The Enugu State Police Command has commenced investigation into the death of an 8-year-old boy from suspected kerosene ignited fire in Umundu Community, Udenu Local Government Area.

The Command’s spokesman, SP Ebere Amaraizu, who confirmed the incident in a statement on Tuesday, said the incident occurred on Sunday night.

Amaraizu said the boy and his family were in their house when the fire broke out and engulfed the whole apartment on that fateful day.

“It was gathered that the incident occurred when the victim, little Chikamso Nnamani, about 8 years old, had tried to refill their lamp with kerosene.

“But unfortunately, the light went wild and quickly engulfed the whole house.

“It was further gathered that as occupants were scampering for safety, the said Chikamso ran towards another direction where he was allegedly consumed by the fire,’’ he said.

According to Amaraizu, a full scale investigation has commenced into the incident.

The police spokesman also said the serene community had been thrown into mourning this festive season following the unfortunate incident.

An 11-year-old girl in East China who measures a whopping 2.1 meters tall has also recently rose to fame on social media.

Video shows 11-year-old Zhang Ziyu, a student at Jinan Wenhua East Road Primary School, towering over her classmates as they exercised at the school last week.

"I really like Zhang Ziyu because she is very tall and can pick me up very high," one of her classmates said.

"She was already 1.6 meters in the first grade. I'm not even that tall now," said another.

The daughter of professional basketball players, Zhang loves the game and is a big fan of NBA stars James Harden and LeBron James.

Zhang also has her own hoop dreams. Her mother Yu Ying, who played for China's national women's team, said Zhang's athletic future depends on how she cultivates her talent.

"All my family supports her basketball ambitions as she is really into it now," Yu said.

Zhang has some height on Ren Keyu, an 11-year-old boy in Sichuan Province who caught media attention earlier this year standing at 2.06 meters.

Nicki Minaj has joined “The Angry Birds Movie 2,” Variety has learned exclusively.

The Sony Animation sequel hits theaters on Aug. 16, 2019.

Jason Sudeikis, Josh Gad, Bill Hader, Danny McBride, and Peter Dinklage will all reprise their roles from the first film. They are joined by Leslie Jones, Rachel Bloom, Awkwafina, Sterling K. Brown, Eugenio Derbez, Lil Rel Howery, Dove Cameron, and Zach Woods. Minaj’s role is currently unknown.

“Angry Birds Movie 2” is directed by Thurop Van Orman and co-directed by John Rice. The pic is produced by John Cohen and co-produced by Mary Ellen Bauder Andrews. David Maisel and Catherine Winder are executive producer. Sony Pictures Imageworks handles the animation.

The release date for “Angry Birds Movie 2” coincides with the 10th anniversary of the hit video game. The “Angry Birds” games have been downloaded more than 4 billion times.

“Angry Birds” grossed $350 million worldwide, including $107.5 million domestically, in 2016. The film, directed by Fergal Reilly and Clay Kaytis, was set on an island populated entirely by happy, flightless birds — except for Red (voiced by Sudeikis), speedy Chuck (Gad), and Bomb (McBride). Hader returns as Leonard, king of the pigs, and Dinklage voices the Mighty Eagle.

Minaj’s movie credits include “Ice Age: Continental Drift,” “The Other Woman,” and “Barbershop: The Next Cut.” The rapper has received 10 Grammy Awards nominations, six American Music Awards, 11 BET Awards, and four MTV Video Music Awards. Minaj is repped by Gee Roberson, Brian Sher and attorney Kenny Meiselas.

The Iraqi Cabinet approved a law to mark Christmas Day, December 25, as an official holiday across the country "on the occasion of the birth of Jesus Christ," according to a statement released by the Iraqi government.

The @IraqiGovt announces Christmas Day to be an official holiday across Iraq. Happy Christmas to our Christian citizens, all Iraqis and to all who are celebrating around the world.

— Government of Iraq - الحكومة العراقية (@IraqiGovt) December 24, 2018

The Cabinet voted on an amendment to the national holidays law in the country that Christmas Day is a holiday for all Iraqis, and not only for the Christian community, as it had been for decades.

"Happy Christmas to our Christian citizens, all Iraqis and to all who are celebrating around the world," the Iraqi government said on Twitter.
Before the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003, there were about 1.4 million Christians in the country. However, their numbers have dwindled to roughly 300,000 after hundreds of thousands fled the country following violence and attacks by various armed groups over the years.
Most recently, the rise of ISIS in Iraq forced many of the remaining Christians to flee the country or be killed, as CNN has documented.
In 2016, the ancient Iraqi Christian town of Bartella celebrated Christmas for the first time in two years after being liberated from ISIS.

