Group Asks PDP To Stop Discrediting Judiciary, Challenges It To Go To Supreme Court

September 12, 2019

A group, the Buhari Media Organisation (BMO) has asked the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to stop discrediting the judgment of the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal (PEPT), challenging the party to proceed to the Supreme Court if it is not satisfied with the judgment.

In a statement signed by its Chairman Niyi Akinsiju and Secretary Cassidy Madueke, group said that encouraging its minions to cast aspersions on the Tribunal would not help the party to go anywhere..

“As expected, PDP has opted to reject the verdict of the five-member panel, but what is baffling is the manner the party is seeking to discredit it by describing it as a ‘barefaced subversion of justice.’

“Even after the painstaking manner that the Tribunal showed that the President was eminently qualified for the job, this party is still claiming that he was not qualified to contest the 2019 election.

“If PDP leaders are still holding on to the jaded claim that Buhari does not have the requisite qualifications, then they were either not paying attention to the points raised by Justice Mohammed Garba who read the lead judgement, or they are just out to continue to malign members of the panel.

“Because the courtroom was thrown open to the media, many Nigerians across the country had the rare privilege of hearing how the verdict was rendered in an unambiguous way, but as usual, opposition elements are twisting it to suit their fancy.

“Or how else would a reasonable party deliberately misquote the Tribunal as saying that ‘one need not provide a copy or certified true copy of educational certificate’, when indeed it held that the fact that President Buhari did not attach his certificate to the form CF001 and the affidavit he submitted to INEC, did not imply that he did not possess the documents as claimed by the petitioners.

“Everyone who listened to the judgement, probably aside from the PDP, must have heard how the presiding judge then explained that ‘there is evidence before the court that the 2^nd respondent (Buhari) went for military training after his secondary school education’.

“The judge also added that ‘the 2^nd respondent has more than secondary school certificate having attended further courses while in the Army before concluding that President Buhari was not only qualified but also eminently qualified,” the group said.

BMO also had strong words for PDP elements pushing online memes and jokes about affidavits on the basis of what they claimed the panel said.

“There was nowhere in the judgement that the panel said a person seeking elective positions does not need to tender educational certificates.

“What is clear from the verdict rendered by Justice Garba is that although there is no constitutional requirement for candidates to attach certificates to INEC form, they still have to swear to an affidavit detailing personal information, including academic qualifications and professional attainment.

“We wonder how people who claim to be defenders of the justice system would be making a mockery of an aspect of the system by encouraging others to swear a false affidavit of their qualification.

“For the avoidance of doubt, President Buhari did not only complete his secondary education before joining the Nigerian Army, but his overall educational background is also on a far higher level than that of PDP’s former Presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar.

“It is baffling that people questioning the President’s credentials are backing an individual whose Secondary School Certificate was too poor to earn him a place in a Police College, while the man they love to hate not only entered the Army but also underwent officer cadet training at Mons Officer Cadet School in Aldershot in England after completing preliminary training at the Nigerian Military Training College (NMTC).

“We also know that President Buhari was also at the Defence Service Staff College Wellington, India between 1973 and 1974 as well as US Army War College, Carlisle in 1980.

“It is no longer news that President Buhari eventually had a distinguished army career that saw him attaining the rank of Major General and later Nigeria’s military Head of State”.

The group then urged the PDP and its leaders to consider apologising to all Nigerians for wasting everyone’s time with their frivolous petition

“This is the best path of honour, even if the party itself cannot take a cue from one of its key leaders Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers state who was quick to break ranks and congratulate the President.

“But instead, they have chosen to subject the country to more insults with their poorly framed reaction to a judgement that some of Nigeria’s best lawyers have hailed.

“And just like the Information Minister Lai Mohammed has said: ’PDP and its candidate should be thanking their stars that they are not being prosecuted for coming to court with fraudulently-obtained evidence’ which the tribunal easily dismissed.”

How I Made Millions From Kidnapping On Abuja-Kaduna Road – Suspected Kingpin Confesses

Editorial staff

September 12, 2019

A 40 year old suspected kidnapping kidnap, Bello Abdul, alias Yellow, has confessed to have made millions of naira from his trade, murdered over ten persons and abducted more than 50 victims, especially on the notorious Abuja-Kaduna highway.

