Tribunal dismisses Wike’s objection to new chairman

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike

Hearing of the main petition filed by the All Progressives Congress and its governorship candidate in the April 11, 2015 election in Rivers State, Dakuku Peterside, challenging the election of Governor Nyesom Wike of the Peoples Democratic Party, began on Thursday.

The APC and Peterside called their first set of witnesses to testify before the Rivers State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal in Abuja on Thursday after about four months of battling with a series of interlocutory applications filed by the respondents seeking the dismissal of their petition at the preliminary stage.

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The tribunal has a statutory limit of 180 days within which it must hear and determine the petition.

The hearing, however, began on Thursday under a new chairman of the three-member tribunal, Justice Mohammed Ambrosa, who by a letter from the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa, dated September 1, 2015, was asked to replace the former chairman, Justice Mu’azu Pindiga.

Justice Ambrosa, who presided over the Thursday’s proceedings, earlier dismissed the protest by Wike’s lawyer, Mr. Emmanuel Ukala (SAN), and the counsel for the PDP, Chief Chris Uche (SAN), against the change of the chairman of the tribunal.

Counsel for the Independent National Electoral Commission, Mr. Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), did not, however, protest against the change of the chairman of the tribunal. INEC, Wike and the PDP are the respondents to the petition.

Ukala, who told the tribunal that he was appearing in protest, urged the tribunal to either adjourn the case to enable his team to consult on what steps to take on the development or start the entire proceedings afresh.

“We are worried because yesterday, a number of newspapers published a story that there were subterranean moves by some powerful forces to implement changes in the election tribunal and we got here this morning to find out that the story was not a mere hallucination but a reality that is staring at us in the face,” Ukala said.

Uche, who also subscribed to the same line of argument, said the sudden change of the chairman of the tribunal could threaten “a fundamental pillar of confidence in justice administration” which he said was “rooted in transparency.”

In his response, lead counsel for the petitioners, Chief Akin Olujinmi (SAN), said his team also became aware of the change of the tribunal chairman only when the panel members came into the courtroom.

He, however, said he had no reason to protest against the new head of the tribunal as the petitioners had lost a lot of time.

Olujinmi said, “We also came in this morning to find out that a new chairman has been posted to head this tribunal.

“We, on our side, cannot question your obedience of the order posting you to head this tribunal.”

In its ruling delivered by Justice Ambrosa, the tribunal dismissed the protests, saying it could not afford to waste more time.

He noted that by the 180-day limitation, the tribunal must round off its sitting on October 30.

This development, he said, would leave his panel with only about five days to prepare its judgment after all parties must have concluded their cases.

“The petitioners are therefore called upon to open their case,” the tribunal ordered.

Among the first set of the petitioners’ witnesses called by Oljinmi on Thursday were APC collation agents in some wards in the state, who testified that elections did not hold in their various domains because of the violence allegedly orchestrated by armed thugs loyal to the PDP.

The witnesses included Jack Olugu, John Koottee and Alabrabra Jappalli, who all testified that elections did not hold in their respective domains.

The hearing continues Friday.

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Marwa hails Buhari on appointments

Buba Marwa

A former military administrator of Lagos State, Maj. Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa (retd.), has hailed the appointment of Babachir David Lawal as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

A statement issued on Thursday by his media aide, Bello Zubairu, said Lawal’s appointment by President Muhammadu Buhari “is not only a plus to his tribe or state or the North but the country as a whole.”

Marwa described the new SGF as a thoroughbred party loyalist and philanthropist with great contacts across Nigeria.

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“His life as an accomplished businessman, a pastor and his military background will in no little way ensure high level of discipline and impact positively on his duties as SGF,” the statement quoted the Marwa as saying.

He also described Lawal as a “fair, straight-calls it as it is, honest man who is not a yes-man,” adding that, “he will no doubt bring new sense of direction into office and as an engine room of government, we are sure the President will get honest advice and as such policies will be well implemented and properly monitored.”

Marwa also described the appointment of Femi Adesina as the President’s Special Adviser


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Asset declaration: SERAP hails Buhari, Osinbajo

A civil society organisation, the Secio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, said the public declaration of assets by President Muhammadu Buhari and the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, has set the tone for a culture of transparency in governance.
The group, in a statement on Thursday by its Executive Director, Adetokunbo Mumuni, lauded Buhari and Osinbajo for the gesture, saying they had demonstrated that transparency in governance is not a mirage.
It expressed the hope that this public declaration of assets by the President and the Vice President would bring about the needed transformation in the institutional framework for fighting corruption in Nigeria.
It however urged them to ensure that other top government officials and the ministers to be appointment take a cue from them.
The statement read, “Today’s publication of asset declarations by President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, turns the page on transparency and accountability in Nigeria.

