Atiku Suffers Set Back: His Presidential Campaign Director-General Quits

March 16, 2019

The Director-General General of the Atiku Abubakar Presidential Campaign Organization (APCO) in a buildup to the 2019 Presidential elections, Otumba Gbenga Daniel has quit partisan politics and went back to render humanitarian assistants to the less privilege in the society.

In a letter he personally wrote and delivered to the PDP Presidential candidate, Atiku and the national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Uche Secondus, Gbenga Daniel said: “my decision to quit partisan politics notwithstanding, I have decided to rejuvenate my charity based organization, the Gateway Front Foundation (GFF), which will literally continue to dispense succor to our people in need, address and assist in the areas of some of their health challenges.

“I also plan on resuscitation of the non-partisan Political Leadership Academy (POLA) which I established some years ago as a platform of political education to our citizens.
“Without doubt, I will miss the company of my friends and associates and all those relationships I built in the course of the years all over the country.”
The politician, who was governor of Ogun State between 2003 and 2011, confirmed that in the course of his journey through the topsy-turvy of Nigerian politics, he had built a network of contacts, of friends and associates in a mutually rewarding relationships which he said he cherished most and greatly too.

Part of the letter of the former arrow-head of Atiku’s Presidential campaign team reads:

Dated: March 14, 2019.

“I joined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State on Sunday, the 9th of September, 2001 at an event which was described as one of the most ceremonial political rallies in our recent political history in the South Western part of Nigeria. We rose from that rally to create a highly robust and effective political campaign machinery which resulted in an electoral victory for the Peoples Democratic Party in Ogun State in 2003; this movement and vibration affected the politics of the region positively with a victory in five (5) states of the South West.

“I served as Governor of Ogun State for eight (8) years and our administration till today remains a point of reference in terms of physical, social, economic, educational and human capital development since the State was created in 1976.
“Notwithstanding, these widely acclaimed achievements however, our party, the Peoples Democratic Party ran into trouble waters towards the end of our administration (about the year 2009) which led to the sad loss in the election of 2011, and regrettably ten (10) years after the party has been unable to resolve those internal disputes and challenges.

“Meanwhile, the PDP in Ogun State was confronted with a very difficult situation in matter of choice. Whereas the national leadership of our party, recognized one candidate for the 2019 election, by court pronouncements another candidate, and in compliance with those court orders, which the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) recognized was on the INEC list. The candidates recognized by INEC were not acceptable to the national leadership of the party. Our situation was then compounded because the candidate which the court and INEC recognized and accepted as valid has also been expelled by the party. This was the dilemma we found ourselves as we approached the March 9, 2019 Governorship and State House of Assembly elections.

“Going forward, we have responded to the yearnings of our people and joined others in emplacing an administration that we believe will better serve the interests of our people than what currently exists. The rest they say is now history.
“I must say that looking back, I do not have any regrets over that patriotic choice and decision, especially as several of our citizens, leaders and stakeholders in the state and outside have commended that singular action. Many stakeholders within and outside Ogun State feel fulfilled, excited and grateful about our decision to join others in putting a stop to a regime that was believed to be against the collective and general welfare of our people.
“Let me also add, that in the last few months, I have had one of the rare privileges of traveling round the entire length and breadth of our great country on at least two occasions; the first being during my campaigns to become the National Chairman of our great party, and later as the Director General of the Atiku Presidential Campaign Organization (APCO).

“I must sincerely admit that in the course of all these travels, I have built a network of contacts, of friends and associates in a mutually rewarding relationships which I cherished most and greatly too. I am therefore persuaded that I have fewer points to make and prove in my Political journeys in partisan politics.

“My decision to quit partisan politics notwithstanding, I have decided to rejuvenate my charity based organization, the Gateway Front Foundation (GFF), which will literally continue to dispense succor to our people in need, address and assist in the areas of some of their health challenges; I also plan on resuscitation of the non-partisan Political Leadership Academy (POLA) which I established some years ago as a platform of political education to our citizens.
“Without doubt, I will miss the company of my friends and associates and all those relationships I built in the course of the years all over the country..
While I crave for your kind understanding, accept assurances of my highest regards.”

Lagos Building Tragedy: My Heart Bleeds – Aare Onakakanfo

Greenbarge Reporters

March 16, 2019

The Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, has said that his heart bled for the large number of casualties in the recent building collapse in Lagos.

