We ‘ve Totally Defeated ISIS Terrorists In Iraq, Syria, President Trump Claims

March 23, 2019

The United States President, Donald Trump has announced that the Global Coalition, in conjunction with his country, have total defeated the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) terrorist group in Iraq and Syria territories.

Trump, in a statement today, Saturday, by the White House Office of the Press Secretary, said that ISIS had been defeated 100 per cent in its former controlled territories of Iraq and Syria.

“I am pleased to announce that, together with our partners in the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS, including the Iraqi Security Forces and the Syrian Democratic Forces, the United States has liberated all ISIS-controlled territory in Syria and Iraq – 100 Percent of the ‘caliphate’.

“Just two years ago, ISIS controlled a vast amount of territory in both Iraq and Syria.

“Since then, we have retaken more than 20,000 square miles of land and liberated millions of Syrians and Iraqis from ISIS’s ‘caliphate’.

“ISIS’s loss of territory is further evidence of its false narrative, which tries to legitimise a record of savagery that includes brutal executions, the exploitation of children as soldiers, and the sexual abuse and murder of women and children.

“To all of the young people on the internet believing in ISIS’s Propaganda, you will be dead if you join. Think instead about having a great life,” Trump announced.

The United States leader noted that “while on occasion these cowards will resurface, they have lost all prestige and power”.

The president added that ISIS terrorists “are losers and will always be losers”.

He further stated: “We will remain vigilant against ISIS by aligning global counterterrorism efforts to fight ISIS until it is finally defeated wherever it operates.

“The United States will defend American interests whenever and wherever necessary. We will continue to work with our partners and allies to totally crush Radical Islamic Terrorists”.

Trump had declared that the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) would be eliminated from its last territory in Syria by Wednesday night.

While holding maps of ISIS’ territory in Iraq and Syria before and after his election, Trump pointed to a very small portion of the map that was currently being held by the terrorist group.

The U.S. leader declared that by the end of Wednesday, “the mission will be complete”.

“I brought this out for you because – this is a map of everything in the red, this was on election night in 2016.

“Everything red is ISIS. When I took over, it was a mess.

“Now, on the bottom, that’s the exact same: There is no red. In fact, there is actually a tiny spot, which will be gone by tonight,” Trump had declared at a press conference at the White House. Source: NAN.

Kano Supplementary Poll: Kwankwaso Accuses Police Boss Of Supporting Mass Rigging

Greenbarge Reporters

March 23, 2019

The leader of the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and former governor of Kano State, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso has accused Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG), Anthony Michael Obizi, of providing back-up for armed thugs to perpetrate violence and massive rigging during the supplementary election held in Kano State today, Saturday.

Kwankwaso, who spoke to newsmen at his residence, called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct fresh rerun elections in the state.

According to him, the election was marred with violence and rigging.
“It is very sad that elections could not hold today because, by yesterday evening, all the polling units in the rerun areas were overtaken by thugs. Very early morning today elections were concluded in many polling centres.

“And even more concerning is the role of the police under the leadership of DIG Anthony Obizie who actually back up thugs under the leadership of the Kano state government. It is a very sad day for all of us and a very sad day for democracy.

“There are very few places where elections took place especially here in the city but there was no election in the overwhelming places because they were overtaken by thugs. People were going around with ballot papers and result sheets, writing what they wanted and submitted them to the INEC officials.

“Our prayer is that this election should be cancelled and re-scheduled so that we can have better, free and fair elections in Kano. I don’t think by all standards, the elections here in Kano can hold water. It is unacceptable and I don’t think INEC can go ahead to count because there is nothing to count.”

Source: Daily Post.

Under-19 Cricket: Nigeria Wins First World Cup Ticket

Greenbarge Reporters

March 23, 2019

Nigeria has secured a dramatic, first ever spot in the ICC Under-19 World Cup in 2020, after beating Sierra Leone by two wickets, on the final day of the Africa qualifying tournament in Namibia.

Set 139 to win, Nigeria endured a nervy chase, slipping to 87 for six at one point, before man of the match Peter Aho scored a priceless 21 not out to see them home. The entire squad rushed onto the field in jubilation, as they confirmed their seat at their first ever global tournament.

Aho had also taken two wickets earlier, when Sierra Leone posted 138 all out at Affies Park in Windhoek. On the adjacent field, Namibia had posted a massive victory over Kenya, so Nigeria simply had to win.

Sierra Leone provided them with plenty of challenges, as Haroun Kamara’s 58 from 60 balls propelled his side to a testing target. John Bangura chipped in with hearty 21, and as Sierra Leone refused to go quietly.