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“Compared to former President Goodluck Jonathan who notoriously failed to publish his asset declaration despite repeated demands by Nigerians, both Buhari and Osinbajo have shown by publicly declaring their assets that transparency doesn’t take years to achieve.
“Nigerians will now be able to use the assets published as a baseline  for comparison at the end of the term of this government.
“SERAP urges the Buhari government to also publish asset declarations of their senior officials and ministers once appointed.”
“SERAP hopes that this publication of asset declarations will translate into real reform of the legal and institutional frameworks established to fight corruption and good governance as well as greater respect for human rights including socio-economic rights of Nigerians such as the rights to food, to health, to education and to adequate housing, and thus improve quality of life for ordinary citizens.
“We also urge President Buhari to urgently take measures to seek amendment of the law relating to declaration of assets to include the requirement of public disclosure so as to bring it in line with international standards and best practices such as the UN Convention against Corruption.”
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, had in a statement on Thursday, made public the details of the assets declared by Buhari and Osinbajo to the Code of Conduct Bureau.
According a statement, the President had about N30m in his only bank account with the Union Bank Plc, while the Vice President had a balance of N94m, $900,000 and £19,000 in his bank accounts.
A civil society organisation, the Secio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, said the public declaration of assets by President Muhammadu Buhari and the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, has set the tone for a culture of transparency in governance.
The group, in a statement on Thursday by its Executive Director, Adetokunbo Mumuni, lauded Buhari and Osinbajo for the gesture, saying they had demonstrated that transparency in governance is not a mirage.
It expressed the hope that this public declaration of assets by the President and the Vice President would bring about the needed transformation in the institutional framework for fighting corruption in Nigeria.
It however urged them to ensure that other top government officials and the ministers to be appointment take a cue from them.
The statement read, “Today’s publication of asset declarations by President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, turns the page on transparency and accountability in Nigeria.

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“Compared to former President Goodluck Jonathan who notoriously failed to publish his asset declaration despite repeated demands by Nigerians, both Buhari and Osinbajo have shown by publicly declaring their assets that transparency doesn’t take years to achieve.
“Nigerians will now be able to use the assets published as a baseline  for comparison at the end of the term of this government.
“SERAP urges the Buhari government to also publish asset declarations of their senior officials and ministers once appointed.”
“SERAP hopes that this publication of asset declarations will translate into real reform of the legal and institutional frameworks established to fight corruption and good governance as well as greater respect for human rights including socio-economic rights of Nigerians such as the rights to food, to health, to education and to adequate housing, and thus improve quality of life for ordinary citizens.
“We also urge President Buhari to urgently take measures to seek amendment of the law relating to declaration of assets to include the requirement of public disclosure so as to bring it in line with international standards and best practices such as the UN Convention against Corruption.”
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, had in a statement on Thursday, made public the details of the assets declared by Buhari and Osinbajo to the Code of Conduct Bureau.
According a statement, the President had about N30m in his only bank account with the Union Bank Plc, while the Vice President had a balance of N94m, $900,000 and £19,000 in his bank accounts.

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Nobody can probe me —Amaechi

Former Rivers State Governor, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi

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The immediate past Governor of Rivers State, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, says no anti-corruption agency in the country can probe him.

The PUNCH had reported that Amaechi along with some other former governors: Rabiu Kwankwaso (Kano); Sullivan Chime (Enugu); Babatunde Fashola (Lagos); Godswill Akpabio (Akwa Ibom); Sule Lamido (Jigawa); Shehu Shema (Katsina) and Martin Elechi of Ebonyi State were being probed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and related offences Commission.

However, Chief Tony Okocha, a former aide to Amaechi, told one of our correspondents that the ex-governor was not afraid of ICPC or the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission as long as the probe was not a witch-hunt.

Okocha, however, recalled that the ICPC and the EFCC had not vacated a court order stopping any of them from investigating any Rivers Government official and as such could not probe him.

He stated that Governor Nyesom Wike was a beneficiary of such order from the court, adding that until the court injunction was vacated, it would be illegal for the ICPC to probe his boss.

“I have always said that Amaechi is not afraid of the EFCC or the ICPC as long as such probe is not a witch-hunt. Again, there is a court order that the EFCC or other agency like it cannot probe any government official in the state. Wike is a beneficiary of that court order.

“Until that court order is vacated, the ICPC or the EFCC have no right to investigate Amaechi. Since what they are going to investigate is his (Amaechi’s) activities while in government, the EFCC and the ICPC do not have such right to do so based on the standing court order.”

The Chief Press Secretary to Fashola, Mr. Hakeem Bello, did not respond to the intended probe of his boss by the ICPC.

However, Fashola, while speaking at the 16th annual Bishop Mike Okonkwo Lecture in Lagos, “I will not respond to allegations of corruption on the pages of newspapers.”

