Sudanese billionaire philanthropist Mo Ibrahim has offered a two-point suggestion to African nations on how to stem the growth of militant groups, such as Boko Haram or Al Shabaab: cut the birth rate and provide jobs for youths.

Ibrahim made the suggestion today in an interview with Reuters as he launched his foundations annual index showing the state of governance across 54 African countries.

The billionaire who made his money from telecom warned African nations to cut their booming birth rate and provide secure jobs for young people.

He said Africa risks a rise in conflict and militant groups, if the suggestion goes unheeded.

Ibrahim said leaders across the continent need to tackle a taboo against birth control and ensure their youth have prospects.

We see the risks we can see the rise in armed groups (like) Boko Haram and al Shabaab, he said, referring to Islamist militants in northern Nigeria and Somalia.

It isnt a coincidence, its linked to dissatisfaction arising from a number of factors, most importantly lack of hope when young people cant see a future, he told the Thomson Reuters Foundation in London.

The index report found governance is slowly improving on average across Africa.

However, it warned the economic growth of the last decade was mainly jobless, while many children and young people were missing out on quality education even as the continents population increased sharply.

Population growth is outstripping our economic growth. It is like running on a treadmill and we are not moving forward, said Ibrahim.

Africa is expected to account for more than half the worlds population growth between 2015 and 2050, according to U.N. data. Its population is projected to double by 2050, and could double again by 2100.

Ibrahim said a lack of prospects was pushing some youth toward militant groups and also helping to drive the migrant crisis that has seen tens of thousands enter Europe each year.

Im really afraid that unless we deal with the issue of rising population and the large number of unemployed youth then we are in for trouble, he said.

Mauritius, the Seychelles and Cape Verde were the top performers in terms of governance overall, while Libya, South Sudan and Somalia ranked worst.

Zimbabwe, where longtime leader Robert Mugabe was ousted last year, was among the most improved countries, while war-torn Libya was named as having the worst deterioration.

Civil rights and freedom of expression have on average eroded over the last five years, the report said, amid what Ibrahim described as a global phenomenon for political strongmen who have often stripped back freedoms.

The report cites surveys from the last three years by research network Afrobarometer which found over a quarter of Africas citizens are not free to say what they think and almost three quarters are careful about what they say when discussing politics.

Countries are also increasingly diverging in their performance, the report warned, with the best showing swift improvements as others decline.

We see countries that get it right are able to go on and build on that, and we see countries that are going into this downward spiral of lack of governance, said Ibrahim.

Source: NAN

Political groups, women, youths and trade unions have adopted President Muhammadu Buhari as their choice in the 2019 presidential election.

The groups in Yobe North also unanimouly resolved to support the election of of Alhaji Maimala Buni as Governor of the state.

Sen. Ahmad Lawan (APC), is the current Senate Leader.

The decision was taken in Gashua at an enlarged meeting of political associations, women and youth organisations which cut across various political parties on Sunday.

Alhaji Umar Kukuri, Chairman of the Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in the state, said the decision was taken in the interest of the state, after a careful analysis of the peculiarities of the area.

Politicians from various political parties, women, youth groups and elders put their political differences aside and deliberated on the future of the state to arrive at the resolution to support the re-election of President Buhari and the election Maimala Buni as governor of the state in 2019, Kukuri said.

He said politics had taken a new dimension in Yobe as there is a growing trend of talented politicians coming together to consider the collective interest of the citizens and capability of candidates to decide on the political direction of the state.

Kukuri, who is also the state chairman of the National Conscience Party (NCP), lauded the Buhari administration for restoring peace and security in the North-East and giving the people a new hope for life.

Similarly, the outgoing administration of Alhaji Ibrahim Gaidam has done so much in healthcare delivery, education, road network, prompt payment of salaries, gratuity and pension, we have seen Maimala with the capacity to sustain and improve on these achievements, he said.

Alhaji Idi Jugujugu, former PDP state official, said the emergence of Maimala Buni as APC governorship candidate was a divine intervention because, we as a people committed the emergence of our next governor to God through extensive prayers, so, Maimala is the choice of God for the state.

Alhaji Sani El Katuzu, former National secretary of the defunct All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), said the resolution by the numerous interest groups was to give Yobe good representation at both state and national levels.

Malam Hassan Shettima, a youth leader, said the support provided by individuals ,especially the masses, was quite overwhelming, adding that, more groups are coming in daily in solidarity to Buhari and Maimala.

Everyone is making individual and collective contributions to ensure that Yobe is delivered to President Buhari and Maimala Buni, Shettima said.

Hajiya Hadiza Bukar, a popular politician in Yobe North, also said women would mobilise their votes for President Buhari, Maimala Buni and Ahmed Lawan for a landslide victory during the 2019 general elections.(NAN)

Source: NAN

The Jamaatu Nasril Islam (JNI) has warned politicians to stop arming youths, expressing indications of political interest in recent civil disorders in parts of Nigeria, including Kaduna state.

JNI on Sunday also cautioned politicians against unguarded utterances following crisis in some parts of the country.

The Secretary General of JNI, Dr Khalid Aliyu, condemned recent crisis in parts of Adamawa and Kaduna states and noted that the problems were allowed to fester by the failure of government to properly punish the perpetrators.

Government on the other hand, particularly the judiciary should dispense justice promptly and appropriately, as there are cries over the delay tactics within the system, which has given impetus to the recurring communal crisis in Nigeria, he said.

Aliyu noted that the recurring crisis in Kasuwan Magani, Kaduna state, has claimed many lives with very little done by government to bring those responsible to book.

The JNI scribe expressed regrets that human lives do not matter to many of us in Nigeria.

At will people just take up arms to maim, kill and sometimes slaughter fellow human beings without any sober reflection, yet government often looks the other way on the alleged culprits.

Something must be wrong with our psyche.

Aliyu urged government to provide permanent security to protect motorists on major interstate highways who are being waylaid and killed in some identified communities whenever a crisis erupts.

