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Buhari Says Two Civil Wars Will Be Catastrophic

By
James Orji
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President Buhari of Nigeria

President Muhammadu Buhari has warned politicians not to plunge the country into another civil war.

The president’s warning was contained in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina.

Buhari spoke on the verge of ethnic and religious divisions in the country, for which his administration has received scathing remarks.

Keen watchers of his government say the country has  been more divided under him, pointing to some of his divisive policies, including his government’s promotion and leaning towards a certain ethnic group in the country.

Since he swept to power in 2015, the rate of self determination groups has scaled up from across the country, fueling fear of another civil war.

But speaking on Tuesday, the president said the cost of another civil war will be too much for the country to bear.

Buhari spoke while receiving former State Chairmen of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change, CPC at the presidential villa, Abuja.

He said selfishness led to the first civil war between 1967-1970, which led to loss of many lives, adding that a repeat of such will not augur well for the country.

The president who fought in the civil war said many Nigerians paid the supreme price for the country to remain one and “God willing we remain Nigerians and Nigeria will remain one.

“Our main objective is the Federal Republic of Nigeria. We are human beings. We have our weaknesses, but I can assure you that the patriotism in us is hard-earned. We have gone through all the troubles from the 15th of January 1966 to date.

“You know what I mean by this, we have killed a million of ourselves in order to keep this country together.”

He urged CPC members to always work to foster unity and progress of the country, thanking them for their support for his administration and promotion of democratic ideals.

I accord great significance to this visit as it demonstrates a determination and commitment to identify with our administration.

“This visit recalls the solidarity with the successes that we have recorded in critical areas of our society. The visit also affords us the opportunity to discuss other issues of interest to the forum.

He said “I commend members of this forum and all members of the legacy party-CPC, for their continued dedication to the ideals of democratic governance that we all believed in.

“The doggedness with which we pursued our vision and goals that culminated into the success we recorded remain like bright stars in the history of our dear nation.”

The Chairman of the Forum and former Chairman of the party in Niger State, Umar Shuaibu, assured the president of their continued support, adding that the party had maintained all its structures across the country.

Shuaibu said the CPC will support any candidate backed by Buhari for next year’s presidential election.

Petrol Subsidy: Reps Summons Finance Minister

By
James Orji
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Zainab Shamsuna Ahmed,minister of finance

Bent on getting to the bottom of billions of petrol Subsidy payments to marketers in the last nine years, the House of Representatives’ Ad Hoc Committee investigating the issue has summoned the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning Zainab Ahmed.

The committee has directed the minister to appear before it next Tuesday to expand who got what between 2013 and 2022.
The period covers the administration of President Good luck Jonathan and the incumbent administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, under which several trillions of naira was believed to have been paid to marketers as subsidy.
The committee had decried the appearance of one of the directors in the ministry as representative of the minister, Stephalen Okon before it, saying he has no authorisation letter from the minister.
The Chairman of the committee, Ibrahim Aliyu has therefore, ordered the minister to appear before the committee next week with all necessary documents relating to subsidy payments within the period under review.
 

Ahmed is to appear before the committee with all the documents demanded by the lawmakers relating to subsidy claims and payments in the period under review.

The committee said the minister must appear with documents detailing “the total amount released from the Consolidated Revenue Account as subsidy payments from January 2013 to date; the total amount released from other accounts other than the Consolidated Revenue Account to subsidy payments from January 2013 to date; breakdown of beneficiaries; companies that enjoyed releases from the Consolidated Revenue Account and other revenue accounts as subsidy payments.

“Identify each beneficiary with the amount sent to them, month by month, covering the period from January 2013 to date; all correspondences between the Federal Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank of Nigeria regarding subsidy payments from January 2013 to date; evidence of lodgement of forex into Consolidated Revenue Account by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation now (Nigerian National Petroleum Company) Limited as revenue from January 2013 to date.”

Meanwhile, analysts insist that the current probe is not likely to achieve much considering what has happened to similar probes in the past.

Lawan, Akpabio Not On Our List As Senatorial Candidates – INEC

By
Ayodele Oni
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By Ayodele Oni

The Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) has insisted that names of the President of the Senate,Ahmad Lawan and former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godswill Akpabio are not on its list as candidates for 2023 election.

INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Mr. Festus Okoye, said in a statement in Abuja on Tuesday that the commission is not aware of any doctored list from any political party, which contains their names.

The statement titied, ‘Spurious allegations in respect of candidates in some senatorial districts,’ it also clarified that the position of Yo e North and Akwa Ibom North West senatorial districts has not changed.