Similarly, Shema, Kwankwaso and Lamido did not respond to phone calls on Thursday.

Meanwhile, the Ekiti State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party has challenged the ICPC to explain to Nigerians why it did not include former Governor Kayode Fayemi among those it is currently probing.

According to the party, the anti-graft agencies have been given more than enough petitions and facts to assist them in getting to the root of the financial misconduct allegedly perpetrated by Fayemi while in office.

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Buhari declares 270 cattle, mud houses, N30m, others • Osinbajo worth $900,000, N94m and more

President Muhammadu Buhari

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President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Thursday made public details of their assets, which had been declared to the Code of Conduct Bureau.

According a statement by the President’s Senior Special Assistant, Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, the President has about N30m in his only bank account with the Union Bank Plc, while the Vice President has a balance of N94m, $900,000 and 19,000 pounds in his bank accounts.

Shehu’s statement said the President had shares in Berger Paints, Skye Bank and Union Bank and a total of seven houses, comprising two mud and a standard house in Daura, his hometown; two homes in Kaduna, one in Kano and one in Abuja.

Also belonging to the President are two undeveloped plots of land in Kano and Port Harcourt. The President did not ascertain the location of the Port Harcourt land, according to the statement.

Buhari also has an orchard and a ranch in Daura with 270 heads of cattle, 25 sheep, five horses, a variety of birds and a number of economic trees in them.

But the statement did not disclose the worth of the landed property and other assets, which both the President and the Vice President had declared.

Shehu said the President had no oil well and foreign bank accounts.

Buhari was also said to have declared that he had several cars, two of which he said were bought with his savings and the others supplied to him by the Federal Government in his capacity as a former Head of State.

“The rest were donated to him by well-wishers after his jeep was damaged in a Boko Haram bomb attack on his convoy in July 2014,” the statement added.

For the Vice-President, Shehu said Osinbajo, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, declared a four-bedroomed residence at Victoria Garden City in Lagos; three-bedroomed flat in Ikoyi, Lagos; two bedroomed flat at the Redempion Camp, Lagos-Ibadan Expressway; and a two-bedroomed mortgage property in Bedford, England.

The vice president operates his Simmons Cooper Law firm, which is based in Lagos and has shares in MTN Nigeria, Octogenerium Ltd., Windsor Grant Ltd., Tarapolsa Vistorion Ltd., and Aviva Ltd., all of which are based in Lagos.

Osinbajo is also said to have one Infinity 4-Wheel Drive SUV, one Mercedes Benz and a Prado Jeep.

Shehu’s statement read in part, “The documents submitted to the CCB, which officials say are still being vetted and will soon be made public, show that prior to being sworn in on May 29, President Buhari had less than N30m to his name. He also had only one bank account, with the Union Bank. President Buhari had no foreign account, no factory and no enterprises. He also had no registered company and no oil wells.

“The Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (SAN) who had been a successful lawyer before his foray into politics declared a bank balance of about N94m and $900,000 in his bank accounts.

“President Buhari declared however that he had shares in Berger Paints, Union Bank and Skye Bank.

“The documents also revealed that President Buhari had a total of five homes, and two mud houses in Daura. He had two homes in Kaduna, one each in Kano, Daura and in Abuja. One of the mud houses in Daura was inherited from his late older sister, another from his late father. He borrowed money from the old Barclays Bank to build two of his homes.

“President Buhari also has two undeveloped plots of land, one in Kano and the other in Port Harcourt. He is still trying to trace the location of the Port Harcourt land.’’

Reacting to the declaration of assets by Buhari and Osinbajo, a lawyer, Carol Ajie, said the documents had loopholes.

Ajie said Buhari and his deputy needed to “make clear if they have liabilities or not, bearing in mind that the Constitution places emphasis on assets and liabilities.”

The lawyer said, “We need a bit more on specificity on some of the items such as shares in Berger Paints, Union Bank and Skye Bank, considering the length of time between April when he won the election and now, a period of six months for assets valuation of his seven houses located in Daura, Kano, Kaduna and Abuja.

“We have no addresses on these houses and what type of houses-bungalow, block of flats or duplexes- and estate valuer’s estimates. Same for his farms, orchard and a ranch in Daura, etc.

Another legal practitioner, Mr. Kayode Ajulo, said the President had yet to complete the declaration “as it is the law that his spouse is not a civil servant; the spouse must declare her asset in the same manner as done by President Buhari.”

“The same goes for his Vice. As it is, there may be likelihood of violation of the law on declaration of assets,” he added.

President of the Nigerian Voters Assembly, Mashood Erubami, said the declaration signified leadership by example.

Erubami said, “This is leadership by example. The declaration will leave no one in doubt about the commitment of the Buhari/Osinbajo administration to govern transparently and be accountable to Nigerians before and after office. With the declaration of the President, nobody will be spared from not declaring his or her assets in accordance with the laws of the land.

