TOP 10 FUNNY ELECTIONS DISPLAY PICTURES... LOL PT II

TOP 10 FUNNY ELECTIONS DISPLAY PICTURES... LOL

Thousands call for vote re-run in Rivers state

Thousands of supporters of opposition party on Sunday demonstrated in the southern state of Rivers, calling for the cancellation of elections locally because of alleged irregularities.

The demonstrators from the All Progressives Congress (APC) converged on the local offices of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the state capital, Port Harcourt.
All Progressives Congress (APC) party supporters march towards the Independent National Electoral Commission Office in Port Harcourt during a demonstration calling for the cancellation of the Presidential elections in the Rivers State on March 29, 2015. Nigeria's closely fought general election went into a second day after failures in controversial new technology snarled the polling, including for President Goodluck Jonathan. AFP PHOTO

All Progressives Congress (APC) party supporters march towards the Independent National Electoral Commission Office in Port Harcourt during a demonstration calling for the cancellation of the Presidential elections in the Rivers State on March 29, 2015. Nigeria’s closely fought general election went into a second day after failures in controversial new technology snarled the polling, including for President Goodluck Jonathan.
AFP PHOTO

“We are here to register our protest that there was no election in Rivers state yesterday (Saturday),” Rivers state governorship candidate Dakuku Peterside told the crowd.

Peterside alleged that APC supporters across the state were “disenfranchised by INEC, working in connivance with (the) PDP (Peoples Democratic Party)”.

Results sheets, which in Nigerian elections are given at every polling station to both party representatives and the local electoral commission after the count, were not provided, he alleged.

“INEC in collaboration with (the) Peoples Democratic Party hijacked the materials and were filling them in private homes for the PDP,” Peterside claimed.

“Since the results sheets were not available, we did not vote. If there was no voting, there is no way they can declare any result.”

Peterside called for the presidential and parliamentary election to be re-held in Rivers on a new date.

Rivers state in the oil-producing Delta is seen as a key battleground for the presidential election, at which APC candidate Muhammadu Buhari is fighting President Goodluck Jonathan, of the PDP.

At the last election in 2011, it was won by the PDP but governor Rotimi Amaechi switched to the APC two years later and there has been bad blood between the two ever since.

Amaechi, who is heading Buhari’s presidential campaign, was among those who refused to vote after being told that results sheets would not be made available.

The supporters shouted anti-INEC slogans and “we must vote” against a heavy police presence.

Local INEC spokeswoman Tonia Nwobi told AFP before the protest: “It is not true that INEC has had any result to favour any party.

“We have received results from only one local government out of 23 (in the state).”
Source: Vanguard

POLLS: Police applaud voters’ maturity, peaceful conduct in Sokoto State

The Police Command in Sokoto State has commended voters in the state for their peaceful conduct during Saturday’s Presidential and National Assembly elections.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Alhaji Salisu Fagge, made the commendation in Sokoto on Sunday.

Fagge, who described the conduct of the elections in the state as generally peacefully, said reports from the various parts of the state indicated that the voters had demonstrated maturity during the exercise.

He explained that adequate security measures had been put in place to sustain the peaceful nature the state was known for.

The police commissioner solicited for more understanding from the people of the state and urged them to report any suspicious character to security agencies in the state.

PRESIDENTIAL POLL: Lagos residents commend INEC for free and fair elections

Some residents of Lagos on Sunday lauded the efforts of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in conducting free and fair elections in the country.

The residents, who spoke to NAN in Lagos, said the elections went on smoothly.

A Health and Safety professional, Mr Vincent Fagbolagun, said the introduction of the Card Reader also improved the electoral process.

“If we study the lapses very well and we improve on the gaps identified, I am sure it will take our elections to the next level which is a free and fair one to start with.

“Free and fair elections will take away violence and we will begin to trust ourselves knowing that when any government comes in place, they have to deliver to the masses,” Fagbolagun said.

He said the conduct of the elections would challenge elected officers to deliver the dividends of democracy to the masses.

Mr Nwere Chidi, a Local Area Representative of the Nigeria Breweries, said that though there was violence in some areas during the elections but the situation was managed.

“Before we were thinking that the elections will be violent, but nothing like that came up.

“We need job opportunities for the youths, whoever wins should provide jobs for the youth.

Another resident, Mr Micheal Okosis, a photographer, said that it took him five minutes to be accredited, adding that the process was smooth and fast.

“These elections have shown that Nigerians are beginning to understand the democratic system of government because people really came out to vote for their choices,” Okeosis said.

A trader, Mrs Ayantoye Iyabo, said that in her area at Railway Line, Ebue-Meta, Lagos, the elections was peaceful, saying that she voted before 4 p.m.

“We want government to provide stable power supply and the government should also improve on health facilities,” Ayantoye said.

A businessman, Mr Tunde Akanni, said he was unable to vote because he could not get his PVC.

Akanni, however, commended the efforts of INEC in conducting a free and fair elections, adding that Nigerians should continue to give INEC support to enable it achieve its aims..

LUNCH DURING ELECTION

Thugs hijack ballot boxes in Lagos

Some armed thugs have reportedly hijacked ballot boxes on Ayilara Street in the Mushin area of Lagos.

INEC officials told presmen that the thugs, after snatching the ballot box, emptied them in the gutter.

The PUNCH learnt that the House of Reps and Senatorial ballot materials were affected, hence residents could not vote.

An official said, ,”They came in a car. They also carried bottles and cutlasses. As soon as they hijacked the boxes, they poured them(papers) into the gutters and ran away in their car.

Sambo delivers polling unit, defeats APC

Vice President Namadi Sambo, after several defeats at his polling unit by opposition party, trounced the All Progressives Congress at his new polling unit in the Saturday’s presidential and National Assembly elections.

In the 2011 general elections, Sambo was roundly defeated in his polling unit, ward and local government.

However, in the Saturday’s polls, the Returning Officer, Olorufemi Raphael, while announcing the result at the Kabala Doki Ward 5, Police College polling unit 11, said  PDP polled 105 votes, APC 20 votes, NCP 01, and while  APA 01.

The Vice President had earlier, on the eve of the Saturday’s election, relocated his polling unit from Link/Camp Road to swimming pool road by  the Kaduna Police College fence.

The result of the wards and the Kaduna North LGA were still being awaiting as of the time of filing this result.

This will determine the overall victory of the PDP in the area.

Source:Punch

APC wins Obasanjo’s polling unit

The All Progressives Congress won the polling unit of former President Olusegun Obasanjo in the Saturday’s presidential and National Assembly elections, beating the ex-president’s former party, the Peoples Democratic Party, to the second place.

Robbers rape seven women during deliverance vigil

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

SEVEN ladies who  went for night vigil for deliverance in a new generation church, located at 2nd Cemetery Road, Benin-City, were allegedly raped by armed bandits who stormed the church at about 4am on Thursday.

The robbers were said to have earlier raided a  building near Ewuotubu community where they robbed some tenants living in four different flats in the compound. It was learnt  that two persons, including a police officer, were shot dead while others sustained various degrees of injuries in the process.

What was supposed to be an all-night marathon prayer session , tagged ‘Koboko Night’, meant to cast out demons tormenting some members of the  church, turned sour as the masked armed robbers, numbering six, shot sporadically, ordering the members to go back to the church shortly after they said the final prayers to depart the church.

The robbers had, on storming the church premises, rained bullets on the roof and ordered members to lie down. Consequently, they  raped the women.

One of the victims, who narrated her ordeal to Sunday Vanguard, said, “Though I was not raped, I was beaten mercilessly when they were asking us to identify the pastor and we refused. After collecting our phones, money and jewelleries, they ordered some of the ladies to undress. They threatened to kill them if they refused and, of course, they removed their clothes and were raped one by one.

“It was actually two churches that they attacked. They raped five women in our church. Later, we found out that they raped two others in a church close to ours. They ransacked the church and collected any cash they found and escaped. It was a horrible sight”.

The raped women are said to be receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital on Ekenwan Road, Benin City.

Source:Vanguard

Amaechi, Rivers INEC REC trade words over result sheets

 

PORT HARCOURT – The Gov. of Rivers State Chibuike Amaechi and the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in the state are trading accusation following the irregularities recorded in some LGAs in Rivers state. Although, the INEC has said it will conduct fresh election, Today, in those areas that faced technical hitches. This is basically those units that had technology failure from the card reader machine. On the same development, all the elections in Opobo/Nkoro was been also postpone to today. Governor Chibuike Amaechi has decried poor conduct of the election in the state. He has accused the Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, Dame Gecila Khan of trying to rig election in favour of his Bayelsa brother, President Goodluck Jonathan in Rivers. He accused the Khan of sending fake result sheets to some LGA in the state, adding that result sheets were not sent to some wards at all. Meanwhile, the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Gecila Khan has debunked the accusation saying Amaechi is whipping up sentiment. She said no report about result sheets has been communicated to her at the time of this report.

PHOTOS FROM POLLING UNITS ACROSS THE COUNTRY AS RESULTS ROLL IN

2011 and 2015: What has changed for Jonathan and Buhari?