However, we are exasperated that oftentimes passers-by are always soft targets in Nigeria and this allow for backlash.

The Yola-Numan-Gombe road and the Gonin Gora road in Kaduna state (for the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano commuters), would have been blood laden if not for the timely intervention of the respective state governments of Adamawa and Kaduna.

The Federal Government as well as the affected state governments must therefore provide alternative routes or security strike force to be mounted at such places or relocate the troubled communities near the highways.

The JNI calls for calm and restraint, and implores religious and/or clerics as well as traditional rulers to always take control of their constituencies and nip in the bud these recurring unfortunate incidences at their respective localities.

Although, going by the tapes available on air, political gladiators can hardly play the game of politics decorously.

As we have often heard them say there is no morality in politics, of which from the religious context, we would not expect much good from politicians.

And of course, free, fair and credible election will continue to be a mirage to us, so long as there would not be morality in politics.

He called on Nigerians to be very security conscious and report suspicious movements in and around their respective communities to relevant security agencies.

The JNI commiserated with those that lost their loved ones, particularly the Agwam Adara, Dr Maiwada Galadima, killed on Friday by kidnappers.

We also wish speedy recovery to all victims of the dastardly violent acts in Nigeria and may Allah continue to secure our lives, environments and properties. the secretary general said.

Aliyu added that the JNI is perturbed over the discovery of a shallow grave where it was reportedly said late Major General I. M. Alkalis body was exhumed.

Therefore, in line with the information given by the Nigerian Army, we call on the government not to be deterred for the search of the dead body.

We call on the Nigerian Army to recover the Generals dead body wherever it is, in order for the family to give him a befitting funeral.

However, if it becomes a herculean task for the Nigerian Army, then in line with the Islamic rites, the Muslim Ummah along with family members could conduct Salatul Ghaa-ib, Muslim funerals in absentia, for the deceased General.

Indeed we are from Allah, the Most High and unto Him alone is our return. May Allah, the Most High take us out of the present plight and bring to us after the unfortunate massacre, something better, Aliyu added. (NAN)

Source: NAN

The Tanzania wife to a Nigerian, Mrs Leyness Mangu Irumudomo, has been killed in South Africa.

The Nigerian Community in South Africa has expressed dismay by the fatal shooting of the wife of a member.

Late Mrs Irumudomo, a.k.a. Mama Lee, 43, was a Tanzanian married to Mr Jackson Igbinosa Irumudomo, a native of Ekpoma in Edo.

They had three children.

Her husband told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the telephone from Pretoria, South Africa, that Mama Lee was shot on Oct. 26, in Soweto.

He said that prior to her death, the Tanzanian had threat text messages.

My wife and her fellow Tanzanian worked together in the same mall and because of misunderstanding in their work place, the another lady sent her threat messages.

A docket was opened at Pretoria Central Police Station on the threat to her life by her colleague, who is also a Tanzanian, he said.

Irumudomo said that the death was painful and that he and their children would miss his wife sorely.

Mr Adetola Olubajo, President of the Nigerian Union in South Africa, said that the body was saddened by the death of Mama Lee.

She was an amiable business woman and a blessing to friends and family. She will be greatly missed because of the vacuum her absence has created, he said.

Olubajo, however, said that the union was worried that killing was now fashionable within the Nigerian community.

A Nigerian was shot dead in Hillbrow, Johannesburg, last week, nothing has been done to bring the perpetrators to book.

People are now bold to kill one another just by the slightest disagreement because the killers of Nigerians and their family members are not brought to book, he said.

Olubajo also said that we need investigation and prosecution of the murder cases involving Nigerians directly or indirectly. (NAN)

Source: NAN

Worried by the continued traffic gridlock in Lagos, the federal government has challenged Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, Nigeria (CILTN) to find lasting solutions.

Transport minister Rotimi Amaechi made the call at the 2018 CILTN Conference in Lagos and said the transport professionals should come up with empirical blue print to end the vehicular traffic on Apapa roads.

The minister, who was represented by Mr Esuabana Asonye, Director of Transport Policy and Coordination in the ministry, said the inaccessibility of the ports had become an economic setback for country.

As a key stakeholder in the sector, the clout of the Institute remains paramount to the economic development of the nation.

It is therefore my expectation that the conference will end with resolutions to fast track the development of the sector in all facets, especially practical ones to end the Apapa menace.

My hope is to see human capacity development of transport professionals in certification, licensing, monitoring, evaluation, research and advocacy which are the hallmark of the institute, to become world class in scope and output.

He also said the Lagos traffic dilemma had for years affected the flow of freight and trade.

According to him, the ministry is expecting pragmatic inputs from the conference to end the traffic.

The theme of this years conference is Trucks in Freight Logistics System: Issues in Nigeria Economic Development.(NAN)

Source: NAN

Bishop David Oyedepo of Living Faith Church worldwide has warned Nigerians and politicians over the unending killings in some parts of Nigeria

Oyedepo issued the warning in a satellite telecast of the churchs prayer session for the nation monitored by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Sunday in Abuja.

The Bishop, while urging politicians to repent and have value for the lives of citizens, said if they do not repent after this warning, they would fall down for the sake of the nation.

Politicians be warned, whether in power or not in power. There is no day Nigeria will become an Islamic nation and this nation will remain one nation.

Allow the Christians to go to church, allow the Muslims go to their mosque and let the traditional worshippers do their thing.

God is giving Nigeria peace by all means, the peace of those promoting this wickedness, God is taking away, if they refuse to repent. Their supplies shall dry up because Nigeria shall not see war.

He said that every leader is just a caretaker and God remains the creator and owner of every Nation including Nigeria.

He added that Nigeria would have peace when they understand that God is in control of everything including the land.

When a caretaker start behaving like a landlord he will be removed. God is the permanent landlord of the earth.

The God of heaven has given you authority and power. He has given you might and glory. Pride makes us think that we do not need God. Pride separates us from God. Nebuchadnezzar did not give credit to God, and God had enough.

God had warned Nebuchadnezzar and had been very patient with him. But finally, the prophecy came true. All of the things that he was so proud of were taken away.