Osman Sankoh’s late 24 also lifted the tempo, and the previously unheralded Abdulrahman Jimoh took two quick wickets for Nigeria the end, to stop the target getting any bigger.

In response, Nigeria endured a tumultuous time of it, not aided by a gathering storm. Isaac Danladi’s responsible 25 were crucial, while Miracle Ikaige also lent a hand with a vital 22. But the wickets kept on tumbling, and the pressure kept on mounting.

Aho’s nerveless intervention, mixed with occasional aggression, whittled down the target, and Nigeria were helped over the line by the cheering Ugandan squad. Namibia, on the other hand, were understandably cheering on Sierra Leone, having completed a 198-run drubbing of Kenya.

Skipper Divan la Cock was again in the runs, with 88 from 102 balls, and Jan-Izak de Villiers added a steady 55, as Namibia piled on the runs. Ramon Wilmot had set them on their way with a blitzkrieg 46 from just 31 balls, clubbing three sixes in the process.

The hosts eventually ended on 294 for five, as they finished the tournament like a freight train. They rolled Kenya over for 96, with Mauritius Ngupita yet again in the wickets. His three for 15 supplemented De Villiers’ burst upfront, as Namibia rushed through the East Africans.

In the final game of the tournament, Uganda’s Zephania Arinaitwe clattered a 40-ball 102, to blaze his side to an eight-wicket victory. He made light work of a target, after Tanzania had been bowled out for 144.

Ashish Shah scored 40 and Aahil Jasani 28, as Tanzania tried to mount a challenging total. Skipper Frank Akankwasa and Juma Miyagi took three wickets apiece, as Uganda finished off their tournament in some style.

The stage was then set for Arinaitwe to hammer nine sixes and six fours in his astonishing innings. He rushed to the total of 145 in just 12.2 overs, to demolish Tanzania, and finish off a dramatic week in Windhoek with quite a flourish.

Scores in brief:

Nigeria v Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone 138 all out (H Kamara 58, O Sankoh 24, A Jimoh two for 2)

Nigeria 139 for eight (I Danladi 25, M Ikaige 22, P Aho 21 not out, O Sankoh three for 13)

Nigeria won by two wickets

Namibia v Kenya

Namibia 294 for five ( D la Cock 88, J De Villiers 55)

Kenya 96 all out (S Ghataora 28, M Ngupita three for 15, J De Villiers three for 24)

Namibia won by 198 runs

Tanzania v Uganda

Tanzania 144 all out (A Shah 40, A Jasani 28, J Miyagi three for 21, F Akankwasa three for 33)

Uganda 147 for two (Z Arinaitwe 102 not out)

Uganda won by eight wickets.

Race For Senate Presidency Gathers Momentum, As Senator Ubah Backs Ahmed Lawan

Greenbarge Reporters

March 23, 2019

The race for the presidency of the ninth senate is gathering momentum as the Anambra South Senator-elect, Ifeanyi Ubah, along with a group of elected lawmakers have thrown their support for the current Senate leader, Senator Ahmed Lawan.

Elected under the Young Progressives Party (YPP) on Feb. 23, Ubah is one of the 11 senators-elect who were with Lawan at an interactive session with newsmen in Abuja.

Senator Lawan, who represents Yobe North in the 8th Senate under the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), is seeking to lead the ninth Senate as its President. He has been in the Upper Chamber since 1999.

Ubah told newsmen at the forum that Lawan is a good man with the best experience in the Senate, hence his decision to pinch tent with him.

“Lawan is a very good man, and has the best experience, I believe in the Senate. For me it is a free world, it is democracy.

“So, I am free, and I am pinching tent with him because I believe he is the kind of leader we need in the 9th Senate,’’ Ubah said.

Asked why he is associating with a member of the APC widely seen as an unwanted party in the South East, Ubah said he could not be an island in the Senate.

“It is a choice anybody has to make. I can’t be alone in the Senate. If any group comes up and wants to lead the Senate, it is a duty for me to look at them and see if I can pinch tent with them.

“What we are trying to bring to Nigeria under YPP is a revolution of change. But I cannot be an island in the Senate.

“I must join a group, which I see as progressive like us in YPP. Today, I have pinched tent with Ahmed Lawan.”

The businessman and entrepreneur said he is bringing to the ninth Senate his wealth of experience in the economic and other sectors.

“I run the biggest platform in the downstream sector of the economy. If you look at sports, I don’t think any individual Nigerian has invested 10 per cent of what I have invested in Nigerian football in the last five years.

