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abujaihs-blog · 6 years ago

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Babatunde Fashola, The Unabashed Lobbyist

Government is a continuum, it is often said. As such, nothing stops a new administration (and its officials) and from continuing with the policies and projects started by its predecessor, irrespective of party affiliation or ideology. Indeed, this has become the norm in Nigeria where there is hardly any distinction between the two major political parties that have held sway since the inception of the Fourth Republic. One of the few programmes that make the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) distinct from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is the so-called Social Investment Programme that is yet to make any meaningful impact on Nigeria’s poorest. But somehow and despite the glaring similarities between the APC and PDP, the incumbent Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, has made a case for the tenure elongation of the works minister. Speaking last week at the unveiling of a compendium on proof of infrastructure delivery across Nigeria over a three-year period, Fashola, also known as the “Super Minister” because of the three portfolios rolled into one that he superintends, called for the extension of appointments of the works minister and critical directors in the ministry. According to him, a four-year stint in office was too short to design, procure and implement road projects, among other critical infrastructure that fall under the purview of the ministry. “Government cycles in the last 20 years have been fixed tenures of four years at a time, subject to how the electorate vote. Personnel changes are effected by retirement, deployment, opportunities and cabinet reshuffles. As a result, critical directors, permanent secretaries and ministers are turned over in a quest for efficiency. In all, since 1952 to date, Nigeria has had 34 ministers of works and I am number 34 in a period of 67 years. This amounts to an average of a minister every 1.9 years. A further interrogation of the data of tenure shows that very few of them served for up to four years and above and the majority served a little over a year, which is barely enough time to design a road, not to mention undertaking the procurement and actually building the road,” Fashola, who serves at the pleasure of the president, stated. He also called on the National Assembly to amend the Public Procurement Act, saying that the country’s procurement process must be urgent and compelling to national needs. At first glance, Fashola’s argument may have appeared compelling, but to anyone with an inkling of how Nigerian politicians operate, it was also self-serving. Fashola, in just a few words, openly lobbied for the balkanisation of the power, works and housing ministry, and his retention as works minister. It will be foolhardy for anyone to think that Fashola was being altruistic and was arguing for future works ministers. Trust me, he does not care about anyone who holds the portfolio after him. His brazen lobbying to influence his retention in office was all about “me, myself and I”. In my candid opinion, however, I do not believe that the “super minister” deserves another stint in office. Fashola, who as Lagos State governor, was once considered the poster boy of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and later the APC, has been anything but effective in delivering on his mandate as the power, works and housing minister. In the power sector, the minister has failed abysmally. He has spent an inordinate amount of time feeding Nigerians with alternative facts on actual power generation and transmission capacity available in the country, fighting and trading blame with power sector operators, awarding contracts to transform the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) from one that should be focused on rural projects to one that is fixated on urban electrification projects, has failed to convince President Muhammadu Buhari as petroleum minister to resolve gas constraint issues by facilitating and attracting investments in new gas delivery projects as well as pipeline infrastructure for the 10 national integrated power projects (NIPPs) inherited from the Goodluck Jonathan administration, lacks the political will to wholly reform the Transmission Company of Nigeria (operator of the transmission grid) and push for the implementation of cost-reflective tariffs to make the power sector attractive to investors, and has meddled in the independence of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC). Fashola, who once said fixing the power sector was not rocket science and was quoted to have said that any serious government could fix the sector in six months (which he has repeatedly denied), has not added a single landmark initiative or legacy project in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) that one can point to. Even when he boasts that we now generate 7,000MW of electricity and can transmit same, the performance of the transmission grid, which has attained a maximum peak of 5,375MW but records system failure every other week, completely contradicts his claim. Even NERC, on its website, puts Nigeria’s current transmission wheeling capacity at 5,300MW which is higher than the average operational generation capacity of 3,879MW but is far below the total installed generation capacity of 12,522MW. The so-called transmission wheeling capacity of 7,500MW is termed theoretical by NERC. In the housing sector, Fashola has not fared better in the three years plus that he’s been minister. He has not delivered a single housing project in any of the 34 states where his ministry was allocated land by the state governments to build mass housing estates. If truth be told, the housing ministry may have outlived its uses and perhaps should be scrapped all together. Instead the Federal Housing Authority (FHA), which has successfully executed quite a few housing projects under public-private partnership initiatives, should be empowered to take over housing deliver nationwide. If the federal government is serious about trimming costs and improving efficiency, this is one small but certain step of achieving this deliverable. In the area of works, Fashola will also be hard pressed to mention any major road project that he has started and completed as minister. He inherited quite a few roads and bridges from the Jonathan government such as the Lagos-Ibadan expressway, the Second River Niger Bridge, Onitsha-Enugu expressway, dualisation of the Obajana junction to Benin section, Gombe-Numan road, to mention a few, but none has reached 70% completion to date. To be fair, if one has to factor inflation and the naira devaluation between 2014 and 2017, most of the contracts would have had to go through cost variations and subsequent rounds of tedious procurement processes to reflect the new cost of the projects. However, the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) is not entirely to blame for the delays experienced in the execution and completion of all federal government projects in the country. In a circular issued in January 2016 by the then Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Babachir Lawal, he reminded all ministers and heads of parastatals that they were all statutorily required to prepare and submit their procurement records for the 2015 financial year not later than three months after the end of the financial year to the BPP as stipulated under the Public Procurement Act.

He went further to add: “If all MDAs immediately commence the implementation of procurement activities and comply with procedures and time-lines laid down in the Act, the process for the award of most contracts would have been concluded by early 2016, thereby providing the platform for full implementation of the 2016 budget by the federal government.” Had they heeded this circular, Fashola would have had no reason to grumble about the statutory bureaucratic bottlenecks inherent in public procurement. It is instructive that even though this circular was issued before the passage of the 2016 budget, with its inflation and exchange rate assumptions, it was an administrative call to arms for the MDAs to commence and conclude their procurement processes in a timely manner. It was also premised on the notion that a lot of the projects included in yearly budgets by the executive are not necessarily new but are rolled over from the preceding year, even after the National Assembly may have shaved off or added a few billions of naira from some of the projects. What this further implies is that projects that are carried over into a new budget cycle, especially those in the 2018 budget when the official/interbank exchange rate had stabilized at N305-6 to the dollar, do not have to go through procurement for a second or third time. Even if we were to review budgetary allocations vis-à-vis the actual amount released and cash-backed, information on the website of the Budget Office of the Federation shows that Fashola’s power, works and housing ministry consistently got the lion share of budgetary allocations, releases and cash-backing between 2016 and September 2018 for capital projects. In the 2016 budget, his ministry was allocated N442.964 billion but actually got N307.411 billion which was cashed-backed 100%. Of the N307.411 billion, Fashola utilised 97.1% of the cash released to his ministry. In the 2017 budget, the power, works and housing ministry was allocated N553.713 billion but actually got N336.577 billion which again was 100% cash-backed, but utilised 80.1% or N269.581 billion of the funds released to the ministry. While the third quarter implementation report for the 2018 budget shows that Fashola’s ministry was allocated N682.959 billion, of which a measly N122.184 billion was released and cash-backed and only 37% of the amount utilised. But add to this the first and second tranches of the N100 billion Sukuk Infrastructure Bond that have been released to Fashola, that should give Nigerians an inkling of the funds that were made available to his ministry between 2018 and 2019. From all indications, Fashola has not lived up to his billing. Like most Nigerians, Buhari was hoodwinked by his modest accomplishments in Lagos where the state assembly, like other state assemblies, acts as a rubber stamp for the executive and contracts are awarded without due process. But the reality is that in eight years in office, Fashola, who only built a few unremarkable independent power plants but left the state in darkness, who patched and constructed a few roads but left the bulk of inner city streets in a state of disrepair, who built a few ramp bridges and a costly toll bridge between Ikoyi and Lekki but could not commence the Fourth Mainland Bridge, who claimed to have upgraded the water infrastructure works but left 99% of Lagosians without access to pipe-borne water, and who left behind the education and health sectors begging for attention, was never the right man for the job at the power, works and housing ministry. Another four years in office will not make any difference. What the country needs at this juncture is a minister with the vision and political will to reform the way public infrastructure is funded. Like many politicians before him, Fashola’s preference is to sit tight, embark on contract/cost variations so that palms can be greased, and contracts awarded.

This is a vicious, financially debilitating cycle with no end in sight and leaves the country with a litany of uncompleted projects. A surer bet and more cost effective way of saving the billions that are deployed in infrastructure projects with nothing to show for it, is to appoint a minister who is desirous of attracting private sector investors and or contractors willing to provide performance bonds and funding for projects that are backed by sovereign guarantees. In the event that they fail to deliver on the infrastructure projects, it is the investors that would lose the shirts off their backs by way of forfeiture of the performance bond. With that uppermost on their minds, very few investors will fail to deliver. But more importantly, this will be a win, win for Nigerians and government, which will have more funds at its disposal to spend on social infrastructure projects. By Ijeoma Nwogwugwu Read the full article

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toldnews-blog · 6 years ago

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New Post has been published on https://toldnews.com/world/nigeria-election-2019-big-winners-and-big-losers/

Nigeria election 2019: Big winners and big losers

Image copyright Reuters

Image caption Celebrations for President Buhari’s supporters and plenty of surprises in the parliamentary vote

The re-election of Muhammadu Buhari as Nigeria’s president may not have come as much of a surprise to many Nigerians, but there have been some major upsets in the parliamentary polls.

Most shocking has been the collapse of some powerful “godfathers”, who use money and influence to win support for themselves and to sponsor their preferred candidates in elections. Defectors, those who switched sides between the two main parties ahead of the polls, have also fared badly.

Here some of the big losers and winners from the vote on 23 February 2019:

Losers

Bukola Saraki – senate president

Image copyright AFP

The defeat of the third-most powerful political office holder in the country has to be the biggest upset. Not only is the 56-year-old the current senate president, but he was also the campaign manager for the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

There is no love lost between Bukola Saraki and the president, who initiated a corruption inquiry against him. The Supreme Court cleared him of the charges last July – and the next month he defected from the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC).

