Ridoola's blog

Sen. Buruji Kashamu, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Ogun, says local government councils will receive their full allocations at all times if elected governor of the state. Kashamu, representing Ogun-East at the National Assembly, made the pledge during his consultative visit to the Dagburewe of Idowa, Oba Yunusa Adekoya, at his palace in Odogbolu Local Government Area on Thursday. He said that some governors had formed the habit of restricting funding to local governments and thereby impeding grassroots development. Local governments are the nearest point of contact to the people in the grassroots where the impact of governance is most felt. I am assuring you this day that if I am elected, I will never deduct from the allocations prescribed for local governments. This is to ensure meaningful development at the grassroots. I am also committed to remitting all statutory deductions from staff salaries to the relevant unions and authorities as and when due. ...

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has urged the people of Edo to support the Next Level Agenda of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Osinbajo said the support would allow for effective use of the nations resources. Speaking to a mammoth crowd of APC supporters during the party's Rally at Ikpoba Okha, Benin, on Thursday, Osinbajo said the Next level was about spending the nations resources to secure a better future for the country. He said the reason the ruling APC government at the federal level was able to spend more despite less resources was because of no stealing in the system. Corruption is one of the reasons our country is backward, Buhari is not corrupt and he will not allow anybody to steal our money, the VP said. The vice president listed more jobs creation, improved power supply and Credit intervention as the three things, the APC intended to do via its Next Level initiative. He said the plan was to increase the NPower beneficiaries from 500,000 to one million as well ...

The Federal Government says it will redesign and remodel all its assets nationwide to comply with the law of Persons Living with Disabilities (PLWD). The Minister of Power Works and Housing Babatunde Fashola, made this known while briefing newsmen on Thursday in Abuja. President Muhammadu Buhari had on Jan. 24, signed into law a bill to prohibit discrimination against Persons Living with Disabilities (PLWD). The bill included provisions for specific actions that must be taken within a period of five years to provide opportunities for such persons to live as normal a life as possible. Fashola said that it was the second developmental stride recorded by the ministry following the approval of the National Maintenance Framework for public buildings by the Federal Executive Council (FEC). This is another opportunity for job creation; to re-design, to re-model, to retrofit all our assets nationwide to comply with the law as signed by the President. The President has raised the bar for ...

Prof. Godswill Obioma, Ebonyi Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) says more than 199,000 Permanent Voter Cards are still unclaimed. Obioma made this known at a news conference in Abakaliki on Thursday. He said the situation was worrisome, adding that it might affect the expected voter turnout in the general elections in Ebonyi. He said that the conference was designed to provide a platform for interaction between the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and media practitioners in the state. He said that the event would also provide the commission the opportunity to inform the public about its preparedness for the forthcoming general elections. He said that it further help INEC to explore areas of cooperation and collaboration with regards to sensitisation for PVC collection. Obioma said that the commission had intensified efforts toward enhancing the PVCs collection which is scheduled to end on Feb. 8, in line with the electoral guidelines. The total PVCs yet to be...

A Federal High Court in Lagos will on March 19 decide whether a prosecution witness, Mr Eyituoyo Nogbeyintere, can testify in the trial of a Peoples Democratic Party chieftain, Peter Nwoboshi, facing charges of N322 million money laundering. Nwoboshi, representing Delta North Senatorial District in the Senate, is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) along with two companies Golden Touch Construction Projects Ltd. and Suiming Electricals. The commission re-arraigned the accused before Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke on Oct. 5, 2018, following the elevation of the previous trial judge, Justice Mohammed Idris, to the Court of Appeal. The accused pleaded not guilty before both Idris and Aneke. Aneke allowed him to continue with bail granted him by Idris. On Thursday, trial could not proceed as slated because defence raised an objection to the evidence of Nogbeyintere, the third prosecution witness, on the grounds that he was not listed as a witness in the ...

