2019 Presidential Poll: Ezekwesili Explains Why She Quit

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January 25, 2019

By Akinwale Kasali

The former Minister for Education and the former Presidential candidate for Allied Congress Party of Nigeria, ACPN, Dr. Obiageli Ezekwesili, has revealed that she quit her candidacy because her party’s vision and objectives is not in tandem with hers.

According to her, she decided to immediately sacrifice her candidacy to uphold her values by withdrawing.

“Nigeria and Nigerians deserve a new order of ethical, competent and capable leadership. I had earlier assumed the ACPN was aligned with me to offer that, until it proved otherwise. The values and vision divergence with the party was a key factor that triggered my withdrawal from the presidential race on their ticket prompting me to dissociate immediately in order to help build a coalition for Good Governance. It is why I was instant in sacrificing my candidacy to uphold my values by withdrawing”, she emphasised.

The reaction of Ezekwesili was contained in a statement entitled: “No amount of lies can stop the emergence of a new political mindset and order”issued from Cabo, Mexico, where she is attending the Albert Einstein’s Genius100 Visionaries meeting.

She said, “Some hours ago, I arrived far flung Cabo in Mexico where our Albert Einstein’s Genius100 Visionaries meeting is holding. I was delighted to read reactions of real patriots to my announcement that I have decided to withdraw from the 2019 presidential race and end my membership of the ACPN. I have also seen the reaction of ACPN leadership to my decision.

“Fortunately, they have divinely helped me by making the Nigerian public now fully understand why I had to swiftly depart from their midst. How could I upon realising the divergence of values and vision with the leadership of the party continue to stand on such a political platform? My abiding vision has been to mobilise citizens to disrupt the old order politics of APCPDP.

“The party’s decision to immediately endorse the candidate of APC (President Muhammadu Buhari) which was announced by my erstwhile VP candidate who is also the Chairman of ACPN was their classic political entrepreneurship in full display for Nigerians to see. It is instructive.

“The party leadership’s transactional approach to politics began to manifest in their attitude following the convention that adopted me as their presidential candidate. All who know me can attest that I detest transactional mindset. I would have none of such and therefore extremely delighted to part ways after a tumultuous three months of hoping that the ACPN leadership would elevate to the new values of disruptive politics that one had desired for and preached within the party.

“As for the defamatory statements made against my person by the ACPN leadership in their malicious statement, I want Nigerians to know that there is no iota of truth in any of them. Everything ACPN wrote or said of the campaign donations is a fabrication and outright lies. Our campaign was conducted with the highest level of transparency and accountability with impeccable evidence. I know and can guarantee that at all times because these standards firmly underpin my commitment to lasting values and professionalism.

“Only those who desperately wish to believe falsehoods would lend any credence to such puerile accusations by the leadership of ACPN. Only those who pretend ignorance of my legendary and uncompromising passion for accountability would give heed to such baseless statement.

“I have declined any interviews until my return to Nigeria upon which I shall hold a world press conference to engage Nigerians on the actions I shall take even as we present full report of our three-month old campaign for the 2019 presidential election to the public.

“I want to again thank all who supported us in the last three months with their talent, time and treasure to run a formidable campaign. Without your support we would never have attained the height #Hope2019 achieved. You gave our disruptive campaign real value.

“We shall at the world press conference also provide insights into the citizens movement that we are energised and committed to build. There is no end to our zeal to end the reign of bad politics in our country. Finally, take it from me that WE shall definitely build the coalition force that will terminate the poverty escalating governance of the two dominant parties in the 2019 election.
We are citizens of Nigeria. And we are resolved.”

Breaking: Professor Herbert Orji passes on.

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The Source

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January 24, 2019

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By Uche Mbah

Former Chairman of the National Broadcasting Commission, NBC, Professor Herbert Orji, has passed on. Orji, urbane, brilliant, succumbed to kidney related illness. Before his passing a couple of days ago, he tried to get first class treatment from both the United States of America and India. But it was a very aggressive kidney disease that defied control.

Prof Orji’s career crisis-crossed both the public and private sectors.

He was the Chairman of the NBC for five years, within the same period of which he doubled as Member of the Board/National Council and Chairman, Audit and Risk Management Committee of the Nigerian stock Exchange.