Nebuchadnezzar had to eat grass just like the goats and cows! He was used to living in a grand palace, but now he had no shelter over his head; For 7 years, the great King Nebuchadnezzar lived out there in the wilderness like an animal.

He lost his mind; he became crazy without God, he was helpless because he refused to listen to the warning from the Lord, he said.

According to Bishop, Gods dominion is everlasting to everlasting and His kingdom is from generation to generation.

Politicians are not extraordinary people, they only have grace, if they dont harken to this warning of the Lord they will suffer disgrace.

Too many arrogant foes, who pose to own this nation, be warned because the day of Gods judgement is here.

God enthrones kings and removes kings, he added.

Oyedepo cursed the killers of the First Class Chief in Kaduna State, the Agom Adara, His Royal Highness Maiwada Galadima, who was kidnapped and later found dead.

He described those behind the cruel act as enemies of humanity and the Almighty God.

All those involved in the killing of Galadima and his aides! Their generation will be forgotten. Everyone of the perpetrators they will end up in shame.

Everyone that wont let the Church rest. Everyone that wont let the nation rest. Their rest is taken from them. (1 Chronicles 20:12,23-24). In the name of Jesus, this gangup against the nation will fail.

I have said it before, if you are not angry with the wicked, you are wicked. God is angry with the wicked everyday, he said.

Oyedepo enjoined Christians be involved in fostering the present revival of the nation by God through their prayers and evangelism, saying that they are entitled to rewards from the Lord.

The had warned politicians to stop arming youths, expressing indications of political interest in recent civil disorders in parts of Nigeria, including Kaduna state.

JNI on Sunday also cautioned politicians against unguarded utterances following crisis in some parts of the country.

The Secretary General of JNI, Dr Khalid Aliyu, condemned recent crisis in parts of Adamawa and Kaduna states and noted that the problems were allowed to fester by the failure of government to properly punish the perpetrators.

Government on the other hand, particularly the judiciary should dispense justice promptly and appropriately, as there are cries over the delay tactics within the system, which has given impetus to the recurring communal crisis in Nigeria, he said.

Source: NAN

At least three members of Shiites died and two soldiers wounded when members of the proscribed Islamic sect clashed with Nigerian Army who were in the escort of ammunition and missiles.

The troops were taking the arms from Abuja to Army Central Ammunition Depot in Kaduna State.

The face-off took place in Zuba in Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the Army confirmed on Sunday that the clash with the sect members on happened on Saturday.

The Commander, Army Headquarters Garrison, Abuja, Maj.-Gen. James Myam said on Sunday that troops of the Garrison were attacked at about 3 p.m. at Zuba bridge by the sect as they escort ammunitions and missiles from Abuja to Army Central Ammunition Depot in Kaduna State.

The sect members, who were supposedly to be in a procession, established an illegal road block denying motorists free passage.

When the troops convoy attempted to clear the road block, they met stiff opposition from the sect.

Members of the sect used various objects to barricade the road and also pelted the troops with stones and other dangerous items.

They smashed both military and civilian vehicles windscreens and windows.

They also attempted to overrun the escorts to cart away the ammunition and missiles the troops were escorting. This led to the troops opening fire to extricate themselves.

Consequently, troops of 102 Guards Battalion in whose Area of Responsibility the incident occurred rushed to the convoys rescue, Myam said.

He, however, said normalcy had been restored in the area and advised members of the public especially those plying the Abuja-Zuba road, to go about their normal activities.

The commander assured the public that no individual or persons would be allowed to disturb public peace or provoke attacks against military convoys. (NAN)

Source: NAN

Ethiopia is to issue visa on arrival to all Africans starting Nov. 9, according to Fitsum Arega, chief of staff at the Ethiopian Prime Minister.

In a press statement, Arega said the visa-on-arrival policy for fellow African visitors is in line with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmeds vision of a closer and full integration in the continent.

Consistent with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmeds vision of a closer and full regional integration in Africa, where minds are open to ideas and markets are open to trade, Ethiopia will start on arrival visa to all Africans starting from Nov. 9, 2018, Arega said.

Ethiopia hopes the visa-on-arrival initiative would facilitate the economic integration of Africa by pushing tourist flow to a higher level and help advance conference tourism.

The east African country, which hosts the headquarters of the continental body, the African Union (AU), also hopes that the move will assist the AUs initiative on the free movement of people. The AU urged all African countries to issue visa on arrival as of 2023.

Source: NAN

By Emmanuel Afonne

For Barrister Aida-Nath Ogwuche, Benue State House of Assembly female aspirant for Ogbadibo Constituency in Zone C in the 2018 primary election of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the event has come and gone but the memories lives on.

From all indication, the conduct of the Sept. 29 primary election was a bitter experience, though the partys leadership in the state has described the entire process as peaceful with the loser embracing the winner.

Ogwuches lamentation to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) suggests that the PDP in Ogbadibo might go into the 2019 general election deeply divided.

She alleged that her opponents used thugs to terrify, attack and almost stripped her naked in the public because of their bias for her gender.

The acclaimed UK trained lawyer also alleged that the entire exercise was marred by irregularities occasioned by alleged falsification of authentic delegates list which eventually disenfranchised some of her supporters.

According to her, the build-up to the primaries witnessed a lot of intimidation and harassment of supporters and delegates that should have voted for her, after attempts to force her to step down for her opponent failed.

Before we went into the stadium where the primary election took place, my agent, my coordinators and some key persons in my campaign team were threatened.

Some thugs were looking for my agent Adolowu Lawani, while few of them walked straight to the vice chairman of my ward and the women leader and told them that they will chop off their fingers if they voted for me; they were threatened right there outside the stadium when they were on queue.

The thugs went as far as warning my campaign coordinator; I was standing with him but they never knew I was the lady aspirant. They even mentioned the name of the leader of their group, and said that, he sent them to warn him, and at this point I began to fear for my life and everything.