“As evidence of the alleged role played by the Commission, a certified true copy of Form 9C uploaded by their political party and received by the Commission on 17th June 2022 when the nomination portal closed was presented.

“For clarity, the Form EC9 (submission of names of candidates by political parties) is the Form uploaded by parties on the INEC nomination portal.

“This is clearly indicated on the title of the Form which was received on 17th June 2022 when the portal closed.

“What follows is the publication of the personal particulars of nominated candidates which was done a week later.

“The Forms of the two personalities in question were not published by the Commission. The decision of the Commission triggered legal action which are still ongoing.

“It therefore defies logic and common sense to go around and submit doctored documents purportedly recognizing the duo as candidates when the matter is clearly sub-judice.

“As part of the ongoing case in Court, a law firm requested the Commission for a Certified True Copy (CTC) of the Form EC9 submitted by the All Progressives Congress (APC) as its candidate for Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District which we are duty bound to oblige them under the law.

“The Form was certified on 15th July 2022. If minimum care has been exercised by the promoters of the story, they would have seen the two stamps of the Commission bearing different dates on the Form. It is this Form that is now misconstrued as INEC’s endorsement.

“For the record, the Commission has not recognized any of the two personalities as  Senatorial candidates.”

During the primary of the ruling All Progressive Congress, (APC) the former Minister, and senate president did not participate as they were presidential aspirants.

It was after they failed at the presidential primary they they are putting pressure on candidates with senatorial ticket to step aside for them.

Akpabio was reported to have sponsored a family member to contest the primary on his behalf.

Owo Catholic Church Attack: Gov Akeredolu Confirms Arrest Of Landlord

By
Ayodele Oni
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By Ayodele Oni

The Landlord of the apartment, where two suspects of the Owo Catholic Church attack, whose arrest was announced by Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor,  stayed has also been nabbed.

Ondo State Governor, Mr Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,SAN, who disclosed this on Tuesday in Akure also confirmed the arrest of the attackers of St Francis Catholic Church, Owo.

The Governor, who spoke shortly on the arrest after  General Irabor made the announcement in Abuja, disclosed that the total number of suspects arrested in connection with the incidence is now five

Mr Akeredolu further disclosed that the suspects lodged at the house before they carried out the June 5 attack at Catholic church.

He noted that Government did not spare a moment in trailing the terrorists since the horrendous attacks on innocent worshipers at the St Francis Catholic Church, Owaluwa, Owo.

He spoke during a courtesy visit to his office by the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) led by the Chairman of the Council, Prince Leke Adegbite.

”Now that the Military has announced it, I can tell you that five of them have been arrested now.

“They are still on the trail of the rest. The home where they lodged in Owo and the person that accommodated them before the attack, has also been arrested.

“We did not spare a moment. I am happy that the Chief of Defence Staff has announced it. We have known for a while but we needed not to come out with it because more works are still ongoing. I can confirm that this arrest has been made. And they are still on the trail of some of them.”

Governor Akeredolu advised leaders of the Ebira community in the state to warn their young ones not to copy the bad venture of kidnapping.

The Governor said recent reports from victims of kidnap in the state have established that some Ebira indigenes are now involved in the unwholesome act.

He noted that the Ebiras have lived together with the people of the state peacefully for several decades, adding that they have always been supportive and hardworking.

“I want to use this medium to urge our brothers to concentrate on their farming trade. It will be unfortunate to know that the Ebiras in our midst are now involved in kidnapping.

“We are appealing to them not to copy bad thing. The traders selling by the road side should not become informants. We are not fighting them.

“We have seen their numbers, they supported and voted for us during elections. I will call their leaders and talk to them.

“Our brothers who were  kidnapped on their way to Ikare, talk to them. They were taken to Ebira farmsteads.

“For me, we have lived together for too long for this to happen. I am ready to make any effort to ensure that the conviviality that we have enjoyed continues.

“But we are begging their leaders to urge them not to copy bad thing. They are in our midst, we are surrounded by them. The issue of security is key and it’s dynamic.”

The Governor, who  thanked the NUJ in the state for the cooperation extended to his administration, assured members of sustained efforts at developing the state.

On the issue of Security, Governor Akeredolu disclosed that aside the recent recruitment and training of new Amotekun personnel, 20 hunters and local vigilantes will be trained by the Amotekun corps in each of the eighteen local government areas in the state.