“It is now left to the Code of Conduct Bureau to vet the declared assets in order to ensure that the assets are real and appropriately valued. The assets must not be overvalued, and must be vetted to have been fairly acquired with truly extended current market value. Declaration of assets is a precondition for selfless, transparent and accountable government, which must not be sparing and selective.”

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Probe donation for Jonathan’s re-election, group tells EFCC

The International Society for Social Justice and
Human Rights has called on the Economic and
Financial Crimes Commission to probe the
sources of funds donated by governors and
supporters of President Goodluck Jonathan for the
presidential campaign.
Governors in the Peoples Democratic Party,
businessmen, multinational organisations and
interest groups donated the sum of N21.27 billion
to support the re-election bid of President
Jonathan.
But the Chancellor of the ISSJHR, Dr. Jackson
Omenazu, described the development as a
flagrant abuse of the Electoral Act that made it
possible for political parties to embark on
fundraising to prosecute their campaigns.
Omenazu, who spoke in a telephone interview
with our correspondent on Wednesday, explained
that the donation of such a huge sum was aimed
at gaining a ‘criminal advantage’ over other
political parties.
He observed that 80 percent of the donors had, at
one time or the other, been entrusted with public
funds and added that it could be possible that
some of the donors could have mismanaged
public funds kept in their care.
Omenazu said, “It is a flagrant abuse of the
country’s Electoral Act that made it possible for
parties to embark on fundraising. From our
investigation, 80 percent of the donors are those
who are being entrusted with public funds and
may have mismanaged public funds.
“What they (PDP governors and other donors)
have done is to morally kidnap Mr. President so
that he will not be able to ask them to give
account of how they manage public funds at their
disposal.
“The PDP governors should have donated from
their individual pockets and not money belonging
to their states. It is a flagrant abuse of the
required financial regulations and there is a need
for EFFC’s intervention.
“Mr. President’s silence is a tacit approval of
corruption. Political parties’ fund raising is
supposed to come from the grassroots. Doing it
the way it was done by PDP governors and other
groups is to gain criminal advantage over other
political parties going for the same position.”
Omenazu maintained that it was wrong for any
political party to ‘coerce’ public office holders and
state governors entrusted with public funds to
embark on such a spending spree.

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South-East tops list of contributors to Buhari’s campaign -APC

The South-East Zone of the All Progressives
Congress has expressed gratitude to the people of
the zone for currently topping the list of donors to
the Buhari Support Organization Campaign Fund.
Zonal publicity secretary of the party, Osita
Okechukwu, said this in a statement sent to the
PUNCH via e-mail, on Wednesday.
He noted that the people of the zone have keyed
into the people’s contribution to General
Muhammadu Buhari’s quest to salvage the
country from dangerous slide into a failed state.
The spokesman said, “We are happy to announce
that when the managers of the First Bank of
Nigeria warehouse fund unveiled N54 million so
far realized, Ndigbo topped the list of the highest
donors; a unique account that has GMB as the
only signatory. “By topping the donor list, Ndigbo
has graciously demonstrated that the celestial
bond between GMB and the Nigerian Masses and
the Middle Class is Pan-Nigeria and not sectional
as insinuated. “The Buhari Campaign Support
Fund has GMB as the sole signatory for
transparency purposes and meant to assist GMB,
who refused to enrich himself while in office, to
prosecute his presidential campaign.” He
explained that the South-East APC was full of
gratitude to its people who have embraced the
Buhari-Bandwagon-Vehicle for Salvation.
This, he said, was a wise decision because it
would be unwise for the hard working and
enterprising Ndigbo to, election after election, put
its eggs in one basket.

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Pastor Kumuyi urgess Deeper Life members to get voter cards

The General Overseer of Deeper Life Bible Church,
Williams Kumuyi, has directed all members to get
their voter cards to vote for a credible
government in 2015 elections.
He reiterated the need for people to shun religion
and ethnic sentiment in choosing leaders in the
elections.
Kumuyi spoke on Wednesday in Ado-Ekiti
while declaring open a three-day revival, in Ekiti
State, in an event organised by Pastor Debo
Taiwo.
He said, “I declare that all members of deeper life
should go and get their voter cards so that we will
vote for a credible government. Whoever is voted,
if he is not doing the right thing, then we will
have the right to complain.
“If we must vote for the right kind of people, we
must exercise our right to vote.
He advised Nigerians to look at the past record of
politicians and the manifesto of their parties in
choosing their leaders in 2015.
“We should not vote for people because we are
from the same area or of the same church. People
should vote based on the credentials of the
leaders. We have to look at the records of those
that are contesting for us to elect credible leaders
that will bring development.
“It won’t be wise for people to start voting for
somebody because he is from your area or is a
member of your church. This is the more reason
why people should speak through the ballot by
participating actively in the electoral system.”
He also appealed to politicians to learn to accept
defeat in elections while urging winners to be
magnanimous.