When we went inside, we discovered that the delegate list has been changed. The list that was used was not the original list sent from Abuja which they used for the governorship.

Also, when it was the turn of Ogbadibo delegates cast their votes, I heard the leader of the party in the local government, Chris Adabba Abba, saying he was going to stand as the agent of my opponent and that everyone should not vote by themselves but hand the ballot for him to write on behalf of all.

At this point, I sensed the process had been hijacked, because, as our leader, he has undue influence on the delegates.

To make good his plans, he (Abba) stood as the agent of my opponent and was snatching ballot papers from delegates to write the name of the aspirant who eventually is his cousin.

And when my agent (Lawani) raised observation and confronted him, he threatened to slap him, and the whole situation became chaotic and the electoral officers threatened to suspend the process, Ogwuche narrated.

She recounted her ordeal in the hands of the thugs whom she alleged were working for her opponent and the leader of the party in the area, stressing that such treatment was an affront on the sensitivity of the female folk.

I saw multitudes gather against my agent and I got closer, I saw the some boys hitting him and before I knew it, they pounced on me; they beat me up mercilessly, tore my clothes and stripped me naked in the public right there in the stadium. They also punched my eyes and pulled my hair.

This was what I faced. All these bullying, harassment and intimidation, just because some people feel more entitled to hold this position than myself. This is unacceptable.

Im calling on all authorities out there and good Nigerians to look into this situation. This cannot continue to go on, the ill treatments against female folk must stop and this is where it stops, she added.

No matter the sympathy or bias, the position of some stakeholders who spoke to NAN appeared to have diluted the allegations brought forward by the female aspirant.

The Chairman of Aiodo Ward 1, where Ogwuche came from, Hon. Idoko Ojo, alias Ojotu said the exercise was conducted in a free and fair atmosphere.

He also dismissed the claims of harassment and intimidation of any voter and falsification of the delegates list as alleged by the female aspirant.

On that fateful day, our Party delegates voted peacefully and there was no form of violence, harassment or intimidation.

Our people respect the zoning arrangements existing in our constituency a lot; that was why some of us advised Aida to wait till it gets to the turn of our own district to go to the House of Assembly, but she refused. She kept thinking that she could do magic to win but the reality was that she lost out, he stated.

Ojo further alleged that his life was now being threatened by some suspected cultists who he claimed were sent by the aspirant to recover the money she gave to the delegates during the primary election.

I got a phone call by an unknown caller and I asked to know the identity of the person. But he told me not to bother about his name. He asked me if I was Ojotu and I said yes. He said he was directed to arrange all the money that Aida gave to me and send back to him.

He said when he insisted on putting Aida on a conference call, he refused but rather asked that he should be given time to call Aida and get back to him. He called me back after about 30 minutes to inform that Aida was angry that I didnt vote for her despite coming from her ward.

I told him that this is politics and in our place we respect zoning. And since it was not our turn, we cannot support her.

I advised her before the election to retrace her steps, work for the Party and wait for the turn of our people and that by the law of natural justice, we will reciprocate by supporting her but all these advise fell on deaf ears.

Mr Lawrence Oko, The Chairman of Owukpa Ehaje ward 2, in a telephone interview with NAN vowed to take legal action against Ogwuche if she continued to malign the names of party leaders in the area.

Oko expressed anger over the unfounded allegations against the party and the entire exercise describing it as an attempt to destroy the unity of PDP in Ogbadibo.

I am compelled to say that the zoning arrangement did not favour her constituency because the incumbent legislator is from her ward, so, it greatly affected her chances in the election.

She polled 52 votes, while Peter Enemari who was eventually declared the winner, garnered 79 votes.

There was no form of protests, crisis, disputes or violence over the outcome and that was why we were shocked when complained about the outcome of the election at the PDP National Secretariat and also going to the media to tarnish the image of our Party.

She massively doled out cash to lure some of the delegates to vote for her and I believe that was where her problem started because she tried to collect the money back from those whom she felt disappointed her.

Oko, however, said that efforts have been made to resolve the issue with Ogwuche family members to ensure the party go into the general election as a united group.

PDP Woman leader in Ogbadibo Local Government Area Hon. Eloyi Onekele also dismissed Ogwuches claim.

She said: How can she claim that a fake delegate list was used for the election whereas it was the same delegate list that was used for Governorship, Senate and House of Representatives primary elections.

It is also good for our party leaders and indeed, the general public to know that both the Senate, House of Representatives and House of Assembly primaries were held at the same venue, same time and concurrently for six out of the nine Local Government Areas that make up Zone C.

So, there is no basis for anybody to believe Ogwuches allegation that a fake delegate list was used for the election.

It would be interesting to note that Ogbadibo parades some of the notable and influential politicians in Benue Politics such as Chris Adabba Abba, alias Mad lion who is the party leader in the area and has remained a committed member of the PDP; Hon. Joseph Ojobo, an incumbent member of the States House of Assembly and Hon. Ijiga Oko, a former Local Government Chairman and also former state Financial Secretary of the PDP and now Special Adviser on Assembly matters to the Governor.

Others are Hon. Jerry Agada, former Minister of State for Health; Hon. Hassan Saleh, the incumbent member House of Representative representing Ado-Okpokwu-Ogbadibo constituency; Hon Sunday Ojo, former Local Government Chairman, among others.

For political convenience, the Local Government Area which is made up of three major districts; Otukpa, Orokam and Owukpa has a total of 13 council wards with Otukpa having six wards, Orokam three and Owukpa four wards.

These three districts have often rotated the Ogbadibo State Constituency seat amongst themselves.

In 1979, it was the present Honourable Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development, Honourable Chief Audu Ogbe of (Ai-Oono Ward 2 in Otukpa) that represented the area, while Hon. Christopher Ajunwa of (Olachagbaha Ward in Otukpa) took his turn in 1983.

The1999 election saw the emergence of Hon. Edoka Nnaji of Ai-Oodo Ward 2 as the Constituencys representative, an indication that the zoning formula moved from Ai-Oono to Olachagbaha and to Ai-oodo and therefore natural that it should now be the turn of Ai-Oono which has two more wards that has never enjoyed this position since 1982.