He had been seeking re-election to the senate to represent Kwara Central, but the APC’s Ibrahim Oloriegbe clinched the seat, effectively ending the dominance of the “Saraki dynasty” over Kwara’s politics for the last 50 years. It is believed that many in the state were fed up with alleged lack of development in the north-western state, leading to the formation of the “O To Ge” movement, meaning “Enough is Enough”, which campaigned against him and the other candidates he sponsored and supported, who were all heavily defeated.

Five things we’ve learnt from the Nigerian vote

Godswill Akpabio – senator, Akwa Ibom North-West

A political godfather in the oil-rich state of Akwa Ibom, where he twice served as governor, Godswill Akpabio spectacularly lost his senate seat to his former colleague, PDP candidate Chris Ekpenyong.

The campaign was bitter, violent and full of accusations and counter-accusations of fraud and manipulation. The trouble all stemmed from his political fallout with his “godson” Emmanuel Udom, his hand-picked successor and the state’s current governor.

This forced the 56-year-old to defect to the APC, but it was a tactic that has seen him fall flat on his face – and the PDP has retained all the seats contested in the southern state. It is now almost certain that Mr Udom will retain the governorship come the state election on 9 March.

The ‘godfathers’ who pull the strings in Nigeria’s election

Rabiu Kwankwaso – political godfather, Kano

A current senator and two-time governor of the northern state of Kano, Rabiu Kwankwaso was not seeking re-election but all the candidates he was backing as a political godfather have lost.

He has been a dominant figure in Nigeria’s most-populous state for the last two decades and his Kwankwasiyya political fan club has a large following not only in Kano but in other parts of northern Nigeria. It is his second blow in recent times – he tried to gain the PDP ticket last year to run for president, but lost out to Atiku Abubakar.

The 62-year-old had defected to the PDP after falling out with his former ally and successor as governor Umar Ganduje.

Tweeters have been joking that he is persona not grata in the PDP and Kano – though his candidate for governor is still in with a chance on 9 March:

George Akume – senator, Benue North-West

Image copyright George Akume

The 65-year-old APC politician has dominated life in the central state of Benue politics for 20 years. George Akume was first elected governor in 1999, moved to senate in 2007 and since then many of his hand-picked candidates have won major elections in the state. However, Saturday’s poll effectively brought his dominance to a humiliating end.

His defeat has largely been attributed to his recent fallout with current Governor Samuel Ortom, whom he helped bring to power in 2015, and his decision to remain loyal to President Buhari amid worsening clashes between farmers and herders in the state.

Image copyright AFP

Image caption More than 2,000 people died in herder-farmer clashes last year in Nigeria

Herders tend to be mainly nomadic Fulani Muslims and farmers are largely Christian. Many blame Mr Buhari, a Fulani Muslim, for not doing enough to resolve the conflict – although the president has always denied any bias in dealing with the situation.

How Nigeria’s cattle war is fuelling religious tension

Shehu Sani – senator, Kaduna Central

One of the most vocal critics of President Buhari’s policies, Shehu Sani has lost his senate seat to a candidate of the governing APC. The 51-year-old’s defeat may not come as a surprise given his long-standing rivalry with the current governor of the northern state of Kaduna, Nasir el-Rufa’i, even though they were in the same party at one stage.

The two have often sparred over policies that descended into Twitter wars. The author, playwright and human rights activist – one of the few Nigerian politicians to declare his assets – was popular with his constituents but last October left the APC to join the little-known of People’s Redemption Party.

Banky W – singer and actor

Image copyright Getty Images

Olubankole Wellington, known by his stage name Banky W, was trying to get a seat in the House of Representatives for the Eti-Osa contititency in Lagos.

The 37-year-old rapper may have ultimately lost, but he did win at two polling units in the district, including the one where Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo voted.

He posted on social media after the poll: “I hope we look back at what we accomplished in just three months, and it shows us what we can do with the next four years. I hope we realise that winning some areas in Eti-Osa… is proof that we can do this anywhere.”

Nigeria’s ‘generation democracy’

Winners

Dino Melaye – senator, Kogi West

Image copyright Dino Melaye

The controversial senator representing central Kogi state has defied the odds to comfortably defend his seat. Nicknamed the “singing senator”, Dino Melaye has been embroiled in several legal and political battles with the police, the state government and the governing APC.

The PDP politician has generated lots of attention because of his expensive lifestyle. The 45-year-old was criticised for boasting about his ostentatious wealth during a cameo in a music video by Nigerian rapper Kach. But many see his re-election as testimony to the power of grassroots politics as his constituents have stood with him despite numerous scandals, just as they did when his opponents tried to get a petition to recall him last year.

And, living up to his name, he gave thanks in song after his victory was announced:

Aishatu Binani – senatorial candidate, Adamawa Central

The 47-year-old is the only female senator from the north to be elected to the upper chamber of parliament. Even though Aishatu Binani ran for the governing APC, her victory came as a surprise because she was from the mainly Muslim north-eastern Adamawa State, the birthplace of the main opposition candidate, Mr Abubakar. The PDP won the state in the presidential vote but Ms Binani defied all expectations and comfortably defeated all her powerful male rivals.

Her victory will serve as a relief for northern women after the only female senator in the outgoing parliament, Binta Garba, also from Adamawa, lost her re-election on an APC ticket. According to the UN, Nigeria has one of the lowest rates of female participation in parliament.

Where are the female candidates?

Kola Balogun – senatorial candidate, Oyo South

Image copyright Kola Balogun

The victory of this PDP candidate in Oyo is a major shock, especially for supporters of the governing APC in the south-western state. Kola Balogun’s victory has prevented the outgoing governor of the state, Abiola Ajimobi, from joining the league of ex-governors who traditionally move to the senate.

It is not common in Nigerian politics to see incumbent governors losing elections. It is also Mr Balogun’s second return to the senate, having represented the district from 2004 to 2007.

Yakubu Dogara – speaker of the House of Representatives

Image copyright AFP

The 51-year-old was among several politician who dumped the governing APC party last year. Many thought that move was going to cost Yakubu Dogara his seat because his home in the northern Bauchi State has been a stronghold of President Buhari.

However, Mr Dogara, a Christian who has been representing the Bogoro/Dass/Tafawa Balewa constituency since 2007, survived his toughest political test to defeat the ruling party candidate. Many of his constituents are Christians, in the mainly Muslim state, but he also won support from an influential leader of the Tijaniyya Muslim sect.

He will almost certainly lose his position as speaker in the national assembly, however, because the APC will pick one of its own MPs, but his victory was surely one of the most eye-catching.

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ibilenews · 5 years ago

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Chief of Staff: Ministers push for cabinet candidate

Members of the Federal Executive Council are pushing for the appointment of one of them as the next Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari, The Nation gathered on Saturday night.

Some of the ministers are already reaching out to key strategists and advisors to President Muhammadu Buhari on why one of them should be in charge of his schedules.

The President is said to be waiting for the mourning period for the late Mallam Abba Kyari to be over before making his mind known on the next CoS.

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) said yesterday that it was not in any way involved in the process of picking Kyari’s successor.

The ministers, according to sources, are rooting for one of them as CoS because of what they term as “better synergy.”

They are also of the view that a cabinet candidate would be able to fast-track decision-making on issues.

It was however unclear last night whether the President was in agreement with the position of his minister although one source said the slot would remain in the North.

Some of the favoured cabinet members are Education Minister Adamu Adamu (arguably the closest to the President); Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Boss Mustapha; Water Resources Minister Suleiman Adamu; Minister of State for Transportation(Aviation), Sen. Hadi Sirika; the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Duties, Ya’u Shehu Darazo; Justice Minister Abubakar Malami (SAN); Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development Minister Sadiya Umar Farouq; Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi; and Works and Housing Minister Babatunde Raji Fashola among others.

A top source said: “Although the Chief of Staff is a personal staff of the President, ministers are desirous of one of them as the successor to Kyari. Some of them are lobbying for the appointment of one of them.

“Their argument is that it will enhance synergy between the President and his cabinet since ministers now report to the Chief of Staff.

They are also saying that time is no longer on the side of the government; the President needs a Chief of Staff who can fast-track decision-making and implementation.

“The ministers have no particular preference but they have a mindset on who they like if given the chance to pick.

“The President is still keeping mum on his choice until after the mourning of his late Chief of Staff, Malam Abba Kyari.”

Responding to a question, the source added: “Definitely, the new Chief of Staff will come from the North. The President might favour a loyal and long-standing associate for the job.

“The number of aspirants for the office has grown but it is difficult to say who the President will pick.”

APC not involved in who becomes the new COS

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) said yesterday that it has no role to play in determining or influencing who emerges as the next Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari.

It said the appointment of CoS who is a personal aide to the Chief Executive is at the discretion of the President.

The National Publicity Secretary of the party, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu said in an interview in Abuja that the clarification became necessary following pressure being mounted by some party organs, chieftains and close associates of the President on who is to be appointed to replace Mallam Abba Kyari who died penultimate Friday in Lagos.

He said: “The office of a Chief of Staff is not a statutory position. That position is that of a personal aide to the President.

“The office, the power and authority as well as the duties and responsibilities of the person that occupies the position are determined solely by the President.

“The party is not involved and will not be involved in the appointment. We understand perfectly that the appointment of Chief of Staff is at the discretion of the President. It is the President who knows what he wants from the person he wants to appoint, so it does not concern anybody or the party.

“The President has an idea of what he wants from his Chief of Staff and he understands the kind of person that can deliver to him. The office of Chief of Staff is not a constitutional matter. He (President) may not even have the office, he may decide to scrap the office completely and he will not be breaking any law of the land.”

Issa-Onilu said the party frowned at the tension being generated since the demise of Kyari and warned all those putting pressure on the President to desist from doing so. “People are just making a mountain out of a mole hill. Why should anybody or the party influence who to choose?” he queried.

But when asked if the pressure on the President was not a distraction, the APC Chieftain said the President could not be distracted by the “unwarranted pressure”.

“If we underrate the capacity of Mr. President, we may think he is distracted, but, we as a party understand that the President cannot be distracted. He is a man of his own mind. He knows what he wants and has the capacity to do what he wants to do. He is a man whose decisions are guided by the interest of the nation.”

‘Office of Chief of Staff isn’t a piece of cake’- Ex-CoS to Jonathan

Ex-Chief of Staff to former President Goodluck Jonathan, Brig-Gen Jones Oladeinde Arogbofa has said the office is not a piece of cake as the responsibilities are “highly demanding.”