By Emmanuel Aziken, Political Editor

The two major contenders in the Saturday presidential election are  no strangers to each other. The two men first encountered themselves on the ballot in 2007 when Dr. Goodluck Jonathan was running mate in the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP ticket headed by late Alhaji Umaru Yar‘Adua and General Muhammadu Buhari was at the head of the All Nigeria Peoples Party, ANPP ticket.

The PDP easily won that election that even the victor, Yar‘Adua admitted to some extent was tainted and thus pushed forward the momentum for electoral reforms which were consolidated after Dr. Jonathan succeeded him in office.

In 2011, the two men again faced off with Jonathan coasting home to victory with 22.19 million votes and Buhari running second with 11.98 million votes. The candidate of the then Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu polled about 2 million votes. Jonathan went home after polling day in 2011 with 23 states and Abuja, while Buhari won 12 states. Ribadu managed to win only in Osun State.

Amber Rose Again!!!..... hot and topless at the beach

More photos after the cut.....

The shooting of Amaechi’s convoy in Rivers

 

 

 

By Jimitota Onoyume PORT HARCOURT— GOVERNOR Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State was trapped, yesterday in Rumuolumeni area of Obio/ Akpor Local Government Area of the state, as suspected political thugs fired live bullets at his convoy. This came as tension heightened in Edo State, over alleged deployment of soldiers to the country home of Governor Adams Oshiomhole, in Iyamoh, Auchi in Etsako West Local Government Area.

PHOTO OF THE DAY...... LOL

Okorocha lured us into Jonathan protest – APC women

Hundreds of Imo State women under the aegis of the All Progressives Congress, APC, who yesterday staged a protest in Owerri against the visit of President Goodluck Jonathan to the state, for a town hall meeting with traditional rulers, have accused Governor Rochas Okorocha of misleading them.
The women, who expressed regret over their being used to embarrass the president, claimed that they were deceived and brought to Owerri, the state capital, for a purported seminar only to be turned to protesters against Jonathan’s visit.

Photos: Male terrorist disguised as a lady arrested in Borno state

The Defense Headquarters just released these photos of a suspected male terrorist who disguised as woman in Hijab. He was arrested by troops on his way to a market in KwayaKusar in Borno state today March 24th. More pics after the cut...

B’Haram kidnaps 400 women in Damask

 

Boko Haram militants have kidnapped more than 400 women and children from the northern Nigerian town of Damasak that was freed this month by troops from Niger and Chad, Reuters quoted residents as saying on Tuesday.

PHOTO OF THE DAY... Be Inspired

Gwoza escapee narrates ordeal; says women, girls trapped

By Ndahi Marama Maiduguri—A 38-year-old woman (names withheld), who escaped from Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, Monday, said yesterday that hundreds of women kidnapped by Boko Haram sect were still trapped and kept in various houses in the town.

When the mistress has an edge over the wife!

 

By Candida

Every woman has this dream of when she meets the “other woman” in her husband’s life.  She sees this “other woman” as plain dull and with an interesting background – a woman who would be pathetically grateful for any male attention. A woman she, the wife, would look down on with pity, convinced that her husband would be insane to leave her for cheap thrills like this one.

You’re Never Too Old To Start A New Venture, Look At These Famous Entrepreneurs...

Did you know?

• McDonald’s founder Ray Kroc sold paper cups and milkshake mixers till he was 52
• Harry Potter author J.K.Rowling was a single mom on welfare till she was 31
• Harrison Ford was a carpenter till his 30s
• Zara founder Amancio Ortega was a shirt shop helper till he was 30
• Evan Williams co-founded Twitter at the age of 35
• Niklas Zennstromm was 37 when he created Skype
• Arianna Huffington started Huffington Post at the age of 54

Court Bars FG from Deploying Soldiers to Polling Stations During Elections

 

Court Bars FG from Deploying Soldiers to Polling Stations During Elections

 

Court Bars FG from Deploying Soldiers to Polling Stations During Elections

 

PHOTO OF THE DAY

To reverse downward slide of economy, shun Jonathan, Buhari tells electorate ...HOW?

OWERRI — Presidential candidate of All Progressives Congress, General Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday, in Owerri reviewed the downward slide of the nation’s economy and called on Nigeria to rise and say bye to the government of President Goodluck Jonathan.
Buhari, who

US evacuates troops from south Yemen

US military personnel stationed at Al-Anad airbase in southern Yemen have been evacuated over security concerns, a Yemeni military source said on Saturday amid fighting involving Al-Qaeda militants nearby.The troops left late Friday for an “unknown destination”, the military source at the Yemeni base in Lahj province told AFP.