He sat on many Boards, mostly as Chairman. Some of the organizations he headed include Suma Guaranty and Trust Company, where he was Chairman of the Board for Seven Years. Before then, he was the Chairman and Chief executive Officer for thirteen years, starting from 1998 to 2011.

He was also Chairman, Managing Director of defunct Progress Bank for six years; headed the London branch of the United Bank for Africa, UBA where he was the pioneer representative; Vice President of American Express Banking Group, to name but a few. He was, also, Vice Chairman of the Industrial training Fund, ITF.

Among several professional and academic honours, Professor Orji was awarded a national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger, OON in 2010.

A former Adviser to the Abia state government, he was a Chartered global investment banker, an academic and, author of five books.

Born on November 2, 1950, at Amokwe-Item, Bende LGA, Abia state, Orji was married to the cerebral Dr. Nnenna Orji, (nee, Obioha) with whom he had three sons and four daughters. Amongst other siblings he was of the same parents with Mrs Julie Aneke, wife of a former Military Governor of Imo state, Group Captain James Aneke, rtd.

Ezekwesili Withdraws from Presidential Race

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Uche Mbah

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January 24, 2019

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By Uche Mbah
Madam due process, Obiageli ezekwesili, hitherto the presidential candidate of Allied Congress Party of Nigeria, ACPN,Thursday threw in the towel as the presidential flag-bearer of the party.
Her spokesperson, Obioma Ubabukoh, issued a statement indicating that she will work closely with others to dislodge Buhari and prevent Atiku from taking over. According to Ezekwesili, she took the decision to step down after consultations with Nigerians at home and abroad.
Hear her: “This decision followed extensive consultations with leaders from various walks of life across the country over the past few days.I deem it necessary for me to focus in helping to build a veritable coalition to ensure a viable alternative to the #APCPDP in the forthcoming elections. It is my ardent belief that this broad coalition for a viable alternative has now become more than ever an urgent mission for and on behalf of Nigerian citizens.I have therefore chosen to lead the way in demonstrating the much needed patriotic sacrifice for our National redirection. I wish to state that over the past three months, I have been in private but extended talks with other candidates to birth a coalition that would allow Nigerians exercise their choice without feeling helplessly encumbered by the evil twins of #APCPDP”.
Ezekwesili, a former World bank Regional Vice president, shot into limelight in his campaign of #Bringbackourgirls, a movement that sought to fight for the release of the kidnapped Chibok girls. The movement lost steam under the presidency of Muhammadu Buhari. She decided to join the presidential race in what many described as Also-ran capacity, since she has no structure on ground to combat the two major political parties. Curiously, she was more interested in the attack on a fellow opposition candidate, Atiku Abubakar, instead of the incumbent, whose stewardship is being called to question. Not a few believed her to be a closet supporter of the incumbent.
She was one of the three who participated in the Presidential Debate, though she has never been seen to do any public campaign before she threw in the towel. Her campaign was said to have been sponsored by party faithfuls.Ezekwesili promised to give an account of campaign spending in the coming days.

February 16: Politicians, Multinationals Jittery Over War of Words On Interim Government

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Uche Mbah

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January 23, 2019

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By Uche Mbah

The allegations and counter allegations emanating from the two major contending political parties, the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, and the All Progressives Congress, APC, over the plan for interim government have sent jitters down the spine of the political class, with politicians and business men alike going back to the drawing board to factor such eventuality into their political calculations.

Already, many multinational blue chip companies, this Magazine learnt, are planning on skeletal services from the beginning of February until the election is over. Most expatriate workers have been allegedly advised by their home countries to take up casual leave until the election is over.

“The election period is a very dicey period”, says a company secretary to one of the blue chip companies. “Security reports are not encouraging.”

Insinuations by former president Olusegun Obasanjo that the current Buhari administration is desperate to hang on to power has resulted in verbal brickbats between the APC and PDP, with the APC attacking the former president on all fronts. While the PDP said they have been vindicated by the missive from Obasanjo, the APC government, through Lai Mohamed, the information Minister, insisted that it was the PDP that has been planning to destabilize the country. According to Mohamed, Boko Haram and Bandits have been mobilized to cause mayhem in ten states of the federation.

