I Defected To PDP Because It Supports Open Grazing Prohibition – Benue Gov, Ortom

January 1, 2019

Benue state governor, Samuel Ortom has said that he decided to shift his political loyalty to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) because it supports the State open grazing prohibition, which adversely affects Fulani herdsmen in the state.

“We had to abandon that platform (APC) in search of one that offers more accommodation and support for our policies, especially the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law 2017.”

Governor Ortom, who won his first term election in 2015 on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), but recently defected to his former PDP that denied him the governorship ticket in 2015, stressed that he defected to PDP because it is a more credible alternative for him to achieve his policies.

The governor, who spoke in Makurdi, the state capital during the flag-off of his governorship campaign, regretted that highly paced officials in the APC-led Federal Government made various attempts to frustrate an imperative legislation aimed at finding lasting peace between farmers and herders in the state.

“Such frustrating efforts by highly placed members of the federal government necessitated my exit from the party to one that will not compromise our stance on a matter so key to the Benue people.

“This is the platform on which we seek the renewal of our mandate. No one will bend us as far as the Ranching Law is concerned because we draw consent and sustained support from the Benue people.”

Governor Ortom, reacting to allegation that he had not performed, declared that he had done well “given the circumstances of our economy and unwarranted aggression and attacks on Benue.

“I may not be a genius, but I perfectly know what I wanted as a governor. I cannot lie to the people that trust me. Take this truth from me; my government has done well, and statistics don’t lie.”

Source: NAN.

Police Arrest Senator Melaye, To Face Murder Charge In Lokoja

Greenbarge Reporters

December 31, 2018

The police have announced the arrest of Senator Dino Melaye, representing Kogi State Central Senatorial zone.

Report reaching us said that the Senator submitted himself to the police outside his Maitama, Abuja, home in the evening of today, Monday, following appeals from some of his colleagues at the Senate.

According to his media aide, Gideon Ayodele, he has been taken to the special anti-robbery squad office in Guzape, Abuja..

Ayodele said that the police planned to take Senator Melaye to Kogi to face murder charge, in addition to the current criminal investigation being carried out on him by the police.

“They (police) told us they wanted to take him to court here in Abuja, but they diverted towards Kogi now. But he has said he will not go to Kogi and there is currently a stalemate over that.”

Ayodele said that taking his principal to Kogi would be illegal because the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court had recently ruled that his case should be transferred to Abuja.

Police Formally Declare Senator Dino Melaye Wanted

Editorial staff

December 31, 2018

Ag. DCP JIMOH MOSHOOD FORCE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER FORCE HEADQUARTERS ABUJA

The Nigeria Police have formally declared Senator Dino Melaye, representing Kogi State West Senatorial zone in the red chamber of National Assembly wanted.

The police said that the Senator is being wanted in connection with a case of Criminal Conspiracy and Attempted Culpable Homicide, committed on 19^th July, 2018, “when Senator Dino Melaye and his armed thugs attacked Police personnel; shot and wounded Sgt. Danjuma Saliu, attached to 37 Police Mobile Force (PMF) on stop and search duty along Aiyetoro Gbede, Mopa Road in Kogi State.”

In a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, Jimoh Moshood, the police said that its operatives with a duly obtained Warrant of Arrest deployed to arrest Senator Dino Melaye in his residence in Abuja will not retreat until Senator Dino Melaye surrenders himself for arrest and investigation.

“It is on record that the Police investigators submitted a Letter of Invitation dated 23^rd July, 2018, signed by the Commissioner of Police, Kogi State Police Command addressed to the Clerk, National Assembly, Abuja, inviting Senator Dino Melaye to report on 26^th July, 2018 at 1100Hrs at the Kogi State Police Command, CIID, Lokoja to answer to a case of Criminal Conspiracy and Attempted Culpable Homicide against him under investigation in the Kogi State Police Command.

“The claim by the Senate President in the Media that the Police did not submit a letter of invitation to the Clerk of the National Assembly is therefore incorrect as can be seen on attached letter with acknowledgment stamp of the Clerk, National Assembly, Abuja “24 JUL 2018“. Despite this, Senator Dino Melaye bluntly refused to report himself to the Police till date.

“For avoidance of doubt, attached to this Press Release are the copies of pictures of the shot Police Officer, Sgt. Danjuma Saliu, the Police Invitation Letter addressed to the Clerk of National Assembly, Abuja and the Medical Report from the Federal Medical Centre, Lokoja, Kogi State, confirming the admission of Sgt. Danjuma Saliu into the Hospital for treatment of the gunshot injury he sustained from the attack by Senator Dino Melaye and his armed thugs while on Stop and Search duty along Aiyetoro Gbede, Mopa Road in Kogi State on 19^th July, 2018.”

