British Prime Minister Theresa May appointed Jeremy Hunt as foreign minister on Monday after predecessor Boris Johnson resigned in protest at the governments plans for a close trading relationship with the European Union.

The appointment of Hunt, the long-serving health minister, sees a close May ally replace the maverick Johnson, and could alter the Brexit balance of Mays top ministerial team.

While Johnson was one of the most high-profile Brexit campaigners, Hunt backed Remain during the 2016 referendum campaign.

Hunt told LBC Radio in October 2017, however, that he had changed his mind on the issue, in part because of what he said was disappointing arrogance in the EUs behavior during negotiations.

Last month, Hunt said it was inappropriate for businesses like Airbus to issue warnings about moving jobs because of Brexit and that they should instead be getting behind May in her push for a good deal on leaving the EU.

Huge honour to be appointed Foreign Secretary at this critical moment in our countrys history, he said in a tweet after his appointment.

Time to back our PM to get a great Brexit deal its now or never

Hunt, 51, had served as health minister for more than 5-1/2 years, the longest term of any in the history of the state-funded National Health Service, weathering doctors strikes, public discontent with funding levels and other challenges.

Hunt said it was a massive wrench for him to leave the department, adding: I know some staff havent found me the easiest Health Sec.

Matt Hancock replaced Hunt as health secretary, while Attorney General Jeremy Wright was appointed as minister of digital culture, media and sport, Hancocks old job.

Mays office said Geoffrey Cox would be the new attorney general.

*Reuters/NAN

Source: NAN

Desperate to recover stolen wealth, President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya has taken after President Muhammadu Buhari, clamouring for repatriation of loots stashed overseas.

Buhari, African Union (AU) anti-corruption czar, has led the way for other African countries to fight corruption in its facets.

Kenyatta and his visiting Swiss counterpart, Mr. Alain Berset on Monday in Nairobi oversaw the signing of an agreement that clears the way for the recovery of assets.

These assets were acquired through corruption and crime in Kenya, and stashed in foreign countries.

The agreement, called a Framework for the Return of Assets from Corruption and Crime in Kenya (FRACCK), is also supported by the United Kingdom and the Jersey Island.

It would create a mechanism for Kenya to recover money stolen by corrupt individuals and hidden in the three countries Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Jersey Island.

Kenyatta said the signing of the agreement at State House in Nairobi was part of his resolve to eliminate corruption in the country.

The framework, which is in line with the United Nations Convention against Corruption, provides the principles to guide the recovery of stolen assets.

In the spirit of the Global Forum on Asset Recoverys Principles for Disposition and Transfer of Confiscated Stolen Assets in Corruption Cases, returns should proceed in a transparent and accountable manner with the mutual consent of both Kenya and the partner offering the return, said the new agreement .

To avoid complications of asset recovery, the framework says that recovery should follow executable judgments.

A steering committee comprising the Executive Office of the President, the Attorney General, the National Treasury, the Assets Recovery Agency, Ethics and Anti-Corruption Agency and envoys or representatives representing the partner countries will be established to implement the deal.

The agreement also has a provision to allow other nations willing to cooperate with Kenya in the recovery of stolen assets to join.

Source:

Source: NAN

As Nigerias 2019 general election draws near, the UN said there is the need to reactivate the National Peace Committee, which played critical roles in ensuring a peaceful 2015 presidential election.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stated this in the Report of the Secretary-General on the activities of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), presented to the UN Security Council.

The National Peace Committee followed the signing of the Abuja Peace Accord on Jan. 14, 2015 by former President Goodluck Jonathan of the Peoples Democratic Party, then All Progressives Congress candidate Muhammadu Buhari and other presidential candidates.

The Committee comprised of respected statesmen and women, traditional and religious leaders who include former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar, Bishop Mathew Kukah, and Alhaji Saad Abubakar III, Sultan of Sokoto.

Guterres said his Special Representative for West Africa and the Sahel, Mohammed Chambas, continued to support efforts to sustain peace in the region by promoting and supporting inclusive national political dialogues, constitutional and democratic reforms and transparent, credible and peaceful election.

The UN chief said: Cognizant of the politically active environment ahead of the Nigerian polls in 2019, he conducted consultations with political and religious leaders in Abuja from 18 to 21 March.

National stakeholders concurred on the need for the full reactivation of the National Peace Committee of Nigeria, which had been instrumental in facilitating dialogue prior to the countrys elections in 2015.

Through the Peace Accord, the candidates committed to take proactive measures to prevent electoral violence before, during and after the elections.

They also expressed determination to avoid any conduct or behaviour that will endanger the political stability and national security of Nigeria, to place national interest above personal and partisan concern.

They further reaffirmed their commitment to fully abide by all rules and regulations as laid down in the legal framework for elections in Nigeria.

The UN chief noted the preparedness for the 2019 presidential election and other political developments in Nigeria.

He said: In Nigeria, political developments centred on preparations for presidential and parliamentary elections set to take place in February 2019.

