Independent National Electoral Commission has fixed the governorship election for Kogi State for Saturday, November 21 this year. The Commission also fixed the Bayelsa state governorship poll for Saturday, December 5. A statement signed by the INEC’s information and voters’ education committee chairman, Dr. Chris O, Iyimoga said that the dates for elections in the two states were reached at a meeting stakeholders of the Commission held on July 5th. The statement said that campaigns by political parties would commence on July 24 and end on November 19 for Kogi state while the campaigns for Bayelsa commence on September 6 and end on December 3, even as it indicated that formal notices of the election would be issued on or before August 23 and September 25 respectively, “in accordance with the provisions of the electoral Act, 2010 (as amended)” It said that the conduct of party primaries to nominate candidates for the elections would be done between August 25 and September 25 for Kogi and between September 7 and 30 for Bayelsa. The statement added that the last day for submission of the list of candidates (CF002) and personal particulars of such candidates (CF001) for governorship and Deputy governorship candidates would be November 14 for Kogi and October 7 for Bayelsa. INEC assured that other details pertaining to the conduct of both elections would be announced in due course, even as it directed those who are interested in more informtion about the elections to visit its website: www.inecnigeria.org.
Information reaching Greenbarge Reporters has revealed that President Muhammadu Buhari is yet to receive his June salary, even as he has slashed the salary by 50 percent. Inside sources said that the President was heard responding to his close aides who openly complained of having not yet received their salaries that he too had not received his. It was gathered that the President had deliberately waited to make the 50 percent cut in his salary and that of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo as a way of streamlining the new salary structure of the Presidential political appointees before the voucher for the payment of the salaries is prepared. A statement today by senior special assistant to President Buhari on media and publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu said that the President had already directed the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) to effect the salary cut. The message was contained in a letter to the SGF office from the Permanent Secretary of the State House, Mr. Nebolisa Emodi. The letter begins with: “I write to forward the completed IPPIS registration form of Mr. President and to draw your kind attention to Mr. President’s directive that only 50% of his salary be paid to him.” The current annual remuneration of the President of Nigeria, as published by the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission, is 14,058,820.00 Naira (about $70,000). President Buhari had earlier turned down a proposal to buy new cars for his use, saying that he would stick to the vehicles which former President Goodluck Jonathan left behind. The proposal from the Aso Rock bureaucracy is for Buhari to approve the purchase of five customised armoured Mercedes Benz S-600 (V222) cars of about 400 million Naira. It was learnt that President Buhari rejected the proposal on Wednesday when he received briefings from the Permanent Secretary (State House), Nebolisa Emodi. He had, during his campaign, promised to cut down cost of governance in the face of low crude oil price since the nation depends more on crude exportation for revenue.
“President Buhari is a very thorough person, he is as straight as a ruler, and he has started work, so, the man is going to take us out of the woods. This is the message of Bishop Emeritus of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) Rev. Adebola Ademowo, to Nigerians when he granted News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) interview in Lagos today. The Bishop is sure that has said that he knows President Buhari will do well in spite of the impatience among Nigerians, adding that the President is only being thorough in view of the fact that change is a gradual process. “They (Nigerians) shouldn’t be impatient at all because the man is just going from one step to another and I know that he is going to do well. “I have very strong faith in what he is doing, he is impeccable, the man cannot be corrupted, everything is on course the way they are going they mean business and they are doing well. “So, they should just forge ahead and know that beyond the tunnel, there is, there is hope. Nigeria is great and it will continue to be great.“ [myad]
