Live | Friday 15th May 2015 | Learn To Emulate Mandela, PDP Tells Buhari | "The Peoples Democratic Pary (PDP) has advised the president -elect, Muhammadu Buhari, to be a father on issues brought before him, instead of trying to take sides. The party further urged Buhari to always adopt a statesman disposition of the late former President of South Africa, Nelson Mandela, and deal with them with passion of a father. Speaking with journalists yesterday, the Deputy National Chairman of PDP, Uche Secondus, said the utterances of Buhari when some stakeholders and traditional rulers from Rivers State visited him last Wednesday in Abuja did not portray him as an elder statesman, especially when the matters in question are still within the domain of the judiciary and publc panel of inquiry. According to Secondus, “The utterances of the president-elect when he received a delegation of some Traditional Rules from Rivers State does not portray him as a statesman. He is the President-Elect and indeed the father of all. He should exercise caution and restraint in some issues, especially when such issues are still in court. “The president-elect should emulate Mandela who assumed office as president of South Africa at such a critical time in the history of South.” The PDP deputy national chairman said it was unethical and unfair for Buhari to make such claims and statements when the issues involved, including the integrity of the governorship election in the state, is subject of election tribunals. “He is the president -elect and soon to be sworn in as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and not the president of the APC,” he said." | Nigeria 2015 | http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/learn-to-emulate-mandela-pdp-tells-buhari/209368 | |
| ThisDay Live | Friday 15th May 2015 | Speakership Race: Plot To Amend House Rules Thickens | "As the jostle for the speakership of the House of Representatives gets hotter, there are plots by a group loyal to one of the contenders for the position to amend the House’ s standing orders on voting procedure. The group loyal to Femi Gbajabiamila are said to be mobilising members to support a motion that will alter the voting method from secret ballot to open ballot. Order 2, Rule 4 (f) (ii) of the House Standing Orders 2014, states that: “Voting by secret ballot shall be conducted by the Clerk-at-Table using the list of the members-elect of the House, who shall each be given a ballot paper to cast his vote, with the proposer and seconder as tellers.” The motion was initially planned to be tabled on Wednesday but the plot was aborted at the 11th minute after the promoters realised that they didn’t have enough support to push it through. “They planned to propose the amendment under matters of urgent public importance on Wednesday but changed their mind after realising that it will be defeated,” a ranking member who does not want to be named said. The Lawmaker said the group is planning to “come under a substantive motion next Tuesday to propose an amendment to the voting pattern from secret to open ballot.” | Speakership; All Progressives Congress; | http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/speakership-race-plot-to-amend-house-rules-thickens/209369/ | |
| ThisDay Live | Friday 15th May 2015 | Jega Expresses Fear Over Reconstitution Of New INEC Leadership | "After successfully conducting the 2015 general election that was adjudged to be credible, the Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega, on Thursday expressed fear over the yet-to-be constituted new leadership of the commission to consolidate on the gains of the post 2015 elections after stepping down next month. Jega made this known in Abuja at the presentation of the 2015 general election observation report carried out by Election Monitor, a civil society group, supported by McArthur Foundation. The INEC boss, who was represented by the Commission’s Deputy Director, Elections and Party Monitoring, Mr. Shehu Wahab, said INEC had done well in restructuring the electoral process in Nigeria, but noted that it would be very easy for what had been achieved to be reversed by the incoming members if the country got it wrong on the new leadership. Meanwhile, the National Coordinator of the group, Mr. Abiodun Anjola, said the research was conducted in order to give quality information that helps the public to understand election process better without fear or favour. He added: “INEC must bring someone like Jega or better than him. If they bring corrupt person, it will take us back again. So we need a man of integrity like Jega to be active in the next four years." | INEC Leadership | http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/jega-expresses-fear-over-reconstitution-of-new-inec-leadership/209371/ | |
| ThisDay Live | Friday 15th May 2015 | No Room For Excuses, Buhari Must Deliver On Campaign Promises, Says Lamido | "Jigawa State Governor, Alhaji Sule Lamido, has warned president-elect, Muhammadu Buhari, and the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to ensure they deliver on their electoral promises, adding that Nigerians will not tolerate excuses. Lamido, who spoke at the inauguration of the Shiroro bridge in Niger State, said the APC did not give conditions whether the economy was favourable or not during electioneering. He stated that members of the APC did everything possible to distort the harmony in the country by their campaign and quest for power, adding that they did not raise developmental issues but were busy blackmailing the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He lamented that they were asking for time when during their campaigns they did not give conditions to deliver on their promises." | Nigeria 2015; Muhammadu Buhari; Sule Lamido; Governance | http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/no-room-for-excuses-buhari-must-deliver-on-campaign-promises-says-lamido/209389/ | |
| ThisDay Live | Friday 15th May 2015 | Court Asked To Stop PDP From Forcing Mu'azu, NWC Members To Resign | "Two members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Tasiu Iliyasu Hussaini and Waziri Amadu, have approached an Abuja High Court to stop the PDP from forcing the Chairman of the party, Alhaji Adamu Mua'zu and other executive committee members from resigning their position until after the expiration of their tenure. Tasiu Iliyasu Hussaini and Waziri Amadu, in suit CV/1831/15 dated 14 May 2015, are asking the court to determine whether the National Working Committee of the party can be dissolved or forced to resign their positions without following required procedure laid down by the party's constitution. The plaintiffs, through their counsel, Iliya Dauda and Nafiu Yakubu, asked the court to declare that the NWC of the party cannot be dissolved or forced to resign their positions without following procedure laid down by the party's constitution. The plaintiffs further asked the court to make an order restraining the party from directing Mu’azu and other NWC members from resigning their positions without following the prescribed procedure in the party's constitution. Apart from PDP and Mu’azu, other defendants are Chief Uche Secondus, Deputy National Chairman, Prof. Wale Oladipo, Nationa Secretary, Chief Onwe Solomo Onwe, Deputy National Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, Publicity Secretary, Chief Kema Chikwe, Women Leader, Elder Bolaji Anani, Financial Secretary, Victor Kwom, Legal Adviser, Abubakar Mustapha, Organizing Secretary, Hussaini Maibasira, Youth leader, BalaBuhari, Treasurer and Adewale Adeyanju, Auditor." | Peoples Democratic Party; National Working Commiittee; Court | http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/court-asked-to-stop-pdp-from-forcing-muazu-nwc-members-to-resign/209350/ | |
| ThisDay Live | Friday 15th May 2015 | FG Accuses Oil Marketers Of Blackmail Over Foreign Exchange Losses | "Fears that the prolonged fuel scarcity in the country may yet linger were confirmed yesterday when the federal government failed to agree with the major oil marketers over how much is owed the marketers. While the federal government believes that the marketers are owed N131 billion, the marketers insist that the debt is N200 billion. Findings have shown that the difference between the claims of both parties is essentially based on foreign exchange differentials. The marketers are insisting that they be paid the foreign exchange differentials (when the Naira depreciated against the Dollar) which amounts to about 25 per cent of the said debt. But analysts are worried that the marketers are holding government to ransom, asking: When the marketers enjoyed foreign exchange gains in the past, did they refund the gain to government coffers? Why do they now want government to bear their losses? Even then, the federal government had also paid N37 billion to help marketers defray the foreign exchange differentials. Government believes that it amounts to blackmail for the marketers to insist on being paid for all foreign exchange losses. In addition, government also believes that the payment of the outstanding debt to the marketers can be continued by the incoming government, since government is a continuum." | Oil Marketers; Federal Government | http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/fg-accuses-marketers-of-blackmail-over-foreign-exchange-losses/209353 | |
| Vanguard Online | Thursday 14th May 2015 | Four Edo Govt Officials Arrested Over Cult Activities | "Barely 24 hours after the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Solomon Arase, dispatched a special squad to Edo State to tackle the spate of cultism, kidnapping, robbery and other related crimes, the team has arrested 11 suspected leaders of cult groups in the state, among them, four state government functionaries. Police sources said the team, led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in-charge of Federal Special Anti-robbery Squad, FEDSARS, Chris Ezike, stormed the hideout of the cultists few hours after arriving Benin City and successfully arrested leaders of cult confraternities for alleged complicity and murder of 10 Nigerians in the last one month in Edo State. The cult leaders were arrested on suspicion of conspirac in alleged murder of one Ojo Ayeadu, 55, at old Benin-Auchi Road and nine other persons at different locations in Benin City and its environs. Reacting to the development, an Edo State Government official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said: “Those arrested, from what we gathered, are junior workers of the War Against Indiscipline. The state governor does not condone cultism, which explains why when one of his bodyguards was accused of being involved in cultism, he ordered his arrest, which was done immediately." | Edo State; Cultism; Nigeria Police Force | http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/05/four-edo-govt-officials-arrested-over-cult-activities/ | |
| Vanguard Online | Thursday 14th May 2015 | Impeachment: Speaker Uncovers Police Plot To Detain Him In Enugu | "The Speaker, Enugu State House of Assembly, Mr Eugene Odo, on Thursday alleged that the police want to detain him over a purported forgery of N12 billion naira. Odo, who briefed newsmen in Enugu on Thursday over the impasse between the lawmakers and Gov. Sullivan Chime, called on the Inspector-General of Police to intervene. He noted that in spite of the court order by the Federal High Court sitting in Enugu which restrain the police from curtailing his liberty, granted him and other lawmakers’ unfettered access to the assembly complex. Odo expressed regret that up till Thursday the order was yet to be obeyed by the police. He said he was rather invited by the Commissioner of Police in Enugu on phone over a petition by the governor highlighting issues raised in the impeachment notice. “This is a legislative matter and not a police affair. I suspect a situation where we may be detained and poisoned. This is to bring the matter to the attention of the public and ask the IGP to intervene." | Enugu State House of Assembly; Impeachment | http://linkis.com/www.vanguardngr.com/bHKjg | |
| Vanguard Online | Thursday 14th May 2015 | House Speaker: We’ve Not Endorsed Any Candidate-PDP Reps | Members of the House of Representatives of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP extraction Tuesday said the party has not endorsed any candidate for the position of House Speaker. The PDP Reps in a statement entitled:’No Rush In Choice of Next Speaker: PDP Caucus Has Not Endorsed Anyone’ and signed by Rep Tajudeen Yusuf, PDP, Kogi, said our attention has been drawn to speculations that the PDP, House of Representatives’ Caucus has endorsed one of the candidates seeking the Speakership position in the yet to be convened 8th National Assembly. He said “Such hasty and invalid speculations appear to have been given some mileage by the lone voice of one of our members who recently expressed sentiments in favour of one of the candidates. We hereby unequivocally state that our Caucus has not endorsed anyone for the position of Speaker of the House of Representatives”. | Speakership; Peoples Democratic Party | http://linkis.com/www.vanguardngr.com/4YDxo | |
| Vanguard Newspaper | Thursday 14th May 2015 | Buhari’s Inauguration: Expect Low Key Ceremony –APC | "The inauguration of the president-elect, General Mohammadu Buhari would not be showy, the chairman, All progressives Congress, APC Transition Committee Chairman, Chief Timipre Sylva said Wednesday. Speaking to Journalists in Abuja, Sylva cited the dwindling economy as the reason for the decision. Though he was not categorical about the number of Heads of States anticipated to grace the occasion on May 29, Sylva however said that a number of them would come. He said: “There are no challenges, we are planning very well and I think we are going to give Nigerians a compact inauguration. We are not going to be flamboyant. We think that this country cannot afford a flamboyant ceremony this time because the economy is not in good shape right now. So we are actually planning to give Nigerians a sanitized and compact event which will be a source of pride to Nigerians"". He also dismissed the insinuation that there may be rift between the incoming and the outgoing government." | Nigeria 2015; Transition | 14 | |
| Vanguard Newspaper | Thursday 14th May 2015 | FG Redeploys Aviation Perm Sec Over Unauthorized Leave | "The Federal Government has redeployed the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Aviation, Alhaji Mohammed Abbas to the Economic Affairs Office for proceeding on leave without authorization. This was disclosed, yesterday, by the Head of Service of the Federation, Mr Danladi Kifasi. He said: “In order to put facts right, the Head of Civil Service of the Federation wishes to state categorically that the redeployment of the Permanent Secretary was due to the fact that he proceeded on leave without due authorization. Permanent secretaries are aware that the procedure for being granted leave involves having both the consent of the Minister and approval of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation. It was unfortunate that Alhaji Abbas did not follow this process before commencing his leave. It should also be put on record that all top public servants are aware of the need to be on their seats during the course of the transition programme. It was, therefore, not expected that a Permanent Secretary, who oversees such a strategic sector in the public service, would choose to be on leave at this sensitive period. The Head of the Service of the Federation wishes to emphasize that discipline in the Service is of utmost importance and civil servants no matter how highly placed, must adhere strictly to the rules and regulations of the Service”. | Redeployment; Permanent Secretary; Ministry of Aviation | 5 | |
| Vanguard Newspaper | Thursday 14th May 2015 | Oshodi-Apapa Expressway Gridlock: Lagos Gives Tanker, Truck Drivers 48hrs To Relocate | "Following persistent traffic gridlock in Apapa area which has spilled over into some parts of the State, the Lagos State Government, yesterday, issued a 48-hour ultimatum to tanker drivers parked within 300 meters of fuel depots in the State to relocate to safe parking lots pending the availability of petroleum products. Hundreds of tankers had suddenly emerged on the Eko Bridge towards Funsho Williams Way, as well as Mile 2 Expressway, queuing to load fuel. Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Kayode Opeifa gave the ultimatum while reading the communiqué arrived at after a meeting between the Lagos State government, National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG, Petroleum Tankers Drivers, PTD, National Association of Road Transport owners, NARTO and other stakeholders. The stakeholders’ meeting agreed to use persuasive enforcement to free roads and bridges currently occupied by petrol tankers and other trucks in an anticipated relief to the people. Opeifa said the meeting had agreed that 48 hours should be given to tanker drivers queuing between 200 and 300 meters to the fuel depots to vacate pending availability of the commodity. He said information available from the marketers revealed that there was no fuel in the depots to be lifted." | Tanker Drivers; Lagos State | 10 | |
| ThisDay Live | Thursday 14th May 2015 | Rivers Governorship Tribunal Promises Fairness To All Parties | "The Rivers State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal held its inaugural sitting in Abuja yesterday with a promise to be fair to all the parties. In his inaugural speech, the tribunal chairman, Justice Muazu Abdulkadir Pindiga, appealed to parties and the media to co-operate with the tribunal in the discharge of its duties, without any hindrance. Meanwhile, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in the state, Dakuku Peterside, had alleged that the state governor-elect, Nyesom Wike of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has been evading service of court process in the petition challenging his elections. The tribunal was also told that all attempts by the bailiff of the court to effect service on Wike were futile, due to alleged non-cooperative attitude of the people in the house of the governor-elect. Peterside, through his counsel, Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN) had approached the tribunal challenging the election the election of the PDP candidate on grounds of irregularities and massive rigging. The SAN said in fairness, he could not establish whether it was Wike that instructed his agents not to accept service. He however urged the tribunal to allow him paste the process on the wall in the interest of justice and to avoid unnecessary delay of proceedings. In a short ruling, Justice Muazu Abdulkadir Pindiga granted the prayer of the petitioner and ordered that substituted service be effected on the defendant either by pasting the court process on his gate or at the office of the PDP secretariat in Rivers State." | Rivers 2015; Tribunal | http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/rivers-governorship-tribunal-promises-fairness-to-all-parties/209268/ | |
| ThisDay Live | Thursday 14th May 2015 | Meet Us At Tribunal If You Have Facts, Abia PDP Tells APGA | " The Abia State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), yesterday challenged its main rival, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) to come for a duel at the tribunal if it has any facts instead of feeding the public with “spurious stories” concerning the governorship election won by PDP. The challenge was thrown by the legal committee of PDP 2015 campaign organisation at a press conference held in Umuahia “to put in proper perspective” the insinuations that the ruling party was involved in card reader scandal. Abia state office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) got embroiled in card reader scandal when two staffs were alleged to have been involved in attempt to smuggle out card readers out of the INEC premises but were stopped by a security officer. Leader of PDP legal team, Barr Gabriel Igboko said that the INEC incident was “a seemingly pre-determined drama written by APGA and performed by security personnel at INEC”. He wondered why the opposition should be linking PDP with the INEC incident and going to town with “falsehoods and blackmail”. “If any person wanted to gain from any alteration will it be PDP that has already won the election?” he queried." | Abia 2015 | http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/meet-us-at-tribunal-if-you-have-facts-abia-pdp-tells-apga/209251/ | |
| ThisDay Live | Thursday 14th May 2015 | Speakership: Monguno Consults North-east Members | "One of the aspirants to the office of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Mohammed Tahir Monguno, met yesterday evening with returning members and members-elect from Borno and Yobe States to get their endorsement and support.The meeting took place ins Transcorp Hilton hotel in Abuja. This is part of his plans to synchronise his ambition with the proposed zoning formula of the All Progressives Congress (APC) which has moved the two positions to the South-west and North-east respectively. In anticipation of the ratification of this proposal, Hon. Monguno, who is gunning for the top job in the House, reiterated his commitment to work with whoever the party pairs him with." | Speakership; All progressives Congress; | http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/speakership-monguno-consults-north-east-members/209253/?utm_medium=twitter | |
| ThisDay Live | Thursday 14th May 2015 | Group To Buhari: Don’t Allow The Use Of EFCC For Persecution | "A civil rights group, Transparency Coalition of Nigeria (TCN), has called on the president-elect, General Muhammed Buhari, to shield the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) from being manipulated by politicians to witch-hunt perceived enemies when he assumes office. In a statement issued by its Secretary General, Mr. Peter Gimba, in Abuja yesterday, the TCN said it was concerned about the use of the EFCC for political purposes by the executive arm in the previous years, an act it said had undermined the credibility of the commission and attempts to enshrine transparency in all government business. “The reasons for the establishment of the EFCC remain genuine and the case for the commission remains strong. However, the perceived use of the EFCC by the executive to muzzle or intimidate its real or perceived opponents into submission is a worrisome development that has diminished public confidence in the EFCC and raised questions about the government’s commitment to due process, accountability and transparency. “TCN therefore calls on Buhari to strengthen the EFCC and insulate it from political control, especially by those who seek to use the commission as a weapon of intimidation and blackmail targeted at political opponents,” the group said. TCN claimed that the practice of using EFCC for political reasons has led to a litany of unproven cases that some politicians are using to blackmail opponents who are victims of political persecution through the anti-crime agency." | "A civil rights group, Transparency Coalition of Nigeria (TCN), has called on the president-elect, General Muhammed Buhari, to shield the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) from being manipulated by politicians to witch-hunt perceived enemies when he assumes office. In a statement issued by its Secretary General, Mr. Peter Gimba, in Abuja yesterday, the TCN said it was concerned about the use of the EFCC for political purposes by the executive arm in the previous years, an act it said had undermined the credibility of the commission and attempts to enshrine transparency in all government business. “The reasons for the establishment of the EFCC remain genuine and the case for the commission remains strong. However, the perceived use of the EFCC by the executive to muzzle or intimidate its real or perceived opponents into submission is a worrisome development that has diminished public confidence in the EFCC and raised questions about the government’s commitment to due process, accountability and transparency. “TCN therefore calls on Buhari to strengthen the EFCC and insulate it from political control, especially by those who seek to use the commission as a weapon of intimidation and blackmail targeted at political opponents,” the group said. TCN claimed that the practice of using EFCC for political reasons has led to a litany of unproven cases that some politicians are using to blackmail opponents who are victims of political persecution through the anti-crime agency." | http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/group-to-buhari-don-t-allow-the-use-of-efcc-for-persecution/209261/?utm_medium=twitter | |
| ThisDay Live | Thursday 14th May 2015 | Learn To Tell The Truth, PDP Tells APC Spokesman | " The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has advised the National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Lai Mohammed, to learn to be truthful, honest and desist from fabricating lies that could be injurious to democracy and peaceful co-existence in the country. The PDP National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh, in a statement yesterday said: “But for the maturity of President Goodluck Jonathan and the head of the APC’s Transition Committee, Alhaji Ahmed Joda, who cleared the air, the country would have been thrown into crisis over the false alert by Lai Mohammed that the presidency was frustrating the transition process. “After Joda debunked Mohammed’s false statement and denied that his committee was being frustrated by the PDP-led presidency, we waited for 48 hours expecting the APC spokesman to apologise to the nation, but this has not been done. The APC spokesman must realise that his style which is anchored on lies has negatively impacted the polity, especially hundreds of young Nigerians who now engage in insults and fabrications in the media thinking that such is what party publicity is all about. Mohammed should know that the campaigns with its attendant propaganda are over and that Nigerians expect a more mature and patriotic behaviour from the political class. He should therefore learn to get his facts right and be truthful in his statements at all times,” the PDP said." | Nigeria 2015; All Progressives Congress; Peoples Democratic Party | http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/learn-to-tell-the-truth-pdp-tells-apc-spokesman/209278/?utm_medium=twitter | |
| ThisDay Live | Thursday 14th May 2015 | Blair: Nigeria Has Won Global Respect, Promises Assistance | "A former British Prime Minister, Mr. Tony Blair, has said Nigeria's peaceful elections and transition of power have earned her respect throughout the whole world. Speaking shortly after a meeting with the president-elect, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd), the ex-British prime minister said Nigeria's image has gone up since the last election, with the clear signs of a peaceful transition by May 29. Blair however assured Buhari of the goodwill and support of the international community to Nigeria based on the peaceful transition of power. ""In the last few weeks, Nigeria has earned respect throughout the whole world. There is enormous support for Nigeria now in the international community. The support takes into consideration the challenges that lie ahead and there is great confidence in the country,"" he said." | Nigeria 2015; Britain Tony Blair | http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/blair-nigeria-has-won-global-respect-promises-assistance/209291/?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter | |
| Daily Trust | Thursday 14th May 2015 | Enugu APC Tells Nnaji, Nwobodo To Stay Away From Party | "The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu State has emphasized that it would not admit any member of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) into its fold for now. APC’s publicity secretary in the state, Mrs. Kate Offor, made the position of the party known on Wednesday while briefing newsmen on the outcome of its enlarged State Executive Committee meeting. The publicity secretary said the SEC is disgusted over some elements within Enugu APC who, without authorisation or due process, have already held secret meetings with some PDP members who want to defect to APC. Offor warned that the party would not delay to sanction any member found to be covertly or overtly involving himself in any plot to admit any PDP member until a time authorized by the party. However, when contacted by on phone, Nnaji said he still remains in PDP. “I receive everybody in my house. I receive PDP. I receive APC. Yes, I received APC people in my home, but that doesn’t mean I want to defect to the party. I still remain PDP” Nnaji said." | Enugu 2015; All Progressives Congress; Defection | http://dailytrust.com.ng/daily/politics/54703-enugu-apc-tells-nnaji-nwobodo-to-stay-away-from-party | |
| Daily Trust | Thursday 14th May 2015 | Jos North Votes Made Me Governor —Lalong | "The governor-elect of Plateau State, Simon Lalong, has said that the votes of Hausa/Fulani community in Jos North made him win the April 11 governorship election in the state. Lalong, who stated this when the Hausa/Fulani leadership in Jos paid him a visit at Green House Presidential Lodge in Jos, said though his victory was from God, he appreciated the contribution of the Hausa/Fulani community in Jos. He said: “My victory is from the Almighty God and is for all the people of the state, but I must appreciate and thank the Hausa community of Jos for the love, fellowship and support for my candidature. My little daughter had consistently asked me what is Jos North, as many people who come to my house come from Jos North, but I have tried to explain to her and, at the end, I told her that people of Jos North are the ones that made me the governor of Plateau State.” “I want to thank the people of the state for their confidence and trust in me to lead them. Under my leadership, our government will carry all the people along and we will be just and fair to all, irrespective of ethnic or religious background. Peace had been restored in Jos. Jos is now peaceful, my appeal to you is to preach peace and work to consolidate the peace process.” In his remark at the event, President of Jasawa Community Development Association (JCDA) Shehu Masalla, called on Lalong to reconstruct the Jos Main Market and pursue policies that would enhance business in the state." | Plateau 2015 | http://dailytrust.com.ng/daily/politics/54700-jos-north-votes-made-me-governor-lalong | |
| Daily Trust | Thursday 14th May 2015 | Civil Society, NBA Call For Signing Of Justice Bill | "Civil Society leaders and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) yesterday commended the National Assembly for passing into law the Administration of Criminal Justice (ACJ) Bill 2014 and called on President Goodluck Jonathan to sign it into law before leaving office. Speaking at a joint press briefing in Abuja, Prof Yemi Akinseye George (SAN) Director, Centre for Socio-Legal Studies and a member of the civil society group working on the ACJ Bill, said that if it becomes a law, it would address most of the problems currently faced in the administration of criminal justice in Nigeria. Some of the problems faced include delay in investigation and prosecution of criminal cases and long remand of suspects in prison custody without trial. The Bill, if signed into law, provides for alternative sentences other than prison custody, such as community service, parole, and suspended sentence as a way of reducing prison congestion. The Bill was prepared in 2006 by a National Working Group on the Reform of Criminal Justice Administration set up by the then Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Bayo Ojo (SAN)." | Justice Bill; | http://dailytrust.com.ng/daily/news/54710-civil-society-nba-call-for-signing-of-justice-bill | |
| Daily Trust | Thursday 14th May 2015 | Tribunal Orders Substituted Service On Dankwambo | "Gombe State Election Petition Tribunal has ordered that service on Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo should be done through substituted means. The tribunal gave the order after entertaining a motion by Chief Niyi Akintola, counsel to the All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial candidate, Mohammed Inuwa Yahaya. Chairman of governorship petitions tribunal in the State, Justice M. O. Adewara, gave the order while ruling on an application by the APC candidate. The APC and its governorship candidate have alleged that some of the results from 11 local government areas in the state were either inconclusive or marred with electoral malpractices." | Gombe 2015; Tribunal | http://dailytrust.com.ng/daily/politics/54698-tribunal-orders-substituted-service-on-dankwambo | |
| Daily Trust | Thursday 14th May 2015 | Bauchi APC Denies Collecting Money Up To N565 Million From State Government | "The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bauchi State has denied collecting the sum of N565 million from the state government. The Publicity Secretary of APC, Auwal Jallah, said this, yesterday, in Bauchi, adding: “No one collected such a huge amount of money from the State government”. Auwal described the story as false, saying it was meant to tarnish the image of the governor-elect. “To put the record straight, it is the tradition for every transition committee to receive little token from the outgoing administration, and that was the only money received from the Bauchi State Government. And it is not up to one tenth of the amount quoted"", he said." | Bauchi 2015; Transition | http://dailytrust.com.ng/daily/politics/54696-bauchi-apc-denies-collecting-n565-million-from-state-government | |
| Daily Trust | Thursday 14th May 2015 | Niger Assembly Resumes Sitting After 8 Days’ Closure | "Niger State House of Assembly resumed sitting yesterday after a forceful eight days closure of the assembly complex by the police. Crisis began in the House of Assembly after the former speaker, Barrister Adamu Usman, was impeached and the member representing Bida 1, Isa Kawu, elected as new Speaker. The imbroglio reached its climax when the former Speaker, who is enjoying the backing of the executive claimed to have secured a court order restraining the lawmakers from impeaching him while on the other hand, the lawmakers argued that they only received the court order after the impeachment had taken place. The sitting was earlier planned to take place outside the Assembly complex as the police denied the lawmakers access but an agreement was reached between the warring factions leading to the withdrawal of police from the Assembly to enable the members to sit. The House of Assembly under the new speaker commenced sitting by deliberating on the messages from the executive that the Governor had sent two bills for the establishment of Niger State Investment Promotion Agency and Niger State Council for Art and Culture as well as an invitation for the commissioning of Shiroro bridge." | Niger State House of Assembly; Impeachment | ||
| Daily Trust | Thursday 14th May 2015 | Buhari Should Declare Assets Publicly To Succeed In Anti-Corruption War —Sam Eke | The presidential candidate of CPP in the recently conducted general elections, Chief Sam Eke, has advised the President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari, to declare his assets publicly in order to succeed in anti-corruption campaign. Chief Eke made this assertion in an interview with Daily Trust. He said "everybody that is coming on board must declare his/her assets not just going to Code of Conduct Bureau to fill one document which Nigerians do not have access to. We are saying if you have the enormous resources, if you have the ability to run a presidential campaign, you should be able to take up a newspaper advert and publish your assets and liabilities for Nigerians to know. By so doing, by the time you are stepping out of office, we can now compare your entry and exit points, but for one to just go to Code of Conduct Bureau and fill that document, we are not taking that. For Muhammadu Buhari to fight corruption too, as a leader, he must show total example. You don’t only have to be prudent, you must be seen to be prudent. These are the major factors that if taken into consideration, corruption will be nipped in the bud." | Corruption; Muhammadu Buhari | ||
| Daily Trust Newspaper | Monday 4th May 2015 | NDIC Sues Doyin Okupe, Others Over Unpaid Debt | "The Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), liquidator of Gulf Bank Nigeria Plc, has sued the Senior Special Assistant to President Goodluck Jonathan on Public Affairs, Dr. Doyin Okupe and two others over unpaid debt. Joined as co-defendants in the suit filed at the Federal High Court in Lagos are an investment company, Value Trust Investment Limited, and a director of the company, Mr. Ray Ahazie. NDIC is claiming from Okupe, who is the Chairman of the company and other defendant, N34, 168, 064. 51. as outstanding balance of a loan they took from Gulf Bank Plc. It is also claiming the interest on the said sum at the rate of 21 percent per annum from May 2007, until the final liquidation of the said amount. Presiding judge, Saliu Saidu, adjourned till July 8." | Senior Special Assistant to President on Public Affairs; Debp; NDIC | 8 | |
| Daily Trust Newspaper | Monday 4th May 2015 | Wamakko Revoked, Allocated My Land To Son —Guber Candidate | "A former gubernatorial candidate in Sokoto State under the platform of the Independent Democratic Party, Alhaji Ibrahim Babajo has accused the state governor Aliyu Magatakar Wammako of revoking his plot of land and allocating it to his son. Contacted, both spokesman to Governor Wamakko, Sani Umar and the State Commissioner for Information, Malam Danladi Bako evaded making comments. Daily Trust put a call to the spokesman Umar but he declined comment arguing that such matters are handled by the state commissioner for Information. When a call was placed to the Commissioner of Information, Malam Danladi Bako, he did not answer it but replied a text message saying: “If it’s about a news item please get in touch with Senior Special Assistant on Media, Sani Umar.” The businessman-cum politician alleged that the plots number 11 and 12, located along Bodinga road behind Usmanu Danfodio University Teaching Hospital in Sokoto were revoked by Wammako immediately after the 2015 general elections. Alhaji Babajo further alleged that Wamakko allocated the said plots to one of his sons by name Bello Coach who is working with the Sokoto State Specialist Hospital." | Sokoto 2015 | 7 | |
| ThisDay Live | Monday 4th May 2015 | Suntai’s Doctor, 13 Others Face Probe For Negligence, Misconduct | "The personal physician to the ailing Governor Danbaba Suntai of Taraba State, Dr. Zakari Aliyu, is among the 14 doctors arraigned at the Medical and Dental Practitioners’ Disciplinary Tribunal in Abuja for misconduct. Aliyu, who was also the Chief Medical Director at Taraba State Specialist Hospital, is facing one-count charge of divulging information regarding the health record of the governor which was published by media houses. According to the charge sheet, Aliyu’s conducted himself “infamously in respect of the offence contrary to rule 44 of the code of Medical Ethics in Nigeria 2008 edition and punishable under section 16(1)(a) and (2) of the Medical and Dental Practitioners Act, Cap. M8 laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.” Beside Aliyu, about 13 other medical doctors are expected to appear before the tribunal for various offences ranging from improper conduct to negligence of duty. Others doctors expected to appear before the tribunal which commenced a four day sitting starting from yesterday are Fibian Osuji, Freeman Miri, Sunday Elusoji, Iyiola Joseph, Obafemi Kuye, Mukaila Oyewunmi, Erinfolarin Adebayo, Bolanle Adeyemi Ola, Rasaq Akintunde Akindele and Olaide Festus Bolaji. In his remarks, the Chairman of the tribunal, Prof. Jonathan Azubuike, said the tribunal would take all necessary steps to ensure quick dispensation of justice, stressing that “a lot of water has passed under the bridge, and we have been struggling to ensure that cases get judgments.” The tribunal has the status of a High Court as its judgment can be appealed only before the Court of Appeal." | Medical and Dental Practitioners’ Disciplinary Tribunal; Danbaba Suntai | 51 | |
| ThisDay Live | Monday 4th May 2015 | ASUU Faults Removal Of Governing Council Chairmen | "The recent sack of the chairmen of the council of federal government-owned universities has drawn the ire of academic staff at the University of Ibadan as they vehemently opposed the development with a call on the government to reverse the decision, so as not to turn the schools to object of ridicule in the face of extant laws and laid down principles. To this end, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Ibadan branch, described the sack of council chairmen as illegal and flagrant abuse on the autonomy of universities. A statement signed by the UI ASUU Chairman, Professor Segun Ajiboye, said the union viewed the sack of chairmen of governing councils as unwarranted, ill-conceived and totally unacceptable to it. Ajiboye pointedly said: “It was done in bad fate and against the hallowed tradition and sanctity of the principle of university autonomy/academic freedom and agreement reached with the union to respect same.” He continued: “The Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1993 as amended clearly states the tenure of Council thus: “The council so constituted shall have a tenure of four years from the date of its inauguration, provided that where a council is found to be incompetent and corrupt, it shall be dissolved by the Visitor and a new council shall be immediately constituted for the effective functioning of the university.” | ASUU; Governing Council; Federal Government | 51 | |
| ThisDay Live | Monday 4th May 2015 | Senate Passes Anti-Tobacco Bill, Spells Six Months’ Jail For Culprits | "The Senate Tuesday passed the Tobacco Control Bill 2015 with the provision of six months imprisonment for anyone caught smoking in public places. The passage followed the adoption of the report of Senate Committee on Health presented by Senator Chris Ngige on behalf of the committee chairman, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa. The committee, however, said it found that “if tobacco regulation becomes excessively restrictive and legitimate producers close shops, smokers would continue to smoke. Demand would then be met via smuggled cigarette thereby transferring jobs and revenue to other countries.” The committee also lamented that absence of adequate legal framework had greatly affected the nation’s ability to get required data base or actual numbers of smokers. The committee also noted that smokers have the right to make lifestyle choices but in excercising such right, they must not harm others." | Anti-Tobacco Bill; The Senate | 50 | |
| Vanguard Newspaper | Monday 4th May 2015 | Why Mu’azu Should Bow Out —Ex-Reps Member | "A former member of the House of Representatives, Mr Femi Kehinde, has thrown his weight behind those clamouring for the resignation of the embattled national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu. In a statement entitled “Mu’azu and the moral burden”, the former legislator said the resignation should not be limited to the National Working Committee but to the state, local government and ward levels. The former lawmaker argued that in a saner climse, this call would have been unnecessary as party leaders were usually the concomitant effect of lost elections. ‘’But it is only in Nigeria, that a failed teacher would still want to teach his pupils, despite poor outings in examinations,” he said. Citing the recent resignation of the Labour Party leader in the United Kingdom, following its defeat at the polls, Kehinde said the fortune of the PDP now was at its low ebb." | Nigeria 2015; Peoples Democratic Party; National Working Committee | 15 | |
| Vanguard Newspaper | Monday 4th May 2015 | Traditional Ruler Election: Community Alleges Enugu Commissioner’s Interference | "Leaders of Thought of Mpu in Isi-Uzo Local Government Area of Enugu State have alleged interference from the state Commissioner for Chieftaincy Matter, Mr. Emeka Abugu, on the election of its traditional ruler. Addressing newsmen at a joint briefing ,Mr. Robert Duhu,Chairman ,Mr.Godwin Asuke, Secretary and Mr. Godwin Duhu,Youth Leader, regretted that the activities of the commissioner, if not check, was capable of turning Mpu into a battle field. Frowning on the accusation,the commissioner, Mr. Emeka Abugu, said: “It is ridicules that people who have not presented themselves for election will bandy falsehood. They want to distablize the peace prevailing in the community and Enugu State. I have stipulated the date for the election. Anybody who is interested in the traditional ruler stool should present himself for the people to make their choice.” | Traditional Ruler Election; Enugu State | 15 | |
| Vanguard Newspaper | Monday 4th May 2015 | Rivers Assembly To Order Arrest Of Commissioners Who Fail To Appear Tomorrow | "Rivers State House of Assembly has threatened to order the arrest of any commissioner or Head of state government parastatal who fails to appear before it tomorrow. Deputy Speaker of the House, Leyii Kwanee, during plenary, yesterday, at the auditorium of the Old Government House, Port Harcourt, warned those invited not to test the will of the House, adding that as lawmakers they were determined to continue to promote the interest of the state. He said they should all appear on Thursday. The lawmakers had ordered nine commissioners and heads of some government agencies to appear before it on Monday when they sat but was disappointed as a only a few complied with the order. Kwane, who noted that some of those invited sent words that they were engaged with crucial assignments, said they should all be on the floor of the chamber tomorrow." | Rivers State | 13 | |
| Vanguard Newspaper | Monday 4th May 2015 | Ekiti Kidnappings: NMA, ASUU Jittery As 7 Members Receive Kidnap Notice | "Worried by the spate of kidnapping of its members, both the Nigeria Medical Association, NMA and the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, have called for a total overhaul of the security strategies in the state, even as no fewer than seven doctors had received text messages from alleged kidnappers. Six persons, including the former Chief Medical Director, CMD, Dr Patrick Adegun and a Nurse working with the Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido Ekiti, Mrs Margaret Aladeleka were abducted in different parts of the state in the last few weeks. Also, a lecturer at Obafemi Awolowo University, Dr Femi Omisore was abducted at the weekend, while his driver was killed at Ido Ekiti. Speaking at a joint press conference in Ado Ekiti yesterday the NMA and ASUU expressed concerns over their members becoming target of kidnapping, lamenting that the Police and the Department of State Services, DSS, are not handling the matter professionally. Through the ASUU, Akure Zonal Coordinator, Dr Alex Odiyia, the lecturers appealed to Governor Ayodele Fayose to get rid of hoodlums for Ekiti to be peaceful. “The government should as a matter of urgency overhaul the entire Police Force and other relevant agencies saddled with the responsibility of keeping peace in the state and more importantly relocate the heads of both services who find it difficult to unravel the root cause of our present predicament”. The ASUU chief, who was represented by Dr Bola Oniya, said that the security chiefs were allegedly treating the nefarious activities with laxity, calling on all appropriate authorities to act fast. “It is sad to know that the nefarious, inhuman and dehumanizing activities of these hoodlums heralded the arrival of the new Police Commissioner, Mr Joshua Ibine and the Director of DSS, Mr Duke Fubarain." | Ekiti State; Kidnap | 11 | |
| Vanguard Newspaper | Monday 4th May 2015 | N4.5b Fuel Subsidy Fraud: Ahmadu Ali’s Son, Others Re-arraigned | "Mamman, son of former Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Ahmadu Ali, and two others were re-arraigned before a Lagos State High Court in Ikeja, for alleged complicity in N4.5 billion fuel subsidy fraud, Tuesday. Ali was re-arraigned alongside another oil marketer, Christian Taylor and his company, Nasa-man Oil Services Ltd, by the Economic and Finan-cial Crimes Commission, EFCC. The defendants were previously arraigned on July 26,2012 and their trial had commenced before their co-defendant, Oluwaseun Ogunbambo, absconded. This necessitated amend-ment of the charge against the defendants which led to the re-arraignment. The matter was adjourned till June 30." | Fuel Subsidy Fraud; EFCC | 7 | |
