How I Escaped Being Killed By Politicians Who Wanted Me To Bend Rules – INEC Boss

August 12, 2022

The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) in Akwa Ibom State, Barrister Mike Igini, has recalled how he received death threats from desperate politicians who wanted him to bend the rules to win elections.

Speaking to news men today, August 12, at the Conference Hall of the INEC Secretariat in Uyo, as he retires from active service, Barrister Mike said that despite such threats to his life, he stood his ground to reform the electoral process, which he recalled was badly battered before the 2019 polls.

According to him, his refusal to succumb to the whims and caprices of some desperate politicians in the state pitched him against some “Dinosaurs” who were not happy with him.

He said he has already set electoral standards in the state and that his exit will not change the template.

“INEC in Akwa Ibom State under my watch is very clear on the conduct of elections as directed by INEC at the national level and we are poised to deal with historical challenges as it concerns electoral matters.

“Politicians in Akwa Ibom State are used to rigging but i have said no, that is why the ‘Dinosaurs’ are angry. Some believe that they can buy all the people all the time because of permanent interest but Mike Igini has vowed that I can’t be bought with money.

“INEC in the state will continue to serve the people even at the risk of their lives because they are doing the right thing. Democracy will have no meaning if the rule of law is not totally embrace.

“All elements who acted contrary to the rule of Electoral law in 2019 were duly punished including INEC Staff.INEC has built electoral fireworks in Akwa Ibom State so that electoral template can be maintained.”

Barrister Mike Igini recalled that in 2019, about 23 illegal polling units were discovered in the homes of some politicians in the state, adding his quarrels with politicians started when he ordered that those polling units be relocated to open places.

“In 2019, some illegal polling units were identified in the homes of politicians in the State and I directed that such polling units be relocated to open places where people can vote under a conducive atmosphere.”

All Rent Seekers Milling Around Atiku Will Make Him To Lose 2023 Presidency – Gov Wike

Editorial staff

August 12, 2022

The Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike has said that people around the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar may hinder him from winning the 2023 election.

Governor Wike, who spoke today, August 12 in Port Harcourt during the commissioning of the Rivers State House of Assembly Quarters built by his administration, said that the people who always want to be seen around Atiku in Abuja may eventually cost him the presidential election because they are going about it the wrong way.

He said that instead of milling around the PDP candidate in Abuja, they need to go to their respective states and sell the candidature of Atiku to their people, calling on Atiku to send them all back to their respective states.

Governor who said that he had already made his mind known to Atiku about those around him and how their activities may eventually cost him the presidential election if he doesn’t do the needful quickly, said: “I have told the candidate, you will win or lose this election because of people around you.

“This should be the focus of all true lovers of PDP who want electoral victory. You’re supposed to be talking about how you will win election. All these rent seekers around him (Atiku) are not doing him any favour. Rather they are trying to make him not to win election. But if that is what they wish, I wish them good luck.”

“You see that I am not talking. I am doing my work, so leave me to do my work. Those concocting ideas every day in social media cannot make you win election. Election is about the people and by the people. Those in Abuja with you (Atiku), tell them to go home and campaign for you to win election. Leave Wike alone, enough is enough.”

Source: NaijaNews.

Reps Speaker, Gbajabiamila Still Bitter With Sokoto Gov. For Working Against Him

Editorial staff

August 12, 2022

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, is still bitter with the Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal, in a veiled reference to him.

He told Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State that Tambuwal and others, including governor Wike who plotted against him for the speakership of the house of Reps in 2015, were the same that also worked against him (Wike) at the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential primary recently.

The Speaker, at the inauguration of the official quarters of the Rivers House of Assembly today, August 12, said: “let me start by thanking the Governor, my friend and brother that a confession that has been known to all forever that you plotted against me.

“It is the irony of life and indeed very interesting, the twist of fate, that those who he sat with to plot against me are the same people who sat together at your primary to plot against you. So, plotting is not necessarily a new thing in politics but what is constant is that in politics, there are no permanent enemies, there are no permanent friends but what you have is permanent interest. “And by God’s grace this one that you have started, the journey that you have started that you and I both know shall be permanent. Please choke them. I said choke them.”