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Ekiti PDP criticises APC for copying stomach infrastructure initiative

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in Ekiti State
on Monday
berated All Progressives Congress (APC), for
mimicking Gov. Ayo Fayose’s “stomach
infrastructure’’ initiative.
Secretary of the party in the State, Dr Tope Aluko,
who made the criticism in a statement in Ado-Ekiti,
added that it amounted to “hypocrisy at its peak.’’
He said Fayose’s stomach infrastructure initiative
was fully adopted by the APC National Leader and
former Governor of Lagos State, Sen. Bola Tinubu.
“Tinubu distributed 2,000 bags of rice, vegetable
oil, sugar and little cash to people from various
parts of Lagos State on Sunday.
“They abused us for providing immediate succour
for our people. They described stomach
infrastructure as an insult to Ekiti people.

“They said it does not add value to the people, that
it diminishes their self-esteem, self-worth and that
it denigrates what politics ought to be about.
“However, their party leader in Lagos on Sunday
adopted the same concept of stomach
infrastructure by personally sharing food items to
people.
“After condemning the concept, isn’t it rather too
late that the APC people are just realising that
poverty should be addressed by providing
immediate succour?
“Poverty is poverty; it knows no religion and it has
no tribal mark and it affects everyone”.
The secretary said that the Fayose-led government
would never shy away from the people’s welfare.
“Fayose will continue to run people’s government.
He will continue to identify with the masses by
putting food on their tables.

“Most importantly, Fayose will provide gainful
employment for the youths and assist traders with
soft loans so that they can feed themselves’’, the
statement said.

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Jonathan seeks royal fathers’ help for peaceful elections

President Goodluck Jonathan has appealed to
traditional rulers to assist in sensitising their
people towards peaceful elections in 2015.
Jonathan made the appeal in Abuja on Monday in
his address at the 7th General Assembly of the
National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria.
The President was represented by Vice- President
Namadi Sambo at the 7th general assembly of the
NCTRN with the theme ‘Sustaining the natural
mandate of the traditional institutions in
contemporary Nigeria’.
Jonathan acknowledged the unifying force and the
tremendous contributions of the traditional rulers
in maintaining peace in the country.
The President said, “As royal fathers and
traditional rulers, such a time calls for your wise
counsel and the enlightenment of your subjects as
well as prayers to ensure hitch-free and
successful elections across the federation.
“The role of the traditional institutions as the
custodian of our rich cultural heritage has
contributed immensely to ensuring high moral
standard amongst the citizenry and must be
greatly appreciated.”
He called on the royal fathers to assist
governments at all levels to end security
challenges in the country.
Jonathan said government was doing its best in
uplifting the socio-economic status of Nigerians
through job and wealth creation mechanisms.
Earlier, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad
Abubakar III, said the commitment of the royal
fathers to the peace, unity, justice and stability of
the nation.
He urged government to positively look into their
recommendations.

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Jonathan will contest for President in 2015 – Anenih

The Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Board of Trustees, Tony Anenih, said on Tuesday in Calabar that President Goodluck Jonathan would contest the presidential election in 2015 on the party’s platform.
Mr. Anenih said this while addressing party faithful at the maiden zonal tour of the South-South by the new PDP National Chairman, Adamu Mu’azu.
“I want the national chairman to go home with a word from the father that come 2015, Jonathan will run for presidency for the second term,” he said.
Although Mr. Jonathan is yet to formally declare his intention to run for a second term in office, it is believed he would be candidate of the ruling party.
Mr. Anenih said that the party was becoming stronger in the South-South, adding that “if we continue like this, the load in 2015 will be lighter than the load in 2011”.
The BOT chairman further said that the party had worked hard for next weekend’s governorship election in Osun, adding that PDP was sure of clinching victory in the election.
“We are working and we are sure that we will win Osun, come Saturday”, he said.
In his speech, Mr. Mu’azu said the party would ensure that internal democracy prevailed in its choice of candidates for various elective positions in 2015.
He said that the party would not entertain any short-cut or favouritism in selecting the candidates.
He added that as the ruling party, the PDP would set a good example on internal democracy.
He also advised PDP members and supporters to shun rumour mongering and falsehood because of their implications on party success and stability.
“The opposition has seen that we are winning in all fronts and they are ready to destroy us. Therefore, let us be careful as we are in a very trying time”, he said.
Governor Ibrahim Dankwanbo of Gombe State also said that the North-East PDP was in full support of Jonathan’s administration.
“I want to assure the people of South-South that we in the North-East are in solidarity with you and the President.
“I want to assure you that we, the PDP governors in the North East, will work to ensure that President Jonathan returns as president in 2015”, the governor said.