| Vanguard Online | Wednesday 13th May 2015 | Syndicate Pockets N33m, Recruits 3,000 Illegally Into Nigerian Prisons | "A syndicate within the Nigerian Prison Service has successfully recruited no fewer than 3,000 officers and men through the backdoor into the paramilitary agency barely a few weeks to the end of the present administration. Vanguard confirmed from inside prison sources that each of the new recruits was made to pay a compulsory levy of N11,000 cash to a designated senior officer at the headquarters of the Nigerian Prison Service in Abuja, thereby enriching the officials involved in the illegal exercise by N33 million. The money, it was learnt, would be shared among top officials on a formula to be decided by those in the syndicate. The NPS is said to have devised the means to swell its ranks under the guise of ‘replacing 300’ staff who had left the service and to also rake in some money for some key officers while proving an avenue for them to recruit their loved ones, friends and associates into the agency of government since official recruitment was not possible given the economic down-turn in the country. Vanguard investigations revealed that to keep the illegal recruitment from prying eyes, the NPS has directed the new recruits to report directly to its training schools in Kaduna, Owerri and Lagos for documentation and commencement of training instead of doing same at the NPS headquarters, as is the norm for new recruits." | Nigerian Prison Service; Illegal Recruitment | http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/05/syndicate-pockets-n33m-recruits-3000-illegally-into-nigerian-prisons/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter#sthash.bs2iZ846.dpuf | |
| Vanguard Newspaper | Wednesday 13th May 2015 | PDP Reps ‘ll Vote Dogara For Speaker – Okwu | "One of the leading All Progressives Congress, APC, members contending for the speakership of House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, received the endorsement of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, caucus, yesterday. A re-elected member of the House, Samson Okwu, who spoke on behalf of returning PDP members, said the caucus was determined to enthrone Dogara from Bauchi State as the next Speaker. Okwu, representing Oju/Obi federal constituency, Benue State, said members were more disposed to working with a Speaker that will have a general appeal than someone who would likely be subservient to a godfather. He also stressed that though members were elected on different political party platforms, what was of utmost importance to them as federal parliamentarians was the overall interest of the country." | Speakership; All progressives Congress; | 54 | |
| Vanguard Newspaper | Wednesday 13th May 2015 | APC Plotting To Take Over Rivers, A-Ibom, Delta, PDP Alleges | "The national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, yesterday, raised alarm that the All Progressives Congress, APC, was plotting to take over Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Delta states where the PDP genuinely won. Addressing newsmen in Abuja, yesterday, PDP National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, raised the alarm, arguing the PDP was ready for the love of the country to put behind it, cases of alleged election malpractices and anomalies that took place in some states in the north. The party, which warned the APC not to take for granted its decision to concede defeat, alleged that the APC was planning to procure and compromise some stakeholders in the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and security personnel to doctor electoral materials against the PDP at the tribunal. Metuh, who noted that as a party, it must not be treated as conquered people, however, threatened that it will not accept any move by anybody to manipulate the process and rob it of clear victories in these states or any other state. ""As we speak, APC has resorted to instigating crisis, inciting the people while mobilizing resources to arm-twist the judiciary ostensibly to torpedo the will of the people in these states. In particular, our findings show that in Delta, Rivers and Akwa Ibom states, the APC machinery is working round the clock to ensure that it upturn the victory of the PDP and the mandate freely given to us by the people in these states,"" he said." | Nigeria 2015; All Progressives Congress; Peoples Democratic Party | 9 | |
| Daily Trust Newspaper | Wednesday 13th May 2015 | Kogi 2016: Group Kicks Against Audu’s Return | "An umbrella body of Kogi professionals resident in the state and other parts of Nigeria, the Kogi Renewal Group, has kicked against plans by the former governor, Prince Abubakar Audu, to return as governor in 2016. Chairman of the group, Dr. Abubakar Yakubu, told newsmen that the group has been following the media campaign by the former governor to launch his campaign for the 2016 governorship election under the platform of the APC. “Former Governor Abubakar Audu has been all over the media recently subtly campaigning for his ambition to come back to rule Kogi State under the APC. “We agree that the PDP government has failed Kogi State in the last 16 years and we need change as demonstrated by the victory of General Muhammadu Buhari in the just concluded general elections. But the change we want is not Abubakar Audu,” Yakubu said. The group said Audu who in his recent interviews strongly supported zoning and sharing of offices at the national level should also do same in Kogi State by canvassing and supporting other candidates outside Kogi East senatorial district to become the state governor in 2016. He said that other parts of Kogi State have been generous by supporting candidates from Kogi East in the last 16 years. The group therefore said it is time for Kogi East senatorial district to reciprocate in the spirit of the wind of change blowing in the country to allow other parts of the state to occupy Lugard House come 2016." | Kogi Decides 2015; Abubakar Audu | 24 | |
| Daily Trust Newspaper | Wednesday 13th May 2015 | Suleiman Joins Race For Deputy Speaker | "Chairman of the House of Representatives committee on education, Aminu Suleiman Goro has joined the race for the deputy speaker of the House, Daily Trust learnt in Abuja yesterday. Sources close to the Kano State lawmaker said Suleiman is joining the race with the hope that the deputy speaker’s seat will be zoned to the North-west by leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC). It was gathered that Suleiman, who represents Fagge Federal Constituency, has since commenced mobilizing for support from his colleagues should the seat be zoned to his region. “I can tell you that Suleiman is in the race for deputy speaker. We’re already on ground mobilizing and canvassing for support for him. You know he has done well as chairman of education committee, and most of us close to him feel that he will make a good deputy speaker,” said one of the lawmakers close to him. Another lawmaker, who also pleaded not to be named said they would soon come public with their plans on how to go about campaigning full blast for Suleiman. It was learnt that Suleiman is still keeping his ambition among his friends circle “in order not to preempt the party’s decision on zoning." | Speakership; All progressives Congress; | 9 | |
| ThisDay Live | Wednesday 13th May 2015 | Lack of Quorum Foils Senate's Veto On Constitution Amendment | "The Senate could not begin the process of overriding President Goodluck Jonathan's veto on constitution amendment bill Tuesday because attendance in the chamber fell short of the required two-thirds majority on constitution amendment. The National Assembly had gazetted the bill on Monday to mark the commencement of the process of overriding the president's veto on the amendment. Consequently, the Senate listed the bill for first reading yesterday but was stood down for lack of quorum. Hence, at the end of the session, Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu, who presided over yesterday's sitting, announced that the Senate would hold an executive session on the amendment before today's sitting. He appealed to his colleagues to make it a date with history by turning out in a large number for the meeting. If the bill makes it to the third reading, then it has successfully overridden the president's veto otherwise, the veto stays. It was learnt yesterday that senators were divided over the amendment. Some were said to have agreed with the president that the amendment process was flawed and hence, the matter should be laid to rest, while others believe that the process was right and the amendment must stay. Nevertheless, the outcome of today's executive session will determine the way forward for the bill." | Constitution Amendment; Supreme Court; National Assembly; Presidency | 6 | |
| ThisDay Live | Wednesday 13th May 2015 | Jonathan Leads Buhari On Villa Tour May 28 | "Pursuant to his promise of a peaceful handover of the reins of government, President Goodluck Jonathan has offered to lead the President-elect, Maj. Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (rtd), on a guided tour of the structures and facilities of the Presidential Villa. This will be done on May 28, a day to the official handover to Buhari. The tour of the Presidential Villa, which will also include the Vice-President-elect, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, is part of the decisions reached at the valedictory Council of State meeting which held in Abuja on Tuesday. The Council of State ratified the programme of both the federal government and incoming government's transition committees for final transmission of power on May 29. The Niger State Governor, Babangida Aliyu, and his Benue State counterpart, Gabriel Suswan, jointly briefed State House correspondents after the meeting. Aliyu told journalists that President Jonathan is expected to take the president-elect and his deputy on a familiarisation tour of the Presidential Villa, the seat of government." | Nigeria 2015; Transition | 1 & 6 | |
| The Nation Newspaper | Wednesday 13th May 2015 | Buhari To Get Jonathan’s Handover Notes May 28 | "President Goodluck Jonathan will on May 28 lead President-elect Gen. Muhammadu Buhari on a tour of the Presidential Villa. Benue State Governor Gabriel Suswam yesterday broke the news to State House correspondents at the end of the Council of State meeting in Abuja. He briefed journalists alongside Niger State Governor Babangida Aliyu. According to him, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Col. Sambo Dasuki, briefed the Council on the war against Boko Haram, assuring all that the incoming government will have less to do on insecurity. Aliyu said President Jonathan will give the handover notes to the President-elect on May 28. A dinner will be held on the same day. The inauguration of the new government, he said, will hold on May 29. According to Aliyu, many African and world leaders will attend the inauguration." | Nigeria 2015; Transition | 1 & 4 | |
| Daily Trust Newspaper | Wednesday 13th May 2015 | Controversy Over N24.6bn FG’s Housing Bond...10 Days To Maturity, No Payment Plans | "Controversies surround the payment of the N24.56 billion bond raised to ensure the successful implementation of the federal government’s housing monetisation scheme in 2005, investigations have revealed. The Bond issuance programme, according to documents obtained by Daily Trust, was initiated at the instance of the Federal Government of Nigeria by the current Minister of Finance, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala 10 years ago to ensure the success of the sale of the federal government non-essential residential houses in the FCT to public servants, under the monetisation policy of the President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration. At the moment, each of the key facilitators of the bond - ministry of finance, Debt Management Office and the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria trying to wash its hands off the deal. The document revealed that the maturity date for the bond is May 24, 2015, but there appeared to be no fund to redeem the bond, as contained in the agreements. The forestall of the deal imposing a crisis on the economy already devastated by the fall in oil price. The document showed that most of the mortgage loan originator/servicer and other beneficiaries of the houses defaulted in payments. Total bond amount was N100 billion to be raised in series with the federal government serving as guarantor while the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) served as transaction servicer. Other parties, 23 in number, were also involved in the Bond transaction. " | Federal Government; Housing Bond | 27 | |
| Leadership News Online | Wednesday 13th May 2015 | BVN To Curb Forex Arbitrage As Deadline Nears | With six weeks to the June 30, 2015 deadline for bank customers to have their biometrics registered for their Bank Verification Number (BVN), executive director at Sterling Bank, Mr Abubakar Suleiman has said when fully implemented, the BVN will help to curb arbitrage in the foreign exchange market. Suleiman, who disclosed this at an interactive session with newsmen in Lagos, explained that with the BVN, each bank customer will have a unique identification, which will make it easy to prevent people from flouting the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) recent policy on the use of naira denominated debit cards for transactions abroad. The Bankers Committee and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) had cut spending limits on naira denominated cards for transactions abroad. The policy reduced the spending limit on the usage of the naira denominated debit cards for transactions abroad, from $150,000 per person annually, to $50,000 per person annually, while daily cash withdrawal limit on the card was also fixed at $300 per person. However, despite the reduction in the spending limit, industry watchers argue that bank customers some could attempt to circumvent this policy by opening several bank accounts and using the naira debit cards they will be given to make withdrawals above the limit. But according to Mr. Suleiman, this will not be feasible when the BVN initiative is fully implemented, as each bank customer will have a BVN that will give him/her a unique identity that will be known to every player in the financial sector. Thus, when such a customer has reached the limit of his naira debit card spending abroad, he will not be able to use another card as the system will immediately recognize him. | Bank Verification Number (BVN); Forex | http://leadership.ng/business/432755/bvn-to-curb-forex-arbitrage-as-deadline-nears | |
| Daily Trust Newspaper | Wednesday 13th May 2015 | Mu’azu Abroad As Jonathan Summons PDP Meeting | "President Goodluck Jonathan has called an emergency meeting of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for today, the first since his party lost the general elections. But the National chairman, Ahmadu Adamu Mu’azu, said he would not be able to attend because he was abroad already to take care of his health on doctor’s advice. His office issued a statement yesterday in Abuja saying he was currently “undergoing medical attention abroad and will return to the country as soon as his doctors are satisfied with his medical condition.” The statement said President Jonathan, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the party, Chief Tony Anenih; Senate President David Mark; and members of the National Working Committee of the party were all aware of the Chairman’s medical trip abroad. Sources within the PDP said the president scheduled the meeting for today because Mu’azu’s travel notice to him suggested he would return to the country today. The PDP has been hit by infighting since the president lost his re-election bid. State governors of the PDP blamed Mu’azu and the National Working Committee for the party’s dismal outing in the election and demanded that they resign from their posts." | Nigeria 2015; Peoples Democratic Party | 1 & 5 | |
| Leadership News Online | Wednesday 13th May 2015 | Water Scarcity: Frustration, Anger As Adamawa Residents Lament High Cost Of Commodity | "Residents of Adamawa state have continued to grapple with the problem of perennial water scarcity despite the fact that the state has large body of rivers and dams dotting its landscape MOHAMMD ISMAIL, Yola writes. Even the residents of the state capital were not spared the debilitating hardship of acute water shortage let alone the people residing in the hinterland of the state who have to grapple with water-related problems like cholera, dysentery and other ailments. Despite the humongous amount of monies earmarked by the state government in its annual budget in the water sub sector, availability of water has continued to defy the state as many in the state capital have to trek long distances to get the commodity while in some instances, children abandoned schools in search of water. For instance, almost all the taps that are connected to the state water board in the state have dried up for a long time as water has since stop rushing out of them. Some of the residents of Yola LEADERSHIP spoke with expressed dissatisfaction with government’s lackluster attitude towards providing the commodity despite its importance and relevance to life. Alhaji Bakari Bello noted with concern that people spend significant part of their income to get water despite being in a state that is blessed with massive water bodies like River Benue, River Kiri and a host of other water bodies. All effort to speak with authorities of the state water board on the issue proved abortive but a source at the board said they encounter a lot of problems in the discharge of their responsibilities which results in poor service delivery. The source noted that most of the budgetary provisions to the sector over the years end up being cornered by high ranking state officials while dearth of electricity, high cost of chlorine and dilapidated infrastructure contributes to the malfunctioning of the board." | Water Scarcity; Adamawa State | http://leadership.ng/features/432756/water-scarcity-frustration-anger-as-adamawa-residents-lament-high-cost-of-commodity | |
| Leadership News Online | Wednesday 13th May 2015 | Group Advocates Death Penalty For Corruption | "An Abuja-based nongovernmental organisation, Voice of the Voiceless has advocated that the federal government should attach death penalty as capital punishment for corruption in Nigeria. Speaking to journalists during a march against corruption yesterday in Abuja, the group’s president, Comrade Oliver Ezeama, said they staged the campaign advocating for death penalty for corruption because it is destroying the nation speedily, saying they want it to be killed from its root instead of just being managed. Ezeama said the nation has tried to fight corruption through various methods in the past to no avail, adding that some set of people are busy feeding fat on proceeds of corruption to the detriment of the larger society. He said: “Look at other African countries progressing; countries that Nigeria started with; they are far ahead of us and we are still behind. All these countries that are far ahead of us do not have oil or natural resources as much as we do but they are all progressing." | Corruption; Death Penalty; CSO | http://leadership.ng/news/432771/group-advocates-death-penalty-for-corruption | |
| Leadership News Online | Wednesday 13th May 2015 | NIMC Union Protests Impending Sack Of 1000 Workers | "The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) workers under the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN), yesterday protested against impending sack of 1000 of its members. The protesters laid siege at the entrances of the commission preventing vehicular movements and normal work activities in the premises. They accused Director General of the commission, Mr Chris Onyemenam, of tribalism and misappropriation of funds. Chairman of the Trade Union Congress TUC, FCT, Comrade Aliyu Abdul Hakeem, condemned what he described as unlawful labour practices in the commission. He said,” There is a lot of unholy labour practices going on in this premises. It is like a slave camp where the labour laws are not respected, where the CEOs treats their workers as if they are slaves .” But in his reaction, NIMC‘s General Manager, Corporate Communication, Mr. Abdulhamid Umar, faulted the union’s demands, saying that the affected workers did not scale through the verification process. According to him, the certificates presented for employment by the affected employees were forged and fake." | Labour; NIMC | http://leadership.ng/news/432774/nimc-union-protests-impending-sack-of-1000-workers | |
| Leadership News Online | Wednesday 13th May 2015 | Speakership: Jibrin Promises Fresh Members 75% Committee Chairmanship Positions | "As the June inauguration date of the House of Representatives 8th Assembly draws close, the chairman of the House Committee on Finance and speakership aspirant, Hon. Abdulmumin Jibrin, has written first term members, promising them 75 per cent of committee chairmanship and deputy positions if elected speaker. Jibrin, in the letter said his speakership agenda include zero tolerance for corruption; transparency in legislative business; increase productivity and capacity building, continuity in legislative business and a special attention to first term members. “I have carefully observed that all other Aspirants have shown little attention to this new group of dynamic in coming members. A key way to deepen the change is to effectively integrate you into the activities of the house, share experience with you, discuss your welfare as most of you are coming in with family and need to quickly settle down to the task ahead but most importantly put you in position of authority to bring in your fresh ideas and expertise in running the activities of the House.”Jibrin stated in the letter." | Speakership; All progressives Congress; | http://leadership.ng/news/cover-stories/432781/speakership-jibrin-promises-fresh-members-75-committee-chairmanship-positions | |
| The Nation Newspaper | Monday 4th May 2015 | 45 Babies Born Monthly In Nigerian Refugee Camp | "Nigerian refugees give birth to 45 children every month at the Minawao refugee camp, Cameroon, aid agencies have said. Most of the children do not have official birth certificates, the Voice of America (VOA) said. The government of Cameroon and the United Nations High Commission for Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) have begun issuing the children birth certificates with the hope the Nigerian government will accept them when the refugees return. According to Cameroonian authorities, no fewer than 1000 of such babies have been issued with birth certificates. Isaak Luka, leader of the group of Nigerian refugees at the Minawao camp in northern Cameroon, expressed gratitude to the aid agencies for helping to establish birth certificates for their new born babies. Luka said: “We are very grateful because our children will benefit their civic rights. We thank the government of Cameroon and the head of the refugee agency partners and the different UN agencies, without neglecting Non- Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and the Cameroonian government for the attention they reserve for us.” | Boko Haram; Minawao Camp -Cameroon | 2 | |
| The Vanguard Newspaper | Monday 4th May 2015 | Jonathan Was Fair To Ndigbo, Says Igbo Group | "Founder of Igbo Youth Movement ,IYM, Mr. Elliot Uko, has dismissed reports that President Goodluck Jonathan deceived the South-East geo-political zone on the construction of the proposed Second Niger Bridge, noting that the President was fair in his dealings with Ndigbo. Uko also frowned on what he described as the constant demonization of Jonathan and his wife, describing it as unfair.Uko in a statement said those behind claims that the President failed the Igbo were political jobbers, seeking attention from the President-elect, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd) His words: ‘’Ndigbo are proud, courageous people whose world view is built on truth and justice. Whereas political hustlers and job seekers have the inalienable right to lobby General Buhari for accommodation in the APC groovy train, such lobbyists certainly do not have the right to tell white lies, especially when they claim to be speaking on behalf of Ndigbo." | Nigeria 2015; Goodluck Jonathan; Ndigbo | http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/05/jonathan-was-fair-to-ndigbo-says-igbo-group | |
| The Vanguard Newspaper | Monday 4th May 2015 | SERAP Drags FG To ECOWAS Court Over Suffering Of IDPs | "The Registered Trustees of the Socio-Economic Rights & Accountability Project (SERAP) have dragged the Federal Government to the ECOWAS Community Court in Abuja over “immense suffering of Internally Displaced Persons across the country.” Joined as defendant is the Attorney General of the Federation, Muhammed Adoke. In the suit No ECW/CCJ/APP/15/15 and filed last week by Solicitor to SERAP, Femi Falana, SAN, the Plaintiff alleged “serious violations by the Defendants of the human rights of Internally Displaced Persons’ (IDPs’) to life, to health, to adequate housing, to personal integrity, to privacy, to fair trial, to freedom of movement and residence, to judicial guarantees, to private property and child rights guaranteed by the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the African Union Convention for the Protection and Assistance of Internally Displaced Persons in Africa; and Principles 1-30 of the UN Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement.” | Iinternally Displaced Persons; Federal Government | http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/05/serap-drags-fg-to-ecowas-court-over-immense-suffering-of-internally-displaced-persons/#sthash.Mq62SPLF.dpuf | |
| The Vanguard Newspaper | Monday 4th May 2015 | INEC Ad-hoc Staff In Edo Protest Over Allowances | "Some ad-hoc staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, during the 2015 general elections, yesterday, took to the streets of Benin, Edo State, protesting alleged under-payment of their allowances by the commission. The protesters, who were at the premises of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, said they were engaged by INEC as Collation Officers, Returning Officers and Supervisory Presiding Officers and decried an alleged plan by the commission to pay them N35,000 as against the N65,000, which they said was obtainable in other states. One of them, Edegbe Uyi, said: “INEC needs to explain why it refused to credit our accounts as stipulated by law, why there are discrepancies between the amount we received as collation officers in Edo compared to those of other states.” “It is only when that has been done that we can receive our money from INEC. If we don’t have explanations to these two points, we are not going to accept that money from INEC. So, we want this done so that Nigerians will be aware, so that Edo State people will be aware that what we are fighting for is our right. We cannot risk our lives to work for INEC only to be paid stipend that was less than the stipulated amount.” However, Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mike Igini, in a reaction, said that there was no contention about the payment of ad-hoc, as the commission already had a general guideline on the remuneration of ad hoc personnel, a copy of which was made available to our correspondent." | INEC: Ad-hoc Staff | 13 | |
| The Vanguard Newspaper | Monday 4th May 2015 | Re-Strategise, Build A Strong Opposition Ahead Of 2019, Ekiyor Tells PDP | "Delta State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Dr. Chris Ekiyor, yesterday called on the national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to re-strategise and build a strong opposition with a view to reclaiming the government at the centre in 2019 rather than trade blames on the outcome of the 2015 presidential election. Ekiyor, a former National President of Ijaw Youth Congress, IYC, in a chat with newsmen in Asaba, blamed President Goodluck Jonathan’s failure to secure a second term on PDP’s leadership and the president’s political appointees. Advising the PDP leadership to take responsibility for the poor outing of the party at the presidential election, he appealed to them not to add to the pains of throwing the PDP into opposition." | Nigeria 2015; Peoples Democratic Party | 12 | |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Monday 4th May 2015 | ICPC Arraigns NSCDC Officials Over N1.2b Unspent Funds | "Today, the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) arraigns a former Assistant Commandant General of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nasir Mohammed Umar, before an Abuja High Court over the agency’s N1.2 billion unspent funds. The other two suspects were Assistant Director of Finance and Accounts, Amobi Uzodinma Chidozie, and Chief Accountant, Ojuolape Oyemomi. The ICPC Head of Media, Mr. Folu Olamiti, disclosed that the three officers allegedly conspired to use their public offices to confer on themselves corrupt advantage by offering gratification to some public officers in the office of the Accountant General of the Federation as an inducement for extension of time in December 2004 in remitting the N1.2 billion unspent funds belonging to NSCDC. Olamiti noted that their arraignment was delayed due to the death of one of the accused, whose name was struck out from the charge, as well as for Umar’s ailment. Civil Defence Corps, did conspire among yourselves to offer gratification in the sum of N1.5 million only to some public officers in the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation as an inducement for the purpose of procuring the extension of time to remit to the sub-treasurer of the federation for the year ended 2004 the sum of N1, 218, 69, 779.84 billion only unspent funds of the NSCDC, and you thereby committed an offence contrary to section 26 (1)(c) and punishable under section 18 (d) of the corrupt practices and other related offences Act 2000.” | ICPC; NSCDC; Fraud Case | 4 | |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Monday 4th May 2015 | Lagos PDP Dismisses Purported Sack Of Chairman, Tunji Shelle | "The Lagos state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday described the purported sack of it’s state chairman, Captain Tunji Shelle (rtd), as “laughable, null and void”. The party in a statement signed by the Publicity Secretary, Taofik Gani also called on party members to discountenance the said sack even as he admonished the brains behind the action to retrace their steps and allow peace to reign in the party. The reaction is coming on the backdrop of the alleged issuance of marching orders to Shelle and appointment of an interim chairman by the 34-member executive of the party after a meeting yesterday . The statement by Gani reads: “The PDP reiterates that the state chairman leading the present state executive committee has delivered the best unprecedented electoral result to the party." | Lagos 2015; Peoples Democratic Party | 7 | |
| Daily Trust Newspaper | Monday 4th May 2015 | Gbajabiamila, Jibrin Fail To Agree On Deputy Speaker | "Two contenders for the position of the House of Representatives speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila and Abdulmuminu Jibrin, yesterday failed to reach an agreement that would see the emergence of the latter as deputy speaker, Daily Trust learnt in Abuja. The two contenders had scheduled a press conference for 11.am at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel yesterday, but it could not hold due to what sources said was “failure to reach amicable agreement.” Gbajabiamila is the House Minority Leader, while Jibrin is the chairman of the finance committee. Journalists gathered at the venue of the proposed press conference from 11.am up to about 12 noon, but they were later told that the event would not hold any longer as consultations were still on. Later at about 1:15pm, journalists were again invited to the venue, but on their arrival, nobody was in sight, which left them to wait till about 4.pm before they were told that the press conference had been put on hold. However, sources told Daily Trust that the press conference was at the behest of some lawmakers close to Jibrin, who persuaded him to drop his speakership ambition and aspire for the deputy speaker’s position under Gbajabiamila’s team. But it was learnt that some lawmakers working for Gbajabiamila were not comfortable with “the sudden arrangement” and called for caution, which was why the press conference was put on hold." | Speakership; All progressives Congress; | 21 | |
| Daily Trust Newspaper | Monday 4th May 2015 | Tribunal Grants Maku’s Application To Inspect Electoral Materials | "The Nasarawa State governorship Election Petitions Tribunal sitting in Lafia, yesterday, granted an ex-parte application brought before it by the candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Labaran Maku, to inspect electoral materials used in the April 11 governorship election in the state. Maku is challenging the re-election of Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, who won on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as falling short of the minimum requirements of the provisions of the Electoral Act as amended. The motion was filed by his counsel, Barrister Mike Okwori before the chairman of the tribunal, Justice Halima Mohammed, who after hearing granted the application and ordered that the third respondent, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), should allow the petitioner to inspect the election materials. Consequently, Justice Mohammed ordered that the petitioner’s experts and counsel be allowed to inspect all INEC forms EC8A for all 1,495 units and forms EC8B for all the thirteen local government areas of the state. The petitioner is to inspect form EC8D, form EC8E, list of registered voters for all 1,495 polling units of the state as well as list of INEC ad hoc staff, and list of Permanent Voters Cards (PVC) collected per ward, per polling units." | Nasarawa State; Tribunal | 19 | |
| Daily Trust Newspaper | Monday 4th May 2015 | I Will Run For Governor, Says Audu | "Former governor of Kogi State, Prince Abubakar Audu, has said that he will heed the call of the people and contest the forthcoming governorship election in the state. Audu stated this, yesterday, at his Ogbonicha country home in Ofu Local Government Area, during a reception he organised for the All Progressives Congress (APC) national and state assemblies members-elect in the state. “The voice of men is the voice of God, the people are yearning for me to come back because of my performance between 1999 and 2003. Now a lot of people are wallowing in abject poverty in the midst of many, under the PDP. As a matter of fact, Kogi is my baby and if I turn my back against my baby, it means I am an irresponsible father.” The former governor said he would come back to rescue the state and place it where it ought to be, noting that crude oil was selling between $9 to $12 during his time as governor of the state but now that it is selling for between $50 and $100, the state government said that the economy was bad. Audu said the PDP in the state has performed woefully, adding that was why the people were yearning for him to come back." | Kogi Decides 2015; Abubakar Audu | 17 | |
| ThisDay Live | Monday 4th May 2015 | Amaechi, Assembly On Warpath Over Rivers Economy | "With less than three weeks to the end of the present administration in Rivers State, trouble appears to be brewing between Governor Chibuike Amaechi and the state House of Assembly over the state of the economy of the state. The lawmakers, who are the governor’s loyalists, suspended three local government caretaker committee chairmen over the state of insecurity in their council areas and also summoned nine commissioners and other officers of the state ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) over alleged financial misappropriations. The suspended caretaker committee chairmen include Ojukaye Flag-Amachree of Asari-Toru, Cassidy Ikegbidi of Ahoada East and Derick Mene of Khana local government areas of the state. Meanwhile, the state Commission for Information, Mrs. Ibim Semenitari, said the state government was surprised at news reports of a rift between Amaechi and members of the state assembly." | Rivers State | 11 | |
| ThisDay Live | Monday 4th May 2015 | Nigeria’s First 10MW Katsina Windfarm Nears Completion | " Nigeria’s first ever wind farm, the 10 megawatts (MW) Katsina windfarm is a couple of fractions of work from being completed and commissioned, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Power, Godknows Igali has said. Igali said in a statement that the 10MW Katsina wind farm has achieved about 98 per cent completion with its 37 turbines currently being test-run and five already successfully test-run. He also said the transmission line for the evacuation of the electricity that would be generated from the farm has ready been completed through the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), adding that TCN has confirmed this development. Although, the timeline for completion of the windfarm has consistently shifted from 2012, the windfarm situated in a small village of ,Rimi, which is 25 kilometres (km) south of Katsina City is part of Nigeria’s attempt at tapping into her alternative natural sources of electricity generation. The project was first envisioned by the Katsina State government but it gained full support from the federal government, through the ministry of power in its quest to diversify Nigeria's energy mix, boost electricity generation and have constant power supply. Contract for the project which is funded by the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and will exploit the vast wind resources in the north of Nigeria was awarded to French company Vergnet S.A, a certified wind turbine manufacturer, while Nigerian company, O.T. Otis Engineering and German firm, Terrawatt were jointly hired as consultant to supervise the project." | Federal Government; Renewable Energy; Wind Farm | 24 | |
| ThisDay Live | Monday 4th May 2015 | Who Swears In Wike? | "As the May 29 handover date for chief executive officers of states across the federation draws nearer, the question of who will swear in the Rivers State governor-elect, Chief Nyesom Wike, and his deputy, Mrs. Ipalibo Harry-Banigo, has set tongues wagging in the state. Wike and Harry-Banigo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) were declared winners of the April 11 governorship election in the state by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). As it is customary, the elected are supposed to be sworn in on May 29 but since August 2013 when Justice Iche Ndu retired from service, the state has been without a functional Chief Judge or anybody in acting capacity due to the face-off between Governor Chibuike Amaechi and the National Judicial Council (NJC). It equally does not have a President of the Customary Court of Appeal and anybody acting in such capacity. While it is not clear who will swear in Wike and Banigo, what is very certain is that come May 29, the tenure of the incumbent Governor Amaechi would come to an end, making it imperative for the duo of Wike and Banigo to be sworn in on that day to avoid a vacuum." | Rivers 2015; Transition | http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/who-swears-in-wike-/209123 | |
| ThisDay Live | Monday 4th May 2015 | Kasali: How PEF Saved Nigeria $2bn Of Dodgy Oil Bridging Claims | " Immediate past Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Equalisation Management Fund (PEF), Mrs. Adefunke Kasali has disclosed that through a creative high-tech platform, “Project Aquila’’, PEF was able to save for Nigeria more than $2 billion that would have gone into the pockets of dishonest petrol transporters as bridging claims. Kasali stated while handing over management of PEF to the newly appointed Executive Secretary of PEF, Mrs. Asabe Ahmed in Abuja that her tenure superintended over the cleansing of corrupt practices on payment of bridging claims to petrol transporters in the country. She added that under her, Project Aquila was able to checkmate instances and persons that encouraged leakages in payment of claims to people, thus ensuring that petroleum marketers operated within the transparency boundaries it established. “Project Aquila is a high-tech electronic loading and delivery system introduced by PEF to check leakages in the system, as well as enthrone transparency and due process,” Kasali said. She added: “The new initiative, also known as ‘e-loading’ ensures the delivery of petroleum products to the right destination. The process checkmates the annual loss of N15 billion to the activities of some unscrupulous petroleum tanker drivers who engaged in some unethical activities such as diversion of some petroleum products.” | Petroleum Equalisation Fund (PEF) | 23 & 24 | |
| ThisDay Live | Monday 4th May 2015 | Okonjo-Iweala Faults Newspaper Over Negative Report | "The Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has expressed disgust over a newspaper editorial in the Sunday Trust Newspaper of May 10, 2015 titled: “The Sorry Record of Madam Ngozi.” Reacting to the editorial in a statement issued by her Media Adviser, Miss Constance Ikoku, the minister said rather than launch vicious attacks on a woman, who has worked very hard for the country at enormous personal cost, including the kidnap of her mother due to her fight against oil subsidy fraudsters, “Sunday Trust should focus on being a professional organisation.” The piece, the minister noted, seemed to have been deliberately aimed at destroying her reputation, adding that a publishing outfit that flaunts a logo of “The Newspaper that you can Trust” has shown that it does not and cannot adhere to its own guiding principle because of its bias, prejudice and knack for unprofessionalism.”" | Okonjo-Iweala; Economy | 8 | |
| ThisDay Live | Monday 4th May 2015 | Posterity Shall Judge Us Well on Electricity Reforms, Says Sambo | "The Vice-President, Alhaji Namadi Sambo, monday stated that the decisions and choices made by the outgoing administration of President Goodluck Jonathan to reform Nigeria’s power sector, through the privatisation of successor companies of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) and building of new power plants through the National Integrated Power Projects (NIPPs) would be judged fairly by history in the future. Shortly before inaugurating a 330/132/33kV transmission substation built by the Niger Delta Power Holding Company Limited (NDPHC) under the NIPPs in Gwagwalada Abuja, Sambo noted in his remarks that the decisions the outgoing government took in its electricity policy were taken on the basis of sound professional advice. These decisions, he said were taken majorly in the interest of Nigerians. He explained that notwithstanding whatever misgivings that the administration might be getting from people, it opted for the best choice of actions that it thought would help it progress the country’s electricity systems with tangible and long lasting impacts. According to him, the government in line with such sound decisions had upon the privatisation of the PHCN, also moved rapidly to plug obvious weaknesses in the transmission system which was identified as the possible points where the reform could be derailed, hence the construction of transmission facilities by the NDPHC amongst others." | Power; Federal Government; | 8 | |
| Daily Trust Newspaper | Tuesday 12th May 2015 | State Assemblies Are Govs’ Stooges, Says Mark | "Senate President David Mark yesterday lamented that in the last 16 years of civilian rule, members of state houses of assembly have reduced themselves to stooges of governors. Speaking at the opening of one-week induction programme for newly elected members of the state houses of assembly in Abuja, Senator Mark said that the general impression of Nigerians was that the state legislatures had the governor offices. The senate president further lamented a situation whereby the State Assemblies failed to grant themselves financial autonomy in the third constitution amendment which he described as a sad development. He said: “As lawmakers, you must avoid holding your sessions in the Council Chambers of the Government Houses. It is ignoble to use the Mace outside the Chamber or borrow Local Government Legislative Council Mace to conduct your affairs or resort to self help by using your Mace to perpetuate violence.” According to Mark, “you must conduct your sittings in line with the provisions of the Constitution and the extant rules of the House. As state legislators you must restrain yourselves from the excessive use of the constitutional provision that empowers you to impeach either your Speakers, Executive Governors or their Deputies.” Mark warned that impeaching a public elected official remained a very serious legislative process that must not be abused or taken for a joke. He also said that there was the need for collaboration between the Executive and the State Legislatures on matters of public good." | States Assembly Autonomy; | 7 | |
| Guardian Newspaper | Tuesday 12th May 2015 | IMF, Utomi, Others Seek End To Fiscal Recklessness | "For a new dawn to herald the country with a regime of fiscal prudence that would lift Nigeria from the current revenue crisis, a gathering of experts has enlisted the review, strengthening of Fiscal Responsibility Act and retaining of the institution as opposed to planned scrapping. The Senior Resident Representative, International Monetary Fund (IMF), Gene Leone, in his keynote address at the opening of the National Forum of Fiscal Responsibility Commission, titled “Fiscal Prudence: A Shared Responsibility,” noted that fiscal prudence is key to economic stability and sustained economic growth. According to him, for development to take place, there must an integrated approach to policy direction, adding that as “every medicine does not cure all sicknesses, fiscal policies should have targets aimed at overall benefits.” Also, a professor of Political Economy, Pat Utomi, who presented a paper titled “Setting Agenda for Fiscal Responsibility for the New Administration,” pointed out that there was need to hold people accountable for their application of national wealth. Utomi flayed the leadership of the country for coming out of crude oil boom very wobbly, saying that at a time, he became notorious for his campaign to use low budget benchmark and save the excess crude oil price for the sake of the “rainy day” like this." | Fiscal Responsibility; | 1 & 2 | |
| Daily Trust Newspaper | Tuesday 12th May 2015 | 16 Ambassadors Visit Buhari | "President-elect Muhammadu Buhari received members of the diplomatic corps at the Defence House in Abuja yesterday. The delegation, which comprises of 16 Ambassadors, paid a courtesy visit to the president-elect ahead of his swearing in on May 29. Although details of his meeting with the Ambassadors were not disclosed, sources informed Daily Trust that the visit by the diplomats was to discuss bilateral ties and other diplomatic issues with the incoming president. Buhari has lately been receiving various nationals, regional and international delegations to discuss various issues and to strengthen relationships both locally, across Africa and internationally. The Ambassadors who visited the president-elect include those of Namibia, Kenya, Netherlands, Denmark Japan, Iraq, Kuwait and Qatar. Others are North Korea, South Korea, Serbia, Turkey, Syria, India, Lebanon and Algeria." | Muhammadu Buhari; International Relations | http://www.dailytrust.com.ng/daily/index.php/news/54482-16-ambassadors-visit-buhari | |
| Daily Trust Newspaper | Tuesday 12th May 2015 | Why we Haven’t Caught Shekau – Chad’s Leader | " Chadian President Idriss Deby has said the lack of coordination between Nigerian and Chadian armies in the ongoing anti-terror war is not creating the desired impact. He said this accounted for the difficulty in arresting the leader of the Boko Haram insurgents, Abubakar Shekau. The two armies were separately prosecuting the anti-terrorist war, Deby told reporters after a meeting with President Goodluck Jonathan in Abuja yesterday. He said: “It is regrettable that the two armies; that is, the Nigerian army and the Chadian army are working separately in the field. They are not undertaking joint operations. If they were operating joint operations, probably, they would have achieved more results”. Deby, however, parried a question on the whereabouts of the Boko Haram leader, saying “I cannot tell you today that I know where Shekau is hiding, and even if I know, I won’t tell you”. The Chadian president also stated that though Boko Haram insurgents had been tremendously weakened, the sect had not been eradicated." | Boko Haram; Chad; Nigeria | 1 & 5 | |