Bello Abdul, who spoke today, September 12 after he was arrested by operatives of the Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT), said: “I was into armed robbery and kidnapping. I have kidnapped about 50 times. I have collected N3 million like six times. I have collected N10 million, N17 million and N19 million from different places.

“I operate along Abuja-Kaduna road. I use small boys and those from my village in Maidaro. My boys are in Katsina and Zamfara. They are in nine places. I used AK47 rifles and I bought them N50,000 each from one Yaro Alhaji at Kajori. I buy like a container of ammunition. A single ammunition is N1,000.

“I have killed like 10 people. I killed one because the family insulted me on phone when I called them. Others were killed because their families did not pay ransom. I have rustled about 200 cows.

“I did all these things before but I have stopped them now. I have calmed down. If I call my brother Alhaji Abu, he will bring those weapons I used for kidnapping.”

Yellow was arrested at his hideout in Niger State by detectives, who have been on his trail following allegations of operating an armed robbery, cattle rustling and kidnapping syndicate that spanned across Katsina, Zamfara, Kaduna and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja.

The suspect who spoke Hausa said: “Yes I am married with five children. I was in Niger State. I was in Kajuru before but I moved to Niger Republic in Iyamadamakwa. I live in Kara.”

Buhari, Women-Friendly President Surrounded By Women

Greenbarge Reporters

September 12, 2019

President Muhammadu Buhari, obviously, a women-friendly President, is hereby surrounded by a delegation of National, Zonal, State and Federal Capital Territory Women leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the Presidential Villa today, September 12.

I’m Determined To Lift Millions Out Of Poverty In Next 4 Years – Buhari

Editorial staff

September 12, 2019

President Muhammadu Buhari has vowed to use the opportunity of his second term to lift millions of Nigerians out of poverty.

He said that he used his first term to prepare ground for the next level and that there is nothing that will stop him and his government from attaining the planned Eldorado for the majority of the citizens, especially the poor ones.

The President, who spoke today, September 12, when he received in audience, the new executive of Trade Union Congress, led by its President, Comrade Quadri Olaleye, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, said that his government embarked on the most ambitious infrastructure development and rehabilitation projects this country had never seen in decades.

“We also introduced the largest Social Investment Program in Sub-Saharan Africa.

“Although these programs and many more successfully lifted Nigeria out of recession, the full impact is yet to be felt. In the next four years, we shall sustain this momentum and by the grace of God, lift millions of Nigerians out of poverty.”

Buhari said that during his first term, he secured the nation’s territorial integrity and continue to protect the lives and properties of the citizens.

“We introduced various economic stimulus packages that support businesses and traders at all levels, promoted backward integration programmes especially in the agricultural sector to enhance our food security while creating jobs.”

He stressed that most of the inherited challenges were avoidable, if some previous governments had been keener on investing on infrastructure and human capacity.

“The points you raised are all interconnected. The lack of power and infrastructure due to decades of under-investment led to the closure or inefficient operations of a number of factories across the country. This meant the private sector was unable to create jobs fast enough to cope with our increasing population.

“You will agree with me that, all these challenges and many more were long ago left unattended to, thereby leaving the country in the mired state we inherited. You all will also testify to having seen and experienced what we have put in place as an administration to address these challenges.”

He concurred with the union leaders on the need to eliminate corruption and inefficiencies in the oil sector, assuring them that his government will continue to wage war on corruption in all sectors even as it had no intention of inflicting any additional hardship on Nigerians.

The President also assured the union leaders that his government is committed to the implementation of the national minimum wage, adding that the inaugural Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting held yesterday, September 11 focused on the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework, which included discussions around the new minimum wage.

In his remarks, the President of TUC advised the Federal Government to pay more attention on the welfare of Nigerians by avoiding increase of fuel price and ensuring implementation of the National Minimum Wage, which had been delayed by negotiations on the consequential adjustments.

“We are, however, disturbed that the enthusiasm is turning into a nightmare,’’ he said, urging the President to focus on poverty reduction and improving security.

Olaleye assured the President that TUC will support the government as it tackles challenges facing the country, commending him for increase in Internally Generated Revenue, steps on the xenophobic attacks on Nigerians and signing of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement.

Why I Entrust Budget And Finance Ministry In Hand Of Woman – Buhari

Editorial staff

September 12, 2019

President Muhammadu Buhari has explained why he has placed women in strategic positions of his government, especially the ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning so as to ensure effective management of limited resources available, and promote a stronger sense of inclusiveness.