Supreme Court
The Supreme Court is established by section 230(1) CFRN.

Composition is CJN plus 21 Justices (not more than that). Section 230(2) CFRN.

Constitution - At least 5 Justices, however on the following, it must be 7 justices. Section 234, exercising original jurisdiction, interpretation or application of the constitution, contravention of chapter IV - fundamental rights.

Appointment - CJN is appointed by the President on recommendation of NJC subject to confirmation of Senate - section 231(1). Same for other justices - section 231(2) CFRN.

Removal - sections 292(1) (a) provides that the CJN to be removed by the President acting on address supported by 2/3 majority of the Senate. The question then is, does the National Judicial Council not have any role to play based on the express provision of section 292 CFRN.

The Supreme Court in EleluHabeeb v. Attorney-General of Kwarastate, stated that other statutes and provision of the constitution should be read along section 292 of CFRN.

As it is by reading these other statutes that the function of the NJC which actually recommend removal to the president would be found. In effect the proper interpretation of section 292 cannot be done in isolation.
Jurisdiction
The Supreme Court has both original and appellate jurisdiction in civil litigation.

• In disputes between the federal and state government. Section 232(1).
• In dispute between states.

In accordance, section 232(2) which empower the National Assembly to confer additional original jurisdiction in respect of civil matters on the Supreme Court, the National Assembly enacted the Supreme Court (Additional Original Jurisdiction) Act 2002. These additional original jurisdiction are section 1(1) (a)-(c)

• In dispute between the National Assembly and the President.
• In dispute between the National Assembly and state government/state of the federation.
• In dispute between the National Assembly and State House of Assembly.

Hence the Supreme Court now has original jurisdiction in five aspects. The schedule to section 2 of the Act states that both the National Assembly (consisting of Senate and House of Representative) must have passed a resolution supported by a simple majority; and the State House of Assembly must have passed a resolution supported by a simple majority.

The nominal parties as found in section 3 is National Assembly, State House of Assembly is speaker of the State House of Assembly.

Generally, nominal parties for the federation and the states are Attorney-General of the federation and Attorney-General of the state. Section 20 Supreme Court Act.

• Appellate jurisdiction of the Supreme Court as found in section 233 lies from the court of Appeal as of right or with leave of the Court of Appeal or Supreme Court

CONSTITUTION
Pursuant to section 234 1999 CFRN, the SC shall be duly constituted if it consists of not less than five justices. Provided that when it assumes its original jurisdiction, and it sits to hear appeals of application and interpretation of the constitution; and questions on the provisions of chapter IV , it shall be constituted by seven justices..

Tottenham Hotspur showed why manager Mauricio Pochettino is a wanted man by thrashing Everton 6-2 at Goodison Park on Sunday to close to within six points of Premier League leaders Liverpool.

Spurs have had to cope with the unwanted attention of Pochettino being linked with the Manchester United job following Jose Mourinhos sacking this week.

But they showed no signs of being distracted as they roared back from a goal down thanks to doubles from Son Heung-min and Harry Kane with Dele Alli and Christian Eriksen also on target.

Fatigue may yet still derail Tottenhams bid to win a first trophy under Pochettino with Spurs still involved in four competitions.

But with Liverpool facing Arsenal and Manchester City in a top of the table clash in their next three games over the festive period, Tottenham have the opportunity to haul themselves into a three-way title race if they maintain the standards set at Goodison.

I think everyone is talking about Liverpool and Man City, but we are just doing well as we normally do, said Kane.

Weve had a great week, weve got games coming up thick and fast but games we can win.

Kane had chipped into the side-netting and Jordan Pickford produced a fine save to deny England team-mate Kieran Trippier in the early stages.

But it was Everton who struck first in a wildly open contest when Theo Walcott stabbed home at the near post from Dominic Calvert-Lewins cross.

Marco Silvas men could even have been 2-0 up had Calvert-Lewin not been penalised for a push on Davinson Sanchez when heading home moments later.

But Spurs looked as if they could score with almost every attack and were soon on level terms with the aid of a Pickford error.

The England number one rushed from his goal but only succeeded in getting in the way of his own defender Kurt Zouma and Son took advantage with a wonderful finish from a narrow angle.

We dominated the game from the start, we created so many chances, so we were unlucky to be 1-0 down, said Son.

But we bounced back, showed our character and our mentality. We are happy to get three points here.

Once back on level terms, Spurs were relentless as Pickford denied Son a second but Alli charged into the box to sweep home the rebound to turn the game around.