| Daily Trust Newspaper | Tuesday 12th May 2015 | We Can’t Sell Petrol At Official Rate- IPMAN Leader | "Prices of petroleum products will remain irregular unless the supply is made available at local depots, the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) in Kwara State has said. The association spoke against the backdrop of the increase in the price of petrol per litre with some private filling stations selling at N150 despite availability. Speaking with Daily Trust yesterday, a factional Chairman of IPMAN, Alhaji Abdulrasheed Olopade, said the availability of the product must be complemented by availability at local depots of the NNPC. He said most independent marketers bought the product at private depots in Lagos where the petrol was sold at higher rate." | IPMAN; Fuel Scarcity; | http://www.dailytrust.com.ng/daily/index.php/news/54477-we-can-t-sell-petrol-at-official-rate-ipman-leader | |
| ThisDay Live | Tuesday 12th May 2015 | Tambuwal, Delta Lawmaker Makes Case For States Assembly Autonomy | " A two-term member of the Delta state House of Assembly, Hon Tim Owhefere has advocated for the autonomy for States Assembly, arguing that the constitution needs to be fine-,tuned to extricate the state assemblies from the overbearing control of the respective state governors. This is as the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal appealed for the need to make a law that would guarantee autonomy for state assemblies Monday at a four-day induction course for state legislators. According to Owhefere, who was fielding questions from correspondents at the venue of the induction, states assembly will remain dependent on the state government in so far as there are no definite constitutional provisions that delineate their responsibilities. Arguing that the 1999 constitution as amended does not expressly provides for the independence of state legislature, he noted: ""If there is no law backing autonomy, it can't change. You cannot insult a man who needs to give you money every week. The state assembly will continue to be a rubber stamp to the executive arm of government so long as the executive release the cash." | States Assembly Autonomy; Constitution Amendment | http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/tambuwal-delta-lawmaker-makes-case-for-states-assembly-autonomy/209046/ | |
| ThisDay Live | Tuesday 12th May 2015 | C’River PDP Chairman: Ndoma-Egba Is An Unstable Party Member | "The Cross River chapter of the People Democratic Party (PDP) has stated that the Senate Leader, Victor Ndoma-Egba (SAN), has not been stable in the party. The comment by the party appears to be a continuation of the strained relationship between the PDP and Ndoma-Egba which came to the fore during the build up to the primary elections of the party ahead of the 2015 general election. Speaking at press conference in Calabar yesterday, Chairman of the PDP in the state, Ntufam John Okon said: “The Senate Leader is a member of the PDP, but he is dancing. He is like a masquerade dancing. What we are doing is observing his dance steps. When a masquerade starts dancing, you have to observe the way he is dancing then you know the direction he is going. For now, he is a member of the PDP and a senate leader, but we know he is in the arena dancing Ikoso and we are so happy to watch him dance. And when he dances, we now see the exit. Okon also denied insinuations making the rounds that Ndoma-Egba has been deliberately excluded from the affairs of the PDP in the state. He accused Ndoma-Egba of not working seriously to win his primary election saying, “There was a delegate election. When everyone was trying to work on the machinery of the party, the senate leaders and other senators were busy with (Goodluck) Jonathan looking for automatic tickets. “Is that democracy? The time they would used to work on the party machinery in the state, local government and wards, they were busy arm-twisting President Jonathan to give them automatic tickets and they spent most of the time there." | Cross River 2015; Peoples Democratic Party | http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/c-river-pdp-chairman-ndoma-egba-is-an-unstable-party-member/209069 | |
| ThisDay Live | Tuesday 12th May 2015 | Abia PDP Embarks On Post-Election Soul Searching | "After fending off stiff opposition to win most of the elective positions in the 2015 general election, the Abia State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has begun a soul searching exercise to review its overall performance at the polls. To this end, an 18- member committee was inaugurated monday by Governor Theodore Orji to appraise the performance of the party in the state in the last elections. The committee headed by a former state chairman of the PDP in the state, Chief Ndidi Okereke is charged among others with the responsibility of ascertaining the perceivable problems and constraints faced by the party during the elections. According to Orji, the committee would provide the way forward for the party including what would be needed in “reforming and rebuilding a stronger and more resilient PDP in the state.”. He gave the committee two weeks to complete the assignment." | Abia 2015 | http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/abia-pdp-embarks-on-post-election-soul-searching/209076/ | |
| ThisDay Live | Tuesday 12th May 2015 | Intrigues, Horse Trading Trail Senate Presidency Race | "The cloud of uncertainty surrounding the zone which should produce the senate president may be clearing soon as indications have shown that the President-elect, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd), may have shown his preference and support for the candidacy of Senator Ahmed Lawan from the North-east zone for the number three position of the land. Given that the All Progressives Congress (APC) has been delaying in making a categorical statement about its zoning arrangement, other contenders for the office are yet jostling for the senate presidency seat. The duo of Senators Bukola Saraki and George Akume, both from the North-central zone, are yet striving to grow their support base in the contest for the position. While Ilorin elders yesterday threw their support behind Saraki, a group of elders, who described themselves as Leaders of Thought in North Central zone, also endorsed the candidature of Akume for the headship of the National Assembly. Despite the emerging three-horse race, the choice of Lawan may receive inter-regional boost as the South-west bloc is said to be considering supporting Lawan’s aspiration provided Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila is in turn, supported for the position of the Speaker of the House of Representatives. THISDAY learnt that piqued by the intrigues and the likely implications of any further delay, the APC leadership, starting with the national caucus will meet on Wednesday in Abuja where a decision will be finally taken." | NASS Leadership; All Progressives Congress | http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/intrigues-horse-trading-trail-senate-presidency-race/209102/ | |
| ThisDay Live | Tuesday 12th May 2015 | ICAN Members Seek Stay Of Action On Council Election | "Following a pending suit at the Lagos State High Court concerning the conduct of 2014 elections to the council of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), members of the institute have been urged to desist from partaking in any electoral activity of the Institute pending the determination of the suit. In a suit pending at the Lagos State High Court No. 53 before Hon.Justice A. M. Lawal between Messrs Olusola Oyetayo, Solomon Adeleke, Oluseyi Williams (Mrs) and Gbemi Soyemi-Beecroft (Mrs) Vs ChidiOnyeukwu Ajaegbu and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), the claimants are praying the court for an order setting aside the 2nd Defendant’s elections of 15th of May to 29th May 2014 on account of unprecedented fraud, abuse of internal electoral process, and falsification of members’ record and identity theft. Furthermore, the claimants are asking for a declaration that ICAN's election of 15th May to 29th May, 2014 was marred by unprecedented fraud, abuse of internal electoral process, and falsification of members’ record and identity theft." | ICAN; Elections; Court | http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/ican-members-seek-stay-of-action-on-council-election/209111/?utm_medium=twitter | |
| PremiumTimes | Tuesday 12th May 2015 | APC Replies Jonathan: You Must Account For Your Actions | "The All Progressives Congress, APC, has said the incoming Buhari Administration would not persecute anyone, in response to statements credited to President Goodluck Jonathan. The party however said officials of the outgoing administration must be ready to answer questions regarding their stewardship. Mr. Jonathan had on Sunday said he expects his Ministers and aides to be “persecuted”. Tthe APC, in a statement in Abuja on Monday by its National Publicity Secretary, Lai Mohammed, said those “who played poker with the nation’s destiny must be willing and eager to clear their conscience before man and God. ”That the President-elect is a man of integrity is not an issue for debate, and he has made it clear that he will not be bogged down by endless probes. However, the hands of the incoming government will not be tied by those who have chosen to play the victim and exhibit a persecution mentality. Whoever has any reason to be afraid must lay bare such reason before Nigerians,” the party said." | Nigeria 2015; Persecution | http://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/182745-apc-replies-jonathan-you-must-account-for-your-actions.html | |
| PremiumTimes | Tuesday 12th May 2015 | Ahmed Joda Faults APC Claim, Says No Rift With Govt Transition Committee | "The head of the incoming government’s Transition Committee, Ahmed Joda, has denied having any setbacks with the Federal Government’s Transition Committee in the course of his assignment. Speaking with journalists at the State House, Abuja, after a meeting with the government side, chaired by Vice President Namadi Sambo, Mr. Joda said his committee is getting all the necessary cooperation from the outgoing government. Insisting that the two committees were operating on the same page, Mr. Joda dismissed reports that the presidency was not cooperating with his committee to ensure a smooth transition. “Our committee has never said to anybody that there is no cooperation, we have never said that and we are waiting for the reports, until when they come,” he said." | Nigeria 2015; Transition | http://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/182801-buharis-man-ahmed-joda-faults-apc-claim-says-no-rift-with-govt-transition-committee.html | |
| PremiumTimes | Tuesday 12th May 2015 | PDP Moves To Halt Probe Of Killings, Destruction During 2015 Elections In Rivers | "The Peoples Democratic Party in Rivers State on Monday, boycotted a Commission of Inquiry probing alleged politically-motivated killings in the state after the panel rejected the party’s move to enforce a court order restraining the sitting. Emmanuel Aguma, a counsel to the PDP, said the party would not be a part of proceedings that flout the rule of law. Chidi Odinkalu, the head of the Commission, suggested that since the panel were just seeing the court order, they would fix Wednesday to hear counsel’s arguments and judicial authorities on the issue. “We would go ahead with today’s proceedings. The Commission does not confer lawfulness where lawfulness does not exist,” said Mr. Odinkalu, a Professor of Law. He further said, “If on Wednesday your objections are upheld, we cannot continue, it means that all the records of this proceedings will be expunged. What you have tendered is a photocopy. And we have said that recognising who you are, we will accept this. And we will hear argument on this on Wednesday. I think that’s sufficient."" Ten people, including a widow whose husband was fatally shot on the day of the gubernatorial election, testified at Monday’s proceedings on allegations of arson, assault, and killing." | Rivers 2015; Commission of Inquiry | http://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/182795-pdp-moves-to-halt-probe-of-killings-destruction-during-2015-elections-in-rivers.html | |
| PremiumTimes | Tuesday 12th May 2015 | Boko Haram: 30 Top Army Officers In Trouble, To Face Court-Martial | "The Nigerian Army has ordered 30 of its top officers to proceed to the Army Headquarters Garrison in Abuja to face a judicial panel reportedly over their conduct and performances in the ongoing war against Boko Haram. According to an internal army memo dated March 11, 2015 and sighted by PREMIUM TIMES, the officers are to be court-martialed for various offences. The memo listed 30 senior officers who were instructed to depart their current posting and head for the Army Headquarters garrison for “jurisdiction”. The specific offences for which each of the officers is to be tried was not stated but military insiders say it has to do with their conduct in the fight against the Boko Haram extremist group. Among those listed in the document is Enitan Ransome-Kuti, a Brigadier General and commander of the Multi National Joint Task Force, who has been blamed for the loss of Baga in January. The brigadier general, his chief of staff, Lieutenant Colonel GA Suru and some other senior officers were arrested for failing to repel terrorists attack on the headquarters of the MNJTF." | Defence Headquarters; Boko Haram; Court-Martial | http://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/182779-boko-haram-30-top-army-officers-in-trouble-to-face-court-martial-full-list.html | |
| PremiumTimes | Tuesday 12th May 2015 | Two Years After Alakyo Killings, Former ACF Spokesperson Urges Buhari To Implement White Paper | "Two years after the killing of over 85 security operatives in Alakyo village, Anthony Sani, the former spokesperson of Arewa Consultative Forum has urged the incoming administration of Muhammadu Buhari to assist the state government in the implementation of the White Paper on the Alakyo killings. The security operatives were killed May 7, 2013 in Alakyo village of Lafia, the Nasarawa state capital by Ombatse militia group. The state government thereafter released a White Paper from the report of Justice Fola Gbadeyan Commission of Inquiry into the killings. Speaking on Monday in Lafia, Mr. Sani blamed the incident on the failure of leadership at the national level. He also noted that the state government had its limitations over the matter since the federal government said it had forgiven those behind the killing of the security operatives. He said the state government had little or nothing to do with the federal government forgiving the perpetrators of the act. Mr. Sani urged the incoming administration of Mr. Buhari to prioritize security among other pressing issues for Nigeria to prosper. “My expectations is that (Mr, Buhari) must confront four issues that comprise security, corruption, unemployment, reconciling the nation and lastly, we can now talk on the issue of prosperity,” Mr. Sani said." | Alakyo Killings; Ombatse; Nasarawa State | http://www.premiumtimesng.com/regional/north-central/182805-two-years-after-alakyo-killings-former-acf-spokesperson-urges-buhari-to-implement-white-paper-on-incident.html | |
| Daily Trust Newspaper | Monday 11th May 2015 | Nigeria’s Debt Rises By $18bn In 4 Years | "The federal government’s debt has risen by $18.40 billion (N3 trillion) in the last four years, analysis of a Debt Management Office document has revealed. The government also spent about $21 billion to service both foreign and domestic debts from 2010 to 2014, the DMO data revealed. However, financial experts told Daily Trust that the debts were incurred to pay salaries and meet overheads at a time the economy was not in a recession According to the document, domestic debt consumed larger part of the amount spent by the government to pay interest on securitized debts. The domestic debt servicing accumulated to $20.9 billion (N3.26 trillion) while the external debt servicing hit above a billion dollars. In 2010, the federal government serviced the debt with $2.7 billion; 2011 with $3.78 billion; 2011 with $3.78 billion; 2012 with $4.92 billion; 2013 with $5.40 billion; and 2014 with $4.65 billion. Records obtained from the Debt Management Office by Daily Trust revealed that Nigeria’s total public debt (external and securitized domestic debt of the federal government alone) has grown by $18.40 billion (N3 trillion) within the four years under focus." | Federal Government; Debt | 1 & 5 | |
| ThisDay Live | Monday 11th May 2015 | Constitution Amendment: Supreme Court Can’t Stop Us, Says Senate | "The Senate at the weekend reacted to a Supreme Court order asking the National Assembly to maintain the status quo ante on the amendment to the 1999 Constitution, saying it did not possess the power to stop them from performing its legislative duties. According to the Chairman, Senate Committee on Information and Public Affairs, Senator Eyinnaya Abaribe, each of the three organs of government performs distinct functions and hence, one has no right to interfere in the duties of the other. The federal government had dragged the National Assembly to court following President Goodluck Jonathan’s decision to veto amendment to the 1999 Constitution by the National Assembly. The president said the bill whittled down presidential powers. He also accused the National Assembly of failure to produce the evidence that it secured the required four-fifths majority before amending Section 9 of the Constitution.The parliament in its avowed resolve to override the president’s veto, submitted the bill for gazette last week. But in an interview with journalists in Abuja on Sunday, Abaribe said the Supreme Court was wrong by issuing an order stopping them from performing their legislative functions. “The Supreme Court is wrong. The law does not allow one arm of the government to stop another arm of government from performing its duties." | Constitution Amendment; Supreme Court; National Assembly; Presidency | http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/constitution-amendment-supreme-court-can-t-stop-us-says-senate/209019 | |
| ThisDay Live | Monday 11th May 2015 | Senate C’tte: Power Investors Did Not Bring One Kobo | "The Senate Committee on Privatisation yesterday explained the rationale behind the dismal performance of power sector investors, stating that most technical partners that bought the country’s power assets did not bring one kobo. The committee also said the National Council on Privatisation (NCP) under the chairmanship of Vice-President Namadi Sambo committed grave errors, which it said, included the council’s refusal to sell the power assets in phases. Chairman of the committee, Senator Gbenga Obadara, disclosed the diverse challenges that made stable power supply a mirage in an interview after the private investors had bought 60 per cent equity shares in the country’s power assets. Obadara explained that most of the technical partners the federal government brought “to purchase the power companies did not bring one kobo. The partners did not bring monies. The partners only brought in their technical knowledge""." | Power; Federal Government; The Senate | 6 | |
| ThisDay Live | Monday 11th May 2015 | After Paying INTELS Over N1 Trillion, FG Moves To Acquire 10 Percent Equity | " There is a growing concern among industry stakeholders over the recent moves by the federal government to acquire ten per cent equity of the Integrated Services Nigeria Limited (INTELS) in the dying days of the President Goodluck Jonathan's administration, which analysts believed will reinforce the monopoly of the private company in the critical maritime sector using the resources of the federal government of Nigeria. The worry arises from the revelations from a report, which shows that the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) had indeed paid INTELS the sum of $5.2 billion (about N1.04tr) over the years. INTELS, which was hitherto known as Nicotes, which started business in the 80’s is the exclusive concessionaire of Onne, Warri and Calabar ports. According to reports made available to THISDAY, it was discovered that the late Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero, owns ten per cent equity of INTELS, while the original investors and the late Shehu Yar'Adua owned 50 and 20 per cent equity respectively. Stakeholders therefore find it curious that the late emir’s son, Alhaji Sanusi Lamido Ado-Bayero was recently appointed the Managing Director of the NPA, in what many see as not only an act of gross impunity, but also a manifest case of conflict of interest." | NITEL; Federal Government | 1 & 7 | |
| Vangaurd Online | Monday 11th May 2015 | Court Orders Banks To Freeze JGSG, Sule Lamido And Birnin-Kudu LG Accounts | "Federal High court sitting in Dutse, Jigawa state capital has directed all the commercial banks operating in the state to freeze accounts bearing the names of Governor Sule Lamido, Birnin-Kudu local government and the Jigawa state government with immediate effect, as it equally summoned the banks to appear before its with statements of their accounts. The court’s decision followed the refusal of the governor and the state government to obey the court’s order in a judgment to pay the sum of N50 million as compensation to APC senator-elect, Muhammad Sabo Nakudu and one other. Reports indicated that the court gave the order during a court proceeding presided by Justice Sabiu Yahuza who gave the verdict after the plaintiff through their counsel Barrister Umar Aliyu to complain of dependent’s refusal to comply with the court judgment to pay the damage compensation. Speaking after the court order, the plaintiff counsel, Barrister Umar Aliyu expressed satisfaction with the court decision, “we dragged Jigawa state governor and the state government, Birninkudu local government and state’s commissioner of police to the court for illegal trespass, attacking my client resident in Birninkudu town and violation of his right”." | Jigawa State; Account Feezing; Federal High Court | http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/05/court-orders-banks-to-freeze-jgsg-lamido-and-birnin-kudu-lg-accounts/#sthash.ZZSB16FI.dpuf | |
| Vanguard Online | Monday 11th May 2015 | Jonathan Is Humble, Detribalized Statesman, Say Kefasi, Turner | "The Head of Service of the Federation, Mr Danladi Kefasi, on Sunday described President Goodluck Jonathan as a detribalised Nigerian with abundant traits of humility, fairness, equity and justice. Also, the President’s Special Adviser on Niger Delta Affairs, Mr George Turner, said the president was a statesman, who Nigerians would run to for advice and counselling. The public officials said these in separate interviews with newsmen after a thanksgiving and farewell service in honour of the president’s family at the Cathedral Church of the Advent, Life Camp, Abuja. According to Kefasi, Jonathan has never discriminated on the basis of religion, tribe or region. “For example, I have no godfather in the system but today God used him to make me the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation. “He is a nationalist, a patriot, who spent a lot of his time in the office working for Nigeria, who provided leadership for job creation for young people,’’ he said. Kefasi said that the level of unemployment “is so large that the much that has been achieved during his time may appear as though nothing has happened’’ but added that his “achievements are numerous.’’ | Nigeria 2015; Goodluck Jonathan | http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/05/jonathan-is-humble-detribalized-statesman-say-kefasi-turner/#sthash.6SP9AX8B.dpuf | |
| Vanguard Online | Monday 11th May 2015 | Kwara’s Gov Ahmed Dissolves Cabinet | "The re-elected executive governor of Kwara state,Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed on Monday dissolved his state executive council cabinet with immediate effect. Also affected are Special Advisers, Senior Special Assistants, Special Assistants, Liaison Officers and Youth Employment Coordinators, all boards of government owned companies, commissions, parastatals and organisations other than those of statutory statu. This is contained in a press statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government(SSG)Alh Isiaka Gold made available to journalists in ilorin. The governor in the statement also directed the commissioners to hand over government’s properties in their custody to permanent secretaries,while heads of other MDAS must hand over to the most senior officer in their establishment." | Kwara State; Executive Council | http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/05/kwaras-gov-ahmed-dissolves-cabinet/#sthash.3XrxlWhl.dpuf | |
| Vanguard Online | Monday 11th May 2015 | Buhari To Diversify Economy From Oil To Agriculture, Mining | "The President-elect, retired Maj.-Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, on Sunday in Abuja said he would shift attention from oil to agricultural and mining sectors to create jobs. Buhari said this while receiving Northern Elders led by Nigeria’s permanent representative at the United Nations, Alhaji Maitama Sule. He said he would address the problem of unemployment as it was one of the biggest challenges facing the nation. The biggest message is to try and persuade the people, that, it is not possible to change the state of affairs now. ”It took 16 years and those 16 years, most of you know it better than myself, Nigeria earned revenue more than what it earned from 1914 till then. In the economy, we have to quickly turn to agriculture and mining because that is where you can do the quickest work and earn results."" ”In other areas, you need to study them and dust all the books and studies and get people, experienced people, committed people, technocrats to come and help the government. ‘They need to help the government to identify priorities so that with what is available to us, we can quickly make our people realise their hope for the government they have chosen,” he said." | Muhammadu Buhari; Governance | http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/05/buhari-to-diversify-economy-from-oil-to-agriculture-mining | |
| Vanguard Newspaper | Monday 11th May 2015 | Lagos Starts Distribution Of Permanent Residents’ Cards | "Following successful registration of over three million residents, the Lagos State Resident Registration Agency, LASRRA, has concluded plans to distribute Permanent Residents’ Cards, PRC, to those captured from Friday next week. The General Manager of LASRRA, Ms. Olayinka Fashola, after presenting awards of recognition to some registered residents in line with the customary recognition of every landmark 100th registration, charged residents to register with LASRRA to make the job of tracking criminals easy. While lamenting the low turn-out of residents for the registration exercise, Fashola stated, “Of the over 20 million residents of the state, only three million have been captured since the exercise started two years ago.” She noted, “Many residents of the state were so busy that we had to sometimes visit them in their offices to register them.” Fashola said the agency has sophisticated infrastructure to assist the police and other security agencies in the area of crime investigations." | Lagos State; Residency | 10 | |
| Vanguard Newspaper | Monday 11th May 2015 | We’re Leaving Solid Economic Legacies Behind —Okonjo-Iweala | "The Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, said yesterday that despite the economic challenges the country is facing, the Jonathan administration is leaving some solid economic legacies for the incoming Buhari government. Insisting that “the allegations that the economy is in ruins are absolutely untrue,” the minister warned those she claimed were running the economy down for political gains, saying there could be unintended consequences of loss of investor confidence in the Nigerian economy. According to her, “we cannot take away the fact that the Jonathan administration, in spite of the challenges caused by 50 per cent decline in the price of oil, has made a clear and measurable difference in many important areas and anyone who says nothing has been done and nothing is being left behind is being very unfair to facts and to history. “Attempts to rewrite history will not stand. You cannot just wipe the slate clean for political reasons. We are not perfect but no one can take away the fact that we are leaving some good legacies behind.” | Federal Government; | 8 | |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Monday 11th May 2015 | Buhari’s Order On Escorts Is A Security Risk, Says Akinyemi | "Former Minister of External Affairs, Prof. Akinwande Bolaji Akinyemi, yesterday, faulted the instruction given by President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari, to his motorcade to obey traffic instructions at all times. Buhari had, on Wednesday May 6, 2015, ordered all security personnel attached to him as well as his official escorts to obey traffic rules, a directive which the Director of Media and Publicity of the All Progressives Congress Presidential campaign council, Mallam Garba Shehu, in a statement, described as a demonstration of Buhari’s leadership style. The president-elect specifically said his administration would be guided by obedience to the law, as the ordinary citizens would become copycats of the lawlessness of their leaders “without leadership by example.” But Akinyemi, a professor of Political Science, who was deputy chairman of the 2014 National Conference, described the President-elect’s decision and directive to his motorcade as potential threat to national security. In his May 9, 2015 ‘open letter’ to the President-elect, Akinyemi argued that Buhari was wrong on his security instructions. “There is no country in the world where the motorcade of a President, or Prime Minister or Head of State is subject to traffic regulations. He disclosed that he initially refrained from commenting on Buhari’s instruction to his official escorts and security personnel, but stressed that his reaction became even more important following the bombing episodes in Potiskum and gun attacks along the Damaturu-Kano Road." | Muhammadu Buhari; Security | 1 & 2 | |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Monday 11th May 2015 | ‘Jonathan’s Gallantry Will Be More Appreciated In Future’ | "Former Minister of Police Affairs, Alowei Broderick Bozimo, said the decision of President Goodluck Jonathan to concede defeat and congratulate Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, even before full results were declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will be better appreciated later in future. He said: “Jonathan is really God-sent. He was quite open and cleared the political space for Buhari’s victory. One can liken him to the biblical Jonathan who laid his life so that David can survive.” The former minister who spoke during the burial of his father-inlaw, late Chief Ezekiel Ukodie, at Patani, said it was wrong for anyone to believe that Jonathan was weak because of the initial slow pace of fighting insurgency. He said the military was in a bad shape to tackle the Boko Haram insurgents because it lacked functional combat equipment like warplanes, ammunition and other essentials needed for battle. He said: “Anybody who says that Jonathan is weak does not know the workings of government. To fight the well-armed insurgents, you have to be capable." | Nigeria 2015; Goodluck Jonathan | 6 | |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Monday 11th May 2015 | Emerhor Faults Uduaghan Over Voting Pattern In S’South, S’East | "The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for Delta State in the April 11, 2015 election, Olorogun Otega Emerhor, has faulted Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan’s recent claim that the South-South and South-East geo-political zones voted 90 per cent for the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), while the rest of Nigerians voted for the APC. It will be recalled that Governor Uduaghan, at a lecture delivered at Trenchard Hall of the University of Ibadan (UI) a few days ago, was reported in the The Punch newspaper as claiming that the elections of March 28 and April 11 had introduced a new reality to the effect that Nigeria’s electoral map has been redrawn. Uduaghan was further quoted in the report as having said that the election has showed a deep division, which in his opinion, was perhaps more than anyone could have anticipated. Moreover, the governor had claimed that it was the first time the entire North had spoken with one voice, with the old Eastern region also speaking with one voice. But in vehemently disagreeing with Governor Uduaghan’s submissions, Emerhor pointed out that the people of the two zones were not allowed to vote and were criminally prevented from expressing their electoral preferences, insisting that far from having voted for the PDP, the party systematically rigged both the national and state elections in both zones by confiscating result sheets while fabricating and arbitrarily writing results in its own favour." | Nigeria 2015; All Progressives Congress; Peoples Democratic Party | 5 | |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Monday 11th May 2015 | Crisis In Enugu House Of Assembly Unsettles PDP | "The current feud between Governor Sullivan Chime and a faction of the State House of Assembly led by Speaker, Eugene Odo may have unsettled the state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Authoritative sources close to the leadership of the party in the state told The Guardian that a sharp division has set into the party executive following the decision of its chairman, Ikeje Asogwa, to support the nine-member faction that “impeached” Odo and elected a new Speaker, Chinedu Nwamba. It was learnt that Asogwa had authored a letter congratulating the new Speaker and adopting him on behalf of the party without recourse to his executive. He reportedly presented the new Speaker to the governor on Thursday for adoption. An official of the party told The Guardian: “That is the impunity we are talking about. As we speak, nobody has called any meeting to deliberate on what is happening at the House of Assembly; yet, our chairman has singlehandedly authored a statement congratulating one faction. That is not how to do party politics. I felt that the right thing to do is to call the two groups and know why they are fighting. Whether you like it or not they are all PDP members, and we cannot pretend as if we don’t know they are members of the party.” He stated that Asogwa’s action was not in the interest of the party and its supporters, stressing that 15 of 24 members of the House “cannot be saying rubbish.” Already, he said that some of the members of the party executive have protested the action of its chairman." | Enugu State; Impeachment; | 74 | |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Monday 11th May 2015 | Ekiti Government To Verify Workers On Its Payroll, Pay April Salary On Wednesday | "Ekiti state government is to begin verification of the 48,977 workers in the state public service on Tuesday while workers will wait till Wednesday for their April salary to be paid. In a statement yesterday, the state government said the exercise would last till next Monday during which the workers will start receiving their April salary. The statement signed by the Special Assistant to the governor on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka explained the verification exercise was aimed at blocking close to N500 million being lost to ghost workers monthly through the e-payment system contracted to a private company by the immediate past administration in the state. The governor’s aide disclosed that salary of April will be paid as workers are verified, adding that; “Those insinuating that the verification exercise was meant to delay payment of April salary are just playing cheap politics because the arrangement is such that; the moment verification is concluded on daily basis, salary of those cleared will be paid." | Labour; Ekiti State | 73 | |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Monday 11th May 2015 | Ondo Free Of Strange Disease, Says Commissioner | "Ondo state government at the weekend declared that it has effectively curtailed the spread of the strange disease referred to as ‘Ondo X’, which broke out in Irele Local Government Area of Ondo State. The feat was achieved after the people, relying on the advice of the state government refrained from consumption of locally brewed gin known as “ogogoro”, which was attributed to be the cause of the disease, which killed over 27 persons in Ode-Irele The State Commission for Health, Dr. Dayo Adeyanju at a parley with journalists and other stakeholders, said the result of the toxicological tests and subsequent actions taken by the state government have helped to unravel the mystery behind the strange ailment. He revealed that the concerted efforts of the state government and other health related bodies across the globe have yielded much result; and for the record, there have been no reported new cases of the disease in the last 14 days." | Ondo State; Disease | 73 | |
| Leadership News Online | Monday 11th May 2015 | Executive, Responsible For Corruption In Nigeria – Ihedioha | "The leadership of the House Representatives, weekend, criticised the President Gooduck Jonathan-led executive over its failure to tackle corruption related offences in the land saying the 7th Assembly had done its best in exposing corruption where it is necessary. The lawmakers also disclosed that the House has done all it could to ensure the smooth and easy passage of the much awaited Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) when the House seats for plenary this week. Deputy Speaker of the House, Hon Emeka Ihedioha, stated this while speaking to newsmen after a delegation of members of the House of Representatives, paid a condolence visit to the minority leader of the House, Hon Samson Osagie, at Urhokuosa, Uhunmwode in Edo State, whose father Pa Samson Osagie Imarhiagbe Ogbewe passed away. He stated, “It is most unfair for anybody to indicate that we have not done anything about corruption. First , the leadership of the House and the 7th Assembly have discharged itself as a House that lead by example , we have lead the House transparently and we have opened our books for anybody or individual to appreciate how we ran the affair of the House and that is why in the 7th Assembly there is no banana peel." | Federal Government; Corruption; NASS | http://leadership.ng/news/432373/executive-responsible-for-corruption-in-nigeria-ihedioha | |
| Leadership News Online | Monday 11th May 2015 | NASS Leadership: APC Must Decide On Zoning Now – Kwankwaso | "Kano State governor and senator-elect representing Kano Central, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has advised the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to act fast by coming out with an acceptable zoning formula for the National Assembly positions. “The longer this decision takes, the more challenges it will pose to the party”, Kwankwaso said. In an interview with newsmen in his office at the Government House, Kano, yesterday, Governor Kwankwaso said his party should come out with acceptable guidelines for the zoning, adding that failure to do so may erode the people’s confidence and repeat the mistake of the PDP in the 7th Assembly. Kwankwaso recalled that Speaker Aminu Tambuwal took advantage of the PDP’s delay to go round and campaign, and garnered support from members of the House who voted him as the speaker. Kwankwaso explained that the PDP, as an experienced party in the game, may want to capitalise on this mistake, a situation the APC national leadership would not want to happen because it won the elections overwhelmingly. The governor advised the APC leadership to come out with a zoning formula that would be acceptable, adding that failure to do so may pave the way for PDP to snatch the leadership of the National Assembly." | Leadership; National Assembly; All Progressives Congress | http://leadership.ng/news/432383/nass-leadership-apc-must-decide-on-zoning-now-kwankwaso | |
| Leadership News Online | Monday 11th May 2015 | Boko Haram: Displaced Women Deliver Of 5 Babies In 3 Days | "The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has said that displaced women have been delivered of five babies at the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp at Kalambaina, Sokoto, between May 7 and 9. The NEMA assistant head, Sokoto Zonal Operations Office, Thickman Tanimu, made this known to newsmen in Sokoto, saying amongst the five new babies, three were girls, while two were boys. He said two were delivered on May 7 while on transit to Sokoto, two on May 8 and one on May 9, adding the mothers and children were hale and hearty. The official said 2,000 displaced persons, including the new babies, were evacuated by the agency from Geidam in Yobe on Wednesday to Sokoto. He said nearly 80 per cent of the affected people were from Kebbi, while the rest were from Sokoto State. “They were earlier displaced due to insurgent activities in Doron-Baga in Borno and they fled to Gegeme in Difa state, Niger Republic as refugees. However, they were also unfortunately deported back to Geidam in Yobe State after an insurgent attack at their IDPs camp in Niger Republic." | Boko Haram; Rescued Women | http://leadership.ng/news/432381/boko-haram-displaced-women-deliver-of-5-babies-in-3-days | |
| Leadership News Online | Monday 11th May 2015 | Kidnap: Police Arrest 70-Year-Old Woman Over Abduction Of A Toddler | "A 70-year-old woman, Zenab Alabi, has been arrested by men of Kwara State Police Command for allegedly kidnapping a three-year-old girl, Fatiah Mustapha. The spokesman of the Police command,Ajayi Okesanmi, confirmed the arrest of the suspect to journalists in Ilorin yesterday. He stated that the victim had been released to her parents. A relative of the girl’s mother, Mrs Maryam Abdulganiyu, in an interview with journalists in Ilorin said Fathia was found at a worship centre called Ori-Oke at Basin area of Ilorin, the state capital. The worshipper, according to a source, initially claimed that the missing child was her grandchild but later said she found the girl wandering about following which she picked her up, using her to collect alms around the state capital. The suspect was said to have claimed that she used the proceeds from the alms collection to buy clothes and feed the victim. The girl, according to investigation, was declared missing by her parents who reside at old Shao garage, Ilorin on March 25. After an endless search, her parents were said to have resorted to prayers to seek God’s intervention, and in a bid to seek God’s face, the father of the girl was said to have approached a man of God at Ori-Oke, located on mountain at Basin Ilorin. While the search for the girl lasted, it was gathered that girl’s grandfather, Mallam Isa, went to the same Ori-Oke to worship where he saw the 70-year-old woman with the missing girl. He was said to have quickly alerted the man of God in charge of the centre that he had seen his missing grand child in possession of an unknown person." | Kidnap; Kwara State | http://leadership.ng/news/432414/kidnapping-police-arrest-70-year-old-woman | |
| Leadership News Online | Monday 11th May 2015 | Kidnap: OAU Lecturer Abducted, Driver Killed | "A lecturer at the department of Environmental Design Management at the Obafemi Awolowo University, (OAU), Ile-Ife, Dr. Femi Omisore, has been abducted by unknown gunmen. It was gathered that the lecturer was kidnapped at Ado Ekiti while on his way to Oye-Ekiti, Ekiti State. According to a source, the kidnappers also killed the driver of Omisore and burnt his vehicle to ashes.It was gathered that the hoodlums trailed the lecturer and the attempt by his driver to escape them cost him his life as the kidnappers gunned him down, dragged his boss out of his car and whisked him away. They then fired at the petrol tank of the vehicle and set it ablaze. The chairman of the OAU chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Dr. Caleb Aborisade, confirmed the incident: “It is true. He was taken away and his driver was killed. His car was also burnt.” he said." | Kidnap; Lecturer | http://leadership.ng/news/432396/kidnap-oau-lecturer-abducted-driver-killed | |
| Leadership News Online | Monday 11th May 2015 | Northern Elders To Buhari: Be Fair To Every Nigerian | "Members of the Northern Elders’ Forum (NEF) yesterday urged the president-elect , General Muhammadu Buihari, to rise above partisan politics, religion and ethnicity and be fair to all Nigerians irrespective of their affiliations. Leader of the Forum and former Nigeria’s representative to the United Nations, Alhaji Matama Sule, stated this yesterday in Abuja when the forum paid a courtesy visit to General Buhari at the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign headquarters in, Abuja. While eulogizing Buhari as a man who made his mark as a former military head of state, Maitama Sule said: “You’re the president of Nigeria; you are not the president of northern Nigeria, by the grace of God. Your Excellency, we have come to congratulate you. We first of all thank God: what happened recently to Nigeria is an act of God; nobody can claim credit for it. Allah has done it for us; Allah has listened to our prayers and our pleas and brought about this change, a change for the betterment of all.” According to him, nobody expected that the elections will be peaceful, and nobody expected that the elections will not lead to the disintegration of the country. “By the grace of God, the elections were held peacefully. We are living in peace with one another and, by the grace of God, power will also be handed over to you (Buhari) and we’ll be living peaceful thereafter, by the grace of God." | Northern Elders Forum; Muhammadu Buhari; Nigeria 2015 | http://leadership.ng/news/432313/northern-elders-to-buhari-be-fair-to-every-nigerian | |
| Leadership News Online | Monday 11th May 2015 | Adesina’s Policies Will Preserve 60% of Nigeria’s Food Produce | "The Coordinator of the Nigeria Agri-Business Group and Out-going Chairman of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) Emmanuel Itoya Ijewere has said the legacy of the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Akinwumi Adesina will save Nigeria over 60 per cent in food shortages. He said “this is because Adesina has addressed the issues of food processing and storage,thereby ensuring farmers do not lose their produce after harvest or in the course of transportation as before” Speaking in an exclusive interview with LEADERSHIP yesterday he said the Minister, Dr Akinwumi has been a blessing to Nigeria through the revolution of agriculture and will be an asset to Africa if elected the President of the African Development Bank(AfDB) According to him” if Adesina were to be elected the President of the AfDB “it will be a great plus because agriculture is the strength of Africa and he will be an asset. Nigeria will lose him but also the nation will gain because Nigeria remains the greatest economy in Africa with about 35 per cent of the entire Africa population”. | Agriculture; Policy; Federal Government | http://leadership.ng/news/432314/adesinas-policiesll-preserve-60-of-nigerias-food-produce | |
| Leadership News Online | Monday 11th May 2015 | My Ministers Will Be Persecuted ‑ Jonathan | "Barely 19 days to his handover date, President Goodluck Jonathan has given a hint of what he expects to happen to his ministers and other aides: he warned them they would be persecuted while some of their friends would desert him. Jonathan, who made these remarks yesterday at a thanksgiving service organised in his honour at the Anglican Church, in Life Camp, Abuja, vowed that whether in or out of government, he was as prepared as ever to lay down his life for the greatness of Nigeria. Jonathan also said he may have been denied his re-election bid because he took hard decisions in purging the country’s electoral process among other stiff reforms. He said, “If you take certain decisions, it might be good for the generality of the people but it might affect some people differently. So for ministers and aides who served with me, I sympathize with them; they will be persecuted, and they must be ready for that persecution. “To my ministers, I wish you what I wish myself. You will have hard times; we will all have hard times; our ways will be rough.” The outgoing president urged the church and other religious groups to pray for the success of the incoming administration, adding that what matters is not the person in charge of government but the dividends of democracy that come from his regime." | Goodluck Jonathan; Persecution; | http://leadership.ng/news/432316/my-ministers-will-be-persecuted-%E2%80%91-jonathan | |