After his failed speakership bid in 2015, Gbajabiamila had accused Tambuwal of betraying him.

“I feel disappointed that a speaker to whom much had been given would chop down the issue of leadership and competence to the issue of procurement. That is the last thing I would expect him to say,” Gbaja had said on the defunct Straight Talk with Kadaria.

“To seat here and say there is no sense of betrayal would be lying. Of course, there is a sense of betrayal, but it’s not something I dwell on. Betrayal unfortunately happens to be the order of the day in politics – particularly in Nigeria. So do I feel betrayed? Yes.

“Tambuwal was one of my closest friends when he ran for speaker; I think I single-handedly pushed his speakership bid. But again, he must have reasons why he did what he did. That must be respected; I just wished he had made that known.”

Asked if he had spoken with Tambuwal since the election, he said: “No I have not, I am not crossing paths with him, he is in Sokoto, I’m in Abuja; you might want to direct that question to him. Who do you think should be reaching out to who?

“When it was clear we were going to win, the other side walked out. Tambuwal, who is my friend, did not call once to congratulate me, he never sent a message, and I haven’t spoken to him since then.”

Governor Wike had contested the presidential ticket of the party but lost to former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar.

Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State, who was among the presidential aspirants, had stepped down for Atiku during the primaries.

Many attributed the victory of Atiku to the act of Tambuwal, who was speaker when Gbajabiamila was majority leader of the lower legislative chamber of the National Assembly.

Although the All Progressives Congress (APC) leadership had tipped Gbajabiamila as Tambuwal’s successor, Yakubu Dogara was elected speaker.

Source: Daily Trust.

I’m Not A Kid To File Suit Against Atiku’s Candidacy About 2 Months After Primary – Wike

Editorial staff

August 12, 2022

Governor Nyeson Wike of Rivers State has made it clear that he didn’t know anything about a suit challenging the position of Atiku Abubakar as the Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to which he belongs.

In reaction to the news which trended in media today, August 12, Governor Wike described the suit as the handiwork of mischief makers who merely want to use him to score cheap political points.

“I don’t know anything about the so called suit. I did not ask anyone to file any suit for me. I don’t know the lawyers..

“Am I a kid to be filing a suit at this time. I had 14 days after the primary within which to have filed any suit. I didn’t do that then, is it two months after primary I will file a suit?”

This was even as the National Chairman of the PDP, Iyorchia Ayu, accused the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) of being behind the suit.

Speaking at the International Commemoration of United Nations International Youths Day 2022 celebration of the PDP in Abuja, today, Iyorcha Ayu said: Wike never took the party to court. It’s APC that puts the case. The first man on that case is a coordinator for the presidential candidate of the APC.”

The PDP boss, who did not mention any particular name, added that: “We know very well that they don’t believe they can win any election. They are trying to divide you. Don’t let any APC manipulation divide you. They are the one sponsoring stories of crisis in the PDP.”

“There is no crisis in PDP. PDP has no crisis. It’s a united political party. Anybody who thinks he can come and do crisis, they should wait for us next year February, we will show them that they are the ones who have a crisis.

“So, I want to make it clear because people will start saying that Wike took the party to court. Wike is a strong party man and I’m happy he came out immediately and denied that he never took the party to court.

“And very soon, it will be revealed that the coordinator of the Presidential candidate of the APC was the one that put Wike’s name. And that is a criminal thing.”

Earlier today, news broke out that Governor Wike had instituted a suit, marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/782/2022, dated June 6, 2022, at the Federal High Abuja challenging the candidacy of Atiku, claiming that he was the rightful candidate of the PDP in the June primary of the party in Abuja..

How We Use Pen To Open Cars, Steal Laptops, Others – Abuja Robbery Gang

Editorial staff

August 12, 2022

A 35-year-old convict native of Borno State and graduate of the University of Maiduguri, Shettima Abubakar, known for stealing laptops from cars within the Central Area of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has revealed his mode of operation.

