PDP Says APC Has Lost Out In Kogi Guber Poll, Wants INEC To Declare Wada Winner

November 26, 2015

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to declare its candidate, Captain Idris Wada, as the winner of the November 21 governorship election in Kogi State.

The party which insisted that it APC has lost out in the contest, and that it is therefore wrong for the national electoral body to ask the party to replace its deceased candidate, Abubakar Audu, in the supplementary election.

In a statement by the national publicity secretary of the PDP, Olisa Metuh, the party threatened to take legal action over the matter, adding that the death of Audu meant that the ruling party had no representation in the election.

He stressed that during his party’s national caucus meeting on Wednesday, it was resolved that there should be no going back on the decision to ask the INEC chairman and the attorney general of the federation, to resign.

The PDP maintained that the electoral body is not competent to conduct the forthcoming governorship election in Bayelsa State.

The statement reads: “The national caucus of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) met on Wednesday, November 25, 2015 in Abuja wherein it thoroughly considered the developments arising from the conduct of the inconclusive governorship election in Kogi state and resolved as follows: “Completely rejects the decision of INEC in yielding to the unlawful prompting of a clearly partisan attorney general of the federation (AGF), Mallam Abubakar Malami, to allow APC to substitute a candidate in the middle of an election, even when such has no place in the Constitution and the electoral act.

“Insists that with the death of its candidate, Prince Abubakar Audu, the APC has legally crashed out of the governorship race as no known law or constitutional provision allows the substituting of candidates, once the ballot process has commenced.

“Insists that with the unfortunate death of Prince Abubakar Audu, the APC has no valid candidate in the election, leaving INEC with no other lawful option than to declare the PDP candidate, Capt. Idris Wada as the winner of the election.

“Notes that the combine reading of the provisions of the constitution and Electoral Act does not in any war whatsoever support the substitution of candidates for election in the middle of the ballot process.

“Notes that if APC is allowed to substitute its original candidate, then the party would have fielded two separate candidates in the same election, a scenario that is completely alien to our electoral laws and to any known democratic norms and practice world-over.

“Caucus observes that the APC, fully aware that it has no case before the law is now orchestrating confusion in the polity with a view to diverting attention from its glaring incompetence and failure of governance.

“Observes that the leadership of INEC as presently constituted under the chairmanship of Prof. Mahmood Yakubu has demonstrated that it is incapable of neutrality and as such cannot be vested with the conduct of the Kogi governorship supplementary election as well as the December 5, 2015 Bayelsa governorship election.

“As a result, caucus demands the immediate resignation of the chairman and all national commissioners of INEC to pave the way for a new non-partisan commission to conduct the forth-coming elections.

“Caucus also demands the immediate resignation of the attorney general of the federation (AGF), Mallam Abubakar Malami for deliberately misleading INEC into arriving at the unconstitutional decision of allowing APC to substitute its candidate in the inconclusive election.

“Notes that in order to save the nation’s democracy from imminent collapse, the PDP as a critical stakeholder will immediately challenge this unlawful and unconstitutional decision by INEC in the court.

“Caucus also alerts that the AGF, INEC and APC are creating a scenario where a loser in a primary will patiently wait for the winning candidate to finish election and then have him either poisoned or assassinated before the final collation of results. “Caucus calls on the international community to prevail on the APC government to stop this ceaseless assault on our democracy.” [myad]

Kogi APC Nominates Late Audu’s Son To Replace Him

Greenbarge Reporters

November 26, 2015

Leaders of All Progressives Congress (APC), in Kogi East Senatorial District has nominated the 43 year old Mohammed, first son of Late Prince Abubakar Audu, to replace him as the party’ s governorship candidate.

The leaders, stakeholders and delegates who made this known in Lokoja today after a marathon meeting, said they arrived at the decision after due consultations.

Their spokesman, Mr. Daniel Isah, the Vice Chairman of APC in Kogi East, said they have resolved and are determined to back Mohammed to replace his father if the National Working Committee orders fresh primaries.

Isah thanked the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the national leadership of the party for the opportunity given to them to find a replacement for Audu who died on November 23 at Ogbonicha, Ofu Local Government.