| Leadership News Online | Monday 11th May 2015 | SURE-P Jobs: Victims Seek EFCC, ICPC’s Intervention | "The Lagos camp of the Subsidy Re-investment Programme (SURE-P) has been deserted, with thousands of job seekers in the SURE-P/FERMA employment scheme calling on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) to investigate the over N463 million job scam perpetrated by SURE-P officials and the training personnel who paraded themselves with the name, “SURE-P/FERMA Federal Task Force,” while working on behalf of the federal government. When LEADERSHIP visited the camp which is located at the former toll gate, Magodo, Lagos, yesterday, the place was deserted, with even members of the SURE-P/FERMA Federal Task Force who were anchoring the training programme nowhere to be found. LEADERSHIP gathered that about 10,000 Lagos residents registered for the employment programme. The job seekers paid N32,500, N2,000 and N1,800 each for uniforms, SURE-P labelled polo shirts and face caps respectively. The job seekers also paid N10,000 each for registration forms even though the forms came with a bold inscription, “This form is not for sale.” With the 10,000 job seekers registered with SURE-P, about N463 million may have been collected from these cadets who have been undergoing training in the last few years. However, SURE-P’s spokesman, Mr Suleiman Haruna said the agency paid all interns registered under the programme.He explained that where there were complaints of non-payment, employers of the interns wrote to SURE-P and such complaints were always resolved. He, however, noted that the SURE-P employment programme was anchored by FERMA (Federal Roads Maintenance Agency), which was supposed to pay them the training allowance." | SURE-P; EFCC; ICPC | http://leadership.ng/news/432310/sure-p-jobs-victims-seek-efcc-icpcs-intervention | |
| Online -Guardian | Sunday 10th May 2015 | I Have No Governorship Ambition, Says Alamieyeseigha | "THE former governor of Bayelsa State, Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, has described as false and an act of mischief, the media reports that he is planning to run for the governorship of the state on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Alamieyeseigha, in a statement issued by the Niger Delta Solidarity Forum (NDSF) and made available to The Guardian explained that he has neither nursed nor discussed any plans to run for the governorship of Bayelsa State with anybody. He, therefore, called on his supporters and the people of the state to disregard the reports, as they were the handiwork of mischief-makers." | Bayelsa 2015; Diepreye Alamieyeseigha | http://www.ngrguardiannews.com/2015/05/i-have-no-governorship-ambition-says-alamieyeseigha | |
| ThisDay Live | Sunday 10th May 2015 | Ohakim: Nigerians Rejected Jonathan, Not PDP | " Former governor of Imo state, Ikedi Ohakim has described the last presidential election as a rejection of President Goodluck Jonathan by Nigerians, but not the rejection of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP); as the outgoing president moved against the political tide of power equation of sharing power between north and south. He also joined Governor Ayo Fayose of Ekiti State to call on the national chairman of PDP, Adamu Muazu to emulate the leaders of political parties in United Kingdom that resigned because their parties lost elections to resign, stating that this is the honourable thing to do. In an interview with THISDAY, Ohakim said, “In terms of politics and the next elections, PDP has a very great chance. Nigerians love PDP, they rejected the product (President Goodluck Jonathan and others) we offered at the presidential election and general elections. “This is an opportunity for us to go back and repackage, those who hijacked the party have discovered that it did not bring any dividend; let the people that are there not think it is their birthright to do so. The blame game would not serve anybody any good, PDP has not done badly; it is not living with shame.” | Nigeria 2015 | http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/ohakim-nigerians-rejected-jonathan-not-pdp/208945/?utm_medium=twitter | |
| Vanguard Online | Sunday 10th May 2015 | Nigerians Took Jonathan’s Meekness For Weakness, Restraint For Lack Of Strength – Okupe | "The Senior Special Assistant to the President Jonathan on Public Affairs. Mr Doyin Okupe has again said that Nigerians miss took Jonathan’s meekness for weakness, restraint for lack of strength, reticence for inaction and calmness for indecisiveness. Okupe made this known on his Facebook post, Sunday after the Thanksgiving and Farewell service in honour of President Jonathan and the First Lady, at the Church of the Advent, Abuja. His post reads: “A thanksgiving service was held in honour of President Jonathan and his wife. It was a lovely event though quite an emotional one too. I saw eminent men and women dabbed their eyes. I struggled with mine. Nigerians misunderstood meekness for weakness, Restraint for lack of strength, reticence for inaction and calmness for indecisiveness. But History will judge differently. He will be remembered as a great man, a good man, humble and humane, purposeful and focused." | Nigeria 2015 | http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/05/nigerians-took-jonathans-meekness-for-weakness-restraint-for-lack-of-strength-okupe/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter#sthash.PK0DyVhU.dpuf | |
| Online -Guardian | Sunday 10th May 2015 | Taraba APC Officials Trade Accusations, Want Party Account Probed | "There seems to be no end to the lingering crisis in the Taraba state chapter of All Progressive Congress (APC), as the party Deputy Chairman, Martin Usman Ibrahim, has called for a probe of the party’s account. Briefing journalists yesterday in Jalingo, the state capital, the deputy chairman who claimed that the party have sacked him, vowed never to relinquish his position as no letter had been issued to that effect. According to him, ” though the party ,through the chairman, Hassan Jika Ardo, has claimed to have suspended me from office, but as far as I am concerned, I am still the deputy chairman of APC in Taraba.” Wondering why they should be accusing him of ” anti-party” during the just concluded re-run that gave PDP victory, he said “If I did do anti party during the Presidential and April 11 governorship elections, is it the re-run election that I will get myself involve in anti-party activities?” Accusing the party chairman of hijacking the party, he stressed the need for the relevant authority to probe the party’s account to unveil corruption within th party in the state." | Taraba 2015; All Progressives Congress | http://www.ngrguardiannews.com/2015/05/taraba-apc-officials-trade-accusations-want-party-account-probed | |
| Online -Guardian | Sunday 10th May 2015 | Abia PDP Reacts On INEC Staff Caught With Card Reader Machines | "Sequel to the reported arrest of some Abia State INEC staff in Umuahia on Tuesday with seven INEC Card Reader Machines without authorisation, the Abia State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called for a thorough Police investigation to unravel the brains behind it and bring the culprits to book. Abia State secretary of the party, Barr. Charles Eseonu, in Umuahia, said PDP roundly condemned the incident. He stated that the alleged involvement of some INEC staff presupposes that it must have been a planned act orchestrated by enemies of free and fair elections in the state. His words: “Associating PDP with the INEC incident by the opposition party is not surprising, rather a continuation of the cabal’s unfathomable and unbridled desire to acquire power by all means." | Abia 2015 | http://www.ngrguardiannews.com/2015/05/abia-pdp-reacts-on-inec-staff-caught-with-card-reader-machines | |
| Online -Guardian | Sunday 10th May 2015 | Sect Leader, Sheikh El-Zakyzaky Alleges Threat To His Life | "Leader of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, also known as Shittes, Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zaky Zaky escaped an attack by unknown gang, yesterday. He has however accused the security agents and Zauzau Emirate for alleged plot against his life. A statement by Sheikh Zakyzaky yesterday, said “around ten o’clock, Thursday night a hired mob armed with dangerous weapons launched attack on Shaikh Zakzaky’s Gyellesu Zaria residence, but was repelled by some Brothers guarding the residence.” The leader of the Islamic Movement explained that “having failed on the first attempt, the mob re-grouped and made another move the next morning, but was equally repelled.” In the statement, Sheikh Zakyzaky said: “reliable sources confirmed that, the attempt was sponsored by the Nigerian security, through the Zazzau Emirate and the District Head of Gyellesu in the unrelenting onslaught on the Islamic Movement and life of its Leader, Shaikh Zakzaky”. | Sheik El-Zakyzaky; Threat to Life | http://www.ngrguardiannews.com/2015/05/sect-leader-sheikh-el-zakyzaky-alleges-threat-to-his-life | |
| Leadership News Online | Sunday 10th May 2015 | I’ll Go Back To School After The Villa – VP’s Wife | "Wife of the Vice President, Hajia Amina Sambo, yesterday, in Abuja, disclosed that she would go back to the classroom to acquire more knowledge after the expiration of her husband’s tenure on May 29. She said there could be times in the future when the demand of her academic engagements would not allow her to honour invitations to public engagements. “I will like to continue to leave my doors open in case you will call on me. In case I say I am having exams (I am going back to school); so, do not be offended, I might be studying, but be assured that I will always be with you,” Hajia Sambo stated. She, however, did not disclose which institution or course of study she intends to pursue. Hajia Sambo, a graduate of political science from Bayero University, Kano, spoke at a ceremony organised in her honour by the Coalition of Nigerian Muslim Women at the National Mosque, Abuja." | Nigeria 2015; Wife of the Vice President | http://leadership.ng/news/432088/ill-go-back-to-school-after-the-villa-vps-wife | |
| Leadership News Online | Sunday 10th May 2015 | PDP Crisis: Why Mu’azu, Others Must Go – Gulak | "Ahmed Gulak, former special adviser to President Jonathan on political matters said he is sure that the PDP would bounce back, but first Mu’azu and his team has to go. Responding to questions from LEADERSHIP, the former Speaker of Adamawa State House of Assembly said ""in the next two years rather, we will re-organise the party and bring in good hands who will pilot the affairs of the party. We will wait for the implosion of the APC because it is definitely going to happen. Then those who left the PDP because of what they perceived as injustice will meet the same thing in the APC and come back"". He also said Nigerians must learn that the country belongs to all of us and we must remain united. The Nigeria we want is the one that takes care of everybody, irrespective of your religion and tribe. The leadership we want is one that takes care of everybody. A leadership that is selfless, considerate, leadership that is hungry for development and consider every Nigerian as equal partner." | Nigeria 2015; Peoples Democratic Party; National Working Committee | http://leadership.ng/features/interviews/432239/pdp-crisis-why-muazu-others-must-go-gulak-2 | |
| Leadership News Online | Sunday 10th May 2015 | PDP’s Loss, A Temporary Setback – Uzodimma | "The collossal loss of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2015 general election in the country has been described as a temporary setback which the party would overcome. A member of the Board of Trustee (BoT) of the party and Senator representing Imo West in the National Assembly, Senator Hope Uzodimma, stated this yesterday. He said already the party had initiated plans to re-engineer itself to once again bounce back to national reckoning and that very soon, the storm in the PDP would be over. Uzodimma said as a committed member of the PDP and the party’s BoT member, he would never desert the party but stay back to join hands with other committee members to salvage it. He appealed to those who have left the party to return as, according to him, “The party remains the only true grassroots party in Nigeria and on the African continent”. He frowned at members who benefitted immensely from the party but have now resorted to painting it in bad light and wishing its disintegration. Uzodimma who is the chairman, Senate Committee on Aviation cautioned against the current blame game in the party and appealed to those involved in the act to desist as it would not do anybody any good. He said he would remain an avid supporter of the president at all times because Goodluck Jonathan means well for the country as evidenced by his transformation agenda and people oriented projects." | Nigeria 2015; Peoples Democratic Party | http://leadership.ng/news/432243/pdps-loss-a-temporary-setback-uzodimma | |
| Leadership News Online | Sunday 10th May 2015 | El-Rufai: I Will Ensure Local Government Financial Autonomy | "Kaduna State governor-elect, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, has reiterated his commitment to distance himself from local government council funds when he eventually takes over the mantle of leadership. He emphatically declared that the in-coming administration will not touch funds belonging to the 23 local government areas of the state. He said the LGAs will be allowed to run the affairs of their councils without any form of interference. His spokesperson, Samuel Aruwan, disclosed in a statement made available to newsmen in Kaduna. According to Aruwan, the governor-elect made the comment when the forum of APC local government chairmen in the state paid him a congratulatory visit. The statement quoted him as saying, “We must do what our people want and what will benefit them. And we must be firm in bringing positive change and coherent development to Kaduna State. “We will not touch a kobo or naira of local government councils in the state. The local government areas must be allowed to deliver development and real change. Alhaji Naibi Ibrahim Sambo who led the delegation of APC chairmen said they were in Kaduna to congratulate the governor-elect and pray for his success as governor. Sambo explained that the people of Kaduna state voted for El-Rufai because they are convinced he will take the state to greater heights. He pledged the support of the forum towards restoring the lost glory of the state." | Kaduna 2015; Nasir El-Rufai | http://leadership.ng/news/432246/el-rufai-i-will-ensure-local-government-financial-autonomy | |
| Leadership News Online | Sunday 10th May 2015 | Speakership: North Central Lawmakers Deny Endorsing Gbajabiamila | "Some federal lawmakers from the North Central have distanced themselves from the zones reported endorsement of Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila as Speaker of House of Representatives in the 8th Assembly. On Friday, a statement published in some national dailies under the North Central caucus purpotedly endorsed Gbajabiamila with the names of 20 members from the North Central region. But in a statement issued yesterday, some of the members whose names were among the 20 said they were not consulted before the publication was made. The lawmakers are: Hons. Beni Lar (Plateau); Suleiman Kwande (Plateau); Emmanuel Udende (Benue); Chris Adabah (Benue); Orker Jev (Benue); Mark Gbilah (Benue) and Adamu Entonu (Benue). The statement read: “We want to make it abundantly clear that at no time did we sit to endorse Hon. Gbajabiamila as Speaker. Our names were only added to the list and we didnt sign the notice. We are still awaiting the decision of the APC on zoning of National Assembly leadership positions.” | Speakership; All progressives Congress; | http://leadership.ng/news/432248/speakership-north-central-lawmakers-deny-endorsing-gbajabiamila | |
| ThisDay Live | Sunday 10th May 2015 | Borno Establishes Camp For Nigerien Deportees | "Borno State Government has established a camp for the indigenes of the state recently repatriated from neighbouring Niger. The establishment of a special camp for the repatriated indigenes of Borno state, who are among the over 6,000 sent parking from Niger after the attack of two of the country’s island by the dreaded Boko Haram sect, brings the number of camps established for internally displaced persons to 21. Speaking to newsmen while receiving the first batch of 1,200 deportees at Njimtilo, the entrance to Maiduguri, the Borno state capital, the Chairman of the State Emergency Management Agency, Alhaji Grema Terab said the State government decided to establish a new camp for them because of their special case. Grema, who said that another set of 17 mass transit buses have been dispatched to Geidam to bring in the second batch of 1,200 people, disclosed that more people are still expected as the Nigerien government continues to repatriate more people. He said “the 2,400 are not the only people we are expecting back in Borno from Niger and provisions have been made to get them housed one of the 400 Housing Estate along Gubio Road.” Grema said the camp was created specially for them because of their peculiar situation, stressing that “some of them though Nigerians were born in Niger and have never been to Nigeria, we have to keep them in a camp for now, console them and treat those that are traumatised with the intention of allowing them to mix with other Nigerians in not too distant a time." | Niger Republic; Deportees; Borno State | http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/borno-establishes-camp-for-nigerien-deportees/208939 | |
| ThisDay Live | Sunday 10th May 2015 | Lagos Strives To End Overseas Treatment -Idris | "The Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris, has said the health policy of the State government is to ensure that overseas treatment is reduced to the barest minimum. Idris who revealed this to journalists after the unveiling of the Cardiac and Renal centre of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Gbagada annex recently, noted that the N5billion centre was a major landmark in the achievement of the state’s health policy. The Commissioner also noted that, the edifice, built by an indigenous Turkish firm, Deux Project Limited, is aimed at providing major solution to the health needs of numerous patients seeking treatment for renal failure and dialysis services. “It is appropriate and timely to have a befitting cardiac and renal centre due to the increasing number of patients presenting with end stage renal failure and coronary heart diseases.” He said the Cardiac and Renal Specialist Centre which is the first in Nigeria, is an ultra-modern health care facility which provides comprehensive health care solutions and services to patients suffering from cardiac and renal related diseases, spreading over three floors and provides state-of-the-art services with eight specialised out-patient clinic. Other facilities in the hospital according to him include, Cathlab and C T scan, four bed intensive care units, two theater suits with laminar flow air-control, central sterilisation and supply unit, four bed recovery room, echo lab, stress test lab, 24 dialysis machines, pharmacy laboratories, ophthalmology clinic for eye screening, physiotherapy\rehabilitation unit and conference rooms with telemedicine facility." | Lagos State; Cardiac and Renal Centre | http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/lagos-strives-to-end-overseas-treatment/208936 | |
| ThisDay Live | Sunday 10th May 2015 | PDP Post-Election Committee Meets Jonathan | "Deputy Senate President and Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) post-election review committee, Senator Ike Ekweremadu weekend said President Goodluck Jonathan was strongly interested in the party returning to its past glory. Ekweremadu spoke after the committee met with Jonathan at the Presidential Villa. On the purpose of visit, he said “as you are aware, the PDP set up a committee to have an overview of our performance during 2015 election and possibly proffer a road map for the PDP to return to its past glory. “This committee has since been inaugurated and we deemed it necessary to come back to the leader of the party to brief him on our appointment and to seek his support and cooperation."" “I would like to announce that Mr. President has given us his words that he will encourage and will support this process and that he is interested in the party returning to its past glory and that he is going to do everything to ensure that we remain intact and we also agreed that all bickering have to stop so that we have a position that will enable us to rebuild our party.” | Peoples Democratic Party; Post-Election Committee | http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/pdp-post-election-committee-meets-jonathan/208934 | |
| ThisDay Live | Sunday 10th May 2015 | Mark To Buhari: Nigeria Needs Genuine Reconciliation | "The President of the Senate, Senator David Mark, has again taken stock of the unfolding political scenario in the country and submitted that, “what the nation need now is genuine reconciliation of all sections of the country and not otherwise.” Senator Mark, in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Paul Mumeh, therefore enjoined the incoming Muhammadu Buhari administration to take as a priority genuine reconciliation of all Nigerians in order to assuage the feelings of some aggrieved persons. He said despite different political affiliations on which public officers were elected, “what must be paramount is the service, welfare and security of Nigerians irrespective of ethnic, religious or political differences”. Addressing the congregation at a thanksgiving Mass ahead of the end of the 7th Senate at St. Mulumba Catholic Chaplaincy, Apo in Abuja, Mark canvassed the need to address the insecurity situation especially in the North-east zone ravaged by Boko Haram.He counseled public office seekers against desperation for power saying “there is no need to be desperate for power, since power comes from God. Once we acknowledge this, we will not be at each other’s throat.” | Nigeria 2015; David Mark; Muhammadu Buhari | http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/mark-to-buhari-nigeria-needs-genuine-reconciliation/208933 | |
| ThisDay Live | Sunday 10th May 2015 | Military: Let’s Not Encourage Illegality In The Name Of Militia | " The military authorities have admonished Nigeria to ensure that illegality is not encouraged in the name of militia, noting that “we have enough experience across the board that when it starts the end is often what even those who started it can no longer control.” Director of Military Information, Major General Chris Olukolade, who noted this during an interaction with journalists at the Secretariat of the Nigerian Union of Journalist (NUJ), Jos, was clearing the air on the mixed information that trailed the recent killing in part of Wase local government area of Plateau State. He said, “What has been happening in the area, to the extent that some people that constitute themselves into militia have the effrontery (or let me say, the courage) to organise an ambush against troops on patrol; in fact, not just ambush, but ambushed and killed soldiers on patrol and abducted them, to the extent that soldiers are found killed and their bodies mutilated, is most unfortunate. In the North-east, we found groups who have volunteered to provide support for soldiers, but they are under control. But where a militia group decides to constitute a threat to the security of all; we should not encourage it" | Defence Headquarters; Wase Killing | http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/military-let-s-not-encourage-illegality-in-the-name-of-militia/208932 | |
| ThisDay Live | Sunday 10th May 2015 | College of Education Councils’ Chairmen Calls For Upgrade To University Level | "The Committee of Chairmen of Governing Councils of Federal Colleges of Education have recommended that some Colleges of Education (CoE) with adequate staff strength and infrastructure be upgraded to Universities of Education. The Chairman of the Committee, Senator Emmanuel Anosike in an interview with THISDAY cited Alvan Ikoku College of Education which he said has over 180 doctorate degree holders as lecturers, while some universities do not have that much. Anosike also listed the Adeyemi College of Education, Federal Colleges of Education, Abeokuta and Zaria as among those that have adequate staff strength and infrastructure for upgrade to Universities of Education. He called for an urgent review of the Act establishing the National Commission for College of Education (NCCE) so that it can become National Commission for Teacher Education. “That way, CoEs can become Universities of Education. We can also adjust our policies since most of this CoEs produce degree holders of universities they are affiliated to, why can’t the degree theirs?” he said." | College of Education; Federal Government | http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/councils-chairmen-recommend-upgrade-of-colleges-of-education-to-universities/208931/ | |
| ThisDay Live | Sunday 10th May 2015 | ‘Public Works Corporation Bill Will Ensure Accountability’ -Rotimi Olowo | " The Chairman, Committee on Works and Infrastructure in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Rotimi Olowo, has said the Bill for a law to provide for the establishment of the Lagos State Public Works Corporation (PWC) is for accountability purposes. Addressing the press during a public hearing on the Bill, Olowo said the Bill is meant to replace the 2003 Law that backed the establishment of the Lagos State Works Management Board. He said there was a need for a Bill that would take care of the corporation and give it a Governing Board through which the corporation can be funded. “We don’t want the corporation to be like the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). Our own gifts and donations would be accounted for, and we need to have a board that would take care of the funds for accountability and transparency purposes."" “We also want to have a secretary for the board. The Bill would allow for efficiency and accountability. It would take care of how money comes in and how they spend it. The corporation is an agency of the government funded by government’s money and their income and expenditure would be open to members of the public,” he said." | Lagos State; Public Works Corporation Bill | http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/-public-works-corporation-bill-will-ensure-accountability-/208930 | |
| ThisDay Live | Sunday 10th May 2015 | Be Dedicated, Productive, Emir Of Lafia Tells Civil Servants | " The Emir of Lafia and chairman of the Nasarawa State Traditional Council, Alhaji Mustapha Agwai I, Saturday charged civil servants to show dedication and imbibe productiveness in the discharge of their responsibilities in a bid to contribute their quota to national development. The traditional ruler gave this charge while a delegation of civil servants from Keffi Local Government who paid him a condolence over the death of some his royal staff in a ghastly accident. The crash, reported by THISDAY, happened last Monday while the Emir was on his way to pay condolence to Governor Isa Yuguda of Bauchi State who earlier lost his mother. Agwai I described civil servants as the “backbone” of any developing economy and stressed the need to pursue dedication and productivity on the part of the civil servants. “I want to appreciate you for identifying with me and the entire emirate council at this trying moment over the death of (four) of the palace staff. Their death in a ghastly motor accident occurred while we were heading to Bauchi to condole with Governor Yuguda over the demise of his mother. At the same day, we also lost another staff due to a brief illness. The loss of the five staff was a great loss not only to Lafia Emirate but the entire state. The deceased lived lives worthy of emulation as they were very humble and dedicated,” the Emir said." | Traditional Ruler; Civil Servants | http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/be-dedicated-productive-emir-of-lafia-tells-civil-servants/208929 | |
| Vangaurd Online | Saturday 9th May 2015 | Emerging Generation May Rise Against Us – Ben Murray | "The CEO of Silverbird Television, Ben Murray Bruce will be going to the senate to pursue his lofty dreams for Nigeria. At the Silverbird Awards last Sunday he made a powerful speech before Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, the governor of Delta State was crowned Silverbid’s Man of the year, an award he dedicated to the people of Delta who helped him achieve peace in the region throughout his eight year tenure. Uduaghan explained that he sacrificed his senatorial ambition for the interest of peace in the state. He said that no sacrifice was bigger than the peaceful coexistence that he achieved in Delta. It was a day of many awards including those that went to First Consultants, the hospital that handled Nigeria’s Ebola disease index case. They were honoured for their excellence. Bruce who has stepped aside from his chains of businesses following his election took to the stage and delivered the following speech:f" | Nigeria 2015 | http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/05/emerging-generation-may-rise-against-us-ben-murray/#sthash.aU0EstWM.dpuf | |
| Online -Guardian | Saturday 9th May 2015 | I am Not Aspiring To Succeed Mu’azu, Says Imoke | "Governor Liyel Imoke of Cross River State has denied having any interest in taking over from Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu as the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Touching down at the Margaret Ekpo International Airport, Calabar yesterday from Abuja, Imoke said it was all rumour in the media. He said: “I have been in the public limelight for 16 years now. My tenure as the governor of Cross River would come to an end on May 29, and I have no further political ambition or plan to succeed Mu’azu. “I have said it several months ago, that I will not participate in politics anymore or run for any political office at any level after my tenure as governor of Cross River. “Having being in the political limelight for 16 years, I want to step aside, and I remain a loyal party member and supporter. “I think it is all rumours and I can’t say where the information was generated from. I want to state that I am not planning to become the next national chairman of our party.” | Peoples Democratic Party; National Working Committee; Nigeria 2015 | http://www.ngrguardiannews.com/2015/05/i-am-not-aspiring-to-succeed-muazu-says-imoke | |
| Online -Guardian | Saturday 9th May 2015 | Military Recovers Menacing Video Recordings From Terrorists | "As troops of the Nigerian military continue the mop up of terrorist elements in the Northeast Nigeria, a handful of menacing video recordings were recovered in the course of the operation. A military source made this known yesterday in Abuja that most of the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) materials and clips contain footages of beheading and other activities carried out by the Boko Haram insurgents meant to intimidate viewers and enhance their propaganda stretch as well as give signals that they are still in charge. It was gathered that many of the video materials captured by the troops are currently being analysed by military experts. When contacted on the discovery of the video recordings, the Director Defence Information (DDI), Major General Chris Olukolade said “A number of vital materials, apart from arms and ammunition, have been recovered which are being subjected to intelligent analyses. We don’t want to say much about that now.” | Defence Headquarters; Boko Haram | http://www.ngrguardiannews.com/2015/05/military-recovers-menacing-video-recordings-from-terrorists | |
| Online -Guardian | Saturday 9th May 2015 | We Are Ready For Handover, Says Amaechi | "Rivers State Governor, Chibuike Amaechi, has expressed the readiness of his administration to handover on May 29. Amaechi, who dismissed rumours that he would not be handing over the reins of governance on the date, wondered what he would be doing in office after May 29. The governor, in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Mrs. Ibim Semenitari, averred that the entire cabinet had made ready their notes preparatory to the terminal date of his regime. “We are ready for handover unlike the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the centre that is busy making new appointments and sacking people. “They have refused to brief the Muhammadu Buhari Transition Team and the All Progressives Congress (APC) is not screaming blue murder. Rather, the APC at the centre is meeting and planning and preparing for governance.” Amaechi alleged that rather than support democracy, PDP has been busy doctoring election results and the Voters’ Register." | Rivers 2015; Transition | http://www.ngrguardiannews.com/2015/05/we-are-ready-for-handover-says-amaechi | |
| Leadership News Online | Saturday 9th May 2015 | Nigeria Railway Institute Graduates 205 Technicians | "Two hundred and five technicians, with diverse skills, on Friday in Lagos graduated from the Nigerian Railway Institute. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the skills acquisition programme of the corporation is part of the phased Federal Government overhaul and revamping of the nation’s rail transportation system. Admonishing the technicians, Mr Adeseyi Sijuwade, the Managing Director, Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), urged them to use the skills acquired for the growth of the nation’s economy. Sijuwade, represented by Alhaji Aminu Gusua, Director, Administration and Human Resources of NRC, said that the skills acquired from the institute would assist in bridging the nation’s technical manpower needs. The managing director also advised the technicians to utilise their skills within the ambit of the law. “We will make sure that grandaunts are employed by NRC when the opportunity comes but they should rather look at who they will employ,” he said." | Rail; Federal Government | http://leadership.ng/news/432073/nigeria-railway-institute-graduates-205-technicians | |
| Leadership News Online | Saturday 9th May 2015 | Jang Administration Leaving Only N18bn Debt – Commissioner | "Plateau State Government on Friday said its current debt profile was N18 billion and not N200 billion as being speculated. Commissioner for Information and Communication in the state, Mr Abubakar Badu, stated this at a news briefing in Jos shortly after the State’s Executive Council meeting. Badu said that the council deliberated on the misinformation regarding the true indebtedness of the state particularly as it concerned the bond the government recently secured. He said that the clarification became imperative in order to put the records straight and let the public to know that the outgoing administration in the state had nothing to hide. He revealed that the Gov. Jonah Jang’s administration inherited a debt of N80 billion, on assumption in 2007 but was able to defray it in its first tenure. He added that the government borrowed N48 billion to finance the execution of capital projects." | Plateau State; Debt; Jonah Jang | http://leadership.ng/news/432075/jang-administration-leaving-only-n18bn-debt-commissioner | |
| Leadership News Online | Saturday 9th May 2015 | WHO Declares Liberia Ebola Free | "The World Health Organisation (WHO) on Saturday declared Liberia free of Ebola after no new cases were reported for 42 days, twice the virus’ incubation period. The last Ebola patient in Liberia died on March 27, WHO said in a statement. Some 11,020 people were killed in the outbreak, which started in Guinea in December 2013 as more than 26,000 were infected. Liberia was hard-hit by the outbreak due to a lack of health services. Scientists and doctors are beginning to study the long-term effects of Ebola on the body, as survivors have reported muscle and joint pain as well as eyesight problems months after being declared cured. " | Ebola; Liberia | http://leadership.ng/news/432077/who-declares-liberia-ebola-free | |
| Leadership News Online | Saturday 9th May 2015 | Military Recovers Boko Haram Video of ‘Heinous Crimes’ | "The Director, Defence Information, Maj. Gen. Chris Olukolade, has confirmed that troops of the Nigerian Army have recovered video recordings of the heinous acts perpetrated by the Boko Haram insurgents. However, Olukolade refused to disclose further information about the crimes against humanity captured in the videos in possession of the military. He said, “It is true that troops have captured some video recordings of the terrorists but I would not want to say anything on that for now.” According to Olukolade, as terrorists continue to scamper following relentless pursuit by Nigerian troops, they have often left sensitive materials including arms, ammunitions, ICT gadgets and video recordings behind. It was gathered that many of the video materials captured by the troops are currently being analysed by military experts. Some of the videos included recording of scenes of trials, beheadings, executions, stoning, floggings and those taken during preparations for suicide attacks. A military source said that capturing such recordings was another major feat in the battle against insurgency as it was a tool used to really terrify mostly civilian population and cow them into submission. The source added that “Some of the video were meant for release through their normal channels to the public before they were dislodged from their camps." | Defence Headquarters; Boko Haram | http://leadership.ng/news/432080/military-recovers-boko-haram-video-of-heinous-crimes | |
| Vanguard Newspaper | Friday 8th May 2015 | Friday 8th May 2015 | "Delta State Governorship, National Assembly and State House of Assembly Election Petition Tribunal, has received a total of 40 petitions, challenging the outcome of the 2015 general elections. Three petitions are challenging the election of the state governor-elect, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, while one is challenging the election of Senator James Manager, Delta South. Seven petitions were received for the House of Representatives election and 29 for the state House of Assembly election. It was learned that the tribunal will soon commence sitting. Secretary to the Tribunal, Mr Al’Sadiq Abubakar, told Vanguard on phone, that the tribunal will stop receiving petitions 21 days from the day the results of the elections were declared. According to Abubakar, all the petitions were received at the tribunals between April 17 and May 3, explaining that the tribunals are made up of a chairman and two members each. He added that the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal will sit at High Court 3, beside Grand Hotel, while the National Assembly/Legislative House Tribunal will sit at High Court 5, both in Asaba, the state capital." | Delta 2015; Tribunal | 12 | |
| Vanguard Newspaper | Friday 8th May 2015 | Eight Years As Gov: To Those I Might Have Offended, I Apologise — Fashola | "The out-going governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, yesterday, in sober mood expressed unreserved apology to those he may have offended during his eight years of governing the state. Fashola tendered the apology while marking his 2,900 days in office in Ikeja. He said: “This is the time to prepare for the change of barton. Without the support of the residents of Lagos, your taxes, understanding and perseverance, honest criticism and prayers we may not have come this far. Our new governor, Akinwunmi Ambode will need more of the support that you gave to me. I urge you to stand very firmly with his team. “On a daily basis for 2,900 days I was saddled with the responsibility of taking decisions on a lot of files both in the afternoon, morning and night and there is no way I could have gotten all of them right. It is impossible. I took those decisions in the best interest of Lagosians based on the facts presented to me. “To those that we haven’t reached, please bear with us, the work will never finish. And I am sure that our new governor will continue from where I stopped.”" | Lagos State; Babatunde Raji Fashola | 10 | |
| Vanguard Newspaper | Friday 8th May 2015 | Rivers LG polls: Aggrieved APC Members Flay Primaries | "Some members of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Rivers State, yesterday continued their protest against the primaries of the party held on Monday ahead of the May 23 local government polls, describing the exercise as a sham. One of the protesters from Ahoada East Local Government Area of the state, Mr Kingsley Ogubie, told Vanguard, yesterday, at the state secretariat of the party in Port Harcourt, that materials for the primary election meant for the council were allegedly hijacked, adding that he was shocked when a chairmanship aspirant declared himself winner when there was actually no primary election in the council. He said they were protesting what he described as attempts by some chieftains of the party to force a chairmanship candidate on them. According to him, they had a shadow primary election among all the chairmanship aspirants for the council from the party where one of them emerged winner, insisting that the result be upheld." | LG Polls; Rivers State; | 12 | |
| Vanguard Newspaper | Friday 8th May 2015 | How FG Sustains NYSC For Nation Building – Jonathan | "In what sounded like a fare-well speech, President Goodluck Jonathan, yesterday, affirmed that his administration at the onset recognized the strength and vision of the youth, that was why it worked with urgency to help them define their path, through the sustenance of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, scheme. Jonathan, who spoke at the swearing-in ceremony of 2015 Batch ‘A’ Stream I corps members, deployed to Lagos State, at the NYSC Orientation Camp, in Iyana-Ipaja, boasted that with the necessary appropriation, his government was committed to supporting the NYSC scheme, thus positioning it as a leading light of youth organizations in world. Represented by Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State, President Jonathan said in the past 42 years, the NYSC has remained a beacon of hope in the country’s mission for a united nation, stating that it has exposed millions of youths to the cultures and traditions of Nigeria’s pluralistic society. Affirming that his administration has put in place many beneficial interventions, which have increased the skills, self-confidence and self-sufficiency available to the youth, Jonathan, however urged the incoming administration of Maj-Gen. Muhammadu Buhari to continue to support and encourage corps members by fulfilling it’s statutory obligations to the scheme. This is even as he commended the corps members who were sworn in for the successful completion of their academic endeavours, calling on them to dedicate themselves with renewed vigour, conviction and commitment to the progress and development of the nation." | National Youth Service Corps; Goodluck Jonathan | 10 | |
| Vanguard Newspaper | Friday 8th May 2015 | 2 Chairmen Emerge In Ebonyi APC | "Ebonyi State chapter of All Progressives Congress, APC, has split into two, leading to the emergence of factional chairmen of the party, Ben Nwaobashi and Pastor Eze Nwachukwu Eze. Members of the new faction of the party, including four purportedly suspended officers, Engr. Ngaji Nwodoh, Ephraim Eze, Pastor Eze Nwachukwu and Prof. Francis Ibiam, had in their resolutions passed vote of no confidence on Nwaobasi-led executives. They elected the deputy chairman, Pastor Eze Nwachukwu Eze, as the new chairman and relieved Nwaobasi of his duty, accusing him of financial misconduct, incompetence, negligence of duty, dictatorship and wrongful substitutions of the party’s candidates during the last general elections." | Ebonyi State; All Progressives Congress | http://linkis.com/www.vanguardngr.com/V28y8 | |
| Vanguard Newspaper | Friday 8th May 2015 | JTF Nabs Two Ships With 4.2m Litres Of Crude Oil | "The Joint Task Force, JTF, has recovered 4.2 million litres of crude oil allegedly stolen in the Niger Delta region. One of the JTF team leaders, Captain Sunday Olaleye, said that the discovery was made in two vessels which were arrested by Operation Pulo Shield, an anti-illegal bunkering and oil theft outfit of the JTF. One of the vessels was arrested in Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State while the other was arrested in Forcados, Warri waterways, in Delta State. He said the team discovered that of the 10 compartments in the vessel arrested in Forcados, nine were filled with crude oil. Captain Olaleye told newsmen that one compartment contained 330,000 litres of crude oil, adding that this can fill a truck. He said the arrest was made possible through a tip-off, adding that the two ships attempted to escape but for the quick response from his officers." | Fuel Scarcity; Theft; Joint Task Force (JTF) | http://linkis.com/www.vanguardngr.com/4TdCy | |
| Vanguard Newspaper | Friday 8th May 2015 | Amaechi’s Refusal To Set Up Transition C’ttee, An Act Of Impunity —Wike | "The refusal by Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State to set up a transition committee to interface with the one constituted by the governor-elect in the state, Mr Nyesom Wike, has been described as an act of impunity. Secretary to the transition committee set up by the governor-elect, Mr Frank Owhor, who briefed newsmen, yesterday, in the office of the Deputy Governor, Old Government House, Port Harcourt, said it had been the practice in the nation’s democracy since 1999 for transition committees to be set up by a governor-elect and the outgoing governor. Owhor who said it was unfortunate and hypocritical that Governor Amaechi, who allegedly refused to set up a transition committee in his state after his candidate lost the guber election was busy in Abuja as a member of a transition committee interfacing with the one set up by the Federal Government to ensure smooth transition of power on May 29 ." | Rivers 2015; Transition | http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/05/amaechis-refusal-to-set-up-transition-cttee-an-act-of-impunity-wike | |
| Vanguard Newspaper | Friday 8th May 2015 | Three Students Killed, 20 Injured As Boko Haram Attacks Yobe School | "Three students were killed with at least twenty others injured when Boko Haram attacked the College of Administrative and Business Study ( CABS), Potiskum, in Yobe State. Vanguard gathered the insurgents stormed the school around 8:30am Friday. A reliable source who witnessed the Book Haram onslaught said, the heavily armed insurgents numbering about five entered the school through the main gate after killing the security guard and opened fire on students killing three of them. The source added that, one of the insurgents died as a result of I.E.D strapped to his chest that exploded, and injured over twenty students. As at the time of filling this report, medical workers were busy evacuating the victims." | Boko Haram; Yobe State; School | http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/05/breaking-news-three-students-killed-20-injured-as-boko-haram-attacks-yobe-school | |
| The Nation Newspaper | Friday 8th May 2015 | Ohanaeze To Buhari: Jonathan Failed Igbo | "President Goodluck Jonathan failed the Southeast, the pan Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, said yesterday. Ohanaeze Caretaker Committee Chairman Chief Ralph Obiora spoke when he visited the Gen. Buhari with his team in Abuja. Obiora said contrary to clams by the Jonathan administration, no work was going on at the site of the Second Niger Bridge. He said no financial arrangement had been made for the project. He urged the President-elect to ensure equitable distribution of positions in his administration by applying the principle of necessity to give the zone the position of Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and a top position in the House of Representatives. “The Oputa panel report has been gathering dust and Ndigbo have pleaded for the revisitation of the so-called abandoned property in Nigeria and its collateral reparation and restitution demanded." | Ohanaeze; Muhammadu Buhari | 5 | |