Kane is now just one goal behind Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang in the race for the Premier League golden boot and showed his predatory instincts to side-foot into an empty net after Trippiers fine free-kick came back off the post three minutes before half-time.

Both teams face the least rest time of any Premier League side over the festive period with another three games to come between now and New Years Day.

However, there was no let up in the pace of the game after the break as Eriksen produced a technically perfect controlled volley from the edge of the box to make it 4-1.

Three minutes later Evertons deficit was back to two as Gylfi Sigurdsson dribbled across the whole Tottenham defence before firing back across Hugo Lloris.

Yet, any hope of a fightback was extinguished just after the hour mark when Sons fine control cushioned Erik Lamelas pass before he finished through the legs of Pickford.

It was announced this week that the South Korean will go to the Asian Cup in January despite already representing his country at the World Cup and Asian Games this year.

And Son showed why he will be missed by his club in January once more with an inch-perfect cross for Kane to slide in for his second of the afternoon 16 minutes from time.

Source: NAN

The Baro River Port Cargo handling equipment installation has been completed,Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Sen. Olorunnimbe Mamora, has said.

He told newsmen that the Port cargo handling equipment would soon start operation.

Mamora, who said he was impressed by what he saw while the contractors were fixing the last equipment, was given assurance by the contractors that the project will be ready in in the next one week or two.

Mamora also commended the contractors for a job well done and the community for being a good host and encouraged them to ensure the safety and security of the River Port.

He said Baro River Port, in Niger State, which is the flagship port in the northern part of the country, will be commissioned very soon by President Muhammadu Buhari.

I am satisfied with the quality of work done and in a week time the port will be inaugurated for operations.

I wish to thank the host community for their patriotic zeal and the security the accorded the contractor while doing the work and also wish they extend the same security to the workers when the port comes on stream.

The port apart from boosting the economy of the community will bolster the economy of the state and the country,he said.

NAN reports that the Baro River port was awarded in 2011 at a cost of N2.563 billion to Messrs CGGC Global Projects Limited.

Source: NAN

By Chioma Ugboma

The Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, on Sunday took his door-to-door campaign to the Hausa community leader of Agege, Alhaji Musa Dogonkadai.

The leader, who doubles as the Chairman of the Chieftaincy Council of Arewa in Lagos State, alongside members of his council, received the vice president amidst fanfare in his palace in Agege.

The vice president who arrived at the palace at about 4 p.m., was greeted by a large crowd who chanted President Muhammadu Buharis name in different songs as they escorted him to the palace.

A meeting, which was held in closed-door between the vice president and the leader with his council, lasted for about 45 minutes.

Addressing newsmen, the Treasurer of Arewa Community in Agege, Alhaji Abdulkareem Abubakar, said the members felt happy that the vice president decided to pay the leader of Arewa Community a visit.

He said they would vote massively for All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2019 elections because they wanted continuity of good governance in Lagos State and Nigeria at large.

We are very happy with Vice President Yemi Osinbajos visit to Arewa Community leaders in Agege. We are excited to see the vice president.

We are enjoying this government. We dont want money; what we want is peace, which we are enjoying from this government. We are enjoying peace in Agege and Lagos State and we want it to continue.

Because we want continuity of good thing and peace, we are going to vote for APC candidates in 2019 elections. We are going to vote for Buhari, Osinbajo, Sanwo-Olu, Obasa, Ogundimu and other APC candidates.

Among those in Vice President Osinbajos entourage were the Senior Special Adviser to President on Political Matters, Sen. Babafemi Ojudu and Executive Secretary for Transportation, FCT.

Source: NAN

Atiku Abubakar, presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, has retracted his earlier story of speaking with the widow of Lt. Col Ibrahim Sakaba, killed by Boko Haram at Metele last month.

He now said he spoke with the slain soldiers sister, Maryam.

The PDP candidate had opened himself to widespread derision following his online post that he spoke with Seun, Sakabas wife.

But the woman denied she received a phone call from Abubakar and wondered why the 72 year-old politician lied.

Abubakar has now set the record straight and apologised for the erroneous communication.

Here is Atiku Abubakars statement:

Following the death of Lt. Col Ibrahim Sakaba during the Boko Haram insurgents attack on 157 Taskforce Battalion in Metele, His Excellency Atiku Abubakars staff has made efforts to get the contact of his widow to enable the former Vice President express his condolences over the loss of the fallen hero.

Over the weekend, Atiku Abubakar was availed with phone numbers of Mrs. Sakaba and Maryam, younger sister of the late soldier, in the alternative.