He appealed to the national leadership of the party to give their decision utmost consideration and approval in the overall interest of the party and the state.

Present at the meeting were Alhaji Lincho Ocheje, Hon. Hassan Omale, Hon. Benjamin Ikhani, and Sen. Emmanuel Dangana, among others. [myad]

Faleke, Prince Audu’s Running-Mate Declares: I’m Kogi Governor-Elect

Greenbarge Reporters

November 26, 2015

James Faleke, the running mate to late Prince Abubakar Audu, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Saturday’s governorship election in Kogi State, has asked the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to declare him governor-elect.

Faleke, in a letter to INEC, dated November 26, 2015, insisted that under Section 187 of the 1999 Constitution, he was duly elected as deputy governor of Kogi State based on the outcome of the election declared inconclusive by INEC.

He said that INEC has no right under the law to declare the election inconclusive.

The letter which was forwarded by his counsel, Wole Olanipekun, accused INEC of deliberately creating what he called “legal conundrum.”

“In law and logic, no new candidate can inherit or be a beneficiary of the votes already cast, counted and declared by INEC before that candidate was nominated and purportedly sponsored.

“Assuming without conceding that INEC is even right to order a supplementary election, the votes already cast, counted and declared on Saturday, 25th November 2015, were votes for the joint constitutional ticket of Prince Abubakar Audu and our client.

“Therefore, no new or ‘supplementary’ candidate can hijack, aggregate, appropriate or inherit the said votes.” [myad]

How Thieves Stole N50 Billion Worth Of Oil In 8 Months – NNPC

Greenbarge Reporters

November 26, 2015

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has said that 531 million litres of petrol valued at over N50 billion was lost to pipeline vandals between January and September, 2015.

The loss was at the problematic System 2B Pipeline network, which stretches from the Atlas Cove in Lagos to Ilorin in Kwara State.

In a presentation to the Senate Committee on Petroleum Downstream, the Managing Director of the Pipelines and Product Marketing Company (PPMC), a subsidiary of the NNPC, Esther Nnamdi-Ogbue, said that the losses, which chiefly accrued from the incessant hacking of the pipeline at the notorious Arepo to Mosimi axis of the pipeline artery, has made the task of providing seamless flow of petroleum products to retail outlets more burdensome.

Nnamdi-Ogbue said despite the challenge posed by the unavailability of the vital System 2B Pipeline network, the PPMC has continued to ensure that the country remains wet with petrol through massive truck-out from depots in Lagos, Oghara in Delta State and recently Calabar in Cross River State.

The PPMC MD, however, noted that the spirited efforts made so far by the Corporation to entrench zero fuel queues across the country are being hampered by the activities of some unscrupulous marketers involved in hoarding, sharp practices and diversion of petroleum products for sale in black markets across the country.

“We view this as a distortion to the economy and we have invited the DSS and the EFCC to take action,” she said.

Earlier in his presentation, the Group Executive Director of Commercial and Investment, Dr. Babatunde Adeniran, told the Senate Committee that the fuel situation was exacerbated by the inability of oil marketers to meet their import allocation quota due to outstanding subsidy payments, thus creating a gap, which the PPMC has been working round the clock to bridge despite the extraneous challenges like hoarding and incessant pipeline hacking.

Answering a question on the ways to ensure a lasting solution to the perennial problem of fuel scarcity, Dr. Jamila Shu’ara, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Petroleum Resources and leader of the delegation, harped on the need to build strategic reserve stock of petroleum products akin to the national grain reserves across the country.

Senator Uche Ekwunife, the Committee Chairman, while acknowledging the efforts made so far by the NNPC to ensure unimpeded fuel supply, however, gave the Ministry two weeks to ensure sanity in the supply and distribution of petroleum products across the country. [myad]

Obasanjo Replies Jonathan, Asks Him To Use His New Foundation In Soul-Searching

Greenbarge Reporters

November 25, 2015

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has responded to the letter from the ex President Goodluck Jonathan on his plan to float a Foundation, asking him (Jonathan) to use the new Foundation to engage in soul-searching and in reviewing his past actions.

In the letter, dated October 12, 2015, Obasanjo also advised Jonathan to consider the Foundation as a platform through which he can heal his conscience and demonstrate penitence over his past actions.

