The suspended member of the House of Representatives, Abdulmumin Jibrin, has gone into exile even as he vowed never to return to Nigeria unless his safety is guaranteed.

Jibrin who left for London last week to receive an award and take his anti-corruption campaign to international community, made this known in a statement in Abuja.

He was suspended by the House of Representatives after accusing the Speaker, Yakubu Dogara and some Principal Officers as well as a few other members of corruption, abuse of office and monumental fraud in padding up the 2016 budget.

In an exclusive interview with a television station in London today, Monday, the lawmaker said he recently received threats from some of the lawmakers he accused of corruption.

According to him, the ‘House cabal’ led by the Speaker, Dogara, Deputy Speaker, Yusuf Lasun, Whip Alhassan Doguwa and Minority Leader, Leo Ogor are using Herma Hembe to either assassinate or kidnap him or members of his family.

The lawmaker said that the initial silence of the President on the matter was a blessing in disguise because if the President had spoken much earlier he would have been accused of using him to fight the House Leadership.

He said that the time was ripe and the crisis matured enough for the President to break his silence.

“The situation currently at hand is different from the initial stage of the crisis. The silence of the presidency is no longer sending the right message to Nigerians and the international community,” he said.

Jibrin also revealed that he recently wrote to President Muhammadu Buhari, seeking audience to brief him about the monumental fraud in the 2016 budget, individual and systemic corruption in the House.

He said his letter also included some vital information on how to check corruption in the house, fraud in budget process and reform the House for the good of the country.

According to him, over 2,000 fraudulent projects worth over N284 billion were inserted into 2016 budget, saying such fraud never happened in the history of the Nigerian legislature.

He also exonerated himself of any wrongdoing in the appropriation process, saying he had been in the House for five years and had never abused his office or corruptly enriched himself.

Jibrin reiterated his resolve to continue with the anti corruption campaign.

He said that he would take the campaign to the international stage by reaching out to foreign governments, parliaments, media, civil society groups and Nigerians in Diaspora among others. He said that it would enable him to press further for the arrest and prosecution of Speaker Yakubu Dogara, Lasun, Doguwa, Ogor and other members; he tagged the corrupt cabal in the House of Representatives. Rep. Herman Hembe APC-Benue) who is one of the lawmakers accused by Jibrin on padding of the 2016 budget said that Jibrin fled to the United Kingdom to avoid prosecution.

Hembe disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja while reacting to Jibrin’s statement.

Hembe said: “my attention has been drawn to a statement issued by the suspended member Abdulmumin Jibrin who has fled to United Kingdom.

“Jibrin’s allegation that his life is under threat is laughable. I understand that the anti-graft agencies are closing in on him with their investigation into his past deeds.

“He might have got the hint of his possible prosecution and decided to flee while raising false alarm.

“May I remind him that no matter where he goes justice will surely catch up with him as there is no hiding place for criminals in our today’s world.” [myad]

President Muhammadu Buhari has venerated Colonel Abu Ali who was gunned down in the battle with Boko Haram insurgents in Borno state, describing him as an extra ordinary officer who inspired respect and adoration among those he commanded.

“The late Colonel Abu Ali was an extraordinary officer who inspired respect and adoration among those he commanded.

In a statement today, Sunday, senior special assistant to the President on media and publicity, Malam Garba Shehu quoted Buhari as saying that the sacrifices by the late Colonel and other fallen officers and men in the war against terrorism in Nigeria would never go in vain.

President Buhari said that he was shocked by the news of the officer’s death along with other gallant soldiers during an encounter with the Boko Haram bandits in Borno State.

“A courageous commander does not only give orders, but also joins his men to fight the battle, no matter the risks or the obvious danger.

“One of the greatest attributes of a war hero is the ability to help your troops overcome fear in the face of danger.”