It was on this basis that the seat was unanimously zoned to Ai-oono Ward 3, which made stakeholders from the area to see the entry of Ogwuche into the race as plan to truncate the long-existing political equation in the area.

It was evident that the stepping down of six other aspirants who hail from Ai-oodo area, namely; Hon. Ebije Benjamin, Hon. Andrew Idoko, Hon. Gabriel Ameh and Hon. Ehikowoicho all of Ai-oodo Ward 2 and Hon. Emmanuel Abba and Hon. Onoja Umoru both from Ai-oodo ward 1, was in adherence to the political calculation which favoured Peter Enemari who is from Ai-oono.

Only Ogwuche refused to step-down for Enemari, in spite not getting the support of stakeholders based on the zoning formula.

Interestingly, winner of the Ogbadibo Constituency primary election, Peter Enemari, has extended a hand of fellowship to Ogwuche.

He described her as a dogged fighter and an asset to the party in the area but insisted that she must be ready to face the reality of the election, for them to move forward.

Enemari said: I am surprised with the hullabaloo emanating from the primary election because Aida Ogwuche embraced and congratulated me after the election.

So, I dont know where the story of rejection of result, fake list and attacks are coming from; we left the venue peacefully and nobody protested or was attacked.

Source: NAN

President Muhammadu Buhari has called on Europe and America to help in the recharge of Lake Chad to restore normal life to millions of people in the area.

He said that the greatest investment Europe and America could make in Africa was to help the continent accomplish inter-basin water transfer to recharge the Lake Chad.

The President said at the State House, when he hosted the chairman of the African Union Commission, Mr Moussa Faki Mahamat.

According to him, because of climate change, the Lake Chad which has been a source of livelihood to millions of people in the region, has shrunk to about 10 per cent of its original size.

People who depended on the lake for fishing, farming, animal husbandry, and many others, have been thrown into dire straits.

That is one of the reasons youths now dare the Sahara Desert and the Mediterranean Sea, to seek greener pastures in Europe. But helping to recharge Lake Chad will help a great deal in curbing irregular migration.

The president also promised that issues of security, including the influx of small arms from the Sahel, which has worsened the conflict between herders and stagnant farmers will be kept on the front burner.

At all international fora, we emphasize the matter of Lake Chad. We also talk about the influx of small arms from the Sahel, which worsens the security situation between herders and stagnant farmers. We will keep the issues on the front burners, he said.

The AU Commission Chairman on his part commended President Buhari, saying his leadership was good for Nigeria, for AU, and for Africa in general.

He described Nigeria as the engine of Africa, politically, economically and in the areas of peace and security.

Source: NAN

Senate President Bukola Saraki has an uphill battle on his hand to save his Kwara Central Senatorial seat as he faces a poll contest with 16 other candidates, four of whom are women.

According to details published by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC),Saraki, will fly the flag of the Peoples Democratic Party in the election. The last time he contested in 2015, he ran on the All Progressives Congress platform.

His rivals in the February 16, 2019 election will include the candidates of All Progressives Congress (APC) and Africa Democratic Congress (ADC) as well as those of 14 other political parties.

The four women seeking the Kwara Central Senatorial seat with Saraki are Abubakar Khadijat Akanni of MPN, Okanlawon Adekunle Taiwo of GPN, AbdulWaheed Mariam Titilayo of ADP and AbdulSalam Kuburat of LP.

Other candidates for the seat are a former member of the State House of Assembly Dr Yahaya Oloriegbe (APC), Abdurahman Garuba (AP), Ambali Mujaheed (ACPN), Babatunde Sambo (SDP), Abdulraheem Abubakar (ADC) and Mohammed Saidu of Peoples Trust (PT).

In Kwara North, Alhaji Sodiq Umar of the APC will slug it out with Zakari Mohammed of PDP while Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of PDP and Architect Lola Ashiru of APC are the frontline candidates in Kwara South.

On the list for Oyo South Senatorial District were the incumbent, Senator Adesoji Akanbi, who is running on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the incumbent governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, who is running on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Akanbi was elected on the APC platform in 2015. He defected to ADC in September when he discovered that Governor Ajimobi had obtained the form for his seat. While he hails from Ibadan North West Local Government Area, Ajimobi hails from Ibadan South West Local Government Area.

Also contending for the same seat from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is Mr Adebayo Lawal while Mr Fola Akinosun is angling for it on the platform of African Democratic Party (ADP).

In Oyo Central District, former Senate Leader Teslim Folarin of APC will slug it out with the incumbent, Senator Monsurat Sunmonu. The latter was also elected on the platform of the APC in 2015 but defected to ADC recently. Folarin picked the APC ticket this time. He defected from the PDP earlier in the year.

PDP fielded Mr Oyebisi Ilaka while ADP fielded the current member, House of Representatives for Lagelu/Akinyele Federal Constituency, Hon. Olatoye Temitope Subaru.

In Oyo North, the incumbent, Senator Fatai Buhari of APC will slug it out with PDPs Hon. Mulikat Akande-Adeola, ADCs Adeleke Lawal Adebayo and ADPs Ahmed Salawudeen. Akande-Adeola is a former Majority Leader, House of Representatives.

With some of the political juggernauts racing for the same seat, the 2019 senatorial election in Oyo State promises to be very interesting.

Also on the new INECs list for the senatorial race are Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu (Enugu West), Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha (Imo West) and former Minister of State for Works Dayo Adeyeye (Ekiti South), among others.

Ekweremadus opponents in Enugu West include Juliet Ibekaku-Nwagwu (APC), Ken Onyekaonwu (UPP), Ozoani Chinedu (JMPP), Philomena Agu (SDP), Gbazueagu Nweke Gbazueagu (APGA), Walter Oji (ADC), Anayo Ononugbo (Green Party of Nigeria) and Charles Aninweze (NAC).