Ex-President Jonathan had on September 22, wrote to ex President Obasanjo, informing him of his plans to set up a Foundation through which he would continue to service humanity.

Obasanjo’s letter dated October 12, 2015 goes thus:

Dear President Goodluck Jonathan,

“I write to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of September 22, 2015. I take this opportunity to congratulate you on your successful handover to the current President of Nigeria, H.E. President Muhammadu Buhari.

“I am happy to note that you had a good rest and time with your family during the break. I hope you also had time to reflect and see what lessons you have learned and what you can bequeath to others.

“All of us who have had experience in our service to the nation and to humanity must not put it under the bushel.

“I have to commend you and your Foundation, Goodluck Jonathan Foundation, for the faith you continue to have in Nigeria.

“Maybe seeking how to be better and more serviceable to the nation and humanity is also a form of penitence and soul-searching to give conscience a relief and to show remorse.

“I wish you well as you continue to forge ahead with your activities in the coming months and years. If there is any area you feel I can be of help, you should not hesitate to call on me.

Yours Sincerely,
Olusegun Obasanjo.” [myad]

Why We Banned Long Hijab, NYSC Boss Explains

Greenbarge Reporters

November 25, 2015

Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Johnson Olawumi has explained why the management of the Service banned the use of long hijab by Muslim Corps members. Olawumi said the decision became imperative for safety of all corps members in the country irrespective of tribes or religion.

He reacted to a peaceful protest organized by a Muslim group, Muslim Youths in Da’wah at the NYSC headquarters in Abuja. The protest was to convey their discomfort over the ban on the use of hijab by Muslim corps members.

The NYSC DG insisted that some young Muslim ladies have been used as medium to execute terrorist attacks especially in current Boko Haram insurgency.

“Under my leadership, the NYSC will accord respect to every corps member, irrespective of tribe and religion. The incident in Benue State was caused by the use of long hijab. The security situation in the country is tough. There is the danger of somebody using hijab for other reasons.

“There have been cases where young girls put on hijab and eventually turn to suicide bombers. Boko Haram members know how to get at whoever they want as target. That is why we frown at the wearing of long hijab. Please call on all your Muslim youths to be patient and adhere to it, just for a short period during the camp. We frown at long hijab because of the security implication.

“Why are you so particular on your alleged infraction on the rights of youths without mentioning any one of such on Christian youths? Produce your evidence, write to us and I can assure you that we will act fast.

“When the incident in Benue State was reported to us, I swung into action and ensured that the camp commandant was decamped immediately.

“We are not magicians; if you have any evidence, write to us and we will not hesitate to act,” he stated.

Earlier, the National Coordinator of the group, Luqman Hassan alongside his Deputy, Kamarudeen Adefila had informed Olawumi that a major protest was prevented because of the ban in most NYSC orientation camps in the country.

According to him, use of the hijab is an infringement of fundamental human right of the female corps members.

“We are here to discuss with you about the incident that happened recently in various camps across the country. We have a guiding principle which is based on the Holy Q’uran. We are all Nigerians and the principle which guides us is the constitution and the African Charter on Human rights.

“Members of the NYSC are Nigerians who have contributed to the development of this country; female corps members deserve protection by the NYSC. We don’t believe that a female corps member putting on hijab has done any wrong against the Act establishing the NYSC. So they deserve the respect of the NYSC. We have travelled far and wide and visited different camps. Why are the rights of female corps members being infringed upon. We are here to register our displeasure.

“Many Muslim organisations wanted to protest, but we said wait a while. In fact, we have to intervene to avoid the situation and if Muslims march on the streets, it will attract a lot of negative comments, but people won’t know why we are protesting.” [myad]

Magajin Gari Kano, Inuwa Wada Dies At 98

Greenbarge Reporters

November 25, 2015

Alhaji Inuwa Wada, who held a traditional title of Magajin Gari of Kano, is dead, aged 98.

He died in the early hours today at his Durbin Iya residence in Kano metropolis after a protracted illness.

Alhaji Nasir Wada, one of his sons, who confirmed the death, said the deceased died around 6am.