“We have credible intelligence that armed bandits and Boko Haram insurgents have been mobilized to engage in massive attacks and other acts of violence in several states across the country, including Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Benue, Kano, Kaduna, Nasarawa, Plateau, Taraba and Zamfara. The Benue-based armed criminal group, led by Terwase Akwaza, also known as Gana, has been commissioned to strike soft targets in Benue, Nasarawa, and Taraba states. In Kano State, a group of notorious miscreants have been mobilized by some prominent opposition leaders to provoke massive chaos before, during and after the elections.” According to him, anyone that thinks his statements were aimed at framing the opposition is doing nothing but trivializing the issue. He also alleged that mercenaries from Niger Republic are hired to attack top political personalities.

The federal government has always insisted that Boko Haram has been technically defeated.

But the PDP has dismissed the allegation as a sign of desperation on the side of the Presidency.

“The PDP calls on Nigerians to hold President Buhari directly responsible for any escalation of violence in our nation. It is imperative to state that the PDP finds the claims of Mohammed, irresponsible and ludicrous. It is just a measure for building the ground to frame up and arrest leading members of the opposition as he has just confirmed our concerns. Severally, we have alerted the nation that the APC and the Presidency, having come to the reality of their imminent and disgraceful loss at the polls, have embarked on a strategy to foment crisis in our dear nation and blame the opposition.”

Politicians, however, are worried that both political parties have not denied the possibility of violence, but instead are tossing blames back and forth like badminton. A politician that the magazine spoke to was skeptical, though he does not want to be named. “If the parties are not denying the allegations, then the plan for causing commotion through the polls and institute have to make contingency arrangements.’ Asked what arrangements he will make, he smiled and said, “wait and see”.

The international community has harped on free and fair elections, while the Opposition PDP believes that the electoral Umpire, the Independent National Electoral commission, INEC, and the security agencies are working for the ruling party.

Ifeanyi Okowa, Abiola Ajimobi, Others Bag 2019 Vanguard Personalities of the Year Award

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The Source

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January 23, 2019

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It was indeed a remarkable day on the 19th of January 2019,when vanguard Newspaper invited distinguished personalities known for their achievement and contributions to the growth and development of humanity in Nigerian. It was held at Eko Hotel, Lagos State.

An event that ushered in colossal walking straight in with aplomb to the hall. Vanguard presented 17 awards that are in six categories: Personality of the Year, Business Man of the Year, Governor of the Year, Banker of the Year, Lifetime Achievement and Humanitarian Service award. Below are some personalities present at the event. By Uche Nwosisi.

**Sen.Abiola Ajimobi and his wife Florence**

Rt.Hon.Aminu Tambuwal (right) and a guest — **Rt.Hon.Aminu Tambuwal right) and a guest**

**Alhaji Lateef Jakande, Mr. Jimi Agbaje and Mrs. Abimbola Jakande**

**Chief Kenny Martins and Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu**

**Gen Ike Nwachukwu and Sen. Ifeanyi Okowa**

**Erelu Abiola Dosunmu and Chief Rita- Lori Ogbebor**

**Chief Sunny Kuku and Chief & Mrs. Olu Okeowo**

**Chief Segun Osoba and Chief James Ibori**

**Chief Kessiton Adebutu and Chief James Ibori**

Labour Rejects Minimum Wage of Disparity

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Oji Odu

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January 23, 2019

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By Oji Odu

Organised labour comprising three prominent workers’ bodies- Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC) and the United Labour Congress (ULC), has spontaneously rejected the N27,000 minimum wage and the N30,000 for Federal Government workers following the figures approval by the National Council of States (NCS). They said the figures are unacceptable, questionable and smack of deceit by government.

While rejecting the disparity, many question the reason why the NCS should be brought into the scene, bearing in mind that all interested stakeholders, including President Muhammadu Buhari had agreed to the N30,000 new minimum wage regime. There are also fears that the weight of the NCS recommendation could sway both Executive and legislative positions on the issue as the battle shifts to the National Assembly which could bring a shocking position, as the 2019 elections close up.

The new figure of N27,000 is N3,000 below the N30,000 the federal government and organised labour agreed upon and N4,500 above the N22,500 offered by the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF).

In what is described as the “spirit of give and take,” the Council, which is the nation’s advisory body to the president made up of past Heads of State, State Governors, with the Vice President as the Chairman, asked the workers to accept N27,000 as the new national wage.

