Nigerian Guild Of Editors Kicks As NASS Goes Tough On Accreditation Of Journalists

May 20, 2019

The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has rejected the new guidelines for the accreditation of media organisations, journalists/ correspondents covering the National Assembly, describing it as primitive, undemocratic and blatantly anti-press and anti-people.

The guidelines, issued by management of the National Assembly (NASS) are due to become effective from June 11 2019. It demands among other draconian provisions that a media organization wishing to be accredited for coverage of NASS activities should submit a copy of its income tax return for the last two years.

Other requirements include “presentation of evidence of certificate of incorporation of the media organization, evidence of membership of professional bodies for the journalists, maintenance of a functional Bureau in Abuja (staff strength not less than five Editorial staff) and daily circulation of 40,000 copies for the print media with evidence to support the claimed circulation figure.

The Nigerian Guild of Editors described the guidelines as vexatious, disrespectful and draconian, adding that it is a scurrilous attempt to gag the press in a democracy “and it cannot stand.

“These guidelines run contrary to the grains of reason, democratic ideals and they are a clear affront on the letter and spirit of the Nigerian constitution which empowers journalists to freely practice their profession without any gag, muzzling and restriction.

“The NASS guidelines negate the constitutional principle of freedom of expression and run contrary to the African Charter on fundamental rights and the right of the people to know. The Guild strongly objects to these guidelines in their entirety as they serve no public good except the myopic interest of its chroniclers and purveyors.”

The Guild said that it is disappointed that the same 8th National Assembly which benefited immensely from free press in its moments of trial has turned round to put the same press in shackles and chains.

“We reject this crude abrasion of our constitutional rights to freely disseminate information. It cannot stand.”

It called on all media houses across the nation to rise up and reject this medieval intrusion into the media space in the 21st century, much more in a democracy which Nigerian media doggedly fought for and for which some journalists paid the supreme price.

Why We Froze N5 Billion Imo Funds – EFCC

Editorial staff

May 20, 2019

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has said that it froze N5 billion funds belonging to the Imo State Government to halt Governor Rochas Okorocha from spending it to buy vote in the just concluded general elections in Nigeria.

The EFCC’s Zonal Head for South-East, Usman Imam, in a chat with journalists, said that the Commission’s timely intervention saved the state over N5 billion that would have been deployed in vote buying by the Okorocha’s administration during the last elections.

The EFCC director said about N8 billion from the Paris Club Refund bailout meant for payment of workers’ salaries was kept by the government, only to begin spending it frivolously on the eve of the elections.

“About N7.9 billion is what had been blocked, although with pressure, subsequently, about N2.5 billion was released for salaries. On the whole, we have over N5 billion of those funds blocked; we are following up to see what actually happened.

“Honestly, what we discovered was that within two days, N700m was withdrawn in cash; N200m on the first day and N500m on the second day and all these monies were disbursed in a manner that was honestly unpalatable.

“Distribution to school teachers; I don’t know, schools that you were not funding and you woke up on the eve of the election and withdrew N500m cash and start distributing N1000 each or so to teachers. Whatever that means, I don’t know.

“When we came in, we were able to save about seventy something million of the funds that we discovered were not disbursed, we also blocked it. People are still answering questions as to who asked them to move those monies, monies that were blocked at the banks.”

Usman Imam described it as unfortunate the funds in question that were meant for the payment of salaries and pensions have remained unpaid.

“The sad story about this was that these monies were the intervention funds; the bailout funds that the Federal Government released to states to pay salaries when they were having problems paying salaries.

“They didn’t utilise that money to pay the salaries; they warehoused it and kept it until the election period, they started attempting to draw down the money. Whatever happens, we have saved over N5bn of that money, as we talk, two weeks to handover. Probably, the next government would have that money to use it better. There are a lot of other general investigations going on in Imo right now.”

Meanwhile, the EFCC has arrested the Accountant-General of Imo State, Uzoho Casmir, for allegedly helping Okorocha, to launder N1.05 billion for the governorship and assembly elections.

Okorocha, who is a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), supported his son-in-law, Uche Nwosu, of the Action Alliance (AC) against the governorship candidate of the APC, Senator Hope Uzodinma.

The act earned Okorocha a suspension from the party last week.

