The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) in partnership with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) has commenced radio programme to enhance anti-corruption campaign in the country. The programme, titled: “Common Enemy: Fighting Corruption Together” is currently being aired on Radio Nigeria and Unity FM, Abakiliki. A statement from the information consultant of the ICPC, Mr. Folu Olamiti said that phone in programme is to encourage civil participation of Nigerians in the campaign against corruption. Participants are advised to tune in to Radio Nigeria and Unity FM Abakiliki at 3.30pm every Thursday from now till June 2015 for the programme. Contributions will also come through face book or twitter. He said that the radio programme is a follow up to a recommendation by a participant, Mr Emeka Ugwu during the Anglophone West Africa Youth Integrity Camp in Badagry .The ICPC in partnership with the UNDP organised the programme for 67 youths in Bada. [myad]
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential Campaign Organization has asked All Progressives Congress (APC) to organize a Presidential television debate at its own terms and conditions, promising that President Goodluck Jonathan, the party’s Presidential candidate would be there to participate in the debate. In a statement today, the Director of media and publicity for the PDP presidential campaign organization, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode said PDP is insisting on the participation of the APC Presidential candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari in a live television debate with President Goodluck Jonathan. Fani-Kayode emphasised that PDP is ready to attend any debate, anywhere in the country with the APC candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari, even if that debate is organized by the APC’s spokesman Lai Mohammed and the APC itself, as long as it would be televised live. “The decision of the APC not to participate in the debate organized by the Broadcasting Organization of Nigeria (BON) on grounds of alleged bias is baseless and absurd. The decision of the APC to boycott the debate provides ample evidence of their cowardice and their unrelenting contempt for the Nigerian people. “The truth is that the electorate would like to see the presidential candidates of all the political parties square up in a television debate to answer questions on their blueprint for governance and national development. “The PDP Presidential Campaign Organisation are interested in our candidate, President Jonathan engaging General Buhari in a robust and lively debate so that both men can speak about issues like corruption, insurgency, the fight against terrorism and the economy all of which are areas in which Buhari has grounded his unjustifiable and mischievous attacks on our candidate. “Since the APC are not comfortable with anyone else handling and organising the debate and since they keep alleging bias on the part of any sensible and impartial organizer, we challenge them to organise the debate themselves. As long as the debate is live and they will allow our candidate to speak his mind on all issues, without any interruption and without cutting him short, we assure them that we will attend. Our candidates-President Jonathan and his Vice President, Architect Namadi Sambo will take up the gauntlet and join issues with them anywhere in this country and at anytime as long as the Nigerian people can witness the event live and as long as it is done openly for the world to see. “We know that they may have a few challenges with the English language; so, if they like they can even conduct the debate in vernacular: we would be prepared to pay for a translator or an interpreter just so that they could understand the proceedings. Whenever they want to organise such a debate and wherever they choose as the venue, we will be there, as long it will be televised live. This is because we believe that under any circumstances and in every situation President Goodluck Jonathan will give Buhari the thrashing of his life in any frank and open discussion about his record in public office.” [myad]
National Publicity Secretary of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Olisa Metuh has said that people in the Northern part of Nigeria are just eager to vote en-mass for President Goodluck Jonathan over and above the Presidential candidate of the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC), General Muhammadu Buhari in the February 14 election.
“Indeed, Nigerians in the north are eager to re-elect President Goodluck Jonathan come February 14, 2015. Voters in the region appreciate the direct positive impact of the numerous development projects executed by the Jonathan administration in all sectors of life.
In a statement today, Metuh predicted that President Jonathan will defeat General Buhari in the election, saying that Jonathan is enjoying soaring popularity among the voting population across the country.
According to him, the President would win more than two-third of the total votes cast as well as the required 25 percent in all the states of the federation, adding that President Jonathan will beat Buhari in the north, not only because the PDP controls 12 out of the 19 states of the region, but because the citizens are pleased with the numerous development projects he executed in the region.
Metuh explained that the various projects and appointments in the north have placed President Jonathan ahead of Buhari especially following the fact that the APC presidential candidate never executed any in the region when he was head of state and has so far failed to articulate an acceptable blue-print for development.
“They appreciate the fact that recognizing that agriculture is the mainstay of the northern economy, President Jonathan ensured that out of the 2.7 million direct farm jobs achieved by his administration, over 2 million are in the north.
“They appreciate the fact that President Jonathan established the e-wallet system, which eliminated the corruption in the distribution of fertilizer and other farmputs, making the products directly accessible to millions of farmers in the region thereby boosting their productivity. They appreciate the fact that silos are brimming and food pyramids are returning in the north.