The Association of Maritime Truck Owners (AMATO) and National Union of Petroleum and Gas Workers (NUPENG) said they were not aware of the restriction order for trucks, tankers and other articulated vehicles in Lagos State. Chief Remi Ogungbe, the President of AMATO President and Mr Tayo Aboyeji, the South-West Zonal Chairman of NUPENG, spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos. NAN reports that the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) had on Wednesday placed a movement restriction for the articulated vehicles on Feb.1, Feb. 2, Feb. 8 and Feb. 9. The restriction followed the plan hosting of the 2019 Access Bank International Marathon by Lagos State scheduled to hold on Friday and Saturday. Mr Hyginus Omeje, Lagos State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), said the decision was reached at the end of meeting of heads of security and traffic management agencies in the state. The Federal Road Safety Corps wishes to inform the motoring public that there will ...

Gov. Abdulaziz Yari of Zamfara said the State Government would organise a two-day reception for President Muhammadu Buhari's re-election Campaign Team visiting the state. Yari made the announcement on Thursday while briefing journalists on Thursday. We have made adequate arrangements to receive the APC campaign team led by our amiable President, Muhammadu Buhari. We have lined up a two-day programme, this coming Saturday and Sunday for the events marking the campaign rally, he said. He commend members and supporters of our party for their resilience since the crisis started bedevilling the party following its primary elections ahead of the forthcoming general elections which snowballed into divisions in the party and court cases. ridoola.blogspot.com.ng

Police Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officers in Kogi have been directed to comb all communities under their control for illegal arms, fake police and army uniforms. The state police commissioner, Mr Hakeem Busari, who gave the order in Lokoja on Thursday shortly after a strategic meeting with stakeholders, also directed that vehicles with covered plate numbers should henceforth be impounded. Busari also directed that activities of all political youth organisations in the state be put under special surveillance ahead of the forthcoming elections. He said that activities of some prisoners who recently regained their freedom were also being monitored so that they are not used to foment trouble. The police commissioner noted that tension was rising in the state due to emergence of strong contenders from major political parties but assured residents that police was up to the task. According to him, all policemen that will be deployed for the elections will put on name tags for...

Gov. Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State on Thursday reiterated that his administration believes in the ability of women to contribute positively to governance and promised to have more of them in his administration, if re-elected. He restated this while addressing All Progressives Congress (APC) supporters in Zaria and Sabongari Local Government Area of the state. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the party faithful had converged at Polo field in Sabongari as well as the Eid Praying Ground Kofar Doka, Zaria for the rallies. El-Rufai noted that no government had ever allocated five commissioner slots to women in Kaduna State, except the present administration. He said his government was able to achieve this because it believes in the ability of women to deliver. NAN also reports that the governor chose a woman,Hajiya Hadiza Balarabe, as his running mate for the governorship seat. El-Rufai encouraged the people of both Zaria and Sabongari to come out en mass to vote for the...

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has shortlisted about 2, 656 members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), as ad hoc staff for the forthcoming general election in Adamawa. The state NYSC Coordinator, Malam Abubakar Mohammed made this known on Thursday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Yola. Mohammed said the corps members were undergoing training to prepare them for the discharge of their duties effectively. We have sensitise them on the need to be neutral, to know their limit and not to allow any politician use them. We also educate them to be security conscious, while INEC has assured that they will not be posted to areas with security challenge, he said. Mohammed said the corps members had been supplied with contacts of security agencies and traditional rulers to enable them lodge complain in case of emergency. He urged residents to ensure the safety of corps members posted to their areas. The corp members who are mostly non in...

Prof. Bolaji Owasanoye, Executive Secretary, Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption (PACAC), says President Muhammadu Buhari's administration is not a safe haven for people with stolen money or looted assets. Owasanoye said this in his paper at a one-day conference on Nigeria's Foreign Policy under President Muhammadu Buhari Administration (2015-2019) held at Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Lagos on Thursday. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the paper was entitled War Against Corruption and Nigeria's Foreign Policy President Muhammadu Buhari administration is not a safe haven for anybody that has stolen money and and anybody fighting corruption cannot have friends, he said. According to Owasanoye, President Buhari has demonstrated his commitment to the fight against corruption such that no one is in doubt of his administrations stance on corruption. His administration exposed many Illicit Financial Flows (IFF) going on in th...