The statement said that the police officer is yet to recover from the gunshot injury he sustained during the attack and still under intensive medical care in the hospital.

“The Force will ensure a thorough investigation into this matter while making sure that the rule of law prevails and that no suspect no matter how highly placed, involved in any criminal matter escape justice.”

2019: Let’s Turn Nigeria Into World Headquarters For Hope – Atiku At New Year

Editorial staff

December 31, 2018

Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has called on Nigerians to turn the country into the world headquarters for hope, as against the world headquarters of extreme poverty it became in the year 2018.

In his New Year message to Nigerians, Atiku recalled that in 2018, Nigeria became the world headquarters for extreme poverty, saying that he is convinced that in 2019, “if we chart a new course, we can become the world headquarters for hope and extreme devotion to the cause of lifting our people out of poverty.”

The PDP Presidential flag bearer described 2019 “as yet a blank page,” saying that as a nation, Nigeria must not settle for whatever it brings.

“Rather, we must take collective action, through our choices, in making it a year where we revive national hope, with visionary leadership that sees our economy and institutions working again as they did in our golden era.

“We can chart a new course and open a new chapter that sees every Nigerian living in peace and prosperity with their neighbour. It can be the year when our youths finally get a job instead of being unfairly tagged as lazy. With purposeful leadership, it can also be the year when we put an end to terrorism and usher in a golden age of peace.

“But it will not just happen by itself. We have to make changes from the top all the way to the bottom. We already have the vision, the vision of a nation that is a beacon of hope for the Black Race and the world at large, what we lack and what 2019 can provide, is the leadership that has the capacity to translate that vision into reality.

“In 2019, Nigerians need a leadership that is 100% for 100% of Nigerians, 100% of the time. We have seen where division and sectionalism has led us to. Now let us try unity and patriotism.

“Don’t lose heart and hope. Nigeria is no stranger to overcoming difficulties. In fact, we have an uncanny ability to perform our best when the worst is upon us. I urge my fellow countrymen and women to remember how we became the first nation in the world to defeat and overcome the Wild Ebola Virus, when even First World nations were struggling with the scourge.

“That resilience is domiciled in our national psyche and together we shall win forever. We shall win over forces of disunity. We shall win over forces of poverty and backwardness.

“But more importantly, in 2019, I want Nigerians to know that it is possible to have a leadership that is compassionate and that this does not equate to weakness. A leadership that is bold but not domineering. A leadership that is intelligent, but not arrogant.

“Indeed, that is the only type of leadership that can navigate the difficulties currently facing our dear nation and lead us to Unity and Faith, Peace and Progress, which are our national motto and which are the hope of all Nigerians.”

2019: Tinubu Advises Nigerians To Move Forward Instead Of Returning To Old Ways

Editorial staff

December 31, 2018

Former Lagos governor and All Progressives Congress (APC) national leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has advised Nigerians to chose the path of moving forward in 2019 as opposed to going backwards to the past that has not helped the nation.

In his New Year message today, Monday, the APC leader also advised Nigerians to enter 2019 and see it as a new day for the country.

“The nation is on the verge of an election to determine our collective fate. We can either chose to continue forward or return to the old ways that held us back for so long. Just as 2018 must turn into 2019, we must also continue to move forward, as time cannot proceed backward, nor should we.”

AsiwajuTinubu advised Nigerians to look back on 2018 with thanks and gratitude, and to thank God for all that He has done for them.

“We realize that we still have much to do and far to travel to become the nation we are destined to be. Yet, we must also acknowledge that we have come a long way. We have made progress and it has at times been difficult, yet we stand with great hope and belief that we shall advance and move this nation forward.

“Let us recognize that which has been done this past year. President Buhari has built a foundation for sustainable growth and development, a path for a better future. President Buhari has brought transparency and accountability in the government’s businesses.

“The Buhari administration has shown the compassionate side of our traditions and our very nature by constructing a social safety net to assure the poorest among us are not neglected but are cared for as is the right of every human being. It has fed children that they may go to school.

“It has trained people that they may acquire a livelihood. It has empowered those who wish to start businesses and employ others. It has helped farmers become more productive so that they may earn more money while better feeding the nation.

“For instance, we have recorded significant breakthrough in agriculture with increased local rice production and the attendant reduction in rice importation.These things have been done not to win accolades but because they are the right things for a decent and caring government to do for a decent and good people.

“As we move into the New Year, let us do so committed to doing our best for Nigeria.