On Sunday, the former Vice President tried albeit unsuccessfully to contact Mrs. Sakaba but was able to eventually speak with Maryam, younger sister of the gallant soldier during which he expressed his deepest condolences to the family.

However, this communication was erroneously communicated. The error is regretted.

Atiku Abubakar, however reaffirms his deepest condolences to the Sakaba family, which sacrifices, like those of their brave son, keeps us safe.

*Also Read:

Source: NAN

The wife of the late Lt.Col Ibrahim Sakaba, has denied claims by the Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, that he spoke with her on the phone.

Late Sakaba was one of the 44 soldiers killed by Boko Haram insurgents during an attack on 157 Task Force Battalion in Metele, Borno State last month,

Atiku had claimed on Twitter on Sunday that he spoke with the widow of the late soldier,

He wrote: This Christmas I urge all Nigerians to spare a thought for our military on the frontlines of the war on terror.

I had cause to telephone Lt. Col. Ibrahim Sakabas widow this Yuletide. I am touched by her devotion and love for her husband who paid the supreme sacrifice for Nigeria.

This Christmas, I urge all Nigerians to spare a thought for our military on the frontlines on the war on terror. I had cause to telephone Lt. Col. Ibrahim Sakabas widow this Yuletide. I am touched by her devotion

By Muhammad Bello

Gov. Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State on Monday presented the states 2019 budget estimates of N169.652billion to the State House of Assembly for consideration.

Tambuwal said that the sum of N99.184billion was for capital projects while the sum of N70.468billion was for recurrent expenditure.

He said that the 2019 budget which was tagged Budget of Consolidation for Sustainable Growth and Development, would focus on completion of projects started in 2018 and execution of new ones.

Tambuwal stated that 2019 would be the fourth year of his administration, thereby stressing the need to consolidate on all the administrations achievements.

This is to set such achievements into motion so as to improve the living standard of our people.

For the fourth year running, the education sector got the highest allocation of over N47.4 billion, representing 27.9 per cent of the total estimates, he added.

The governor explained that the policy thrust of the budget was to ensure sustainable economic development through substantial investment in critical sectors.

He said that the sectors included education, agriculture, healthcare delivery, exploration of mineral resources, investment in renewable energy and infrastructure.

We will prioritise effective resources management and seek intervention in areas with high potentials to create job opportunities, generate income and improve revenue generation, he said.

The governor gave the assurance that the government would continue to work to strengthen capacity building of scheduled ministries for better service delivery.

We will continue to promote our partnership with the private sector in areas of strategic importance to our development objective.

We will promote value chain through agro-processing and diversification by way of giving incentives to farmers and producers.

We will also create backward and forward linkages between and among institutions, partners and other stakeholders to accelerate economic growth, he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that allocations to other sectors in the budget proposal showed that the health sector got N21.9 billion and general administration had N21.1 billion.

The Speaker, Alhaji Salihu Maidaji, said that the lawmakers would ensure swift passage of the budget to maintain the frequency of development in the state.

Meanwhile, the Assembly has proceeded on a recess from Dec. 25 to Jan. 7, 2019 to mark the end of second quarter 4th session to enable members celebrate the Christmas and New Year.

Source: NAN

By George Odok

Head of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Francis, has urged politicians across the world to see politics as service to society and an opportunity to impact on human communities and institutions.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Popes message tagged The Celebration of The 52nd World Day of Peace, was read by Most Rev. Joseph Ekuwem, the Catholic Archbishop of Calabar.

The Pope said that when politics was not seen as a form of service, it could become a means of oppression, marginalisation and even destruction.

The Catholic pontiff advised politicians to take politics seriously with a view to affirm the duty of each individual to acknowledge the reality and value of the freedom offered to serve.

He also called on politicians to make effort in protecting their citizens by creating the conditions for a worthy and just future.

Every election and re-election, and every stage of public life, is an opportunity to return to the original points of reference that inspire justice and law. Once this is certain, good politics is at the service of peace.

It respects and promotes fundamental human rights which are at the same time mutual obligations, enabling a bond of trust and gratitude to be forged between present and future generations.

Today, more than ever, our societies need artisans of peace who can be messengers and authentic witnesses of God the father, the Pope said.

Commenting on incidents of wars and conflicts in different parts of the world, the Pope advised Christians to reflect on the First World War by remembering the young people killed in the battles and the civilian population that was displaced.

The Catholic Pontiff said that peace should never be reduced to a balance between power and fear, adding that to threaten others was to lower them to the status of objects and deny their dignity.

This is why we state once more that an escalation of intimidation and uncontrolled proliferation of arms is contrary to morality and the search for peace.