According to him, he uses a pen to interrupt the lock system of vehicles, especially from unsuspecting victims using remote keys.

Abubakar had confessed to his crime after he was paraded alongside five others at the Central Police Station, located at the Federal Secretariat area of the FCT.

The other suspects include the one who unlocks the laptops after being stolen; the one who sells the laptops and the unsuspecting end buyer of the laptop.

Abubakar, who answered questions from newsmen explained how he operated until his arrest.

“If you come with your vehicle and I am close to it before you press the remote of your vehicle, I will follow the other passenger side, and open it and insert a pen there.

“So, even when you lock it with the remote, it will show you a sign that you locked it with its lock pattern. Then after you go, I will come back and open the vehicle.

“So, anything that looks like a bag inside a car, I try to see what is in it and when there is a laptop, I take it and leave the rest.”

The FCT Police Spokesperson, DSP Josephine Adeh, while addressing the news men said that Abubakar, the two-time convict alongside the other suspects were arrested between August 5 and 10 after a painstaking investigation by operatives of the Central Police.

“The suspects specialize in stealing laptops, Ipads and others. Out of the six, three are suspects – those who steal laptops and the other three are receivers and they have been terrorizing the central area.”

Adeh advised residents to be vigilant and ensure they utilise various tools in safeguarding their cars.

But Abubakar, the gang leader of the syndicate had more on what residents should do.

“My advice for people that have vehicles is that they should be assured that if someone was using a key to lock his/her vehicle it will be hard for someone else to open the car because you are standing by your vehicle.

“People who use remotes to lock their cars with pride should stop it, especially those who move a bit of a distance before locking their cars. If you want to lock your vehicle, ensure it is locked before leaving there, else someone will have access to it.”

Meanwhile, the police urged residents with missing laptops report to the command or the central police station to reclaim their belongings. The command paraded about 200 laptops, allegedly stolen by the suspects.

But another suspect, Kabiru Useni, from Kogi State who was arrested for his complicity, claimed innocence after accusing the police of seizing laptops from his store in Wuse zone 3, upon his arrest.

The police arrested him for having identified his role in unlocking stolen laptops as well as buying the carcass of condemned laptops. But Useni feigned ignorance of the circumstances surrounding the laptops brought to him.

He said out of the laptops displayed as an exhibits, at least 20 belonged to his clients. The police, however, revealed that investigation has shown that Useni bought a laptop from Abubakar for at least N100,000.

Ignore Media View, Nigerian Govt Supports One China Policy, Presidency Assures Ambassador

Greenbarge Reporters

August 12, 2022

The Presidency has assured the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, CUI Jianchun and the new Deputy Chief of Mission/Ministerial Councilor, Zhang Yi that Nigerian government recognizes and supports China One Policy.

“The things you read in the press (Nigerian) concerning One China Policy are not a representation of the Federal Government policy on One China policy.

“Nigeria’s Constitution is written in a way that allows freedom of expression in the Media.”

Receiving the Chinese Ambassador at the Presidential villa today, August 12, Malam Garba Shehu along with Femi Adesina; the two spokesmen of President Muhammadu Buhari described misrepresentation of One China policy in some section of the Nigerian Media as wrong.

Garba Shehu stressed that what is important in the Nigeria-China relations is that Nigerian government recognize and support the One China policy.

This was even as Femi Adesina said that when the history of the Buhari Administration’s efforts to reverse Nigeria’s infrastructure deficit is written, the role of China will not be forgotten.

According to Adesina, Chinese government had sustained efforts to improve Nigeria’s infrastructure development in several areas, including power, rail, and aviation, among others.

“President Buhari has very great respect for China. Many times he has spoken about the support from China and he deeply appreciates it. President Buhari and President Xi Jinping share respect and friendship.

“Nigeria appreciates the mutual cooperation with China and we pray that diplomatic relations will continue to be strong and mutually beneficial. President Buhari has visited China twice and also participated in the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) meeting in South Africa.”

The Ambassador explained his 5GOAL NIGERIA-CHINA GDP STRATEGY, pegged around political consonance, economic cooperation, military collaboration, international coordination and people communication.