Nigeria and the regime change agenda

Many Nigerians regard US as a friend and partner in progress in regional, continental and global affairs. The interest of Washington in the growth and development of democracy in Nigeria is therefore taken as given and welcomed.Prince Ned NwokoThe US has shown more than cursory interest in Nigeria’s election process. It has been involved in series of training for election officials, provision of election logistics and holding workshops for journalists on coverage of elections. It is one country that will send large personnel to monitor the election in Nigeria. It diplomats have been holding series of meetings with officials of the Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). These are indeed welcomed and acceptable.Nevertheless, it is fair to say that President Goodluck Jonathan has demonstrated to all Nigerians and indeed to the world that he is not determined to hold power at all costs. He has also show little interest in influencing election results to favour his own People’s Democratic Party (PDP). In fact, his own election in 2011 was adjudged to be the most credible and less controversial of such excercises in the country, because he was determined to ensure that voter’s sovereignty was upheld.The Jonathan administration has provided the opposition parties greater latitude to operate more than any administration in the history of Nigeria. There are no political prisoners in Nigeria and nobody is being prosecuted for his political beliefs. There are no cases of political assassinations in Nigeria under the Jonathan administration as was the case with the garrisome democracy that the country passed through before 2007.It is on record that Jonathan signed into law the Electoral Act 2010. The INEC has not been hindered in its function or denied of funding. The Freedom of Information Act was signed in 2011, to strengthen the democratic processes and to promote greater transparency in Nigeria. The FOI had been in the cooler for 11 years, but it’s coming into existence has given the media and members of the civil society greater access to information. Under the Jonathan administration, judiciary has not been brought under any pressure to perform its statutory functions in civil and electoral matters.VICTIMS OF VILE PROPAGANDAThis background is important in order to understand the gravity of the vile propaganda of the fifth columnists in Nigeria and foreign collaborators in relation to the activities of the leading opposition party in Nigeria, All Progressives Congress, APC, and the United States whose agenda seem larger than holding a credible election in Nigeria come March 28 and April 11, 2015. That is the disposition of US government and its diplomats to the political development in Nigeria.It is now obvious that the Americans are interested in regime change in Nigeria pushing through the APC to achieve its goal of coming to power through the back door.It is surprising that the US would have welcomed an election where 31% of the registered voters were disenfranchised. We believe in the sovereignty of the voter and also believe that democracy is beyond voting at elections but giving Nigerians the capacity to improve on the human condition. We believe in change that brings goals.The administration of Jonathan obviously incurred the wrath of the US when it signed into law the Same-Sex Prohibition Act against all pressure from Washington and its allies, who claimed that the bill was in violation of the Fundamental Human Rights of the LGBT community in Nigeria.Since then the relationship between the Jonathan administration and the US government has been on a nose dive.  It was not a coincidence that leading American politicians have become highly critical of the Jonathan administration.Mrs. Hillary Clinton, who, as Secretary of State, was full of praises for the administration when she visited Nigeria in 2012, became a bitter critic of the same administration in 2014. Senator John McCain, Mr. John Kerry and President Barrack Obama have all shown hostile attitude to the administration of Jonathan.Even the US President, Barrack Obama, who advocated, in Ghana, that what Africa requires is not strong men but strong institutions, has become drawn into the idea that what Nigeria needs in the 21st century is a former military dictator as a transformed democrat.For the US and its allies, change means regime change disguised in the façade of promoting democracy. The US is interested in replacing a liberal democracy with a jackboot dictator with horrible human rights record simply because General Muhammadu Buhari has been projected as the strong man who will fight corruption.Key issues listed in the Bi-National Commission between Nigeria and the US were put on hold. The US has a more fundamental interest in pushing for a regime change agenda regardless of the fact that Buhari has gory human rights records as a former military dictator and the presidential candidate of the APC which has promised to fight corruption and insecurity better than the ruling PDP.OIL DIPLOMACYSince 2010, when the Federal Government signed agreement with the Chinese to build three refineries in Lagos, Kebbi and Bayelsa states, the US has been very uncomfortable with Nigeria opening up the oil sector for the Chinese to come in. The proposed refineries were expected to produce 900, 000 bpd to double the existing 450, 000 from the poorly functioning refineries in the country. More irksome to the US is the decision of the Jonathan administration to allow the state-run Chinese National Offshore Oil Corp to participate in the exploring of 29 offshore oil fields which the West dominated IOCs have been dragging their foot on entering into agreement with Nigeria.The Chinese are expected to commit about $50 billion investment into this venture. The Federal Government has initiated series of reforms that are aimed at strengthening the participation of Nigerians in the oil and gas sector.The US is uncomfortable with the participation of China in the Nigeria oil and gas sector as it has often tried to fend off competition from the Asian nation. The American civil society, which had predicted the breakup of Nigeria in 2015, has been active in feeding the US government and public with jaundiced information on developments in Nigeria. It is a known fact that once the US and its allies begin to cry more than the bereaved, there must be something more fundamental.These have veritable weapons to fight the GEJ administration and they have latched on the mantra of change by the APC, to embark on massive campaign of disinformation on the accomplishments of the administration.MEDIA PROPAGANDAWe have seen the campaign of calumny waged against the Jonathan administration by Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo, Prof. Charles Soludo, Prof. Wole Soyinka, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, which are attempts to discredit the Jonathan administration before the local and international community.Encouraged by the local propaganda by the opposition party and the local media, there has been a sustained negative media exposure on Nigeria. There has been massive negative publication of events in Nigeria to discredit the administration and make it unpopular within and outside the country, using powerful channels like theNew York Times, the Economist, CNNand other western media.The abduction of over 200 girls from Government Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State Nigeria. providedthem with the cannon to fire the GEJ administration.The western media latched on the incident to give Boko Haram the maximum international publicity it desired. Nigeria was forced to openly request for military assistance and expertise in intelligence gatheringin order to rescue the girls.This turned out to be a diplomatic ground standing; several countries that offered assistance and co-operation were prevailed upon to sit back, perhaps only France and the West African countries of Benin,Niger, Cameroon and Chad, that launched multinational military action, have been helpful.The African Union has offered commitment of 7, 500 foot soldiers, to combat a local terror group that is part of the global coalition of jihadist terror network. Meanwhile, several of our servicemen and women, have been lost in the combat, villages razed, thousands displaced, yet, what the opposition party, APC, and international collaborators have done is to promote the cause of Boko Harm to shut down Nigeria.. Boko Haram is not a convention fighting group and its theatre of operation is not defined territorially. The group has struck soft targets with ease because of its mode of operation. It is a diffused insurgency organization whose terror tactics is to strike when least expected. The complexity of fighting Boko Haram is such that the group has ideological sympathies within and outside government, within the military services, local communities, etc.This, therefore, requires a massive patriotic support for the troops in conflict theatre, Federal Government has been portrayed as ineffective as the opposition party tried to capitalize on the state of insecurity to advance its political interest. Even the US which has not succeeded in downgrading the fighting capacity ofISIS in the Middle East in the last 10 months has remained patently critical of the efforts to contain Boko Haram.Washington has hidden under the guise of respect for the human rights of Boko Haram to refuse to sell military hardware to Nigeria, to fight the group. It prevailed on its allies to halt the sale of weapons to Nigeria.The West African nation had to turn to Russia, China and India to source for arms to reverse the advances of Boko Harm.Nigeria’s Ambassador to the United States, Prof. Adefuye, did not hide Nigeria’s disappointment when he addressed   the Council on Foreign Relations in Washington last year, criticizing the Obama administrationfor relying on the option of the US civil society groups to formulate its policy on Nigeria.ANTI CORRUPTION AND REGIME CHANGE CAMPAIGNEvery act of sabotage in fighting Boko Haram has been narrowed down to corruption. The opposition partyhas been presented as having the magic wand to smash the terror group in 24 hours and kill corruption in seven days just like creation was accomplished in seven days. It is natural that Nigerians should expect such magical performance and accept an avowed human-rights abuser and an anti-democratic despot like Buhari, as the man to lead Nigeria in the 21st century.The recent Transparency International Report has shown that the GEJ administration has performed better than the Obasanjo and Buhari administrations in terms of fighting corruption.The economy which Buhari told CNN being killed by corruption is the largest in Africa and the third most preferred destination for global investment. The endemic corruption in the agricultural sector has been curbed. The corruption in the power sector is on the way out with privatization.Apart from the recent PWC report of the forensic audit report on the NNPC, the GEJ administration has rated better than the Obasanjo and Buhari administrations in fighting corruption. In a liberal democracy where the rule of law is the pillar of sustaining the growth of democracy, the war against corruption must follow legal process. The GEJ administration has not treated corruption with kid gloves at the same time. Itcannot use extra-judicial procedures to clamp people into jail as the opposition party is presenting its approach to fighting corruption.THE REGIME CHANGE AGENDALet it be stated here that the opposition against the Jonathan administration is not about the performance or non-performance of the Federal Government in the past six years.The opposition has done nothing to fight against corruption or insecurity as has been presented to the Nigerians and the world.Rather, there is a grand conspiracy by some fifth columnist in the local and international arena, to bring about a regime change in Nigeria by discrediting the forth coming election which they believe must be won by the opposition party at all costs.The proponent of this regime change agenda is promoting the win at all cost mentality which is similar to the “do-or-die” garrison democracy of the Obasanjo era.They have threatened to form a parallel government if the election does not follow the win at all costs mentality of the opposition party. They have been promoting the idea of interim government to create the impression that the Jonathan administration is working towards the elongation of its tenure if PDP fails to win the presidential election. In spite of the rebuttal of the idea of an interim government by Jonathan, the promoters have continued to drum up the idea with the aim of discrediting the GEJ administration.The opposition party knows that it is relatively new on the national political stage, it knows that it does not have the resources and structure to withstand, let alone defeat the ruling PDP; its strategy has been to employ all manner of subterfuge, ranging from outright falsehood to vile propaganda, blackmail and intimidation of prospective voters, misinformation and manipulation of the social and mass media, to create an atmosphere of chaos, with the hope that it will get the international community to buy into such cheap political antics.Nigeria’s electoral process is guided by rules and those who want to participate in the power game must play by the rules. Those who want to observe or support the democratic process in Nigeria must shun partisan interest and respect the sensibilities of Nigerians.No country, no matter how weak or small, will welcome unwholesome meddling in its internal affairs. The lessons and mistakes of Iraq, Libya, Syria should warn Nigerians and these carpet baggers, the consequences of their plot.*Nwoko is a former member of House of Representatives and a solicitor of the Supreme Court of England and Wales.

Obanikoro floors opponents again

HonJustice Kazeem Alogba of the High Court of Lagos State has dismissed the suit seeking to disqualify Senator Musiliu Obanikoro from being elected into public office on account of dual citizenship.The court, while upholding the arguments of counsel to Obanikoro and PDP, Dr. Yemi Oke and Mr. Gbenga Ojo, ruled that the suit was incompetent on the grounds that the documents relied upon were uncertified public documents, which are, by law, inadmissible.Counsel had also opposed the suit on the grounds that, by virtue of Section 28 of the Constitution, Nigeriancitizens by birth cannot be disqualified from being elected into public office on account if dual citizenship. No order was made as to cost.