President Buhari emphasized that he preferred women to oversee the economic and financial hub of the country as they can readily deploy their experience in aligning resources with the needs of the country, even as he said that Nigeria is blessed with many female technocrats that have local and international experiences on economy and finance.

The President gave the insight into his preferred choice for Ministers of Finance while receiving a delegation of National, Zonal, State and FCT Women leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) led by the party Women Leader, Hajiya Salamatu Umaru Baiwa at the State House.

“I am happy that I can defend myself very effectively on this issue. The APC party leader is my witness. Since the coming into power of this administration I have handed over the treasury to women.

“Even at household level, you hand over the money to women to manage. It can be taken to the level of managing the country’s treasury as well. I have consistently given it to women. It is strategic.

“I am conscious of the leadership roles of women in the society and by my action I have justified my belief,’’ President Buhari said.

The President reiterated that his administration will ensure inclusiveness for women and youths, especially in the second term, by providing more access to facilities that will enable spread of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises, and encourage more interest in agriculture.

President Buhari said the traditional and subsistence style of farming should be replaced with commercialized and business oriented techniques.

“We have to move away from the traditional ways of farming that were practiced in the pre-colonial and colonial era,’’ he added.

The President said he instructed the ministers to work with traditional institutions to encourage interest in farming, with the Central Bank of Nigeria readily providing loans at low interest rates and longer periods of repayment.

“On unemployment, I know there is no able bodied person that went back to the farm in the last three years that regretted the action,’’ he added.

In her remarks, the APC Woman Leader congratulated the President for his victory at the polls and the tribunal, commending the administration for its efforts in managing the affairs of the country, which provided the impetus for the vigorous campaigns.

Baiwa said women were particularly pleased and willing to vote for the President because the government deliberately formulated some policies to favour and empower women, like the social intervention Trader Moni.

She said the APC had many resourceful and loyal women that would contribute to the success of the administration, while commending the President for giving women strategic positions in the government.

“Our prayer is that God will give you the tenacity to overcome all obstacles,’’ the Woman Leader said.

Gov Wike Of PDP Congratulates Buhari Over Victory At Tribunal

Greenbarge Reporters

September 11, 2019

The Governor of Rivers State, on the platform of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Nyesom Wike has congratulated President Muhammadu Buhari on his victory at the presidential election petition tribunal.

The five-man panel of the tribunal had, today, September 11, dismissed the petition by the PDP and its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, challenging the outcome of the February 23 election. At the ruling which lasted over eight hours, chairman of the tribunal, Justice Mohammad Garba, dismissed all the petitions filed by the petitioners for failing to convince the tribunal in the reliefs they sought.

However, shortly after the tribunal’s verdict, Governor Wike, in a statement issued by his media aide, Simeon Nwakaudu, advised President Buhari to use his victory to work for all Nigerians, “irrespective of their political leanings.”

Governor Wike called on the President to work towards the unity of the country, noting that the country is divided.

Federal Executive Council Approves N189 Billion For Roads Construction Across Nigeria

Greenbarge Reporters

September 11, 2019

The Federal Executive Council (FEC), at its first sitting today, September 11 since it was inaugurated by President Muhammadu Buhari, approved about N189 billion for the construction and rehabilitation of various roads across the country.
The Minister of State for Works and Housing, Alhaji Abubakar Aliyu, who briefed news men shortly after the meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, said that the first segment of the approval was for the extension of the Lagos-Badagry express road to Nigeria’s border with Benin Republic at the cost of N15.2 billion, NAN reports.
The minister said: “we also approved the award of contracts for 14 road projects, they include the construction of two bridges at Kontagora-Rijau road at the cost of N1.12billion and construction of additional lane on Kano-Katsina road at the cost of N9.4 billion.”
According to him, the construction of Kontagora-Bangi road in Niger state will cost N20.3 billion, with a completion period of 48 months while rehabilitation of outer Marina-Bonny Camp road and Eko bridge will cost N9.2 billion, with a completion period of 12 months.
“Others include rehabilitation of Ibori-Idomi western road in Edo State at the cost of N4.5 billion with a construction period of 12 months; construction of Ilogu-Ireni road in Kwara and Osun states at the sum of N18.41billion,’’ he added.
The minister said that the Council approved N2.5billion for the construction of Wudil bridge on Kano-Maiduguri road while N12.3billion was approved for the rehabilitation of Wukari-Ibi road in Taraba.
He said that the council approved N10.6 billion for the construction of Baro Port road in Niger, N25billion for the rehabilitation of Ajingi-Kafin Hausa road in Jigawa while rehabilitation of Abba-Owerri road would cost N6.98 billion.
According to the minister, the council approved N16.9 billion for the rehabilitation of Kaliyari-Damaturu road in Yobe; N17.3billion for the construction of Yaba-Yangoji road in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and N12.7billion for the rehabilitation of two outstanding sections of Nnnewi-Okigwe road in Imo and Anambra.
The Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, who also spoke on the outcome of the meeting, said that the Council approved the revised estimate total cost for the rehabilitation of Itakpe -Ajaokuta Rail line.
He said that the contract was awarded at 122 million dollars but “we requested for a total of 56 million dollars additional works which were broken down into 38.8 million dollars additional works and 17.2 million dollars variation, now bringing the contract of Itakpe to Warri to a total of $178.7 million.
“Then, we also requested for Lagos to Ibadan with extension to Lagos port complex in Apapa.
“We asked for additional works for 374 million dollars with another variation of 282 million dollars totaling 656.8million dollars and added to 1.5 billion dollars that the contract was initially awarded for.”