Terror exerted over those who are vulnerable contributes to the exile of the entire population who seek a place of peace.

Political addresses that tend to blame every evil on migrants and deprive the poor of hope are unacceptable, the Pope said.

On corruption, he advised against the misappropriation of public resources, the exploitation of individuals, the denial of rights, the flouting of community rules, dishonest gain and the justification of power by force.

He urged nations of the world to be at peace with others in other to promote unity and peaceful co-existence.

Source: NAN

President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress have been photographed together, at Aso Rock wishing Nigerians a very Merry Christmas.

The rare photo of the three leaders of the All Progressives Congress, was sent by the presidents photographer, Sunday Aghaeze.

Earlier today, in a message President Buhari urged Nigerians to be hopeful about the coming year and the future.

Source: NAN

A Federal High Court, presided over by Justice Ijeoma L. Ojukwu has ordered the interim forfeiture of assets and properties traced to Ngozi Olejeme, a former chairman of Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund, NSITF.

Justice Ojukwu granted on 21 December the application for forfeiture made by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

He ruled that the assets and properties set out in the schedule attached to the application be forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria, pending the hearing and determination of the trial in Charge No. CR/365/17.

The order was made, sequel to an Ex-parte Originating Summons, filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, through its counsel, Elizabeth Alabi, on December 12, 2018, praying the court for the following orders:

The schedule of properties referred to in the Summons include: parcels of lands, duplexes, a bank building, and hotel buildings, amongst others.

Some of them are: one storey semi-detached residential building, located at house/flat 86, 11 Crescent, Kado estate, Abuja; a fenced plot of land with C of O No. DTSR16326, located at plots 104 and 105, Block IV, Phase V, Core Area, Asaba, Delta state; Six units of one bedroom apartment; one unit of five bedroom bungalow; a block of six units of office space, all located at 196, Melford Okilo road, Amarata-Epie, Yenegoa, Bayelsa state.

Other include: one duplex and 4 house residential building with swimming pool, gate house, fully furnished with state of the art facilities, located at No. 25 Kainji Crescent, off Maitama, Abuja. This same property is also known as plot No. 738 Cadastral zone AO5, Maitama, Abuja; A storey building; two bungalows; printing press with printing equipment; a fenced empty land measuring 1422.765 square meters, located at km.9 Asaba-Benin Express road, Asaba, Delta state.

Another property is a twin duplex office building, located at Plot R/151 (No. 30A) Kingsway Road, Old GRA, Enugu State, registered at Enugu Land Registry.

The Commission, through the application, also sought for the interim forfeiture of two Duplexes with Boys Quarters, Generator House, Gym and Car Park, located at No. 3D Opolo, Old Commissioners Quarters, Yenegoa, Bayelsa State; Ten plots of land, located at plot 7, 8, 11, 12, 16, 20, 23, and 24 Phase IV, Block 111, Core Area, Asaba, Delta state, with C of O No. DSTR1194; A two bedroom bungalow, located at No. 3 Ogwa Godspower avenue, Oshimili South LGA, Asaba, Delta State; A two bedroom bungalow, located at No. 11 Chiweta Street, off Ezenie Avenue, Asaba, Delta State, measuring 527.141 square meters; A two bedroom bungalow, located at James Odittah Street, Oshimili LGA, Asaba, Delta State, amongst many others.

Source: NAN

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Enugu Zonal Office, has filed a motion at a Federal High Court, Enugu, seeking an order for the interim forfeiture of the $2.8million seized from two men last week.

Also filed is an affidavit of urgency for the matter to be heard on December 27, 2018, before a vacation Judge sitting in Port Harcourt.

The Commission on December 20 arrested two persons, Ighoh Augustine and Ezekwe Emmanuel, along with the money at Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu.

The duo said they work for Bankers Warehouse. But EFCC suspected they were money launderers.

The suspects told the EFCC they have been in the business of moving cash for some notable banks, for over six years and that the money they had was for Union Bank Plc, located at New Market, Onitsha, Anambra State.

The EFCC spokesman , Tony Orilade said on Monday that Union Bank or its officials were yet to step forward to establish their claim.

Efforts are being made to secure warrant for the detention of the suspects pending when they will be charged to court, he said.

Bankers Warehouse in a statement at the weekend claimed ownership of the money and asked the EFCC to apologise and return the money.

The company which said it is licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria to carry out Cash/Asset movement and Currency Processing said the men arrested were not involved in any money laundering and were carrying out a legitimate movement of cash.

We hereby state emphatically that the movement of this currency was a legitimate exercise, being carried out on behalf of a legitimate Financial Institution, the company said..