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Group alleges Amaechi became corrupt when he joined APC, canvasses support for Wike, Jonathan

A Socio-political group in Rivers State has questioned the empowerment scheme of the state government, describing it as a propaganda to deceive the people of the state.
The group, Grassroot Development Initiative, GDI, made this known during the inauguration of non-indigenes in Obio Akpor Local government area.
President General of Grassroot development initiative, GDI, Bright Amaewhule accused Governor Amaechi of resorting to corruption since he joined the All Progressives Congress, APC, adding that the poverty rate in the state was now over ninety percent.
“The Governor of Rivers State, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi for quite some time now has been deceiving Rivers people.
“He has joined forces to share our money. Since Amaechi joined APC, he is now corrupt. He was not corrupt when he was Governor under PDP from 2007 to 2012.
“Rivers State today is broke. Salaries cannot be paid. Allowances cannot be paid to workers and civil servants of Rivers State.
“We should come together and vote for Chief Barrister E.N Wike to be elected as the Governor of Rivers State.
“People should not be deceived by what they call empowerment programme. They should not be deceived by what they call SURE-P programme.
“Right now, I am telling you that Rivers State poverty level is almost at 98%”, he said.
On his part, President of the non-indigenes without borders, Emeka Onowu said non-indigenes without borders in the state were being massively mobilised to garner support for the Minister of state for Education, Nyesom Wike and President Goodluck Jonathan come 2015.

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Osun 2014: PDP decries APC’s ‘noise’, says Aregbesola asked for deployment of SSS operatives

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has described as shameful and disgusting, attempt by the All Progressives Congress, APC, to deceive Nigerians regarding its role in the deployment of officials of the Department of State Service (DSS) to Osun State ahead of the August 9 governorship election.
PDP National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh in a statement on Tuesday said in turning to accuse the PDP-led government of moving operatives of the DSS to terrorize the people of the state when in actual fact, the APC governor of Osun state also formally requested for their deployment, the APC has again displayed “a penchant for deceit and lies for which it has become notorious”.
“Nigerians may recall that last Friday, the National Publicity Secretary of the APC, Alhaji Lai Mohammed issued a statement querying the presence of DSS officials in Osun state.
“We find in this statement the height of hypocrisy, especially as it is incontrovertible that it was the Osun APC governor, who in a letter dated July 4, 2014 and addressed to the Director General of the DSS, requested for the deployment ‘for the purpose of security and general protection ahead of the forthcoming governorship election in Osun state to help secure peace and make the election hitch free, as security is beefed up for the election’.
“It is, therefore, shocking and utterly despicable for the APC to turn round to point accusing fingers at the PDP and the Presidency when the DSS officials arrived and commenced their duties in line with the request of the governor.
“While Nigerians have continued to express shock over this act of deception, we in the PDP ask; is it a question of APC dishing out statements without cross-checking internally? Or is it a question of the party adopting lies, deceit and propaganda as ideology?
“These questions have become necessary given that the APC has become infamous for fabrications as means to curry the support of unsuspecting Nigerians.
“We recall a similar statement by APC in June wherein it alleged that a plane carrying Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso to attend an APC rally in Ekiti to support Governor Kayode Fayemi’s re-election bid, was denied landing permission in Akure, only for Kwankwaso’s Director of Press Affairs, Baba Dantiye to announce that his boss was at another event in Kano and had no plans to travel to Ekiti State.
“APC has since proven to be a party with little regard for integrity. This is a party that threw all sense of honor to the winds and condescended so low to lie over an issue as ordinary as the age of its 52-year-old Youth Leader”, the PDP said.
The ruling party observed that the APC had continued to trade on wild allegations against government officials and sensitive government institutions, including security agencies, INEC and the National Assembly with the aim to cause confusion, pitch the people against the government and establish a reign of anarchy in the country.
The party urged Nigerians to note the sustained vitriolic attacks and campaign of calumny against the legislature at the national and state levels, wherein the APC has sought to label them as corrupt, falsely accusing them of receiving millions of dollars to do PDP’s bidding.
Continuing, the statement recalled that early this year, the APC raised an alarm that federal lawmakers were being induced with millions of dollars to defect to the PDP, only for Nigerians to find out that it was false.
“We ask, when will these APC lies stop? We have in our hands a political party whose words and statements have suddenly become meaningless to most Nigerians. We want a credible opposition. We do not want a lying, deceitful and propaganda infested opposition. This APC ‘one-chance-bus’ filled with liars cannot lead Nigeria”, the party said.