| The Nation Newspaper | Friday 8th May 2015 | Niger Assembly’s Clerk, Others Work Under Tree As Police Siege Continues | "The police siege to the Niger State House of Assembly since Tuesday has forced the Clerk, Mohammed Kagara, the management and administrative workers to sit under a tree in front of a hotel near the Assembly’s complex. Over 200 armed policemen, agents of Department of State Security (DSS) and officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have been occupying the Assembly’s complex. They locked out the lawmakers and the workers. But the police claimed that nobody was denied access to the complex. They said their presence on the premises was to protect lives and property from attackers. As early as 10am yesterday, Kagara, two of his deputies – Shidu Salah and Bala Isah Ibrahim – were sitting under a tree in front of Nothing Pass God Hotel, away from other |Assembly workers. Also under another tree was a set of senior workers, including the Director of Legal Services, Sheidu Rofia; Head of Legislative Department, Idris Adamu Kuta; Head of Budget and Planning, Ahmed Musa and Head of Library Services, Ibrahim Gana. Others are: the Head of Information and Protocol, Sabo Adamu and the Head of Editorial, Shehu Moh’d Bida. Junior workers were discussing the development as they moved about." | Niger State House of Assembly; Impeachment | 57 | |
| Daily Trust Newspaper | Friday 8th May 2015 | Nigerians Offered Platform To Hold Leaders Accountable | "The Initiative for Positive Change in Nigeria has offered its platform to enable Nigerians to become active participants in governance and make leaders in the country accountable. Briefing newsmen in Abuja, leader of the group, Hajiya Aisha Ibrahim Dankani said with the dwindling fortunes witnessed by the country within the last 16 years, Nigerians can no longer afford the luxury of leaving the entire governance processes in the hands of few politicians. The group said leaders must be aware that Nigerians are now fully aware of the powers in their votes and will not hesitate to use the same powers in deciding the fates of political holders based on their individual and collective party affiliation. The platform has the hashtag #GuardThechange! and has Hamza Ibrahim Baba as interim national coordinator, Chibueze Ihejirika, interim national secretary and Barrister Saeeda Saad as project lead among other members." | Accountability NGO; Citizens | 16 | |
| Daily Trust Newspaper | Friday 8th May 2015 | Minister Calls For Strengthening Of Water Sector Management | "Minister of Water Resources, Mrs Sarah Ochekpe has called for the adoption of an integrated approach in management of the nation’s water sector resources. Ochekpe made the call yesterday in Abuja at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the National Water Resources Institute and six Universities involved in the implementation of the National Water Resources Capacity Building Network. The Minister noted that the signing was to renew the commitment to the implementation of the network having in 2010 signed an initial three-year agreement. Daily Trust recalls that the participating universities include Ahmadu Bello University, University of Calabar, University of Maiduguri, Nnmadi Azikiwe University, University of Ilorin and University of Agriculture, Abeokuta." | Fedeal Government; Water; University | 16 | |
| Daily Trust Newspaper | Friday 8th May 2015 | Find Us Leaders, Youths Urge Buhari | "Youth in the country have called on General Muhammadu Buhari to find leaders for them in order for his principles and ideals to be sustained. National chairman, “One Voice Nigeria” Barrister Yakubu Jimba made the call yesterday during a leadership colloquium by the organisation in Abuja. Jimba said they are calling on Buhari to help this generation in evolving leaders hitherto unknown who he must handover to when the time comes. He said the people and particularly the youth do not want any more drift." | Youth; Governance; Muhammadu Buhari | 16 | |
| Daily Trust Newspaper | Friday 8th May 2015 | FG, States Urged To Depoliticise Education Sector | "The Federal and state governments have been urged to depoliticise the education sector in order to enhance smooth implementation of the new education curriculum by all stakeholders. This was contained in a communiqué issued yesterday at the end of the 58th Annual National Congress of Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPPS) held in Abuja. The congress with the theme: “Good School Community Relationship: A Tool For Effective Implementation Of The New Curriculum” said politicisation of education has greatly affected Principals in using their initiatives for curriculum implementation. The communiqué also advocated for adequate provision of funds and personnel to schools across the country. “The problem of poor staffing in our schools especially in the trade subjects cuts across the length and breadth of the education sector and the country in general,” added the communiqué. It therefore suggested that curriculum development should be expanded to incorporate parents, School Based Management Committee (SBMC), Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and Artisans to enhance its successful implementation. The Principals also said there is no enough community involvement in curriculum development which often hinders its full implementation." | Education; Federal Government; Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPPS) | 14 | |
| Daily Trust Newspaper | Friday 8th May 2015 | FG Not Cooperating On Transition – APC | "The All Progressives Congress (APC) has accused the federal government of refusing to cooperate with the party towards successful transfer of power on May 29. The party made the statement in response to remarks by a presidential aide who said the APC should talk less and plan more for the nation. Special Adviser to the President on Political Affairs, Prof. Rufai Alkali, who made the remark on Wednesday, also accused the APC of trying to stampede the president out of office. The federal government’s transition committee was inaugurated on April 13, and is headed by Vice President Mohammed Namadi Sambo. The Secretary to the Government of the Federation Anyim Pius Anyim had told State House journalists then that the committee would interface with the president-elect’s transition committee on the May 29 handover event. Anyim had also said the committee was saddled with the responsibility of receiving briefs from ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) as well as preparing President Goodluck Jonathan’s handover notes. " | Federal Government; Transition | 1 & 5 | |
| Daily Trust Newspaper | Friday 8th May 2015 | Jonathan Urges Buhari Not To Dump Rail Projects | "President Goodluck Jonathan has advised the incoming administration of General Muhammadu Buhari not to dump the ongoing Abuja rail projects. The president, who gave the advice in Abuja yesterday while inspecting the project, expressed delight at its progress. According to Jonathan, the rail project is a noble one that will benefit Abuja residents and all Nigerians. The president said the project was aimed at easing the movement of people in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). “I emphasise the need to develop an effective mass transit system in the country. We cannot talk about mass transit using taxis, small cars and small buses, even the luxury buses. It will be too expensive. Until our rail system works. That is why we are emphasising on inter-city rail and intra-city light rail systems. “Of course, this government is leaving on May 29, but definitely, the incoming government will have to continue. This is a noble project, it will benefit Nigerians especially residents of the FCT. I am quite appreciative of the level of completion”, Jonathan said. The president explained that it was important for him to inspect the project so that he would know what to tell Buhari about it when they meet. FCT Minister Bala Muhammed said Jonathan secured a $500 million loan for the project which the ministry had started accessing. The minister, who also disclosed that $20 billion counterpart fund was sourced from the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P), said about 61 percent of the sum had already been drawn. " | Goodluck Jonathan; Muhammadu Buhari; Rail Project | 10 | |
| ThisDay Live | Friday 8th May 2015 | Kogi Chief Of Staff Denies Governorship Posters In Lokoja | "The Chief of Staff (CoS) to the Kogi State Governor, Capt. Idris Wada, Nasir Yunusa, has denied the purported circulation of his governorship posters around the state capital and its environs, saying it was the handiwork of his enemies who are bent of creating disaffection between him and his principal. In a statement by the COS Thursday in Lokoja which was made available to journalist, he said at no time did he indicated interest or tell anyone that he was interested in the governorship race. He described the originators of the idea as wicked, callous with a plan to sow a seed of discord between him and his boss, whom he said shared very cordial working relationship with. He reiterated his commitment and loyalty to the governor, saying that he was prepared to serve him now and in future, even as he noted that no amount of blackmail would distract him from discharging his responsibility as the chief of staff to the governor. “I am contented with my present position. I am very loyal to my boss, I have not told anyone that I have any governorship ambition now and in future. My immediate concern is to see how I can support the vision of my boss in his quest to ensure a better Kogi State and to solidly stand by him when the time comes for his re-election,” he said" | Kogi Decides 2015; Nasir Yunusa | http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/kogi-chief-of-staff-denies-governorship-posters-in-lokoja/208783 | |
| ThisDay Live | Friday 8th May 2015 | Bayelsa Guber Race: Alaibe To Declare Interest In June | " After an intense six-hour meeting held in Yenagoa, the capital of Bayelsa State, Bayelsa elders and political leaders Thursday resolved to pressure Mr. Timi Alaibe to vie for the governorship position in the election coming up in November. According to the spokesman of the Bayelsa Elders Consultative Forum (BECF), Chief Prince Abeki, the decision to ask Alaibe to run for the governorship was reached following a careful review of the polity in the state, which they agreed needed a major rejigging. They reasoned that there is the need for a political reengineering in the state and that only a candidate of the calibre of Alaibe would be able to undertake the task. Although the elders are not particular about the party platform on which Alaibe could express his aspiration, they insisted that their choice of Alaibe would be unveiled in June, immediately after the inauguration of the president-elect, Muhammadu Buhari, on May 29. Abeki said the elders regretted that after 16 years of governance by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, there is nothing to show for it." | BayelsaDecides 2015; Timi Alaibe | http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/bayelsa-gubernatorial-race-alaibe-to-declare-interest-in-june/208784 | |
| ThisDay Live | Friday 8th May 2015 | Buhari Tasks Elected Official On Exemplary Leadership | "The president-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd), has advised those who won elections during the last elections to restore people’s hope in governance by exhibiting exemplary leadership. He said it is only by jettisoning the culture of entrenched corruption that the politicians can be able to better the conditions of the people. Buhari, who spoke when a delegation of All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders from Akwa Ibom led by the governorship candidate in the April 11 election, Mr. Umana Okon Umana, also implore those aggrieved by the outcome of the election to approach the tribunal. “Let us practice what we preach as well, whoever wins as a governor too has a lot of work to do because corruption is fast becoming a culture and to try to caution people is not an easy task but it must be done. I know you all represent various constituencies, please pass our message and give them hope that we’ll do our best in the interest of all. I wish sincerely those that are going to tribunal the best of luck." | Governance; Muhammadu Buhari | http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/buhari-tasks-elected-official-on-exemplary-leadership/208788 | |
| ThisDay Live | Friday 8th May 2015 | Speaker Tussle: Groups Mobilise Support For Kazaure | "As the contest for the principal offices of the National Assembly continues to generate interests, a member of the House of Representatives representing Kazaure/Gwiwa and Yan Kwashi Federal Constituency in Jigawa State, Hon. Muhammad Gudaji Kazaure, has received the endorsement of women and student groups urging him to join the race. In expressing support for Kazaure, many groups, including, the Conference of Nigerian Students in Defence of Democracy and Women Frontline Mobilisation and National Coalition for Good Governance described him as man of courage and vision who stir the ship of next House of Representatives successfully. Hon. Kazaure had earlier declare his intention to vie for the position of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, describing the restrictions placed on new entrants to the assembly as unjust and violation of the constitution. Kazaure told journslists in Abuja that first time legislators constitute about 80 per cent majority in the House of Representatives with most of them possessing the capability and experience to steer the ship of the legislative chambers." | Speakership; All progressives Congress; | http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/speakership-tussle-groups-mobilise-support-for-kazaure/208787 | |
| ThisDay Live | Friday 8th May 2015 | Jonathan Promises To Link State Capitals With Rail | "With about three weeks to go, President Goodluck Jonathan is yet making promises of developing certain infrastructure in the country. This is just as his inspection of certain projects in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) yesterday, caused hiccups in vehicular movement in parts of the city as major roads leading to the city centre were blocked. While inspecting the Musa Yar'dua expressway, the president stated that though his tenure would end on May 29, his administration would make sure that the projects, which have attained 98 per cent completion would be completed before he leaves office. According to him, ""This project is a project that all my colleagues, the Heads of State that visited Abuja always appreciated. I remember the president of The Gambia the last time we had the centenary anniversary, he said anytime you are coming to Abuja, you see something different, that he cannot recognise Abuja again because this road really changed the face of Abuja. While inspecting the rail project, Jonathan expressed satisfaction with the level of completion, which he noted was dear to him, and insisted that without a functional rail system in any nation, "you cannot talk about mass transit". | Federal Government; | http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/jonathan-promises-to-link-state-capitals-with-rail/208767 | |
| ThisDay Live | Friday 8th May 2015 | Senate Presidency: Saraki's Support Base Swells | "Barring any further last minute changes, former governor of Kwara State, Dr. Bukola Saraki, appeared to be in good stead to win the President of the eighth session of the Senate. This is coming as the national leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd), in an apparent move to avoid a collision course with the party's members in the National Assembly may have ruled to support popular candidates of the party for the offices of the Senate president and the Speaker of the House of Representatives. Also arising from a meeting Wednesday night, APC may have again moved the senate presidency to the North-central zone. According to the senators at the meeting, who are clamouring for the former Kwara State governor for the senate presidency, support for Saraki is also coming from the incoming governor of Cross River State, Senator Ben Ayade, who is at present Saraki's Deputy Chairman in the Senate Committee on Environment." | Senate Leadership; | http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/senate-presidency-saraks-support-base-swells/208769 | |
| ThisDay Live | Friday 8th May 2015 | United States Honours Kingsley Kuku | "The Special Adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan on Niger Delta and Chairman of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Hon. Kingsley Kuku, has been selected by the State of Georgia in the United States as one of the recipients of its honorary citizenship In a letter communicating the honour to Kuku, the State of Georgia hinged its recognition on Kuku’s efforts for a peaceful and prosperous Niger Delta and Nigeria. “The Commendation and honour from the State of Georgia is in recognition of your unrivalled contribution to Nigeria’s socioeconomic growth and development, leading the Presidential Amnesty Program transparently and undertaken monumental projects that have contributed immensely towards reforming the ex-agitators and contributing manpower to the Oil & Gas, aviation, logistics and other services industry in Nigeria and Africa at large. The honour which will be presented to Kuku at a gala night on Saturday is expected to be attended by the Executive Governor of Georgia, Mr. Nathan Deal, Nigerian Ambassador to the United States, Professor Ade Adefuye, the foremost civil rights activist and one time presidential hopeful in the United States, Rev. Jesse Jackson, amongst other political, business and diplomatic leaders." | United States; Amnesty Programme; Niger Delta; | http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/united-states-honours-kingsley-kuku/208764/?utm_medium=twitter | |
| ThisDay Live | Friday 8th May 2015 | Ekiti Assembly Crisis: Court Strikes Out APC Lawmakers’ Suit against Fayose, Others | "A Federal High Court in Lagos yesterday struck out the suit filed by the embattled Speaker of Ekiti State House of Assembly, Dr. Adewale Omirin, his deputy, Hon. Adesegun Orisalade, and 17 other All Progressives Congress (APC), challenging their removal from office. The court presided over by Justice Saliu Saidu, while striking out the suit in his bench ruling, also awarded a cost of N100,000 against Omirin and other 18 APC lawmakers. Omirin and 18 other APC members of the state House of Assembly, had approached the court to challenge what they described as an ‘infraction in the House’. The defendants in the suit are; the factional Speaker of the House Hon. Dele Olugbemi, Hon. Samuel Ajibola, Hon. Adeojo Alexander, Hon. Adeloye Adeyinka, Hon. Isreal Olowo Ajiboye, Hon. Fatunbi Olajide, and Hon. Olayinka Abeni (first and seventh defendants)." | Ekiti State House of Assembly; Impeachment | http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/ekiti-assembly-crisis-court-strikes-out-apc-lawmakers-suit-against-fayose-others/208799/?utm_medium=twitter | |
| ThisDay Live | Friday 8th May 2015 | State Assembly Speakers Move Against Incessant Impeachments, Removal | "Following the incessant cases of impeachments and removal from offices in the legislative arm, the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures yesterday condemned in strong terms the nationwide impeachment moves against the Speakers of the various state Houses of Assembly, purportedly sponsored by state governors. The Chairman of the conference, Hon. Sam Ikon, who doubles as the Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, in a statement released in Abuja, observed with dismay the unhealthy trend of flagrant disrespect for constitutionally laid down procedure in removing some Speakers and other principal officers of the state assemblies in the country. “The conference is not unaware of the impeachment as guaranteed by the constitution to guard against abuse of power and tyrannical tendencies. The conference however condemns in a strong term a complete deviation from the constitutional procedure to remove a Speaker or any Principal Officer as have been embarked upon by some state assemblies,” the group said. The legislators explained that it was deeply concerned by this spate of disrespect for rule of law that is almost a norm in the polity, stating that, “we are afraid no meaningful development will be achieved if this ugly trend is not checked as it portends a serious threat to our democracy." | Conference of Speakers of State House of Assembly; Impeachment | http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/state-assembly-speakers-move-against-incessant-impeachments-removal/208790/?utm_medium=twitter | |
| Todayng | Friday 8th May 2015 | SCARCITY: We Have 1.2billion Litres Of Petrol In Stock – NNPC | The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, and its downstream subsidiary, the Pipelines and Products Marketing Company, PPMC, say they have 1.2 billion litres of petrol in stock. This was contained in a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday by the Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Department, NNPC, Mr Ohi Alegbe. The statement stated that the figure translated to 31 days sufficiency, going by the 40 million litres daily consumption of the product in the country. It explained that the Managing Director of PPMC, Mr Haruna Momoh, made the announcement in Abuja. It quoted Haruna as saying that “21 additional vessels laden with petroleum products are in offshore Lagos waiting to berth. “NNPC has made adequate arrangements to ensure energy sufficiency in the country and reassured motorists that the noticeable queues at the filling stations would thin out in the days ahead”. | NNPC; Fuel Scarcity; | http://www.today.ng/news/scarcity-we-have-1-2billion-litres-of-petrol-in-stock-nnpc | |
| Todayng | Friday 8th May 2015 | Supreme Court To Deliver Judgment On Osun Governorship Election On May 27 | The Supreme Court has fixed May 27 for judgment on the appeal filed by Sen. Iyiola Omisore, challenging the Court of Appeal’s judgment, affirming Gov. Rauf Aregbesola’s election in Osun. Omisore, the Osun governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the Aug. 9, 2014 election, had challenged Aregbesola’s victory at the Election Petition Tribunal, where he lost. The apex court panel of justices led by Justice John Fabiyi on Thursday reserved the judgment following the adoption of the briefs of arguments and written addresses by counsels in the suit. Omisore’s counsel, Dr Alex Izinyon (SAN), in his submission, urged the court to set aside the judgment of the Court of Appeal, Akure Division and the Governorship Election Tribunal in Osun. Izinyon also urged the court to nullify the outcome of the governorship election, arguing that the election was fraught with irregularities. | Osun 2014; Supreme Court; All Progressives Congress; Peoples Democratic Party | http://www.today.ng/news/supreme-court-to-deliver-judgment-on-osun-governorship-election-on-may-27 | |
| Todayng | Friday 8th May 2015 | NANS Expresses Concern Over UBEC, JAMB Management | The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has said expressed concern over the manner in which the federal ministry of education is being managed. NANS in a statement signed by its Public Relations Officer, Comrade Ezekiel Nwankwo said federal agencies especially the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) and Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) are shrouded in secrecy. NANS said over time, they have tried to make inputs in the formulation of policies but was rebuffed. NANS also revealed that it is compiling some disturbing findings in the agencies which it shall soon forward to the anti graft agencies for proper investigation. | UBEC; JAMB; National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS; Federal Government | http://www.today.ng/news/nans-expresses-concern-over-ubec-jamb-management | |
| Todayng | Friday 8th May 2015 | Yoruba Youths Warn Buhari Against Scrapping Amnesty Programme | "The National Committee of Yoruba Youths has urged the President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari, to continue with the amnesty programme for ex-militants in the Niger Delta Region. This was contained in a statement issued on Thursday by the President of the youths, Mr Oladimeji Odeyemi, in Ibadan. According to the youths, calls for the discontinuation of the programme are “unfortunate.” Odeyemi said that dozens of youths from the region had been transformed through the amnesty programme and were doing well in the society. He, therefore, urged Buhari to sustain the tempo of the Presidential Amnesty Programme and continue with its funding to avoid another youth restiveness. He explained that with the successful implementation of the amnesty programme, Nigeria’s crude oil production now hovers between 2.2 million barrels and 2.4million barrels per day." | Niger Delta; Amnesty; Muhammadu Buhari | http://www.today.ng/news/yoruba-youths-warn-buhari-against-scrapping-amnesty-programme | |
| Todayng | Friday 8th May 2015 | We’ll Remain Your Allies In Your Future Endeavours – Catholic Bishops Assure Jonathan | The Catholic Bishops Conference on Thursday visited President Goodluck Jonathan at the State House and assured him that they would remain his allies in his future endeavors. The delegation, led by Chairman of the conference, Bishop Ignatius Kaigama of Jos Diocese, included John Cardinal Onaiyekan, the Archbishop of Abuja, and Archbishop Anthony Obinna of Owerri. Kaigama said the bishops came to show their appreciation “for what you have done not only for Nigeria but Africa and the world. “We want to assure you that we will remain committed to your good cause especially as it concerns this country. “Wherever you find yourself, see us as your dependable allies; we will tell you the truth; we will not tell you lies; we will not flatter you unnecessarily.’’ The bishop told the President that they were ready to tell him what would help him and prayed that God will always be with him. Kaigama said the President’s action and show of statesmanship when he conceded defeat and congratulated the victor after the election “is what has come to define the election. | Nigeria 2015; Goodluck Jonathan; | http://www.today.ng/news/well-remain-your-allies-in-your-future-endeavors-catholic-bishops-assure-jonathan | |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Thursday 7th May 2015 | Buhari Links Credible 2015 Polls To PVC, Card Reader | "President-elect, Maj.-Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (rtd), yesterday declared that the introduction of Permanent Voters Card (PVC) and the biometric card reader by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ensured free, fair and credible polls earlier this year. Speaking when he met with a delegation of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from Taraba State, led by its governorship candidate in the recent poll, Senator Aisha Alhassan, Buhari said that but for the initiative, the votes would not have counted in the just concluded poll. In spite of the fact that he was not rich, he noted, the goodwill he enjoyed among Nigerians desirous of change was reflected in the outcome of the poll due to the introduction of the card reader and the PVC. Assuring that Nigeria could never be the same again in the next four years, Buhari pledged to ensure free and fair election in 2019. He further claimed that eligible voters were denied the right to vote in two of the country’s six geo-political zones in spite of the existence of the PVC and the card reader." | Permanent Voter's Card (PVC); Card Reader; Muhammadu Buhari | 7 | |
| Leadership News Online | Thursday 7th May 2015 | IGP Sets Up Judges Protection Units | "The Acting Inspector-General of Police, Mr Solomon Arase, has directed Command Commissioners of Police to immediately establish “Judges Protection Units’’ (JPU) for the protection of Judges and Courts in their respective areas of jurisdiction. This is contained in a statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, Mr Emmanuel Ojukwu, on Thursday in Abuja. The statement said the units were to ensure that the judiciary had adequate security to carry out their duties. It also said that the I-G had directed the commissioners to assign Assistant Commissioners of Police in charge of Training and Development to conduct training and orientation for personnel designated for the JPUs. The statement emphasised that personnel for the assignment must exhibit high sense of professionalism, courage, integrity, discipline and respect for human rights. It said that Arase had also directed the reduction in the number of police aides attached to Civil Commissioners nationwide. It will be recalled that Arase, during his maiden meeting with command commissioners of police and other senior officers on April 29, promised to take measures to protect judges. (NAN)" | Nigeria Police; Judiciary | http://leadership.ng/news/431646/igp-sets-up-judges-protection-units | |
| Leadership News Online | Thursday 7th May 2015 | Minister Launches Mobile Video Tutorials For Senior Secondary Schools | "The Minister of Education, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau, on Thursday in Abuja inaugurated the Mobile Video Tutorials for Senior Secondary Schools to provide extra-school learning process and make education easy. Mobile Video Tutorials also known as “School on Air’’, is an innovation of the Educational Advancement Centre (EAC), an NGO, designed to provide mobile learning through instructional video. Shekarau said during the inauguration ceremony that the technology would encourage students to be more enthusiastic about learning. While congratulating the organisation for the initiative, the minister said it would help in keeping the teachers on their toes, to give their best to the job. He added that the technology would complement what the students were being taught in class. According to him, education is the best investment any nation can give to its citizens to ensure development in the country. “Even if you are attending the school, this will be an additional support to balance up what is being taught in class. This technology reminds us that education is everything about us; the more educated you are; the healthier and patriotic you would be. The greatest investment any nation can make for its citizens is education because if generations of today get educated, subsequent ones will also be educated,’’ the minister said. Pastor Muyiwa Bamgbose, the initiator of the technology, describes “School-on-Air’ as an innovation that enables students to take their teachers with them wherever they go. Bamgbose, who is also the Chief Executive Officer of the NGO, noted that the mobile tutorials was easy to access as it is available anytime, anywhere and affordable. He explained that the innovation was conceived due to the fact that students hardly read books these days, adding that the technology was meant to catch their attention through the technologies they explore. He listed phones, social media and computers as the other forms of technology students explore these days." | Education; Federal Government | http://leadership.ng/news/431655/minister-launches-mobile-video-tutorials-for-senior-secondary-schools | |
| Daily Trust Newspaper | Thursday 7th May 2015 | Police Tear-Gas Niger Legislators | "The police yesterday barred members of the Niger State House of Assembly from the assembly in an attempt to stop them from sitting. 17 of the 25 legislators Tuesday impeached the speaker, Barrister Adamu Usman, over alleged gross abuse of power and elected Isa Kawu as the new speaker. The members could not enter the assembly complex as police vans and a human barricade stopped them. The angry members attempted to force their way in but the police fired tear gas to disperse them, leading to a commotion. The members and their new speaker later planned to reconvene at an undisclosed location to deliberate on the process of serving Governor Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu an impeachment notice, Daily Trust gathered. Principals officers of Aliyu’s government including the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Idris Ndako Kpaki and the Commissioner for Local Government, Yusuf Tagwai, invited the new principal officers of the House for a meeting with the governor. The meeting ended in a deadlock as the new leadership turned down the governor’s request to revert to the former leadership. Deputy speaker, Bello Agwara, denied any plan to impeach him. Police spokesman, DSP Ibrahim Gambari, said the police did not stop the legislators from the assembly but prevented a crowd from entering." | Niger State House of Assembly; Impeachment | 7 | |
| Daily Trust Newspaper | Thursday 7th May 2015 | We’ll Support Buhari To Succeed - Okorie | "National Chairman of the United Progressives Party (UPP), Chief Chekwas Okorie, has said that the party would help the incoming government of General Muhammadu Buhari to succeed. He made the promise in Abuja Tuesday when the chieftains of the party visited the president-elect to congratulate him on his victory and discuss how to move the country forward. Okorie said although the UPP is in the opposition, its approach will be characterized by constructive engagement rather than public ridicule with a view to score cheap political points. He urged the incoming government to recover looted monies in and outside Nigeria which was lifted by corrupt individuals from the nation’s treasury over the years. The UPP chairman also called on Gen. Muhammadu Buhari to declare a state of emergency in the nation’s power sector. “We urge you to declare a state of emergency in the power sector as soon as you are sworn into office. This sector is fundamental and key to the successful delivery of your agenda for the Nigerian people,’’ he said." | Nigeria 2015; Development | 19 | |
| Daily Trust Newspaper | Thursday 7th May 2015 | Buhari Campaigners Agitate For Igbo SGF | "Igbos Diaspora Initiative for Buhari (IDIB), one of the groups of Igbos that led the campaigns of the president-elect Muhammadu Buhari, is agitating for the consideration of an Igbo for appointment as secretary to the government of the federation (SGF). Mazi David Nonso Ifeanyi Ezedinma, national coordinator of IDIB, told Daily Trust, yesterday, that Igbos in the Diaspora considered their efforts to pull votes for the president-elect as a reason for them to agitate for the position. He said: “We are speaking with confidence because we pulled support for the president-elect’s victory at the poll. The South-east may not have given him the needed votes, but it is on record that we tried our best in spite of the peculiarity in the geo-political zone. Our agitation should be considered, based on what we stood for. “We are appealing, therefore, that the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the president-elect should consider an Igbo for appointment as the SGF.” | Muhammadu Buhari; Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF); Nigeria 2015 | 20 | |
| Daily Trust Newspaper | Thursday 7th May 2015 | South-East Group Wants Lawan As Senate President | "The National Coalition for Good Governance in the South-east has called on senators-elect for the 8th Senate to support Senator Ahmad Ibrahin Lawan to become Senate president. The group, in a statement yesterday, praised Lawan’s character, capacity and competence, saying based on its findings, Lawan was the most suitable candidate to occupy the number three citizen’s seat. The group said it has carried out an analysis which showed that Lawan was rated higher than the other contenders for the post. The statement, signed by the group’s coordinator in the South-east, Eze Odiri, said that Lawan has exhibited consistency in many areas, especially in party membership, stressing: “He has consistently been a member of ANPP until it merged with other parties to form APC. “Consistency in political party affiliations points to character and dependability, which are critical to the person who will occupy the office of the president of Senate.” | Senate Leadership; NGO | 20 | |
| Daily Trust Newspaper | Thursday 7th May 2015 | Mark: PDP Heading For Self-Destruction | "Senate President David Mark has warned that the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is headed for destruction if it can’t end the bitter feud over who is responsible for its defeat in the general elections. The PDP lost the presidential election to the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) on March 28, and two weeks later it lost eight more states in the second round of vote to elect state governors. Since then acrimonious quarrel has broken out among top party men over who were responsible for that defeat. Mark said in a statement released by his spokesman, Paul Mumeh yesterday that he was deeply worried by worsening acrimony among senior party men. “The PDP is already haemorrhaging. Unless we halt the bleeding and find the necessary therapy, we may be heading for the final burial of the party”, Mark said. His statement came after the Deputy President of the Senate Ike Ekweremadu, who heads the PDP Post – election assessment committee, had visited him. “The party is already in a comatose status and we should do all we can to resuscitate it rather than this unnecessary rancor and buck passing,” he added. He appealed to the combatants to sheathe their swords and embrace dialogue. “My appeal is that we should not do anything further that would damage the already fragmented house." | Peoples Democratic Party; National Working Committee; Nigeria 2015; | 1 & 5 | |
| The Nation Newspaper | Thursday 7th May 2015 | Minister Advises Against Reversal Of Power Privatisation | "Power Minister, Prof. Chinedu Nebo yesterday advised the incoming administration not to reverse the sector’s privatisation. Doing so, he warned, will not be in the interest of the country as it will bring the nation backwards. Nebo spoke with State House correspondents at the end of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting presided over by President Goodluck Jonathan. Nebo said: “On privatisation, I think the incoming government will be ill-advised to reverse privatisation and liberalisation of power generation, transmission and distribution because any attempt to do that would be to set Nigeria back many many many decades. “The gains of privatisation are very obvious. If we can solve the problem of gas like we are talking about energy mix, we are not just going by gas we are doing hydros. It was this same administration that flagged off Zungeru hydro power plants for 750 megawatts (Mw) and its a bid to flag off Mambilla 3,050 Mw, Shiroro has been improved, revamped, Kanji revamped and improved, the same as Jebba. So, there is a lot of work being done by the government, however to turn back on privatisation would mean stopping all of these companies and then reversing the massive in-flow of investments coming into the power sector. Nigeria’s power consumption per capita is one of the lowest in the world and that is part of the efforts of government to reverse that. So, I don’t think it is in the best interest of the country.” The minister said he does not share the beleif that there is frustration with post-privatisation power situation." | Federal Government; Power Sector; Privatisation | 11 | |
| The Nation Newspaper | Thursday 7th May 2015 | Soldiers Destroy Seven Boko Haram Camps In Sambisa | "The Defence Headquarters yesterday said troops have destroyed seven more camps of Boko Haram in the Sambisa Forest. But four soldiers were wounded in the encounters with Boko Haram insurgents. It was also learnt that troops have been directed to dismantle all hideouts of the terrorists on or before May 29. A statement by the Director of Defence Information, Maj-Gen. Chris Olukolade said additional 25 women and children were rescued by troops. The statement said: “Seven additional terrorists camps were yesterday destroyed as more terrorists also died in the ongoing onslaught to flush them out of Sambisa forest. “An additional 25 women and children were rescued in the process"". The troops who scaled series of land mines in continuation of the assault on the forest bases of the terrorists, captured camps which include the four notorious Alafa camps as well as those in Rogo Fulani, Laraga and others used as training camps in the forest." | Boko Haram; Defence Headquarters | 3 | |
| The Nation Newspaper | Thursday 7th May 2015 | Jonathan Okays Huge NPA Contracts For Ghost Firms | "The award of multi-million dollars Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) towage contracts to Messrs CTOW Terminal & Marine Services and Ibejige Services Limited, allegedly after President Goodluck Jonathan’s instruction, is causing concern among port regulators and operators. The contracts were meant for the provision of Third Party Towage Services (TPTS) at Warri and Onne ports pilotage districts. The deals were approved by the President, according to sources, without proper investigation about the status of the companies. The President’s approval, investigations revealed, was contained in an August 11, last year letter to the NPA through the Federal Ministry of Transport on August 14, 2014 – in three days (a record, said a source, considering the bureaucracy that slows down normal transactions. The four firms approved for the contracts at Rivers, Calabar, Onne and Warri ports are: Messrs Slowater Nigeria Ltd, Port Harcourt, Messrs Global Spectrum Energy Services Ltd, Messrs Cyow Terminal & Marine Services, Have 1025-Scheldedijk, Belgium and Messrs Ibejige Services Ltd, which is said to be at Lekki Peninsula Scheme I. The letters of award of contracts to the four companies were signed by the NPA General Manager, Procurement, T.S Izokun, an engineer, on behalf of its Managing Director, Habib Abdullahi. The firms, it was learnt, won the contracts after the payment of N100,000 registration fee and $20, 000 licence fees to the NPA. But, the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), acting on a request made by The Nation, said it had no records of two of the four firms. The Nation also discovered yesterday that Messrs Ibejige Services Ltd, which claimed to be on plot 16, Block 128B, New Creation Street, Lekki Peninsula Scheme 1, has no physical presence in the area. The address does not exist at Lekki Peninsula Scheme 1. Plot 16, Block 128B, which the promoters of the company claimed to be its address does not seem to exist. The discovery that two of the four companies were unregistered, it was learnt, stunned senior officials of the ministry, who questioned how the companies were pre-qualified for the projects. Also yesterday, The Nation learnt that the unregistered companies belong to “a powerful woman”, who is a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). She is said to have the ears of the Presidency. The source alleged that “the ghost contract companies did not have certificates of incorporation or tax receipts. Neither were they registered with the ministry”." | Presidency; Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) | 1 & 4 | |
| Vanguard News Online | Thursday 7th May 2015 | Dwindling Allocation: Workers Kick As Kogi Announced 40 Percent Salary Cut | "Following the dwindling resources arising from the decreasing Federal allocation to the state, the Kogi State Government has announced a 40 percent slash in the salary of its workers. The government said the move was part of its measures to meet commitment on the infrastructural development in the state; and necessary in the face of the dwindling federal monthly allocation to the state. The salary cut also affected pensioners, appointed Commissioners, Special Advisers and all other appointed officials, but will not be implemented on staff on grade level 1-6 and Special Assistants. Vanguard gathered that the State Government allocation from the government averaged N3.7 billion in the past, however received N2.5 billion for the month of April, while its monthly wage bill stands at N3.2 billion. Reacting to the announcement, the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Kogi state has threatened to shut down the state if the state government refuses to rescind on his plan to cut down the April salaries of the state civil servants. The Labour who made this known through its latest bulletin issued on Wednesday and signed by the State Chairman of NLC, Comrade Onuh Edoma, TUC state Chairman, Comrade Abdulazez Ganiyu and JNC Chairman, Comrade Aaron Ameji said the union and the workers would not accept any payment short of 100 percent salary payment for the month of April, 2015." | labour; Salaries; Kogi State | http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/05/dwindling-allocation-workers-kick-as-kogi-announced-40-per-cent-salary-cut | |
| Vanguard Newspaper | Thursday 7th May 2015 | Exclusion Of MPPP Candidate: Party Urges Tribunal To Nullify Amosun’s Victory | "The Mega Progressive People’s Party, MPPP, has asked the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Abeokuta, Ogun State to nullify the re-election of Governor Ibikunle Amosun for excluding the party and its standard bearer in the state from the April 11 gubernatorial polls. The MPPP in a petition dated April 24, 2015 and signed by its National Chairman, Hamisu Santuraki and counsel to the party, Dayo Solaja (SAN), is however, seeking an order of the Tribunal directing INEC to conduct a fresh governorship election in the state. The petitioner prayed that Amosun’s re-election must be nullified at the tribunal on the grounds that its governorship candidate in Ogun State, Mrs. Iyabode Ogunmefun, who was validly nominated was “unlawfully excluded” from the April 11 gubernatorial election by the Independent National Electoral Commission. The party in its petition before the Tribunal sued INEC and joined the All Progressives Congress, governor Ibikunle Amosun and his running mate, Mrs. Yetunde Onanuga as respondents. Other relief being sought by the MPPP include an order of the Tribunal setting aside the election of Governor Amosun conducted by INEC on April 11. The MPPP is also seeking an order of the Tribunal declaring as null and void “ab initio” the declaration of the result of the election conducted by INEC returning Amosun and his running mate on the platform of the APC as the winner “due to the exclusion of the petitioner and its candidate for the governorship of Ogun State of Nigeria by the 1st respondent.” It also wants the Tribunal to set aside the result of the election conducted by INEC on April 11 which returned Governor Amosun and his running mate as well as the withdrawal of the Certificates of Return issued to them. The MPPP is further asking the Tribunal for an order directing INEC to conduct a re-run election for the governor of Ogun State." | Ogun 2015; Mega Progressive People’s Party (MPPP); Tribunal | 11 | |
| Vanguard Newspaper | Thursday 7th May 2015 | Election Petitions Tribunal: Politicians File 37 Cases In Owerri | "No fewer than 37 cases arising from the national and state assembly polls have been filed before the Election Petitions Tribunal sitting in Owerri. Vanguard gathered that at press time, about eight petitions for the senatorial elections, 18 cases for the House of Representatives and 11 for the State Assembly election had been filed for adjudication. Available information showed that the All Progressives Congress, APC, which lost all the three senatorial seats to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, is expectedly the major challenger of the victorious PDP candidates. For Imo West senatorial zone, where Senator Hope Uzodinma smiled home with the coveted senatorial seat, Chief Osita Izunasor of the APC, ThankGod Ezeani of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, and Chief Felix Idiga of Accord Party, are all in court against Uzodinma. In Okigwe senatorial zone, Dr. Clement Owunna of APGA and his APC counterpart, Mr. Benjamin Uwajumogu, are contesting the victory of Chief Athan Achonu of the PDP. The story is the same in Owerri senatorial zone where Chief Uche Onyeagucha of the APC and APGA’s Mr. Paschal Nneji are up in battle against the senator-elect, Chief Sam Anyanwu, of the PDP. Meanwhile, at the maiden sitting of the tribunal, two of the five motions presented before the judges were fully heard, while three were adjourned till May 13. Other members of the eledtion tribun al, headed by Hon. Justice A. Y. Sanya, include Hon. Justice S. O. Falola and Hon. Justice P. P. Idiong." | Imo 2015; Tribunal | 43 | |