On 9 April, the President, Muhammadu Buhari, declared his intention to run for a second term. Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar also announced his candidacy for the presidential election.

A demand made by the House of Representatives in April, following an increase in violence in the Middle Belt and the north of the country, to dismiss national service chiefs and security advisers, has not been carried out.

In addition, the decision of the National Assembly to summon Mr Buhari to provide a briefing on the increased insecurity in the country prompted a debate on whether the legislature had such power over the executive.

Guterres noted the Not Too Young To Run bill, which would reduce the age limits set for candidates for elected positions, and the adoption of the Electoral Act amendment, which would regulate the general elections.

On security trends, Guterres said asymmetrical attacks were carried out by Boko Haram terrorists against security forces, local authorities and civilians in Nigeria and other West African state.

The UN chief said extremist armed groups continued to harass civilians, carry out targeted abductions or killings, burn down schools and threaten teaching staff.

In Nigeria, multiple clashes between farmers and herders in the Middle Belt states, as well as in the southern states of Edo, Ebonyi and Kogi, resulted in numerous casualties, population displacement and destruction of property.

Guterres also noted the continued protests by the Islamic Movement in Nigeria over the detention of its leader, decreased violence in the Niger-Delta and Southeast regions, and militant groups threat to resume attacks.

Source: NAN

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced the nomination of Judge Brett Kavanaugh, a conservative Federal Court of Appeals Judge, to the Supreme Court.

Kavanaugh, a judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit would fill the Supreme Court vacancy created by Justice Anthony Kennedys retirement.

Trump, while announcing Kavanaugh, said: One of the most profound responsibility of the President of the United States selection of a Supreme Court Justice.

I often heard that other than matters of world peace, this is the most important decision a President would make.

The Supreme Court is entrusted with the safeguard of the crown juror of our republic the constitution of the United States.

The U.S. president paid glowing tribute to Justice Kennedy for a lifetime of distinguished service to the U.S. and for his assumption of senior status.

He said in nominating Kavanaugh, he took into account a Judge who would not allow his political views affect the interpretation of the U.S. Constitution.

Trump explained what informed his selection: I do not ask about a nominees personal opinions.

What matters is not a Judges political views but whether they can set aside such views those to do what the law and the Constitution require.

He said Kavanaugh had earned a reputation as a brilliant jurist with impeccable legal credentials, and universally respected for his intellect, as well as his ability to persuade and build consensus.

Judge Kavanaugh will protect our religious liberties, uphold the rule of law, and interpret the Constitution as it was originally understood by our founders, Trump said.

He pointed that this was the second time he would be faced with this task of nominating a U.S. Supreme Court judge.

In 2017, Trump nominated Justice Neil Gorsuch to the Supreme Court saying he knew Gorsuch would be a faithful servant of the U.S. Constitution.

The nomination of Kavanaugh came after a selection process marked by a historic public disclosure of a list of 25 highly qualified potential nominees to the Supreme Court.

Kavanaugh has served as a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit since 2006, authoring more than 300 opinions, including 11 that have been affirmed by the Supreme Court.

Before becoming a judge, he served in the George W. Bush administration, first as an Associate Counsel and then Senior Associate Counsel, and subsequently as Assistant to the President and Staff Secretary.

A graduate of Yale College and Yale Law School, Judge Kavanaugh clerked on the Supreme Court for Justice Kennedy, and for judges on the Third and Ninth Circuit Courts of Appeals.

Kavanaugh thanked Trump for the nomination and vowed to interpret the Constitution as written.

However, Kavanaugh faces a bruising battle in the Senate, which voted 54-45 in April 2017 to approve Gorsuch.

Senate liberals know that we have the opportunity to reshape the Supreme Court for an entire generation, and they are ready to obstruct and unleash a smear campaign against our nominee, Trump said.

Source: NAN

The former Governor of Abia State Orji Uzo Kalu, has berated those accusing President Muhammadu Buhari of not doing enough to stop the killings in some parts of the country.

It is embarrassing when some people accuse the president of supporting one group to kill another. It is not possible for anyone directly elected by the people.

Leaders should stop backbiting about the killings and all the rest of it. Killing is not a good process, no president would want to see his people dying.

President Buhari has taken a new step, he was in Benue and Plateau the other time he is committed to make sure that this killing stop, he said.

Kalu condemned the unwarranted killings when he spoke at a party in honour of the outgoing Czech Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Pavel Mikes, in Abuja.

The All Progressive Congress (APC) Chieftain described the killings as a big challenge for the country after the Federal Government defeated the Boko Haram.

It is embarrassing to see human beings killing their fellow human beings. It is not acceptable by anyone created by God, he said.

He told the Czech Ambassador that his friendship with Nigeria goes beyond his stay in the country. We will remain friends after your departure.

He also thanked the envoy for his efforts, as Dean of European diplomatic corps, in ensuring that all levels of government in Nigeria maintain rule of law.

When government fails to put rule of law as an instrument that can be of a great change, is a problem because rule of law is more important.