Jianchun, who has spent 17 months in Nigeria, pledged that China would continue to prioritize investments in railway, road, ports, electricity, ICT, oil and gas, agriculture, mining, among others, across the country.

On the 700MW Zungeru hydroelectric power plant under construction in Niger State, the Chinese Ambassador said his government is deeply committed to its completion and operationalization soon.

2023: People Supporting Peter Obi Are Miscreants, Jobless, Idle youths – Ihedioha

Greenbarge Reporters

August 12, 2022

“Take a closer look at Peter Obi’s Presidential pretenses, the only people supporting him are miscreants, jobless and idle youths; no responsible leader is supporting his actions.”

A former Deputy Speaker of the Federal. House of Representatives and PDP leader, Emeka made the verdict when he spoke to newsmen today in Abuja.

He described the Presidential ambition of Peter Obi as dead on arrival, pleading with the Igbos to wait till 2031.

“Peter Obi’s desperation to become Nigeria’s President is ill advised. What any right thinking average Igbo person should do now is to be in alliance with the North to complete their tenure under PDP before the South East can try its luck in 2031.”

Ihedioha maintained that for Nigeria to surpass its grievous challenges, a Peter Obi’s Presidency will never be a better option

He warned anyone canvassing for the acceptance of Obi’s ambition to be weary of the impending consequences, saying that the mistakes of President Buhari’s administration will be redoubled by the Labour Party candidate if elected.

“Peter Obi is my personal friend and brother from the same tribe; I know him too well more than others. He is not only crafty but desperate to seise any opportunity for his personal desires. He is not the best for now to rescue our country. Atiku Abubakar is better than him.”

On the nation’s declining economy, Ihedioha pointed out that having garnered much experience in governance and business, the PDP candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar remains the hard core to salvage the country.

He advised supporters of Obi’s presidential bid to desist, adding that such decision will throw the country into another height of calamitous situation much bigger than what APC has caused.

Naira Falls Against Dollar At Official Market; It’s N444/$

Greenbarge Reporters

August 12, 2022

The Nigerian currency, Naira, fell heavily against the United States dollars at the official market yesterday, August 11. It went for N444 to a dollar.

After trading activities yesterday, Data from FMDQ Securities showed that Naira exchanged for the US dollar at N430.25. This was a N1.5 or 0.34 percent loss when compared to the N428.75 for the last two days.

During the day’s trade, Naira was exchanged for N444/$ dollar.

Watchers attributed the Naira’s poor performance to low forex supply to the market.

FMDQ reports that traders exchanged $58.39 million yesterday, compared to $113. 64 million traded on August 9.

Wike Challenges Atiku’s PDP Candidacy In Court, Wants Him Declared As Candidate

Greenbarge Reporters

August 12, 2022

Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State has challenged the Presidential candidacy of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar in court, claiming that he is th right candidate for the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

In the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/782/2022, involving the Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal and the PDP over the conduct of the presidential primary of the party that was held in Abuja on May 28 and May 29, 2022, Wike and a PDP chieftain, Newgent Ekamon, are listed as the plaintiffs.

In the originating summons, the PDP is listed as the first respondent while the Independent National Electoral Commission is the 2nd respondent. Tambuwal and Atiku are listed as the 3rd and 4th respondents respectively.

During the PDP presidential primary, when aspirants were asked to address delegates, Tambuwal had asked them to vote for him only to return moments later to ask them to vote for Atiku.

At the primary, Atiku polled 371 votes while Wike and Bukola Saraki garnered 237 and 70 votes respectively. After the convention, the National Chairman of the PDP, Iyorchia Ayu, described Tambuwal as the “hero of the convention.”

In the originating summons, Wike and his co-applicant asked the court to determine eight issues including whether the purported transfer of Tambuwal’s votes to Atiku by the PDP was illegal and void.

The plaintiffs asked the court to determine if Tambuwal lost his claim to votes the moment he stepped down for Atiku.