The main candidates that will battle it out in Enugu North are incumbent Senator Chuka Utazi (PDP), former Enugu State House of Assembly Speaker, Eugene Odo (APC), Hope Ubulu (UPP), Samuel Omenihu (GDPN), Nwokolo Chuka (Mega Party) and Eze Simon Chukwuma (CCPC) while former Enugu Governor Chimaroke Nnamani (PDP) will face Lawrence Eze (APC), Ibiyemi Akanji Ariyo (GDPN), Okafor Doree Ijeoma (KOWA), Eze Mark Anthony (SDP) in Enugu East.

Ekiti North Senatorial District: Olubunmi Adetunmbi (APC), Duro Faseyi (PDP).

Ekiti Central: Opeyemi Bamidele (APC), Obafemi Adewale (PDP).

Ekiti South: Dayo Adeyeye (APC), Mrs. Biodun Olujimi (PDP).

The PDP has the following as its candidates for the House of Representatives elections: Kehinde Agboola (Ekiti North 1), Akin Awodumila (Ekiti South 2), Mr. Segun Adekola (Ekiti South 1), Mr Ayo Oladimeji (Ekiti Central), Bisi Kolawole (Ekiti Central 2) and Sola Omotoso (Ekiti North 2) while the APC will be fielding Peter Owolabi (Ekiti North 1), Ibrahim Olarewaju (Ekiti North 2), Sola Fatoba (Ekiti Central 1), Mrs. Omowumi Ogunlola (Ekiti Central 2), Yemi Adaramodu (Ekiti South 1) and former Ekiti House of Assembly Speaker, Mr. Femi Bamisile.

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Source: NAN

By Idris Olukoya

Mr Ganiyu Balogun, Managing Director, Tarzan Boat Company Ltd, has applauded the Nigerian Marine Police for ensuring the safety of lives and properties on the waterways.

Balogun told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos, on Saturday that marine policemen have devoted adequate hours policing Lagos waters towards ensuring the safety of both operators and users.

Boat operators have not lodged any complaint about stolen boats in the last few months.

There is no record of sea pirates attack in Lagos in the last one year, he said.

Balogun recalled that about 10 years ago, more than seven boats worth millions of naira were stolen by pirates.

Up till date, those boats are yet to be recovered.

Since that time up till now, I have not experience stolen boat, the marine police are on top of their duty by patrolling the waterways regularly, he said.

He, however, called for the provision of the needed facilities for marine police officers to enable them to continue to discharge their duties on waterways effectively.

Balogun said that water transportation business was a serious business that required seriousness and attention from both the government and operators.

Government should pay attention to water transportation as they take road and air transportation seriously.

For a state like Lagos, the government needs to pay attention to water transportation as an alternative means of transport to the road.

This development will help to decongest traffic on the road.

According to him, water transportation is capital intensive to maintain boats.

He equates investment in marine transport to that of air transport business, saying boat engines and other elements that go with it were very expensive to acquire.

It is almost like operating aircraft business with functional airports, just as water transportation requires functional jetties and terminals across the state.

There is a need for government to provide soft loans as incentives to operators to ease their funding challenges.

Because it is capital intensive to run a successful boat transport business.

There is the need for Public, Private, Partnership (PPP), he said.

Balogun, however, commended National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) and Lagos State Water Authority (LASWA) for ensuring smooth operations on the waterways.

Source: NAN

By Yemi Adeleyerrds

Leaders of Buhari Youth Organisation (BYO), on Saturday said that the achievements of President Muhammadu Buhari had been under-reported to the public.

The group made this known during its 3rd Annual Independence Youth Pep Talk Programme organised in partnership with the National Committee of Buhari Support Groups (NCBSG) held in Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event, which brought hundreds of young Buharis supporters, was tagged: Change Mantra-Before, Now and the Future (Account of the Current Government).

In his address, Sen. Abu Ibrahim, the Chairman, Board of Trustees, NCBSG, said that the achievements of Buhari were huge in terms of infrastructure, security, transport and economy, which were not well reported in the media.

Abu, who was represented by Otunba Abiodun Ajiboye, the National Secretary of NCBSG, said that the objective of the event was to create awareness about the achievements of Buharis government.

There is no doubt that the gigantic achievements of this administration have been under-reported and as such, efforts have to be made to sound it clear into the ears of those who never want our success story.

It has become more important today than ever to focus on the achievements of this administration since the only question people ask is what are the achievements of this government?

In fairness to those in opposition and those asking such questions, politics is a game of self appraisal. After all, if you do not blow your trumpet, no one will blow it for you, he said.

The senator, who lauded Buharis achievements, said that Buharis administration had a lot to its credit.

If the ability to protect lives and property is not an achievement, then what is an achievement?

The ability to look at corruption in the face and confront it is indeed a new beginning.

It is the beginning of a new Nigeria that will lead the country into prosperity. Buhari deserves to be re-elected in 2019 and will be re-elected, Abu said.

On his part, Mr Abdulwaheed Odunuga, the Coordinator of BYO, Lagos State, noted that the media had the responsibility of informing the public about the achievements of government.

Odunuga said that inadequate information about the President achievements could affect the goodwill of the government.

According to him, the President had delivered on his three cardinal objectives which are security, economy and anti-corruption.

The National President of BYO, Malam Yusuf Nalado, reiterated that the President had improved on security, agriculture and economy with a rise in external reserves, among other achievements.

I urge you to remain focus and resolute as 2019 elections approach. Our youths should not be deceived with money.

Nigerian youths should be focused and reject money bags who might want to use them. They should not yield to the temptation of vote buyers.

God has helped Nigeria by giving us somebody like President Buhari who is a man of integrity and ho will not loot the treasury. We have to make sure we support him, Nalado said.

He urged members of the BYO to remain committed toward re-electing Buhari and prevent the main opposition party, PDP, from making a come-back to government.

The Keynote Speaker, Mr Ife Adebayo, Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President on Innovation and Entrepreneurship, said that President Buharis achievements in energy, agriculture and youth empowerment were huge.