President Muhammadu Buhari has been rated high for his effort in building relationships believed to have helped lighten the burden of Nigeria dealing with many challenges including insurgency in the northeast. This was noted in a presentation by Mr. Olusola Ojo, a Professor of International Relations on Thursday, January 31, 2019. The educator made the submission at a conference on “Nigeria’s Foreign Policy Under The Administration of President Muhammadu Buhari (2015-2019)’ ’, says a report by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) and Vanguard News . Many Nigerians at a time disagreed with President Buhari's frequent visits abroad, sometimes because of medical reasons. In Ojo's opinion, all have worked out for stronger relations that have benefited Nigeria rated the country with the highest number of poor people. "There is no doubt that Nigeria’s domestic political, security and economic realities, as well as those of the international scene, have dictated the thrush and co...

The Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II has commended President Muhammadu Buhari for initiating programmes aimed at alleviating poverty in the country. Sanusi gave the commendation when Buhari visited him while on a campaign tour on Thursday in Kano. Programmes like the N-power and TraderMoni where small traders across the country are given N5000 each, can go a long way in boosting the country's economy, he said. The Emir also called on the president to initiate more of such programmes so as to ensure the well being of all citizens. If the Federal Government can increase the number of beneficiaries of the programmes to 20 million, it will contribute towards poverty reduction in the country. It will also bring to an end street begging, Sanusi said. He also commended the federal government for introducing the school feeding programme, saying that the gesture had encouraged more parents to enroll their children in school. According to Sanusi, the Emirate Council will continue to re...

The Police Service Commission (PSC) has approved the promotion of 18 Commissioners of Police (CPs) to the rank of Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs), according to a statement. The statement by the commissions Head of Press and Public Relations, Mr Ikechukwu Ani in Abuja on Thursday, also said that the commission had approved the promotion of 33 Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs) to the substantive rank of commissioners of police. He noted that the promotions were part of the decisions taken at the meeting of the commission in Abuja. The officers promoted to the rank of AIGs are: Wilson Inalegwu, former CP in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Ibrahim Larmode, former EFCC chairman, Musa Kimo, also former CP, FCT, Ebonyi and Akwa Ibom, among others. The new CPs are: Uche Anozia, Nwamhi Yame, Mohammed Gimba, Musa Adze, Philip Maku, Umaru Miringa, Usman Gomna, Adamu Usman, Daniel Sokari-Pedro, among others. Ani said that the Chairman of the commission, Alhaji Musiliu S...

A Professor of International Relations, Olusola Ojo, on Thursday said that the President Muhammadu Buhari administration had charted a new course for Nigeria's domestic and foreign policies. Ojo made the assertion in Lagos at a One-Day Conference organised by the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) on Nigeria's Foreign Policy Under The Administration of President Muhammadu Buhari (2015-2019). His paper is entitled, Nigeria's Foreign Policy under the Administration of President Muhammadu Buhari: An Overview. There is no doubt that Nigeria's domestic political, security and economic realities, as well as those of the international scene, have dictated the thrush and content of the country's foreign policy under the Buhari administration. The diplomatic shuttles by President Buhari paid off as many of the countries he visited now partner with Nigeria in various sectors of the economy. Although Boko Haram's terrorism has not been completely defea...

Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta on Thursday has assured the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar of the state resolve to vote for him come Feb. 16. The governor gave the assurance while addressing the crowd at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, the venue of the PDP presidential campaign rally. He said that as a PDP-controlled state, the state government foresaw the party rising to take over the affairs at the centre. According to Okowa, Atiku will be encouraged, come February, as the state will vote massively for all the PDP candidates, including those contesting in March elections. We are prepared to vote and defend our votes during the elections, so we wish you well in your campaigns. In the past three and half years, we have been building bridges of peace and we have succeeded in uniting our people. We have consistently built infrastructure, created jobs and invested in education as well as the health industry to provide health insurance for our peo...

He also warned security agencies not to collude with the electoral umpire to rig the elections. Uche Secondus, the national chairman of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has warned that the illegal rigging of the 2019 general elections will be an invitation to war in the country. While speaking during the party's presidential campaign rally in Delta State on Thursday, January 31, Secondus warned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) not to rig the election under the directive of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). He said, "Today, by your mandate, we warn INEC, and we believe there are good people in INEC. We know that government is pressurising INEC to rig this election. If they rig this election, they are looking for war. If they want peace, they should not rig this election." He further warned security agencies not to collude with the electoral umpire to rig the elections to prevent unrest in the country. "We know there are...