It is a software of a democratic process. Once you have the software right, the hardware will also be right, he said.

Kalu expressed appreciation to the European Union for ensuring that Nigerias democracy stands.

In his remarks, the outgoing Czech Ambassador described Nigeria as a great, complex county and that he enjoyed every moment of his five-year duty tour in Nigeria.

Mikes extolled the virtues of the former Abia Governor, saying, he is passionate about the future of Nigeria, working hard to promote the country in the world.

He is a man for whom Nigeria lies dearly in his heart and does everything possible to improve the lives of Nigerians.

Source: NAN

Britains hope of exiting the European Union has been dealt a big blow with David Davis, the most senior official in charge of the negotiation resigning two days after Prime Minister Theresa May announced she had finally united her quarrelsome government to support the plan.

Davis who was Brexit Secretary told May in a letter that the governments proposals for future trade ties with the bloc will leave us in at best a weak negotiating position, and possibly an inescapable one.

His resignation Sunday night undermined Mays already fragile government, which has lost several ministers in the past year over sexual misconduct allegations and other scandals.

Davis was a strong pro-Brexit voice in a Cabinet divided between supporters of a clean break with the bloc and those who want to keep close ties with Britains biggest trading partner.

The staunchly pro-Brexit Conservative lawmaker Andrea Jenkyns tweeted: Fantastic news. Well done David Davis for having the principal and guts to resign.

Jenkyns said Steve Baker, a junior minister in the Brexit department, had also quit. There was no immediate comment from Baker.

Less than nine months remain until Britain leaves the bloc on March 29, 2019, and the EU has warned Britain repeatedly that time is running out to seal a divorce deal.

On Friday, Davis and the rest of Mays fractious Cabinet finally agreed on a plan for future trade ties with the EU.

May is due to brief lawmakers Monday on the plan hammered out during a 12-hour meeting at Chequers, the prime ministers country retreat.

It seeks to keep the U.K. and the EU in a free-trade zone for goods, and commits Britain to maintaining the same rules as the bloc for goods and agricultural products.

Some Brexit-supporting lawmakers are angry at the proposals, saying they will keep Britain tethered to the bloc and unable to change its rules to strike new trade deals around the world.

In his resignation letter, Davis said the common rule book policy hands control of large swathes of our economy to the EU and is certainly not returning control of our laws in any real sense.

He said he was worried the governments negotiating approach would lead to further demands for concessions from Brussels.

It seems to me that the national interest requires a secretary of state in my department that is an enthusiastic believer in your approach, and not merely a reluctant conscript, he wrote.

In a letter to Davis, May disagreed with his characterization of her plans, saying the deal she seeks will undoubtedly mean the returning of powers from Brussels to the United Kingdom.

Daviss resignation could embolden Brexit-supporting Conservative lawmakers to challenge Mays leadership.

Conservative lawmaker Jacob Rees-Mogg, a leader of the partys hard Brexit faction, compared Mays plan to an egg so softly boiled that it isnt boiled at all.

A very soft Brexit means that we havent left, we are simply a rule-taker, he said.

Some Brexiteers dream of replacing May with a staunch Brexiteer, such as Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, who in the past has disagreed publicly with his boss.

Johnson has not commented publicly since Friday. But some senior pro-Brexit ministers have backed Mays plan.

Environment Secretary Michael Gove said Sunday that it did not contain everything he wanted but Im a realist.

All those of us who believe that we want to execute a proper Brexit, and one that is the best deal for Britain, have an opportunity now to get behind the prime minister in order to negotiate that deal, he told the BBC.

Source: NAN

By Ariwodola Idowu/Opeyemi Gbemiro

Ahead of Saturdays governorship election in Ekiti, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has assured the electorate that their votes will count.

Yakubu spoke at a stakeholders meeting held on Monday in Ado-Ekiti which had in attendance some of the gubernatorial candidates and their party officials.

He said the commission had trained all the ad hoc staff required for the election while it had made adequate arrangements for the delivery of personnel and materials to all polling units.

I wish to assure you that the choice of who becomes the next governor of Ekiti State is strictly in the hands of Ekiti people

Please, take my words; your votes will count, only the choice made by the Ekiti people will determine the outcome of the election.

We have listened to the views and concerns expressed by different political parties and their campaign organisations.

Please note that the commission would not take any action to the advantage or disadvantage of any political party or candidate.

Be assured that no election material will be tampered with; if anything, we have introduced additional safeguard measures of transparency to protect the integrity of our manual and electronic processes as well as procedures, he said.

The INEC boss added that three National Commissioners and five Resident Electoral Commissioners had been deployed in the state.

Also speaking, the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, said the Force had put in place adequate security measures to tackle those who may want to disrupt the exercise.

Idris said the a security cordon was in place to check intrusion from the neigbouring states of Kogi, Osun, Ondo, Oyo and Kwara.

He warned that anyone caught fomenting trouble in any part of the state would be made to face the consequences no matter how highly placed.