We emphasize that our employees are in no way criminals, carrying out any act of illegality as the EFCC has tried to portray. The young men whose character and reputation have been deliberately soiled by the EFCC operatives were conducting their legitimate duties as requested by a bank customer of our company.

We request for the swift and immediate release of our employees and our customers currency, both detained without proper cause.

We also demand an immediate retraction by the EFCC and an apology issued to our company and our employees whose images have been maligned.

Source: NAN

In a bid to ensure that the candidate of the APC, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, wins the 2019 governorship election in Lagos in 2019, scores of supporters of Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode on Sunday embarked on solidarity rally to reaffirm their commitment to the task.

The supporters, who marched from the state secretariat in Alausa to APC’s secretariat on Acme Road in Ogba, said there was no iota of truth in the purported alliance with the PDP and Accord Party as reported in some sections of the media.

The rally, which was organised under the auspices of Ambode Mandate Support Group (AMSG), were received by the state APC Chairman, Alhaji Tunde Balogun, alongside other state executive officers of the party.

Leader of the delegation and Director General of AMSG, Mr Akeem Sulaimon, said the solidarity walk was embarked upon to reaffirm the commitment of Gov. Ambode to the victory of the APC in 2019 elections at all levels in the state.

Sulaimon, who is also the Special Adviser to Governor on Communities and Communication, said it was also important to emphasise that Ambode had truly accepted the choice of the party, adding that any contrary information was a hoax.

”We are here because a lot of people lately seem to be talking for our principal, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, claiming to be representing his interest and we need to let the whole world know that if anyone will represent his interests, it can only be those of us that belong to his campaign.

”His Excellency, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, is a man of God; he is a man who believes that the party is supreme; he is a man who has accepted the choice and the position of the party.

”He has accepted that Babajide Sanwo-Olu is the candidate of our great party, APC and he has equally been mobilising not just members of his group but he has been mobilising the party to ensure victory for Sanwo-Olu come 2019,” he said.

Speaking specifically on the alleged declaration of support for the opposition party by some supporters of the governor, Sulaimon said though the rally was planned long before now, nonetheless there was no truth in the said rumor.

He said that the governor, as a loyal party man, would not do anything to “rock the boat.”

”We are organising this to show to Lagosians and Nigerians that our principal bears no grudge; he has no ill feelings.

”If he had wanted to fight at that time, he could have fought and so if he did not fight then, why would anybody be insinuating that he wants to fight now?

”We are here to let you know that he is not fighting. The governor’s directive to us is that we should all go out and mobilise for Mr Sanwo-Olu.

”Irrespective of how things might have happened, the governor has equally benefited from the party and he says that he will not destroy the party that he has benefited from,” Sulaimon said.

Responding, Balogun commended the supporters for showing commitment to the party, saying the rally was a demonstration of Gov. Ambode’s loyalty to the party.

”Trekking from Alausa to this place under this scorching sun is a tough task no doubt and it is a demonstration of your commitment and loyalty to this party.

”It is a demonstration of the commitment and loyalty of Gov. Ambode to APC and I want to commend you all for this,” Balogun said.

Among those who led the rally were Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Muslim Folami; Special Adviser to the governor on Civic Engagement, Mr Benjamin Olabinjo; Chairman of Lagos Ferry Service, Mr Paul Kalejaiye; APC chieftain, Chief Denge Anifowoshe, among others.

"Public service must be more than doing a job efficiently and honestly. It must be a complete dedication to the people and to the nation." – Margaret Chase Smith.

The opening quote seems to be lost in the consciousness of most of the individuals that are actively participating in the Nigerian political space. These politicians are often entangled in the quest for power that they neglect the primary purpose for seeking the office they so desired. These, rather than committedly engaging in public service would give in to serving themselves as well as their political allies. The result of their actions is obvious for all to see as the nation grapples with poor infrastructural development, poverty and unemployment.

Meanwhile, we have got men in positions of power who keep going home with million of naira on a monthly basis even while agreement over a N30,000 minimum wage is in the balance. And as election is coming, we see a lot of activities happening around us with these ‘carefree’ individuals facilitating different 'point-scoring' undertakings. Now is the time to fix the roads that have been in deplorable state for years. Now is the moment to get close to the people and show that they are concerned about their plight – albeit with ulterior motive. This is quite alarming and I wonder how much longer these politicians think they will succeed in fooling the people. Leaving the things that ought to have been done [long before now] to the season when elections beckon is nothing more than a 'thankless' service.