Filmmakers, distributors in Africa will be actively participating in the activities of the 2019 Cannes film festival. African filmmakers, artistes, and distributors will get a section to market their films at 2019 Cannes film festival. The opportunity, Pulse gathered, was made possible by Pavillon Afriques for eight African countries and the Caribbean, including Nigeria, Jamaica, South Africa, Ghana, The Gambia, Tanzania, Djibouti, and Burkina Faso. It was also gathered that the platform had acquired a venue within the Marché du Film (International film market) of the Cannes Film Festival. Confirming the move in a statement, Pavillon Afrique said, ' African filmmakers, artists, distributors and key stakeholders in the industry will have the opportunity to showcase contents and unique potential at the 2019 Cannes international film festival. The African filmmakers, distributors, and artists will interact, sell films, find partners and expand their professional network with othe...

Nigerians resident in the United States of America on the platform of Restore Nigeria Coalition, have described the suspension of Justice Walter Onnoghen as the Chief Justice of as a plus to the anti-corruption posture of the Muhammadu Buhari-led government. Bearing placards and chanting solidarity songs, the group took to the street of New York to protest calls by the international community for a reversal of Onnoghen’s suspension. It would be recalled that the United State, United Kingdom, European Union and other international bodies had expressed concerns over Onnoghen’s suspension weeks to Nigeria’s general elections. But, Cosmas Collins , President of the group, believes Nigeria has made tremendous progress in the anti-corruption fight as witnessed in the case of Justice Onnoghen.  ALSO READ: Senate drags Buhari to court over Onnoghen “ The recent case of the suspended Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen who violated the law in declaring his assets as stipula...

The Kaduna State Government has dissolved the Board of the State Water Corporation and appointed, in its place, an Interim Management Committee, headed by Mr Sanusi Maikudi. The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr Samuel Aruwan, made the disclosure on Wednesday in Kaduna, in a statement. He said Maikudi would serve as the Acting Managing Director of the Water Corporation. Maikudi, who has vast experience as an entrepreneur, business development service provider and public servant, is expected to ensure that the Water Corporation abides by its reform programme and attains expected results, said Aruwan. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the government also approved the appointment of Fatima Ladi Abdullahi as Company Secretary of the Water Corporation. Prior to this appointment, Maikudi was the Managing Director of the Kaduna State Investment and Finance Company, Born in Kafanchan in 1964, Sanusi Maikudi graduated with a degree in Architec...

The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Abubakar Atiku on Wednesday said he would address growing unemployment in the country if elected in the Feb. 16 poll. He made this known at a town hall meeting tagged The Candidates organised by the MacArthur Foundation in collaboration with NTA and DARIA Media in Abuja. Atiku, a former Vice President said Nigeria needed a pro business and private sector driven leadership to create jobs for its 21 million unemployed youths. According to him, one of our major plans is to create jobs in the agriculture sector which has the largest capacity for job creation in the country. Atiku said as an individual, he lifted 45,000 families out of poverty in Adamawa state by establishing a Micro Finance Bank with technical support from Bangladesh. On corruption allegations against him, Atiku said he is the most investigated public officer in the country who had never been found wanting. His running mate, Mr Peter Obi said Atiku and ...

The National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), in conjunction with the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Young Pharmacist Group (YPG), on Wednesday, launched campaign on Youth Against Drug Abuse in Kwara. The PSN-YPG State Coordinator, Bamidele Aborisade, said the project, funded by NAFDAC, was a drug abuse preventive programme for the youths in the state. The event was attended by representatives of various Secondary Schools across the state. The young pharmacist group leader noted that some 31 million people suffered from drug abuse worldwide, according to the World Health Organisations (WHO). Aborisade explained that the coalition of NAFDAC and PSN-YPG was targeting about 53,000 students across secondary schools to sensitise them to danger of drug abuse. She said they were also targeting 100 guardians per secondary school, who would be engaged in campaign to other youths against drug abuse. According to her, drug misuse and abuse are two differe...

Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has announced restrictions of movement of trailers, tankers and other articulated vehicles into Lagos ahead of upcoming Access Bank International Marathon. The marathon holds on Feb. 1 and Feb. 2. In a statement on Wednesday in Lagos, Sector Commander of the corps, Hyginus Omeje, said the days of the restriction are Feb. 1,Feb. 2, Feb. 8 and Feb. 9. Omeje said that the decision on the issue was reached at the end of a meeting of heads of security and traffic management agencies in the state. This decision is in the general interest of the motoring public and also targeted at ensuring free-flow of traffic and forestalling of security breaches on the highways and other roads on the stated days. Accordingly, a joint team of traffic and security agencies have been set up to ensure strict compliance with this directive. Motorists found wanting will be severely reprimanded, Omeje said. ridoola.blogspot.com.ng

The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, on Wednesday, said that the force had deployed over 600 personnel to Benue and Zamfara states to ensure the protection of lives and property. Abubakar, who stated this in Bauchi during the inauguration of Commando Training Village at the Nigerian Air Force Base, explained that the deployment would add value to the efforts of Nigeria Army and other security agencies in those states. I am very happy that we have over 600 Special forces personnel that are today deployed to different parts of Nigeria. In Benue , we have about 300 special forces that are working hand in hand with the Nigerian Army and other security agencies. Similarly, we have another 300 special forces that are in Zamfara , adding value to what the army and other security agencies are doing. Development and security are two sides of the same coin; you cannot have development if there is no security,he said. According to him, NAF is desirous of having a highly pro...

Adamawa Police Command has confirmed the kidnapping of the chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Demsa Local Government, Mr Hamidu Mijinyawa, by gunmen. The command Public Relations Officer, SP Othman Abubakar, who confirmed the development to News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Yola, said Mijinyawa was abducted in the early hours of Wednesday. Abubakar said the command had swung into action, with support from Inspector General of Police Rapid Response Team, to rescue the abducted chairman. Abubakar, who did not give details, called for calm and support from the public. An APC officials from Demsa, Mr Mark Dauda, told newsmen that the kidnappers had made contact, demanding for N20 million as ransom. Meanwhile, Gov. Muhammadu Bindows campaign team arrived Demsa today. ridoola.blogspot.com.ng

The Acting Director, Lagos State Fire Service, Mr Rasaki Musibau, on Wednesday urged motorists to stop abandoning their faulty vehicles on the road, especially at night, to avert accidents. Musibau made the call during his visit to a multiple accident scene involving five vehicles along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway, opposite Ojo Military Cantonment in Lagos. The accident claimed two lives and left five others injured.He said that it was disheartening that motorists were not cautious of the dangers inherent in abandoning their malfunctioning or faulty vehicles on the road overnight. The accident was primarily caused by three vehicles which include one IVECO Tipper Truck loaded with sand, one Mack Trailer loaded with generating sets and one other unknown car, which were abandoned and stationed on the expressway overnight. A tanker laden with 33,000 liters PMS and a Datsun car stocked with cartons of frozen fish with three passengers rammed into the three abandoned stationed vehicles ...

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) says the countrys refineries are not too old for effective refining operations. Mr Kragha Anibor, NNPC Chief Operating Officer, Refineries disclosed this at a panel session at the ongoing Nigerian International Petroleum summit (NIPS), on Wednesday, in Abuja. The panel discussed the topic Refining, Transportation and petrochemical. He said that the major problem of the corporation to bring the refineries to work was funding adding that government had continued to ensure the best way to manage the refineries. He said that government would not sell off the refineries without putting them in a shape that financiers would be able to come in to fund the revamping for them to operate optimally. He said that the Port Harcourt refinery had its last Turn Around Maintenance (TAM) in 2000, Warri in 2004 and Kaduna in 2008. He said that government would continue to ensure adequate and best agreement with investors for the refineries to ensur...

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC),said 1,200 ad-hoc staff were engaged by the Commission in Kuje Area Council of the FCT, for the general elections. Mrs Zainab Gbefwi, the INEC Electoral Officer for the council area, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) during training of the ad-hoc personnel on Wednesday in Kuje. According to her, the selected ad-hoc staff are serving National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members, students of the University of Abuja and ex-NYSC corps members in the area. The Commission is fully ready for the 2019 general elections and we are training about 1, 200 ad-hoc personnel for the success of the elections. We will also caution them on the dangers and consequences of electoral malpractice to avoid any breakdown of law and other during elections, she said. The electoral officer said that no true democracy could be achieved without the inclusion of all critical stakeholders in the society into the electoral pro...