The President said that late Ali and his other fallen colleagues had brought glory to the army and the country for laying down their lives for the sake of others, adding  that their heroic sacrifices were “so immeasurable that no words can do justice to their patriotism and remarkable courage.” [myad]

Barely 48 hours to the US. Presidential election, the General Overseer of The Synagogue, Church Of All Nations (SCOAN), Prophet TB Joshua, has predicted that the Democrat candidate, Hillary Clinton, will emerge victorious ahead of the Republican candidate, Donald Trump.

In a Facebook post on TB Joshua Ministries today, Sunday, Joshua said: “Ten days ago, I saw the new President of America with a narrow win. “The new President will be facing several challenges over many issues, including: passing bills, attempts to possibly pass a vote of no confidence on the new President. “The boat of the new President will be rocked. “By the way, in order not to keep you in suspense, what I frankly saw is a woman.” [myad]

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Malam Muhammad Musa Bello has promised to create 10,000 jobs by the year 2020 even as he said that his government will continue to improve the living standards of the residents by providing the desired enabling environment.

The Minister spoke today, Sunday, at the closing ceremony of the Entrepreneurship and Skills Development Programme organized by the FCT Administration in conjunction with the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation, at the FCT Youth Development Center, Nyanya, Abuja

“As an Administration, our target is to create 10,000 jobs by the year 2020. In creating these jobs, we will support our people to generate wealth; thereby reducing the high rate of unemployment and minimizing the level of poverty in the Territory. This stand is also in line with one of the cardinal policies of the Government of our leader, President Muhammadu Buhari, which are job creation and poverty reduction.”

The minister was represented at the occasion by the Managing Director of the Abuja Enterprise Agency (AEA), Tukur Arabi. [myad]

President Muhammadu Buhari has said that in spite of the current economic recession, Nigeria is destined to achieve greatness.

“Looking forward, despite the enormity of the challenges facing us, we are optimistic that by the grace of God our nation is destined to achieve greatness.

“Today economic recession is affecting our economy. But we are resolved to overcome challenges, fight corruption and ensure good governance for the benefit of our citizens. Our administration is poised to bring positive changes to all Nigerians.”

The President, who spoke today, Saturday in Sokoto when he commissioned 500 Housing Units at Kalabaina Housing Estate, looked back with nostalgia when in the 60s, 70s and even in the early part of the 80s, Nigeria was reputed for its peaceful coexistence between the different ethnic and religious groups.

He said that the culture of discipline and patriotism was also highly safeguarded even as commitment to national development by all key players in governance was visible.

“However, the situation as we all know, has unfortunately changed.”

Buhari thanked God for the government of governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal the vision to address issues of good governance with passion and love for the citizenry.

“Completion of projects started by the previous administration of H.E Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, is a demonstration of humility and a fulfilment of our promises to our people. I salute the efforts of Rt. Hon. Aminu Waziri and all those assisting him in promoting democracy and good governance.”

He described the Commissioning as historic in view of the fact that it is taking place during the celebration of the 10^th Anniversary of His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III.

“Looking at the galaxy of the personalities that came for the Anniversary, as well as people who trooped in from all parts of the country and beyond for this happy event, it is clear to all that our traditional institutions are playing critical roles in the overall development of our fatherland.

“Let me seize this opportunity offered by this moment to once more congratulate His Eminence, the Sultan for the invaluable contributions he is making in the development of the Nigerian polity. The Sultan has consistently proved himself worthy of his ancestors. He has continuously worked to promote peace and unity in the country. He has remained a leader, treading the path of his revered ancestors in building bridges of understanding amongst diverse ethnic and religious groups in the country.

“It is our prayer that Allah (SWT) will continue to bless the Sultan, extend his reign and enrich us with more leaders of his exemplary standing.”

President Buhari said that the 10^th Anniversary of the Sultan provide opportunity for sober reflections, saying that Nigeria as a country needs to address through exemplary, disciplined and committed leadership in order to accomplish its aspirations for a strong and virile polity that will be a source of pride to present and future generations.

“In this regard, the Sultan and our highly esteemed Royal Fathers, our traditional institutions and indeed all patriotic citizens of this country have to continue to work for peace, religious harmony and sustainable development of our country.” [myad]