Speaking on a radio programme in Osogbo on Friday, he said the position demands of the holder immense loyalty and intellectual competency.

He said: “The responsibilities of a Chief of Staff to the president are numerous but it falls under two major descriptions; managerial and advisory.

“A Chief of Staff must be able to manage the affairs of the President in terms of staff and other issues. You have to control the flow of people into Aso Rock and presidency, selection of key Presidential staff, and supervise them.

“Manage the flow of information, manage correspondence of the president, protect the interests of his interest, negotiate with the National Assembly and other branches of government, ensure that physical and emotional pressure on president is reduced to the barest minimum, protect the president from undue influences.

“The CoS must serve as ear and eyes of the president and tell the president the truth even if it is bitter. Guiding of the president on how to act on issues and many others.

“If anyone wants to be chief of staff, such person must have a lot of energy to work because many at times the work is highly demanding and the president calls at every point in time to discuss national issues. Nigeria is big and only one man is managing it, he needs support. The President contends with economic, security, and political development.

“The President needs someone who is loyal, dedicated, ethical, intellectually sound and can take the speck to do the job. You must not embarrass the president in addressing issues. The chief of staff to the president must be trustworthy because the president must rely on the chief of staff and believed that you can’t join hands with others against him. The office is not a piece of cake.”

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hardynwa · 2 years ago

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Fear grips governors over ‘Obidients wave in Governorship election

For the first time in many years, the forthcoming governorship elections appear unpredictable. This is as some State governors seeking reelection or who have positioned their preferred successors, are in a panic mode ahead of the March 11 gubernatorial election. The development is a fallout of the shocking performance of the opposition, especially the Labour Party, LP, at the just concluded February 25 presidential and National Assembly elections. Going by the results of the presidential and National Assembly elections last week, many governors are worried as the outcome of elections is now unpredictable. The Labour Party, against all odds, beat sitting governors as well as tested politicians who hoped to join their former colleagues in the National Assembly. Notably, the Labour Party was brought to the limelight by its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, who joined it barely eight months before the election and propelled the ‘obedient movement’. Before the February 25 presidential election, the LP was believed to be incapable of making inroads in some of the States it won. However, the party made a giant stride winning twelve states, including Lagos State, an All Progressives Congress, APC, stronghold, to the shock of many. Data from the election results announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, showed that about twelve governors lost their states to opposition parties, including the LP during the presidential election. DAILY POST reported how governors Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu); Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia); Ben Ayade (Cross River); Ifeanyi Okowa (Delta); Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos); Simon Lalong (Plateau), and others lost their states to the opposition. Should the trend which played out in the February 25 presidential election repeats itself in the gubernatorial election, some state governors may not get a second term or produce their successors, a probability breeding fear and anxiety in some of them. Enugu The LP recorded great success in Enugu in the presidential and National Assembly election as it clinched seven out of the eight seats of the House of Representatives for the State. It also won one of the three seats in the Senate. Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, a candidate in the election, was roundly defeated by the candidate of the Labour Party, Okey Ezea, in the contest for the highly coveted seat of the Enugu North senatorial district. The development has since unsettled the entire political structure in the State. The PDP-led government in the state was alleged to have recently met with the Catholic church leaders in the state, appealing for support for its candidate, Peter Mbah. Meanwhile, the LP candidate, Chijioke Edeoga, whom PDP supporters see as a threat to the candidate, is seriously hoping to leverage on Obi’s votes. Speaking to DAILY POST, a chieftain of the LP in the State, Hon Malachy Okey Onyechi, said the party would come out top in the gubernatorial election just as it did in the presidential poll. Onyechi, who is also his party’s State House of Assembly candidate for the Nsukka West Constituency said Edeoga represents fresh air for Enugu people and would work to salvage the State from decay. ”We don’t have any fear regarding the upcoming election; we will come out on top just as we did in the presidential election. Our candidate represents fresh air for Enugu people,” he said. Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State is seeking a second term. However, the outcome of the presidential election in his State was less than what he expected. DAILY POST reported how Peter Obi of the Labour Party, LP, defeated the president-elect, Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress in Lagos. LP was also able to clinch four seats in the National Assembly. Days after the presidential election, there has been a lot of intrigues aimed at currying favour from the Igbos, who supposedly possess the most significant block votes after the indigenous people of the State. There are fears among the APC camp that Igbos might vote for the gubernatorial candidate of the Labour Party, LP, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour. Unsettled by the development, a chieftain of the APC, Femi Fani-Kayode, recently said that the party would not allow Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, gubernatorial candidate of the Labour Party, to hand over the State to Igbos. Fani-Kayode claimed that Yorubas and Igbos were tortured in the Southeast during the presidential election. In a series of tweets, he also alleged some Igbos were killed in the Southeastern part of the country for voting for Bola Tinubu. Meanwhile, the gubernatorial candidate of PDP in Lagos, Abdul-Azeez Adediran (Jandor), said Igbos deserve protection and respect for their enormous contribution to the development of the State. Adediran made the remarks at a town hall meeting with an Igbo group, Ndigbo Na Lagos Bu Otu, in Surulere on Sunday. “Appreciation of Lagosians of the first order who understand that all Igbo people in Lagos are one of those who have contributed immensely to our prosperity in the State of Lagos,” he said. Not leaving anything to chance, Sanwo-Olu’s government, apart from meeting with Igbo stakeholders in the state, has also released impounded vehicles free to their owners. These overtures are believed to be targeted at garnering votes. However, a prominent member of the APC in the State disclosed to DAILY POST that his party has made plans on how to win the election. He said a pact has been reached with some ethnic blocs in the State, taking into consideration its lapses during the last election. ”I can’t reveal everything to you. It’s a game plan perfectly drawn. We as a party have really learnt our lesson from the last election. It’s going to be a smooth one,” he said. Delta The Labour Party, LP, has become a beautiful bride sought after by the duo of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the State. Recall that Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, vice presidential candidate of the PDP, failed to deliver his State to the party. Okowa had since taken the campaign to religious leaders seeking support for his candidate, Sheriff Oborevwori. Recently, LP in Delta disassociated itself from rumours making the rounds that it was negotiating with Governor Ifeanyi Okowa ahead of the March 11 governorship election in the State. The LP State Chairman, Tony Ezeagwu, in a press statement on Monday in Asaba, said there was no truth in the rumours. He said the supporters of the party in the State remained resolute in their determination to win the governorship election and would never divert their support to any other party. However, some supporters of Peter Obi in the State have pledged to work with the APC candidate, Ovie Omo-Agege, during Saturday’s governorship election. A Coalition of Obidients Movement in Delta Central, Ochuko Edafe, claimed ‘Obidients’ vote for individuals and not parties. “We, Obidients, follow the footsteps and watch the character of our principal, His Excellency Mr Peter Obi, and when we came down home to our State, Delta, we decided we are going to look out for the same character and among all the people running for Governor of Delta State. “His Excellency, Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, has those qualities and character, and as you can see, he is a man of the people who is ready to meet with the people anytime,” he said. Rivers Only a few supporters of Peter Obi would be happy with Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers. Many of them believed he worked against the interest of their presidential candidate in favour of Bola Tinubu of the APC. It has been alleged that Wike has been making moves to appease some Igbo groups to ensure his candidate, Siminialaye Fubara, succeeds him. He has intensified efforts to woo some of the Obi’s supporters with mouth-watering promises to deliver his candidate. Meanwhile, a chieftain of the APC, Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, has called on the people to be prepared and speak in one voice during the March 11 Governorship election, just as they did at the presidential polls. Eze called on Igbo residents in Rivers State to ignore any invitation to meet with Governor Wike for any reason whatsoever. He claimed Wike deployed every apparatus of the State within his disposal to render useless every legitimate effort made at ensuring that the result of their franchise was reflected in the outcome of the Presidential and National Assembly elections. Read the full article

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24abdul · 5 years ago

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Some body confirmed this pllllsssss. It was supposed to be a meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari, but some All Progressives Congress (APC) governors had other plans – the removal of National Chairman Adams Oshiomhole.

It took the swift intervention of Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum to kill the plot hatched by Governors Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti), Nasir El-Rufai (Kaduna), Abubakar Badaru (Jigawa) and Atiku Bagudu (Kebbi).

Zulum was said to have spilled the beans when he saw that the quartet wanted to use the other governors to get the President’s backing for Oshiomhole’s removal, The Nation learnt on Sunday.

Sources said he told the President that El-Rufai, Fayemi, Bagudu and Badaru, among others, want to hijack the party leadership because they want one of them to be president in 2023. The quartet see Oshiomhole as an obstacle to the project.

”It is all about 2023. They want a pliant person as chairman, someone they can manipulate. That is why they want Oshiomhole out”, he told a stunned President Buhari, adding: ”They want to hijack the APC for selfish reason”. The President agreed to the meeting after being told by the El-Rufai group that the governors wanted to see him on an issue of national importance.

The four governors told their colleagues that the President wanted to see them penultimate Thursday. They informed them about the meeting late on Wednesday, ostensibly to make it difficult for them to attend. Apparently wary of the quartet’s motive, the pro-Oshiomhole governors shelved other state matters and travelled to Abuja.

At the meeting, the President sought to know the governors’ mission.

El-Rufai responded that the governors have resolved that Oshiomhole should go because he is not running the party well. He said they came to inform the President about their plan.

Zulum and other pro-Oshiomhole governors were stunned by the disclosure. Other pro-Oshiomhole governors at the meeting were Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun) and Gboyega Oyetola (Osun). Zulum countered: ”Who are the APC governors with you? Where and when did we meet to agree that the national chairman should resign?” he asked El-Rufai.

He told the President that the governors were told he wanted to compare notes with them. Zulum said they were shocked to hear that El-Rufai and those with him asked for the meeting.

A source privy to the meeting and how it went said Zulum told the President to be wary of the four governors.

He told the President that El-Rufai and his collaborators had sinister motive. Zulum revealed that Bagudu once pleaded with him to support former Zamfara State Governor Abdulazeez Yari in his (Yari) bid to replace Oshiomhole. He challenged Bagudu to deny it.