| Vanguard News Online | Thursday 7th May 2015 | Amaechi Accused Of Refusal To Set Up Transition Committee | "Failure of governor Chibuike Amaechi to set up a transition committee to interface with the one constituted by the governor elect in Rivers state, Bar Nyesom Wike has been described as an act of impunity. Secretary of the Transition Committee set up by the Governor Elect, Hon Frank Owhor who briefed the media Thursday at the chamber in the office of the Deputy Governor, old Government House, Port Harcourt said the constitution of Transition Committees by the Governor Elect and the outgoing governor had been the practice in the nation’s democracy since 1999. Owhor who said it was unfortunate and hypocritical that governor Amaechi who allehedly refused to set up a Transition committee in his state after his candidate lost the guber election was busy in Abuja as a member of a transition Committee interfacing with the one set up by the federal government to ensure smooth transition of power on May 29 . “In the current democratic dispensation the federal government t led by President Goodluck Jonathan has already set up a transition committee . President Elect General Mohammadu Buhari has also set up his transition committee which incidentally has governor Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi CON, as a member. Unfortunately the outgoing government of Rivers state led by governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi has refused , failed and neglected to set up its transition commiittee. It is ironic , hypocritical and smacks of double standards that the outgoing governor of Rivers state, Hon Chibuike Amaechi who is a prominent of the transition committee of the President Elect has rejected all.entraties for a peaceful transition in the state..”, he said. " | Rivers 2015; Transition | http://linkis.com/www.vanguardngr.com/2N5ho | |
| Vanguard News Online | Thursday 7th May 2015 | CCECC Workers Protest Unpaid Compensation | "Workers of China Civil Engineering Construction Company, CCECC, at the ongoing N29 billion Ikorodu Road reconstruction project, yesterday, protested alleged anti-labour treatment and unwillingness of the company to pay disengaged employees their entitlements. The aggrieved workers, who carried placards, chanted protest songs in front of the CCECC office at Majidun area of Ikorodu, Lagos, as early as 10:00 am, yesterday. Some of the placards had inscriptions, such as: “CCECC stop cheating us, pay us our pay-offs,” “CCECC, we are not slaves, pay us,”and “We need our pay-off, it is our right.” | Labour; Salaries; CCECC | http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/05/ccecc-workers-protest-unpaid-compensation | |
| Vanguard Newspaper | Thursday 7th May 2015 | Arrest Any Person Soliciting For Fund In My Name —El-Rufai | "Kaduna State governor-elect, Malam Nasiru El-Rufai, yesterday alerted the general public to apprehend any person solicing for fund in his name. The alert, sent out in a statement in Kaduna by Mr Samuel Aruwan, the governor-elect’s spokesperson, said such persons were criminals and should be treated as such. According to Aruwan, an impostor has created an e-mail address in the name of the governor-elect and is criminally soliciting money from the general public. The statement reads: “Some fraudster with email address: nelrufai@hotmail.com claiming to be Malam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, Kaduna State Governor-Elect, has sent scam messages asking people to remit N150,000 to a Mainstreet Bank account. This is not only a theft of identity; but case of fraud, impersonation and total misrepresentation of the person of the Kaduna State Governor-elect, Malam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai. We are by this notice calling on the general public to disregard any electronic message and others received in this regard, it is criminal and not from the person of the governor-elect. The public should not only disregard fraudster(s) impersonating Malam El-Rufai; but report him/her/them to security agencies or alert office of the governor-elect for prompt action". | Kaduna 2015; Nasir El-Rufai | 44 | |
| Vanguard Newspaper | Thursday 7th May 2015 | Talk Less, Plan More, Presidency Tells APC | "The Presidency, Wednesday, chided the All Progressives Congress, APC, over its claim that President Jonathan is running the economy aground before handing over, saying “the allegation is immature, reckless and out of tune with the President’s desire and patriotic commitment to a peaceful transfer of power.” Special Adviser to the President on Political Affairs, Prof. Rufai Alkali, who reacted to APC’s allegation, yesterday, urged the party to talk less and plan more as the nation moves towards May 29 inauguration date. Alkali reminded APC that “governance is a serious business,” adding that “with the sudden and unexpected concession of victory to them, it appears that the APC is beginning to face the full reality of managing the great challenges of a complex nation. “Their recent, frequent and unnecessary attacks on the President clearly shows that they are losing their nerves and are beginning to lay foundation to justify their failures in the near future and we want to remind them that Nigerians are not ready to accept any excuses for their failure. They promised to bring change, so they must bring positive change to the well-being of Nigerians and urgently too." | All Progressives Congress; Peoples Democratic Party; Defection; Transition; Presidency | 4 | |
| Vanguard News Online | Thursday 7th May 2015 | Blame Governors Over Unpaid Salaries – Okonjo-Iweala | "The Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala on Wednesday cleared the FG of blame over the inability of some state governments to pay their workers’ salaries. Okonjo-Iweala, in a statement by her Special Adviser on Communications, Paul Nwabuikwu said the governors of such states should be blamed for the development in their states because they were told through the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee to make the issue of wage a priority. She explained that despite the 50 per cent drop in gross federally collectible revenue, the Federal Government had made the issue of workers’ salaries a top priority in order to ensure that the “people do not feel the negative impact of the revenue drop on the economy.” For instance, the minister said that contrary to the “misinformation being put forward by certain governors to the effect that federal workers are being owed, staff salaries at the Federal level are up-to-date.” She said in the five paragraph statement that the states, being one of the three tiers of government that receive monthly allocations from the Federation Account, should be blamed for their predicament." | Federal Government; Salaries; Labour | http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/05/blame-governors-over-unpaid-salaries-okonjo-iweala | |
| Vanguard News Online | Thursday 7th May 2015 | Tell Your Aides To Stop Overheating The Polity, APC Tells Jonathan | "The All Progressives Congress (APC) has urged President Goodluck Jonathan to call his aides to order to stop them from overheating the polity with their incautious statements, especially relating to the transition of power. In a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said while the PDP may be deeply traumatized by its loss in the last general elections – and the party itself has said it is indeed suffering from ‘post-election (defeat) trauma’ – that should not be a reason for it to disrupt the nation’s peace by displaying crab mentality. It described as provocative and ill-intentioned the statement credited to the Special Adviser to the President on Political Affairs, Prof. Rufai Alkali, that the APC should talk less and plan more for the nation, and that the party (APC) is seeking to stampede the President out of office. ”Prof. Alkali doesn’t know what he is saying. How does he expect us to plan when the PDP-led FG has bluntly refused to cooperate with us in ensuring a successful transition? As we write, the Transition Committee of the FG has yet to hold a single meeting with our own Transition Committee, neither have they given us a line of handover note. The party said the fact that Prof. Alkali does not know the difference between Inauguration Committee and Transition Committee is a reflection of mediocrity that permeates the Jonathan Administration and led to its downfall." | All Progressives Congress; Peoples Democratic Party; Defection; Transition | http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/05/tell-your-aides-to-stop-overheating-the-polity-apc-tells-jonathan | |
| Vanguard Newspaper | Thursday 7th May 2015 | Anger As Fuel Scarcity Defies Solution | "The fuel situation in the country appears to have defied all solutions, as the scarcity worsened yesterday, heightening the sufferings of motorists and the public in general. Despite promises made by oil marketers, Monday, that the country will be flooded with petrol in the coming days, the situation had continued to deteriorate on a daily basis with people finding it increasingly difficult to buy the commodity. The authorities saddled with the responsibility of regulating the downstream petroleum sector, Department of Petroleum Resources, DPR, and Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency, PPPRA, have failed to take any significant steps towards addressing the crisis, as senior officials of the organizations have refused to respond to queries about the issue. A source at NNPC told Vanguard that majority of the senior executives of NNPC and officials of DPR and PPPRA have all travelled to attend the Offshore Technology Conference, OTC, currently holding in Houston, Texas. A survey of petrol stations in Lagos and Abuja showed that majority of the petrol stations were shut, while only a few were selling to motorists at exorbitant prices. In Abuja, particularly at Conoil petrol station at Kado Estate, the attendants were selling the product at N110 per litre after refusing to sell for several hours. All the petrol stations along the Kubwa Expressway had ran out of products to sell, while only Conoil petrol station and NNPC mega stations were dispensing to a large crowd of motorists. Black marketers continue to have a field day, as they are seen at almost every strategic point at the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, selling the product between N200 and N250 per litre. " | Fuel Scarcity | 54 | |
| Vanguard News Online | Thursday 7th May 2015 | Thursday 7th May 2015 | "The Supreme Court has stopped the National Assembly from taking further steps towards amending the 1999 constitution. In a ruling this morning, a seven-man panel of justices of the apex court, led by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Mahmud Mohammed, ordered the National Assembly to maintain status quo on the matter until June 18. The apex court further directed the issuance of hearing notice on the NASS for it to appear on that date to respond to the suit that was lodged against the proposed alterations to the constitution, by President Goodluck Jonathan. " | Constitution Amendment; Supreme Court; National Assembly; Presidency | http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/05/breaking-news-supreme-court-halts-constitution-amendment | |
| Vanguard Newspaper | Thursday 7th May 2015 | We Won’t Fail Nigerians – Buhari | "President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari (retd) yesterday, reassured Nigerians that the incoming government of All Progressives Congress, APC, will not fail them. Buhari, who hosted a delegation from Taraba State, also said by the end of his tenure in 2019, Nigerians would be confident of a society where elections would be free, fair and credible. Also, to underscore his inclination to the rule of law, the President-elect directed security personnel attached to his convoy to always heed traffic regulations and stop at red lights. Buhari’s assurance was sequel to lamentations from the governorship candidate of APC in Taraba State, Senator Aisha Alhassan, that she was robbed of victory at the last gubernatorial election in the state. Alhassan’s story, however, took Buhari down memory lane as he encouraged the candidate, who had earlier informed him of her journey to the courts to challenge the outcome of the election in court. He said: “It is a battle well fought and I am very pleased that you have taken the honourable way out. According to the Nigerian constitution, you may go to court. I was there three times and ended up in the Supreme Court. " | Taraba 2015; Muhammadu Buhari | 3 | |
| Vanguard Newspaper | Wednesday 6th May 2015 | Aisha Buhari, Others For 7th AWLC Summit | "The 7th African Women in Leadership Conference, AWLC, on African Women Transcending the Globe, Breaking Barriers, will begin tomorrow. Expected to be declared open by wife of the President-elect, Aisha Buhari, this year’s edition, which is hosted by the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Mrs. Joke Orelope-Adefulire, according to Mr. Elisha Attai, Founder, African Women in Leadership Organization, “is designed to empower African women to take up leadership roles and reach heights that once seemed impossible.” According to him, the conference will draw participants from across the continent." | Aisha Buhari; African Women in Leadership Conference; Lagos | 4 | |
| Vanguard Newspaper | Wednesday 6th May 2015 | Anglican Bishop Tasks Buhari On Balance | "Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Ughelli, Rt. Revd (Dr.) Cyril Odiboroghene Odutemu, has called on President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari (retd) to ensure a balance of political patronage among the various geo-political and religious realities in Nigeria. He said such balance would give Nigerians a sense of belonging in the distribution of political offices, stressing that it would be serious disservice to humanity if the heads of the three arms of the government come from one religious group. He spoke while presenting his address and charge to the third session of the 6th Synod of the Diocese of Ughelli, at St Luke’s Church, Ewhu. Bishop Odutemu, who is the President of Synod, stated that government must “make deliberate efforts to spread the key offices of the nation around the six geo-political zones at the federal level and all senatorial districts at state level, party and religious affiliations notwithstanding.”" | Muhammadu Buhari; Anglican; Equity | 4 | |
| Vanguard Newspaper | Wednesday 6th May 2015 | 10 Remanded In Prison Over Ejigbo Pepper Sodomy | "An Ikeja High Court, yesterday, remanded in prison custody nine men and a woman charged in connection with the torture, attempted murder and sodomy of three females accused of stealing pepper at Oba Morufu International Market, Ejigbo area of Lagos State. The defendants are Isiaka Waidi, 61; Saheed Adisa, 29; Lateef Tijani, 37; Ahmed Adisa, 65; Azeez Akinosun, 36; Jimoh Busari, 50; Adekunle Adenuga, 38; Oloruntoyin Dauda, 46; Buhari Yusuf, 22 (female); and Abdullahi Haruna, 20. In an amended charge, the defendants were accused of inserting a stick into the vagina of Nike Salami, Juliana Agomo and assaulted one Ajoke Agomo by stripping her naked, beating her up and rubbing pepper all over her body at Oba Morufu International market, Ejigbo. The defendants were arraigned before Justice Oluwatoyin Ipaye on a 19-count charge of unlawful assembly, trial by ordeal, assault occasioning harm, causing grievous harm, maliciously administering poison, deprivation of liberty, conspiracy to commit felony, attempted murder, sexual assault by penetration, obtaining money by false pretense and neglect to prevent a felony. Lagos State Director of Public Prosecution, Mrs Idowu Alakija, informed the court that the offence was contrary to Section 259 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2011. However, when the charge was read in Yoruba and Hausa languages to the defendants, they pleaded not guilty." | High Court; Offences; Ejigbo | 6 | |
| ThisDay Live | Wednesday 6th May 2015 | Fayose: I Have No Apology for Calling for PDP NWC’s Dissolution | "Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose, has insisted that he has evidence to prove that the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Adamu Mua’zu, sold out during the last presidential poll, saying he has no apology for calling for the resignation of the members of the National Working Committee (NWC). He said: “I have no apology on my position on the NWC because their responsibility as a party does not take away their failure in the last general election.” The governor, who also challenged the NWC to provide evidence of money released to him to prosecute the last elections, added: “Only N30 million was received for the last two elections and to the glory of the almighty God and support of Ekiti people, we won all elections outrightly. I therefore demand for the mode with which money was released to me by the NWC.” In a statement issued in Ado-Ekiti on Tuesday by his Special Assistant on Public Communications , Mr. Lere Olayinka, Fayose reiterated his commitment to the PDP, pointing out that if it remained only him in the party, he would continue to defend its course. “Left to me, I will continue to defend the course of this party because some people are born to stand up at difficult times, and I believe I am one of such people born to stand up for the PDP at this difficult time,” he said. Reiterating his call for the dissolution of the NWC, Governor Fayose said: “In saner climes, when a war commander leads his troops to an embarrassing defeat, such commander does not need anyone to tell him that he needs to leave the war front for another commander to take over.” While describing the attack on his person by the NWC as unfortunate, the governor said it was sad that the NWC members, especially the National Chairman were refusing to allow new people to manage the party after managing it into its first national electoral failure. “How do we explain the PDP losing so scandalously in Bauchi State, despite the presence of the national chairman, Federal Capital Territory minister and the state governor? “I am even more particular about the national chairman because he sold the party to the opposition. I have cogent evidence of his unholy alliance with the opposition before the elections and if they go any further, I will expose all his underhand deals. “I want to say it again that I have no apology for calling for the resignation of the NWC members, especially the national chairman. After all, someone resigned his position as the national chairman for Mu’azu to assume office." | Ayodele Fayose; Peoples Democratic Party; National Working Committee | 11 | |
| ThisDay Live | Wednesday 6th May 2015 | Soyinka: Buhari was Better of Two Evils, Anyaoku: Nigerians Owe Jonathan Gratitude | "Two of Nigeria’s eminent personalities have given divergent prognoses on the just concluded 2015 elections, with Nobel laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, stating that he chose Major-General Muhammdu Buhari (rtd) over President Goodluck Jonathan because he was the “better of the two evils”. In contrast, the Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Council on International Relations and former Commonwealth Secretary-General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku yesterday said Nigerians owed Jonathan a debt of gratitude for his roles in the conduct of the successful elections this year. Soyinka, in his characteristically blunt manner, termed the outcome of the elections as a stark choice between a failed president and a former military dictator, saying Buhari was the better of the two evils as the incumbent president was an “unmitigated disaster and failure”. Delivering a lecture titled, “Predicting Nigeria, Electoral Ironies”, at the Harvard University Hutchins Centre for African & African American Research, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA, Soyinka also condescendingly described Nigerians of Igbo extraction as “predictable” and “greedy” following their choice to vote en masse for Jonathan in the just concluded general election. Defending his support for the former military dictator, the foremost dramatist said on a personal level, it was a “painful decision to tell people to vote Buhari, but the country needed a new beginning. I was more against Jonathan, than I was pro-Buhari”. | Nigeria 2015; Goodluck Jonathan; Mohammadu Buhari | 1 & 6 | |
| ThisDay Live | Wednesday 6th May 2015 | Okonjo-Iweala: President To Assent To 2015 Budget Soon | "President Goodluck Jonathan is expected to assent to the 2015 budget recently passed by the National Assembly soon, as the Coordinating Minister for the Economy (CME) and Finance Minister, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala declared yesterday that the Appropriation Bill the parliament passed was not “dramatically” different from what was sent to it by the executive. Also, contrary to claims in some quarters that subsidies on petrol and kerosene had been removed from the budget to torpedo the smooth take-off of the incoming administration, Okonjo-Iweala confirmed that a total of N142 billion was provided in the budget for both petroleum products. She gave the breakdown as N100 billion for petrol and N42.52 billion for kerosene. At the 2015 budget briefing in Abuja yesterday, the minister gave the parameters as $53 per barrel benchmark, and a dollar higher than what was proposed to the National Assembly, translating to an exchange rate of N190 to the US dollar. The minister, who lauded the National Assembly for finding the time to pass the budget in spite of the demands of electioneering, stated that the Senate passed the 2015 budget on April 28, following the passage of the same bill by the House of Representatives on April 23, with an expenditure outlay of N4.493 trillion, up from the N4.425 trillion proposed by the executive. This, she said, represented an increase of N67.43 billion, adding that the parliament passed a benchmark oil price of US$53 per barrel, $1 higher than the budget proposal, and generating extra revenue of N54.25 billion for the government. According to her, other key parameters driving the oil revenue side of the budget were retained, including oil production volume of 2.2782mbpd and an exchange rate of N190/$." | Federal Government; Budget 2015 | 1 & 8 | |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Wednesday 6th May 2015 | B’Haram kills 21 In Fresh Yobe Attack, Military Receives 1,000 Desert Shirts, Others To Fight Insurgency | "Over a dozen of suspected Boko Haram gunmen in a convoy of Toyota Hilux vehicles and motorcycles laden with explosives yesterday attacked Bultaram Village in Gujba Local Council of Yobe State killing 21 people who attempted to return to the village to evacuate their abandoned foodstuff and livestock. According to the council official, who does not want to be identified because of security reasons, on phone yesterday in Damaturu said: “The insurgents did not “torch or destroy” the houses, but shot dead 21 villagers who returned to evacuate their food items and live animals abandoned last February. “When 21 of the villagers were returning to evacuate their food items, they were however stopped in the village by these armed insurgents; and shot each one of them at close range. It was one of the escaped villagers that informed me on phone yesterday.” Meanwhile, as the fight against insecurity in the North-East continues, the Nigerian Army yesterday received desert shirts and other logistics to boost the ongoing operation. The items, presented by Support Our Troops Foundation to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Kenneth Minimah at the Army Headquarters in Abuja yesterday, include 1,000 desert shirts and data storage devices, popularly called USB, among others. Minimah, who was represented by the Chief of Logistics, Army, Maj.-Gen. Bamidele Ologundudu, while expressing the appreciation for the support to the Army shown by the non-governmental organisation in the fight against insurgency so far, said: “Everybody must face the fact. We are calling on others to also support us as this group is doing.” Founder of the Foundation, Funmi Ogbue, who also handed a certificate of recommendation to the COAS, said that her Foundation was encouraging the Service because of the selfless commitment of officers and soldiers and their bravery in fighting terrorism." | Boko Haram; Nigerian Troops | 7 | |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Wednesday 6th May 2015 | South South Urges APC To Cede Reps Speaker Slot To Region | "A socio-political group, the South-South Equity Forum (SEF) yesterday said the incoming government of the All Progressives Congress (APC) would not be fair to the South-South region if it does not allow it produce the next Speaker of the House of Representatives. SEF said it is only “fair, just and, as a matter of necessity” that if the Senate presidency goes to either the North East or North Central as being speculated, the speakership should go to the South-South with consideration for the member representing Owan Federal Constituency in the House of Representative, Pally Iriase as Speaker. SEF led by Harrison Omagbon at a press briefing in Benin City yesterday, appealed to the leadership of the APC and the President -elect to be on the side of “fair play, equity and justice in the larger interest of the APC and the country,” noting that Edo state, an APC controlled state in the South South states is among states, “where General Muhammad Buhari, the President-elect scored 45 percent, which is above the mandatory 25 percent as required by the constitution.” Omagbon in company of other leaders of the group including the secretary state Cordinators, George Anigboro (Delta), Tony Dorgu (Bayelsa) and Sam Ntem (Cross River), said the agitation is borne out of the need to promote national unity and command national loyalty. “While the South-West has the Vice President, invariably the Speakership should come from the South-South since the South East has no ranking member. " | House of Representatives; Nigeria 2015 | 7 | |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Wednesday 6th May 2015 | Jonathan Orders PDP To End Internal Hostilities | Investigations into the true cause of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) poor outing in the 2015 general elections began yesterday as its national leadership inaugurated a 17-member assessment committee chaired by the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu. The 17-member assessment committee include the Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum and Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Godswill Akpabio; Theodore Orji of Abia State and Ibrahim Dankwambo of Gombe State. The panel was given a nine-point terms of reference, which include a specific directive to investigate how the presidential campaign committee, headed by a former national chairman of the party, Senator Ahmadu Ali, managed the campaign funds. PDP National Secretary, Adewale Oladipo, who inaugurated the committee, also announced that President Goodluck Jonathan has stopped all members of the party from further media war. Oladipo said: “Let me use this opportunity to relay President Jonathan’s message to all PDP leaders and members. He has given definite instruction that all acts of unwarranted attacks and counter-attacks on members and leadership of the party should stop immediately.” | Nigeria 2015; Peoples Democratic Party | 3 | |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Wednesday 6th May 2015 | Army Begins Trial Of General, Four Others Over Loss Of Baga | "The Nigerian Army has inaugurated a General Court Martial (GCM) headed by Maj. Gen O.E. Ekanem of Defence Headquarters Abuja as president. The court is trying Brig Gen Enitan Ransome-Kuti, his Chief of Staff, Lt Col G.A. Suru, and three other senior officers for failing to offer leadership in repelling the Boko Haram attack on the headquarters of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) in Baga, Borno State in January. Indications also emerged that military operation commanders in Adamawa had arrested about 300 soldiers for refusing to take orders in the face of imminent confrontation with the insurgents. This development happened late last year and the affected soldiers may be charged with mutiny. Gen. Ransome-Kuti, who is being tried by the GCM, was the commander of the Multinational Joint Task Force. Other officers arrested along with him were the commanding officers of the 134 and 174 Battalions. The two battalions are under the MNJTF’s Lieutenant Cols Haruna and Maj. Aliyu. The trial is taking place at the Defence Headquarters Garrison, Mogadishu Cantonment, Abuja. A source, however, told The Guardia that the GCM adjourned hearing until May 21 when trial would commence. The source said: “Yes, the GCM was inaugurated on Monday. But it adjourned till May 21 when proceedings will resume at the court. This is when the actual trial will resume.” Brig Gen Ramsome-Kuti and the other officers are being represented at the GCM by counsels from Femi Falana Chambers. The court-martial is the second involving senior officers in the fight against Boko Haram, as those affected by previous trials since 2014, were mostly non-commissioned personnel, many of who were either sacked or sentenced to death." | Nigerian Army; Court Martial; Baga | 1 & 6 | |
| ChannelsTv | Wednesday 6th May 2015 | Enugu State Governor Breaks Silence On Impeachment Plot | "Enugu State Governor, Sullivan Chime, has broken his silence on the impeachment plot against him by 15 Lawmakers in Enugu State House of Assembly, over allegations of forgery of the 2012 supplementary budget and financial misconduct. Governor Chime, who denied forging any budget document or tried borrowing any money barely three weeks to his exit, said the latest antics of the House of Assembly is as a result of his refusal to succumb to their monetary appeals after they had approved the loan. According to the Governor, “Since last year September, the said eleven billion naira they are raising their voices against had been long approved by the Legislators and it is the same figure that is reflecting in the approved budget that you also have in the supplementary budget, which they are now referring to as fake”. He also says that, though, he is yet to receive any impeachment notice, the moves by the Lawmakers against him will not prevail as the constitution requires a simple two third majority, which the house, as presently constituted, would find impossible to realise. However, the Governor moved faster than the legislators as he hurriedly gathered eight other lawmakers, who sat, and then impeached the Speaker, Honourable Eugene Odoh, and elected a new Speaker, Honourable Chinedu Nwamba." | Enugu State; Impeachment; | http://www.channelstv.com/2015/05/05/enugu-state-governor-breaks-silence-on-impeachment-plot | |
| ChannelsTv | Wednesday 6th May 2015 | PDP National Chairman Jets Out Of The Country | "There are reports that the National Chairman of the PDP, Adamu Muazu, who before now was addressed as “the game changer”, may have jetted out of the country to evade being forced to convene a meeting of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party, where he may be akin to resign. Mr Muazu has been under intense pressure to quit his position as the party Chairman following the PDP’s poor showing in the March – April 2015 general election. The party’s leadership had blamed the state governors elected on the platform of the PDP, and some other leaders, for its electoral failure. At the moment, it is not clear where the National Chairman has travelled to, but there are indications that he may have informed President Goodluck Jonathan before embarking on the trip." | Peoples Democratic Party; National Working Committee; Nigeria 2015; Goodluck Jonathan | http://www.channelstv.com/2015/05/05/pdp-national-chairman-jets-out-of-the-country | |
| ChannelsTv | Wednesday 6th May 2015 | My Impeachment Is Illegal, Null And Void – Niger Assembly Speaker | "The embattled Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Mr Adamu Usman, has described his purported impeachment as unconstitutional, illegal, null and void and of no effect. Briefing journalists shortly after his impeachment at the NUJ press center, Minna, the former speaker, who was accompanied by his impeached Deputy, Abdulrahaman Bala Gambo and other impeached principal officers of the House, insisted that he is still the Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly. According to him, “We are still the leaders of the House of Assembly. I am happy they did not accuse any of us of financial mismanagement as reason for our impeachment”. The embattled speaker said that the leadership of the House has done everything possible to let the executive realize that the House needs funds to keep the business of the House going, but because of the economic situation in the country, nothing has been done. “Since January 2015, we have never received overhead cost because of problems associated with federal account. I do not control finance, as it comes I disburse. So, the impeachment beats my imagination.” He also said ""whatever you see today is illegal because the Mace is under my custody. Beside this, the Speaker disclosed that there was a court injunction from the State High Court, signed by the Chief Judge, Justice Fati Lamin Abubakar, restraining the Defendants (21 other members) jointly and severally from setting in motion any process of impeachment pending the determination of the motion on notice""." | Niger State House of Assembly; Impeachment | http://www.channelstv.com/2015/05/05/my-impeachment-is-illegal-null-and-void-niger-assembly-speaker | |
| ChannelsTv | Wednesday 6th May 2015 | Agbaje Challenges Ambode’s Victory At Tribunal | "The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in Lagos State, Jimi Agbaje, has approached the election tribunal, challenging the victory of the Governor-elect, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode. It was the first sitting of the Lagos State Election Petition Tribunal. The panel rejected the request by the petitioner to compel the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to make available all materials used for the election, but granted a request to allow the petitioner inspect the materials used specifically for the governorship elections in Lagos State. The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State, Mr Ambode, was declared the winner of the April 11 election. Mr Ambode polled 811,994 votes, with the runner-up and the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr Jimi Agbaje, polling 659,788 votes. In an interview with Channels Television, the candidate of the PDP said he was happy with the outcome of the election, but stressed that if there were issues with the process, his party would address them through the right channel." | Lagos 2015; Tribunal; Peoples Democratic Party; All Progressives Congress | http://www.channelstv.com/2015/05/05/agbaje-challenges-ambodes-victory-at-tribunal | |
| The Cable | Wednesday 6th May 2015 | Binta: I Will Become First Female Senate President | "Binta Masi Garba, a senator-elect who will represent Adamawa north senatorial district on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the next national assembly, says she has all it takes to become Nigeria’s first female senate president. Speaking with the United Kingdom arm of her party, Binta, who is contesting with George Akume, former governor of Benue state and minority leader of the senate in the outgoing assembly as well as Bukola Saraki, former governor of Kwara state, said she plans to champion the rights of Nigerians, especially women, if elected by her fellow lawmakers. “I will reduce poverty in Nigeria by setting legislative agenda such as free and compulsory schooling for the girl child,” she said. “I have set three main legislative agenda, which I will pursue vigorously if elected. Education for the girl child, maternal care, which government must ensure is free from at least pregnancy to five years, and agriculture for women.” APC is yet to zone the senate presidency slot to any region, but the north-east and north-central are in pole position. And Binta believes she has done enough to get a look-in, saying: “I remain resolute that my antecedent and my pedigree are there. “I can stand the heat and I am qualified to lead the senate so whatever is zoned for the north-eastern part of Nigeria by our great party, I am going to beat it out with whoever is interested.” Asked if Nigerians are ready to have a female senate president, she said: “Absolutely Yes. This is the era of change and Nigerians are excited by my candidature. “After going into the ‘jungle’ and one came out victorious and survived the entire trauma, is the person not qualified enough to vie for any position?” “If I can do well acting as the chair-person of a political party whilst in opposition and was able to deliver three senators, six house of representative members and a governor and we came out and elected the president-elect with 123,000 votes against the incumbent, then I think I am better qualified for the senate president post.” “There are women who performed well and their integrity was intact and there are those that probably brought the standard and the integrity of women to ridicule where corruption has been the order of the day,” she said. “I am not a corrupt person. I have been tested and tried and I think I can raise my head up that I am not among the women in quote.” | Nigeria 2015; Senate Leadership; | Nigeria 2015; Senate Leadership | |
| Todayng | Wednesday 6th May 2015 | Senate Passes Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Bill | The Senate on Tuesday, passed Violence against Persons (Prohibition) Bill which seeks to prohibit female circumcision or genital mutilation, forceful ejection from home and harmful widowhood practices. The bill also prohibits abandonment of spouse, children and other dependents without sustenance, battery and harmful traditional practices. According to NAN, the Bill was sponsored by the Leader of the Senate, Victor Ndoma-Egba. It is also intended to eliminate violence in private and public life and provide maximum protection and effective remedies for victims of violence, and punishment of offenders. The bill equally prohibits economic abuse, forced isolation and separation from family and friends, substance attack, depriving persons of their liberty, incest, indecent exposure, among others. In his remarks, Deputy President of the Senate, Ike Ekweremadu, who presided at the session, said that the passage of the bill would provide adequate protection for the vulnerable in the society and punish those who take advantage of them. He commended the senators and other stakeholders for their efforts in ensuring that the bill was passed, adding that it was a good step in the fight against violence in the society. | The Senate; Violence Against Persons | http://www.today.ng/news/senate-passes-violence-against-persons-prohibition-bill | |
| Todayng | Wednesday 6th May 2015 | FG Downgrades Asaba Airport Over Safety Concern | The Federal Government has downgraded Asaba Airport over the failure of Delta State Government to put in place safety and security measures at the airport, a statement said. The statement which was issued on Tuesday in Abuja by Mr James Odaudu, an Assistant Director, Press and Public Affairs, Ministry of Aviation said that with the downgrading, the airport would now be allowed to accommodate the operation of only Dash 8-Q 400 aircraft or its equivalent until all the safety issues were addressed. It stated that the Federal Government, through the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authourity (NCAA), had raised several safety concerns. The safety concerns according to the statement, were over undulations on the airport’s runway, the lack of the required strip, perimeter fencing, drainage, as well as lack of adequately trained technical personnel. It said the decision was taken since no concrete steps had been taken to address the issues which were capable of compromising the safety of flight operation and the passengers. | Federal Government; Asaba Airport; Safety; Delta State Government | http://www.today.ng/news/fg-downgrades-asaba-airport-over-safety-concern | |
| Todayng | Wednesday 6th May 2015 | EFCC Arraigns Three Suspected Oil Thieves | "The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has arraigned two suspected oil thieves: Taiwo Seyi and Friday Akpan; their company, Ibiberebupakabo Company Limited and vessel, MT Divine Favour, before Justice U.N Agumoh of the Federal High Court Port Harcourt, Rivers State on a 2-count charge bordering on conspiracy and illegal dealing in petroleum product. The accused persons were allegedly arrested in the Bonny waters, River State, sometime in 2014 with 500,000 litres of stolen petroleum product suspected to be Automotive Gas Oil, popularly called diesel. They pleaded not guilty to the charge. The accused persons were part of the eight suspects arrested on February 10, 2014 by officers of the Nigerian Navy (FOS and NNS Pathfinder) while on routine patrol around Bonny water in Rivers State. The vessel and its crew were arrested without appropriate document to sail on the territorial waters of Nigeria and handed over to the Commission for further investigation and possible prosecution. In view of their plea, the prosecuting counsel, Sadiq Hussain prayed the court to fix a date for trial to commence. The defence counsel, R. E Wanogho, however, urged the court to grand the accused persons bail. Justice Agomoh granted the accused bail in the sum of N1, 000,000.00 (One million Naira) each and 4 (Four) sureties in like sum. The sureties must be public or civil servant of Grade Level 9 or above. The matter was adjourned to June 9, 2015 for trial." | EFCC; Oil Theft; Federal High Court | http://www.today.ng/news/efcc-arraigns-three-suspected-oil-thieves | |
| Todayng | Wednesday 6th May 2015 | Expectations Of Nigerians Are Too High, Set Realistic Targets – Buhari To APC Governors-elect | "The President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari, has told the All Progressives Congress’ governors-elect, that the expectations of Nigerians are too high hence the need for them to set realistic targets. Buhari said this at a meeting with the APC governors-elect at the Defence House, Abuja, on Monday. Buhari, who was responding to pleas by the incoming governors that he should prepare a bailout for states to enable them to pay salaries, said, “The expectation is too high and I have started nervously to explain to people that Rome was not built in a day.” He added that it is sad that the nation is grappling with security challenges while the economy is lying prostrate with most states unable to pay salaries “in spite of the revenue we earned from 1990 till date.” “For this to be corrected, please give the incoming government a chance. Here, I will like to recall what happened during the Abacha regime which led to the emergence of the Petroleum Trust Fund. “The Abacha regime was a military regime and it thought that the only way was to increase the prices of petroleum products, but they were not taking Nigerians for a ride. “They would have said that if Nigerians decide to riot, they have the guns and so they can have their way. But they decided to tell Nigerians that they were going to increase prices of petroleum products and the money we get, we will put aside for development. That was how PTF came about. “This time around, under this system, to bounce back with the issue especially with the backlog of salaries which are of immediate concern to individuals and states, I think we should look for a better way to address the issue and think of how to persuade the people to give us a chance to organise the economy immediately and get something to pay salaries,” Buhari said. " | Muhammadu Buhari; Progressives Governors; | http://www.today.ng/news/set-realistic-targets-buhari-tells-apc-governors-elect | |
| Todayng | Wednesday 6th May 2015 | Lagos 2015: Elections Petition Tribunal Warns Lawyers Over Delay Tactics | The Lagos State National and State Houses of Assembly Elections Petition Tribunal has warned lawyers that it would not tolerate strategies aimed at delaying the expeditious determination of petitions. The Tribunal Chairman, Justice Sylvanus Oriji, gave the warning on Tuesday at the inaugural sitting of the tribunal in Ikeja. Other members of the three-man tribunal are Justices K. Dabo and Kadi Yusuf. According to NAN, over thirty petitions, arising from the 2015 National Assembly and Lagos State House of Assembly elections, have been filed before the tribunal. Oriji emphasiszed that election petitions were delicate and sensitive to handle because they must be heard and determined within 180 days as specified by Section 285 (6) of the 1999 Constitution. He said: “It is now well established that any judgment delivered by an Election Tribunal in an election petition after 180 days from the date of filing is a nullity. “It is for this reason that we implore you all to give the tribunal the necessary support and co-operation, both at the pre-hearing conferences and throughout the hearing of the petitions. The judge also advised the media to report the proceedings of the tribunal accurately, adding that the members of the panel would discharge their duties “without fear or favour’. | Lagos 2015; Tribunal | http://www.today.ng/news/polls-lagos-elections-petition-tribunal-warns-lawyers-over-delay-tactics | |
| Todayng | Wednesday 6th May 2015 | President Jonathan Sacks Petroleum Fund Boss, Appoints Asabe Ahmed As Replacement. | President Jonathan has approved the appointment of Mrs. Asabe Asmau Ahmed as Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Equalisation Fund (PEF). Mrs. Ahmed, who is currently the Minister of State for Agriculture and Rural Development, takes over from Mrs. Sharon Adefunke Kasali who has been Executive Secretary of PEF since 2007. The new PEF Executive Secretary hails from Niger State and holds Bachelors and Masters Degrees from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria and the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna, respectively. She is expected to put her years of experience in public service to good use in re-engineering, repositioning and re-invigorating PEF for present and future challenges. President Jonathan has similarly approved the appointment of Mr. Denzil Amagbe Kentebe as Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Management Development Board (NCDMB). Mr. Kentebe, an architect with years of experience in strategic planning and policy management, takes over from Engineer Ernest Nwapa who has been Executive Secretary of the NCDMB since April 2010. | Federal Government; Petroleum Equalisation Fund; | http://www.today.ng/news/president-jonathan-sacks-petroleum-fund-boss-appoints-asabe-ahmed-as-replacement | |
| Todayng | Wednesday 6th May 2015 | Buhari Meets Journalist He Jailed As Military Ruler In 1984 | The President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari, on Tuesday met with Tunde Thompson, one of the journalists jailed for violating Decree 4 in 1984 when he was a military Head of State. Buhari met with him when he hosted members of his Media Team and Social Media Influencers at the Defence House, Abuja on Tuesday. The President-elect cracked jokes with Thompson and praised him for rising above his jail experience to forgive and support his presidential bid. He reminded Thompson, who is a member of his media team, that what happened under his military regime was one of the challenges of that period. Buhari also applauded his campaign media team led by Mallam Shehu Garba for running “a very decent media campaign” despite the hate campaigns mounted against him by the Peoples Democratic Party.” | Muhammadu Buhari; Press Freedom; | http://www.today.ng/news/buhari-meets-journalist-he-jailed-as-military-ruler-in-1984 | |