“In education, President Jonathan’s imprint in the north remains indelible. Today, the once relegated Almajiri boys can now go to school following the establishment of the Almajiri System of Education, the first of its kind, with over 150 special schools already built, while others are nearing completion, a noble idea, General Buhari never thought of when he was head of state.
“Also, out of the 14 new universities established by President Jonathan, 9 are located in the northern states thereby ensuring that all states of the region have a federal university. This is in addition to the establishment of new secondary schools and training of teachers for quality education in the region.
“Furthermore our citizens in the north are happy with President Jonathan for his efforts in tackling desertification in the region especially with the establish of more than 80 km of 15–row Green Belt in addition to the Presidential Initiative on Afforestation in Kano and 10 other Northern States.”
Metuh recalled the increased attention to the health need of the area especially the interventions towards polio eradication and treatment of VVF among others.
He said that President Jonathan has repositioned the region for prosperity and that the north now stands to benefit immensely from the revitalization of the railways, especially the rehabilitation of the Minna-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano narrow gauge, the Markurdi-Lafia-Kuru-Bauchi-Gombe-Ashaka-Maiduguri line and the branch line from Kafanchan to Kaduna, which are expected to increase productivity in the region.
The PDP National publicity secretary said that roads in the region have received serious attention under Jonathan citing the decades-long intractable Kano-Maiduguri highway, the longest stretch in the country, which is now being successfully tackled in addition to the Abuja-Lokoja road, which is now a delight for road travellers. [myad]
Serena Williams today, beat Maria Sharapova 6-3, 7-6 (5) to continue her 100 percent record in finals at Melbourne Park and move closer to Steffi Graf’s record of 22 major titles in the Open era.
Williams, at 33 years and 127 days, became the oldest winner of the Australian women’s title in the Open era and moved into outright second place on the list of major winners in the Open era, moving clear of Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova on 18.
Still affected by a recent cold, Williams controlled the first set around a rain delay when play was stopped for 13 minutes during the sixth game for the roof on Rod Laver Arena to be closed. Williams came back on court momentarily, but returned to the locker room.
”I had a really bad cough, I ended up throwing up,” Williams said. ”I think in a way that just helped me – I felt better after that.”
She returned to court and fired an ace to start a run of six straight points to take the set away from Sharapova.
Williams won the first six points of the second set, too, before Sharapova started hitting out.
The five-time major winner had 18 of her 21 winners in the second set, and fended off four break points.
No. 2-ranked Sharapova saved two match points, including one in the 10th game when she hit a forehand winner down the line, and she calmly held serve twice to stay in the match. In the end, though, it wasn’t enough to end a decade-long losing streak to Williams.
”I haven’t beaten her in a long time but I love every time I step on the court with her,” said Sharapova, who trails 17-2 in career head-to-heads against Williams and hasn’t beaten the American since 2004. ”I’ve had some of the best memories of my career on this court and also some of my toughest losses, but that’s the life of a tennis player.”
Williams was closing in on her 19th Grand Slam singles title, her 16th straight win over Maria Sharapova and her sixth Australian Open championship when she was docked a point by the chair umpire for hindrance – for yelling in celebration too early when she thought she’d hit a service winner.
”I got too excited and I hit a great serve … I didn’t expect her to get it back,” Williams explained of the hindrance call in the seventh game of the second set. ”I said, ‘C’mon’, a little too soon. I guess there’s a rule that you can’t do it. So I’m fine with it. I moved on very fast to the next point; just tried to stay as focused as I could.”
The muted fist pump, she said, was just for fun.
”I’m like, ‘C’mon.’ It just goes to show you I have more fun on the court. I would have never done that three years ago, four years ago,” said Williams, who has let similar calls upset her in the past. ”So I just kind of made a little sarcasm after that.”
On her third match point, she let her racket go before hearing a let call to what she thought was an ace.
”I thought, ‘Wow this is it, I did it,’ only to hear let. I was like, ‘OK Serena!”’ she said.
So she fell back on her biggest weapon, firing another ace – her 15th of the set and 18th of the match. This time, after checking it was official, she bounced around like a little child and the celebration was real.
”I’m so honored to be here and to hold this 19th trophy,” Williams said. ”I didn’t think it would happen this fast, to be honest, but it feels really good.”
”When I think about Paris, I don’t think about 20. I just think about winning there,” said Williams, who didn’t reach a quarterfinal in a Grand Slam between her wins at the 2013 and 2014 U.S. Opens.
On the men’s side, Fabio Fognini and Simone Bolelli became the first all-Italian team to capture a Grand Slam men’s doubles title in more than 50 years after beating French pair Nicolas Mahut and Pierre-Hugues Herbert 6-4, 6-4.