Oyetola told the President that what El-Rufai said was a figment of his imagination. ”No APC governors meeting took place where it was resolved that Oshiomhole should be replaced”, he said.

The source also quoted Zulum as saying: “Mr. President, you see all these governors seeking the removal of Oshiomhole are doing so because they are aspiring to be President in 2023. This is why they are calling a dog a bad name in order to hang it. Must we destroy the party because of presidential ambition? I think we should be careful.

“I believe our National Chairman is a fair and equitable leader. I have never met him, yet he allowed due process in the party which made me to emerge as the governorship candidate of the APC in Borno State. He knew me during the presidential campaign in our state. He has never asked me for a favour.”

It was gathered that Zulum enjoyed the backing of Oyetola, Abiodun and Sanwo-Olu.

“The anti-Oshiomhole governors were glued to their seats as the President left”, the source added.

It was learnt that Zulum received “follow up telephone calls from some of the anti- Oshiomhole governors.

He reportedly told one of them: “I know what I am doing, I am not running anybody’s errand. I am not only a PhD holder, I am a Professor. Having attained professorial level, I am knowledgeable enough to know the right thing.”

But the anti-Oshiomhole governors are not relenting in their mission.

They have been strategising on how to woo about 120 members of the the APC National Executive Committee (NEC).

They are either looking at ex-Governor Yari or a former aspirant for APC chair, Mr. Sam Jaja.

A party source said: “I think they are peddling Yari, the choice might be Jaja eventually. They know Yari loves ego boosting and he has a lot to spend. If Yari is their ultimate choice, they will meet their match in President Buhari, who believes the ex-Zamfara governor must account for his tenure in the state. Buhari has refused to stop the investigation of Yari despite the entreaties of some of these anti-Oshiomhole governors.

“It also does not add up for the President to come from the North-West and the party chairman from the same zone. Yari is just a smokescreen.

“If they are able to convince Jaja to replace Oshiomhole, they must be running the errand of a third force.

“Some of these governors, their allies and foot soldiers are so petty to the extent that they are deploying huge cash to remove Oshiomhole. Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki, who is having a running battle with Oshiomhole, is said to be one of those funding the project. They have offered some NEC members as much as N500,000, and even infiltrated the National Working Committee ( NWC) of the APC by dangling N10million to N20million to the members. Those offered the huge cash were from both North-Central and South-West.

“A member of the NEC said he was offered N100,000 but he will collect the balance after the removal of Oshiomhole.”

It was learnt that the aggrieved governors have shifted base to the Deputy Senate President, Chief Ovie Omo-Agege, who is a staunch backer of Oshiomhole.

They are throwing the presidential ticket to him as a bait, if the 2023 presidency is zoned to the South-South.

“Omo-Agege is wiser, he is presently a Deputy President of the Senate and the South-South leader of APC. His future will take care of itself”, a source said.

As at press time, Oshiomhole’s camp has started fighting back with about 90 NEC members ready to ”sink or swim” with him.

A member of the NWC said: “It is not only the governors that make up the NEC. Out of about 120 members, we have 36 from the National Assembly, state chairmen of APC and non-NWC members among others.

“And some governors have started backing out of the plot having realised that the proposed removal of Oshiomhole has to do with the presidential aspiration of some of their colleagues.”

While El-Rufai, Badaru and Bagudu are said to be banking on power likely being retained in the North, Fayemi is said to be either eyeing a joint ticket with El-Rufai or a presidential slot, if power shifts to the South in 2023.

Fayemi and El-Rufai are close to Oshiomhole, but because of their ambition, they are determined to sacrifice him, an APC insider said. They visit Oshiomhole regularly and pretend that they are with, the source added.

El-Rufai was said to have sold a dummy to his colleagues that he is ”the only one who can read the body language of the President”.

He was said to have told them ”the body language of the President is that Oshiomhole must go”

The confidence exuded by el-Rufai was said to have informed the deployment of huge cash, ranging from N500,000 to N10million, as bribes to the APC NEC members.

Despite the huge war chest, about 90 NEC members have signed up to ”sink or swim” with Oshiomhole.

Findings revealed that at the prompting of El-Rufai, the anti-Oshiomhole governors had tried four times in the past two months to get him out to no avail.

They made the attempts at the November 21 National Caucus session; the November 22 NEC meeting; the emergency session of the Progressives Governors Forum in Abuja; and the December 5 session with the President.

APC stalwart Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Mr. Boss Mustapha were said to have saved the party from sinking into a deeper crisis at the APC Caucus meeting on November 21.

It was learnt that when Tinubu moved a motion to raise a National Reconciliation Committee, Oshiomhole unwittingly called for a counter-motion.

But with Badaru raising about 22 defects in the party’s Audit Report, those who wanted the party intact (like Boss Mustapha) quickly waded in.

It was the same SGF who rescued the party at the November 22 NEC meeting when he doused tension by telling members that the President had a tight schedule, which led to the abrupt adjournment of the session.

Buhari, who had been fully briefed about the governors’ plot, was said to have given nothing away with his inscrutable countenance.

Although Buhari had asked the aggrieved governors to “follow due process and adhere to the constitution of APC in effecting any change”, the intelligence at his disposal about their plot was rated as “disturbing” before the NEC meeting.

His address at the NEC meeting, according to a source, was a “subtle warning” to the ”coup plotters.”

Unknown to the El-Rufai group, intelligence had picked up his audience with the APC chairman some hours before the NEC session.

The source said: “Pretending to have met Oshiomhole as a long-standing friend, El-Rufai asked the APC chairman to resign to avoid being disgraced at the NEC meeting.

“Oshiomhole, however, snapped by asking him the basis for his resignation having led the party to secure a comfortable majority in the National Assembly and put in place good leaders in the Senate and House of Representatives to assist the President to achieve his agenda. He also said the party has won more states in recent elections.

“The National Chairman of APC put El-Rufai to task in a manner that made him look ordinary. Oshiomhole was emphatic in telling El-Rufai that he will not resign.”

“He (Oshiomhole) said: ‘There is nothing to this office, I am a leader who knows when to quit if I have committed infractions. I know the standard all over the world, I am not an exception’. This is what he told El-Rufai.”

Investigation revealed that Oshiomhole had to take on El-Rufai because he had reposed “much trust” in the Kaduna State governor only to hear that he is one of those plotting against him.

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newsnigeria · 5 years ago

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Check out New Post published on Ọmọ Oòduà

New Post has been published on http://ooduarere.com/politics/bola-tinubu-hero-or-villain/

Bola Tinubu: Hero Or Villain Of June 12? By Temidayo Akinsuyi

By Temidayo Akinsuyi

Source: https://www.independent.ng/tinubu-hero-or-villain-of-june-12/

Before now, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, former governor of Lagos state and national leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC ) has always been regarded as one of the true heroes of the June 12 struggle. To many, Tinubu is a consummate politician, consistent democrat, tested and trusted leader and a staunch believer in the June 12 struggle.

In a recent interview, Chief Olu Falae, a former presidential candidate and elder statesman claimed that the 1999 governorship primaries of the defunct Alliance for Democracy (AD) in Lagos was won by the late Funso Williams but leaders of National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), led by the late Senator Abraham Adesanya announced Tinubu as the winner as a compensation to him for his ordeal in the June 12 struggle which culminated in his going on exile.

According to Falae, ““Late Funsho Williams who won the primary election of the AD backed down after my intervention.

“I pleaded with Funsho Williams that by the grace of God if I become the president, I will give him legitimate recognition and opportunity to serve the country if he allowed Tinubu to become AD governorship nominee to save our leader, Pa Abraham Adesanya, the late leader of Afenifere, who announced him as the winner.

“Pa Adesanya was shot nine times by the late Head of State, General Sani Abacha’s men. His children prevailed on him to stop leading NADECO but instead he replied that the struggle had just started. Ironically, Tinubu turned round to destroy Afenifere.

“It was Williams who won the AD primaries but there were some disagreements in parts of Mainland Local Government and Ikorodu; Pa Adesanya settled for Tinubu as the winner of the governorship primaries simply because he (Tinubu) was a key leader during the NADECO movement against the military government under Abacha.

“Tinubu suffered in consequence and was in exile abroad while I was detained with others for two years in Nigeria. Pa Adesanya insisted that one of us who suffered should be governor so that he could rehabilitate others”.

Throughout his tenure as governor, Tinubu, who said May 29 is not the original Democracy Day declared June 12 as a public holiday in Lagos State. With his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in charge, President Muhammadu Buhari last year conferred the highest national honour on the late MKO Abiola. This year, he officially assented to the Bill making June 12 Democracy Day and also renamed the National Stadium Abuja after Abiola.

Little wonder many Nigerians were shocked when Kola, the late Abiola’s first son in a recent interview claimed that Tinubu begged former Head of State, Sani Abacha to make him a Commissioner in Lagos even when Abiola was in custody.

According to Kola , it was after Tinubu had lost out that he decided to join hands with the National Democratic Coalition to fight for the actualisation of the June 12 mandate .

Speaking on Tinubu, he said “At the very beginning, he was part of the Yar’Adua PF group from Jos. He was a senator then, and as far as the group went, we related. The crisis started post-election. When Abacha came, one of the things he wanted to do was to be the administrator for Lagos”.

“Yes. I am sure you have seen pictures of him and my dad. He was hoping that there would be civilian administrators like we had under IBB but Abacha said no, that he was going to have military administrators. So he (Tinubu) said okay, in that case, can I be a deputy administrator? But Abacha said that there wouldn’t be deputies. Then he wanted the post of a commissioner”.

“Yes. Then it was a choice between him and someone very close to Jakande who has passed on now. I can’t remember his name, but because Babagana was already in the government, that guy was picked as commissioner. But really, Senator Tinubu had lost out already”.

“Yes, he was close enough. He and Adeniji Adele, a very good guy, were close to my father. In fact, Adeniyi was closer to my father and more dedicated to the process than anyone of them. When my documentary comes out, you will see Tinubu’s take on issues. So once he lost out, automatically, he became a NADECO member and Adeniji was incarcerated”.

Kola’s claim was corroborated by Chief Olabode George, a former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who described Tinubu as a “June 12 opportunist”.

George, the Atona Oodua of Yorubaland hailed Kola for deciding to make a documentary of the June 12 saga, adding that he must not be victimised for saying the truth since , as the first son of MKO , he was an insider.