Taking a swipe, NLC General Secretary, Peter Ozo-Eson, declared that the Council has no jurisdiction to determine a separate amount after a tripartite committee had adopted N30,000 as minimum wage and submitted its report to the federal government.

Warning that government’s action was calling for a shutdown of the economy, and working should not be held responsible for their actions after Friday, January 25 National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, said that NLC had fixed a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting for Friday to consider its next line of action.

NLC further argued that it was absurd for the government to be delaying the submission of an executive bill to the National assembly and wrongfully adopting N27,000 through the Council of State.

The TUC on its part described the N27,000 recommended by the National Council of State after the federal government had agreed to pay N30,000 was an after-thought and deceptive.

In a statement he signed yesterday, TUC President, Bobboi Bala Kaigama, regretted the Council’s decision which he that although it is advisory in nature, is weighty and may give the semblance of authority to it.

“This decision must not be allowed to stand because it will set a wrong precedence for the future, that is, after statutory bodies have done their jobs, the Council of State will now sit to review it.

“Let it be known that N30,000 minimum wage is a product of negotiation, not legislation, not an advice and not a decree,” he said, stressing that as the issue moves to the theatre of the National Assembly,…Nigerians expect the representatives of the people, if they really are to do the needful during the public hearing.

ULC ‘s stance was no different. The body also rejected the N27,000, stating that the National Council of States lacked the powers to approve, confirm, affirm or accept any figure as the new national minimum wage.

In his reaction, ULC President, Joe Ajaero, said: “What they have pretended to have done is therefore without any force of law, standards or other known practices of industrial relations the world over. It is a mockery of the essence and principle behind the setting of a national minimum wage to attempt to segregate it between Federal Workers and State Workers.

“We want to state that workers are workers everywhere whether at the Federal Level or at the State Level. They all have the same challenges; go to the same market, same schools and much more they suffer the same fate. You cannot therefore pay them differently,” he said, as he urged President Buhari to disregard the position of the National Council of State because it ridicules the statutes and principles governing the nation.

Ajaero stated that, “The only honourable path he should tread is to transmit the N30,000 figure as agreed by the tripartite committee and even the president on the day of submission of the committee’s report. We will not accept the use of any cover of state to jettison the collective will of Nigerian workers and the trade union movement.”

Meanwhile, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, said after the Council of State meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, that the executive bill on the new minimum wage will be transmitted to the National Assembly today, January, 23, 2019.

He described the N27,000 proposal as only the benchmark, adding that the federal government would pay N30,000 to its workers.

According to him, organisations with less than 25 personnel have been exempted from applying it, and the approved amount is subject to review after five years.

“So, a bill will now be transmitted to the National Assembly that will amend the 1981 Act and 2011 Act. The highlight is what you want to know. The figure of N27,000 monthly has been approved for transmission to the National Assembly. The frequency of the review of the bill is five years, to get it in consonance with pension law of the federation as enshrined in the constitution.

“Exemptions to this bill will be establishments that are not employing people up to the number of 25. The various times prescribed have also been altered in the bill and will be sent to the National Assembly before the close of work tomorrow (today),” he stated.

Will labour shutdown the nation as threatened if legislature agrees with the N27,000, or back down? “Nigerians will never take them serious again if they do,” Kaliwo Johnson, a Sociologist told the Magazine in a chat.