Source: Punch.

Tinubu Mocks PDP, Begs Nigerians To Help It To Overcome Its Defeat In 2019 Polls

Editorial staff

May 20, 2019

The National Leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has described the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as being reputed for “saucy and distractive statements’’ even as he begged Nigerians not to be angry with the opposition party, but assist it to overcome its colossal defeat in the February 2019 elections.

“Don’t blame them. They are handicapped by the traumatic feelings of the colossal loss of the election. You should help them to manage the trauma.”

Asiwaju Tinubu, who spoke today, Monday in Makkah after an Iftar dinner meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari, along with Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar and Emir of Kazaure, Dr. Najib Hussaini Adamu, appealed to elderly Nigerians to avoid inflammatory statements that could undermine peaceful co-existence among the nation’s diverse communities.

He asked all Nigerians to consider the enormity of challenges facing the nation, and support the President and rally round him to solve the problems and stabilize the polity.

“The President worked hard and will continue to do so to ensure peace and stability in the country, which are important for the economy to make progress. These are the key pegs of his agenda. Let us all come together to support him,” he said.

He commended President Buhari for the recognition of June 12th as the nation’s Democracy Day.

This was even as Sultan Abubakar pledged his support to the success of the President’s administration even as he led prayers for President Buhari’s second term in office, and for the nation to overcome current challenges.

Other guests at the Iftar dinner were: Nigerian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Justice Isa Dodo, Malam Mamman Daura, Isma’ila Isa, Mr Wale Tinubu and Mr Hakeem P. Fahm, the Commissioner of Science and Technology, Lagos State.

Economic Growth: Zinox Group Chairman Advocates Disruptive Entrepreneurs System

Editorial staff

May 20, 2019

Africa’s foremost serial digital entrepreneur and Chairman, Zinox Group, Leo Stan Ekeh, has said that the only way the Nigerian economy can realize the desired impetus to survive is for the Federal and State Governments to support disruptive entrepreneurs who are now the corporate miracles of every progressive economy.

He cited America as an example which has produced the known whizkids of the century and raised global giants such as Google, Facebook, Amazon and Microsoft, etc.
The digital guru, who delivered talk at the Access Bank-sponsored 2019 African Fintech Disrupt Conference held at the Landmark Centre in Lagos today, Monday said that Nigeria has a huge stock of smart kids who can change and sustain the developmental story of this country.

He said that all they require is an enabling environment which is not too expensive for the government to provide.
While advising entrepreneurs not to see hope as a strategy in business, he reminded them of a critical configuration required for a self-audit before deciding if they really want to be entrepreneurs.
According to Ekeh, who also doubles as a Global Advisor to Microsoft, success as an entrepreneur in Africa requires 40% common sense, 20% spirituality and 40 percent knowledge of the business.
According to him, the 21st century has defined two types of entrepreneurs – disruptors and regular entrepreneurs.
While advising startups and other budding business owners, he noted that their passion must pay their bills, else there is no justification for the business they are launching.
He reminded startups of the essential few ingredients of success, humility, ability to see the end from the start, an eye for the bigger picture, creative mindset, knowledge and energy to occupy the sector as well as the capacity to manage cash and excitement.
He, however, cautioned that they must be prepared to take reasonable pains before pleasure as they must postpone luxurious life until when they have built enough reserves to sustain such a lifestyle.
He counseling female entrepreneurs, the self-professed disruptive entrepreneur even as he assured them that they will lead in the second quarter of this century as informed women are known to operate efficiently in structured environments with auditable systems.
He said that no government has a choice to deny the youths of progressive infrastructure, except they want to face the wrath of this dominant segment of the populace.
Ekeh advised those leaving the country for supposedly greener pastures not to waste their time as the population and lifestyle of Nigeria holds unquantifiable demand structure which is wealth on its own.

Justice Minister Drags 2 INEC Officials To Court For Electoral Malpractices In Edo

Editorial staff

May 20, 2019

The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, has dragged two officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to the Federal High Court, Abuja on a five count charge of electoral malpractices in the 2019 Presidential and National Assembly elections held in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo state.