Idris also warned politicians and their followers against attempting to bribe any of the police officers on election duty, saying adequate arrangements had been made for their welfare.

Dont arm your thugs, dont wear party insignia to voting venues, dont blow siren, dont ignore restriction order on human and vehicular movements, dont bribe any policeman.

Dont attempt to steal votes or manipulate the process. Whoever that does any of these will be made to face the consequences, he said.

NAN reports that high point of the event was the signing of a peace pact agreed to by the candidates.

Source: NAN

In an imitation of the formation of the All Progressives Congress in 2014, the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) today cobbled up together a loose alliance of about 30 political associations in readiness for the 2019 elections.

The new group, a replay of the alliance that toppled the Jonathan administration, was christened Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) at a meeting at the Shehu Musa YarAdua Centre in Abuja on Monday.

It was not clear whether they were going to seek INEC registration to run on the CUPP Platform as the alliance of ACN, CPC and ANPP did in 2014.

However, the collaborating partiessigned a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the aims of defeating President Muhammadu Buharis All Progressives Congress (APC) at the centre, states, and the Legislature.

PDP National Chairman Uche Secondus, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar,former Senate President David Mark, and Chairman of the so-called R-APC Buba Galadima, were also present at the meeting.

Leaders of President Olusegun Obasanjo-backed African Democratic Congress (ADC), Social Democratic Party of Nigeria (SDP), National Conscience Party (NCP), Labour Party, and a host of other newly registered parties were in attendance.

That the new group was the brainchild of the PDP was not in doubt as the party summoned all its presidential aspirants, former ministers and legislators to attend what it called a crucial meeting at the Shehu Musa YarAdua Centre in Abuja.

Source: NAN

By Douglas Okoro

Forum for Good Leadership in Ebonyi (FGLE) has declared support for Dr Paul Okorie, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant in Ebonyi.

Okorie is among leading APCs contenders for the governorship position in 2019.

The Group Coordinator, Mr Boniface Igwe, made declaration at a briefing in Abakaliki on Monday.

Igwe said that the group would throw its weight behind Okorie if given his partys nomination.

He said that the groups support for Okories emergence was predicated on his leadership track record and achievements as a Commissioner in the state.

Igwe said that the group is non partisan but that it is committed to promoting and entrenching good leadership and qualitative governance in all aspects of political leadership.

He noted that Okories leadership prowess manifested during his tenure as the General Manager of the Ebonyi Water Corporation, where he made epileptic public water supply regular and uninterrupted.

Igwe said that the APC governorship aspirant demonstrated similar sterling leadership quality when he was appointed as Commissioner for Works and Transportation under Gov. Sam Egwu led-administration.

He also said that former Gov. Martin Elechi appointed Okorie, as the pioneer Commissioner for Environment, which was created by the administration.

At a time our state is seriously in search of a leader to steer the ship of the state. The best man for the job is a man with right leadership skill, selfless and patriotic.

Okorie has demonstrated these qualities because of his achievements in those sectors that he had presided over.

The edifice housing the offices of Ebonyi Ministry of Water Resources was built by Okorie as a general manager of the defunct Ebonyi Water Corporation.

He also built the Works and Transportation office complex as Commissioner for Works, Transportation and Housing.

We have carried a discreet investigation into the political and leadership credentials of the other governorship aspirants and discovered that Okorie is the man fit for the job.

We are appealing to his party, APC to field him because he belongs to grassroots and remains the only person who can defeat the incumbent Gov. Dave Umahi.

We are sadden by leadership failure of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), hence our clamour for leadership change, Igwe said.

He said that the group had embarked on sensitisation in the 13 Local Government Areas to mobilise all eligible electorate to register and obtain their voter cards to enable them to vote.

Power belongs to the people hence we are persuading our people who are of voting age to take advantage of the ongoing voter registration to go and register and obtain their Permanent Voter Card (PVC).

We are committed to positive change in our state and we want every eligible adult voter to be part of the change we all need by participating in choosing who becomes the next governor of the state, Igwe added.

Source: NAN

By Peter Amine

Mr David Young, Deputy Chief of Mission, U.S. Embassy in Nigeria has condoled with the people of Plateau over the recent killings in the state.

Young, who extended his country condolence on Monday in Jos when he visited Gov. Simon Lalong, urged Nigerians to embrace peace and promote unity in the country.

He emphasised the need for the people to speak peace and work ways to ensure that the realisation of and affirm the need for peaceful coexistence among them.

The deputy chief of mission said that life was sacred, irrespective of who and where the citizens might belong.
Life is sacred, whether herdsmen or farmers, Christian or Muslim or whatever ethnic.

The violence should be a major concern to both the State and Federal Government and must be addressed adequately.
There is the need to put more efforts toward ending this menace in the country, he said.

Young stressed the need for the promotion of interfaith and interethnic dialogues to address causes of violence.

He, however, urged government to apprehend criminals perpetrating the act across the country.

Receiving Young, Lalong commended the American Embassy for the show of concern over the ugly situation in the state.