In a statement he signed today, Saturday, the Aare Onakakamnfo said: “My heart bleeds at the number of casualties, and the sorrow I feel now is overwhelming, seeing the ways they were being evacuated from the rubbles of the building.

“We cannot continue to experience all these happenings in Lagos State.

“Cases of building collapse should be addressed holistically to forestall future occurrences.

“At the same time, there is the need for the state government to address the issue of building collapse urgently in the state.

“It is becoming too frequent.

“There should be standard in what we do as a people.

“That is how it is done in other climes.

“Many of the buildings in Lagos, particularly on the Island, are old and dilapidated.

“Meanwhile, those contractors building the new ones, most times, use substandard materials and nobody blinks an eye.”

Adams also expressed concern over the standard of education in the state, saying private schools located in residential apartments cannot be of any quality standard.

“Of what standard are schools located in residential apartments?”

Adams urged the state government to step up its activities in building low cost and affordable houses for Lagosians so that residents can live comfortably rather than living in buildings that can collapse anytime.

“The government must also ensure that private schools in the state are duly registered and that they are located in a befitting and conducive environments.”

The Specific Mandate President Buhari Gave Me – Transport Minister, Amaechi

Editorial staff

March 15, 2019

The Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has said that President Muhammadu Buhari specifically mandated him, when he assumed duty as minister, to see to the resurgence of rail transport in the country.

“I know you will say I’m stressed up but as a minister, I have a responsibility passed to me by Mr. President and I must deliver on it.”

Rotimi Amaechi, who spoke at the monthly rail inspection of the Lagos-Ibadan modernisation project in Ibadan, emphasized that that he is eager to fulfill the President’s dream of standard and widespread rail transport in the country, which he said, has an added advantage of creating jobs and boosting the economy.

“The economy of Nigeria can be driven most importantly, if we can link the seaport to hinterland because when cargoes come, they must go.

“The more you are able to move goods and services to hinterland, the more you will create jobs and the more you create jobs, the more growth that you will have and that is my drive.”

Nigeria Condemns Attacks On Muslim Worshippers In New Zealand

Editorial staff

March 15, 2019

Nigeria has condemned the terrorist attack on two Mosques in the city of Christchurch in New Zealand. The attacks took place during Muslim Jum’at Prayers today, Friday killing 49 Muslim worshippers and injuring many others.

In a statement today, Friday, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, through his spokesperson, George Edokpa, on Friday in Abuja, regretted the barbaric and vicious acts unleashed against innocent worshippers and expressed Nigeria’s sympathies to New Zealand.

“Nigeria stands in solidarity with New Zealand in their time of grief and fully supports the prosecution of the perpetrators of this heinous crime to the fullest extent of the law,” he said.

He condoled with the government and the people of New Zealand and prayed for God to grant the families of the victims the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss and wished the injured speedy recovery.

Source: NAN.

Another Building Collapses In Ibadan

Editorial staff

March 15, 2019

A two-storey building, today, Friday, collapsed at Sogoye, along Bode area of the ancient city, leaving an unspecified number of people trapped. The number of trapped victims could not be ascertained as of the time of filing this report.

Rescue operations have begun at the scene of the building collapse as trapped victims cry for help. This is coming a few days after a three-storey building collapsed at Ita Faji area of Lagos Island.

The Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Jide Idris said that 20 victim

Exam Malpractices: WAEC Sacks 13 schools, Warns 56 Others In Kogi

Editorial staff

March 15, 2019

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has withdrawn its recognition of 13 secondary schools in Kogi State for their involvement in examination malpractice during the 2018 West African Senior School Certificate Examinations (WASSCE). The examination body also warned 56 other schools

The WAEC Desk Officer in the Kogi Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Ademu Amos, at a meeting with the principals, vice Principals and examination officers of the affected schools yesterday, Thursday in Lokoja, listed the affected schools.

They include Jama’atu Nasril Islam Secondary School, Ankpa; Christ the King College; Govternment. Girls Sececondary. School Okaba; Ikah Community. Secondary. School, Ikah; Iyale Community Secondary School, Iyale and Aitam Science Academy, Anyigba.

Others are Al-Ansar Secondary School, Lokoja; Bright Future International Secondary School, Obangede, Okehi; Community Secondary School, Uboro, Okehi; Paramako Secondary School, Ogbogbo; Omabo Community Secondary School, Omabo and First Grade Success Academy, Okenya, as well as National Secondary School, Agala-Ate road, Anyigba.