The Federal Government has concluded plans to subject public buildings across the country to a mandatory maintenance check, Vice President Yemi Osinbanjo has said. Osinbanjo stated this on Wednesday at the closing ceremony of the Construction Artisans Awards and Job Skills Expo in Abuja. The vice president, represented by the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola, said the first phase of the mandatory maintenance programme would cover only public buildings. On Jan. 9, the Ministry of Power, Works and Housing presented a memorandum to the Federal Executive Council for the approval of a national infrastructure maintenance framework starting first with buildings. We will be going later to roads, rails and power installations, but we are starting with public buildings. Essentially, what the ministry sought to do is to urge council to approve the maintenance framework, so that every public building owned by the Federal Government will be subjected to a mandatory ma...

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has been advised to make the electorate aware that there could be delay in the release of results of the 2019 general elections. Bishop Paulinus Ezeokafor, Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, gave the advice when officials of INEC, Anambra, paid him an advocacy visit on Wednesday in Awka. Dr Nkwachukwu Orji, INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner, Anambra, had noted that with the huge number of registered voters in the state, it would not be easy to collate and release results like in 2015. Ezeokafor said letting Nigerians understand that due to the number of political parties contesting the elections, collation and announcement time would take longer to accomplish. But for this your visit, I wouldnt have known that it would be a herculean task collating and announcing the 2019 election results. I will use our communication link to reach Catholics spread in the seven out of the 21 Local Government areas that constitute the Awka Dioce...

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has warned Nigerians against the activities of employment scammers who go about extorting money from unsuspecting job seekers. Mr Jonah Achema, Head, Public Affairs, NDLEA, made this known in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja. Achema said the agency he had been inundated with complaints from victims who paid varying sums of money with the promise of job placements. He said The agency has repeatedly warned job seekers to be wary of these employment fraudsters, especially those dropping names of highly placed Nigerians as link to NDLEA jobs. The public should note that there is no on-going recruitment exercise by the agency. The agency will place a public notice in the media, especially in the national dailies before commencing any recruitment exercise. The agency formations nationwide are veritable avenues for the general public to verify the veracity of any recruitment exercise. It is important to note that the agency does not cha...

Oshiomhole alleged that Obasanjo ceded Bakassi because he wanted to be honoured with a Nobel Peace Prize Award. The chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Adams Oshiomhole has asked Nigerians not to forgive former President Olusegun Obasanjo for ceding Bakassi to Cameroon. According to Daily Post, the APC chairman alleged that Obasanjo ceded Bakassi because he wanted to be honoured with a Nobel Peace Prize Award. Oshiomhole said this while speaking at the presidential rally which held at the U. J. Esuene Stadium in Cross River State. He said “I want to remind the People of Cross River State that never, ever can you afford to forget a Nigerian leader in the person of former President Olusegun Obasanjo who ceded part of Cross River State to Cameroon because he was pursuing a noble peace prize award. “He handed over Nigerian territory to foreign country and reduced Nigeria to become refugees. The lady that presented a gift to Mr President has no home; Obasanjo ceded her co...

President Muhammadu Buhari and the All Progressives Congress (APC) are a threat to a peaceful 2019 General Elections according to a statement issued by the People's Democratic Party (PDP). The National Publicity Secretary of the PDP Kola Ologbondiyan suspects that there might be widespread violence during the polls. When it happens, it will have been sponsored by the opposition APC. Ologbondiyan in the statement refers to a comment by Maj. Gen. Babagana Mongunu who is Nigeria's National Secretary Adviser. The PDP's spokesperson refers to an alert earlier given by the defense personnel warning that some persons with interest in the outcome of the elections are planning to disrupt it with violence. "By every evidence and material facts, the political party and candidate that are not certain of their fate in the election have proven to be the APC and its Presidential candidate, Muhammadu Buhari, who have continued to exhibit acts of frustration over fear of imminent e...