He said the recent incident that led to the loss of lives reminded the state government on the need to review its security structure.

The governor assured that the state government would continue to work to ensure that Plateau remains the home of peace and tourism.

Source: NAN

Only four of the Thai schoolboys and their soccer coach remain in the flooded cave as elite divers in a stunning rescue mission, hauled four more young footballers out, bringing to eight the number saved.

Hooyah, the Thai Navy SEALs, who have played a crucial role in the against-the-odds operation, said in a Facebook post as they announced that a total of eight members of the Wild Boars football team had been rescued on Sunday and Monday.

Thais have been fixated on the crisis, hoping desperately for the safe return of the 12 boys and their 25-year-old football coach, after they ventured into the Tham Luang cave complex after practice and became trapped by rising waters more than a fortnight ago.

The extraction of the four on Monday followed a similar pattern to the previous day, with the youngsters emerging in quick succession just before nightfall after navigating a treacherous escape route of more than four kilometres (2.5 miles).

The saga has dominated global headlines, with the team spending nine days unaccounted for inside the cave, before British divers found the emaciated and dishevelled group huddling on a muddy bank above the flooding.

Authorities then struggled to determine the best way to save the Wild Boars, with the group stuck on a shelf above the floodwaters in pitch darkness.

Among the ideas were drilling an escape route through the mountain, or leaving them for months until the monsoon season ended and the flooding subsided.

But with oxygen levels inside dropping to dangerous lows and the prospect of heavy rains flooding the area completely, authorities decided they had to move quickly, and take the group out through the water-filled tunnels.

Dozens of foreign divers and other experts from around the world were brought in to help the rescue effort, working alongside Thai Navy SEALs.

Rescue operations chief Narongsak Osottanakorn described Sundays initial rescue bid as D-Day when it was launched, and there were fears that any one of many potential pitfalls could prove deadly.

Among these were that none of the boys had scuba diving experience, and that they could easily panic while swimming underwater in darkness.

Source: NAN

In an imitation of the formation of the All Progressives Congress in 2014, the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) today cobbled up together a loose alliance of about 30 political associations in readiness for the 2019 elections.

The new group, a replay of the alliance that toppled the Jonathan administration, was christened Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) at a meeting at the Shehu Musa YarAdua Centre in Abuja on Monday.

It was not clear whether they were going to seek INEC registration to run on the CUPP Platform as the alliance of ACN, CPC and ANPP did in 2014.

However, the collaborating partiessigned a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the aims of defeating President Muhammadu Buharis All Progressives Congress (APC) at the centre, states, and the Legislature.

PDP National Chairman Uche Secondus, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar,former Senate President David Mark, and Chairman of the so-called R-APC Buba Galadima, were also present at the meeting.

Leaders of President Olusegun Obasanjo-backed African Democratic Congress (ADC), Social Democratic Party of Nigeria (SDP), National Conscience Party (NCP), Labour Party, and a host of other newly registered parties were in attendance.

That the new group was the brainchild of the PDP was not in doubt as the party summoned all its presidential aspirants, former ministers and legislators to attend what it called a crucial meeting at the Shehu Musa YarAdua Centre in Abuja.

Source: NAN

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has confirmed that the Minister of Finance, Mrs Kemi Adeosun, applied for an exemption certificate.

Mrs Adeyemi Adenike, the NYSC Director of Press, said in a statement in Abuja on Monday, that the scheme would however, investigate the origin of the allegedly forged exemption certificate purportedly being used by the minister.

Our attention has been drawn to the issue of the alleged forgery of an NYSC exemption certificate by the Honorable Minister of Finance, Mrs Kemi Adeosun.

Checking our records, Mrs Adeosun did apply for an exemption certificate. We shall investigate the origin of the purported exemption certificate in question, Adenike said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a media report published on July 7, which had gone viral, had claimed that the minister did not only fail to participate in the mandatory one year national youth service but procured a fake exemption certificate in 2009.

The year-long service, organised by the National Youths Service Corps (NYSC), is compulsory for all Nigerians who graduate from universities or equivalent institutions and are less than 30 years of age.

Source: NAN

Ekiti state, where a crucial governorship election will take place on Saturday was teeming with many big guns of the All Progressives Congress on Monday, led by their national leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, ahead of the visit Tuesday by President Muhammadu Buhari.

Aside Tinubu and Chief Bisi Akande , other leaders already in the state are former governors Segun Osoba, (Ogun), Segun Oni, (Ekiti) and the Deputy Chairman, South of the party, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, who was also the first democratically elected governor of Ekiti in 1999.

Others are, governors of Ondo, Rotimi Akeredolu, Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun and the Kebbi state governor, Alhaji Isa Bagudu, who is also the Chairman of the Campaign Committee of the Ekiti gubernatorial election for the APC, among other leaders. , has appealed to the people of Ekiti to vote for the party in Saturdays governorship election.

Tinubu in an interview with The News Agency of Nigeria appealed to the people of Ekiti to vote for the party in Saturdays governorship election.