According to him, late Wada is survived by one wife, many children and grandchildren.

Inuwa Wada was a member of the House of Representatives during the First Republic.

He was also a Minister of Works and later Minister of Defence during the First Republic.

He was an uncle to the former Head of State, late General Murtala Muhammed. He was said to be one of the powerful cabinet members in the First Republic. [myad]

Buhari, Obasanjo, Gowon, Saraki Pay Last Respect To HID Awolowo

Greenbarge Reporters

November 25, 2015

President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice President Yemi Osinbanjo, Senate President Bukola Saraki, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, ex-Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon and Head of the defunct Interim National Government, Chief Ernest Shonekan were amongst the dignatries that were in Ikene, Ogun state today to pay their last respect to the matriarch of Awolowo dynasty, Chief (Mrs.) Hannah Idowu Dideolu (HID) who made her glorious and final exit.

HID Awolowo died on September 19 and was today interred beside her husband, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, inside the 28 –year- old Awo’s Mausoleum located within the sprawling Awolowo’s compound in Ikenne.

Others who were in Ikene to pay their last respect wer Aliko Dangote, the National leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, governor Ibikunle Amosun, Wife of former President Olusegun Obasanjo; wife of former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon; Governor Olusegun Mimiko (Ondo); Governor Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo); Governor Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto); Governor Nasir El-Rufai (Kaduna); Governor Mohammed Bingo (Adamawa); and Governor Rochas Okorocha (Imo).

Others are Minster of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole; Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun; Minister of Communications, Adebayo Shittu; Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola; Minister of Environment Mrs. Amina Mohammed and Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr. Kayode Fayemi.

The list also includes: former Governors Lateef Jakande (Lagos); Otunba Gbenga Daniel (Ogun); Adebayo Alao-Akala (Oyo); Olagunsoye Oyinlola; as well as businessmen Aliko Dangote, Oba Otudeko and Chief Shubomi Balogun. APC National Leader Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Chief Olaniwun Ajayi, Sen. Gbenga Kaka, Chief Dipo Shonibare, wife of the Vice President and the late Mrs. Awolowo’s grand-daughter, Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo and Iyalode Alaba Lawson.

Speaking to a gathering of family members, friends, associates and other prominent Nigerians, President Buhari said that the deceased deserved the attention she was receiving from home and abroad, adding that she effectively took care of the home front while her husband was busy around the country and throughout the world.
“Let me appreciate those who have come to participate in this ceremony. When I was in the car, I discussed it with the Governor of Ogun state that the late Mrs. Awolowo and all the nation is doing for her.
“While chief was all over the country and the world, she was effectively managing the family. So, she earned this. May her soul rest in perfect peace.
“And for you that have for weeks been gathering friends, associates and facing all the logistic problems day and night, I congratulate you for a very successful burial of the late Mrs. Awolowo
“I came back last evening from Iran and I had to make sure I do not miss the last rites for Mrs. Awolowo because she earned it.
“This is the third time I have been here and I hope the family will try and continue to hold together as they have been doing.”
Speaking earlier, Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun state expressed delight at the presence of the president in Ikenne, noting that it was an honour not only to Mama H.I.D, her family and womenfolk but to the whole of Yoruba race and the nation.
Speaking for the family, the eldest child of Awolowo, Mrs. Oyediran welcomed the president to Awolowo’s house and thanked him for the honour.
She said there had been outpouring of love on the late matriarch of the Awolowo family everywhere they had been to as a demonstration of how well loved she was.
“Judging by the life that mama led, little did we know that she was so loved by all Nigerians and you all have demonstrated it this afternoon. So, we warmly welcome you into our midst.”
While thanking the president and various state governors in the south west who have been part burial activities, she stated: “You have been extremely wonderful to this family.
“When we got to Lagos, we thought that was it. When we got to Ibadan, it was a complete standstill and when we got to Ogun, the governor was dancing with us all the way from Shagamu to ikenne with all the beautiful ladies with us here this afternoon.”