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You are a rogue, political flirt – LP replies Kashamu’s spat on Gbenga Daniel

The Labour Party in Ogun State said its attention has been drawn to a newspaper publication credited to Prince Buruji Kashamu where he called the former governor of Ogun State and its leader, Otunba Gbenga Daniel a political prostitute.
In a statement sent to NewsGenesis on Tuesday, the LP noted that while it supports President Goodluck Jonathan for re-election in 2015, it sees his associate, Kashamu, as a frustrated politician exploring all avenues to discredit Daniel out of fear, inferiority complex and ignorance.
The party recalled that prominent politicians like the governor-elect of Ekiti state, Mr Ayodeji Fayose recently visited Daniel at his Asoludero residence in Sagamu, where he was enjoined to return back to the People’s Democratic Party, PDP.
LP said it is also aware that a lot of political bigwigs in Ogun state, who are recognized national leaders are still talking to OGD for collaboration in their various platforms.
It therefore wondered why “a greenhorn and a political flirt, a businessman in politics whose sole interest is pecuniary gains could tarnish the good image of our leader.”
The statement signed by Mobolaji Odunuga, media aide to Ogun LP chairman, added: “We are not unaware that Buruji Kashamu receives contracts from APC government in Lagos and Ogun state to mention but a few.”
“As a matter of fact, the members of PDP and top echelon of PDP still doubt the sincerity of Buruji Kashamu to wanting PDP to win the next elections in Ogun state.
“For Austin Oniyokor, Media Aide to Kashamu to describe his principal, Prince Buruji Kashamu as an experience politician remains a boastful and an uninformed statement.
“For Prince Buruji Kashamu who has never stood for an elective position, talk less of winning one to be regarded as such is rather unfortunate. That Mr. Austin Oniyokor and his cohorts merely regard court purchased injunctions and judgments as political victory is ridiculous, ludicrous and laughable.”
Odunuga further advised Kashamu to watch his utterances, adding that fellows like him with no positive record of any kind should not be heard talking in a civilised country like Nigeria.

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President Jonathan is behind Chibok abduction – Tinubu

The National leader of All Progressives Congress, APC, Senator Ahmed Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday, said Nigeria’s President Goodluck Jonathan was behind the abduction of the over 200 Chibok Secondary School girls in Borno State.
Tinubu, who spoke at the final Mega Rally for Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola at Osogbo, said since Jonathan had told the world that he knew where the girls were kept, he knew about their abduction.
He challenged the President to tell the world why they were yet to rescue the female students despite the huge support he had gotten from international communities.
Tinubu, who ruled Lagos State for eight years said Jonathan was incompetent to rule Nigeria.
He urged members of the party not to be intimidated by the large numbers of security operatives on the streets of Osun, saying they were only there to protect them.
He sounded a note of warning to the security operatives that anyone who failed to fulfill its constitutional responsibility would be exposed by the electorate.
While faulting the President on governance, Tinubu said, Jonathan could not send troops to Northern region where killings have taken over governance, but he had always enjoyed militarizing states controlled by APC during election period.
He said “on Saturday, our President said he had decided to send troops to Osun in order to prevent killing and rigging and he noted that during the last general elections, some corps members were killed because of poor policing, we want to tell him that we know his plan; they must not send a fake corper to Osun”.

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“Pat Asadu is the worst Reps member we ever produced” – Nsukka Group

A pressure group, the Ovogovo Young Professionals, OYP, has described Hon. Pat Asadu, representing Nsukka/Igbo-Eze South in the House of Representatives as the worst thing that ever happened to the zone.
The OYP, in a press statement made available to NewsGenesis on Tuesday, said Asadu had denied the people of the constituency a credible representation for the past 8 years, as he had remained a bench warmer in the lower chamber.
In the press statement signed by its National president, Hon. John Eze, the group told the lawmaker to forget any plan of returning to the National Assembly in 2015.
They said it would be the turn of the turn of Nsukka West to produce the next House of Reps member for the constituency in the spirit of the zoning arrangement of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.
The statement read in part, “Our agitation is in the spirit of justice, equity, and fair play, because Nsukka West has been seriously neglected and marginalised in all ramifications since the inception of the ongoing democratic dispensation in the state.
“For instance, Hon. Alex Eze, from Nsukka central was in the federal House between 1999-2003, Hon. Charles Ugwu- from Nsukka East, 2003-, 2007, and the Incumbent, Dr. Pat Asadu has been there since 2007-till date, from Igbo-eze south.
“Since the incumbent lawmaker representing us has failed the constituency woefully, he has no business going back to the National Assembly in 2015”.
They further stated that “We have adopted Chief Oscar Okwume, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, from Nsukka West, and leader of ‘Ikeogu Movement’, a pro-President Goodluck Jonathan/ Governor, Sullivan Chime, support group, as our consensus candidate for the federal House position in 2015.
“We decided to endorse Chief Okwume, as our sole candidate for the Nsukka/ Igbo-Eze South federal constituency in 2015, because of the fact that in him, we see total commitment on issues bothering the less privileged and common man in our zone.
“Besides, Chief Oscar Okwume, is a vibrant young man that has really paid his dues in our dear party, the PDP both in Nsukka, Enugu State, and Niger Delta, where he resides.
“Going by his pedigree, and antecedents, OYP has no doubt in its mind that he will deliver the goods, if given the mandate to serve, especially as a key player in the PDP and the oil and gas sector.
“So, we are using this medium to call on our good people of Nsukka/Igbo-Eze South federal constituency to key into this project, by throwing their full weight behind our tested and trusted consensus candidate, Chief Okwume, when the time comes, ahead of the 2015 election.
“We need a vibrant federal lawmaker, that will attract federal presence to our area as well as touch the lives of the people of his constituency, and not bench warmers in the National Assembly”.