In a statement today, Monday by the Special Adviser to the minister on Media and Publicity, Comrade Salihu Othman Isah, , the Federal Government slammed the charges against the defendants pursuant to Sections 104 and 379 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015.

Names of the culprits were given as Sulaiman Ikhuoriah, 36, of No.13 Aisosa Street, Off Okhoro Road, Benin City who served as Collation Officer for Ward 6 in Saint Maria Gorreti Secondary School, and Olugbenga Omotiloye, 50 of Plot 1, Longe Street, Okoh Central, Benin City, Edo State.

They were accused of having falsified results in favour of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate against the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its candidate.

According to the charges filed by a Principal State Counsel in the Department of Public Prosecution of the Federal Ministry of Justice, on behalf of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Magaji Labaran, the INEC officials allegedly committed the offence in their capacity as electoral officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission on and around the 23^rd day of February, 2019 during the Presidential and National Assembly polls in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of the state which is within the jurisdiction of the honourable court.

They were alleged to have conspired among themselves and with others now at large and upon receipt of an offer to procure the return of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate in the House of Representatives elections for Egor/Ikpoba-Okha Federal Constituency in Edo State thereby committing an offence punishable under Section 123 (1) of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended).

Ikhuoriah was also alleged to have, without lawful excuse acted in breach of his official duty by placing a call to Honourable Ehiozuwa Johnson Agbonayinma and requested him through a telephone conversation for gratification for the purpose of delivering his ward to his party, the PDP during the elections. This he did erroneously thinking he was discussing with the PDP chairman, not knowing he was talking to Hon. Agbonyinma of APC. By doing this, he has committed an offence punishable under Section 124 (b) of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended).

The Collation Officer is also accused to have received the sum of a hundred thousand naira as bribe for delivering the ward for his supposed paymaster, the PDP candidate; which is an offence punishable under Section 124 (b) of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended).

On his part, and as count four, the Electoral Officer, Olugbenga Omotiloye while serving in his capacity as INEC electoral officer on the 2^nd day of March, 2019 at Bishop Kelly, beside St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Airport Road, Benin City held a meeting with Honourable Ise-Edehen and collected the sum of one hundred thousand naira as gratification.

The sum collected is said to be in appreciation of his effort in ensuring that PDP won the election during the February 23^rd National Assembly polls for Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area.

Isah equally detailed that count five, Omotiloye on the 25^th February, 2019 was directed by Senator Matthew Urhoghide not to take the Senatorial election’s result to Eghosa Grammer School which he complied in clear breach of his lawful duty thereby committing an offence punishable under Section 123 (3) of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended).

To quote Count Three on the charge sheet, “That you Sulaiman Ikhuoriah, male, 36 years old, of No. 13 Aisosa Street, off Okhoro Road, Benin City, Edo State, on 26^th February, 2019 at Mr. Biggs, opposite the NNPC Mega Filling Station, Sapele Road Benin City, received the sum of N100,000.00 (One Hundred Thousand Naira) only as bribe for delivering your Ward, thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 124 (b) of Electoral Act 2010 (as Amended).”

While Count Five details, “That you, Olugbenga Omotilayo, male, 50 years old, of Plot 1, Longe Street, Oko Central, Benin City, Edo State, on the 25^thFebruary, 2019 was directed by Senator Matthew Urhoghide not to take the Senatorial election’s result to Eghosa Grammer School which you complied in clear breach of your lawful duty, you thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 123 (3) of the Electoral Act, 2010 (as Amended).

A case summary deposed to by Magaji Labaran, stated thus; “My Lord, the summary of this case is electoral malpractices, perpetrated by the defendants who were the INEC Collation Officer and INEC Electoral Officer (E.O) respectively during the 23^rd February, 2019 Presidential and National Assembly elections in Ikpoba-Okha LGA, Edo State. The defendants have acted in breach of their official duties by been involved in electoral malpractices including bribery and conspiracy.

“The defendants were invited for interview on the 27^th day of February, 2019 and 5^th day of March, 2019 following a petition by the member representing Egor/Ikpoba-Okha Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, E.J. Agbonayinma (Hon.), where his Techno Ponvair (Model LA7) with GSM No. 0803-428-5260 was exploited. Thus, some incriminating text messages between him and one Matthew Urhoghide (Senator), with GSM No. 0803-3385-5557, Adaeze Onubagu with GSM No. 0703-528-5622 were found on the device.