Telecom: Time to declare it as Critical National Infrastructure

Oluwakemi Babatunde is a fish trader based in Epe, a small town about 40 Kilometers from mainland Lagos. She’s been in the fish trade for ages, having learnt the ropes from her mother who was also a fish trader, with clients in diverse places that included Lekki and Ajah in Lagos. Babatunde says that today, things are radically different from what they were in the old days.She has just finished using her smartphone, one of the low-end (read cheaper) models which she got from the online retailer, Jumia. Using a particular app on the phone she has been able to compare average prices of fish over the last one week in three major markets in Lagos and decided which of the markets to head to with her wares, tomorrow.Her daughter who is in school, Babatunde says, introduced her to the app a few weeks ago. “Bose told me Ineeded to use a different phone from the one I was using. She helped me to order for this new phone through Jumia and I have found out that it can help with aspects of my business that my other phone could not,” she says, referring to her old feature phone.In the old days, she says, traders would go to any of the markets on the basis of trial and error. “Sometimes, you got a good price but at other times you would be forced to either sell at a loss or risk carrying your fish back to Epe with you.” For instance, because there was no means with which to forewarn traders like herself, sometimes you got to a market to discover late in the day that there is a glut of supply by which time moving to another market is out of the question on account of the logistic nightmare moving around Lagos entails. These days, you were more certain of getting good returns on your sales and in a particular market and you faced a much lesser likelihood of selling at a loss or returning to your base with unsold and ready-to-rot fish.Babatunde’s scenario is a sampler of the manner in which telecommunications continues to impact life in different ways across the country. The app on the phone for instance was developed by a brilliant young recent university graduate who had prior to his new career as an applications developer, reportedly searched in vain for a paid job. Today, the young man’s talent and creativity is not only earning him a decent living but in the process adding value to the lives of hundreds of thousands of people.Jumia itself, from which Babatunde obtained her smartphone, typifies yet another recent phenomenon, the emergence of online retailing in Nigeria. Jumia and Konga are the two biggest online retailers in that spaceand together are driving what is in effect, a paradigm shift in the way and manner Nigerians transact retailing business. Interestingly, research has shown that for the most part, Nigerians access these online retailers from their mobile phones. At other times, they access them from their tablets or computers.Jumia and Konga are, today, blossoming businesses, riding the wave of opportunities that have been unleashed by the continuing evolution of the telecom industry. For instance, until recently, making voice calls and sending text messages were the predominant activities in which millions of subscribers to the telecom networks were engaged. The telecom industry has since evolved to a new standard which it calls third generation and fourth generation (3G and 4G). At this level, they provide mobile broadband services which other members of the telecom ecosystem creatively deploy to consumers in the form of mobile TV, music streaming, online retail, and lots more.While Jumia and Konga are easily the most notable of the online retailers, providing a most welcome service to a growing of Nigerians and empowering hundreds with a livelihood in the process, there are dozens of similar online retailers and indeed a fast blossoming online ecosystem, in the country, providing a livelihood to thousands of people and driving economic development.In the absence of a national land line or government owned transmission backbone of any consequence, the telecom networks even though privately-owned have become the defacto communications networks for practically everyone and every private- or public-sector operative in Nigeria. It is difficult to imagine how Nigeria would cope in a situation in which all of the telecom networks collapsed even for one day. Government operatives would be incommunicado.Financial transactions would become impossible as banks rely on the telecom networks considerably to facilitate transactions. Security would be threatened as lack of communication would severely impinge on the ability of the defence apparatchik to commune with itself. The potential accompanying chain reaction to all of this is best imagined.It is perhaps in realizing the potential impact of an inability to communicate even for one hour, that the military rulers of old, decreed that all of the infrastructure belonging to the then state-owned telecommunications network, NITEL, be designated as critical national infrastructure. The implication of this at the time was that no-one, not even the state governments could interfere with NITEL’s installations.That declaration sent a strong message to those who were wont to vandalize NITEL’s equipment and facilities. Indeed the military followed this declaration up by imposing severe punishment on those found to have stolen or vandalized NITEL’s equipment. It is safe to assume that this demonstration of a strong willingness to safeguard these critical equipment must have put off a huge chunk of those who may have been inclined to toy with NITEL’s equipment, anywhere in Nigeria. Of course, state governments, local government councils and federal agencies and parastatals steered clear of NITEL installations.In today’s Nigeria, telecom companies have erected infrastructure to the tune of billions of dollars and far in excess of the facilities of the defunct NITEL. For instance, there are more than 26,000 kilometres of fibre-optic cables laid across the country by two of the networks, MTN and Glo. There are more than 25,000 base transceiver stations installed across the country. Typically, each of those base stations would be accompanied by two generators, a diesel tank and other specialized equipment.The huge investment, notwithstanding, the country experiences regular spells of poor quality of service on the networks. Clearly, in the face of steadily growing demand, there is an imperative for continuously aggressive investment in the telecom sector.It therefore becomes a huge paradox when these infrastructure, despite their strategic significance are left completely unprotected by way of any deliberate policy or legislation by the central government. Today, thetelecom industry infrastructure is reportedly reeling from the effect of sustained equipment vandalism. Often in the process, telecom industry operatives lose their lives.Pyramid Research, an ICT research consultancy has determined that there are at least 500 instances at which fibre optic transmission cables are wilfully destroyed, every month. Vandals have also been known to storm telecom installations with heavy duty equipment and cart away the generators and diesel tanks on site.Across many states, telecom infrastructure have come to be seen as some form of cash cow to be selectively targeted for the purposes of raising money for government. For instance, while only state governments are statutorily empowered to charge Building Permit fees, many local government councils now demand of telecom companies, erection permits, installation permits, telecom building permits and hordes of other spurious charges which are basically illegal.In many states whereas tenement rates ought to be not more than N15,000 per building, telcos are typically slammed with charges in excess of N300,000 as tenement rates. The Department of Petroleum Resources has also since begun demanding Petroleum Dump Rate tax from telecom companies on account of diesel tanks installed in their base stations and with which they fuel their generators. The National Inland Water Authority is also demanding right of way payment in hundreds of millions of Naira, for transmission cables that are laid across bridges on federal highways.In other cases, telecom companies are requested to pay right of way fees on federal-government-owned roads by the federal government and again by state and local government, for the same stretch of road. The list is endless.Government establishments have been known to unilaterally shut down telecom installations on the guise of not having paid some of these spurious and contestable taxes. When such installations are arbitrarily shut down as has happened several times in the past, quality of service on the telecom networks, takes a nosedive. Little wonder therefore, that the Nigerian Communications Commission has since issued a warning to its peer government agencies to desist from indiscriminate sealing of telecom installations.It is safe to assume that the end-result of the multiplicity of these attempts at milking telecom companies also manifests in the increasingly extended timelines for deploying their networks especially as overall cost of deployment becomes impossible to predict with taxes right, left and centre.Designating telecom infrastructure as critical national infrastructure under the exclusive oversight of the federal government, will help to send a strong message to the various organs of government on the strategic importance of these facilities. It will send a message to potential vandals that there are possible dire consequences to their intrusion and very likely stave off some attacks. But very importantly, it will be aprotective bulwark for the telecom companies against the myriad distractions with which they have to contend in the task of providing what has been proven to be a prime driver of economic development: telecommunication services.Perhaps equally critical is the fact that it will help to provide these companies with clearer bases for business forecasting and enable them plan better for growth and expansion especially at a time when there is an urgent imperative for continuing investment in the telecom sector.*Ucheagwu works with XLR8, a communication consultancy based in Lagos.

Falling oil price: Pathway to diversification

Training Institute (ARMTI), Ilorin; member, Forum for Inclusive Nigerian Development (FIND)One of the key indicators for measuring overall development in the world is the Human Development Index (HDI). This is a composite index based on three indicators: longevity, as measured by life expectancy; education attainment, as measured by a combination of adult literacy and the combined gross primary, secondary and tertiary enrolment ratio; and standard of living, as measured by gross domestic product (GDP) per capita.The HDI is used to rate and rank all the countries of the world, from 1 to 187 countries that are assessed every year. The 2014 Human Development Report (HDR) of Organization Institute for Statistics and the World Bank presents Nigeria’s HDI value for 2013 as 0.504 which is in the low human development category positioning the country at 152 out of 187 countries and territories. This is shocking giving the factthat Nigeria generates huge revenues from the oil sector.Alison-Madueke, Petroleum MinsterFollowing the first discovery of crude oil at Olobiri in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria, drums were rolled out as an elated people rejoiced over the opportunities it would bring to their community and the nation as a whole. These expectations were justified as Nigeria’s crude oil production capacity increased to as much as 2.5 million barrels per day, making thenation Africa’s largest producer of oil and the sixth largest oil producing country in the world. Unfortunately, since the discovery of crude oil in Nigeria, the economy became heavily dependent on the oil sector for foreign exchange earnings and revenue.“Why would a country richly blessed with oil and other natural resources remain in poverty” one would ask? The simple answer among other reasons would be that Nigeria lacked the capacity to add value to itscrude oil.The extraction and exploitation of the oil involved capital-intensive techniques (in terms of machineries, hi-tech and skills) which Nigeria did not have at the time when oil was first discovered and exploited in the late 1950s and beyond. As a result of this, foreign investors dominated the oil sector and the huge earningsgenerated from the oil sector were repatriated by the foreigners to their countries. Thus, leaving Nigeria with meagre resources for development purposes.   .Nigeria’s current status can be likened to the Dutch Disease Syndrome. The Dutch Disease Syndrome is a situation whereby the sector that was initially a major source of economic growth (Agriculture in the case of Nigeria) starts declining in performance due to the discovery of a natural resource.This disease resulted in a big problem because the booming oil sector had low employment rates as many Nigerians lacked the skills and competences required for the various processes involved in oil production and refinery. Moreover, the proceeds of the booming oil sector presented a false picture of abundance (“national cake”) resulting in a near total neglect of other sectors, particularly   the agricultural sector which had the potential for   tacking unemployment and poverty being experienced in the country.In the 1960s and up to the early 1970s, Nigeria’s agriculture flourished. The country was one of the world’shighest producers of palm oil, cocoa, and groundnut. However, overtime agriculture which contributed immensely to the Nigerian economy and in particular the GDP remained neglected for crude oil. The sectorbefore its neglect provided food for the increasing population and supplied adequate raw materials (and labour input) to a growing industrial sector; a major source of employment for about 70% of its population;generation of foreign exchange earnings; and provision of market for the products of the industrial sector.In recent times, more attention is being drawn to the agricultural sector through the Value Chain Approach.This approach involves addressing the major constraints faced by farmers and producers, processors, traders and other businesses at multiple levels and points along a given value chain.This will inevitably include a wide range of activities such as ensuring access to good quality inputs, facilitating access to cheaper and quality inputs, strengthening the delivery of business and financial services, enabling the flow of information, facilitating improved market access through value added products, and so on. Evidence of this is the reduction of food import bills, price stability of food in the country, despite fall in oil price and devaluation of Naira.This puts the agricultural sector in the front burner as a key area to consider in the economy for diversification as the sector has proven to be able to engage 70% of the population in employment which the oil and gas sector was unable to achieve.The quality of education is another issue for diversification.   Education for Rural People is definitely an effective means of strengthening human and social capital for entrepreneurship, agro-food business management and for addressing the basic needs of small farmers, the rural workers and marginalized groups. However, it is imperative that education at all levels be relevant to the livelihood options of the people, otherwise it will not enable people to manage and improve their production options and secure social development and peace building in our communities.   Otherwise, education will simply be a passport for emigration from rural areas, which quite often is the case.Let me conclude this article with a famous Chinese proverb, “If you want one year of prosperity, grow grain.   If you want 10 years of prosperity, grow trees.   If you want 100 years of prosperity, grow people.” Human capital development is specifically the major approach China is following on its steady rise to becoming a global economic powerhouse.This approach has to be replicated in Nigeria, particularly, with a special focus on the rural communities who up till now have the nation’s biggest, neglected and silent majority. This can be achieved through interdisciplinary alliances and partnerships among those working in agriculture and rural development as well as education sectors.*Popoola is Senior Managerment Development Officer, Agricultural and Rural Management Training Institute (ARMTI), Ilorin; and member, Forum for Inclusive Nigerian Development (FIND).