PDP Describes Tribunal Judgment As Barefaced Subversion Of Justice

Greenbarge Reporters

September 11, 2019

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has described the judgment of the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal on the petition of its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, against the electoral victory of President Muhammadu Buhari, who was the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as a barefaced subversion of justice.

In a statement reacting to the Tribunal judgment today, September 11, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, said that the judgment was provocative, barefaced subversion of justice and a direct assault on the integrity of the nation’s justice system.

He said that PDP was particularly shocked that the tribunal failed to point to justice despite, what he called, the flawless evidence laid before it, showing that Buhari was not only unqualified to contest the election but also did not score the majority of valid votes at the polls.

“PDP finds it as bewildering that a court of law could validate a clear case of perjury and declaration of false information in a sworn affidavit, as firmly established against President Muhammadu Buhari, even in the face of incontrovertible evidence.

“The party is also rudely shocked that the Court took over the roles of the Respondents’ lawyers who clearly abandoned their pleadings by refusing to call evidence in defense of the petition. The court raked up all manner of excuses to make up for the yawning gaps occasioned by the total absence of any evidence from the Respondents.”

Buhari Finally Floors Atiku At Tribunal

Greenbarge Reporters

September 11, 2019

President Muhammadu Buhari has floored the Presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar as the Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal dismissed the petition he and his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) filed challenging Buhari’s victory in the 2019 Presidential election.
Justice Mohammed Garba, who led the five-man panel, in the lead judgement, dismissed the petition in its entirety and the parties are to bear their respective cost.
“This petition is accordingly and hereby dismissed in its entirety.”
However, four judges out of five agreed with the lead judgement.

Reacting immediately to the court verdict, President Buhari described it as a victory for Nigerians who trooped out to overwhelmingly elect him for a second term in office.

“Good conscience fears no evil report. I was unperturbed all along, because I knew Nigerians freely gave us the mandate. We are now vindicated,” the President said in a statement by his spokesman, Femi Adesina.

Adesina quoted the President as having dedicated the victory to God, and to Nigerians, even as he commended the judiciary for “dispensing justice without fear or favour.”

President Buhari extended a hand of fellowship to those who had felt aggrieved at the outcome of the election, and went to court, which he said is within their democratic rights.

“It is time for the country to move forward as one cohesive body, putting behind us all bickering and potential distractions over an election in which Nigerians spoke clearly and resoundingly.”

Buhari Has Educational Qualification To Contest Election – Tribunal

Greenbarge Reporters

September 11, 2019

The Presidential Election Petition Tribunal has dismissed the petition by the Presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar that President Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC) had no educational qualification to contest the February 23 Presidential election.

In a judgment still ongoing (now, September 11), the Tribunal said that from all evidences before it, Buhari attended a secondary school in Katsina and obtained the equivalent of West African Examination Council (WAEC) in 1961 before he joined the Nigerian Army.

The Tribunal stressed that Buhari was not only qualified to contest the presidential election but eminently qualified to do so.

It also dismissed the issue of card reader which Atiku and PDP claimed was used by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) used for the conduct of the election in contention.

Details later.

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