“The suspects made voluntary statements under caution, and admitted collecting the sum of N100, 000.00 (One Hundred Thousand Naira) only from Ise-Idehen (Hon.), as appreciation. My Lord, during the trial, the prosecution shall lead evidence to prove the guilt of the defendant based on credible and undisputed facts.”

Rabiu Yadudu Becomes New Managing Director Of Federal Airport Authority

Editorial staff

May 20, 2019

President Muhammad Buhari has approved the appointment of Rabiu Yadudu as the new Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).

This is contained in a statement by the Deputy Director, Press and Public Affairs of the Ministry of Transportation, James Odaudu, in Abuja today, Monday.

According to Odaudu, the new MD, who is a Flight Captain, will take over from the erstwhile Managing Director, Saleh Dunoma, a certified engineer.

The appointment takes immediate effect.

The new MD is an International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and Airport Council International (ACI) accredited International Airport Professional.

Until his new appointment, Yadudu was the Director of Airport Operations of FAAN.

The new helmsman holds professional certifications in Avionics, Airport Safety Management Systems, Airport Security Management, Air Transport Systems Management, amongst others. Source: NAN.

Nigeria’s Economy Performing Well, GDP Grows By 2.01 Percent – Minister

Editorial staff

May 20, 2019

The minister of Budget and National planning, Udoma Udo Udoma has said that the first quarter Gross Domestic Product (GDP) performance in 2019 indicated continued economic growth and that it showed how the economic recorded a real GDP growth of 2.01 percent.

The minister, who spoke to news men shortly after briefing the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting which was held today, Monday, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, said that the growth of the GDP reflects the strongest first quarter performance in GDP since 2015.

According to Udoma, the first quarter is always the weakest in terms of growth, even as he said that the Federal Executive Council is most encouraged by the fact that growth continues to be driven by the non-oil sector which affects most of the population.

He said that agriculture grew by 3.17 percent “and this represents the strongest growth in agriculture since the fourth quarter in 2017.

“The council is also pleased to note that there are improvements in other economic indicators such as the inflation rate, which tend to have high inflation during an election period, but it has been stable.

“Our external reserves and our trade balance have also remained healthy over the period which our exchange rate to the dollar has also been stable.

“So notwithstanding the elections, there has been stability. The council believes that the dividend arising from the peaceful elections and the re-elections of President Muhammadu Buhari will lead to a further boost in economic growth.

“The nation should therefore expect faster growth rate as the incoming cabinet continues to intensify work on the implementation of the economic recovery and growth plan.

“Council is pleased to note that in the next level, the President is committed to further work on initiatives to among other things protect Nigeria from vulnerability to any external shocks, reverse the contraction in the oil sector and stimulate faster growth in agriculture and manufacturing.

“In short, under the next level agenda, even more initiatives will be rolled out to ensure that growth is faster and even more inclusive as well as job creating.

“So council believes we are still on target to achieve three percent growth rate which is our target this year.”

Activities For May 29 Presidential Inauguration, June 12 Democracy Day Begin

Editorial staff

May 20, 2019

Minister of information and culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed has rolled out activities lined up for the inauguration of President Muhammadu Buhari on May 29 to commence his second term of four years in office, and the June 12 Democracy Day.

The minister, at a world press conference today in Abuja, to kick start the activities, said that from tomorrow, May 21st, a three-day National Youth Entrepreneurship Empowerment Summit will commence at the International Conference Centre (ICC) in Abuja.

“The Federal Executive Council Valedictory Session will be held at the Council Chambers, State House, Abuja, on Wednesday, May 22nd; a Special Jumat Lecture and prayer will be held on Friday May 24th at the National Mosque; the First Lady’s interaction with women is slated

for the Old Chamber at the State House on Saturday May 25th while a special Interdenominational Church Service is slated for Sunday May 26th at the National Christian Centre.”