He said , “It is true that Tinubu went to beg for a commissioner position . He was in the Villa and Gen . Oladipo Diya is a witness. He ( Tinubu ) said he wanted to be a deputy to a military administrator and when all that didn ’t work , he went into his activism .”

“Most of what Kola said is true. He spoke from the heart and he was trying to set the records straight in the face of the many narratives. He had been looking for who would help to recognise the June 12 saga so that his father wouldn ’ t have died in vain .

“In the course of this , he had bottled up so much . He went through a lot , having lost his mother and family businesses during the struggle . So , he was setting the records straight so that people would not rewrite history.”

However, these accusations did not go down well with Tinubu’s supporters in the APC and have fired back at the duo for describing Tinubu as a villain.

Joe Igbokwe, APC Publicity Secretary in Lagos in his reaction, said although APC did not find the need to “dignify a collapsed and a failed politician in Lagos or a little kid without sense of history with a response at a time like this, but we changed our mind because we do not want to allow lies to be told a thousand times so that some people will not believe it as the truth.”

He noted that before the annulment of June 12 1993 Presidential Elections Governors, Senators, House of Reps Members, State Assembly members had been in place and Tinubu was one of the elected Senators from Lagos.

“Now how can an elected Senator be asking for a mere appointment as Commissioner? Does it make sense to anybody who is privileged to be a sensible person?”

“In one breath the story tellers said Asiwaju asked for the post of a commissioner and in another they told us he wanted to be Deputy Sole Administrator Of Lagos. Now, do we have anything like Deputy Sole Administrator then? Was it in existence? Are they not liars from the pit of hell?”

Also reacting, Col. Tony Nyiam (rtd),a NADECO chieftain said Kola was not fair to Tinubu and others who fought for the June 12 struggle by labeling them as opportunists.

He said that even though he had parted ways with Tinubu, he would still not fail to tell the truth about the role he played in the struggle.

“In spite of my personal disappointment with Asiwaju, I cannot be a witness to Kola Abiola’s ungratefulness to the lowest depth. We need to set the record straight. It is noteworthy to see that I have for over four years distanced myself from my hitherto close friend, Asiwaju.” Those who are close to Asiwaju and my humble self know that”.

“Chief Kola Abiola’s questioning of the integrity of Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s early support for his father, Chief MKO Abiola, on doubtful demand from Gen. Sani Abacha is completely unnecessary and so uncalled for. To what end is Kola’s negative observation directed? Who is Kola Abiola trying this lie to give comfort to?” he asked.

#Politics

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kenzymirror · 6 years ago

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Kwankwaso’s defection, Kano and implications for 2019

One of the most visible implications of the present drama is that President Buhari is most unlikely to retain a commanding position in Kano any more. Desmond Mgboh, Kano. On Tuesday, the former governor of Kano State and strongman of Kano politics, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, announced his defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Senate President, Senator Bukola Saraki announced Kwankwaso’s defection on the floor of the Red Chamber amid a rather tumultuous session. READ ALSO: Kano PDP leaders, stakeholders meet over Kwankwaso’s defection His defection was immediately followed by a gale of defections on the floor of the House of Representatives, where 37 parliamentarians, 10 of whom are from Kano State, equally announced their exit from the ruling party. The lavish renouncement of the APC did not just stop as there are indications that six loyalists of the former governor presently in the Kano State House of Assembly are warming up to bid theAll Progressives Congress (APC) goodbye. “They have so far not defected, but there are indications that they would soon walk the ways of their principal” a source told Sunday Sun in Kano. The latest move by the former Kano State governor was the culmination of months of speculation, drama and intrigues regarding his future. It is coming months after the members of his red cap movement and sympathizers were clinically edged out of the party structure in the state at the recent APC primaries by the forces loyal to Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. Reactions in Kano As is expected, the defection of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso was greeted with wild joy among his many supporters and admirers. Many of them in the state, demeaned and made redundant by years of outright political neglect in the hands of their political foes, threw caution to the winds in their celebrations. They threw away their old brooms, burnt them in some instances, took snapshots and “sefies” in PDP gear and uploaded same to the glare of the digital space. In several quarters in the state capital, from the tea seller in Brigade to the meat sellers in Kurna; vendors on Galadima Road to the cobblers at Panisau Quarters, the only discussion that seized the imagination of the ordinary people of the state on the momentous day was the political earthquake in Abuja. In his exhilaration, Alhaji Bello Audu excitedly described the day as the most treasured day of his life, insisting that they had waited for so long for the announcement. A devout member of the Kwankwasiyya Movement in Dambatta axis, said that Kwankwaso has taken the right step at the right time. In his reaction too, Comrade Aminu Belli, told Sunday Sun that the return of Kwankwaso to PDP, though driven by several considerations for political survival and relevance, would no doubt revive activities in the political landscape, including forcing the incumbent government to up its performance. Kwakwanso’s bumpy road to defection But for the last minute efforts put up by the new All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, Kwankwaso’s entire sojourn in the All Progressives Congress, in the final analysis, garnered nothing but aborted dreams, pure hostility and rejection. It is clear his almost four-year membership of the APC was largely a span of wasted years. The path to his travail in the broom wielding party began early enough, soon after he ditched the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in search of his presidential ambition in the freshly re-branded political party against the odds in the party, which had entered into an unwritten but abiding understanding to hand over the presidential ticket to Candidate Muhammadu Buhari. His refusal to step down or to play along this already prepared script, placed him at cross roads with so many interests, including interests in his own state. With his loss at the party presidential primaries in Lagos in late 2014, Senator Kwankwaso began a painful, near lonely journey to political irrelevance within the very APC that reaped hugely from his rebellion against President Goodluck Jonathan and the PDP. His plunge quickened as soon as it was clearly established that the new party, well received by the Muslim-North, was likely do well in Kano State, with or without his support. Jonathan, IBB meet in Minna

Although as the then governor of the state, he was able to install his avowed loyalists into all the contested positions in the state – governor, Senate, House of Representatives, House of Assembly down to the 44 local government areas of the state, the intrigues that succeeded this exploit clearly showed that he mistrusted some of his loyalists. This began to show as early as weeks into the gubernatorial campaigns as he was gradually excused from the mainstream of his party’s gubernatorial campaign exercise in the state. Many campaign trips and rallies came up but he was absent or held up in the office. Many decisions were taken for which he was only notified, signifying that the end was near Upon the formation of the new government in 2015, Kwankwaso was allowed the privilege to select some members of the new executive council and state officers, but exactly a year after, the bubble burst and his appointees were fired from office. That sadly marked the end of his presence in the government of Kano State. But before then, a silent supremacy war raged on in the state for most of the first year of the new administration. An ego struggle stalked the present governor and his predecessor, stirring up questions as to who was actually in charge. Party officials and government officers, cautious of the dangers of misplacing their loyalty, very often dangled it on both sides. The final straw came in the wake of a condolence visit to Governor Ganduje over his mother’s death. At that visit, Senator Kwankwaso and his supporters were accused of visiting the innocent community with thugs and embarking on actions that were designed to undermine the influence of the bereaved governor. The Governor who was enraged by these excesses, in response, mandated a number of political moves to cut Kwankwaso to size and it worked. Buhari’s political relationship with Senator Kwankwaso had never been cordial. Both men had eyed the same seat and contested fiercely for it. However, their fragile relationship was made worse by a propaganda that suddenly reared up its head at the end of the 2015 elections to the effect that Kwankwaso’s influence was responsible for the huge number of votes recorded by Buhari in Kano State. Buhari’s supporters did not find the propaganda funny and did a lot to dispel the faulty narrative. The same for President Buhari.

The relationship however got worse after Kwankwaso was ignored in the appointments made by the new administration. Kwankwaso had expected that given his contributions to the victory of President Buhari and the party and also his position as a runner-up to Buhari in the party’s presidential primaries, he would be appointed into high profile cabinet position. That did not come and it pained him a lot till the day of his defection, his only consolation being the day he watched mockingly as President Buhari and the National Chairman of the APC, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole begged him not to go. The fear within A remark by one of the chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Comrade Aminu Belli, aptly summarized the mixed feelings of happiness and fears within the fold of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kano State following the latest development. He observed that the State Executive Council of the party was apprehensive of “the negotiated defection of Senator Kwankwaso from APC to PDP” Belli, a PDP state chairmanship contestant remarked in a chat with Sunday Sun that the return of Senator Kwankwaso is good but poses a challenge as to how to create vacancies within the party structure to accommodate his caravan of loyalists across board without violating the constitution of the party. “How this tricky and dicey situation would be handled would go a long way to determine the performance of the party at the polls next year,” he declared. “This problem is clearly internal to the party but could be well exploited by the Ganduje administration to retain themselves in power,” he added. Mallam Sule Yau Sule, in a media statement on behalf of his principal, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau, recognized the dicey political landscape. “No doubt, the former governor would be of value to the fortunes of our party. But he must abide by the rules of our party. We expect him to be a reformed Kwankwaso, unlike what he was in 2015 when he singularly hijacked the whole of the party structure from those who had labored to build the party. “We hope that this time around, he would work by the rules and work with the members of the party for the good of our party,” Sule stated. Analysts point at the mixed grill of politicians of conflicting backgrounds in the PDP in the state and fear that they might not be able to successfully work together to bring about the desired trophy for the party in 2019. These politicians of divergent positions and views include Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau, Mallam Ibrahim Little, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Alhaji Mohammed Abacha and Alhaji Mohammed Bello, Ambassador Aminu Wali, among others. But perhaps the greatest worry and fear that is expressed by the members of the party in the state is the size of what was negotiated in Kwankwaso’s favour by the leadership of the party in Abuja. Discussions about the defection of Senator Kwankwaso were not held with the party leaders in Kano. It was