The immediate past governor of Jigawa State, Sule Lamido, his two sons Aminu and Mustapha and one Aminu Wada Abubakar are to observe the Eid-el-Fitri, the Small Sallah in Prison as they have been confined there till September 28. The quartet were remanded in prison custody today by Justice Evelyn Anyadike of the Federal High Court sitting in Kano after they were docked on a 28-count charge of corruption and money laundering brought against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. They were arraigned alongside four companies where the Lamidos are believed to have interest. The companies are Bamaina Holdings Limited, Bamiana Company Nigeria Limited, Bamaina Aluminum Limited and Speeds International Limited. Lamido is said to have abused his position as governor of Jigawa State between 2007 and 2015, by awarding contracts to companies where he has interest, using his two sons, Aminu and Mustapha as front. One of the counts in the charge reads, “That you Alhaji Sule Lamido (while being the Governor of Jigawa State, Nigeria), Aminu Sule Lamido, Mustapha Sule Lamido, Bamaina Holdings Limited, Bamaina Company Nigeria Limited and Speeds International Limited between 15th October and 18th December, 2008 within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did convert an aggregate sum of N124, 649, 915 (One Hundred and Twenty Four Million, Six Hundred and Forty Nine Thousand, Nine Hundred and Fifteen Naira) paid by Dantata & Sawoe Limited into the account of Speeds International Limited domiciled with an old generation Bank at Kano which fund you reasonably ought to have known to be proceeds of an unlawful act of Alhaji Sule Lamido who was a Public Officer within the meaning of the Code of Conduct for Public Officers as prescribed under the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 ( as amended ) to wit; engaging in private business by a public officer, using the said company in which he is a director and a shareholder, and to whose account he is a signatory; with the aim of concealing the illicit origin of the said sum and you thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 14 (A) of the Money Laundering Act, 2004.” However when the charges were read to the accused persons they pleaded not guilty. Their counsel, Offiong Offiong, SAN told the court that he had filed application for bail and urged the court to consider granting the accused persons bail. But prosecuting counsel, Chile Okoroma, requested for time to respond to the application. He prayed the court to remand the accused persons in prison custody as the EFCC holding facilities in Abuja and Kano were already overstretched. Justice Anyadike consequently remanded the accused persons in prison custody pending consideration of their bail application and adjourned toSeptember 28, 2015. After the judge’s pronouncement, a mild drama ensued between Lamido and the Deputy Chief Registrar of Federal High court, Barrister Solomon Akpedah. Lamido was asked to proceed to board the waiting van taking him to Kano central prison when he exclaimed, “you mean I’m now a prisoner?!” Akpedah, however, replied that “no sir, you are not a prisoner” The arraignment of Lamido and his children was not without incident as an unruly crowd of supporters loyal to the former governor threatened to disrupt the court session. It took reinforcement of the detachment of policemen at the court to maintain order. The travails of the Lamidos began in 2012 when one of his sons, Aminu was arrested by Operatives of the EFCC at the Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano for failing to declare a sum of forty thousand United States Dollars ($40,000). He was prosecuted and convicted with 50 percent of the undeclared sum forfeited to the Federal Government. But the enquiries into the source of the funds led investigators into the closely guarded web of corruption and money laundering involving members of the former first family of Jigawa State and their cronies. [myad]