Where do the people stand?
These politicians have succeeded in these acts time and again because the people have failed in some ways. I have been ruminating over the saying by Joseph de Maistre which goes thus: “In a democracy, people get the leaders they deserve”...we seem to have left things to chance and as such, ended up with mediocrity. Firstly, we do not always hold these politicians accountable and in the long run, we give them ‘breathing space’ to run for more years when they have failed us on the first turn – there seems to be some sort of nonchalance in the air. Another thing I have observed is that the Nigerian electorates are often swayed towards a particular party even though most of them claim to be liberal. We will stick to a certain party because of the 'I do not want to lose my vote' mentality. We do this without running any background check on the aspirants; this, in itself, is a stimulus for a failed system.

Power should never be entrusted to a person who is dishonest, and lacks the vision to evoke a progressive change that the nation [and its communities] so need. This is where debates may become somewhat useful in order to see what (substance) an aspirant is made of before getting the people’s mandate. Again, the electorates should not neglect the track record of every individual seeking to gain their mandate. We have got to ask questions like “Is he/she a man/woman of vision?” … ‘Can he/she help lead the course towards the recovery of our lost glory?’ Does he/she have what it takes to lead a community with diverse cultures such as ours?

As the elections draw near, we [as a people] have got to desist from allowing everything go and make effort to bring the right set of people into power. That said, I do not want to believe that it is all politicians that have bad intentions; there are FEW good ones around… let’s bring them to where they ought to be.

Back to the politicians who are more concerned about power than bettering the lives of their people; using the need of the people as a primer for gaining their votes is an act of savagery. Coming back to take advantage of a problem you ought to have resolved does not paint you in good light… think about your people and how you can uplift their status.
I will like to conclude with this quote from Kirsten Gillibrand: "By running, you’re making that commitment that says, 'I'm dedicating myself to public service'. Win or lose, you’re making that statement, and you actually are taking a step in that direction."

President Muhammadu Buhari has warned the police against unprofessional conducts such as illegal detention, extrajudicial killings, torture and violation of fundamental human rights.

All these demeaning acts were unacceptable and should be avoided by the Nigeria Police Force at all times, he said at the convocation and passing out parade of the First Regular Cadet Course at the Police Academy, Wudil, Kano State.

The President warned the police against acts that could bring the community in conflict with them.

”We must abide by the constitutional code of conduct in policing our people.

”The Police in its efforts to fight crime must work in partnership with the community. You cannot properly police the people without their consent,” President Buhari told the 602 graduands.

He also used the occasion to remind police officers to shun corruption and resist all temptations that impede the integrity and professionalism of the Force.

The president said: ”It is appropriate to warn you as Police Officers not to see yourselves as being above the Law. You must be above board and resist all temptations. Be contented with your salaries and allowances.

”The Government recently increased your general emoluments to make you more efficient and effective in the discharge of your duties. With this increase in your salaries, you have less reason to fall into temptations of financial or other inducements.

”Let me again reiterate that this administration has zero tolerance for corruption. Corruption is the major reason the Nigerian economy has not developed at the rate of other comparable countries.

”If we must develop and reap the fruits of our democratic dispensation, we must shun corruption at all levels.

“It is, therefore, your responsibilities and other anti-corruption agencies to kill corruption before Corruption overtakes Nigeria.”

While commending the police for the successes they recorded in the fight against various aspects of crime in the country, the President acknowledged that they had worked closely with the military in the fight against Boko Haram in the North East.

”I am aware that you have just deployed over 2000 Police Officers, including Special Forces to the North East to support the efforts of the Military.

”The success recorded in the fight against Boko Haram in the North East cannot be related without mentioning the support you are giving to the Military.

“The group is no longer occupying any Nigerian Territory as it used to before the advent of this administration.

”The recent attacks by the Boko Haram group can be likened to attempts of defeated insurgents to re-organise its ragtag and scattered individuals.

“This, however, will not be possible as adequate strategic plans have been put in place in conjunction with our neighbouring countries to completely wipe out the group, ” he said.

On the 2019 elections, President Buhari reiterated that it was the duty of the police, supported by other security agencies, to adequately secure the elections.

He said that the elections must be conducted in a violence free environment for it to be adjudged credible, free and fair in the eyes of both local and international observers.

”You must do everything possible to make the election violence free to avoid ballot box snatching, multiple voting, vote buying on sites, attack on electoral officers and other acts which might negatively impact on the elections and their outcome, ” the president said.

According to him, his administration will continue to do all that is possible to make the Nigeria Police efficient and responsive to the security needs of the country by providing the necessary assistance to make the operations technology based.