“We must enter the New Year and see it as a new day for Nigeria. Thus, I ask you to perform your civic duty to vote with utmost faith, responsibility and the best interest of the country at heart.

“We have a choice to make. The choice we make will demonstrate the type of nation we want. I select the path of forward progress for I have never commended to myself or to the nation the awkward practice of walking backward. We must exercise courage and vision. We must continue forward. For the sake of this nation and our posterity, we dare not retreat or regress.

“Elections will be free and fair. You must add your voice and vote. You must participate in this important exercise of our democratic rights and institutions. We seek to build a better nation. We ask you to join us.

“In so doing, we give effect to the best of our hopes and aspirations for 2019. I wish you all a wonderful New Year.”

2019: Those Trumpeting Falsehood Are Fighting Losing Battle – Buhari At New Year

Editorial staff

December 31, 2018

President Muhammadu Buhari has made it clear that the opposition politicians who have been going about dishing out lies and passing negative comments on the government of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) are fighting a losing battle ahead of next year’s elections.

“Those who continue to trumpet falsehood and negativity are on their own, fighting a losing battle. The greater number of Nigerians are trusting and believing that we shall deliver on our promises for a level playing field at the polls, and that is what we shall do.”
In his New Year message to Nigerians today, Monday, President Buhari insisted that as Nigerians go into elections in 2019, such elections need not be carried out as a do or die affair.

“And we should not approach that eventuality in a democracy with trepidation and mortal fear. Happily, a large number of presidential candidates have committed to peace, and peace we shall have.”

The President stressed that what Nigerians desire are peace, security, prosperity, inclusiveness and infrastructural development, adding that they also deserve to have a nation they can be proud of: “a country that can hold its own among the nations.

“That is the journey we have embarked on since we came onboard in 2015, and we are not distracted as we move on. We are resolved to build a country in which the resources are utilized for the benefit of the largest number, and not appropriated by a privileged few in their never ending quest to satisfy their greed. We are on this mission together, and I assure you of a firm commitment to the ideals of a safe, secure, fair, just and prosperous country.

“We have had our challenges: security, economic, political, social. But we are resolved to combat and overcome them all.

“I appreciate your support and collaboration in previous years, and look forward to same in 2019, and beyond, as I hope you will renew the mandate you overwhelmingly gave us in 2015, for another term.

“We are motivated by nothing other than service to motherland, and service without selfishness or personal interest.

“I can assure you all that we are making steady and sustainable progress in all areas of national life. Those who are unbiased can see and appreciate the progress the country has made since 2015.

“A New Year provides opportunity for renewal of commitment, and I invite you to rededicate yourselves to the vision of a Nigeria that works for all.

“We are moving from potentials to actualization, and it’s a task to be accomplished by us all; man, woman, young, old, military, civilian, all Nigerians.
Please come along, as we journey to the land of our dreams. Happy 2019.”

Buhari Stands Better Chance Of Making Igbo President In 2023 Than Atiku – Okechukwu

Editorial staff

December 31, 2018

The Director-General of Voice of Nigeria (VON), Chief Osita Okechukwu, has said that President Muhammadu Buhari is in good position of allowing Ndigbo ( igbos) to become President in 2023 than the Presidential candidate of the opposition Peoples Democratic Paty (PDP), Atiku Abubakar.

Okechukwu, who spoke in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Enugu today, Monday said: “Buhari I know will not embark on third Term like Obasanjo. The truism is that Buhari’s remaining four years post-2019 is cast in constitutional stone.

“This is unlike Atiku’s own which is at best a pledge, hence creates fluid eight years for Obi and by extension Ndigbo.”

The VON chieftain, who was reacting to the statement by ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo at Nenwi during the weekend that “it is dangerous for Ndigbo to take All Progressives Congress (APC) government serious over the promise of 2023 Nigeria president of Igbo extraction,” called on the former President to give Ndigbo a break.

“He should give us a break; 2023 is our turn to produce a president, for equity, natural justice and good conscience hinted by Obasanjo is to our advantage.

“The only reinforcement Ndigbo needs to compliment this immeasurable equity, natural justice and good conscience is to vote for President Muhammadu Buhari. Voting massively for Buhari will elicit support from his followership of over 12 million voting Nigerians.

“How come he (Obasanjo) didn’t handpick Obi to be Vice President in 2007, after embarking on the third term wild goose chase, when he hurriedly settled for former President Goodluck Jonathan? He should give us a break and not distract us.”

Source: NAN.

Presidential Candidate Of ACPN, Ezekwesili, Says Nigerians Are Political Illiterates

Editorial staff

December 31, 2018

The presidential candidate of the Allied Congress Party of Nigeria A(CPN), Dr. Obiageli Ezekwesili has said that most Nigerians are political illiterates.