Lai Mohammed said that President Buhari will deliver a Children’s Day broadcast to the nation on May 27 and will be followed later in the day by a Children’s Variety Party, even as swearing in of the President and the Vice President will be carried out on May 29th at the Eagle Square, to be followed by a State Banquet at the State House in the evening of the same day

According to him, the activities for June 12 Democracy Day will kick off on June 7 with a historical Exhibition of Arts, Pictures and Immersive Environment and run through June 12th. “The event is slated to hold at the ICC. It will be followed on Sunday, June 9th by a Youth

Concert, Creative Industry and Entertainment Night also at the ICC.

“On Monday, June 10th, there will be a Secondary Schools Exhibition/Panel Discussion at the ICC, and Tuesday, June 11th will feature three events: the PMB Oratorical Contest at the ICC, an Anti-corruption Summit at the Transcorp Hilton and and a First Lady’s Commissioning Programme in Yola, Adamawa.

“Wednesday, June 12th will start off with a parade at the Eagle Square, and the Democracy Day programme will wrap up with a Dinner and Gala Night at the State House Conference Centre.”

Lai Mohammed said that the programme of events, complete with the time of events and other details, will be made available shortly.

TEXT OF THE WORLD PRESS CONFERENCE ADDRESSED BY ALHAJI LAI MOHAMMED,

THE MINISTER OF INFORMATION AND CULTURE AND CHAIRMAN OF THE MEDIA AND

PUBLICITY SUB-COMMITTEE OF THE PRESIDENTIAL INAUGURATION COMMITTEE, ON

MONDAY, MAY 20TH 2019 AT THE NATIONAL PRESS CENTRE, RADIO HOUSE, ABUJA

Gentlemen of the press, good afternoon and welcome to this press

conference. We have invited you here today to intimate you with the

details of the May 29th presidential inauguration and the first

observance of June 12th as the nation’s Democracy Day.

2. As you would recall, I said, at a press conference at the State

House on Monday, May 13th 2019, that the inauguration of President

Muhammadu Buhari for a second term on May 29th 2019, will be a low-key

affair. I also said a number of the events slated for the inauguration

will now be held during the first observance of June 12 as Democracy

Day. The essence of this press conference, therefore, is to give you

the details of the events that have been slated for both the inauguration and the Democracy Day.

3. Before we reel out the details of the events, let’s remind you,

gentlemen, that Mr. President last year declared June 12 as Democracy

Day and a national holiday. He also said the official commencement of

the new Democracy Day will be in 2019. It is in fulfillment of this declaration, therefore, that the Federal Executive Council decided, at its meeting on Wednesday May 8th 2019, to have a low-key presidential

inauguration on May 29th, and then defer the celebration that comes with it to the June 12 Democracy Day.

4. This is why I said, at my earlier press conference, that since

the first observance of June 12 as Democracy Day falls in an election

year, and as a measure to sustain June 12 as Democracy Day, the celebration of the inauguration and the advancement of democracy in the country will now take place on June 12. I also said, of course, that the country can ill-afford two major celebrations within atwo-week interval.

5. On the invitation of world leaders to the Presidential inauguration, I said the leaders would be invited instead to the ceremonies marking the observance of the Democracy Day on June 12, and that invitations have since been sent out to them.

6. Now to the details of the two events.

7. On this note, we want to most sincerely thank you, gentlemen, fo

NASS Dares Journalists, Says They Won’t Be Accredited Till They Meet Certain Conditions

Editorial staff

May 20, 2019

In what appears to be a shocker to news media in Nigerian, the National Assembly has come out with certain conditions and guidelines which journalists must meet before they are accredited to cover the two chambers.

This is coming barely three weeks to the expiration of the 8th National Assembly and the Proclamation and inauguration of the 9th Assembly as well as election of Principal Officers.

The guidelines which was issued today, stipulates among other things, that media house would only be entitled to one accreditation for both chambers except for those that require a photographer or videographer.

The guidelines signed by the Director of Information, Barrister Agada, also said that all media organisations seeking accreditation must submit evidence of tax returns for the last two years prior to their request.

Read below the guidelines as obtained by our correspondent:

NEW GUIDELINES FOR THE ACCREDITATION OF MEDIA ORGANISATIONS, JOURNALISTS/ CORRESPONDENTS COVERING THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

1.0 Number of journalists/correspondents to be accredited for prints, electronic and online media for Senate and House of Representatives respectively.