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BREAKING NEWS: Enugu Chief Judge inaugurates panel to probe Deputy Governor

The Chief Judge of Enugu State, Hon. Innocent Umezulike, Tuesday morning, inaugurated a 7-man panel to probe the embattled Deputy Governor of the State, Mr. Sunday Onyebuchi.
Chairman of the panel, Oraekeyi Uche Franklin said their proceedings would be guided by the rules of the Enugu State House of Assembly.

The panel resumes sitting tomorrow, August 6.
Details later…

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Nasarawa Assembly sends legal representation to panel

The Nasarawa State House of Assembly has sent a six-man legal team to represent it before the panel currently investigating impeachment charges against Governor Umaru Al-Makura.
This is coming 24 hours after the Assembly vowed not to appear before the seven-member panel.
The team led by Ocha Ulegede has John Mathew, P. A. Daffi, Steven Idikwu, Ache Obande and Abraham Aruta as members.
Premium Times reports that the legal team arrived at the venue of the sitting around 8.45 a.m. on Tuesday and took the seats marked for the state Assembly.
Recall that the Chairman of the Assembly’s Committee on Information, Baba Ibaku, had on Monday said the lawmakers would not appear before the panel because of alleged constitutional breach by the Chief Judge (CJ), Suleiman Dikko, in the composition of the panel.
“I have said earlier that this panel is on its own. They are just a busy body. If the governor like, let him appear and present his response but the report will not be submitted to the Assembly. ‎It is a panel of the CJ.” Ibaku said.
Details later.

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Happy Birthday: Vice President Namadi Sambo clocks 60

Nigeria’s Vice President, Architect Namadi Sambo, at the weekend clocked 60 years of age.
Born on 2 August, 1954 in Zaria, Kaduna State, he was elected Governor of the state in 2007. However, his term ended on May 18, 2010 when he was picked by President Goodluck Jonathan to become his Deputy.
A statement on Monday by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, wished the VP well in his duties to the country.
Signed by Olisa Metuh, National Publicity Secretary of thd party, the letter reads: “The National Chairman, Ahmadu Adamu Muazu, CON, on behalf of the National Working Committee and the entire PDP family felicitates with our dear Vice President, Arc. Mohammed Namadi Sambo, GCON as he celebrates his 60th birthday.”
“Your Excellency, we thank the Almighty Allah for the gift of your life which has been characterized by hardwork, selfless service, distinguished leadership and love for your nation.
“May he grant you wisdom, strength and health as you continue in your duties to our dear fatherland. Happy Birthday, Your Excellency!”
Also on Monday, top government officials visited Mr. Sambo at the presidential villa to felicitate with him.


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Presidency denies financing groups advocating support for Jonathan

The Presidency has denied the various groups advocating support for the second term ambition of President Goodluck Jonathan, saying it was not financing any group for that purpose.
Special Adviser to President on Political Matters, Prof Rufai Alkali, while speaking with journalists in Abuja on Monday, said it was mere speculation for anyone to say that the Presidency had been financing the activities of the various associations and groups asking for support for the President.
He said that as a law-abiding President, Jonathan would not partake in such political game.
Alkali further affirmed that all the groups supporting the “transformation agenda of the Goodluck Jonathan administration “ were being privately funded by their sponsors.”
He disclosed that different groups voluntarily approach the Goodluck Support Group for proper coordination and administrative convenience since they had the same goal of mobilising support for the achievements of the Federal Government.
He said, “I want to reiterate that these groups are completely independent and self-financing and the Presidency does not in any way foot the bills for the activities of these groups.
“They are voluntary non-governmental organizations and every Nigerian is aware that these NGOs source their funds independent of government.”
He also cleared that Jonathan was yet to declare his willingness to run for a second term in 2015.
He said, “Mr. President has not even declared yet and campaigns cannot commence unless there is a formal declaration of intent to contest the 2015 presidential election.
“Apart from being a law abiding citizen, President Jonathan is also a true and loyal member of the Peoples Democratic Party and the party has not yet brought out guidelines for the conduct of its primaries and convention.”


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