The Kogi Central and West Senatorial Districts have formed a formidable alliance with a view to clinching the governorship position of the state in the next year’s governorship election. The two Senatorial Districts met yesterday in Abuja, under the umbrella of Kogi Central And West Peace Forum, for Equity and Justice. A communiqué issued and signed by the chairman of the media and publicity for the group, Dr. Tom Adaba, after the meeting, said that it was attended by over 100 people from the two senatorial districts, including representatives of groups with similar objectives. The meeting, the communiqué said, was in furtherance of the Forum’s pursuit of good governance, equity and justice in the state. The meeting reiterated its commitment to fielding a single candidate as well as a deputy in the forthcoming governorship election in the state even as it advised all major political parties to respect the feelings and reflect the interest of the two senatorial zones in the choice of their gubernatorial candidates if they are serious about winning this year’s election. The meeting, which was jointly chaired by General J. O. S. Oshanupin (Rtd), Professor Yusuf Aliyu and Alhaji Idris Yusuf Tawari, did not foreclose the possibility of using a third platform to realize its objective if the two major political parties make the mistake of not fielding its consensus candidate in the election. The meeting was also attended by General Chris Ali, former Chief Army Staff, Chief Clarence Olafemi, former acting governor of the state, Chief Bayo Ojo, former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Dr. Abdulrahaman Adeiza, Professor Olu Akerejola, Ambassador S. A. Lawal, Ambassador P. B. Fadumiyo,Professor Angela Okatahi, Chief J. O. Omuya, Professor I. Abdulsalam. Others are Dr..Adinoyi Ojo Onukaba, Chief Femi Ajisafe, Tunde Ipinmisho, Prince Emmanuel Omadivi, Sufyanu Abdulmalik, Dr. David Atte, Chief J.O. Yusuf, Alhaji Sheidu Ozigis, Retired DIG of Police Abdul raheem Yusuf, Prof. Adams Abere El-Okene, Dr. Tunde Arosanyin, Femi Ojo Melefa, Chief Dan Kunle, Suleiman Baba Ali, Tanko Musa, Ibrahim Usman, Idris Miyali, Hon. Matthew Keyi, Engr Sam Uhuotu, Engr. Funso Ako, Ahmed Garba, Barrister (Mrs) J. Y.Ajanah, Mohammed Aliyu, Brig-Gen. Yusuf Abubakar (Rtd), Hussain Obadaki, Prince Rotimi Obadofin, Yahaya Ade Ismail, Lamidi Itopa, M. J. Alabi, Isa Sani Omolori, Ahmed Kokori Abdul, Dahiru Musa Andullahi, Chief S. K. Adedoyin, Toyin Akanle, Henry Ojuola, A. G. Usman, Shaban Shaibu, Abdulmumuni Isa, and Ezekiel Kaura. There were also Prof. Eyitayo Lambo, Former Deputy Governor Phillips Salawu, Alhaji Ishaq Ajibola, Alhaji Sanusi Abubakar, Dr Martin Makoju, Senator Salihu Ohize, Dr Abdulrahman Adeiza, Mr Jimmy Olumudi, Prof M. Ajibero and Col Olu Oloruntoba (Rtd) all of who sent apologies.
Other parts of the communiqués goes thus:
The Forum promised to search widely and transparently for a governorship candidate as well as a deputy that will win the next election and change the fortunes of the much abused and traumatized state. The Forum vowed to halt the marginalization of the two senatorial districts, end the rot in the state and enthrone good governance and equity which have so far eluded the resources-rich state. Rather than constantly bemoaning their plight, participants resolved to come together, strategize and take their destinies in their hands. Members pledged to pool their resources together to save the state from chronic under-development and shameful stagnation. The Forum resolved to remain focused, determined, honest and transparent in its dealings. It plans to mobilize all the people and associations in the two senatorial districts towards achieving the Forum’s aspirations. The meeting agreed to put in the public domain statistics showing the incalculable inequity and mindless marginalization in Kogi State so that the whole world will know that the struggle for equity and good governance is truly justified and long overdue. The Forum agreed to hold its next meetings in Lokoja, Kabba and Okene and to mobilize the people of the two senatorial districts to end the present internal colonialism in the state. Four Standing Committees – Finance, Strategy, Media and Publicity, Contact and Mobilization and Search/Screening – were constituted with terms of reference. The committees are to start work immediately.