more an Abuja stuff, Sunday Sun gathered. Although many chieftains of the party were not open as to what had been conceded, it is believed that Kwankwaso was promised a lot by the party. For instance, it is speculated that he had requested for the party’s gubernatorial slot, for which he has in mind the present Deputy Governor of the state, Professor Hafiz Abubakar, as his candidate. It is also speculated that he had demanded for nearly half of the party’s structure and an automatic ticket for his loyalists in the House of Representatives who defected with him. What all these, many are afraid that implementing the negotiations would return the culture of imposition in the party at the expense of the present lodgers and occupants of these positions, which would certainly spark fresh sets of blickering. But the Kano State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Senator Masa’ud El Jilbrin Doguwa, in a chat with Sunday Sun assured that there would be no imposition of candidates under his watch. He however stated that he would provide an atmosphere of understanding and friendship so that all interests would be accommodated in single family driven by love, fair play and the pursuit of the collective goal of chasing out the APC from the Government House. Implications There is no doubt that the defection of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso from the APC to the PDP would have enormous impact on the politics of Kano State. Many commentators hold that many things would alter considerably following the latest development, although they are quick to add that the exact nature of what would succeed the present defection cannot be easily predicted. READ ALSO: 2nd term bid: Fresh hurdles before Buhari One of the most visible implications of the present drama is that President Buhari, the most potent force in Kano politics, is most unlikely to retain a commanding position in the state any more. Roughly everybody thinks that with the clout of politicians lined up in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) against him, it would be a pipe dream to imagine that he would run away with another 1.9 million votes in 2019 like he did in 2015. A state executive member of the PDP admitted that certainly Buhari would win Kano in 2019. “He has demonstrated that he could win in Kano any day or time. But in the next election, the numbers would be different. There is no way he can match his previous political record of a haul in the state. And you know what that deficit means to him at a time he has become less and less popular in many states outside the North-West states,” he stated. By the same token, it also means that Governor Ganduje should expect a tougher battle ahead of his second term bid. Ganduje dreams of getting a record 5 million votes but that is doubtfully possible in the present circumstances. Except the players in the PDP fail to work together, a possibility which is not far-fetched, he would require a miracle to defeat all these men of timber and caliber that would work together to oust him from Kano Government House in 2019. A look at the big names in the Peoples Democratic Party is rather frightening. Apart from Kwankwaso, you have Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau, Mallam Ibrahim Al Amin Little, Alhaji Mohammed Abacha and others. Each of these political forces, on a good day, is an electoral winner. There is another way in which the defection of Kwankwaso to the PDP would affect Kano State and its politics. It would certainly revive political competition and activities which have been comatose for so long given the near one-party brand of affairs that has characterized the state, says Umaru Ado of Bayero University, Kano. “This is perhaps one of the reasons the majority poor are very happy and excited with what is happening,” he said, adding that, “it would put money in their hands once again as the players, stingy for so long, must release the cash they had kept in their store while the angst of poverty exploded on their supporters.

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abujaihs-blog · 6 years ago

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Babatunde Fashola, The Unabashed Lobbyist

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democratsunited-blog · 6 years ago

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Third force slot battle rages as 2019 polls beckon – Punch Newspapers

https://uniteddemocrats.net/?p=3902

Third force slot battle rages as 2019 polls beckon – Punch Newspapers

ENIOLA AKINKUOTU examines the political moves of third force elements ahead of the 2019 general elections

Having lost power after vowing to rule Nigeria for 60 years, Nigeria’s longest-ever ruling party, the Peoples Democratic Party, faced its worst crisis yet.

While a large number of PDP leaders were arrested or arraigned for allegedly using stolen funds to run its campaigns in 2015, the party also faced a two-year internal crisis as two former governors – Ahmed Makarfi and Ali Modu Sheriff – struggled for the leadership of the party until the Supreme Court finally resolved the matter in favour of the former.

While the drama was playing out in the PDP, a large section of Nigerians became disillusioned with the ruling All Progressives Congress which had failed to fulfil most of its campaign promises owing to the sharp drop in global price of oil, a failing economy and rising insecurity occasioned by ethno-religious tension.

When it seemed Nigerians were trapped between the devil and the deep blue sea, some politicians and technocrats of note decided that it was time for the world’s most populous black nation to have a third option in the elusive quest for good governance, hence the ‘third force movement’ was born.

In politics, a third force is a political group or party, acting as a check, in a conflict between two extreme or opposing groups.

Though nebulous in concept, the third force movements mainly refer to the Nigerian Intervention Movement, led by a former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Dr. Olisa Agbakoba (SAN), and a former presidential aspirant, Dr. Abdujalil Tafawa-Balewa; the Coalition for Nigeria Movement, led by former President Olusegun Obasanjo and the Social Democratic Party, led by Chief Olu Falae, a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

Up until last month, it was assumed that the NIM, the CNM and the SDP would merge ahead of the 2019 elections but Nigerians were surprised when the CNM, led by Obasanjo, announced that it had adopted the little known African Democratic Congress as a platform to battle the forthcoming polls.

Weeks later, the NIM picked a newly registered party, Alliance for New Nigeria, as its own platform, thereby making the possibility of a merger more elusive.

With less than two months to the deadline for registration of new parties by the Independent National Electoral Commission, the possibilities of a merger continue to wane. It is therefore imperative to analyse the individual strengths of the parties, should they individually face the electoral task independently.

SDP

The Social Democratic Party was founded during the short-lived Third Republic. The SDP and the National Republican Convention were the only two parties registered and allowed to contest elections during the regime of the then military dictator, Ge. Ibrahim Babangida. After the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election that was won by the SDP and the crisis which erupted afterwards, the Third Republic collapsed and the SDP went into oblivion.

The party was, however, revived during the run-up to the 2015 general elections by Falae.

The SDP was seen largely as an appendage of the PDP when it endorsed the then President, Goodluck Jonathan, for a second term and received over N100m to campaign for him. Although the SDP failed to win any major elections in 2015, it began to grow stronger last year when some disenchanted PDP members began to defect to the party. Some of the defectors include a former Minister of Information, Prof. Jerry Gana, and a former Minister of Education, Prof. Tunde Adeniran.

Others, who have joined the SDP in recent times, include a former Deputy Governor of Osun State, Senator Iyiola Omisore, and many more.

The party received a major boost when there were reports that Obasanjo was planning to join the SDP along with his group. The talks, however, fell apart.

Political experts say the SDP lacks a national spread and will need to build a huge grass-roots base if it will be taken seriously next year.

ADC

The ADC, which is chaired by Chief Okey Nwosu, was founded in 2006 ahead of the 2007 general elections. The party’s presidential candidate in 2007 was the renowned political economist, Prof. Pat Utomi. After failing to win any presidential, governorship or legislative elections, the party was drifting into oblivion until 2015 when it won a seat in the Bayelsa State House of Assembly. The little-known party, however, took the spotlight last month after it was adopted by former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s CNM.

Ironically, the same party had passed a vote of no confidence in the former president towards the end of his administration.

While adopting the ADC, a former Governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, said the CNM was bringing “three million” of its members into the party.

The former governor said, “The CNM takes this momentous step of coalescing into the ADC as a vital step in building national consensus to reconstruct the country. We assure all Nigerians that with their support and the understanding of all like-minded organisations across the country, Nigeria will be rescued. God willing, the elections of 2018 and 2019 will be used to cure the curse and afflictions of failed leadership and perpetual underdevelopment.”

The ADC is expected to hold party congresses soon and has ruled out a merger with any other party. It has, however, stated that it would be willing to forge alliances with other parties with a view to defeating President Muhammadu Buhari next year.

Like the SDP, the ADC is believed to lack a strong base in many parts of the country and is largely unknown among the grass roots.

ANN

The ANN was registered by INEC late last year. The party, which has yet to win any election, was recently endorsed by the NIM, led by Agbakoba and Tafawa-Balewa. The party, which is chaired by Dr. Jay Osi Samuel, is expected to hold congresses before the end of the month. However, the ANN has no known structure across the nation and is not popular among a large section of Nigerians. It remains unclear how the party expects to muster enough support and awareness before the 2019 general elections. However, the party is seeking to forge alliances with many other smaller parties ahead of 2019.

Speaking with our correspondent on the telephone, Dr. Dan Ekere of the Philosophy Department at the University of Lagos, said the third force was not a well-thought out concept.

Ekere wondered if Obasanjo, who ruled Nigeria for eight years and is now a proponent of the third force, could represent change.

He said, “For the third force, I do not see their chances in the 2019 general elections but if they are persistent and are transparent and honest with their process, there are chances that they can one day rule the country, but as it stands now, it seems like the same old politicians are funding the third force.

“If you see characters like Obasanjo behind the third force, would it be right to still refer to them as third force? What is actually third about such a force? So, that is their main challenge.

“The same characters, who corrupted the first and second force, would probably corrupt the third force and at the end of the day, we may need a fourth force.”

Also, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mr. Festus Keyamo, said the third force was not yet ready for power.

Keyamo, who is the spokesman for the Buhari Campaign Organisation, said one of the problems with the third force was that the several elements within it were failing to make compromises and stepping down for any one person.

The senior advocate said it might take two or three election cycles before the third force could take shape and really become a force to reckon with.

He stated, “The major problem with the third force is a lack of a clear-cut identity as to who is who. In other words, they don’t know among themselves who controls more public acceptability, more public respect. This will continue for at least two general elections before they become coordinated.

“It happened in 2003, 2007 and 2011 when the different opposition parties tried to form a working relationship but it continued to fail until they could all agree to merge and pick Muhammadu Buhari, who had a steady record of garnering huge votes.

“It is impossible for the opposition to unite until they all individually test their powers. Today, Omoyele Sowore, Kingsley Moghalu, Fela Durotoye are all running and nobody would want to suspend his ambition for another. It is only when they individually test their strengths in the field that one person will agree to step down.”

The Chairman of the ANN, Mr. Jay Samuels, said the party was ready to defeat the APC next year’s elections.

Samuels stated that the fact that various interests groups like the Agbakoba-led NIM were endorsing the party showed that the ANN was the party to beat.

He added, “There is a reason we have not taken part in any by-election or local government election and that is because we have yet to hold our convention where our substantive officers would have been duly elected.

“In the next few days, we would release dates for our convention which is in July. We are open to work with any like-minded groups but we are not waiting to form any alliance.

“Groups have been coming to join us. Our main strategy is to create a new generation of voters by focusing on 80 per cent or more Nigerians who are eligible to vote but never voted or people who have never shown interest in politics of Nigeria. This is our strategy.”

Also, the Chairman of the ADC, Chief Okey Nwosu, said his party was waxing stronger every day which had made the ruling party jittery.