45 dead in attacks on Syria Kurds celebrating new year

Forty-five people, including five children, were killed in attacks on Syrian Kurds as they celebrated their new year, a monitor said Saturday, accusing the Islamic State group of responsibility.The attacks occurred Friday in what was one of IS’s bloodiest days in Syria as the Sunni Muslim extremist group left dead more than 120 people across the war-ravaged country.“There are now 45 dead from last night’s attacks in Hasakeh, as most of those who were in critical condition passed away,” the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said, updating its toll after reporting that 33 were killed.Two explosions struck as members of Syria’s Kurdish minority took part in festivities on the eve of Nowruz, the Kurdish new year, in the northeastern city of Hasakeh.“They were lighting the candles at night, and there were a lot children around,” said Observatory head Rami Abdel Rahman.There was still no claim of responsibility, but Abdel Rahman told AFP that the Islamic State group was behind the attacks.According to him, the explosions were a few hundred metres (yards) apart from each other, with at least one of them caused by a suicide bomber inside a vehicle.Fear of additional attacks dimmed the spirit of the Nowruz celebrations in Hasakeh on Saturday.“Today is supposed to be a day about freedom, but people were afraid of celebrating,” Abdel Rahman said.Hasakeh city is under the control of the Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG) and regime forces, but IS militants have launched attacks on towns nearby.The jihadist offensive has sparked fierce clashes with Kurdish militia in the province, which is strategically located along Syria’s borders with Iraq and Turkey.UN chief Ban Ki-moon condemned the “heinous” attacks, while the commander of the Kurdish security forces, Joan Ibrahim, said “the crime that occurred today in Hasakeh will not pass without retribution.”The IS jihadists also attacked government checkpoints and positions in the central provinces of Homs and Hama on Friday, killing at least 82 members of forces loyal to the Syrian regime.Sixty-two of those deaths were in the province of Hama alone, where IS attacked regime points along a keyroad leading north to Aleppo.In the southern province of Daraa, regime forces struck rebel-held neighbourhoods of the town of Busra al-Sham with at least 12 barrel bombs, the Observatory reported.Barrel bombs are weapons crudely constructed of oil drums or other containers packed with explosives and usually dropped from helicopters.The Observatory had no immediate report on death tolls, but human rights groups have criticised the use of barrel bombs for being indiscriminate and killing large numbers of civilians.

Sierra Leone president orders three-day national lockdown against Ebola

Sierra Leone’s President Ernest Koromo ordered the country’s entire population Saturday to keep to their homes on March 27-29 in a bid to stem the spread of the deadly Ebola epidemic.“All Sierra Leoneans must stay at home for three days,” he announced, expanding a previous order from the authorities for a lockdown in the capital Freetown and northern areas of the country.

Chad troops return to Nigeria town after Boko Haram kill 11

Chadian troops on Saturday returned to the northeast Nigerian border town of Gamboru, locals said, after Boko Haram took advantage of a lack of military presence to kill 11 people.“Hundreds of Chadian troops moved into Gamboru this morning from Fotokol,” said Babagana Karimbe, who lives in the town in northern Cameroon which is separated from Gamboru by a bridge.Troops from Chad were credited last month with liberating Gamboru in Borno state from Boko Haram control but the Chadians’ withdrawal from Nigeria last week appeared to have left the town exposed.The Islamists returned on Wednesday, killing eight people, while three more were killed on Thursday.Karimbe told AFP that the deployment began at about 7:20 am (0620 GMT) and involved dozens of vehicles, including tanks.‎“They are now in Gamboru. It is clear Boko Haram gunmen had fled before the troops deployed because we have not heard a single shot since the Chadian soldiers moved in,” he added.“Our prayer is for the troops to remain in Gamboru because if they withdraw again Boko Haram will definitely return and continue killing people.”The lack of security presence exposed an apparent lack of coordination between the allies, whose sustained offensive has led to the recapture of dozens of towns in northeast Nigeria.Chadian troops had pushed into Nigerian territory after freeing Gamboru, going on to retake the Borno town of Dikwa, near Boko Haram’s Sambisa Forest stronghold.Fotokol resident Umar Ari said by telephone that Gamboru residents welcomed the soldiers with clapping and cheering, supporting Karimbe’s account that no shots were fired.“From Gardumba neighbourhood (on the outskirts of Fotokol) we can see the Chadian soldiers moving around Gamboru but we have not seen any Boko Haram gunmen,” he added.“We catch glimpses of Boko Haram ‎gunmen whenever they are in Gamboru. On Wednesday we saw them riding around Gamboru on motorcycles brandishing guns”.The regional offensive involving Nigerian troops, Chad, Cameroon and Niger was cited as a reason for postponing the Nigerian general election, which was initially scheduled for February 14.It will now take place on March 28, with President Goodluck Jonathan hoping to capitalise on the reversal of the insurgents’ military fortunes in his quest for re-election.

Charles Novia, Foluke Daramola in war of words over Jonathan, Buhari

Nollywood film-maker and critic, Charles Novia and Nollywood actress, Foluke Daramola, hardly have anything in common and, as such, rarely have their paths crossing. But the prevailing political atmosphere in the country engendered by support for either President Goodluck Jonathan or General Muhammadu Buhari may have turned the duo into gladiators set for each other’s jugular on the political arena.While Charles is a die-hard supporter of President Goodluck Jonathan, Foluke Daramola pitches her tent with the Buhari group. Trouble started between them when Charles stated on the Naijahottest social platform that 99% of entertainers are in support of President Goodluck Jonathan’s second term bid. In reaction to the statement, Foluke said it could not be unless Charles was making up figure in mere fantasy.“When artistes collectively endorse a person or join hands in the majority to support a cause, the Heavens listen and join. Those within the fold who leave the line make their choices andFreudian slips. They become tragic heroes or comic villains. I respect the choices the 1% on the other side of the divide have made but when it comes to GEJ, the entertainment sector is fully in the majority in support of him” stated Charles Novia.Foluke Daramola on the other hand would not have any of the statement as she curtly slammed Charles for his statement and reaffirmed her support for Buhari.“You are obviously wrong with that maybe that’s a figment of your imagination. You can’t make  collective statement on behalf of everyone. On the contrary, many of us voluntarily support Buhari. In the time of OBJwe knew how he favoured artistes even without him giving us a dime but in GEJ’s time, all of us are being wooed by appointments, money and recognition in Aso Rock. A lot of us feel we need someone that would teach us how to fish, not one that would always give us fish. True value can never be bought with money. So, Mr Charles Novia don’t make collective statement because people like us that have values don’t take it lightly” she fires back.Foluke DaramolaBut Charles Novia would not back down as he fired back: “  Daramola, obviously you are part of the 1%. My points on the subject suffices. Is it an old man who has 150 cows as an asset who will teach you how to fish in his old age? Sorry o. Many of us will stick to the tested fisherman from Otueke who knows how to catch fish and can teach us too”

Indian students expelled for mass cheating in exams

Hundreds of students in India have been expelled for cheating on a major examination and their parentsare largely to blame. Critics say the incident highlights a widespread problem within India’s education system.About 600 students have been caught cheating this year alone in the 10th grade tests and they could be banned from taking exams for three years, forced to pay a fine or even be jailed.