| Todayng | Wednesday 6th May 2015 | Abuja To Rank Among Best 20 Cities In The World By 2020 – Minister | "The Minister of State for the FCT, Mrs Olajumoke Akinjide, said on Tuesday Abuja that the FCT Administration would make the territory one of the best 20 cities in the world by the year 2020. Akinjide said this at the formal launch of the Enumeration of Advertising Signs and Hoardings in the FCT. She said that the process was part of efforts being made to sanitise the practice of outdoor advertising in the territory in line with the Transformation Agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan. “It further demonstrates our determination to build a capital city that will rank among the 20 best cities in the world by the year 2020.” Akinjide said that by the launch, the FCTA had set in motion the machinery to standardise outdoor advertising in the territory. She said that the main objective of the exercise included improving the internally generated revenue profile of the FCT Administration, sanitising its environment and checking impunity in the practice. She said that the exercise would be carried out through the deployment of customised bicycles manned by National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members. The minister said that the corps members being deployed for the exercise had been trained in data gathering, adding that the project would be managed by the FCT Department of Outdoor Advertisement and Signage (DOAS), in collaboration with Geoqynetiq Limited. She said the exercise would cover three main areas of the city centre which are Maitama District, Airport Road and Bill Clinton Drive as well as some selected areas of the six area councils in the FCT. According to her, the exercise also entails a head count of all first and third party advertisements identified in the various districts. In his remark, the Director, DOAS, Malam Ibrahim Yusuf, said that the bicycles had been insured, adding that the safety of the corps members was also guaranteed. Yusuf said that the choice of corps members in carrying out the exercise was to create jobs as the best of them could be retained. Also speaking, the Head of Geoqynetiq, Mr Jerome Okoro, said that the software to be used for the exercise was one of the best and was aimed at effectively managing outdoor advertisement business in the FCT." | Federal Capital Territory; Federal Government | http://www.today.ng/news/abuja-to-rank-among-best-20-cities-in-the-world-by-2020-minister | |
| Todayng | Wednesday 6th May 2015 | INEC Presents Certificates Of Return To 26 Ondo Lawmakers | The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Ondo State, on Tuesday presented certificates of return to 26 members-elect of Ondo State House of Assembly. In his remark at the occasion, Mr Olusegun Agbaje INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), in the state, urged the returning lawmakers and the newly elected members to work together for the development of the state. He said the commission was transparent in the conduct of the 2015 general elections and urged the people to assist INEC to improve its performance. Mr Sunday Olajide, a lawmaker representing Akure Constituency 2, who spoke to NAN promised effective representation to enable his constituents enjoy the dividends of democracy. Mr David Oloyelogun from Ifedore and Otunba Ade Adeniyi from Ondo constituency 1, expressed their readiness to work for the development of the state. | INEC; Ondo 2015; Ondo State House of Assembly | http://www.today.ng/news/inec-presents-certificates-of-return-to-26-ondo-lawmakers | |
| Todayng | Wednesday 6th May 2015 | Debt Management Office (DMO) To Raise Bonds Worth N60billion | he Debt Management Office (DMO) says it plans to raise N60 billion worth of bonds in three categories on May 13. The DMO disclosed this in its ‘Bond Circular’ posted on its Website on Tuesday. According to the DMO, the three categories of bonds will include 20-year bonds, 10-year bonds and five-year bonds. The DMO said that it would issue N20 billion worth of each bond in the three categories. It said the three categories of bonds would mature in July 2034, March 2024 and February 2020 respectively. The DMO said that the three categories of bonds would open with different coupon rates. The 20-year, 10-year and five-year bonds would have coupon rates of 12.15 per cent, 14.20 per cent and 15. 54 per cent, respectively. The DMO said that all the bonds would be re-opened. | Debt Management Office; Federal Government; Bonds | http://www.today.ng/business/debt-management-office-to-raise-bonds-worth-n60billion | |
| Todayng | Wednesday 6th May 2015 | 34-year-old Farmer Docked For Theft Of Ex-Gov. Gbenga Daniels’ N500m Property | "A 34-year-old farmer, Ariyo Fadipe, on Tuesday appeared before an Abeokuta Magistrates’ Court over an alleged theft of items valued at N500 million, belonging to former Ogun State governor, Mr Gbenga Daniel. The accused, whose address was not known, is facing a two-count charge of burglary and theft. Fadipe, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges. The Prosecutor, Insp. Famous Edigbue, told the court that the accused committed the offences in April 2014 at about 6 p.m., at the Golf Resort Hotel, Oke-Mosan in Abeokuta, Ogun. Edigbue said that the accused burgled a building belonging to Daniel and stole : 300 pieces of 32- inch plasma television sets and two coffee tables plated with gold. Other items are: 40 pieces of 3-horsepower air conditioners, 30 pieces of B205 swivel chairs and 20 sets of C-63 bar tables. The prosecutor said, “The accused whose farm was close to the golf resort burgled the building where all the items were stored and was going there regularly to cart them away. “The police, after a tip-off, traced and caught the accused in the act with four pieces of 32-inch plasma television sets,” Edigbue was quoted as saying by NAN. He said that the offences contravened Sections 516, 410, 411 (2) and 390 (3) of the Criminal Laws of Ogun, 2006. The counsel to the defence, Mr Adebayo Ogungbemi, appealed to the court to grant the accused bail on liberal terms. The Magistrate, Mr Babajide Ilo, granted the accused bail in the sum of N500,000 with two sureties in like sum, and adjourned the case to May 19 for further hearing." | Gbenga Daniel; Property Theft; Farmer; Magistrate Court | http://www.today.ng/news/34-year-old-farmer-docked-for-theft-of-ex-gov-gbenga-daniels-n500m-property | |
| ThisDay Live | Tuesday 5th May 2015 | Court to Hear Contempt Charges against Agip MD on June 23 | "A Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has fixed June 23 to hear the contempt charges filed against the Managing Director of the Nigerian Agip Oil Company Limited, Mr. Insula Massimo, by an indigenous oil serving company, Arco Group Plc, for disobeying the order of the court. Also to be charged for the same offence, is the Managing Director of Plantgeria Company Limited, Mr. P. L. Carrodano. The presiding judge of the court, Justice Lambo Akanbi, fixed the date after he granted the plaintiff the leave of the court to advertise the notice in at least two national newspapers. The Judge therefore ordered the two chief executive officers to ensure that they are present in court on the said date to show cause why an order for their committal to prison should not be made. The court had on February 4 restrained the two companies and their agents from awarding or taking any step to award to any person, company or firm except Arco any contract whether designated as interim, stop-gap for the maintenance of gas turbines or rotating equipment at Agip’s OB/OB, Ebocha and Kwale gas plant pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice for the order of interlocutory injunction. Investigation by THISDAY revealed that not only were the chief executives officers alleged to have disobeyed the order of the court, they were also alleged be avoiding service of the court order." | Federal High Court; Agip Oil; Contempt | http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/court-to-hear-contempt-charges-against-agip-md-on-june-23/208544 | |
| ThisDay Live | Tuesday 5th May 2015 | Speakership Race: Gbajabiamila Sets up Nationwide Mobilisation Committee | "In a bid to up the ante of his quest for the Speaker of the incoming eighth session of the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila has set up a 36-man mobilisation committee to canvass support for him in the states of the federation including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Gbajabiamila, who is also the current Minority Leader in the House, tasked the state coordinators with the job of soliciting the support of their other colleagues and assure them of his unwavering intention to fulfill the promises made to them in a collective bid to redefine representation in the coming eighth House of Representatives. Notable among his campaigners are: Hon. Rufai Chanchangi (Kaduna), Hon. Abdullahi Balarabe Silame (Sokoto), Hon. Khadijah Ibrahim (Yobe), Hon. Baderinwa White (Ondo), Hon. Peter Akpatason (Edo), and many others across party lines. Gbajabiamila, who is also a frontline aspirant for the speakership position, had earlier in a document attached to his letter of intent distributed to his colleagues last week, promised the 360 members-elect of his readiness to ensure transparency and accountability in all the legislative matters of the House and equitable distribution of committees and chairing opportunities. He also pledged to ensure adequate input of members through provision of federal presence in all constituencies that would include but are not limited to capital projects, periodic public legislative sessions on national issues rotated between the six geopolitical zone and conscious rebranding of the House as a symbol of democracy. While the APC is yet to make an official pronouncement on the zoning of National Assembly leadership positions, some lawmakers from the North-west have endorsed Gbajabiamila whom they said has earned a reputation that transcends the reported zoning of the Speakership seat to South-west, which is already in his favour. “If not for God and Femi Gbajabiamila, the North-west through Hon Aminu Tambuwal could not have been Speaker. He personally led the battle from the front and stood with Tambuwal to the end. So it’s time for us to reward his loyalty and hard stance against anti-democratic antics of the outgoing federal government,” a lawmaker from Kaduna state who does not want his name in print said. THISDAY gathered that last Wednesday, 194 members met at Protea Hotel, Asokoro, Abuja and unanimously declared their support for Gbajabiamila and asked him to be fair to both new and old members of the House." | House of Representatives; Nigeria 2015 | http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/speakership-race-gbajabiamila-sets-up-nationwide-mobilisation-committee/208511 | |
| ThisDay Live | Tuesday 5th May 2015 | CBN to Push for Amendment of Foreign Exchange Act | "As part of efforts to halt the seeming dollarisation of the Nigerian economy and also combat money laundering, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has concluded plans to push for an executive bill that will lead to the amendment of the Foreign Exchange Miscellaneous Act, 1995. The move, THISDAY was reliably informed by a high ranking central bank official, is one of the reforms for the foreign exchange market and is aimed at strengthening measures against the dollarisation of the domestic economy. Specifically, the central bank aims to push for the amendment of Section 12(1) and 12(2) of the Act, which provide for the declaration of foreign currency at ports of entry or exit in the country. While Section 12(1) of the Act stipulates that “no person shall be required to declare at the port of entry into Nigeria any foreign currency unless its value is in excess of US$5,000 or its equivalent”, Section 12(2) states that “foreign currency in excess of US $5,000 or its equivalent, whether being imported into or exported out of Nigeria, shall be declared on the prescribed form for reasons of statistics only”. The central bank official explained that this is one of the key reforms in the foreign exchange market that the central bank would be pushing for through the amendment of the Act. “As it stands, the Act permits persons to carry out any amount, even $1 million or $10 million in cash, insofar as it is declared in the Customs form. But this is not allowed anywhere in the world as it is a perfect conduit for money laundering. “People can’t be carrying huge amounts of foreign currencies in and out of the country through our airports. Nigeria is one of the few countries where such is done and we must discourage that. “We have the inbound and outbound money transfer channels and we are encouraging everyone, including foreigners, to take advantage of that,” he said. The CBN last month also restated its resolve to prosecute anyone found transacting business in the country with any foreign currency as a medium of payment. The banking sector regulator had frowned on what it described as the rising use of foreign currencies in the domestic economy as a medium of payment for goods and services by individuals and corporate citizens. It stated that it had observed that some institutions priced their goods and services in foreign currencies and demand payments in foreign currencies rather than the domestic currency (the naira), which is the legal tender in Nigeria." | Central Bank of Nigeria; Foreign Exchange Act; National Assembly; | 1 & 6 | |
| ThisDay Live | Tuesday 5th May 2015 | North May End up With Four Top Posts in Govt | "As the unlikelihood of the All Progressives Congress (APC) being able to enforce a zoning formula that would ensure the equitable distribution of key posts in the incoming administration becomes more apparent, there is a major likelihood that the Northern section of the country would account for the four topmost positions in the country. These are the presidency, which will be occupied by Major-General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd), the post of Senate President, that of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the Chief Justice of the Federation (CJN). Should this scenario play out, the entire Southern section of the country would end up with the posts of deputies starting from the vice-presidency to the deputy speakership, which could create a problem, as it contravenes the federal character clause enshrined in the constitution. Sources in the APC informed THISDAY that with the “Tambuwal syndrome” gathering pace in the National Assembly, the chances are very high that the legislators would jettison whatever zoning formula that may be determined by the party and decide on key leaders of their choice. The Tambuwal syndrome arose in 2011 when members of the House of Representatives ignored the zoning formula of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which had zoned the post of speakership and the deputy to the South-west and North-east geopolitical zones, respectively. An APC source said that as it stands, with the party unable to determine a generally acceptable zoning formula, this has provided the leeway for legislators to close ranks and back candidates of their choice. He said that while the North-east and North-cental zones are angling for the Senate presidency, the South-west and North-east have entered the trenches in the battle for the speakership in the House. " | Federal Government; National Assembly; All Progressives Congress | 1 & 6 | |
| The Nation Newspaper | Tuesday 5th May 2015 | Defeated senators, Reps move property from National Assembly | "Senators and House of Representatives members who failed in their re-election bids yesterday started moving their personal effects out of the National Assembly complex. The development came less that about one month to the proclamation of the 8th National Assembly. Personal effects of the lawmakers, including tables and chairs of various sizes, framed photographs, books, standing mirror, centre rug and artworks of various sizes were seen being loaded into trucks. Apart from those who lost the March 28 National Assembly election, others who are also removing their belongings from the complex included those who lost their primary elections. Scores of legislative aides were seen loading personal belongings of the lawmakers into waiting trucks stationed at the entrance of the ‘White House.’ One of the legislative aides seen dragging a ‘Ghana must go’ bag filled with books retorted that “soldier go soldier come, National Assembly remains.” The aide said his boss instructed them to evacuate his office and take his belongings to his new office at the Maitama area of Abuja. Efforts to speak with one of the Southeast senators, who lost his election, proved abortive as he refused to answer his call. " | Nigeria 2015; National Assembly | http://thenationonlineng.net/new/defeated-senators-reps-move-property-from-national-assembly | |
| The Nation Newspaper | Tuesday 5th May 2015 | Chibok girls sold off, married by Boko Haram chiefs, says rescued woman | "Will the Chibok girls ever return home? The question yesterday became more pertinent when one of the women rescued from the Sambisa Forest told Reuters at the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp in Yola, Adamawa State that finding them could be difficult. Aisha Abbas, a 45-year-old mother of two, said the girls might have been sold off or married to top sect members as promised by Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau. According to Reuters, none of the women interviewed saw any of the Chibok girls, but Abbas said fighters who travelled from a camp in Sambisa where they were held to source food would describe the situation. “They said the Chibok girls were married off this year. Some sold to slavery, then others (militants) each married two or four of the girls,” Mrs. Abbas said. Mrs Abbas, who was taken from Dikwa, Borno State in April, speaking on the weapons situation with the militants, said the fighters all had guns at first but recently, only some carried them. Even the wife of their captors’ leader, Adam Bitri, openly criticised him and subsequently fled, two of the women said, with one describing Bitri as short and fat with a beard. Boko Haram is fracturing as shortages of weapons and fuel foment tensions between its foot soldiers and leaders, women rescued from the Islamist jihadi fighters by Nigerian troops told Reuters." | Chibok Girls; Boko Haram; | 1 &4 | |
| The Nation Newspaper | Tuesday 5th May 2015 | 173 dump PDP for APC in FCT | "The former senatorial aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in the 2011 general elections, Dr. Aboki Zhawa has defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Zhawa made public his defection at his Rubochi Ward in Kuje Area Council. Zhawa, a retired Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum, Education and Head of Service, who crossed over to APC with 173 of his loyalists and supporters, was received by the former Speaker of Kuje Area Council, Alhaji Abdullahi A. Galadima and APC ward chairman in the area, Mr. Dogo Nana Bamaiyi, at a brief ceremony held at the party’s office in the area. Notable among those that defected were former councillorship candidate of the PDP in the area, Luka Danjuma Yemison, former PDP elder, Mr. Galadima Tatari Gbako, Mukaila Ibrahim Zhawa and PDP elders in the area. The former senatorial aspirant said he and some of his loyalists dumped his party in order to move the country forward. He said he was compelled to come into the APC fold with his supporters after he realised that indigenous people of the territory have been schemed out of important positions under the ruling PDP. He said, “We are in a world of reality. I have told people severally that we are not born for a party. The party is born for us, as we are not slaves. “So my [defection] to APC with my supporters is a matter of interest,” he said. According to him, many indigenous people of the territory were carried along under the military administration of Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, adding that the military administration of Buhari was transparent. He berated the FCT admini-stration’s land swap policy, saying the PDP-led government has failed to resettled natives whose farm lands and house have been taken away from them over the years without compensation." | All progressives Congress; Peoples Democratic Party; Defection; FCT | 32 | |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Tuesday 5th May 2015 | Govt lists 140 sex offenders, 526 rape cases in one year | "Barely six months after the Sex Offenders’ Register was opened in Lagos State, no fewer than 140 people have been listed on the register, out of the 526 rape cases recorded in 2014. The listed offenders were those prosecuted and convicted for sex offenses, including a notorious rapist that bagged life imprisonment in the last one year. Commissioner for Justice and State Attorney General, Ade Ipaye said this at the 2015 Ministerial Press Briefing on activities of the ministry in the last one-year. Ipaye noted that the Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Team, established by the current administration to improve the safety of vulnerable persons and ensure offender responsibility, was conceived as a response to the increase in the report of Sexual and Gender Based Violence cases in the State. The team facilitated the signing of the Executive Order that established the Sex Offenders’ Register and Mandated Reporting Policy by governor Babatunde Fashola on December 1, 2014 and till date, over 140 convicted sex offenders have been listed on the Register. Office of the Public Defender (OPD), since the last one-year, recorded 526 rape cases, with 227 still pending in court. At least, 15 judgments were made, ranging from life to seven years imprisonment. The Director of the OPD, Omotola Rotimi said in the last four years, about 12, 120 rape cases were recorded. And in the year under review, Ipaye said that the OPD, the agency saddled with responsibility of providing legal aid services to indigent citizens, had handled over 15,000 matters on behalf of indigent Lagosians at no cost. He said the matters cut across labour cases, civil matters, criminal cases, coroner’s inquests and fundamental rights cases, which, together brings the number of matters that OPD has been involved in since the last four years to 30,998. “OPD also facilitated the collection of over N42 million as compensation on behalf of complainants in the last one year. All together, in the past four years, OPD has assisted Lagosians to collect N152 million as compensation. “During the period under review, OPD secured 49 judgments in favour of its clients. " | Lagos State Government; Ministry of Justice; | 11 | |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Tuesday 5th May 2015 | Hearing continues May 8 in Buruji’s anti-extradition suit | "Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court, Lagos, yesterday adjourned till Friday the hearing of all pending applications in a suit filed by senator-elect, Prince Kashamu Buruji, against the Inspector-General of Police and 11 others to forestall his extradition to the United States (U.S.) for alleged drug-related offences. The adjournment following an application to that effect by counsel to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Rotimi Oyedepo, to enable him confirm which office of the agency (Lagos or Abuja) that was served. Respondents in the fundamental rights suit include the Chairman, Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Chairman, EFCC, Director-General, Department of State Security (DSS), the Interpol National Central Bureau (NCB) and the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF). Others are the Clerk of the National Assembly, the National Security Adviser to the President, the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC), the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). Oyedepo claimed that he was yet to get the processes filed by the applicant, and that it is not in the habit of the agency not to respond to any application filed against it. He therefore asked the court for a very shot adjournment to enable the anti-graft agency response to Buruju’s application, which he said would be in the interest of justice. He apologised to both the applicant and other respondents for stalling yesterday’s proceedings. However, counsel to the applicant, Dr. Alex Izinyon (SAN), urged the court to discountenance the EFCC application on the ground that the matter before the court needed to be determined expeditiously. " | Federal High Court; EFCC; Kashamu Buruji; | 6 | |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Tuesday 5th May 2015 | Ondo ex-Speakers ask Court to declare 22 seats vacant | "The two former speakers, Ayo Agbomuserin and Taofiq Abdusalam, who ditched the PDP alongside another former Speaker, Victor Olabimtan earlier this year for the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC), filed the suit last week at the Akure Judicial Division of the Federal High Court. The plaintiffs, Agbomuserin and Abdusalam, in an originating summon, had sued the twenty House of Assembly members that defected from LP to PDP on October 8, 2014 and also the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Inspector General of Police, Director-General, Department of State Security Service and Ondo State House of Assembly. In the suit, the plaintiffs sought declarations that the twenty-two legislators, having abandoned the LP to PDP have automatically and constitutionally vacated their seats as members of the State House of Assembly by virtue of Section 109 (1) (g) of the 1999 Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended). " | Ondo State House of Assembly; Federal High Court | 14 | |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Tuesday 5th May 2015 | Court okays Okoyomon’s extradition to UK | "The Federal High Court, Abuja Division yesterday gave its nod for the Attorney General of Federation (AGF), Mohammed Bello Adoke (SAN) to proceed with plans to extradite former Managing Director of Nigeria Security Minting and Printing Company, (NSMPC) Emmanuel Ehidiamhem Okoyomon to the United Kingdom for trial. Meanwhile , Okoyomon has filed a Notice of Appeal, seeking to upturn the decision of the Federal High Court on three grounds. The United Kingdom forwarded an extradition request to the Federal Government for Okoyomon, requiring him to come answer to charges relating to his alleged role in the bribery scandal involving officials of the Central Bank of Nigeria, the NSMPC and Securency International Pty of Australia between 2006 and 2008. But Okoyomon in a preliminary objection filed by Dr. Alex Izinyon (SAN) against the request, had prayed the court to reject the AGF’s application as he contended that there was no existing treaty between Nigeria and the UK to warrant the extradition. In a ruling delivered by Justice Evoh Chukwu after several failed attempts, the court said all laid down procedures for the extradition application to succeed had been met. Justice Chukwu also held that there was an existing extradition treaty between UK and Nigeria. Consequently, he ordered the AGF to, within 30 days extradite Okoyomon to the UK for his trial. However, the former managing director has filed a Notice of Appeal and Stay of Execution of Justice Chukwu’s order." | EFCC; Emmanuel Ehidiamhem Okoyomon; Federal High Court | 3 | |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Tuesday 5th May 2015 | Court warns parties against contempt in Ekiti impeachment suit | "ALL Progressives Congress (APC) factional lawmakers in the Ekiti State House of Assembly, who have commenced impeachment processes against Governor Ayo Fayose, and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) faction seeking to unseat the pro-APC lawmakers have been warned by the Federal High Court, Abuja Division, against steps that could affect the subject matter of the suit pending before it. Citing Ojukwu vs. Gov of Lagos State (1985), Justice Evoh Chukwu said it is proper to maintain the status quo ante bellum till May 21 when the matter comes up, warning that any party that takes any contrary step will be in contempt. " | Ekiti State; Ayodele Fayose; Impeachment | 3 | |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Tuesday 5th May 2015 | Assembly staff lock out lawmakers in Delta | "The Delta chapter of Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN) on Monday prevented the staff and members of the House of Assembly from entering the premises of the complex. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the action was taken by the staff to protest non-implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed with the management. Some of the demands of the union included the immediate removal of the Clerk of the Assembly, provision of housing and car loans to staff, training and retraining of staff and the amendment of the House of Assembly Service Commission Law. The state Chairman of PASAN, Mr McCarthy Obrotu, told NAN that the management of the Assembly refused to implement the MOU signed by the negotiating team from the Assembly and the union. “Since Jan. 20, both parties signed an MOU and from Jan. 20 till date, the House has refused to implement the MOU. “We have written severally reminding the House of the MOU, but as I am speaking with you now, the House has refused to implement our request. “Out of the 15 demands we listed in the MOU, it is only the outfit allowance that has been implemented,’’ he said. The Speaker of the Assembly, Mr Peter Onwusanya, however told newsmen that “we have met all the agreement in the MOU’’. He condemned the action of the union for locking the assembly complex, adding that no notice was served on the management." | National Health Insurance Scheme; Labour Union; Severance; Presidency | http://www.ngrguardiannews.com/2015/05/union-seeks-audit-of-nhis-faults-severance-package-for-outgoing-leaders | |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Tuesday 5th May 2015 | Union seeks audit of NHIS, faults severance package for outgoing leaders | "Members of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) at the weekend commended President Goodluck Jonathan for removing the Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), Dr. Femi Thomas. ASCSN also used the opportunity to urge the federal government to go a step further by auditing the finances of the NHIS. Meanwhile, ASCSN in a statement signed by its National President, Bobboi Bala Kaigama and Secretary-General, Alade Bashir Lawal has advised President Jonathan to reverse alleged severance benefits of about N3.24 billion for Political Office Holders. The union expressed worry that in spite of public outcry against “financial recklessness” and alleged sharp practices, “the Presidency still proceeded to approve the humongous sum of N3.24 billion as terminal benefits for Political Office Holders whose tenure will expire on May 29 including Legislators who were re-elected”. The union said: “This is a sacrilege and unacceptable in an economy where Civil Servants who serve the country for 35years or attain the age of 60 years are not paid any gratuity after Service. We demand that all stakeholders in the Nigeria Project must stand up now and oppose this financial recklessness.’’ The ASCSN argued that if Jonathan and other political office holders “including all manner of Advisers and Assistants collect such whopping terminal benefits, then, the incoming government of General Muhammad Buhari must ensure that they return the money to the public treasury”. The statement pointed out that it was inconceivable that in a situation where Civil Servants contribute their meagre salary into the Contributory Pension Scheme and receive no gratuity after long years of service to their fatherland, political office holders who serve for one to eight years and collect millions of naira monthly still awarded themselves such mouth-watering severance benefits”." | National Health Insurance Scheme; Labour Union; Severance; Presidency | http://www.ngrguardiannews.com/2015/05/union-seeks-audit-of-nhis-faults-severance-package-for-outgoing-leaders | |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Tuesday 5th May 2015 | 70 feared killed in Taraba | "Hope that peace may soon return to parts of Taraba State, including Kerim-Lamido Local Council, that have suffered loss of lives and property are fading. Rather than ease, the wanton destruction continues to spread and has now reached Takum, the home town of General T.Y Danjuma (rtd) the governor elect, Darius D. Ishaku and the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Mark Useni. As at the time of filing this report, no fewer than 34 persons were said to have been killed in the crisis that erupted between the Tiv and the Kutep communities, bringing the death toll in the upsurge to over 70. In the re-ignited Kerim-Lamido conflict which occurred Sunday evening, over 25 people were killed following a reprisal attack allegedly carried out by soldiers who had earlier lost nine of their men to unknown gunmen in one of the villages. It would be recalled that suspected Fulani gunmen a few days ago, attacked and killed six soldiers who were on routine patrol between Amar and Kambari villages in Karim Lamido Local Council. Three of the soldiers were declared missing only for their bodies to be discovered a few days later. The killings in Takum, which took place in the early hours of yesterday, were said to be the handiwork of some aggrieved youths who The Guardian learnt, were on a revenge mission following the killing of 13 of their kinsmen by assailants from the other tribe. Though a-24 hour curfew has been imposed on the Takum area, the measure does not seem to be having much effect as the aggrieved youths continued their rampage." | Taraba State; Killing | http://www.ngrguardiannews.com/2015/05/70-feared-killed-in-taraba | |
| Leadership News Online | Tuesday 5th May 2015 | Osun Parents Back Aregbesola’s Revenue Drive | "Osun State Chapter of Parents Teachers Association of Nigeria (PTA) has expressed its preparedness to assist the state government in the enforcement of the payment of N1,500 tax bonanza introduced to boost its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR). The decision to assist in the enforcement of the payment of the tax bonanza was conveyed to the state government at a meeting held with the State Internal Revenue Board led by its chairman, Mr. Dayo Oyebanji. At the meeting attended by the PTA chairmen from across the 30 local government councils of the state, it was also agreed that the N1,500 tax bonanza for 2013/2014/2015, making N4,500, would be paid to assist the state out of its current financial predicament. The state government owes four months salaries of its workers as a result of the dwindling revenue from the federal allocation. Speaking at the meeting, the chairman of the association, Mr. Demola Ekundayo, said the decision to assist the government in the tax collection was part of the association’s resolve to contribute to the development of the state especially regarding the public primary and secondary schools. He explained that Governor Rauf Aregbesola has been using the tax for the development of the state. Saying “this is why parents have deemed it fit to complement his efforts in moving the state forward." | Osun State; Revenue Generation; Parents-Teachers Association of Nigeria | http://leadership.ng/news/430978/osun-parents-back-aregbesolas-revenue-drive | |
| Leadership News Online | Tuesday 5th May 2015 | FG Rice Policy: Adesina Lacks Power To Waive Import Duty – Reps | "The House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee on Rice Imports Quota and Duty Payments has said that the minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, has no power to grant duty waivers to rice importers under the current rice policy of the federal government. The committee chairman and deputy leader of the House, Hon. Leo Ogor, made the disclosure yesterday during on-going investigative public hearing being conducted by the Ad-hoc Committee on alleged fraud, abuses and non-payment of import duties by some rice importers and investors in the country. The lawmakers also resolved to invite Adesina to appear before the public hearing to tell the committee what he knows about the flagrant violations of rice import quota and illegal waivers granted to some importers, who refused to pay import duties on their excess importations. The committee therefore questioned the powers of the minister to grant such waivers on the basis of encouraging investment and job creation when in actual sense, the practice is discouraging local investors who don’t even have the capacity to utilise their allotted quotas. “The minister lacks this power, he shouldn’t even deceive himself. He need to come and explain to us, Nigerians want to hear and rice millers want to hear,” Ogo said. Earlier in his welcome address to declare the session open, Ogor stated that the public hearing was sequel to a resolution of the House. mandating the Ad-hoc Committee to investigate alleged fraud abuses, evasion of import duties by rice importers in the country. “The aim is to uncover fraud and expose the endemic corruption in the importation of rice with a view to stemming the tide and boost employment generation as well as strengthen the nation’s depleting foreign reserve. “The minister has no reason not to be here because the Ministry was duly served the invitation. I see no reason why people would be invited to a hearing that’s for the benefit of the people and will not turn up. “You are a servant of the people just like we all are. What we are doing here is for the benefit of our nation’s economy. So, before the end of the hearing, we are hoping to see people from the Ministry come in, otherwise we might be forced to make some very strong pronouncements,” he declared. One of the concerned importers, Olams Nigeria Ltd, who has failed to pay duty accruals for exceeded importation quota to the tune of over N3.5billion, the company’s representative, Mr. Anil Nair, told the committee that as the largest farm owner on the African continent, it couldn’t have grown its business by disobeying the rules, insisting that there was no directive asking the company to pay import duties for exceeding its quota." | Federal Government; Ministry of Agriculture; House of Reps; Rice Importation; Waiver | http://leadership.ng/news/430982/fg-rice-policy-adesina-lacks-power-to-waive-import-duty-reps | |
| Leadership News Online | Tuesday 5th May 2015 | Oyo Election Tribunal Gets 36 Petitions | "Chairman of Oyo State National and State Houses of Assembly Election Tribunal, Justice J. G. Abunsaga, yesterday disclosed that the tribunal has received 36 petitions in respect of results of elections into the National Assembly and state House of Assembly. The breakdown of the petitions showed that two are on senatorial elections while 10 are on House of Representatives election. The remaining 24 are for the state House of Assembly. Justice Abusanga who made the disclosure yesterday in Ibadan at the inaugural sitting of the three-member tribunal, promised to dispense with all the cases within the 180 days stipulated by the Nigerian constitution. Other members of the tribunal are Justices G. C. Nnamani and A. N. Suleiman. Justice Abundaga, however, sought the support of lawyers handling briefs for petitioners, saying that their cooperation will determine the success of the tribunal. He equally warned that the tribunal would not tolerate playing to the gallery by some lawyers, stressing that the tribunal would not tolerate any extra adjournment. Chief Richard Ogunwole (SAN) who spoke on behalf of other lawyers holding briefs at the tribunal, assured of their cooperation, declaring that they equally attach importance to the need to work within the stipulated period. The senior legal practitioner sought the assistance of the tribunal to impress on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the state Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) the need for the release of documents required by lawyers to argue or defend their petitions. It was, however, learnt that the state governorship tribunal will be inaugurated later. Meanwhile, findings showed that only former Governor Rashidi Ladoja who was Accord Party governorship candidate in the last election has filed a petition to challenge the result of the election." | Oyo 2015; Election Tribunal | http://leadership.ng/news/430975/oyo-election-tribunal-gets-36-petitions | |
| Daily Trust Newspaper | Tuesday 5th May 2015 | Court to rule on Fani-Kayode June 18 | "A Federal High Court in Lagos yesterday fixed June 18 for judgement in the alleged money laundering case involving Mr. Femi Fani-Kayode, the former minister of Aviation and Media Director of President Goodluck Jonathan 2015 Presidential Campaign Organization. Fani-Kayode is standing trial before the court on charges from the EFCC. Justice Rita Ofili Ajumogobia arrived at the date after the adoption and argument of written addresses by the anti-graft agency and Femi FaniKayode. She granted Fani-Kayode’s application to change his surety. Fani-Kayode’s counsel, I. A. Adedipe (SAN), disclosed that the prosecution had failed to lead evidence with regard to the money allegedly accepted by the accused. Urging the court to dismiss the charges and discharge and acquit his client, Adedipe maintained that the burden of proof was on the prosecution and it had failed in this regard." | EFCC; Fani-Kayode; Federal High Court | 16 | |
| DailyTrust Newspaper | Tuesday 5th May 2015 | Nasarawa Assembly passes budget with enhanced pay for members | "The Nasarawa State House of Assembly (NSHA), yesterday passed the 2015 Appropriation Bill with an increase of about N180 million for their remuneration. The members increased the budget estimate from N107.9 billion to N111.6 billion to take care of shortfall in the remuneration of the 24 lawmakers. The bill was passed with the endorsement of all members present at the plenary after the third reading was taken and adopted. Francis Orogu, a member of the Appropriation Committee who stood in for the committee chairman, Philip Gyunka, a senator-elect, presented the budget estimate and the speaker, Musa Ahmed Mohammed, ruled on the deliberation to pass it for the governor’s assent. The speaker also ruled on a resolution by members for the House Clerk to produce a clean copy of the bill for Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura is assent. The bill predicts that the state will spend N63.3 billion on recurrent expenditure representing 58.79 percent of the estimated budget while N44.4billion representing 41.21 percent is estimated vote for capital expenditure." | Nasarawa State; Budget 2015; | 16 | |
| Todayng | Tuesday 5th May 2015 | Fayose sacks Permanent Secretary over his ‘closeness’ to ex-Gov. Fayemi | Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State has allegedly sacked a permanent Secretary, Mr Tunde Alokan from the state civil service. Alokan was said to have been sacked because of his relationship with former governor, Fayemi. Sources, according to Punch, said Alokan was relieved of his job because of his alleged closeness to former governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi. Fayemi attended the burial of his late father held in Efon Alaaye in February, which the source said did not go down well with the powers that be in the State. Fayemi had appointed Alokan as permanent secretary in January 2012. Another source also said that Alokan’s brother, Tokunbo a Level 16 Director in the civil service would be facing the same fate very soon. Meanwhile, Fayose’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Idowu Adelusi,denied being aware of the develpent. He said, “I’m hearing it (the sacking) from you for the first time. I’m not aware of the development.” | Ekiti State; Ayodele Fayose; Kayode Fayemi; Permanent Secretary; Dismissal | http://www.today.ng/news/fayose-sacks-permanent-secretary-over-his-closeness-to-ex-gov-fayemi | |
| Todayng | Tuesday 5th May 2015 | Don’t ignore South-South, South-East, Uduaghan urges incoming APC administration | "Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State has called on the incoming APC administration not to ignore the South South and South East in power sharing and resource allocation. Uduaghan state this in Lagos, when he was awarded the Man-of-the-Year award by Silverbird Television. The governor said that the two geo-political zones are critical components of the country that should not be relegated in the power equation under any circumstance, adding that equity, fair-play and justice are essential ingredients to enthroning peace in any society. " | Emmanuel Uduaghan; Man-of-the-Year; Silverbird Television; Muhammadu Buhari | http://www.today.ng/news/dont-ignore-south-south-south-west-uduaghan-urges-incoming-administration | |
| The Vanguard Newspaper | Tuesday 5th May 2015 | Ignore Emami's Call to Scrap Amnesty Programme, Group Urges Buhari | "Niger Delta Liberation Force, NDLF, founded by late John Togo, yesterday, urged the president-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd), to disregard the call by All Progressives Congress, APC, chieftain in Delta State, Chief Ayirimi Emami, to scrap the Presidential Amnesty Programme, PAP, for ex-militants of the Niger Delta region. Reacting to Emami's call, spokesman of the group, Mark Anthony, said: ""Our attention has been drawn to a publication by a youth leader from Itsekiri ethnic nationality, Chief Emami, calling on the incoming administration to scrap the amnesty programme on an alleged ground of wastage. ""We are not surprised to read such statement from a person like Emami, who benefited maximally from the Niger Delta crisis. He may have been wrongly counselled to join enemies of the Niger Delta to call on Buhari to scrap the amnesty programme."" But Chief Emami, maintained his position, saying, ""I insist that the call for sustenance of amnesty for ex-militants is unnecessary, as the gesture had turned out to be a continuous/partial giving out of money to youths from a particular ethnic nationality and sending them abroad for training without any visible impact on the Niger Delta and the nation at large.""" | Amnesty Programme; Niger Delta; | 12 | |
| The Vanguard | Tuesday 5th May 2015 | Subsidy debt: FG, marketers fail to give specific amount | "The Federal Government and major oil marketers, yesterday, declined to give a specific amount as the outstanding debt owed fuel marketers in subsidy payments. The two parties, however, said the payments had been reconciled, with marketers announcing their resolve to immediately ensure smooth fuel distribution throughout the country. Emerging from a meeting between the marketers and government agencies in Abuja, yesterday, the Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, and Mr. Femi Olawore, who spoke for the marketers, said the matter had been amicably resolved. The minister said the reconciled figure indicated that what was recently paid to marketers was N154 billion and not N156 billion. According to her, “it is a rolling business and even as we speak, claims are being presented to the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency, PPPRA, and the Executive Secretary is clearing and signing some. Therefore, it is difficult to give a specific figure as the outstanding debt. “As the marketers continue to supply products to Nigerians, we will continue to pay. This is a process that is continuous.” The minister said rather than insisting on the figure of the debt, what Nigerians should note was the significant reduction in subsidy from N2.3 trillion in 2011 to N971 billion last year. She said about N500 billion had been paid to marketers this year, including the N154 that had just been paid." | Federal Government; Oil Marketers; Subsidy Payment | http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/05/subsidy-debt-fg-marketers-fail-to-give-specific-amount | |
| The Vanguard Newspaper | Tuesday 5th May 2015 | Impeached Ondo Deputy Gov, Olanusi now APC BoT member | "The embattled 73-year-old deputy governor of Ondo state Alhaji Ali Olanusi who was impeached last week has been appointed as a member of the Board of Trustees, BoT, of the All Progressive Congress, APC. This was contained in a letter signed by the secretary of the Party’s National Executive Committee, NEC, Hon. Mai Bala Buni. Hon. Buni said Olanusi’s appointment as a BoT member took effect from July 4, last year. The impeached deputy governor defected to the APC barely 24 hours to the last March 28 Presidential and National Assembly elections. Alhaji Olanusi was impeached following allegations of gross misconduct by the House of Assembly. He has since been replaced by the former Agriculture Commissioner, Alhaji Lasisi Oluboyo. The appointment of the former deputy governor looks like compensation for his ordeal after his defection from the PDP. His appointment as a member of the party’s highest decision making body would last for four years. The appointment letter said that within the four-year tenure, the former Deputy Governor would work with other members of BoT to develop the party." | Ondo State; All Progressives Congress; Board of Trustee | 11 | |