Nwosu, whose party has been endorsed by the Obasanjo-led coalition, said most of the ‘naysayers’ were members of the APC. He, however, added that they would be shocked at the polls in 2019.

He said, “Those in power have become blinded by their arrogance. For the first time, Nigerians will teach them a lesson.

“Handshake is the symbol of the ADC. That is our logo. We will extend a hand of fellowship to all Nigerians across the country and heal Nigeria. It has already begun to happen. People like (Festus) Keyamo and occupants of the Villa would be shocked by Nigerians.”

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toldnews-blog · 6 years ago

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New Post has been published on https://toldnews.com/world/the-godfathers-who-pull-nigerias-strings/

The ‘godfathers’ who pull Nigeria's strings

Image caption Godswill Akpabio may determine who wins elections in the oil-rich state of Akwa Ibom

“Godfathers” in Nigerian politics don’t usually run for office themselves, but many believe they are the ones who decide the election winners and losers.

With campaigning well under way for general elections on 16 February, these are the men – and they invariably are men – who pull the strings behind the scenes.

They are political sponsors, who use money and influence to win support for their preferred candidates.

Their “godsons”, it is believed, are not always selected for their political acumen, but rather on their ability to repay and enrich their godfather.

These arrangements have spawned the term “godfatherism”, says Dr Dele Ashiru, a senior lecturer at the department of political science at the University of Lagos.

“It refers to a situation where there’s a big man who wields enormous political power and then anoints a godson, who he adopts as a candidate for the election.

“And the godfather will do all that is reasonably possible to get the godson appointed into political office.

“The godfather must be influential, most often they are, or were, a political office holder.”

When ‘godfatherism’ gets messy

In the southern state of Akwa Ibom, the country’s largest oil-producer, many people believe the main godfather is Godswill Akpabio, who holds a senate seat.

Image caption Senator Akpabio is the driving force behind the APC’s campaign in Akwa Ibom state

A former governor of the state, he still wields significant power in local politics.

So powerful in fact that his defection just a few months ago to the governing All Progressives Congress (APC) is seen as pivotal to the party’s hope of winning its first victory in the state since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999.

A hope reiterated by President Muhammadu Buhari when he chose Akwa Ibom to launch his campaign for re-election in December.

And Mr Akpabio certainly seems to deliver in numbers. During a recent rally I spoke to followers who said he would bring more than 300,000 voters over to the APC.

But Senator Akpabio denies he is a kingmaker: “If anyone wants to say that I am a godfather I want to disagree with them.

“The only time you could say I played a godfather-like role was in 2015. I nominated the current governor [of Akwa Ibom] and when I presented him to the people they supported him,” he told the BBC.

Image caption A supporter of incumbent Akwa Ibom Governor Udom Emmauel, who has fallen out with his godfather

Yet a member of his own party says that 2015 victory was marred by violence and irregularities, orchestrated by Mr Akpabio.

Umana Okon Umana, who was aspiring to be governor at the time, has accused Mr Akpabio of using state resources, including security forces, to install his candidate.

He describes it as a situation where a godfather sits down with his wife “and writes down all who will contest the governorship elections… all the way down to the house of assembly positions.

“He writes these names before the primaries take place. And then if you’re not one of those candidates they make sure that you have no access to the venue [of the primaries].”

A Supreme Court ruling from 2015, however, declared the election in the state to be free and fair.

Image caption The APC rallies in Akwa Ibom have been packed this year

But “godfatherism” can get messy.

Onofiok Luke, now the speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, was one of Mr Akpabio’s former godsons.

A deeply religious man, he attributes his success in politics to God, but many would say he owes far more to his former godfather.

Tinubu: I Had Special Relationship with Adebayo Faleti

Sun, 30 Jul 2017

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No criticism will stop amendment of Broadcasting Code- Minister

Sun, 30 Jul 2017

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2018 Budget to be presented to NASS in October-Enang

Sun, 30 Jul 2017

Sen. Ita Enang, Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters (Senate), has said that the 2018 Budget proposal will be presented to the National Assembly by October. He made the disclosure while briefing newsmen on Friday in Abuja. According to him, the 2018 budget is one of the matters that was agreed []The post 2018 Budget to be presented to NASS in October-Enang appeared first on Daily Times Nigeria. Nigeria News from Nigeria Newspapers

Osinbajo, Gov Emmanuel meet behind closed doors

Sun, 30 Jul 2017

*God has healed our President -Gov In less than 48 hours after joining six of his colleagues in the visit to President Muhammadu Buhari in London, Akwa Ibom State Governor Udom Emmanuel has met behind closed doors with the Acting President Yemi Osinbajo at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. At the end of his meeting with []The post Osinbajo, Gov Emmanuel meet behind closed doors appeared first on Daily Times Nigeria. Nigeria News from Nigeria Newspapers

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Northern Govs, royal fathers set up committee on restructuring, other national issues

Sun, 30 Jul 2017

The 19 Northern States have taken first major step in preparation for possible restructuring of the country. The State governors and Chairmen of councils of traditional rulers Council from the states set up a high-powered committee to collate the views and comments of the people of the North-West , North-Central and North-East geo-political zones ahead []The post Northern Govs, royal fathers set up committee on restructuring, other national issues appeared first on Daily Times Nigeria. Nigeria N

Without referendum added to the constitution all ongoing agitations will fail Adeyeye

Sun, 30 Jul 2017

Ajibayo Adeyeye, a medical doctor is the immediate past Majority Leader of the Lagos State House of Assembly. A blunt politician and social critic he speaks to issues as he sees them without the regular colouring of a politician. In this interview with PATRICK OKOHUE he speaks on the ongoing agitation for restructuring, the Biafra []The post Without referendum added to the constitution all ongoing agitations will fail Adeyeye appeared first on Daily Times Nigeria. Nigeria News from Nigeria Newsp

BEN TV boss commends Senate on voting for independent candidacy

Sun, 30 Jul 2017

One of the top Nigerians in Diaspora and Founder of the first ethnic satellite Media Company in Europe, Alistair Soyode has welcomed the Nigerias Senates constitutional amendment in support of independent candidates in coming elections, this he said is more important ahead of 2019 general elections. In a press release, the entrepreneur, community advocate and []The post BEN TV boss commends Senate on voting for independent candidacy appeared first on Daily Times Nigeria. Nigeria News from Nigeri

Lalong has no hand in attempt to recall Plateau House member Group

Sun, 30 Jul 2017

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Oyegun has performed excellently Anambra Leaders

Sun, 30 Jul 2017

Leading politicians in Anambra State Thursday night lauded the leadership qualities of the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, describing him as a forthright, honest and consistent leader The stance of the politicians was articulated by the chairman of Anambra State Political Forum (ASPF), Chief James Nnaemeka. They accused some []The post Oyegun has performed excellently Anambra Leaders appeared first on Daily Times Nigeria. Nigeria News from Nig

Value of the Nigerian Passport must be valued, respected, says a Spanish-Nigerian

Sun, 30 Jul 2017

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How man lost N11.3m worth of wares to terrorists in Borno

Sun, 30 Jul 2017

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Quintessential Gentleman, EDMUND IKECHUKWU OKAFOR (1965 2017)

Sun, 30 Jul 2017

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The limit of education

Sun, 30 Jul 2017

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Mother and Triplets detained in Plateau Hospital over bills

Sun, 30 Jul 2017

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Were committed to the success of Private Sector- Osinbajo

Sun, 30 Jul 2017

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Plateau NASS Member insists on LG Council name change.

Sun, 30 Jul 2017

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US appoints a Nigerian, first black chairman of Cardiovascular disease board

Sun, 30 Jul 2017

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Medical students, Health workers chart course for repositioning Healthcare

Sun, 30 Jul 2017

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NUJ to partner DELSU in capacity building, reportage of breakthroughs

Sun, 30 Jul 2017

The Nigerian Union of Journalists, Delta State Council has expressed readiness to partner the Delta State University Abraka in capacity building of journalist to enhance their productivity. Chairman of the Union, Comrade Mike Ikeogwu stated this when he led other executives and some members on a courtesy visit to the University Vice Chancellor, Professor Victor []The post NUJ to partner DELSU in capacity building, reportage of breakthroughs appeared first on Daily Times Nigeria. Nigeria News fro

Silva hints end in sight over Neymar, PSG link

Sun, 30 Jul 2017

Thiago Silva expects an imminent resolution to Paris Saint-Germains ambitious pursuit of Barcelona star Neymar. Speculation over the forwards future continues to dominate headlines and that further intensified after the Brazilian clashed with Barcas new signing Nelson Semedo in training on Friday. PSG are reportedly willing to pay Neymars 222million release clause in what would []The post Silva hints end in sight over Neymar, PSG link appeared first on Daily Times Nigeria. Nigeria News from Nige

Fassone, Pallotta clash over Milan spending

Sun, 30 Jul 2017

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Newcastle sign Merino on season-long loan

Sun, 30 Jul 2017

Newcastle United have signed Borussia Dortmunds Mikel Merino on an initial season-long loan. The Spain Under-21 international is Newcastles fifth acquisition of the transfer window following their immediate return to the Premier League from the Championship. Merino, who made just nine appearances for Dortmund last season after joining from Osasuna, will move to St. James []The post Newcastle sign Merino on season-long loan appeared first on Daily Times Nigeria. Nigeria News from Nigeria Newspape

De Bruyne backs Man City spending

Sun, 30 Jul 2017

Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne believes the Premier League clubs spending spree is just what they needed. Bernardo Silva, Ederson, Kyle Walker, Danilo and Benjamin Mendy have been added to Pep Guardiolas squad, with City having spent more than a reported 200million. City are desperate for improvement on last season after failing to win []The post De Bruyne backs Man City spending appeared first on Daily Times Nigeria. Nigeria News from Nigeria Newspapers

Chelsea defender Miazga rejoins Vitesse

Sun, 30 Jul 2017

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Blues are title favourites, says Conte

Sun, 30 Jul 2017

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Arsenal forward Perez angry over squad number