Masked men attack Mumbai church

A church in Mumbai was attacked by masked men Saturday, local media reported, the latest in a series of attacks on churches in Hindu-majority India.Closed-circuit camera footage captured three masked men hurling stones at a church early Saturday in the state capital of Mumbai, prompting city police to file an initial case against the “unknown people”.“The miscreants had thrown stones at the church entrance from the roadside and later fled from there. A case has been registered… for further investigation,” senior Mumbai police official SB Suryavanshi told TheTimes of India.Suryavanshi told NDTV news channel that no arrests had been made so far.The latest attack comes a week after an elderly nun was raped at a convent school in the eastern state of West Bengal, which triggered protests across the country over the high levels of sexual violence and rise in attacks against churches.Last month Hindu nationalist Prime Minister Narendra Modi pledged a crackdown on religious violence and to ensure freedom of worship for all faiths in the wake of a wave of attacks on churches.Priests and other Christian leaders have blamed the attacks on religious hardliners who have become emboldened since Modi swept to power last May.Modi had been heavily criticised for not speaking out earlier against religious violence and has also faced flak for remaining silent about a spate of mass “re-conversions” of Christians and Muslims to Hinduism.Around 80 percent of India’s 1.2 billion population is Hindu, but it is also home to large numbers of Muslims, Christians and Buddhists.

Group task Tinubu to come clean on ABC saga

Following the injunction obtained by leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Sen. Bola Ahmed Tinubu restrainning media houses from broadcasting a documentary titledLion of Bourdilionthat was aired by African Independent Television (AIT), the Coalition Against Corrupt Leaders (CACOL) has called onSen. Tinubu to address Lagosians on the lingering issue of his relation with the consultancy firm.The convener of the group, Comrade Debo Adeniran, further called on Lagosians not to vote any candidate that refuses to address the 15% deduction of Lagosians annual revenue, ‘we are equally flabbergasted at Sen. Bola Tinubu’s unwarranted silence on Alpha Beta issue.We are also surprised that the APC leader went to court, to obtain an injunction, stopping the airing of the documentary about him on African Independent Television (AIT) and other media houses. He sought protection under the law that gives him respite that can sustain him for a very long time.’He continued: ‘Beyond getting an injunction to stop the airing of his alleged misdemeanor, as an elder statesman, Sen. Tinubu is expected to come out in the open to defend the allegations if they are true or false’, CACOL stated.The group further called on the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) to make public their findings on the allegations on the True Face of Lagos as contained in its petitions.

Police, others block, comb Zamfara for abducted emir

The police in Zamfara have commenced search for the Emir of Bukkuyum, Alhaji Muhammadu Usman, who was abducted from his palace on Friday night by some gunmen.The Police Public Relations Officer in Zamfara, DSP Sanusi Aminu, disclosed this in an interview with theNews Agency of Nigeriain Gusau on Saturday.He said the police in collaboration with other security agencies in the state had blocked all possible outlets from the state in order to arrest the abductors.“Although we do not know their motive, the action is criminal and we shall arrest them and they will facethe full wrath of the law,” he said.Also speaking, Alhaji Aliyu Muhammad, the Secretary to the Bukkuyum Emirate Council and younger brother of the abducted emir, said he spoke on the telephone with the emir.He said the emir was in good health and had not been hurt by his abductors.Muhammad, however, urged the people of the community to pray for the safe return of the emir.He said the abductors arrived in an ash-coloured Honda Civic car and asked to speak privately with the emir.Muhammad further said when the palace guards resisted the request, the abductors fired gunshots into the air and ordered all those present to hand over their cell phones which they took along with the monarchThe 60-year-old traditional ruler, who had been on the throne for 14 years, was abducted by the gunmen while he was preparing for his Isha’i prayer.The state Commissioner for Information, Alhaji Ibrahim Birnin-Magaji, told NAN that government wouldgive all required assistance to the police in order to rescue the emir.

Borno plans heroes estate for slain soldiers, others

The Borno State Government said on Saturday that it planned to build Borno Heroes Estate for the families of soldiers, paramilitary and members of vigilantes who died in the fight against the Boko Haram insurgency in the state.Governor Kashim Shettima stated this at the inauguration of the 432 housing units at the Yerwa Peace Estate, Maiduguri.He said the objective was to assist families of slain soldiers and others who died in the cause of restoring peace to the state.“We are going to build an estate like this which we shall call ‘Borno Heroes Estate’.“Houses in the planned estate will, after thorough considerations be allocated to families of soldiers, policemen, paramilitary men and the civilian JTF found to be in need of shelter and desirous of living in Maiduguri,” Shettima said.He added that government would share the houses to the affected families, irrespective of states of origin.“We will not care about the fact that some of our fallen heroes in the military and other security agencies were employees of the Federal Government.“We will not bother about their states of origin, after all they served and died for Borno.”The governor said that the only parameter would be that a family must be willing to settle in the state.

Jonathan inaugurates Kano bridge, names it after late emir

President Goodluck Jonathan on Saturday inaugurated a multi-million naira bridge in Kano and named it after the late Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero.The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the bridge was constructed by the Federal Government at Kundila Roundabout on the ever busy Zaria Road to ensure smooth traffic flow.Speaking at the ceremony, Jonathan said that the project was in line with the road resuscitation programme of his administration’s transformation agenda.He said that the new flyover would help to improve commercial activities in the ancient city, adding that the Federal Government was poised to restore the lost glory of Kano as a commercial nerve centre.According to him, the flyover will also ease traffic congestion and promote socio-economic activities between the state and other parts of the country.Jonathan said, “This is part of my administration’s commitment toward making life easy for the people in the country.“I am today commissioning this important edifice with great jubilation and pride.“I won’t conclude my remarks without paying a glowing tribute to our father, the late Emir Bayero whoseimmense contribution made Kano what it is today.”On the forthcoming general elections, the president said the time had come for every Nigerian to make agood choice.He said the PDP-led government had remarkable achievements, stressing that he had almost fulfilled his mission as contained in his seven-point agenda.In his remarks, the Minister of Works, Mike Onolememen, said the completion of the bridge was a landmark achievement which would bring economic development to the state and the region.

Soldiers foil Boko Haram’s attempt to recapture Bama

The Director, Defence Information, Maj. Gen. Chris Olukolade, has said troops of the Nigerian Army repelled an attack by some insurgents in parts of Bama town on Saturday morning.Olukolade said the troops killed scores of the insurgents and injured many of them in a statement on Saturday.He added that a Nigerian Air Force Patrol Team in pursuit of the fleeing terrorists also killed many of them.He stated that the troops, in hot chase of the terrorists, had restored calm in the town.He said, “An attack by a band of terrorists on parts of Bama was this morning quelled  by the Nigerian troops, who dealt with them decisively.“Over a score of them died while others fled with wounds. Many more of the attacking terrorists also died as the Air Force patrol went after the fleeing ones.“Pursuit  is still ongoing while calm has been restored and troops maintain firm control of Bama town.The Defence spokesman explained that the troops recovered some equipment, weapons and a Hilux jeep from the insurgents.He added that a soldier died and seven others were injured in the attack, saying injured soldiers were receiving medical attention.

Al-Qaeda, ISIS sponsorship: Retract now or…Buhari warns Fani-Kayode

Abuja – The All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Organisation (APCCO) has threatened to sue presidential spokesperson Femi Fani-Kayode, for claiming that General Muhammadu Buhari is gettingfunding for his election campaign from terrorist groups, such as the outlawed Boko Haram, Al-Qaeda and ISIS.In a statement  in Abuja, Saturday, the APCPCO accused the Director of Media of the PDP’s presidential campaign of perpetuating the religious politics that his principal, President Goodluck Jonathan is well known for, giving him one week to retract his defamatory comments or face the law.“Never before in Nigeria’s history has the issue of religion been applied to such sinister purposes as we have seen during the years of President Jonathan’s government,” said Malam Garba Shehu, Director of Media and Publicity of the APCPCO. “When all fails, they whip out the religious card.”However, Malam Shehu expressed relief that Nigerians were no more being fooled by what he called “this PDP game”. According to him, General Buhari has transcended all the religious smears and, together with his running mate, Yemi Osinbajo, who is a respected pastor, has been able to show the Nigerian people that Nigeria’s growth and development is not about religion, but about a genuine desire to change the lot ofthe country’s citizens and move the entire nation forward.Fani- Kayode and General Muhammadu Buhari“A majority of the world’s Muslims, including Buhari, do not approve of the Al-Qaeda, and being Muslim does not translate into being pro-ISIS,” Malam Shehu added. “Again and again, Buhari has shown commitment to ridding our country of these vermin who claim to be killing in the name of Allah, but who, inactual fact, are messengers of Satan.”The statement gave advanced warning that when the APC takes the matter of Fani-Kayode’s baseless and libellous claims to the court next week, the Party will ask that the PDP spokesperson’s international passport be impounded by way of injunction.“There are some campaigners who obviously intend to escape from Nigeria after the handover of government from Jonathan to Buhari on May 29.  That must be the reason why they can boldly make many of the reckless, irresponsible and defamatory statements that they have been mouthing off so flippantly throughout this campaign season. Either that or these people do not believe in our country’s judicial system. They don’t believe that one day; it will catch up with them.”The APCCO further warned that it would not extend the seven-day deadline given to Fani-Kayode to retracthis false allegations.