“When you talk of the maritime sector and other areas, I am big player. This is coupled with the fact that I am also a strict man.

“So, I n know what the common man in the street wants and how I can help to change the face of this country. It is very important at this particular point in time.

“I am sure you know I am also one of the biggest employers of labour in this country. So, I am coming to the senate with a lot of goodwill for the masses of the Nigerian and most especially for my senatorial district.”

With Adeleke’s Victory At Tribunal, Any Hope For Atiku? By Fredrick Nwabufo

Editorial staff

March 23, 2019

Ademola Adeleke’s victory at the Election Petition Tribunal is a locus classicus for democracy. It jogs the cerebral cortex and revivifies cautious hope in the judiciary. But really, the victory is just one small step to the archipelago of power in Osun state for the “dancing senator”.

In 2016, about 81 elections, conducted during the 2015 general election, were upturned by the courts. The highest number since the 2007 elections.

Of significance is the nullification of the Rivers state governorship election, of which Nyesom Wike was declared winner, by an election petition tribunal. The Appeal Court upheld the decision of the tribunal sacking Wike, and when it seemed doom was certain for him, the Supreme Court affirmed his election.

While the tribunal and the Appeal Court hinged their judgments on alleged malpractices; failure to use card readers, ballot-box snatching, result fabrication and voter intimidation which beleaguered the election, the Supreme Court sat its own judgment on the wrong interpretation of the electoral guidelines as regards the use of card readers by the lower courts.

According to it, the card readers, though a good innovation, do not supersede the voter register, which was (reportedly) used in the exercise.

Although the facts of the cases vary, the split judgment in favour of Adeleke is not without divergent interpretation, which opens it to contest at the higher courts.

In a majority decision held by two out of the three justices of the tribunal, the supplementary poll conducted in 17 polling units in Osun was said to be alien to the law because INEC had no authority to carry out the exercise in the first place. Also, the returning officer, who cancelled the result in the disputed units, was said to have acted beyond the remit of his power.

Conversely, in a minority judgment, one of the justices held that when non-substantial compliance affected the outcome of the election, the tribunal, with respect to Section 140(2) of the Electoral Act, did not have the power to deduct the votes afflicted by irregularities from the scores of the candidates and declare a winner, and that the election petition court only had the power to cancel the results of the polling units affected by the malpractices and order a supplementary election.

So, it is one stream crossed, but two snaky rivers to navigate for Adeleke.

But what does the victory portend for Atiku Abubakar, who is challenging the outcome of the 2019 presidential election? Is there any glimmer of hope?

I think the victory is nothing significant but a psychological booster for the Atiku camp. Though it raises hope in the ability of the judiciary to deliver justice, the complexion of the Atiku case is markedly different from that of Adeleke.

The PDP presidential candidate claims he defeated President Muhammadu Buhari with 1.3 million votes in the election, and that votes in states that are “PDP strongholds” were suppressed.

The courts will have the last say, and hopefully justice will be served on a dispassionate, impartial, fair and balanced platter.

Fredrick is a media personality.

Twitter: @FredrickNwabufo

Stop Singing Losers’ Anthem, Group Cautions Obasanjo

Editorial staff

March 23, 2019

The Buhari Media Organisation (BMO) has advised former President Olusegun Obasanjo to stop singing what it called ‘losers’ anthem but to be more circumspect on issues bordering on national unity.

Reacting to Obasanjo’s comparison of the current situation in the country with that experienced before or during the 1967-70 civil wars, in a statement by its Chairman Niyi Akinsiju and Secretary Cassidy Madueke, the group acknowledged that because Obasanjo lost control of who rules Nigeria in the 2019 elections, he opted to use the platform presented to him by the Association of Chief Audit Executives of Banks in Nigeria to again take subtle pot-shot at the Buhari administration.

“In drawing a comparison between the civil war and the current situation in Nigeria, the former President was clearly being mischievous especially as he did not go into details. So we wonder what exactly is happening in the country now that compares with that ugly period in our nation’s history.

“It is a reflection of Chief Obasanjo’s disappointment that he was unable to influence the outcome of the February 23 Presidential election in favour of his preferred candidate.

“This is the first time since 2007 that the former President cannot authoritatively say he was instrumental to the electoral success of a Nigerian President, so he finds solace in creating the impression of a divided nation.

“Obasanjo could not even deliver his polling unit and ward to his preferred candidate, he also lost his State to President Buhari. This must have hurt his massive ego tremendously and he holds Buhari responsible for that. So it is not surprising that he took that subtle dig at the President even though he was quoted sometime ago as saying that he is not yet ready to speak on the 2019 elections.