Ezekwesili, who was once Nigeria’s education minister, said that the many years of military rule has adversely affected political enlightenment in Nigeria.

The Presidential candidate, who spoke at politco Politica with Isabella Akinseye, stressed also that apathy on the part of the electorate has contributed to political illiteracy in the country.

“In rating the Nigerian electorate, I think we are three out of a possible ten and the reason is simply because we suffered many years of militarization and my generation and the one before habitually new military rule more than we knew democracy.

“It is a very young democracy in the sense that those among this current generation, born in 1999 will be 20 years and will be first time voters, so they are still an insignificant portion of the population so the literacy level of democracy and what it requires of citizens is pretty low. A lot of politicial literacy campaigns and civic activities will help us increase the rating right now.

“I think there is a lot of apathy in the sense that citizens feels government don’t play much role in their so they have this attitude of let me mind my business and do that which is important to me forgetting that nothing is more important than having a functional government.

“The understanding of governance is still a bit distorted, people believe that for you to have a role in governance you must be an appointed official but governance as a construct requires the engagement of the citizens. There is a demand and supply side to governance.

“If those who are citizens don’t play their active citizenship well, there is no demand side for governance and lack of this will make the supply side which is those in governance to do anything they like. They will behave like monopolies; they have no pressure to deliver results.”

2019: Nuhu Ribadu Mobilizes Adamawa Electorate For Buhari’s Victory

Editorial staff

December 31, 2018

Former chairman and chief executive of the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), Malam Nuhu Ribadu said he ias committed to mobilizing Adamawa people with other stakeholders to ensure that President Buhari win the 2019 election in the state by landslide.

Ribadu, who spoke today, Monday in Yola, capital of Adamawa State, while inaugurating 40 vehicles donated by his support group, Black Cap Revolutionary Movement, for the mobilization of voters in Adamawa, said: “Adamawa is 100 per cent for Buhari; we will make sure Buhari is re-elected, because he deserves it.

“Let’s help Buhari so that he can continue to work for Nigeria.”

Ribadu, who is the Director of Field Operation of Presidential Campaign Council of Buhari/Osibanjo, said that Buhari would get double of what he got in 2015 in Adamawa.

“If Buhari won Adamawa by over 600,000 votes in 2015, by the grace of God we are going to give him over one million votes in 2019.”

He listed series of Federal government projects completed and ongoing in Adamawa, adding that the only way to reciprocate that was to vote Buhari again, massively.

Ribadu also lauded the ongoing fight against corruption by the Buhari administration, pointing out that over N400 billion has been recovered by EFCC.

“Under Buhari abled leadership, this country’s foreign reserves has risen to about 45 billion dollars.”

Crises Fester In Kaduna Because Perpetrators Were Never Punished – Leaders

Editorial staff

December 30, 2018

Some traditional and religious leaders have collectively blamed the frequent communal crises in Kaduna State to the fact that perpetrators had never been brought to book to serve as deterrent to others.

The leaders, who spoke today at a Town Hall meeting held with the State Governor, Nasir Ahmed el-Rufai, at Kasuwar Magani in Kajuru Local Government area, stressed the need for the government to be more proactive in tackling crisis before it develops into a big security problem.

The Sarkin Kasuwar Magani, Ibrahim Abdullahi, who spoke at the event, insisted that lack of necessary action against perpetrators had contributed largely to fueling more crises in the area and appealed to the state government to look into the matter.

He called on traditional leaders, irrespective of religion and tribe, to shun sentiment and report any criminal act in their chiefdoms.

This was even as the Secretary of the Jama’atu Nasril Islam in Kajuru local government, Tijjani Muhammad, appealed to the governor to ensure that perpetrators “are really brought to book.”

He recalled that some of those known to have actively participated in the crisis in the past were arrested and released.

The Secretary of Christian Association of Nigeria in the area, Pastor Joseph Maigida, also expressed similar concern.

Responding, governor el-Rufai promised to punish the perpetrators of the crisis, stressing that his government would not tolerate acts of lawlessness.

The governor, who asked the people of the state to live peacefully with one another irrespective of differences among them, lamented the manner in which the social media is being used by self-centered residents of the community to cause mayhem through the spread of fake news and hate speeches.

El-Rufa’i described such act as criminal, and vowed that those engaged in it would be duly identified and punished.

The governor assured that security agents are monitoring and tracking masterminds of crisis in the state.

He appealed to citizens of the state to report any culprit to security agencies, assuring them that criminals would never go free under his administration.

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