Earlier, the Chairman of the NUJ, Ondo State Council thanked the Governor for his support for the state owned media, adding that the upgrade of facilities in the two state-owned media outfits is commendable.

He equally appreciated the Governor for the approval of the Weigh-in allowance for journalists and information officers working in the State and Local government service.

2023: Pastor Oyakhilome Suspends Nephew As Pastor Over Tinubu, Places Him On Spiritual Rehabilitation

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Chris Oyakhilome and His Nephew

By Akinwale Kasali

The Founder of Love World Church, popularly known as Christ Embassy, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome has placed his Nephew, Oyawikre Oyakhilome, who is a Pastor in his Church on suspension for delving into partisan politics and openly declaring his support for All Progressives Congress, APC, Presidential Candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Oyawikre is the President of Love World Innovation before his suspension by his Uncle, Pastor Oyakhilome.

He has been suspended from partaking in any Church related activities and placed on a Spiritual Rehabilitation.

The decision by Pastor Oyakhilome to suspend his Nephew for his gross misconduct has gone viral, as the Founder, in a viral video announced his indefinite suspension.

Pastor Chris a few years back, saw his marriage to his ex-wife Pastor Anita Oyakhilome hit the rock following allegations of negligence made against him by his wife and alleged extra marital affairs.

INEC Releases Final Schedule For 2023 Election

By
Ayodele Oni
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0

By Ayodele Oni

Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) has reaffirmed the sanctity of dates fixed for 2023 general elections.

In the latest guidelines released by INEC for outstanding guideline On General Elections Schedule Of Activities, submission of Presidential and National Assembly election forms remains June 10, 2022 – June 17, 2022.

The schedule states that candidates for Gubernatorial and State Assembly election are to submit their forms between July 1, 2022 – July 15, 2022.

Last Date For Withdrawal by Candidates/Replacement Of Withdrawn  Candidates by Political Parties is July 15, 2022 – August 12, 2022.

Submission of Replacement  Nomimation Forms is fixed for

August 8, 2022 – August 18, 2022.

On Campaign by  Political  Parties, presidential and national assembly will commence on September

28, 2022 – February 23, 2023

while Governorship and State Assembly starts October 12, 2022  to March 9, 2023.

Political parties are expected to submit names of Polling Agents to INEC by December 30, 2022 – January 6, 2023.

The grand finale of the programme is the presidential and national assembly election slated for

25th February, 2023 while Governorship and State assembly election holds 11th March 2023.

Nigeria Now At Its Most Unsafe; Afenifere Raises Alarm

By
Ayodele Oni
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By Ayodele Oni

Pan Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has expressed concern that no part of the country is safe and asked President Muhammadu Buhari to show that he is still in charge of the nation.

Publicity Secretary of the Group, Jare Ajayi, while expressing concern with the rising insecurity in Nigeria, in a statement, wondered if Buhari is aware of the situation in the country.

According to Ajayi, no part of the country is safe at present saying specifically that in Ogbomoso, Oyo State in the South-West, three cases of kidnapping were recorded which involved death of the victims.

Describing handling of  insecurity by the present administration as “kid-glove manner” he adds, “terrorists and kidnappers have been so emboldened that they now attack security institutions at will and malevolently go into houses of their victims to deal with fellow Nigerians, all under the watch of government and security agencies.

“Instances that can be cited in this respect included the following: Reports have it that bandits on the night of Sunday, August 7, attacked and killed three persons, while scores were reportedly abducted by the attackers in Bali town, headquarters of Bali Local Government Area of Taraba State.

“The bandits began to raid people from house to house after overpowering the security personnel at the checkpoint.

“Just last Friday, four police officers were killed when gunmen attacked Agwa Divisional Police Headquarters in Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State, Nigeria’s South-east.”

The Afenifere scribe pointed out that government and security agencies have been “doing one thing or the other but that the expected result has not been achieved due to uncoordinated strategies among others.”

On re-integrating confirmed terrorists and bandits, he stated that “evidence had shown that such seemingly reintegrated bandits go ahead to commit crimes that are more heinous than the ones they were known for beforehand.

“Equally important, President Muhammadu Buhari needs to come out and let perpetrators of terrorism and kidnapping know that he has had enough.

“He should let them realize that the pact he signed with Nigerians was not to come and see to the serial termination of their lives but to ensure their security, improve their welfare and move the nation to a desirable next level.

“Unfortunately, the president has not been able to deliver on any of the desirables. He only brought to the nation, the negatives which were far from the expectation of anybody.”