“We at BMO believe that as much as the former President has a right to rally support for any Presidential candidate, we think this is the time to play the role of a statesman rather than continually singing the ‘losers anthem’.”

The pro-Buhari group noted that even if there is tension in the country like in all election years since 2003, the onus is on elder statesmen and former Presidents to rise above the fray and calm frayed nerves.

“Having just gone through a major campaign season and a hard-fought Presidential election, one would expect people like Obasanjo to be at the forefront of efforts to heal the wounds, not to exacerbate the situation by drawing inaccurate comparison with a part of the Nigerian history that is best forgotten.”

European Union Congratulates Buhari On His Re-election, Promises To Work With Him

Editorial staff

March 23, 2019

The European Union has congratulated President Muhammadu Buhari on his re-election as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and expressed willingness to work with his government.

In a letter dated March 22, 2019 and jointly signed by Donald Tusk for the European Council and Jean-Claude Juncker for the European Commission, the Union said: “on behalf of the European Union, we would like to congratulate you on your re-election as the President of Nigeria.

“We look forward to your leadership in strengthening democracy and uniting the country in line with the principles and spirit of the 2019 Abuja Peace Accord, and the EU is willing to work with your government to follow up on the recommendations of our Election Observation Mission.”

The European Union also reiterated Nigeria’s important position in world affairs and the Union especially.

“What happens in Nigeria matters to the rest of the world, including to Europe. Your commitment to an inclusive government offers an opportunity to take Nigeria forward in a way that meets your objectives of strengthening the economy, fighting corruption and improving security.

“The European Union has always partnered with Nigeria and its people. We look forward to continued and increased cooperation on bilateral and international matters.”

The Union wished President Buhari more success in promoting peace and prosperity for all Nigerians as he enters the new mandate.

CBN Boss Predicts 3 Per Cent GDP Growth Rate In Nigeria’s 2019 Economy

Editorial staff

March 22, 2019

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele has predicted that the Nigerian economy will grow by three per cent in 2019, higher than the 1.93 per cent it achieved in 2018.

Godwin Emefiele added that the central bank would continue to maintain a tight monetary policy stance to rein in inflation which he said is expected to rise to 12 per cent in the course of the year before moderating.

The CBN governor spoke yesterday, Thursday, while setting the post-election agenda for monetary policy, at the BusinessDay Post Election Outlook Conference in Lagos.

The Monetary Policy Committee of the CBN which is expected to meet next week, has left the benchmark interest rate at 14 per cent since 2016.

The CBN governor expressed optimism that the Nigerian economy post-May 2019, would witness positive growth that would help in reducing the current level of unemployment in the country.

He, however, noted that the apex bank would adjust the policy rate in line with unfolding conditions and outlook. Inflation figures released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) showed a moderate decline in the Consumer Price Index in February to 11.31 per cent.

The CBN boss, who based the inflationary projection on productivity gains in the agricultural and manufacturing sectors, said that he anticipated that the GDP would pick up in the first half of the year, owing largely to continued efforts at driving indigenous production in high-impact real sector activities.

On the exchange rate policy, he said the apex bank, in spite of expected pressure from the volatility in the crude oil markets, would maintain its stable exchange rate over the next year.
According to him, “gross stability is projected in the foreign exchange market, given increased oil production and contained import bill.”

Emefiele expressed optimism that the country’s Balance of Payments would remain positive in the short-term, adding that the current account balance could improve further if oil prices continued to recover.

He noted that this would be supported by improved non-oil performance as diversification efforts begin to yield results to reduce undue imports.

Warning that the issues that led to the economic crisis between 2015 and 2017 remained visible, Emefiele stressed the need to increase the country’s policy buffers, including fiscal measure, to increase its external reserve.

He reiterated the need to diversify the revenue structure of the federal government, in order to reduce dependence on direct proceeds from the sale of crude oil.

He advised that cheap financing be provided to boost local production of priority goods in critical sectors of the economy in order to reduce reliance on foreign imports.

Emefiele used the platform to highlight efforts made by the CBN in the past five years in monetary policy and development finance, saying that the weakening of the naira impacted the balance sheets of domestic banks.

He said that the Bank took measures such as monitoring the financial position and performance of supervised institutions and the assessment of the risk profile and governance management practices of banks, to guarantee financial stability.