He said the APC is the solution to four years of frustration, disappointment and poverty that had enveloped the state, since the emergence of Governor Ayodele Fayose in 2014.

He said the APC is the solution to four years of frustration, disappointment and poverty that had enveloped the state, since the emergence of Governor Ayodele Fayose in 2014.

Tinubu in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, (NAN) in Ado-Ekiti on Monday, said that APC is the only party that can improve Nigeria in all sectors.

NAN reports that President Muhammadu Buhari is expected in Ekiti tomorrow to meet with the traditional rulers, APC leaders and supporters in the state and as well close the rally of the APC candidate, Dr Kayode Fayemi, ahead Saturdays governorship election in the state.

Tinubu said: We thank the people of Ekiti for being kind and hospitable to us all along. We, the leaders of APC are here to greet Ekiti people and commend them for being tolerant to the maladministration of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) before the emergence of the APC at the Federal level and Ekiti, in particular.

We have had 16 years of maladministration, bad governance, misrule and series of complaints on our economy, education, non-development and several other segments of our country. It is all from the poor foundation laid by the PDP government for 16 years and thank God for our timely intervention at the federal level, the nation would have collapsed.

The only remnant of them is Ekiti. I therefore want to appeal to you that Dr Kayode Fayemi, the candidate of our party in the Saturday election is our brother and colleague and has learnt a great lesson about governance.

That is why we, the leaders in the party are standing as guarantors of the commitments that definitely Ekiti will experience rapid development if you vote for our party and we appeal to you to vote Dr Kayode Fayemi as the next governor of Ekiti, he said.

The former Lagos governor reminded the youths that the future is now, saying that, the future is yours and the government is ours. The APC is ready to lay the foundation for a better future for you. Dont because of two slices of bread today mortgage your future.

Dont because of intimidation of a lone ranger fail to exercise your franchise.The broom is a bunch of unity, the symbol we offer to you today is the broom. We want you to vote en masse, there will not be violence or intimidation. All I am appealing is that you should give APC a chance to show its worth to the people of Ekiti.

In another interview with NAN, former interim National Chairman of the party, Chief Bisi Akande, said Saturdays election is a must for the party to win.

He said Ekiti cannot afford to be in the opposition in the Southwest.

The Saturday election will go in peace. It is therefore time for all Yorubas to come together. Ekiti cannot afford to be in the opposition. It is certain that APC will win on Saturday, he declared.

The governorship election in Ekiti is scheduled to hold across the 16 local government areas of the state on Saturday, while the new administration would be inaugurated on October 16.

*Remi Koleoso, 08038292995, [email protected]

Source: NAN

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Friday in Abuja, said it was considering a legal action against President Muhammadu Buharis Executive Order, authorising seizure of assets acquired with stolen public funds.

PDP in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan described the order as illegal, unconstitutional, reprehensible and a dangerous step towards a descent to fascism.

The party described the asset seizure Executive Order as total disregard to the provisions of 1999 constitution.

Already, our lawyers are considering a legal action against the Federal Government on the illegality of Mr. Presidents action in the interest of Nigeria and Nigerians.

The party said that the Nigerian constitution did not, under any section, confer such fascist powers on the President under democracy.

It said that there could be no legitimate latitude of interpretation placed on sections 5 and 15 (5) of the 1999 Constitution cited as justifications for the executive order.

PDP claimed that the Presidents Executive Order was a travesty of justice and rule of law as it vehemently seeks to hijack and usurp the powers of both the legislature and the courts.

It added that the president also vest to take the power on himself in order to use it at will, as a political instrument, to haunt, traumatize, harass and victimize perceived political opponents.

Mr President wants to change our democratic governance to a military regime, in line with his lamentation, two days ago, that the fight against corruption will be better under a military regime than under a democracy.

It is instructive to emphasize that the PDP is not in any way opposed to the fight against corruption.

Rather, the party holds that the imposition of this Executive Order, which is radically at variance with the provisions of the constitution, is totally unacceptable.

PDP takes this Executive Order 6 of 2018 as a re-enactment of the obnoxious Decree 2 of 1984, which incidentally was also an enactment under then military Head of State, General Muhammadu Buhari.

This must not be permitted in our current democratic dispensation.

PDP said that if the order was allowed, it would confer limitless powers on Mr President.

In a democracy, the role of the executive arm of government is to enforce court orders or judgments handed down based on the interpretation of existing laws.

Any suggestion to the contrary, as clearly intended by this Executive Order, is totally an aberration and inconsistent with the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The party urged the judiciary and the legislature to save Nigeria by rejecting the executive order.

Nigeria is a democratic state run by the dictates of the law and the constitution and not by the rule of the thumb of any elected officer, it added.

Source: NAN

Mr Pelumi Olajengbesi, an aspirant for the House of Representatives seat in Oriade/Obokun Federal Constituency, Osun State under platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has challenged his rival, Wole Oke to a televised public debate.

Olajengbesi, in a statement on Saturday, said that his call for debate was necessitated by many unsavoury utterances credited to Oke and his media team.