CCT: Onnoghen Absent Again As Political Undercurrents Intensifies

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Uche Mbah

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January 22, 2019

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By Uche Mbah
Amid confusion on whether the case against the Chief Justice of the Federation, Walter Onnoghen, at the Code of Conduct Tribunal, will be suspended or not due to a High Court rulings, the Code of Conduct Tribunal convened again without the CJN appearing. His Lawyer, Wole Olanipekun, however, appeared for him with over forty Senior Lawyers and Forty two others.
It will be recalled that the last hearing of the case was on 14 January 2019, with the CJN absent. Since then, there has been three different court orders restraining the CCT from continuing with the case, but it appears that the courts were finding it difficult to personally serve the Chairman of CCT, Danladi Umar. In fact, the Industrial Court also restrained the CCT, and had to serve him using substituted means. Copies of the restraining order were seen pasted on the premises of the CCT.
Since the inception of the case, allegations of political undertones were rife from opposition parties, who see the trial as a means to break the ranks of the Judiciary to make them malleable to the ruling party during the expected legal fallout of the February 16th elections. It was alleged that they want to remove the CJN to install Justice Tanko Mohammed. Mohammed is a Sharia expert-he has a Phd in Sharia Law. The Presidency allegedly has preference to Tanko as Acting CJN.
But the Coalition of United Political Parties, CUPP, has been dogged in their defense of the CJN. One of the suits filed restraining the CCT came from their ranks. In a press conference held in Abuja recently, they alleged that the Federal Government have issued orders to the CCT Chair to issue a warrant of arrest of the CJN if he fails to appear again for trial. According to them, the confirmation of the new Inspector General of Police is predicated on his issuing a warrant of arrest for the CJN. The Presidency has, however, denied the allegations.
The arraignment of the CJN has drawn national and International outrage. This Magazine reported that the South south Governors had expressed outrage against the act of his arraignment, which they see as persecution, and advised him not to honor the invitation. A new militant group also threatened to resume hostilities if the case goes ahead.
Last Saturday, the body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria met on the issue as well as the court arraignment of the President Nigerian Bar Association, Abubakar Mahmud. It appears that the Judiciary is under siege.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has also alleged persecution of the CJN in his recent treatise.According to him, as part of his self succession project, President Buhari is masterminding the intimidation of the Judiciary with the prosecution of the CJN.
Constitutionally, the CJN can only be removed by the two-third majority of the senate, which appears to be why they are putting pressures on him to resign.
Recently, the governor of Rivers state said the travails of the CJN has the fingerprints of the Minister of transport on it. Again, the minister has denied it, but rumors of selection of judges for election tribunals, as well as Appeal and Supreme Court justices who will handle election matters appear to be at the center of the crisis, according to CUPP sources.

Tinubu Describe Obasanjo As An Expired Leader

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Akinwale Kasali

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January 22, 2019

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By Akinwale Kasali

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo was an object of ridicule by All Progressives Congress, APC, Chieftains yesterday at the APC Presidential Rally in Maiduguri, Borno State, following his statement that Buhari is behaving like another Abacha.

Asiwaji Bola Ahmed Tinubu berated the Ogun State born former president as an expired leader that his seeking relevance.

Tinubu said, “It is unfortunate that expired leaders like Olusegun Obasanjo are ranting and lying. Don’t trust him. We are sweeping all the cobwebs of corruption away with broom out of Nigeria. Ota farm should be enough a retirement place for Obasanjo to keep quiet.

“Who among Nigerians will recall how the PDP government under Obasanjo was notorious for rigging elections? No government has upheld the tenets of democracy like the government of President Buhari. We asked for the recognition of June 12 from Obasanjo, he refused, but President Buhari as an honest man with integrity heard our cry and recognised June 12.

“Even if the forum of association of angry old men refuses to vote for Buhari, we will give him 95 per cent votes.”

Tinubu noted that four years ago the APC had promised to take the ship of Nigeria to the right direction. This, he said, the party had done.

The APC Chairman, Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole was not left out of the frenzy, as he lambasted the Owu born elder stateman of being irrelevant in the polity.

Oshiomhole described Obasanjo as a frustrated old man that has lost his political relevance.

Oshiomhole said Obasanjo’s attack on Buhari was borne out of frustration.

The former Labour leader said, “The people writing epistle now watched how money meant for security was appropriated by not only the PDP but the generals. Under their watch, over 20 local government areas of Borno State were taken over by the Boko Haram terrorists before the coming of President Buhari.

“Today, no matter what they want to say, there is no local government where Boko Haram is hoisting its flag. All the 27 local government areas of Borno have been liberated by the APC government.”

Minister for Transportation, Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi, berated Obasanjo as the father of corruption in Nigeria.

He stressed that the 16 years rule of the Peoples democratic Party, PDP, has been a wasted years and corruption has been the lot of the party.

Amaechi stated, “Sometime in 2006, I was driven out of this country by a PDP-led Federal Government. I went into exile in Ghana. I was in Ghana for 10 months. I was expelled from the party, the PDP until I became a governor. And when I became a governor, I told them I did not want to belong to the PDP again. They met me and apologised and readmitted me into the PDP.”

He urged Nigerians to compare the administration of the PDP with the current government of Buhari and decide which was closer to Abacha’s government.