“So, I want to thank you and to use this opportunity to wish your government progress and the good work which you have started, I pray that the good Lord will continue to support you and you will not fail in Jesus name. We all believe that there will be a change.” [myad]

MASSOB Accuses Igbo Leaders Of Inferiority Complex

Greenbarge Reporters

November 25, 2015

The Movement for Actualization for Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) has accused South East Governors and other Igbo leaders of displaying a classic case of inferiority complex in matters that they ought to have decisively act on.

“They have shown their soft mind, inferiority complex and loyalty to our oppressors. We shall prove to Nigeria that the Igbo governors, national assembly members, other Igbo leaders are not truly in charge of affairs in Igboland.”

Reacting to a meeting held by the governors and leaders last Sunday at the Enugu State Government House in an attempt to end ongoing protests by members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and MASSOB, over the continued detention of the Director of Radio Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, MASSOB rejected the resolutions, one of which was the setting up of a committee to dialogue with the pro-Biafrian agitators.

Saying that such resolution did not address the major reason for the protests, which it said, was the continued detention of Kanu, MASSOB asked: “how can revered Igbo leaders waste a whole day in a marathon meeting without discussing our simple demand of Nnamdi Kanu’s release?

“Are they afraid of Northern oligarchy, western alliance with north or President Buhari? The governors, Ohaneze and other Igbo leaders have proved that they’re not representing the interest & demands of Ndigbo.

National Director of Information, MASSOB, Uchenna Madu, said the only way to end the crisis is the unconditional release of Mr. Kanu.

“DSS is buying time for long incarceration of Nnamdi Kanu to impress Buhari and Northern political cabals that they can frustrate Biafra revolution.

“Long incarceration of Nnamdi Kanu by DSS will only motivate, inspire and increase the moral of Biafran agitators. How long shall they continue to detain an innocent man who already commands the massive respect of Ndigbo even in detention?

“MASSOB and IPOB members are not demonstrating or protesting against infrastructural decay in Igboland or non inclusion of Igbos in major political appointments but the release of our brother, Nnamdi Kanu, who represents the genuine desire of the people eastern region.

“Other demands and clamour of Ndigbo as a result of the current political tension are good but major one now is the release of Nnamdi Kanu.”

Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State, who spoke to reporters on behalf of the Igbo leaders, which included present and past governors, ministers, national assembly members, had said the meeting resolved to set up a committee to dialogue with the pro-Biafra agitators. [myad]

Buhari Leaves For Malta Tomorrow For Commonwealth Meet

Greenbarge Reporters

November 25, 2015

President Muhammadu Buhari will leave Abuja tomorrow for Malta to participate in the 2015 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting which begins in the island nation on Friday.

The Commonwealth is made up of Britain, Nigeria and 51 other countries that work together to pursue common goals and promote development, democracy, peace, security and good governance.

A statement today by the special adviser to the President on media and publicity, Femi Adesina said that Buhari and other Heads of State and Government who will be in Malta for this year’s summit are expected to deliberate on fresh Commonwealth initiatives on development and climate change with a view to adding greater value to ongoing global efforts in these areas.

Adesina said that a new Secretary-General of the Commonwealth who will take over from the incumbent, Kamalesh Sharma, will be announced at the summit which will also feature the presentation of a progress report on the eradication of polio.

“The Head of the Commonwealth, Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, will formally declare the summit open and host a banquet in honour of President Buhari and other participating Heads of State and Government.

“At the conclusion of the Summit on Sunday, President Buhari will leave Malta for Paris where he will present Nigeria’s statement at the United Nations Climate Change Conference scheduled to open in the French capital on Monday, November 30.

“ The President will join over 100 other world leaders at the Leaders Event on the opening day of the conference which will be hosted by President Francois Hollande of France and the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mr. Ban Ki Moon.

“President Buhari will also participate in a summit of the Heads of State and Government of the Lake Chad Basin Commission and Benin Republic which has been scheduled to take place on December 2 in Paris on the sidelines of the United Nations Conference on Climate Change.

“Deliberations at the Paris meeting of the Lake Chad Basin Commission and Benin Republic will focus mainly on the war against Boko Haram and other security issues of common interest to participating countries.”

The Presidential spokesman said that the President will be accompanied on the trip by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, the Minister of Environment, Mrs. Amina Mohammed and the National Security Adviser, Major General Babagana Monguno (rtd.). [myad]

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