Ondo Attack: Military Nab Terrorists

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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The long arm of the military has finally caught up with terrorists who attacked St. Fracis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State on June 5.

Suspected terrorists are said to have attacked St Francis Catholic Church in Owo, the headquarters of Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State.

The attack, two months ago led to the death of many worshippers and several others injured. Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo state, had cried while taking on the spot assessment of the of the church where the attack took place, vowing to bring the perpetrators to justice.

Last month, the local security outfit Amotekun claimed to hace arrest some of the masterminds of the attack. It was also claimed that police have arrest some of the terrorists.

Both claims were later debunked.

Speaking to journalist in Abuja on Tuesday, the Chief of Defense Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabo said the terrorists have now been apprehended.

According to him, the criminals were arrested by soldiers in conjunction with other security agencies in the country.

The CDS said security agencies are on top of the situation and are on the trail of other bandits causing problems across the country.

Recall that few weeks after the Owo attack, some suspected terrorist had launched a fresh attack on the ancient town.

Many people were also believed to have been injured in the attack which took place at Folahami Junction, where a construction company called Craneburg Construction Company was located.

Governor Akeredolu later said the mission of the yet-to-be identified terrorists was to attack the construction firm.

2023: Controversial Oluwo Says Tinubu Is Solution To Nigeria’s Problem

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Oluwo of Iwo

Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, has described Bola Tinubu, the All Progressives Congress, APC presidential candidate is the solution to Nigeria’s problem.

The monarch who had been slammed severally by not a few Nigerians for making controversial political statements, said the only way put of the nation’s political and economic problems is to elect the former Lagos State Governor as president and Commander-in-chief.

Recall that Oba Akandi had before the Osun state governorship election. last month boasted that incumbent Governor Gboyega Oyetola will coast home to victory over his close rival, the candidate of the PDP, Ademola Adeleke, who later defeated the governor in the make or mat election.

Many are still wondering how Governor Oyetola lost the election after the Oluwo promised him 80 per cent of the votes.

The traditional ruler had since congratulated the winner.

Speaking on the 2023 presidential election, the traditional ruler said Tinubu has the solutions to the nation’s problems at his fingertips, and should be elected to succeed President Muhammady Buhari.

He disclosed this in a statement by his spokesman, All Ibraheem, noting that the former governor will develop Nigeria using the same model he used in Lagos.

Tinubu was Lagos governor between 1999 and 2007, and has been credited with some transformation experienced in the state.

He slammed those who said the former governor should step down from the race for his alleged ill health and old age, saying governance has nothing to do with age.

Olu said Tinubu is a detribalized Nigerian who is ready to foster national unity by bringing everybody on board, adding that when he becomes president Nigerians Nigerian “will see wonder when you wake up.”

The statement said, “Most of those castigating Tinubu have personal issues. Many are saying he is arrogant because he tells the truth.

“People may think he is arrogant because he tells the truth. Anybody who tells the truth is adjudged to be arrogant. People say I’m arrogant too. It is because I love and cherish the truth.

“Give him Nigeria to rule and go and sleep. He will do wonder before you wake up.”

It’s Fake News; I Never Ridiculed Soludo – Gov Uzodinma

By
The Source
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Hope Uzodimma

Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma,  has distanced himself from a social media report where he was said to have criticised Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State.

Uzodinma, according to the report, criticised Soludo over his position on the reintroduction of history in schools. But the Governor, in release signed by his Media Adviser/Chief Press Secretary, Oguwike Nwachuku, attributed the linkage to him as mischief and a complete fabrication.

Governor Soludo had, recently, suggested that the reintroduction of history in  Anambra State’s school curriculum will go a long way in ensuring that the people know where they were coming from and where they are going.

But the said mischief makers, the release said, who are out to undermine Governor Uzodinma and create mistrust between him and Governor Soludo took to the Facebook to say that the Imo State Governor knocked his brother-Governor, Soludo, and that the “re-introduction of History subject by Soludo will bring about bitterness against Nigerian Government, cannot stand.”

Governor Uzodinma said the report credited to him on Facebook was done by depraved minds who will never see anything good in what someone does, including the suggestion made by Governor Soludo on the reitroduction of history in our schools which he said is long overdue.

“It is only those who do not have anything to contribute to the society that would be against their history. Governor Soludo could not have been wrong in his suggestion that a people’s history is key to their progress and development. Most developed countries of the World do not joke with their history just as the world is replete with the history of great men and women.”

Governor Uzodinma, therefore, urged the public to disregard the report and remain positive in all things.

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