Former Saudi Foreign Minister, considered as the world’s longest serving foreign minister, Prince Saud al-Faisal, has died. He served for 40 years on the job. The senior level Saudi information ministry official said today that Prince Saud had passed away and that an official statement would be published soon. Prince Saud, who was appointed in 1975, was the world’s longest serving foreign minister when he was replaced on April 29 by Adel al-Jubeir, the then ambassador to Washington. Prince Saud served under four Saudi kings, advancing the Kingdom’s foreign policy, especially after the attacks of September 11, 2001 in the United States. He was also part of Saudi Arabia’s efforts to lessen Iran’s influence in the region, including the continuing conflict in Syria, where Saudi Arabia has been supporting several rebel groups. As the foreign minister of an important political and economic US ally in the region, Saud was reported to have been well liked and respected in diplomatic circles. The US embassy in Saudi Arabia tweeted the US secretary of state, John Kerry as saying that “Saud was not only the longest serving foreign minister, but was also one of the wisest.” [myad]
Ugandan President, Yoweri Museveni is believed to have began clamp down on opposition Presidential candidates as police in the country have arrested two presidential hopefuls and an aide to one of the politicians ahead of the 2016 presidential election. Reports said that the former Prime Minister, Amama Mbabazi, a challenger to President Yoweri Museveni as the incumbent candidate in the 2016 elections, was arrested while he was on his way to meet supporters in an eastern Ugandan town near the Kenyan border. The other detainee was three-time presidential candidate, Kizza Besigye who has been detained for his political activities numerous times. He was arrested outside his home near Kampala, the Ugandan capital as he headed out to address a rally, according to his aide Francis Mwijukye. Andrew Felix Kawesi, Uganda Police operations commander, appeared on local television station NSB confirming the arrests to journalists in Njeru, a town just outside Kampala. “I am telling you … I am the police and I have arrested him. He has to stick to what the law requires … there’s no going to Mbale. He’s now under incarceration,” Kawesi said. Mbabazi was travelling to Mbale, a town near Uganda’s border with Kenya, to have a consultative meeting with his supporters and promote his candidature. The police announced in June that Mbabazi was banned from holding meetings about his challenge to Museveni, because their party had yet to nominate a candidate. Mbabazi had a good relationship with Museveni, who has been Uganda’s leader since 1986. Ties between them have been strained in recent years because Museveni accused Mbabazi of making decisions in the ruling party without consulting him. Museveni sacked Mbabazi from the Prime Minister position in 2014. There are concerns within the ruling party, the National Resistance Movement (NRM), that President Museveni is grooming his son to be president when he dies. President Museveni has been Uganda’s head of state since he overthrew President Milton Obote in a 1986 coup. The ruling National Resistance Movement has endorsed Museveni to represent them in next year’s election. There are concerns within the ruling party, the National Resistance Movement (NRM), that President Museveni is grooming his son to be president when he dies. President Museveni has been Uganda’s head of state since he overthrew President Milton Obote in a 1986 coup. [myad]
The Nigerian Army has announced the arrest of three suspects, including their kingpin who bombed Zaria in Kaduna state and in Jos, the capital of Plateau state within the week. The suspects were caught by troops in a trailer at a checkpoint in Dadin Kowa, Gombe State. According to a statement issued by the Acting Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman, the suspects were already “being processed for further action.” The statement reads: “Please recall that on Sunday, 5th July 2015, suspected Boko Haram terrorists carried out coordinated bomb and gun attacks on worshippers at Ýan Taya Mosque, Dillimi Street, off Bauchi Road, Jos , where the holy month of Ramadan tafsir was holding, and Shagalinku Restaurant, along Bauchi Road, Jos, Plateau State which led to death of over 48 persons, injuring several other persons and destruction of property. “Similarly, the terrorists carried out another bomb attack on hapless workers undergoing verification exercise at Sabon Gari local government secretariat, Zaria, Kaduna State which resulted in the death of over 25 people including a two-year-old child and destruction of property. “Consequently, security cordon was established in the general areas especially along Bauchi, Gombe and the North-Eastern part of the country by troops of 3 Division and Special Task Force, as well as the Department of State Services. “This culminated in the successful arrest of the mastermind of the heinous terrorist acts and two of his accomplices at a checkpoint in Dadin Kowa, Gombe State. “The terrorist kingpin and his colleagues who disguised in a trailer while trying to evade checks were fished out by troops of Nigerian Army. “The arrested terrorists are currently being processed for further action and would soon face the full wrath of the law. “The general public are hereby please requested to be more vigilant, security conscious and report any suspicious persons, movements, and facilities to the security agencies.” [myad]