He said that overtimefor four consecutive tenures the legislative ticket of Oriade/Obokun in the House of Representatives had been reposed in Oke by PDP, who trusted his capacity to deliver.

According to Olajengbesi, it is, however, puzzling to submit that Oke is the only one fit for said office in the whole constituency.

He said that he did not consider himself the most qualified or the only alternative in a constituency blessed with an abundance of acute minded men and women.

The legal practitioner said he believed that he was pre-eminently qualified to contest a position that should not be treated as the sole proprietorship of anyone.

Olajengbesi said that prospective public officers must be assessed on the basis of their pedigree and subjected to a fair contest for the peoples mandate by the public.

I contest on the merit of my qualifications and good plans for our people. I have utmost respect for Oke; I have respect for our party and I will always respect the decision of the leadership of the party.

It is much too simplistic for a constituency of great intellects and wisdom to make wealth the primary yardstick to measure ability or competence.

And that I can be abused by Okes media men for using vehicles donated to my campaign was not just a shame, it is more.

Yes people are donating their vehicles to us because they believe the ideas we share with them for Oriade/Obokun; that should be applauded not ridiculed. Money politics is bad politics, lets face real issues henceforth.

It is in view of this that I hereby humbly challenge Oke to a Public Debate organised by our great party in Oriade/Obokun and televised for general consumption.

He said that such public debate would help in keeping with the best standards in practice for such elections and more importantly to provide the voting delegates with an opportunity to adjudge or assess each candidate strictly on their individual merits, qualifications and grasps of issues relevant to our constituency.

Olajengbesi, who is the Executive Secretary, United Global Resolve for Peace(UGRFP), said that the much important public debate would afford listening public the opportunity to assess him and Oke on the basis of their individual strengths or inadequacies.

Source: NAN

Following the honour bestowed on MKO Abiola by President Buhari and the re-focused attention on Abiolas legacy, my daughter Oreoluwa, who, by the way, read Politics and Philosophy at Cambridge and was only one year old when MKO was killed, called me to find out more about him.

Here is how she put it: Dad, I know all about June 12 and how Chief Abiola was denied the presidency and later died in prison; but what kind of man was he?

Oreoluwas question set me thinking and it suddenly dawned on me that many younger Nigerians, certainly the twenty-somethings and even thirty-year olds may just have only a vague memory of MKO Abiola or none at all, let alone knowing who the real MKO Abiola was!

Because of Oreoluwa and others of her age, I have decided to reproduce in full, the first chapter of the Book, Legend of our Time: The Thoughts of MKO Abiola, which is a published collection of Abiolas key Speeches and Lectures, edited by Dr. Chidi Amuta and myself.

The book, which was published on the eve of his presidential campaigns, predates the June 12 saga.

Obviously, he will now for ever be remembered for his June 12 victory and as an embodiment of our democratic ideals. But he was more than June 12!

Indeed, June 12 was the culmination of a tremendously remarkable life.

In some ways, there was none like him and there probably would be none quite like him again.

He was, among other things, a man of prodigious intellectual talent, a true legend of our time. Just months before his death, I visited him in prison. Although tired and suffering from a lower back pain, he was, even in his dismal conditions, his old self. He oscillated between anger, anxiety, frustration and even optimism, but not bitterness.

Then, when a prominent, Egba Chief (now, late), came in to see him, apparently carrying with him some message from the Council of Islamic Affairs, in what seemed to be another of several previous visits, MKO flared up and his defiant self resurfaced! Then, after the Chief took leave of us, he turned to me and asked me how I thought he had done! I gave him the thumbs up!! Instantly, the young security guard who had listened in on our entire discussion told me it was time for me to leave. I never saw MKO again.

Again, there are seeming contradictions here. But what is a great man if not a bundle of opposites, contrasts and even contradictions? Isnt it the rich admixture of warmly human virtues and failings that change our admiration into love, especially too in our assessment of great men? And in the case of Bashorun Abiola, given his sheer vitality and energy, the contrast are sometimes even more dramatic and startling.

So, in reproducing this lengthy piece, which was written in late 1992 and titled Behind the Legend, I have felt no need to change, embellish or delete any details. The man I wrote about then, remained the man I saw in prison, months before his death in 1998, determined, defiant, uncowed and unbowed.

Because of this man, there is both cause for hope and certainty that the agony and protests of those who suffer injustice shall give way to peace and human dignity. The enemies which imperil the future generations to come: poverty, ignorance, disease, hunger, and racism have each seen effects of the valiant work of Chief Abiola. Through him and others like him, never again will freedom rest in the domain of the few.

Source: NAN

Senate Leader Ahmad Lawan has inaugurated volunteers drawn from 186 local governments in north west to drum support for President Muhammadus Buharis re-election.

The volunteers were inaugurated on the platform of All Progressive Congress (APC) North West chapter.

Lawan, represented by Sen. Abu Ibrahim, said that the volunteers were carefully selected to diligently work under the Buhari/Osibanjo 2019 Presidency Re-election Organization.