Novak Djokovic has won all four times he’s reached the Australian Open final and is aiming to maintain his 100 percent record when he takes on Andy Murray in Sunday’s singles final. [myad]
The Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu 11, has warned the new Assistant Inspector of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone 2 Police Headquarters, Lagos, Joseph Mbu to stop from any attempt to intimidate the people of Lagos as he earlier did in Rivers State, when he was police commissioner.
Akiolu who gave the warning while receiving the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari’s delegation in his palace said: “Nobody can intimidate us. Let it be clear that Lagos is not Port Harcourt.”
The traditional ruler, who advised people of Lagos to cooperate with security agencies, added that though police redeployment is normal during elections, but that “any policeman that comes here to cause trouble will fail. I and my people will give him a matching order.”
He stressed the importance of police officers not be partisan, adding: “police should do their constitutional role without bias.
“I want to sound a word of warning to security agencies. If anybody comes here to come and cause trouble he will fail. Others have tried and failed. Sometimes back, someone (a police officer) was posted here and he attacked me and Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. I told him (police officer) he will fail and he did fail,” the monarch said.
He however urged the people of Lagos to cooperate with the security agencies for the general well-being of the state.
“I urged my people to cooperate with the police and the army to do their job. I want all my people to be peaceful and law-abiding. All shall be well with us,” he said.
The monarch said Lagos State has suffered under the PDP-led Federal Government since the return of civil rule in 1999. He described Buhari as an upright, honest and dedicated gentleman who meant well for the country.
“Lagos won’t ever lag behind again in the forthcoming dispensation. I know the ability of Buhari. He is very passionate about this country and he will deliver.” [myad]
All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Organization has expressed happiness over the decision of the African Union (AU) to commit 7,500 troops in a multinational effort to fight the Boko Haram terror sect. Leaders of the African Union Peace and Security Council (PSC) met yesterday and agreed to the plan to bring to an end the killings and maiming of residents of the North East part of Nigeria by the militant group and endorsed a plan for a regional task force of 7,500 Army to fight the sect. The meeting which was presided by President Alpha Conde of Guinea, said the effort would end the militants, who recently expanded their attacks to the borders of Lake Chad region of Cameroon, Chad and Niger. Nigeria, Cameroon, Niger, Chad and Benin had earlier in the month requested the AU to seek U.N. Security Council mandate for their plan to take on insurgents who are allegedly fighting to create an Islamic state in northern Nigeria. Smail Chergui, the AU commissioner for Peace and Security Council, told reporters on the sidelines of an African summit in Addis Ababa shortly after the meeting that: “We are thinking of a force of 7,500 women and men which will be submitted to the U.N. Security Council for approval.’’ Chergui hoped that the concept of the force would be better organised and “we can achieve the goal that we are looking for to really stop the killing and these barbaric acts of Boko Haram’’. He said the African group would meet in Cameroon early February “to draw up a concept of operations and strategy, rules of engagement, command and control, and related issues.” Each of the five nations would contribute a battalion with each contingent to base within its national borders, with operations to be coordinated from Chad. And a statement from the Director of Media and Publicity of the APC Presidential Campaign Organisation, Garba Shehu, said that the decision of the AU to send troops to confront the Boko Haram onslaught will bring succour to many Nigerians who have haplessly waited for government intervention. The statement, signed said: “for the victims of the Boko Haram onslaught and for Nigerians who are residents of areas most hit by Boko Haram attacks, this is the best news that has come for a long time. “It is an action that has become necessary in the face of the seemingly show of ineptitude and a clear lack of proactive initiatives on the part of the PDP government, a government that prefers to muddle up and politicize issues of paramount importance than to squarely face them. such as the security of lives and property of those they swore to protect. “We will only implore the AU troops to conduct themselves in accordance with the global rules of engagement, particularly as it relates to issues of fundamental human rights.” [myad]
Special Adviser to the President on Political Affairs, Professor Rufai Ahmed Alkali has made it clear that Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and President Goodluck Jonathan are fully ready for the February elections, debunking the allegations that the Presidency and PDP are scheming to postpone the elections.
In a statement today, Professor Alkali said that from the campaign tours and the unprecedented outpour of goodwill across the country, “we are confident of a wider margin of victory than ever before. We are ready and fully prepared for this election.
“Nigerians have seen President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan crisscross the length and breadth of the country in the last one month to rousing receptions. This certainly is not the sign of someone who is frightened about elections or unprepared for same.”
He accused the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) of doing everything possible to frustrate the conduct of a free and fair election, alleging that APC has been breaching the Abuja Peace Accord. “The attempt to denigrate the Presidency of Nigeria and drag it down the cesspit of vile propaganda and rumour mongering is unfortunate and signpost’s the APC’s disregard for our revered institutions.” [myad]
The National Assembly Election Petitions Tribunal in Minna has upturned the result of the Niger East Senatorial by-election which gave the victory to Dr. Shem Zagbayi Nuhu of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and handed the victory to Barrister David Umaru of All Progressives Congress (APC).