Microsoft boss, Satya Nadella, is set to downsize the computer software giant’s workforce, with up to 7,800 people to be laid off globally, the company announced Wednesday morning. Most of the jobs are within its smartphone hardware business. Microsoft (MSFT, Tech30) had 118,600 employees as of March 30, with about 60,000 workers in the United States. The job cuts represent about 7 per cent of its staff. This will be Nadella’s second major restructuring. He announced 18,000 layoffs in Nokia’s devices and services business last year, following Microsoft’s acquisition of the handset maker. Former Microsoft head Steve Ballmer’s purchase of Nokia was one of his most criticised deals. Analysts attacked him for hampering the firm with an aging legacy business. “It is a deal that makes no sense,” Ben Thompson, an independent analyst, wrote when the acquisition was first announced. “Adding on a mobile phone business that Microsoft probably should abandon is like attaching an anchor to said straitjacket and tossing the patient into the ocean.” After Nadella took over Microsoft, he made it clear that he would have to make aggressive changes to revitalise the company. The company’s focus is now on cloud services and mobile software. “We are moving from a strategy to grow a standalone phone business to grow and create a vibrant Windows ecosystem,” Nadella said inWednesday’s announcement. “In the near-term, we’ll run a more effective and focused phone portfolio while retaining capability for long-term reinvention in mobility.” The latest cuts may be especially detrimental to Finland, where many of Nokia’s employees work. Pekka Pekkala, the communications head for the country’s prime minister, said on Twitter that 66 percent of Microsoft’s Finland staff would be dismissed. “Finland loses 2,300 jobs…pretty much killing the city of Salo,” Pekkala tweeted. [myad]
The BringBackOurGirls (BBOG), a campaign group for the return of the over 200 school girls abducted by Boko Haram from Chibok, has demanded an apology from the government of the former President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan for laxity in addressing the issue before it turned into complex matter. The group, led by a former education minister, Oby Ezekwesili, marched en-mass to the Presidential Villa today, where they met with President Muhammadu Buhari and made it clear that the apology is needed also for the failure of governance that led to the abduction. They also demanded an apology for the failure of governance that caused failure to rescue the girls for over 400 days and asked the government to come out with; strategies for curbing the emergence, and growth of curious sects. The group also wanted the government to immediately set up a structured feedback and communication system that is composed of the Federal and Borno State Governments through designated security and ministerial authorities, the parents of the abducted girls. The group said there should a feedback mechanism so that the affected parents and the public can have regular updates on efforts to rescue the 219 ChibokGirls. The group requested President Buhari to personally visit Chibok to make him have a first-hand impression of the plight of the families who lost their children a year ago. The girls were abducted on April 14, 2014. The failure of then President Goodluck Jonathan to visit the community, and his handling of the Boko Haram crisis, drew wide national and international condemnation. The former president also refused to meet with the BringBackOurGirls group. “The entire Chibok community anxiously requests that Mr. President visit Chibok within the first 100 days of this administration to have a first-hand view of the plight of our people, while we look forward to the safe return of our daughters very soon,” said Dauda Illiya, who spoke on behalf of Kibaku Area Development Association, an association of indigenes of Chibok community. Responding, President Buhari said that the issue of the Chibok abduction was handled by the Jonathan government with levity, saying that the conflicting report between the security agencies and the federal government had put the country in bad light locally and internationally. “The delayed and late reaction by former government and its agencies was very unfortunate” he said. He however assured that his government will do its best to restore the respectability of the country and its institutions, adding that strategies, which cannot be made public at the time, have been put in place to defeat the Boko Haram scourge. The President said that he was pleased that the Boko Haram terrorists were blowing up themselves in the process of their attacks and should “change their names from Boko Haram to something else, because no religion will kill the innocents. “You can’t go and kill innocent people and say Allahu Akbar! It’s either you don’t believe it or you don’t know what you are saying. So, it has nothing to do with religion, they are just terrorist and Nigeria will demobilise all of them.” [myad]
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