Adebayo recalled that Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Friday also inaugurated another power project in Lagos to show the commitment of the government to energy, among others, to ease business.

Chief Yetunde Babajide, South-West Woman Leader, National Committee of Buhari Support Group (BSG), said that the President had brought positive changes to the country and should be allowed to consolidate on his achievements by re-electing him in 2019 elections.

Babajide said that the youth, the old, the women, had felt good governance in Buhari-led administration in the last three years.

She advised Nigerians to bring Buhari back in 2019 elections for the country to continue to enjoy peace and progress. (NAN)

Source: NAN

At least four people were killed and 12 shot and three officers injured responding to an active shooting incident at a Pittsburgh synagogue on Saturday, local media and CNN reported.

There are fatalities, an emergency responder said on local television station KDKA. The conditions of the officers were not immediately known.

A bearded heavy-set white male was in custody, KDKA said, adding that responding officers received fire.

The suspect is in custody, said Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf, who was at the scene of the shooting according to local media. We are providing local first responders with whatever help they need, Wolf said on Twitter.

Earlier, a police commander said the shooting resulted in multiple casualties. Police surrounded the Tree of Life synagogue after reports of an active shooter at the building in the citys Squirrel Hill neighborhood, local TV news images showed.

Do not come out of your home right now, it is not safe, Pittsburgh police Commander Jason Lando warned local residents, in an impromptu news conference at the scene.

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Source: NAN

By Felicia Imohimi

The Advocacy for Development, Health and Environmental Sustainability, an NGO, has urged the government and other policy makers to fulfil their promises to eradicate poverty.

Mr Adah Shem, Executive Director of the organisation, made the plea during an Awareness Campaign on Psycho-Social, Maternal Healthcare Assistance Programme (PMH) held in Abuja on Saturday.

The PMH programme is an initiative of the Advocacy for Support of Community Needs and Development Initiatives,an NGO, meant to provide indigent children with free access to primary healthcare, academic grants, food, shelter and psycho-social counseling.

Shem said that such collaborative measure was key in reducing poverty, maternal and newborn deaths as well as achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.

He suggested that challenges like lack of food, lack of access to primary healthcare, schools and social amenities and infrastructure development like potable water, among others, should be addressed.

Shem said that, Ifchildren and women are empowered academically and with entrepreneurial skills, they will be self reliant and this will reduce street hawking, begging, among others.

Children need to be in school and that orphan needs proper care.

One of the key issues bedeviling development, particularly in developing countries is project implementation; be it from the start, planning stage to the implementation and monitoring.

So, we must collaborate in the area of advocacy. We want accountability of the little resources we have.

We want to see transparency in management of funds and fulfilment of promises made during electioneering processes.

If we say we want to eradicate poverty, we must be serious about it. Stakeholders, CSOs must join forces so that we can achieve results.

Whatever any stakeholder is doing is geared toward SDGs; so we are calling for more hands, more people, more actors to support in the actualisation of SDGs.

No one organisation can achieve it all and neither can government be able to drive it all. So everybody must be transparent, responsible and accountable in whatever he or she is doing to enable us meet SDGs target by 2030, he said.

Mr Adedamola Adediran, President and Founder of Advocacy for Support of Community Needs and Development Initiatives, said the group would collaborate with other NGOs, institutions to improve the lives of the people and ensure better life for the vulnerable group.

According to him, the objective of the PMH campaign was to chart a course to eradicate poverty.

The PMH was initiated because of inequality, deprivation, child poverty, because women and children are most affected by poverty in the country.

We realised that the only way to alleviate these problems and meet 2030 SDGs target is to create programmes to cater for the need of children and women, Adediran said.

Source: NAN

The National Leadership of Intellectual Think Tank For Atiku (ITTA), a foremost campaign organisation has reiterated its commitment to rally support for the PDP Presidential Candidate Atiku Abubakar in the 774 Local Government Areas.

Evang. Theophilus Ohuoba, National Chairman, ITTA, who made the pledge during a courtesy call on Chief Mrs Amina Titi Abubakar, at her Maitama residence in Abuja on Thursday said the group was already mobilizing for the poll.

Ohuoba said the essence of the visit was to congratulate and celebrate with her on the peaceful and transparent conduct of the PDP Presidential primaries which saw her husband Atiku emerge as presidential candidate.

The National Chairman said members of the group would work in all the wards nationwide to ensure Atikus victory as the President and commander-in-chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria come 2019 general election.

He lauded Titi for her unrelenting support for her husband which showed she was indeed a good wife and pillar behind the successful political carrier of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar .

Ohuoba also commended her motherly role among Nigerians irrespective of religious or ethnic affiliation.

The national chairman enjoined Nigerians to continue to pray for long life and good health for Atiku and his entire family and also reminded the Nation that a vote for Atikuobi 2019 would be a vote for Economic growth and prosperity.

He said job creation for our teaming youth, Security of lives and Properties of Citizens would be guaranteed.

Restructuring of Nigeria, unifying the nation by running an all-inclusive government, ensuring the rule of law prevails and the supremacy of the constitution, in effect is a vote to get Nigeria working again, he said.

In her remark, Titi welcomed the National chairman and expressed her appreciation to ITTA for the visit.

She urged the group to work towards its vision for a better Nigeria.

Titi used the opportunity to thank ITTA for all the nationwide support it had galvanised towards the realisation of her husbands ambition of assuming the office of the President in the 2019 Presidential election.

She further called for prayers for the peace and unity of the nation as the 2019 general elections approached.

ITTA is a national political campaign organisation working for the actualisation of the ambition of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar in the 2019 Presidential election.

Source: NAN

A committee of the Kano State House of Assembly today opened investigations into the allegations of bribery involving the State Governor, Umar Abdullahi Ganduje.

DailyNigerian.com had published a video showing Ganduje collecting several bundles of dollar bills and tucking some in his babaringa.

The online newspaper claimed the money was collected as kickback from a contractor.

Government claimed the video was doctored and vowed to sue the newspaper and its publisher for blackmail.