The by-election was concluded on the 6th of September, 2014.
Chairman of the 3-man tribunal, Justice Ibrahim Bako gave the verdict in a judgment that lasted for hours.
Justice Bako said that APC candidate returned with 79,779 votes as against Dr. Shem Zagbayi Nuhu’s 68,525 votes.
Umaru of APC had petitioned the tribunal challenging the declaration of Nuhu of PDP by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as the winner of the by-election.
With this judgment, APC now has two Senators from the state – Niger East and Niger North Senatorial districts while PDP has one – Niger South Senatorial. [myad]
President Goodluck Jonathan has asked the people of Cross Rivers State to tell him what he may not have done right for them and that as a son of the state, if there is something he had not do well, it meant that he is a bad child who should then be called and put right. Addressing members of the state council of traditional rulers at the Government House, Calabar shortly before his campaign rally, he said he was not in Cross River State to campaign since he is already part of the people. “I am not doing campaign because I am part of you. If I am not doing well, it then means I am a bad child and all you need to do is to say ‘you have not done well in this area, you have to look through this area.’ I promise that I will do my best to make sure that whatever is due to this state is given to it.” President Jonathan said that he and his delegation were in the state to ask for their support because of their belief that his administration had taken some positive steps in its transformation agenda and that additional four years would afford the administration the opportunity to “put things at a reasonable level.” The President said that Tinapa project has not fully taken off judging by the vision of the state government, adding that when the project is fully functional, it would provide a lot of opportunities for the people. Jonathan said that the issue of a viable seaport port is one of the hindrances for the take off of the project and therefore promised that when re-elected, he would ensure the dredging of the Calabar Port and work with the leadership of the state to ensure its proper take-off. Also speaking at the occasion, the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP), Dr. Adamu Muazu, promised that the next Jonathan administration would ensure that the traditional institution gets its rightful place as it would be formalised under the constitution. He presented president and Vice President Namadi Sambo to the Cross River royal institution and the people of the state, asking for their “blessing, support and much-needed prayers.” In his remarks on behalf of Cross River State the traditional rulers, Chairman of Cross River State Traditional Council, Dr. Okon Etim, assured the president that the state was the surest state for the PDP in the coming election. He said Governor Liyel Imoke of the state has already given them a charge to deliver Cross River to President Jonathan and the PDP, urging however that when re-elected, the president must fulfil his promises to the state. “We know where we are going and there is absolutely no confusion about it. Our governor, Liyel Imoke is a master tactician and strategist. He has already given us a charge. “The average Cross Riverian has hope that you will do something for us,” he said, while encouraging the president to go into the election without fear as he observed that the Lord was with him. “Because the Lord is with you, you have nothing to fear. We assure you that we are going to support you and when you go there for a second term, do not forget Liyel Imoke, do not forget Bakassi, and indeed, do not forget Cross River state. “As traditional ruler, you are the only president we have seen all this time. I’m the spokesman of South South Traditional Rulers forum and a strong member of the national traditional rulers council. I can assure you therefore 85 percent of traditional rulers are with you.” President Jonathan later commissioned the Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Bypass, a 6.8 kilometer airport dual-carriage way constructed by the Imoke administration, which the governor explained, was built with an interchange on a swamp. Jonathan said the idea of the bypass symbolised the great story of the PDP’s visionary leadership and thanked the people of the state for immortalising him. He prayed that before he leaves office, he would have the opportunity to do more things that he would be remembered for. [myad]
The oldest son of former President Shehu Shagari, Captain Bala Shagari (retired), has called on the leaders of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to stop dragging his father’s name into the endorsement politics of their presidential candidate and allow his father enjoy the quiet life of his retirement. Bala Shagari, who holds the traditional title of Sarkin Mafaran Shagari, said in a statement that it is embarrassing for his elderly father to be dragged into partisan politics, which brings him needless distractions into his private life in retirement. According to retired Captain Shagari, while his father would continue to pray for the peace, unity and stability of Nigeria, it is wrong for any political party or group of politicians to use his name in their endorsement campaign without his permission to advance their own interests. Bala Shagari said his father has not endorsed anybody for the February 2015 Presidential election, and that he remains politically neutral. He explained that as a father figure, his father’s role is to pray for peace, unity and stability of Nigeria. The District Head of Shagari said any endorsement of candidate or candidates of any party might compromise the neutrality and integrity of his father, former President Shehu Shagari. He however advised politicians to avoid politics of bitterness, division, intolerance and violence, which he posed a threat to Nigeria’s democracy. [myad]
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