| The Vanguard Newspaper | Tuesday 5th May 2015 | FG over-spent by N365.3bn between July-Dec 2014 – CBN | "The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, yesterday, said the fiscal operations of the Federal Government in the second half of 2014 resulted in an over-spending of the budget by N365.35 billion or 0.8 per cent of GDP, as against the proportionate projected budget deficit of N482.10 billion for the period and N325.10 billion recorded in the first half of the year. This fact is contained in the Financial Stability report of the CBN released on Thursday but published yesterday on its website. The report said that “the deficit was financed mostly from privatisation proceeds.” According to CBN, “the second half of 2014 also witnessed the commencement of a sustained decline in international oil prices, a development that signalled a decline in government revenue in 2015, given the traditional dominance of oil receipts in its revenue profile. “The Federal Government’s retained revenue for the second half of 2014,” the report noted, “increased to N1.95119 trillion, from N1.77127 trillion in the first half, but was lower than the budget estimate of N2.13404 trillion.” Analysis of the retained revenue showed that the Federal Government’s share of the Federation Account was N1.40394 trillion (71.9 per cent); the VAT Pool Account, N55.62 billion (2.9 per cent); the Federal Government Independent Revenue was N284.14 billion (14.6 per cent); SURE-P netted N97.76 billion (5.0 per cent); while others, including excess crude and NNPC additional revenue, accounted for the balance of N109.73 billion (5.6 per cent).” The report said the “Federal Government expenditure grew by 10.5 per cent to N2.31654 trillion, from N2.09637 trillion in the first half, compared with the budgeted expenditure of N2.61614 trillion for the second half of 2014.” According to the CBN report on the economy, “provisional data from the National Bureau of Statistics, NBS, indicated that the domestic economy expanded further in the second half of 2014. Gross Domestic Product, GDP, measured in real terms recorded a growth of 13.03 per cent over the level in the preceding half year, in 10 contrast to the 6.14 per cent decline in the first half against end December 2013 performance. It was, however, 0.31 percentage point below the 13.34 per cent recorded in the corresponding period of 2013." | Federal Government; Central Bank of Nigeria; Budget 2014 | 9 | |
| The Vanguard Newspaper | Tuesday 5th May 2015 | Landlord evicts Otuoke Varsity students from hostel over N24m rent | "Hundreds of returning male students of Federal University, Otuoke, in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State were, Sunday, stranded as they were shut out of their hostels by the landlord over alleged inability of the school and state government to pay N24 million, being two years rent. When Vanguard visited the 52-bedroom apartment, which housed more than half of the institution’s male population yesterday, it was bereft of normal student activities. However, Dean of Student Life, Dr. Marcellina Offoha, and the porter were packing out students’ property as the landlord stood by, waiting to put a lock on the gate. The landlord, who brandished a letter signed R. E. Ndiomu, on behalf of Yenagoa-based Stream Solicitors, said he was tired of the antics of the state government, which had failed to honour the agreement to pay him annually for the apartment. He said he had made several efforts to get the issue resolved amicably, but lamented that all his efforts were thwarted by Bayelsa State government, who is the tenant and the school authorities, who occupied the apartment. He said: “I am evicting the university. They are my tenants and they are owing due to the negligence from the state government. They are owing me for two years. I have given them quit notice and I hope they are quitting. “I have spoken to the state government; I have had meetings with the Secretary to the State Government and with the Permanent Secretary. “I have had meetings with the Vice Chancellor and the school Registrar; all to no avail. “They said there was no fund from the state government because it was Bayelsa State government that we have the tenancy agreement with and the state government bequeathed the property to the university. “But whichever way, we have an agreement to be paid, which has not been done.” | Bayelsa State Government; Federal University Otuoke; Students | 7 | |
| The Vanguard Newspaper | Tuesday 5th May 2015 | Buhari’s cabinet: APC Govs submit ministerial list | "To ensure that it hits the ground running after the May 29 hand-over, President-elect, Major-General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd), has started putting together his cabinet. He has directed governors elected on the platform of his party, the All Progressives Congress, APC, to forward the names of their ministerial nominees and the governors have started responding, Vanguard gathered, yesterday. Three names are to be submitted by each state. While giving the directive, Buhari also left at least two criteria the governors must meet in nominating people for the appointment. One of the conditions is the candidates must be technically competent and of proven integrity. The second condition is the person must be loyal to the party. By this, a source said that Buhari indirectly laid emphasis on the need to field the names of founding members of the party and not defectors from other political parties. The President-elect, it was gathered, also told the governors that he reserved the right to choose anyone from the three names submitted by each governor. Vanguard also gathered that Buhari may run a lean cabinet where the status quo is 42 ministers. A source, who craved anonymity, told Vanguard that Buhari may also eliminate the slots for ministers of state to reduce the cost of governance. However, the source said that there is pressure on Buhari from his party to accommodate ministers of state to “at least compensate women in the party.” “Left to Buhari, he wouldn’t have more than 20 ministers but there is a lot of pressure on him to use it to compensate the women,” the source disclosed. " | All Progressives Congress (APC); Nigeria 2015; Progressives Governors; Muhammadu Buhari; | 9 | |
| The Vanguard Newspaper | Tuesday 5th May 2015 | We're Not Responsible for Your Loss, PDP Tells GEJ | "The leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has washed its hands off the defeat of President Goodluck Jonathan in the last presidential election, blaming it on what it described as the tactlessness of the President's hand-picked campaign team led by Dr. Ahmadu Ali. The party directly blamed the hate campaign launched against the All Progressives Congress, APC, presidential candidate, Maj. Gen. Muhammadu Buhari for the defeat. The National Working Committee, NWC, of the party dismissed reports of profiting from the N9 billion raised for the party's campaigns, affirming its readiness to defend the N30 million paid to each NWC member which it claimed was approved by the President. Addressing journalists, yesterday, in Abuja, the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, while exonerating the party from Jonathan's failure, traced the defeat to the exclusion of the party and its leadership from running of the campaign. Metuh said even advice was ignored by those that ran the campaign." | Peoples Democratic Party; National Working Committee; Nigeria 2015; Goodluck Jonathan | 1 & 5 | |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Monday 4th May 2015 | Reps panel seeks PwC’s suspension over probe report | "Irked by its alleged shoddy audit of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation’s (NNPC) on the allegedly missing $20 million, the House of Representatives Committee on Public Accounts has called on the incoming administration to suspend PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) from any future audit or investigation on behalf of the Federal Government or any of its agencies with immediate effect. PwC, after its forensic probe, had given the corporation a clean bill of health on the missing $20 billion, only to recently say it could not vouch for its findings. In a letter to Nigeria’s Auditor General, the firm said that findings in its 199-page report were limited to available information and did not constitute a review in accordance with generally accepted standards. “The procedures we performed did not constitute an examination or a review in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards or attestation standards,” the firm said. “Accordingly, we provide no opinion, attestation or other form of assurance with respect to our work or the information upon which our work was based.” In view of this, Chairman of the Committee and senator-elect for Lagos West Federal Constituency, Solomon Olamilekan, at the weekend called on the President-Elect, Maj.-Gen. Mohammadu Buhari, to revisit the issue and also ensure that appropriate sanctions were meted to the audit firm. He further urged the Federal Government to kick-start the process to immediately facilitate a refund of the fee paid to the firm for the audit exercise. Olamilekan told newsmen at the National Assembly that the issue was “too weighty” to be treated with levity. “The incoming Federal Government must come after this firm, ensure that all these anomalies and misrepresentation of facts and figures to deceive Nigerians all this while must be brought to book. This firm must be adequately sanctioned.” He disclosed that the panel “had requested for this all-important forensic report to be laid before the National Assembly and a copy sent to the committee within a specified period. Now, the PricewaterhouseCoopers has said there is no report." | House of Representatives; NNPC Audit; PwC | 7 | |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Monday 4th May 2015 | Buhari tasked on governance, Oronsaye report | "AS the May 29 handover date approaches, the President-elect, Maj-Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, has been urged to ensure a drastic reduction in the cost of governance. Executive Director of Lux Terra Leadership Foundation, Rev. Fr. Goerge Ehusani, who stated this also enjoined the incoming All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration to revisit the Steve Oronsaye report on reforms in the civil service, which proffered solutions to the problem of high cost of governance. Speaking yesterday while delivering a keynote address at a public forum which dwelt on “Nigerian democratic transition: One more opportunity for real change”, he maintained that the required growth cannot be achieved in a situation whereby 70 percent of the nation’s resources is used to service government functionaries and the bureaucracy. He also urged the President-elect to explore ways of checkmating the conduct of government functionaries who display flamboyant and extravagant lifestyles at the expense of the citizenry. According to him: “A country struggling with widespread poverty and decayed infrastructure cannot afford to have public officers that are among the wealthiest in the world, not from any business investment or entrepreneurship on their part, but all from legitimate and illegitimate earnings from government.“Today, Nigerian political office holders are among the highest users of expensive bullet-proof SUVs, and they live in palatial mansions, with scores of personal aides, all at government expenses. Political office must be made less attractive.” Ehusani said the duplication of parastatals and agencies has compounded the problem of wastages in the nation’s resources. Saying there was need to revisit the Steve Oronsaye report, he said: “For example, if we have an effective police force where all the required departments are functional, why do we need the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), civil defence, EFCC, NDLEA, or NAPTIP? Why do we need to replicate practically all the ministries in the Presidency, by having special advisers and senior special advisers on practically every area of governance domiciled within the Presidency? “True, the existence of the numerous parastatals, agencies and directorates of the Federal Government with all their governing boards that entails monstrous overhead costs, simply amounts to a monumental waste of the country’s scarce resources which could have been better utilised in the development and maintenance of vital sectors that are crying for attention.”" | Buhari; Governance; Oronsaye Report | 6 | |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Monday 4th May 2015 | Govt queries subsidy claims, denies owing marketers N200b | "THE Federal Government yesterday decried what it described as the ‘unpatriotic’ attitude of oil marketers, imploring them to put the nation first, when making their claims. It also denied owing the marketers N200 billion. Meanwhile, government says, but for the May 1 holiday, they would have received their alerts. Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who spoke to newsmen in Abuja yesterday, also questioned aspects of the marketers’ claims. She stressed that government would do its best to offset all genuine claims as this present government would not want to leave huge debt burden for the incoming government. She also dismissed reports that subsidy was not provided for in the 2015 budget. “As you know, we have revenue challenges because of the 50 per cent drop in the source of our main revenue. But despite these constraints, we have really prioritised this payment to marketers. We have gone to extra ordinary length to try and pay them. As you know, since December, we have paid half a trillion Naira (N500 billion) and you know that is not a small part of even our annual budget, if you were to compare. “It is quite a lot of money. Of course it contains both of last year and this year, rolling. We have paid N500 billion. So, we have tried really, really hard. “We also have appealed to them, that they are also Nigerians. With the fact that we have prioritised them and their payments so that Nigerians won’t suffer has been the main tenet of this: Let us try and pay even though we have serious revenue challenge so that Nigerians won’t suffer, Nigerians won’t be in queues. We have done that and we have been appealing to them on their own side, that they are Nigerians. They should not allow the country to suffer. Everybody is making sacrifices. But the marketers, as you know, the template that covers their business is designed to cover all their costs, plus a profit margin. That is the PPRA template against which I have quarreled for quite some time.” She called for a closer scrutiny of the Petroleum Pricing Regulatory Authority (PPRA), noting that a situation where government pays for risks associated with oil import business and the beneficiaries still make the country suffer was not acceptable." | Federal Government; Fuel Subsidy; Marketers | 1 & 2 | |
| Daily Trust Newspaper | Monday 4th May 2015 | Gunmen kill former PDP Chairman in Benue | "Gunmen on Saturday killed a former chairman of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) in Katsina-Ala LGA of Benue State. Lumunnege Zegeguve was shot to death by those believed to have traced him to Tiir area of Kastina-Ala. Spokesman of the police, ASP Austin Ezeani, ruled out the involvement of hired assassins, saying five armed robbers shot the former chairman. Ezeani told journalists in Makurdi yesterday that a relation of the deceased, Orshee Tete Zegeguve, was arrested on the scene of the killing. He said the police had moved after the killers while the corpse has been deposited at the General Hospital in Katsina-Ala. Kidnapping and armed robbery have increased in Kastina Ala. Gunmen last week killed a police officer, Baba Ibrahim and a civilian who went on a special mission from the Force Headquarters, Abuja to investigate a case of cattle rustling in the area. Terwase Burbwa, a tertiary institution staff in the town was also abducted, bringing the number of kidnapped persons in the College of Education, Kastina Ala to three in one month. Earlier, the provost of the school, Dr. Hen Senwua, was seized but regained freedom after a ransom was paid and his deputy became victim." | Killing; Benue State; Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) | 16 | |
| Daily Trust Newspaper | Monday 4th May 2015 | Kano NLC opposes conversion of training centre to hospital | "The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Kano State has faulted the conversion of the Imamu Wali Local Government Training centre to a hospital by the state government. Addressing newsmen in Kano yesterday, NLC state chairman, Comrade Kabiru Ado Minjibir, said the conversion had generated controversy. “Notwithstanding the good intentions of the state government, the absence of an alternative centre is not helping matters. We therefore call on the government to address the issue appropriately,” he said. But speaking at the commissioning on Friday, Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso said the centre was converted to address the health needs of the people of Yamadawa, Dorayi Babba, Rijiyar Zaki and adjoining communities in Gwale and Ungoggo LGAs of the state. Kwankwaso said it was renovated to look like any standard hospital and modified to have 120-bed capacity. “This hospital can compete favourably with any similar hospital in Nigeria. Doctors of gynaecology, paediatrics and physiology among others have been employed to serve the teeming patients,” he said. " | Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC); Kano State Government; Training Centre; Hospital | 6 | |
| Daily Trust Newspaper | Monday 4th May 2015 | 20 Govs, Deputies to get billions as severance pay | "Twenty governors and their deputies who are leaving office on May 29 will cost their states billions of naira in entitlements, Daily Trust reports. Their total severance allowances as approved by Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) come up to a total of N4.68 billion. The revenue commission is the central body responsible for fixing salaries and allowances for political, public and judicial office holders in the country. The commission has approved payment of 300% basic salary as severance allowances for political office holders on leaving office. However, various state assemblies had approved a wide range of entitlements for governors that will enable them live in comfort for life at the expense of tax payers. The outgoing governors are Babatunde Fashola (Lagos), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso (Kano), Ibrahim Shema (Katsina) Ramalan Yero (Kaduna), Sule Lamido (Jigawa), Isa Yuguda (Bauchi), Babangida Aliyu (Niger), Saidu Dakingari (Kebbi), Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto), Bala Nggilari (Adamawa), Danbaba Suntai (Taraba), Gabriel Suswam (Benue), Jonah Jang (Plateau), Godswill Akpabio (Akwa Ibom), Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers), Martins Elechi (Ebonyi), Sullivan Chime (Enugu), Emmanuel Uduaghan (Delta), Theodore Orji (Abia), and Liyel Imoke (Cross River). These include 100% current pay for life, one or two mansions built and furnished by the state, free medical service, fully paid annual vacation, cars and numerous aides. In few instances outgoing governors even have paid themselves hundreds of millions of naira weeks before vacating office. However, this development has drawn sharp criticism from labour and top lawyers. They described the action as immoral, insensitive and irresponsible at a time when workers, teachers and pensioners have not been paid for months." | Governors; Deputy Governors; Severance Pay | 1 & 5 | |
| Leadership News Online | Monday 4th May 2015 | Pharmacist Urges Tight Regulations Against Reckless Drug Dispensing | "A Pharmacist, Mrs Veronica Obilor, on Monday urged government to set up a stringent procedure in drug administration to curb the reckless dispensation of prescribed drugs. Obilor, who made the call during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos, said that it was illegal to dispense such drugs without doctor`s authorisation. “It is unfortunate that some of all these dangerous drugs are sold in the open market as over-the-counter (OTC) drugs in the country. “The normal procedure is that patients are to show prescription form from doctors, duly signed before pharmacies can sell the drugs, “Obilor said. She stressed such dangerous drugs could cause physical and mental harm, if not properly used. Obilor, who is also a member of the Nigerian Community Pharmacists’, Surulere Chapter, gave an example of such drugs as Tramol, usually taken by some people for physical fitness. According to her, if not properly prescribed by a doctor, the user stands the risk of damaging his or her organs. She said that the only way to address the problem frontally was to weed out quacks from the profession. “The government should formulate a tight policy in the drug administration environment to curb irresponsible dispensing of such calibre of drugs." | Drug Regulations and Administration; Presidency | http://leadership.ng/news/430705/pharmacist-urges-tight-regulations-against-reckless-drug-dispensing | |
| Leadership News Online | Monday 4th May 2015 | Senate Presidency: Nigeria’s Youngest Elected Lawmaker Roots For Sen. Adamu | "Nigeria’s youngest elected lawmaker, Hon. Kasim M. Kasim, to represent Akwanga South in the Nasarawa State House of Assembly (NSHA) has made an appeal for the election of Senator Abdullahi Adamu as senate president. Hon. Kasim who recently turned 30 just in time to fulfil constitutional requirement to contest political office said Sen. Adamu has the pedigree and experience to give the senate the quality of leadership it deserves at this turning point in the country’s democratic process. He said having served as a governor for eight years, a minister of the federal republic, secretary of the Board of Trustees of the soon to be opposition party, the PDP, Sen. Adamu is eminently what the senate needs to provide the stabilization it requires. “With all due respect to other contestants for the office of the senate president, I think Sen. Adamu has an edge in terms of all-round political experience leadership qualities which will be vital when the next senate is inaugurated”. Kasim, a former National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) union leader, called on Senators-elect to eschew any primordial prejudices and select their leadership with the commonwealth of Nigerians as their cardinal objective and those who are better placed to engender it." | National Assembly; | http://leadership.ng/news/430706/senate-presidency-nigerias-youngest-elected-lawmaker-roots-for-sen-adamu | |
| Leadership News Online | Monday 4th May 2015 | 8 Ships Arrive Lagos Ports With Petroleum Products | "Eight ships have arrived at the Lagos ports with petroleum products, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) said on Monday in Lagos. The NPA made the disclosure in its daily publication, “Shipping Position.’’ The petroleum products include base oil, kerosene and petrol, the publication said, adding that three other ships also arrived with rice in bags and containers. It said that NPA was expecting the arrival of 27 ships to the Lagos ports from May 4 to May 30. According to the publication, 13 of the expected ships are to sail in with containers, while eight others are expected to arrive with food products. The food products, it disclosed, include rice, bulk sugar, bulk salt, frozen fish and buckwheat. General cargoes are to be brought in four ships, while one ship each would will sail in with vehicles and kerosene, the publication stated. (NAN)" | Petroleum Products; Nigerian Porth Authority | http://leadership.ng/news/430704/8-ships-arrive-lagos-ports-with-petroleum-products | |
| Leadership News Online | Monday 4th May 2015 | Mark To PDP: Be Prepared For Credible Opposition | "Senate President, David Mark, has told PDP faithful to put their electoral loss in the last general elections behind them and be prepared to build a strong and united party ready to play a credible opposition. We must accept the ups and downs as an opposition party; that is what the PDP is now. We must remain a united family and face the reality,” Senator Mark told PDP legislators-elect at a parley in Abuja at the weekend. Senator Mark, in a press statement issued by his chief press secretary, Paul Mumeh, stated that the not-too-impressive showing of the PDP in the last elections may in the long term be a blessing to the party and the nation “because we are going back to the drawing board to do a critical review and fashion out a blue print that would get us out of the woods for good. “The role of opposition is strange to us but it is not a death sentence. We should be ready for the challenges. We are prepared to play a credible opposition. I believe the nation and indeed Nigerians would be the best for it.” Senator Mark, however, bemoaned the bickering among party faithful, with some trading blames over the poor showing at the polls. “There is no need weeping over lost opportunities or mistakes of yesterday, he counselled them. “The failure of yesterday should be our lesson for a better today and a triumphant future.” He called on all stakeholders of the PDP to bury the hatchet and resolve to work together for a united and progressive party for the future." | Peoples Democratic Party (PDP); Senate; | http://leadership.ng/news/430542/mark-to-pdp-be-prepared-for-credible-opposition | |
| ThisDay Live | Monday 4th May 2015 | Isiaka: Amosun’s Victory is Fraudulent, Vows to Reclaim ‘Stolen’ Mandate | "The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship standard-bearer in Ogun State, Mr. Gboyega Nasir Isiaka, has described as pyrrhic victory, the declaration of Governor Ibikunle Amosun of the All Progressives Congress (APC) the winner of the April governorship election, vowing to reclaim his mandate at the Election Petition Tribunal. Isiaka declared that his resolve to challenge the results of the election was in the best interest of the populace, whose mandated he said was allegedly stolen through a conspiracy against the PDP at the poll. He also expressed optimism that the gale of defections of PDP members to the APC would not affect the fortunes of the party in future elections. The PDP chieftain who spoke to journalists in Ado-Ekiti shortly after the meeting of South-west leaders, hinted that all electoral fraud perpetrated during the said election would be made public. He spoke of how his rival allegedly conspired with certain individuals who he did not reveal their identities to pervert the will of the electorate, saying such should not be left unchallenged. Isiaka argued that the results of the election as declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission( INEC ) was not a true reflection of the people’s wish. Specifically, the PDP candidate disclosed that his petition would address, amongst other things ,the alleged deployment of some unwholesome and fake police officers and counterfeit Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) that were used by some electorate. However, the Ogun State Government has advised Isiaka to allow the judiciary to do their work while he keeps his cool and stop making prejudicial statements. The government, in a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Yusuph Olaniyonu, said: “We believe the time for campaign is over. The people have made their choice. It is good that Mr. Isiaka has gone to the Election Petition Tribunal. We shall meet him in the court room. Our advice to him is that he should allow the judiciary to do their work while he keeps his cool and stop making prejudicial statements." | Ogun 2015; Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) | http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/isiaka-amosun-s-victory-is-fraudulent-vows-to-reclaim-stolen-mandate/208430 | |
| Vanguard Newspaper | Monday 4th May 2015 | Minister refutes N2bn donation to PDP presidential campaign | "The Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Dr Stephen Oru, on Monday dismissed speculations that he donated N2 billion to the presidential campaign of President Goodluck Jonathan. Oru, in a live radio programme monitored in Abuja by pressmen, said those making the allegation were mischievous as they were determined to tarnish his image and that of the President. A group of Niger Delta youths who were sponsored to Israel for training in agriculture, had accused the ministry of not redeeming all the promises made to them. They beneficiaries also accused the minister of dismissing their appeals by saying that he had no money as he used N2 billion to fund the president’s campaign. However, the minister said the Niger Delta Ministry, which was allocated N51.6 billion in the 2014 appropriation, was yet to receive its third and fourth allocation from the Federal Ministry of Finance. He explained that it was therefore not possible for the ministry to dole out a non-existent N2 billion to the PDP presidential campaign. The minister, who assumed duty in July 2014, described the financial situation in the ministry as precarious, citing huge debts and unpaid salaries. According to him, since he assumed duty in July 2014 as minister, he has received only three months salary. The minister appealed to Niger Delta youths who participated in the federal government sponsored training programme in Israel on agriculture to exercise patience on the disbursement of their take-off grant." | Ministry of Niger Delta; Executive; Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) | http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/05/minister-refutes-n2bn-donation-to-pdp-presidential-campaign-2 | |
| Vanguard Newspaper | Monday 4th May 2015 | Forensic Audit: Executive, Legislature part of looting in NNPC – Esele | "Former President of the Trade Union Congress, TUC, Comrade Peter Esele, weekend accused the executive and the legislative arm of government of culpability in the unwholesome practices witnessed in the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, stating that both arms of government partook and played a significant role in the rot in the corporation. Speaking in an interview with Vanguard in Abuja, Esele also warned the incoming administration to focus on tackling corruption in the NNPC in its first few days in office or risk being sucked into the mess within three months. Esele, who was also former President of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), disclosed that the agents of government designed to check the excesses of the NNPC have over the years failed to carry out their duties but have instead hobnobbed with the NNPC, getting subsumed in the rot in the process. According to him, the corruption and whatever has been happening in the NNPC was done with the connivance of both the executive and the legislature. He said, “All of these abuses that are perpetrated inside the NNPC are nothing new. If you have been reading all NEITI reports, they have also alluded to the fact that the financial system in the NNPC is opaque. “When you are talking about all of these, I will ask you, where are the oversight functions? The minister is supposed to do his or own, which is the executive; then you also have in the Senate and in the House of Representatives, a committee that is supposed to oversee what is going on in the NNPC. “When you talk about the whole scale of the NNPC being corrupt, you have to look deeper. The NNPC became an octopus because every other agent of the state that was suppose to oversee what is happening in NNPC are also part and parcel of what is going on inside the NNPC. “That is why from 1999 till date, NNPC gets away with anything, because all of those, whether in the National Assembly, whether in the executive or the legislatures, they are all part of the looting inside the NNPC.” Esele advised the incoming administration to immediately lay down plans on how they intend to restructure and reform the NNPC, stating that any attempt to delay in this regard might spell doom for the incoming administration." | NNPC; National Assembly | http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/05/forensic-audit-executive-legislature-part-of-looting-in-nnpc-esele | |
| Vanguard Newspaper | Monday 4th May 2015 | Oshodi-Apapa gridlock: Fuel tankers take over expressway again | "After last week’s respite from the usual heavy traffic situation on Oshodi-Apapa expressway, fuel tankers resurfaced at the weekend, blocking the entire access road. This was in spite of a directive from Lagos State House of Assembly to relevant authorities to ensure evacuation of all trucks from the road. The tankers, which came from various parts of the country are back in their numbers which has resulted in total standstill. The fear is that the situation will be worse today, if nothing concrete was done by law enforcement agents. Members of the Lagos State House of Assembly had sometime last week directed law enforcement agencies to ensure immediate evacuation of all trucks parked along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway. The lawmakers condemned the indiscriminate parking of the tankers conveying petroleum products on highway which they lamented had resulted in traffic gridlock around the area and other link roads. A member of the assembly, Rotimi Olowo, who moved the motion during plenary, said the call for the removal of the tankers had become necessary in order to safeguard lives and property of the residents of the state. He enjoined his colleagues to call on the members of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas, NUPENG, Workers and the police authority in the state to come to the aid of the residents by ensuring free flow of traffic in the axis." | Lagos State; Fuel Tankers; Expressway | http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/05/oshodi-apapa-gridlock-fuel-tankers-take-over-expressway-again | |
| ThisDay Live | Monday 4th May 2015 | Northern Votes: We Won Fair and Square, Says APC | "The All Progressives Congress (APC) has said there is no dispute whatsoever regarding its electoral victory in most parts of the northern states during the March 28 presidential poll. The party’s Deputy National Chairman (North), Senator Lawan Shuaib, said the introduction of the card reader device which was effectively deployed during the election in every part of the North did a lot to strengthen the credibility of the polls. Shuaib, who spoke in an interview with THISDAY in Abuja yesterday, in reaction to the comment made by President Goodluck Jonathan regarding the credibility of the presidential poll result in the North, said the voting process was transparent, insisting that Muhammadu Buhari’s victory cannot be faulted. “Elections in most parts of the North were free and fair because there was hardly any area where the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC’s) card reader machine was not used. We can challenge anybody to go to court and let’s clear and verify every vote cast in the northern part of the country during the last elections. “I challenge anybody including the president. The election in its entirety was credible except in two places. I am saying this because we did not win but in places like Taraba State, the electoral process was manipulated,” he said." | All Progressives Congress (APC); Peoples Democratic Party (PDP); Nigeria 2015 | http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/northern-votes-we-won-fair-and-square-says-apc/208431 | |
| ThisDay Live | Monday 4th May 2015 | As Nigerian Troops Approached, Girls Were Stoned to Death by Boko Haram | "The Boko Haram fighters stoned some of their captives to death as Nigeria's military approached to rescue the women, survivors told The Associated Press (AP) on Sunday. Several women also died when they were crushed mistakenly by a Nigerian military armoured vehicle while three were blown up by a land mine as they were walking to freedom. These tragic stories came from girls and women brought to a refugee camp in Yola, Adamawa State, still finding it hard to believe they were safe, some after more than a year in the hands of Nigeria's homegrown Islamic extremists. “We just have to give praise to God that we are alive, those of us who have survived,” said Lami Musa, 27, as she cradled her five-day-old baby girl. She was among the 275 children, girls and women, many bewildered and traumatised, who were getting medical care and being registered yesterday on their first day out of Sambisa forest, the last known enclave of the terrorists. Musa was in the first group to be transported by road over three days to the safety of Malkohi refugee camp, a dust-blown deserted school set among baobab trees in the outskirts of Yola. Musa had just given birth to her yet-to-be-named baby last week when the crackle of gunfire hinted rescuers might be nearby. “Boko Haram came and told us they were moving out and said that we should run away with them. But we said no,” she explained from a bed in the camp clinic. “Then they started stoning us. I held my baby to my stomach and doubled over to protect her.” She and another survivor of the stoning, Salamatu Bulama, said several girls and women were killed, but they do not know exactly how many. The horrors did not end once the military arrived. A group of women were hiding under some bushes. They could not be seen by the soldiers in an armoured personnel carrier who drove right over them. “I think those killed there were about 10,” said Bulama. Bulama shielded her face with her veil and cried when she thought about another death in the camp: Her only son, a toddler of two who died of an illness she said was aggravated by malnutrition two months ago. “What will I tell my husband?” she sobbed. She heard yesterday from other survivors using borrowed cell phones to try and trace relatives that her husband was alive and in Kaduna. Musa said her husband, the father of the new baby, was killed by Boko Haram when they abducted her from her village of Lassa in December. She doesn’t know the fate of their three other children. At the camp, 21 girls and women with bullet wounds and fractured limbs were taken to the city hospital after they arrived Saturday evening while yesterday, officials collated details of the rescued 61 women and 214 children, almost all girls." | Boko Haram; Women and Children; Nigerian Troops | http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/as-nigerian-troops-approached-girls-were-stoned-to-death-by-boko-haram/208446 | |
| ThisDay Live | Monday 4th May 2015 | Igbinedion Donates N8m at Chief Judge’s Book Launch same day as his Son is sentenced | "An embarrassing scenario for the judiciary played out last Thursday as businessman and father of former Edo State governor, Lucky Igbinedion, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, donated N8 million at the launch of a book in honour of the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice Ibrahim Auta while another Judge of the same Court sentenced his son, Michael, for offences related to money laundering. Igbinedion made the highest donation of N8 million at the book launch. Igbinedion, dressed in all white apparel, mingled freely with serving and retired Judges, including senior Lawyers who populated the gathering. He hugged and shook hands with those his Lawyer, Richey Tarfa, SAN, introduced to him. When it was time to launch the book titled: “Encyclopedia of civil procedures and practices of superior courts in Nigeria,” put together by a group of Senior Advocates of Nigeria in honour of Justice Auta, Igbinedion spoke glowingly about the honouree, describing him as a “bold and courageous judge.” Igbinedion’s donation of N8m was followed by the N7m put together by some Senior Advocates of Nigeria, led by Alex Iziyon (SAN). While Igbinedion was eulogizing Justice Auta and making donation at his book launch in Abuja, his (Igbinedion’s) son, Michael , who was convicted by Justice J. Liman of the Federal High Court, Benin the previous day, was being sentenced in Benin. Justice Liman had, on April 29 convicted Michael, younger brother to Lucky and Charles Eboigbodin, the former governor’s personal assistant for money laundering related offences" | Book Launch; Judiciary; Edo State | http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/on-the-day-his-son-is-sentenced-igbinedion-donates-n8m-at-chief-judge-s-book-launch/208443 | |
| ThisDay Live | Monday 4th May 2015 | 260 Women and Children Rescued in Adamawa as Boko Haram’s Supplier of Food, Fuel is Nabbed | "Soldiers on patrol on Sunday located 260 women and children on the outskirts of Chalawa village in Adamawa State where they had been held up while trying to escape from the Boko Haram terrorists. The women and children have now been conveyed back to their various communities in Madagali after undergoing the normal security profiling. Some of them disclosed that they had to abandon their homes to escape from the terrorists when Madagali came under attack, while others were actually abducted and taken there. The terrorists were however sacked from the Madagali recently. A number of terrorists died in an encounter with troops who caught up with them as they fled prior to the recovery of the women and children. Some of the terrorists still managed to escape with varying degrees of gunshot wounds. Others who were captured are now being interrogated by intelligence officers. A machine gun, some rounds of ammunition as well as some motorcycles and bicycles were also captured from the terrorists. A member of the vigilante group serving as guide to the troops was however wounded. Meanwhile, the operation in Sambisa forest is continuing as troops are methodically searching every aspect of the expansive terrain. Also, a man who specialises in supplying fuel and food to terrorists was yesterday morning nabbed in Daban Shata in the suburb of Baga, Borno State. The military intelligence had been trailing him till he was eventually trapped in the early hours of Sunday." | Women and Children Rescued; Boko Haram; Nigerian Army | ||
| ThisDay Live | Monday 4th May 2015 | Soldiers Allegedly Kill Scores in Plateau Villages | "The traditional ruler of Kumbun community in Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State, Jessey Miri, yesterday raised the alarm on the slaying of an estimated 400 persons following the invasion of soldiers in Kadarko, Kurmi and Wadata villages in the community. He alleged that soldiers arrived the villages in over 40 trucks on Saturday after reports of the alleged killing of four soldiers at Angwan Nanmi in Karin Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State, a town that borders Plateau State. In a telephone interview, the traditional ruler said: “We are still in shock over what the military did to our people. As I speak with you, the corpses of our people still litter the villages, scores of houses were burnt and some of the villagers were burnt in their homes, including children and the aged.” But reacting to the allegation, the spokesman of the Special Task Force (STF), Capt. Ikedichi Iweha, said there was no truth in the claim that its soldiers attacked the people. He said following frequent attacks on communities around the Plateau-Taraba border by some militia, the STF and soldiers from the 3 Armoured Division of the Nigerian Army had carried out operations targeted at flushing out the militia. He added that soldiers who were working to protect the people could not have turned round to kill them. But another local, who preferred anonymity, insisted that scores of villagers were killed by soldiers. According to him, “The soldiers arrived the area and opened fire on the innocent people, burning their houses. I cannot imagine soldiers opening fire on unarmed civilians they are supposed to protect.” Reacting to the development, a rights group, Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), condemned the alleged killing of over 400 villagers in Plateau State by “armed men in military fatigues”. In a statement yesterday, it said against the backdrop of recent mass killings by suspected armed hoodlums especially in the North-central region of Nigeria dominated by ethnic minorities, the rights group tasked the incoming administration of Major-General Muhammadu Buhari to set up a judicial mechanism through thoroughbred investigations at state levels to “unravel the causes and masterminds of this dastardly crime against humanity with the objective of enforcing the necessary laws to penalise the killers”. HURIWA canvassed a bipartisan approach to firmly root out mass murderers and ensure that those who commit atrocities are charged to courts of competent jurisdiction and prosecuted competently, professionally and punished for their crimes. The statement signed by the National Coordinator of HURIWA, Emmanuel Onwubiko, and the National Media Affairs Director, Miss Zainab Yusuf, called on the president-elect to use his richly endowed goodwill as a vastly revered Nigerian statesman of northern origin to encourage state administrations in the frontline restive states to initiate a truth and reconciliation process." | Killing; Plateau State; Nigerian Army | http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/soldiers-allegedly-kill-scores-in-plateau-villages/208449 | |
| ThisDay Live | Monday 4th May 2015 | Presidency Moves to Replace Mu'azu with S'South Governor | "Despite threats of sanctions by the National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the leadership crisis in the party continues to deepen, as aides of President Goodluck Jonathan have moved to replace the embattled national chairman of the party, Adamu Mu’azu, with an outgoing governor from the South-south. This is coming as the former governor of Ebonyi State, Dr. Sam Egwu, has warned against any leadership change that would remove Mu’azu or members of the NWC, cautioning that the problem of the PDP stems from lack of discipline and internal democracy, which the incumbent NWC was not allowed to enforce at both the national and state levels. THISDAY gathered that the move by the presidential aides and associates of the president is aimed at altering the zoning of offices in the PDP, which would see the national chairman of the party coming from the South-south, while the presidential candidacy will be zoned to the North, preparatory to the 2019 election. In this regard, THISDAY was informed that the plot is to make the outgoing Governor of Cross River State Liyel Imoke the next national chairman of the party at the national convention. If they get their way, the national convention will take place in the second week of June this year. It was also gathered from a party source that all offices of the NWC would be affected. He said: “If Imoke becomes the new national chairman of the party, the national secretary would come from the North, thus making room for the next presidential candidate of the party to also come from the North."" But Mu'azu is said to be opposed to his removal, stating that he would not stand by and be used and dumped by the PDP. In a statement at the weekend by his press secretary, Tony Amadi, Mu’azu said the tenure of the present NWC would expire next year, adding that at the appointed time PDP would determine the new zoning arrangement." | Peoples Democratic Party (PDP); Presidency | http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/presidency-moves-to-replace-muazu-with-ssouth-governor/208450 | |
| ThisDay Live | Monday 4th May 2015 | Crisis Hits Enugu Assembly as Faction Serves Chime Impeachment Notice | "A major crisis has hit the hitherto peaceful Enugu State House of Assembly as a group of 14 lawmakers, led by Speaker, Eugene Odoh, early this morning commenced the process of impeaching Governor Sullivan Chime over alleged gross misconduct. They also accused the governor of forging the N12 billion 2012 Supplementary Budget. The impeachment notice was signed by 14 members of the House, including the speaker and the Clerk of the House, Christopher Chukwurah. The Clerk was directed to serve the notice on the governor immediately. The Deputy Speaker, Chime Oji who was recently elected to represent Enugu North-South Federal Constituency; Hon. Emeka Ogbuabor and Deputy House Leader, John Kevin Ukwuta were suspended at the sitting for alleged anti-House activities The speaker and the 13 members found their way into the legislative chamber at 6.28 am and held the sitting after the police had prevented them from gaining entry into the House. Following complaints by the speaker, the police men were ordered to allow them into the House. The lawmakers had complained that the governor was using some members of the House to disrupt the activities of the House for refusing to approve the N11 billion loan requested by the governor. However, the mace was taken away after the sitting of the House. But at 7.05am the Deputy Speaker and six other members of the House including the Deputy Govenor-elect, Hon. Cicilia Ezeilo walked into the chamber with another mace and conducted another sitting." | Enugu State; Impeachment | http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/crisis-hits-enugu-assembly-as-faction-serves-chime-impeachment-notice/208474 | |