Sun, 30 Jul 2017

Want-away Arsenal forward Lucas Perez is angry and upset at the Emirates Stadium, with Deportivo La Coruna having made an offer to re-sign him, says the players agent. Perez has struggled to make an impact after a 20million move from Depor a year ago and the signing of France international Alexandre Lacazette has pushed the []The post Arsenal forward Perez angry over squad number appeared first on Daily Times Nigeria. Nigeria News from Nigeria Newspapers

Conte enquires about Sanches

Sun, 30 Jul 2017

Antonio Conte enquired about Bayern Munich midfielder Renato Sanches after his Chelsea side lost to the Bundesliga champions in the International Champions Cup, says chief executive Karl-Heinz Rummenigge. Sanches is expected to leave Bayern on loan, having started just six league games in his first season at the Allianz Arena after a 35million move from []The post Conte enquires about Sanches appeared first on Daily Times Nigeria. Nigeria News from Nigeria Newspapers

Watford boss Silva eyes further signings

Sun, 30 Jul 2017

Watford manager Marco Silva believes his new club still need four to six more signings as he aims to lead a charge back up the Premier League. The Hornets finished one place above the relegation zone last season and responded by sacking Walter Mazzarri, marking their third managerial change in as many seasons. Silva, a []The post Watford boss Silva eyes further signings appeared first on Daily Times Nigeria. Nigeria News from Nigeria Newspapers

Liverpools Robertson targets first-team shirt

Sun, 30 Jul 2017

New signing Andrew Robertson has made clear his aim to lock down Liverpools starting left-back berth as the Scotland international prepares for his pre-season debut. The 23-year-old established himself as a Premier League player in a three-season stint at relegated Hull City before making a reported 10million switch to Anfield last week. Already capped 15 []The post Liverpools Robertson targets first-team shirt appeared first on Daily Times Nigeria. Nigeria News from Nigeria Newspapers

FG warns charity organizations over abuse of IDECs

Sun, 30 Jul 2017

*As Customs seizes concealed N566m mobile phone The Ministry of Finance has warned not-for-profit and charity organizations and members of the public to exercise caution in applying for Import Duty Exemption Certificates (IDECs) while receiving donations of relief materials from foreign donors. Minister of Finance, Mrs Kemi Adeosun in a statement on Thursday by the []The post FG warns charity organizations over abuse of IDECs appeared first on Daily Times Nigeria. Nigeria News from Nigeria Newsp

NDIC secures N556mn landmark judgement against Lead Merchant Bank

Sun, 30 Jul 2017

The Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) has secured a landmark judgement amounting to N556,493,034.16 million in favour of depositors of liquidated Lead Merchant Bank Limited. The judgement was recently delivered by Honourable Justice Ibrahim N. Buba of Federal High Court, Lagos in a matter instituted by First Bank of Nigeria (FBN) Plc. over a claim []The post NDIC secures N556mn landmark judgement against Lead Merchant Bank appeared first on Daily Times Nigeria. Nigeria News from Niger

Arik crisis: It is too early to evaluate the performance of AMCON

Sun, 30 Jul 2017

Despite the strong believe and insinuation in certain quarter that Arik Air is worse under the management team of Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria, an aviation consultant and Managing Director, Aerokeys Nigeria Limited, Hon. Kudla Milnda Satumari said that it was too early to begin to appraise the performance of AMCON. Satumari who stated this []The post Arik crisis: It is too early to evaluate the performance of AMCON appeared first on Daily Times Nigeria. Nigeria News from Nigeria Newsp

CBN boosts Inter-Bank Forex Market with $462m

Sun, 30 Jul 2017

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on Friday, intervened in the inter-bank Foreign Exchange Market with the total sum of $462,336,426.74 to boost the market. This intervention was in line with its commitment to sustain and deepen flexibility in the foreign exchange market to further enhance forex flow in the economy. A breakdown of the []The post CBN boosts Inter-Bank Forex Market with $462m appeared first on Daily Times Nigeria. Nigeria News from Nigeria Newspapers

PTAD Completes Payment of July 2017 Monthly Pension

Sun, 30 Jul 2017

The Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) has said that it has concluded the payment of July 2017 monthly pensions of pensioners under the Defined Benefit Scheme (DBS). In a statement made available to The Daily Times on Friday by its Deputy Director of Communication , Mr Emma Okondo, PTAD said that a total of 237,306 []The post PTAD Completes Payment of July 2017 Monthly Pension appeared first on Daily Times Nigeria. Nigeria News from Nigeria Newspapers

Lack of innovation bane of unemployment Danbatta

Sun, 30 Jul 2017

The absence of innovation has been attributed to be the bane of inability of the economy to create jobs and the rising tide of unemployment. The Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC), Executive Vice Chairman Prof Umar Danbatta, who was represented by a deputy director at the commission Dr Henry Nkemadu, made this assertion at the opening []The post Lack of innovation bane of unemployment Danbatta appeared first on Daily Times Nigeria. Nigeria News from Nigeria Newspapers

FG approves Digital Literacy Council of Nigeria

Sun, 30 Jul 2017

Alhaji Abdur-Raheem Adebayo Shittu, Minister of Communications, has approved the establishment of a Digital Literacy Council of Nigeria for the development of a National Policy on Digital Literacy through which appropriate digital literacy guidelines and standards in Nigeria would be promoted. The Council is expected to develop a National Digital Literacy Policy and Strategic Action []The post FG approves Digital Literacy Council of Nigeria appeared first on Daily Times Nigeria. Nigeria News fro

Photos: 2face Idibia, Styl Plus, Waje Delight Guests at #Eargasm4Charity Concert

Sun, 30 Jul 2017

Residents of the city of Abuja will not forget Saturday July 22, 2017 in a hurry as international singer 2face Idibia alongside other music stars dazzled on stage to blow their minds at the just concluded concert tagged #Eargasm4Charity, which held at Transcorp Hilton, Abuja. The concert which was beyond the average Nigerian concert was []The post Photos: 2face Idibia, Styl Plus, Waje Delight Guests at #Eargasm4Charity Concert appeared first on Daily Times Nigeria. Nigeria News from Nigeria News

Aramide drops visual for Bose

Sun, 30 Jul 2017

Afro-Soul Queen, Aramide, has officially released the much anticipated video, Bose, off her debut album, Suitcase. The singer who is gearing up for her tour of the United States took to her social media page to announce the release of the video. Directed by Megaboi and shot in the U.S, the video tells the story []The post Aramide drops visual for Bose appeared first on Daily Times Nigeria. Nigeria News from Nigeria Newspapers

Ariya Repete 2017: Onimama Fausiya and Leye Williams emerge winner

Sun, 30 Jul 2017

Onimama Fausiya and Leye Williams have both emerged overall winners of the 2017 edition of Ariya Repete, the Yoruba cultural music talent hunt, at the grand finale event which held at Trans Amusement Park, Ibadan on Friday, July 21, 2017. Fausiya, a budding female Fuji musician from Ilorin, Kwara State clinched the overall prize of []The post Ariya Repete 2017: Onimama Fausiya and Leye Williams emerge winner appeared first on Daily Times Nigeria. Nigeria News from Nigeria Newspapers

Kenny Blaq Dazzles on Stage at his Debut Show The Oxymoron of Kenny Blaq

Sun, 30 Jul 2017

Nigerian comedian Otolorin Kehinde aka Kenny Blaq delivered an ecstatic performance at his debut show The Oxymoron of Kenny Blaq which held on Sunday, July 23, 2017 at Eko Hotels Convention Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos. The event, which began with a red carpet session, had in attendance over a thousand fans, friends and families of []The post Kenny Blaq Dazzles on Stage at his Debut Show The Oxymoron of Kenny Blaq appeared first on Daily Times Nigeria. Nigeria News from Nigeria Newspapers

Celebrities storms Hon. Edwin Chibuzor star studded birthday bash

Sun, 30 Jul 2017

The city of Port Harcourt was a lively place on Friday, 21st of July, 2017 as top society bigwigs tripped into the capital city of Rivers to felicitate with socialite and the CEO of Edizwine Bar, Honourable Edwin Chibuzor Okolie on his birthday celebration. The fun-filled event which was attended by high profiled personalities was []The post Celebrities storms Hon. Edwin Chibuzor star studded birthday bash appeared first on Daily Times Nigeria. Nigeria News from Nigeria Newspapers

AFRIMA appoints new Jurors ahead of 2017 adjudication

Sun, 30 Jul 2017

Eastern Africa, Central Africa & Western Africa get new representatives on the 13-man Jury The All Africa Music Awards, AFRIMA, has appointed five African music professionals to the AFRIMA Academy of Jury that consists of the 13-man Jury and the 100-man College of Voters in line with the awards objective of an all-inclusive participation of []The post AFRIMA appoints new Jurors ahead of 2017 adjudication appeared first on Daily Times Nigeria. Nigeria News from Nigeria Newspapers

MultiChoice Announces DStv Summer Besties Competition

Sun, 30 Jul 2017

Leading video entertainment company, MultiChoice Nigeria, has announced the start of the DStv Summer Besties competition in Nigeria to commemorate this years International Friendship Day on July 30, 2017. From 17th July, 2017, DStv is challenging kids between 5 and 12 to explore their creativity by answering the all-important question: what does friendship mean to []The post MultiChoice Announces DStv Summer Besties Competition appeared first on Daily Times Nigeria. Nigeria News from Nigeria New

AMBO star, Azizat Sadiq makes return to Nollywood

Sun, 30 Jul 2017

.stars in self-produced new movie Chis Journey Winner of the season one edition of the Amstel Malta Box Office Reality show (AMBO), Azizat Sadiq has returned to the movie industry bigger and better as she returns in new movie Chis Journey The Wetin Dey actress in an exclusive chat with DailyTimes disclosed that the new []The post AMBO star, Azizat Sadiq makes return to Nollywood appeared first on Daily Times Nigeria. Nigeria News from Nigeria Newspapers

Kanus rash call for the stoppage of Anambras governorship election

Sun, 30 Jul 2017

Kanus Rash Call For The Stoppage Of Anambras governorship election By Chiedu Uche Okoye A people with discontent over their condition in a multi-ethnic country reserve the right to clamour for self-determination. Dating back to many centuries ago, the boundaries of some countries had been re-drawn and adjusted owing to the disintegration of nation-states, globally. []The post Kanus rash call for the stoppage of Anambras governorship election appeared first on Daily Times Nigeria. Nigeria News fr

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