The newspapers publisher, Jafar Jafar, who had been in hiding since the video was published emerged today at the Assembly premises, to meet protests by school children. One of the placards, carried by the kids said, Jafar, your video will not stop us from voting Ganduje.

*Details later.

Source: NAN

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, believed to be a multi-billionaire has declared a paltry yearly personal income of N20 million.

The shocking revelation was contained in the credentials that Atiku filed with the the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The PDP candidate, who prides himself as a businessman and job creator said he earned only N60.2 million in three years and paid a paltry N10.8 million tax between 2015 and 2017.

Some reports have estimated Atikus wealth at about $1.4 billion.

In 2014, Atiku boasted that he was the greatest employer of labour in Nigeria, with about 50,000 Nigerians on his payroll.

As an individual, I believe my record in employing young Nigerians is unrivalled by any single private investor in Nigeria, the former vice president said.

He has investments in media, shipping, education, and other sectors. One of the companies, where he has substantial interest is Intels, which recently ran into trouble with the Nigerian government for not remitting revenue due to the Nigerian treasury.

He is also the founder of American University in Yola and has a chain of schools under ABTI brand.

He owns Prodeco, a property development company and Prodeco International, operating in Oil

President Muhammadu Buhari has inaugurated the $600 million Port Harcourt International Airport terminal funded by the Export-Import Bank of China and the Nigerian Government.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the terminal was constructed by China Civil Engineering and Construction Company (CCECC).

The company is also constructing new terminals in Abuja, Kano and Lagos International Airports..

Buhari said the new international terminal would address the increasing international air travel needs of the country, adding that the increase in population had also added impetus.

He said that since the existing terminals in all the major airports in the country were opened in late 1970s and early 1980s, not much had been done to increase their handling capacities by successive administrations

The president said that the completion of the project was in line with his administrations commitment to completing all ongoing projects initiated by his predecessors in the transport sector.

I am very pleased to formally commission the new international terminal of the Port Harcourt Airport, Omagwa today.

This ceremony represents a significant landmark for international air travellers, especially from the South-South region and the entire country.

You will recall that after the opening of the major airport terminals in the country in the late 70s and early 1980s, not too much was added to increase the passenger handling capacity by successive administrations.

Following the large increase in the number of passengers and air passenger travel, the terminal became grossly inadequate to cater for the increasing passenger travel.

Today I commissioned the new International Terminal of the Port Harcourt Airport. A significant landmark for International air travellers, not just from the South South region, but also the entire Country.
We will continue to upgrade Nigeria’s transport and power infrastructure. https://t.co/lFMhI2Dneg

— Muhammadu Buhari (@MBuhari) October 25, 2018

Although, palliative measures were periodically carried out on facilities to repair the wear and tear.

The Federal Government is responding to global trend of which aviation has become a catalyst for economic growth and facilitates the movement of persons, he said.

Buhari said the construction of four international terminals in Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt and Kano were embarked upon by the Federal Government with a view to modernising the aging airport infrastructure, maintaining the global aviation standard and improved service delivery in tandem with international best practices.

He expressed confidence that the new terminal would help to enhance the economic activities in the state and commended the people of the state for their patience during the construction period.

President Buhari also tweeted about the great occasion:

Today I commissioned the new International Terminal of the Port Harcourt Airport. A significant landmark for International air travellers, not just from the South South region, but also the entire Country. We will continue to upgrade Nigerias transport and power infrastructure.

Muhammadu Buhari (@MBuhari)

In his remarks, Gov. Nyesom Wike of Rivers, said the people of the state and the entire Niger Delta region were happy that the project was completed and inaugurated.

According to Wike, what has happened today shows that the state is safe for people to come and invest.

He said the state government was ready to partner with the Federal Government to develop transport infrastructure in the state.

Wike commended the Federal Government for the completion of the new terminal building.

The Minister of State for Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika, said the project was executed in partnership with the Chinese Government involving 500 million dollars loan from China Exim Bank and 100 million dollars counterpart funding from the Nigerian government.

Sirika said the airport had the capacity to process seven million passengers annually, bigger than what Ghana could process annually.

He said the project was expected to be delivered within a period of two years, adding that as at the time the present administration came on board, the level of work was below 30 per cent.

He added that the project was also bedevilled with various technical challenges which included foundation design change, inaccessibility to apron, inadequate apron, master plan distortion, water and sewage provision, litigation and inadequate power supply.

According to him, the administration has achieved a milestone in the implementation of its aviation road map.

Source: NAN

By Aderogba George

A Federal High Court, Abuja, has vacated the interim order, directing that about N1.4billion in an Access Bank account, belonging to late Chief Dike Udensi be forfeited to the Federal Government.

The forfeiture suit was filed by the Federal Governments, Special Presidential Investigation Panel for the Recovery of Public Property, headed by Mr Okoi Obno-Obla.

In her ruling, Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu, said that in view of the absence of the whistle-blower to substantiate his claims, the order of interim forfeiture granted on April 10, is hereby vacated and subsequently struck out.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that a motion challenging the forfeiture order, was filed by Mr Mike Orjiako, counsel to the respondent.

Orjiako led other counsel, which included Henry Iheanacho, Orjiako Precious and Orjiako Unique-Mike for the respondents.

Orjiako, after the ruling, said that the whistle-blower be charged to court because the reputation of Dike Udensis family had been smeared, maligned and disparaged before the public.

The applicant`s counsel, Celsius Ukpong, had earlier told the court to vacate the order, adding that the whistle-blower had gone underground and had failed to give correct information to substantiate his claims.

He had claimed that the amount in question was proceeds from oil bunkering.

The court had directed that a report of settlement be reached by the both parties and should be filed before the court on June 12.

Mr Ukpong had earlier informed the court that the presidential panel could not produce a report of settlement involving the parties contrary to the court directives.

Ukpong also pleaded with the court to withdraw the matter since the whistle-blower who informed the government about the cash had gone underground.

He also informed the court that the matter was generated by a family feud which the investigation panel did not intend to pursue.

Source: NAN