He listed other efforts carried out by the bank to ensure financial system stability and the promotion of sustainable economic development to include the establishment of the investors and exporters’ window; conservation of foreign exchange through the restriction of access to foreign exchange on 43 items; and increased lending to the agricultural and manufacturing sectors.
The CBN governor solicited continued support of policy measures that restrict import of items that could be produced in Nigeria as well as increased penalty for smuggling of restricted items in Nigeria, even as he expressed optimism that the Nigerian economy in post-May 2019 would witness growth and reduced unemployment.

Buhari On Mission To Rescue State Judiciary From Executive Dominance, Influence

Editorial staff

March 22, 2019

President Muhammadu Buhari has inaugurated a Presidential panel to rescue the judiciary and legislature at State level from the undue dominance and influence of external forces, especially the executive.

The President, in inaugurating the committee today, Friday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, said: “this Committee has therefore been set-up, as a major reform of this administration, to ensure that the autonomy granted to the legislature and judiciary at the State levels is maintained, pursuant to Section 161 of the 4th Alteration to the 1999 Constitution (As Amended).

“The Committee is thus expected to foster effective implementation of the autonomy constitutionally granted the State Legislature and Judiciary under the 1999 Constitution (as amended). It is my hope that when this is done, there will be proper checks and balances, and the State Legislature and Judiciary shall be genuinely empowered to carry out their respective Constitutional duties without fear of dominance and or marginalization.”

The President said that the setting up of the Presidential Implementation Committee on Autonomy of the State Legislature and State Judiciary is necessitated by the realization that Legislative and Judicial autonomy are necessary pre-conditions for democracy to endure.

Buhari vowed therefore to strengthen the nation’s democracy by ensuring separation of powers among the three arms of Nigerian Government, even at the State levels.

He said that his government has identified the need to sustain the constitutionally guaranteed Federal system of government by building capabilities not only at the Federal level but at all the Federating Units.

“The Legislature, being the closest arm of government to the people, and the Judiciary as the last hope of the common man, must both be seen to be sufficiently independent to perform their respective constitutional roles without any interference, let or hindrance. In this regard, ensuring that these organs of government enjoy financial autonomy will further enhance their efficiency and independence.”

He charged the committee that in executing the assignment, it should cooperate with all relevant stakeholders to ensure compliance with the Constitutional provisions granting autonomy to State Legislature and Judiciary, without deviating from its approved Terms of Reference.

The President listed such terms of reference as follows:

a) To assess and review the level of compliance by all the 36 States of the Federation and the FCT with Section 121(3) of the 1999 Constitution (As Amended);

b) To monitor, ensure and cause the implementation of Financial Autonomy across the Judiciary and Legislature of the 36 States of the Federation and the FCT in accordance with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution (As Amended) and other applicable Laws, Instruments, Regulations, and Conventions howsoever providing for financial autonomy for the Legislature and Judiciary at the State tier of Government;

c) To consult and relate with the appropriate Federal and State MDAs, including but not limited to the Governors Forum, Accountant General of the Federation and those of the States, the National Economic Council and other institutions of State to ensure and where necessary, enforce the implementation of Constitutional provisions;

d) To come up with appropriate modalities or model to be adopted by all the States of the Federation for implementation and/or compliance with Section 121(3) of the 1999 Constitution (As Amended);

e) To advice on other measures that are deemed necessary or incidental to the fulfillment of the aims of the Committee to attain the full purport of this assignment.

The Committee is chaired by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, with the Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters, Senator Ita Enang, as Secretary.

The Committee is expected to complete its deliberations and submit its report and recommendations within three months from today, Friday.

Osun Governorship Tussle: Chairman, Members Of Tribunal Disagree

Editorial staff

March 22, 2019

Chairman of the Osun State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, Justice Ibrahim Sirajo has disagreed on point of law with members of the Tribunal in the legal tussle raging between the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Ademola Adeleke and that of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Adegboyega Oyetola over the September 2018 governorship election held in the State.

However, in a two-to-one judgment today, Friday, the Tribuna held that Adegboyega of the APC was not the valid winner of both the September 22 and 27 re-run elections.

The Tribunal therefore nullified the Certificate of Return the INEC issued to Adegboyega, even as it awarded a cost of 200,000.00 against him and the APC.

In the lead verdict that was delivered by Justice Peter Obiora, the tribunal held that the State Returning Officer of INEC that cancelled results of seven polling units in four LGAs of the state, which led to the September 27 re-run poll, had no power to do so. It invalidated the outcome of the re-run election. PDP petitions NJC over exparte order halting collation of election result in Bauchi “We hold that the cancellation was unlawful and ultra-vires of his powers.

“The cancellation cannot stand, being a product of illegality”, the tribunal held.

However, Chairman of the tribunal said he disagreed with the lead.

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