Burna Boy rocks Abuja on Johnny Walker podium

The Johnnie Walker Black Podium, the nation’s boldest, most unique party experience, takes on Abuja this weekend, with performances by some of the country’s top artists at Club XO.At XO on Saturday, March 21, The Johnnie Walker Black Podium will welcome reggae-dancehall master Burna Boy, joined by City FM’s SenseiUche as well as breath-taking contortionist act, D&R, dancers, a saxophonist and Abuja’s Cool FM DJ Ttb.Having released his most recent hit, “Check & Balance” late last year, Burna Boy travelled to South Africa earlier this year where he worked with the country’s top hip hop star, D.A. Les. Contortionist group, D&R. He dazzled the crowd at the Johnnie Walker Black Podium event in Lagos last weekend.“This is the first time we are taking a big Black Podium event outside of Lagos so it’s Abuja’s turn to take the next step up. Black Podium blends the most popular artistes and performers, so Abuja can look forward to a a truly distinctive and rich experience,” says Liz Ashdown, Head of Marketing, Spirits and RTDat Diageo Brands Nigeria.

APC can’t win elections in South-East – Muazu

The Peoples Democratic Party saidon Saturdayin Abuja that the All Progressives Congress could neverwin the forthcoming elections in the South-East region because the APC had no base there.Chairman of the PDP, Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu, stated this through a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Chief Tony Amadi.He said, “The APC has no chance of winning votes in Igboland despite the mind games of the APC chairman. Chief John Odigie-Oyegun chided Igbo chiefs for adopting President Jonathan in next week’sPresidential elections.“The Igbo know what they want  and how to go about getting it and don’t need a lecture from the opposition party leader on how to go about their political life.“The APC chairman pleaded with the Igbo Chiefs not to ‘carry their eggs in one basket’. When that basket falls and the eggs break, you are left with zero.“It is 95 per cent to five per cent. Where is your bargaining power? Why are you playing that kind of politics?“The APC chief spoke in Abuja when the Presidential candidate of the APC,  General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), met with select Igbo leaders in the North to solicit their support.”He said the Igbo people “in their wisdom know that a bird in hand is far better than hundreds in the bush.”Muazu said, “Since 1999, the Igbo have supported the PDP, it’s their party and they have their stake in it.”He alleged  that it was the government of Governor Rochas  Okorocha that forced itself like a military coup on the Igbo.He vowed that Okorocha’s government would  soon be “rooted out” of the land of the PDP candidate, Emeka Ihedioha.Meanwhile, spokesperson for the PDP, Olisa Metuh, has cautioned against the APC against making inflammatory statements as the general elections aproach.The party specifically condemned statements allegedly credited to the National Publicity Secretary of the APC, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, allegedly disparaging the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in its fight against corruption.

APCPCO to sue Fani-Kayode for linking Buhari with terrorists

The All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Organisation has threatened to sue the Director of Media and Publicity, PDP Presidential campaign organisation, Femi Fani-Kayode, for alleging that thecampaign of the APC presidential candidate, Maj. Gen. Muhammadu Buhari(retd,), is funded by terrorist groups, such as the outlawed Boko Haram, Al-Qaeda and ISIS.In a statement in Abuja on Saturday, the APCPCO accused Fani-Kayode of “perpetuating the religious politics that his principal, President Goodluck Jonathan, is well known for,” giving him one week to retract his “defamatory comments” or face the law.“Never before in Nigeria’s history has the issue of religion been applied to such sinister purposes as we have seen during the years of President Jonathan’s government,” said Malam Garba Shehu, Director of Media and Publicity of the APCPCO.“When all fails, they whip out the religious card.”Shehu expressed relief that Nigerians were no more being fooled by what he called “this PDP game.”According to him, Buhari has transcended all the religious smears and, together with his running mate, Yemi Osinbajo, “who is a respected pastor, has been able to show the Nigerian people that Nigeria’s growth and development is not about religion, but about a genuine desire to change the lot of the country’s citizens and move the entire nation forward.”He said, “A majority of the world’s Muslims, including Buhari, do not approve of the Al-Qaeda, and beingMuslim does not translate into being pro-ISIS. Again and again, Buhari has shown commitment to ridding our country of these vermin, who claim to be killing in the name of Allah, but who, in actual fact, are messengers of Satan.”APCPCO hinted that when the organisation sues Fani-Kayode for his “baseless and libellous claims” next week, the “party will ask that the PDP campaign spokesperson’s international passport be impounded” by way of injunction.It added, “There are some campaigners, who obviously intend to escape from Nigeria after the handoverof government from Jonathan to Buhari on May 29.  That must be the reason why they can boldly makemany of the reckless, irresponsible and defamatory statements that they have been mouthing off so flippantly throughout this campaign season.“Either that or these people do not believe in our country’s judicial system. They don’t believe that one day; it will catch up with them.”The APCPCO warned that it would not extend the seven-day deadline given to Fani-Kayode to retract his “false” allegations.Shehu stated, “Let me assure the PDP Federal Government that under Buhari’s government, the judiciary will work. These men will be made to pay for all the many libel and fines the courts would hopefully issue for the crimes that their big mouths have committed.”

Arrests after woman beaten, set ablaze in Afghanistan

The Afghan woman is dragged onto a roof and hit with a stick, as a horde of angry, screaming men swarm around her.At one point, video shows her standing with her face covered in blood. She is pushed and falls over, and her beating continues with feet, with rocks, with boards. Then, in the last part of the video, her body isengulfed in flames -- though it's not known whether,by that point, she was already dead.This horrific scene played out in Kabul on Thursday. It's already had ripple effects, including aUnited Nations statement on Friday condemningwhat it called "the brutal killing and burning of a 27-year-old mentally ill woman."That corresponds with what the woman's parents told CNN affiliate Tolo News, saying their daughter suffered from mental health problems for the last 16 years.It's not known whether her attackers knew this, or whether it would have mattered.What motivated the mob, according to witnesses, was a belief that the targeted woman had burned theQuran. CNN hasn't seen any proof that she set a copy ablaze. Afghanistan's Ministry of Hajj and Religious Affairs has found no evidence the woman burned the sacred book,according to Tolo.A look at other Quran controversies00:59Mark Bowden, acting head of the U.N.'s Afghanistan mission, said that burning the Quran hurts efforts to promote "understanding and mutual respect between cultures and religions.""However, the brutal murder of this woman is an unspeakably horrendous act," Bowden said, "that should result in those responsible being prosecuted, to the fullest extent possible, under Afghan law."Body burned, thrown in riverNahid, a 45-year-old woman who goes only by one name, told CNN what she saw and heard outside theShah Do Shamshera shrine, which is opposite a mosque by the same name. A group of women were shouting at the eventual victim, accusing her of burning the Quran, according to Nahid. The woman yelled back.This got the attention of men nearby. Police tried to close gates to keep them out but it didn't work, said the witness, noting that many men jumped a fence and began beating the accused woman.The hits and kicks ended after someone poured fuel on the woman and lit her on fire, said Nahid, who watched from inside the shrine."(They) burned her and then threw her corpse away in the Kabul River," she said.President: Not up to individuals to enforce 'Islamic justice'Within a day of the attack, nine people had been arrested in connection with the woman's death, according to Interior Ministry spokesman Sediq Seddiqi.Seddiqi said that the investigation is ongoing.President Ashraf Ghani ordered two investigations related to the case -- one into the beating itself and another including religious scholars.His government is "committed to protecting and safeguarding all Islamic values," values that including prohibitions on burning the Quran (if that is, indeed, what this woman did).That's one responsibility of the nation's security andlegal system. It's not a responsibility of individual Afghans, Ghani said."No individual is allowed to make oneself a judge and use violence to punish others in degrading manners," the President said. "Launching personal trials and choosing who to punish stands in clear contradiction to Sharia and Islamic justice."