He asked the court to determine whether Tambuwal “having stepped down during the primaries ought to lose his votes.”

Wike and Ekamon argued that should these issues be determined in their favour, the court should grant nine reliefs including a declaration that the purported transfer of Tambuwal’s votes to Atiku be declared null and void.

The plaintiffs are also seeking a declaration that the PDP acted negligently and in bad faith by assigning the Sokoto governor’s votes to Atiku at the primary.

They prayed the court to “cancel the transfer of votes and a corresponding order restraining the 3rd respondent (Tambuwal’s) withdrawal in the primary was done after voting had commenced.”

The applicants also prayed the court to declare that the PDP and Atiku took undue advantage of Tambuwal’s withdrawal when they allowed the Sokoto governor to persuade delegates to vote for the former Vice-President in the primary.

Wike and Ekamon asked the court to order INEC to reject or remove Atiku from “its list of candidates in the 2023 presidential election.”

They are also seeking an order commanding the PDP to recount the votes of the primary that was held on May 28 and May 29.

Lastly, the applicants are seeking an order of the court “directing the 1st respondent (PDP) to declare the 2nd applicant (Wike), a presidential aspirant in the May 28 and May 29 primary as the winner of the aforesaid primary with a corresponding order directing the 1st respondent (PDP) to forward his name as the candidate to contest the presidential election in 2023.”

In a supporting affidavit he deposed to, Ekamon noted that he was a member of the PDP and attested to the fact that Wike won the presidential election.

He maintained that Tambuwal withdrew from the contest after voting had commenced and directed that his votes be assigned to Atiku.

“The third respondent (Tambuwal) speaking twice before stepping down from the contest, persuaded all his delegates who were going to vote for him to vote for the 4th respondent (Atiku).

“The 1st (PDP) and 4th (Atiku) respondents who also wanted the votes desperately agreed with the 3rd (Tambuwal) and assigned 3rd (Tambuwal) respodnent’s votes to the 4th (Atiku) respondent and increased his votes to win the 2nd applicant (Wike).

“The 2nd applicant (Wike) won the primaries if the votes of the 3rd respondent (Tambuwal) had not been transferred or assigned to the 4th respondent (Atiku).

The PUNCH learnt that the court processes had been served on the PDP at its Wadata Plaza headquarters located at Wuse Zone 5 while a copy had also been delivered to Atiku’s Campaign office in Maitama and the Sokoto State Government’s Liaison Office by the court bailiff.

Wike has been at loggerheads with Atiku and Tambuwal since his defeat in the presidential primary.

Source: Punch.

Crypto Currencies May Destroy Nigeria, Other Nations’ Monetary Sovereignty – UN Body

Editorial staff

August 11, 2022

Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany – April 17, 2018: Many coins of various cryptocurrencies

The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) has called for action to curb cryptocurrencies in Nigeria and other developing nations.

The UN trade and development agency made the call in three policy briefs entitled: ‘All that glitters is not gold: The high cost of leaving cryptocurrencies unregulated,’published on Wednesday.

The policy brief examines the reasons for the rapid uptake of cryptocurrencies in developing countries, including the facilitation of remittances and as a hedge against currency and inflation risks.

UNCTAD warned that although private digital currencies have rewarded some individuals and institutions, saying that they are an unstable financial asset that could bring social risks and costs.

UNCTAD said that their benefits to some are overshadowed by the threats they pose to financial stability, domestic resource mobilisation, and the security of monetary systems.

According to the agency, the use of cryptocurrency rose globally at an unprecedented rate during the COVID-19 pandemic, reinforcing a trend that is already in motion, noting that some 19,000 are currently in existence.

In 2021, developing countries accounted for 15 of the top 20 economies regarding the share of the population that owns cryptocurrencies. Ukraine topped the list with 12.7 per cent, followed by Russia and Venezuela, with 11.9 per cent and 10.3 per cent, respectively.

“Recent digital currency shocks in the market suggest that there are private risks to holding crypto, but if the central bank steps in to protect financial stability, then the problem becomes a public one,” UNCTAD said.

Source: Blueprint

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