He added that they would propagate the policies and programmes of the administration and canvass support ahead of the 2019 general elections.

He stressed that the volunteers would highlight the landmark achievements of the Buhari administration especially in the area of security, economy, fight against corruption and infrastructural development with consequent redemption of hitherto soiled image of Nigeria in the comity of Nations.

There is no gainsaying that President Buhari took the mantle of leadership of Nigeria when it was almost on a brink of collapse evident in the activities of Boko Haram terrorist which had captured over 14 local governments.

The economy was battered by the government that Buhari succeeded to the point that payment of workers salaries was about to be impossible due to embezzlement, bribery and other related economic and financial recklessness.

Lawal noted that apart from decimating Boko Haram, the administration has so far succeeded in fighting corruption through the enforcement of Treasury Single Account which controlled government finances effectively and blocked the siphoning of public funds by fraudulent officials.

Other reasons why we voluntarily support Buhari /Osibanjo 2019 presidency includes his sincerity of purpose, integrity, transparency, accountability, discipline, ethics, trust and tolerance displayed over the years.
The strong desire of the administration for continuity in progress, readiness to create opportunities for leadership experience among the youth also makes a basic requirement for their re-election in 2019, he added.

Also, Chairman, Northern Senators Forum, Sen. Aliyu Wamakko, said that the administration had taken good measures within three years to address some of the challenges facing the country.

Wamakko said the diversification of Nigeria economy from old age reliance on oil as the mainstay of the countys economy to agriculture and mining had produced positive results.

Yet again, the government also engages in providing infrastructure service to Nigerian in terms of good roads, railways, houses across the country.

Also speaking Sen. Jibrin Barau ( APC Kano) expressed support for the laudable achievements of President Buhari, adding we must work together to sustain the good work as what President Buhari administration has done PDP has not done in their 16 years.

In his remarks, Alhassan Ado-Dogowa, Chief Whip in the House of Representatives, said President Buhari is for all Nigerians including the young women and old.

Ado-Dogowa said the President should be commended for accepting to contest for another term, declaring that his contest is a sacrifice for the betterment of Nigeria not for any selfish benefit.

We are for Buhari to continue come 2019 and we must make sacrifices to achieve it.

The Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, represented by his Deputy, Bala Bantex called on the coordinators to remain steadfast in the task ahead to ensure success. (NAN)

Source: NAN

Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, is worried over the killing of another Nigerian in South Africa, describing it as unfortunate.

The Nigeria Mission in South Africa had on Sunday confirmed the killing of Mr Ozumba Tochukwu-Lawrence, by an unknown gunman in the country.

The Nigeria Consulate-General in South Africa said that the ugly incident was said to have occurred at 10 Koppe, Middleburg, Mpumalanga, South Africa, on July 6.

The mission said that Lawrence was shot six times by his assailant and died before reaching hospital.

Dabiri-Erewa in short message sent to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja described the recent killing as unfortunate.

She said that further enquiry over Nigeria issue with South Africa should be directed to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

All enquiries should be directed to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama who has vowed to take decisive action with the new Foreign Affairs Minister in South Africa.

Dabiri-Erewa expressed disappointment over an early warning signal put in place by both ministries, which she said, had still not been implemented.

She stated that no fewer than 117 Nigerians were extra-judicially killed in South Africa between 2016 and 2018 for one flimsy reason or the other.

She said that many more had followed since then.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that killing of Nigerians in South Africa had been on the increase in recent times.

Before the latest one, there was the assassination of ThankGod Okoro, who was reportedly shot dead in Hamburg, Florida West Rand, Johannesburg, on April 9, 2018, by the South African Police Flying Squad.

There was also the killing of Clement Nwaogu in April, a father of two who was burnt to death by his assailant.

These wanton killings of Nigerians in South Africa had sparked a number of protests there.

For demanding justice on behalf of their fallen compatriots, 14 of the protesters were taken into custody and branded drug peddlers.

Source: NAN

Switzerland has started diplomatic forage in Kenya to strengthen trade, economic and political relations.

The President of the Swiss Confederation, Mr. Alain Berset, arrived in Kenya on Sunday for a three-day official visit to open new vistas and cement existing relations.

Berset will hold bilateral talks with President Uhuru Kenyatta, and the two leaders are also expected to explore areas of collaboration under Kenyattas Big Four agenda.

The agenda is food security, affordable housing, manufacturing, and universal healthcare, according to State House in Nairobi.

The areas of cooperation highlighted for the visit include the Swiss Development Agencys work in Kenyas Arid and Semi-Arid Lands regions, as well as the Swiss for life project in Kakuma Refugee camp, which is home to thousands of South Sudanese refugees.

Other areas of cooperation are IGAD-Switzerland cooperation, and Swiss support to Kenyas Big 4 Health Pillar.

It would be recalled that early this year, the Swiss Embassy inaugurated in Kenya its new embassy building in Nairobi.

Source:

Source: NAN