Rescue Nigeria, save us from another civil war, Igbo leaders tells Buhari

Ahead of next week presidential election, Igbo Leaders in the 19 northern States yesterday declared support for the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, General Mohammadu Buhari,urging him to rescue the country from being run aground by President Goodluck Jonathan.The Leaders who paid a courtesy visit to Buhari at his presidential campaign headquarters in Abuja noted that impunity and indiscipline had become a common phenomenon in today’s Nigeria.Coming under the umbrella of Igbo Delegates Assembly, IDA, the group which was led by its President-General, Chief Sam Demian Enyama also had the Eze Udo, its traditional arm made up of the traditional rulers of Igbo communities both in the north and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja.APC Presidential Campaign Candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari, (middle) flanked by APC National Chairman, All Progressive Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie Oyegun, APC Chieftain and former Goverinor,Chief Ogbonnaya Ono, Eze Ndi Igbo Suleja, Amb (Dr.) Igwe Collins Chibueze Okoli, Uche Eginti Eze Udo, President General Igbo delegates Assembly (IDA) of the19 Northern States, Chief Damian Sunny Inyamah and others adopt GEN Muhammadu Buhari for 2015 Presidency at the APC Presidential Campaign office in Abuja. PHOTO; SUNDAY AGHAEZESpeaking at the occasion, the presidential-General, Chief Eyama described Buhari as a man of impeccable character who is disciplined and result- oriented.Dispelling religious sentiments against Buhari, Eyama urged Ndi Igbo nationwide to rally round Buhari andvote for him on March 28, saying that he would address most pressing needs of the regions in the country.Speaking on behalf of Eze Udo, Eze Uche Egenti said that Nigerians especially the Igbo would not want to experience another civil war.Observing that the country was heading to the brink of collapse under president Goodluck Jonathan, Egenti asked Buhari to come to its rescue.He said “ We are here to support your aspiration to become the president of this country. We know that it iseasier to work with you because of what you stand for. We are not ready to be plunged into another civil and we are pleading with you to help us organize Nigeria again. We want discipline to reign again.“We want to plead with you to help galvanize Nigeria once more. Let discipline reign again in Nigeria. Let the polity be sensitized. A lot of people have complained that the issue about you is religion but we know you are not a religious bigot. You are a very firm articulate officer of the Nigerian army. In 1983 when Nigeria was at a verge of collapse, you came in and rescued it.“We are here to affirm our support on the use of the permanent voters card, because it will bring credibility to the election. We are here to tell you that the Igbo’s are behind you.”A notable Igbo leader and chieftain of APC, Chief Ogbonnaya Onu who also spoke at the event that attracted the presence of the party’s national chairman, Chief John Oyegun and other senior party officials said that the essence of the meeting was to reassure Buhari of the support of Igbo people.According to him, the train of APC was in motion and could not continue without the input of the Igbo.Onu also dismissed the insinuations that Buhari was a religious bigot whose interest was to Islamize the country if elected president.Affirming Buhari’s forthrightness, Onu who was a former governor of Abia State stated that the APC presidential candidate has distinguished himself with his track record and offices so far held.Meanwhile, in a manner seen by many as unseal, Buhari, while responding to the plea of the visiting Igbo leaders took time to explain what the meeting meant to him.He also, perhaps for the first time, revealed why he joined politics and at such the opposition.The former military Head of State who went memory lane revealed how the military government saved a fortune for the country only to be squandered by the ruling People’s Democratic Party.Buhari who also preached peace and unity among the tribes in the country recalled how property and shops of the Igbo communities in the north were secured during the civil war, also dismissed the speculations that he was a religious bigot.Below were his responses on most of the issues raised at the meeting:How the meeting was brokered“This meeting is an act of God because we had agreed on our programmes since but Chief Ogbonnaya Onu came to me and said that this meeting must take place. I tried to get out of it by going through the programmes with him and telling him that I have visited 35 states excluding Yobe and because of the additional unsolicited six weeks grace granted, another programme was drawn to conduct some town hall meetings.I told him that, we were scheduled to go to Owerri and Onitisha to meet the Igbo leadership and business community. So, why not let us merge the two events? He said no, these are Igbos from the 19 Northern states and eventually, I gave up and said let it be done at the expense of our break.I have no regrets holding this meeting because he educated me about this organization in the respective states which I was unaware of. He told me the details and I appreciate this organization because of your experiences especially when crisis happened in this country.North/south relationship during the warI could recall the good old days. When it was Christmas and new year, virtually, all businesses closed up in the north especially in Kano. Business would not resume until the Igbos return to their businesses. After the interruption of the civil war, I must admit that the elements of the first republic civil service were good because to the best of my knowledge, wherever Igbos had property in town, there were committees in the respective towns.The properties were repaired, given for rent, an account opened for them. After the war, the Igbos came back and claimed their property and the savings made.. I thank the civil servants of those good old days because the committees were developed with very clear and firm terms of reference and the properties of the Igbos were looked after and they claimed them back. I think they did well. I think that I am the only Army officer to command three of the four Nigerian Army divisions. Again, from 2nd Lieutenant, all the Command and Staff appointments I don’t think I missed any.My colleagues were Col. Ugokwe, GC. Ojukwu and they can bear testimony to that. On the political side, I became governor of the north east which is now six states and spent three and half years in Ministry of Petroleum, twenty months as Head of States and 40 months in detention eventually. I think I have seen quite a lot in Nigeria.Why I joined politicsAfter going top and sliding down, why did I join politics? There were two reasons which I have mentioned on several occasions. I have to bore you with this because I don’t want you to slow down on whatever you are doing. Keep on trying, God will repay you one way or the other. I was sitting at home after I got out of detention and thought people would leave me alone. I didn’t even build a filling station, not to talk of owing an oil block and so I thought I had lost their sympathy.But they kept coming to me and there was nothing I could do and then I speculated that maybe when I get into partisan politics, I would get into a position to be heard and then something happened in 1991 and theSoviet Union collapsed. They were the first to go into space and in terms of nuclear war heads and conventional forces, they were superior to NETO .It just collapsed and people just went home and now, there are 18 Republics in the old Soviet Union. That was when I decided that the best form of governance is multi party democratic system with a big proviso that elections must be free and fair. Other wise, the whole thing will be a sham and it is in pursuit of that, that I am on my fourth attempt to get the highest office.I am not a religious bigotIn the fist three attempts, I ended up at the Supreme Court because I believe in the system. There is no point believing in a system and conducting yourself haphazardly. I am telling you that I am fulfilled because when I decided to join politics in April 2002, I joined APP even though there was PDP and they were in government.But I went into the opposition even though there were governors, senators, members of the House of Representatives in the party, but the following year, they gave me the ticket and what did I do with the ticket? I got the late Chuba Okadigbo to be my running mate and by that, I blew the mind of people about my tribal or religious position. In 2007, I picked Chief Ume Ezeoke and again, he was Igbo.So, I dispel any question about my being a religious bigot or a tribalist. Later I picked Pastor Bakare and now, I am running with a Pastor, Prof. Osinbajo. The issue of religion has been taken into account in this country.Why we insist on free and fair pollsI am very grateful to Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu for organizing this meeting. I am even more grateful that the leadership of the Igbo community in the north decided to turn up. It is important that we continue to make sure that we are broadminded. The beauty of this system is what I have mentioned already.Let the government respect Nigerians and individuals and allow them to choose and elect those they want to lead them. If that is done, Nigerians will be surprised about how peaceful this country will be. I think thatin every human being there is an element of rebellion. If you try to force a human being to do something hedoesn’t like, he will develop a way of resisting it.But if you develop a system and persuade him to accept the system, then, Justice must be done and you will be surprised how peaceful you will live. But if you try to force it, I am afraid that you will keep on suffering.PDP has destroyed NigeriaLook at what we have suffered in the last 16 years. Most of you are business people and always out there. Maybe you don’t even need computers because your head is just like a recorder. You import and know the exchange rate. Where were we 16 years ago when PDP took over this country and where are we now?How much was the Naira to the Dollar then and how much is if now? Does it mean that you will not sell thethings that you have in your shop now because people cannot afford them because the Naira is now about N230 to the dollar? I think that as a community, You are more affected in Nigeria than anyone else. You are the ones that go from Singapore to China and all over the world to make the contacts and order things.You don’t order them in Naira, but in Dollar or Pounds Sterlings or Yen. Now, you need trailer load of Naira to maintain your businesses. Remember what we earned from 1999 till now. But then, where is the Nigeria Railways that we have been talking about? Where is the Nigeria Airways?Where is the Nigeria Shipping line? Where are the roads and where is the money we earned? There are States now that haven’t paid salaries for months. Corrupt PDP governors cannot even pay salaries. I don’t think you can support this type of government anymore. It will be impossible because the worse has almost happened. If everybody is impoverished, what do we do? Do we eat grass?Three things APC government must doWhat we identified in APC are three fundamental things that are relevant. We hope, God willing, if we get into government, having campaigned on those three fundamental issues, we will deliver on those three fundamental issues so that you can physically see. I think that those who are really poor and live in the rural areas hardly have anything to lose, but you who criss-cross the world using your resources, when you are grounded, you feel it harder. It is a fact of life.What are the three things we identified? First, security, then the death of the economy as a result of which there is mass unemployment and; third one is corruption.Throughout my visit to 35 states, I mentioned these three things and nobody ever challenged me on them. We cannot continue like this because this is our country. No sentiment and nothing should make us change our mind. We just have to get rid of PDP and start building Nigeria again.How military saved economyIn 1983, when we came in, we felt that change had to take place because I was involved in the military government that handed over to the second republic and as Minister of Petroleum, I was holding one of themost important appointments. The military handed over a relatively, materially and physically secured country to the second republic.In four years, three months, if anybody told you that he knew how much debt Nigeria incurred after spending what the military left, he was telling you a lie because when we came, because of the debt Nigeriahad incurred, we had to put in place two committees, one local and one foreign to help find out how we incurred the debt and how we were going to pay for it.Together we will rescue NigeriaSo really, the question of patriotism is a very serious issue. The damage has been done. You are in a position under the system to make a difference and I am appealing to you to make sure that this differenceis made. We are not doing anybody any favour. We are doing a favour to ourselves because we have no other country than Nigeria.I am very happy with your kindness in coming to Abuja to see me and to support the APC. I assure you thatyou will not regret it. We are patriotic. Nigeria is our country. We have no other country, but Nigeria.Together, we will salvage it.”