He said that the state government is not happy about the development, describing it as a serious issue that could dampen the hope of a nation.

According to Amos, the Examination Malpractices Act No. 33 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), offenders are liable to four years imprisonment and a fine of N100, 000 per student and N250, 000 per school.

Amos explained the major offences committed ranged from the use of mobile phones and sameness of work by copying one another in the examination.

The WAEC Branch Controller in the state, Dr Natty Bobai, said that the examination body had zero tolerance for examination malpractice and would do everything to curtail the menace.

He, however, commended the commissioner for tackling issues bordering on examination and her resolve to stand with the council for what it stood for.

Amos called on the stakeholders to join hands with the council in stamping out the menace of examination malpractice in the nation’s education sector.

2019 Polls: Nigerian Army Probe Selves

Editorial staff

March 15, 2019

The Nigerian Army has set up a committee to investigate the allegations of misconduct leveled against its officers in the just concluded general elections in the country.

A statement today, Friday, by the acting Director, Army Public Relations Colonel Sagir Musa, said that nine officers make up the committee, which is headed by Major General T.A. Gagariga.

The committee was given up to March 31, 2019 to submit its report.

The statement read: “As a way of ensuring that NA troops deployed for election security duties during the 2019 general election conducted themselves within laid down Rules of Engagement and the Code of Conduct, the NA has set up a nine-member investigative committee, headed by Major General T.A. Gagariga with Brigadier General J.M. Ali, Brigadier General G.O. Adeshina, Brigadier General M.A. Obari, Colonel A.T. Bitiyong, Colonel A. Tanko and Colonel W.A. Bakare, as members and Lieutenant Colonel P.A.J. Ebuk as Secretary, to investigate all allegations of misconduct against the NA during the just concluded general elections. The committee is to submit its report not later than 31st of March, 2019.

“The committee, which has already commenced action, was inaugurated by the Chief of Administration (Army), Major General K.A.Y. Isiyaku on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai, and admonished to carry out their duties objectively, fairly and transparently in line with its Terms of Reference.

“The committee’s Terms of Reference centred on thoroughly investigating the activities, actions and/or inactions of NA Personnel in all the states that alleged one infraction/wrong doing or the other. The Committee is also to collate and thoroughly analyze all reports to determine the veracity of the allegations including the alleged assassination attempt on Rivers State Governor and the circumstances that led to the shooting to death of Lt. Kurmi, as well as that leading to serious injuries to an officer and some soldiers in the state.

“The Committee is further mandated to visit all states where issues have been raised about the conduct of NA during and after the elections and also interact with Civil Society Organizations, sister security agencies and state governors with claims against the Army.

“It would be recalled that the COAS, Lt. Gen. T.Y. Buratai has on many fora, consistently (both in words and actions), soundly indicated that, under his watch, NA personnel must remain apolitical, respect human rights and abide by the rule of law in all its official engagements within or outside Nigeria and in or out of conflict situations. NA troops were deployed for the elections under Operation SAFE CONDUCT that was set up to provide support to the NP and other security agencies to ensure hitch free and successful elections in the country.

“The Chairman of the committee, Major General T.A. Gagariga has assured the COAS and all Nigerians of the committee’s commitment, resolve and determination to objectively and professionally address the major issues as contained in the Committee’s Terms of Reference.”

How A Woman ‘Dashed’ Me N200, Osinbajo Recalls Encounter With Ordinary Nigerians

Editorial staff

March 15, 2019

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has said that the recently concluded campaign for the second term of his boss, President Muhammadu Buhari and him, afforded him a great opportunity to encounter, first hand, ordinary Nigerians in their localities.

“I met a woman in one of the markets in Kwara State, and she gave us some vegetables and I thought she wanted to sell them, but she was actually offering it to us free. I thought to myself, here is this woman I should be giving something to and she is the one giving a gift instead. That is just a typical Nigerian. I was walking past another woman in Kogi while shaking hands with people there, she gave me N200. I thought to myself, I am the one meant to be giving her something.”

Professor Osinbajo, who was addressing volunteer groups at a dinner in Presidential Villa, said: “as a matter of fact, I don’t know any nation where the people are so generous no matter how poor they are.
“There was another elderly woman here in Gwagwalada, and that made the news, she pulled me aside and said, “Young man, you need prayers” and she prayed for me. People saw her holding my hands and praying for me, and I thought to myself, I am meant to be offering these people comfort and succour, but they are hopeful and offering the support, comfort, love and all of the things they thought at the time that we needed.”
Vice President Osinbajo admitted that for him, the campaign was about the Nigerian people, saying that Nigerians are generally so trusting and supportive of their leaders everywhere.