1.1 Television – 1 Reporter and 1 Cameraman

1.2 Radio 1 Reporter

1.3 Independent Producers – 1 Reporter and 1 Cameramen

1.4 Online Media 1 Reporter and 1 Photographer

CLASSIFICATION OF ACCREDITATION

2.1 Permanent Accreditation 2.2 Temporary Accreditation

2.3 Foreign/lnternational Media Houses 2.4 Freelance

3.0 REQUIREMENT FOR PERMANENT ACCREDITATION OF JOURNALISTS/CORRESPONDENTS FOR PRINT, ELECTRONIC AND ONLINE MEDIA ORGANISATIONS

3.1 Evidence of certificate of incorporation of the media organisation.

3.2 Evidence of membership of professional bodies for media organization.

3.3 Proof of membership of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) with registration number.

3.4 Code of certification from the National Library for the media organization.

3.5 Functional Bureau in Abuja (Staff Strength not less than 5 Editorial staff and daily circulation of 40,000 copies for the print media with evidence to support the claimed circulation figure.

3.6 Media Houses must be publishing daily and on weekend (Applicable to Online Media).

3.7 Re-certification form must be signed and endorsed by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Media organization Bureau Chief, City Editor as the case may be.

3.8 The Media organization concerned must have experience of covering proceedings of the National Assembly for at least two (2) years before applying for permanent accreditation.

3.9 All media organization will submit a copy of its income tax return for the last two years.

3.10 All online media must have at least 5000 viewership per day, the site must have been in operation for 5 years and provide satisfactory evidence to this effect with clippings of the news utilized (especially parliamentary news).

3.11 Only television stations with national coverage and specific independent producers with current running programme on the National Assembly will be allowed access into the Chambers on a permanent basis (All the production crew will be accredited as entity).

3.12 All correspondents must attach photocopy of letter of appointment of the media organization on whose behalf request has been received for grant of accreditation.

3.13 All freelance journalist seeking permanent accreditation must show evidence of not less than 5 years coverage of the National Assembly proceedings/full editorial focus and publication on parliamentary reportage.

4.0 It is only Journalists and correspondence whose media organisations meet the above requirements for Permanent accreditation that will be entitled to carry National Assembly Identity Card/Membership of the respective Press Corp

5.0 All other media organization who do not meet the above requirement will be captured under the Temporary accreditation status and they will not be entitled to carry National Assembly Identity Card/Membership of the Press Corp of the Senate and House of Representatives.

6.0 All Temporary accredited media houses, journalists/correspondents shall be allowed permit into the National Assembly for specific coverage not exceeding one (1) week in the first instance and not more than twice in a month.

7.0 All foreign/international media houses seeking accreditation shall abide by all the Diplomatic Protocols established by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for foreign media organizations, the Code of Ethics for Nigerian Journalists and security clearance before accreditation will be considered upon the recommendation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

8.0 All permanently accredited journalists/correspondents shall submit recertification letter from the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of their media organization on a sessional basis failure to which accreditation shall be withdrawn forthwith.

9.0 All accredited media organization will be considered as a single entity in the issuance of passes irrespective of their membership of Senate and House of Representatives Press Corp.

10.0 This new accreditation guidelines shall come into effect from June 11 2019.

Sule Lamido To Obasanjo: Your Hatred For Buhari Is Turning You Into Bigot

Greenbarge Reporters

May 20, 2019

Former Jigawa State Governor, Alhaji Sule Lamido has drew the attention of his boss, ex President Olusegun Obasanjo to a situation where his hatred for President Muhammadu Buhari is turning him into a bigot.

Responding to Obasanjo’s comments at a church on alleged Fulanisation and Islamisation of Nigeria, Sule Lamido advised Obasanjo in whose government he was foreign affairs minister, to try and stick to his national outlook instead of fanning the embers of religious divide.

“Speaking about ‘Fulanisation and Islamisation at St. Paul Cathedral Church’ is very much unlike you, sir!

“If it were said at a non-religious venue to a non-religious audience, may be it might have been more tolerable.

“Please, sir, don’t let your disappointment with sitting Presidents turn you into a bigot. You must not abandon the national stage.

“The cracks along the various divides in our national cohesion are already turning into huge ‘gorges.’”

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