“I was a governor in 2013, 2014, 2015. I had no security. A PDP-led government had chased my CSO and my ADC away. My ADC ran to London, my CSO was put in an underground cell. A major who was in my convoy was also put in an underground cell. I was left without security.”

Buhari, who addressed the crowd in Hausa, thanked them for their support and restated the commitment of his administration to the fight against corruption and insecurity.

He said, “In 2015; I promised three things namely: security, economy and corruption. We reinvigorated the agricultural sector; provided fertiliser and other support to farmers. I am happy that we recorded bumper harvest in the past two seasons.

“On security, our achievements are glaring and I remain committed to the protection of lives and property of the people as well as safeguard the nation’s territorial integrity.”

He called on the electorate to vote for the APC and all its candidates to enable them to continue with their policies.

Nigeria Police Wield The Big Stick On Homosexuals, Advises Them To Leave Nigeria

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Akinwale Kasali

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January 22, 2019

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By Akinwale Kasali

The Nigeria Police, through the Public Relations Officer of Zone 2 Command, Lagos, Dolapo Badmos, has warned homosexuals to flee Nigeria or face the wrath of the law.

Badmos said this in a post on her official Instagram handle.

She said, “If you are homosexually inclined, Nigeria is not a place for you. There is a law (Same Sex Prohibition Act) here that criminalises homosexual clubs, associations and organisations with penalties of up to 15 years in jail.

“So, if you are a homosexual in nature, leave the country or face prosecution. But before you say, ‘does this matter?’ Kindly note that anything against the law of the land is criminal and all crimes will be punished accordingly no matter how small you think it is.

“The law says a person who registers, operates or participates in gay clubs, societies or organisations, directly or indirectly makes a public show of same-sex amorous relationship in Nigeria commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a term of 10 years. Anyone convicted of entering into a same-sex marriage contract or civil union faces up to 14 years imprisonment. All LGBT candidates in Nigeria should beware.”

The social media has been awashed with the post of Badmos, with attacks and counter attacks rocking the post.

Some criticised the Police for leaving aside germane issues that bothers on security and delving on homosexuality, which some described as a choice on the part of people who believe been homosexual is a way of life.

Others condemned the police for going after homosexuals and ignoring more pressing issues, others accused the police of being partial, pointing out that a cross-dresser, who now identifies as a transgender, had become a celebrity but was left alone because he was rich.

In her response, the police spokesperson said, “In view of my last post about homosexuals and the law banning them, some people have been mentioning one particular name (very risky though) to be one.

“Kindly be informed that if you have any evidence or exhibits that can establish the case against him/her, please don’t hesitate to bring it up for a comprehensive investigation. Prosecution and conviction of suspects are not based on imagination rather it is based on evidence otherwise it will be treated as hearsay which is not admissible in court.

“Until then, let us keep our fingers crossed and not keep our lives risky. Thank you.”

Obasanjo, Buhari In Warm Embrace At Council Of State Meeting

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Akinwale Kasali

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January 22, 2019

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By Akinwale Kasali

President Muhammadu Buhari and Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has put their differences behind as both former military head of states were in each others hands at the Council of State Meeting that began today in Abuja, Nigeria.

Obasanjo over the weekend publicly criticised Buhari for his high-handedness, describing as another ‘Sani Abacha’ in the making, citing his policies and actions.

Abacha, the late military dictator was known to have abused the rule of law, desecrated traditional stools, victimized, maimed and killed Nigerians who were against his policies and style of governance.

At the meeting, Obasanjo observed the Christian prayers before the meeting went into closed-doors. A former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mohammed Uwais, said the Muslim prayers.

Aside from Obasanjo, other former leaders at the meeting were former Head of Interim National Government, Chief Ernest Shonekan; former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd.) and former President Goodluck Jonathan.

Gen. Ibrahim Babangida and Gen. Yakubu Gowon were yet to arrive at the venue of the meeting.

The Council of State comprises the President, Vice-President, Senate President, Speaker of the House of Representatives, former presidents and heads of State, Chief Justices of Nigeria, State Governors, among others.

Among the governors who had arrived were those of Osun, Kebbi, Zamfara, Plateau, Ebonyi, Adamawa, Edo, Lagos, Niger, Borno, Ogun, Ekiti and Kogi states.

The key issues on the agenda are said to be the National Minimum Wage and the February general elections.