While congratulating the graduands on successfully completing the five-year training programme in the institution, President Buhari enjoined the new officers to be courageous and determined in the fight against all forms of crime in the country.

The President said he was happy to be the first serving President to witness the passing out parade of the first batch of Nigeria Police Academy Cadet Officers.

”You should consider yourselves privileged, not only for being able to complete the course but for being adjudged worthy in character, fitness and in learning to pass out as Cadet Assistants Superintendents in the Nigeria Police Force,” he said.

A major highlight of the event was the presentation of a sword of honour to the best graduating Cadet ASP Shuaibu Aminu by the President.

He also presented an award to the best female graduating Cadet ASP Evangeline Babuba.

The event was also witnessed by Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar of Jigawa, the Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris and other senior police officers.(NAN)

Nigerians studying in Russia under the Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA) say that they are finding it increasingly difficult to continue with their scholarship in that country.

Under the BEA scholarship, the Russian Government takes care of the students’ tuition, while the Nigerian government pays each of the students 500 dollars monthly for their upkeep.

Mr Lawal Mustapha, President, Association of Nigerian Scholarship Students in Russia, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on telephone from Samara, Russia, on Thursday that students were owed 20 months arrears.

“We are appealing to the Nigerian government to pay 20 months stipend arrears owed to us; we also plead that they pay us the stipend as at when due.

“The BEA award stipulates that the Nigerian government takes care of our living cost monthly with 500 dollars, while the host country pays the students’ tuition,” he said.

He said the Russian government had faithfully held up their end of the agreements by paying BEA scholarship students’ tuition as at when due.

“But unfortunately, the Nigerian government has not faithfully kept their own part of the agreement,” Mustapha said.

He said the students needed the money to pay for their accommodation, Visa renewals, health insurance cover, feeding and other bills.

According to him, the affected students have been living in hardship as many have been threatened with eviction notice from their hostels and deportation.

“We have resorted to looking for other means to fend for ourselves by working illegally for long hours in the cold winter for meagre pay. We are suffering,” he said.

Reacting, Alhaja Asta Ndajiwo, Director, Federal Scholarship Board, said that efforts were being made to pay the students their outstanding arrears.

She said the board had forwarded memos to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to start payment of both 2017 and 2018 arrears of the stipend.

“The arrears will be paid to the scholars bank accounts,” she promised.

NAN reports that the Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu, during a news conference in Abuja on Thursday also assured the students that their arrears will be paid.

He said the Federal Government was committed to fulfilling its financial obligations to students pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate degrees both at home and abroad.

“On our part, we will do our utmost best to meet our obligations arising from all bilateral agreement as much as circumstances will permit.

“Nigeria under the Federal Government Scholarship, BEA and Commonwealth Scholarship Scheme, has 2,953 students studying abroad,” he said.

Adamu said that the balance of the 2018 appropriation had been released with focus to offsetting the arrears owed to students.

“It is important to note that since the inception of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration, the Federal Government has committed about N3 billion under the three schemes.

“As I speak, the balance of the 2018 appropriation has been released and preparation is on to pay the scholars,” he said.

No fewer than 753 Nigerian students under the BEA programme are currently pursuing various undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in Russia; Algeria; China; Hungary; Morocco; Egypt; Cuba; Romania; Turkey; Ukraine, Tunisia and Serbia.

Professor Hafiz Abubakar, former deputy governor of Kano state, who resigned recently to join Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, in the Peoples Democratic Party is back in the All Progressives Congress.

He was among the staunch allies of Kwankwaso, members of his Kwankwassiya Movement, who have retraced their steps to the APC and who met with President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday night in Abuja.

In welcoming the party leaders back to the APC, President Buhari said the house was large enough to accommodate everyone and promised to speak to the leadership of the party and government in Kano to accommodate and work with the returnees.

He also appealed to stakeholders in the All Progressives Congress (APC) across the country to work for genuine reconciliation “for the benefit of our people and our nation.”

Other returnees at the meeting include a former Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Aminu Dabo; the immediate past National Treasurer, Bala Mohammed Gwagwarwa; Security Adviser to Kwankwaso, retired Gen. Danjuma Dambazau; Eng. Mu’azu Magaji, all of them staunch members of Kwankwasiyya, as well as Sen. Isa Zarewa who left in protest against the last primaries.

The returnees were led to the President by the Governor of Jigawa State, Abubakar Badaru.

Kano state Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje was also at the meeting with the President.

Responding to the Presidential directive, Gov. Ganduje welcomed the return of the party stalwarts and assured the President that he was ready to work with everyone to record yet another historic victory in the general elections.