“I think that one of the major characteristics of Nigerians is how supportive they are and also they don’t ask for too much. They never really ask for anything that is impossible to do.”
he said that after going round the country, he realized the tremendous amount of work that need to be done and the capacity of the government to do so much work.

He then thanked the volunteer groups and Nigerians for their contributions to getting them back on the ‘hot seat.’

Building Collapse: Lagos Begins Demolition Of Ramshackle Structures

Editorial staff

March 15, 2019

The Lagos State Government has began the demolition of distressed buildings on Lagos Island following the collapse of three-storey building at Itafaji area of Lagos Islands in which several people, mostly school children were killed.

Officials of the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBAC), backed by policemen stormed Freeman Street, Lagos Island around 9:50 am and immediately began demolition. A three-storey building at 60 Freeman Street was one of the buildings that were pulled down today, Friday.

It’s Surprising To Discover I Was Richer Than Buhari, Osinbajo Confesses

Editorial staff

March 15, 2019

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has confessed that he was surprised to discover in 2015 after he was picked as Vice Presidential candidate to discover that he was even richer that his boss, President Muhmmadu Buhari.

He wondered how many Nigerian who would have been Minister of Petroleum, Governor of the whole of the Northeast, Head of State, not once or twice, but thrice, would want to make do with just one home in Kaduna and some very modest place in Daura.

“When I looked at his assets declaration form, I was checking it in 2015, I said to him, “Mr President, I am so much richer than you, it is an embarrassment.”

He said to me: “I am only a soldier, you are a big lawyer so you should have more money than me.”

“I can tell you that he is perhaps; even poorer than he was in 2015 when I saw his declaration of assets form.”

Vice President Osinbajo, who addressed the PMB/PYO Volunteers’ appreciation dinner last night, Thursday, at the Presidential villa, Abuja, said the real heroes of the just concluded 2019 Presidential election “are you all seated here today, who went out every day to campaign and talk about what you believed about our government, what you thought this government could do for the Nigerian people.
“One thing that is clear to me is that your belief and commitment were not wrongly placed. You are absolutely right that the government of President Muhammadu Buhari is the appropriate and right government for Nigeria at this time.
“And the simple reason why that is so is that today what our country needs the most is honest government, that’s what our country needs. And I’ll tell you why as I repeated many times in the course of the campaign; our country is not short of ideas, projects or money. What we are short of is integrity in office. Corruption is the major problem that our country has faced. And once we are able to deal with it effectively, and we will, we will be the great nation we ought to be.
“Sometimes, I talk to my friends in the Southeast about the second Niger Bridge, which was commissioned in 2014, but it was not designed, it was just commissioned. How does anybody do that? Today, the highest amount of money as an immediate payment for any project we have ever done was for the second Niger Bridge, 33billion immediate payment for that bridge. That is the highest amount of money we have ever put for one single payment.
“We are going to start the Mambila Project, and have put money aside for it. All these projects are projects that the President himself not just negotiated, but supervises on a regular basis.
“And that is the thing; a lot of work needs to be done in this country. Infrastructures we need to put in place will be put in place. And the reason why is because the President is not a thief. And that is to just put it very simply. Many believe that the government is very complicated, no. If the man who is in charge is honest, everything we want to be done will be done, just take a look at our Social Investment Programmes.
“I was saying to some group of people that today we are feeding 9.2 million children every single day as part of our school feeding programme. We’re paying for 500,000 N-Power beneficiaries every month. We have given almost 2million traders TraderMoni loans, and almost 500,00 MarketMoni. Apart from that, we are giving N5,000 to the poorest of the poor per month, we are now approaching 500,000 and we are going to do a million.
“All of that has still not cost us N300 billion. Yet some people ran a programme called Sure-P, and we cannot find a single beneficiary and it cost N700billion. On everything I’ve said, we still haven’t spent N300billion in 2 years.
“So, it’s not as if this business of doing the right thing is rocket science. The major thing is an honest man, as we have an honest man, everything we want to be done is what will be done.
“And I believe very strongly with your support, all of what we wish and want for our country will be done.”

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