The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Lagos State Wing, has appealed to Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode for massive recruitment of teachers in primary and secondary schools in the state. Mr Adesina Adedoyin, Chairman of the union, made the appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Lagos. He said the appeal became necessary because the teachers concerned were facing enormous task, in the discharge of their duties, due to long period of teaching and large classes. Adedoyin also said that most teachers were having between 48 to 38 periods of teaching every week. He said a class that had about 120 students, grouped in different sections and one teacher, would have to do so much work which could have been done by three teachers. The NUT boss said this situation was affecting members of the union, hence the need for massive recruitment of teachers in 2019. Adedoyin said in a situation where an English teacher, had about 48 periods a week, questioned how will suc...

Frank said it is surprising that Buhari’s government issued a warning to the international community not to interfere, when some foreign powers allegedly helped him win the 2015 election. A former spokesman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Timi Frank has called on members of the international community to ignore the warning issued by the Federal Government. The US, UK and EU issued statements calling for calm and a peaceful resolution of the issues arising suspension of the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Walter Onnoghen. The Federal Government through the ministry of foreign affairs, later issued a warning to foreign countries not to dabble into Nigeria’s affairs. According to Daily Post, Frank said it is surprising that Buhari’s government issued a warning to the international community not to interfere, when some foreign powers allegedly helped him win the 2015 election. The former APC spokesman also said “ Before 2015, Buhari did not tell those countries to back up wh...

The Inter-Governmental Action against Money Laundering and Terrorists Financing in West Africa (GIABA), has observed a reduction in terrorists financing and money laundering activities among member countries of ECOWAS in 2018. GIABA is an institution of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) established in 2000 to combat terrorists financing and fight against money laundering across West Africa. GIABAs Information Manager in Nigeria, Mr Timothy Melaye, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)on Wednesday in Lagos thatmore countries had compliedwith the recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) in 2018. In 2018, GIABA had again demonstrated its commitment to support countries in West Africa in the fight against money laundering and terrorists financing. ECOWAS member countries did well last year in the fight against money laundering and terrorists financing in their countries. Many of these countries have enacted laws, and today, these countries have di...

Politics Business Mogul, Sir Kensington Adebutu, on Wednesday said that as much as he would not like to dabble into politics, yet he was in full support of his son, Mr Ladi Adebutus governorship aspiration. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ladi Adebutu one of the sons of the business mogul is the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun. The business tycoon said he would not like to discuss or delve into political arena, but that his sons line of career was a welcome development to him since he is an adult. As much as I dont like to discuss politics and it is not my style to do so, my son contesting for the governorship position in Ogun is his call. He is an adult and he has the right to choose whatever career for himself, either business or whatever the career. Be that as it may, my son have my full support, because that is what he wants to do and I have no control over that, I have given my blessings, he said. Adebutu said though as one...

The Governor said that Nigerians will have to endure suffering for another four years in Buhari is re-elected. The Governor of Rivers state, Nyesom Wike has said that another tenure for President Buhari will lead to countless deaths and suffering in the country. According to Daily Post,  the Governor said that Nigerians will have to endure suffering for another four years in Buhari is re-elected. Wike said this while speaking to supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at a rally in Gokana LG, Rivers state on Tuesday, January 29, 2019. He also called on Nigerians to vote for the PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, saying: “We have the opportunity to chart a new direction for the country. Another four years of this failed All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government would mean countless deaths and excessive suffering. ALSO READ: Governor Wike criticises Buhari for refusing to sign Electoral Bill “Atiku will bring to bear his experiences in job creat...

Here are results of rescheduled midweek matches in the NPFL. Enugu Rangers beat Niger Tornadoes 1-0 to go top of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) rescheduled fixture played on Wednesday, January 30. Rangers who are the reigning Aiteo Cup champions had their game rescheduled as they are representing the NPFL in the CAF Confederation Cup. Rangers created several chances to take the lead and eventually went ahead through striker Bright Silas in the 33rd minute. After a first half lead they tried to find a second goal but could not as they held on for the victory to move to the top of the league. NPFL results Yobe Desert Stars were victorious at home against Gombe United with a solitary strike through Abdullahi Usman in the 12th minute. A Sulaiman Muhammed strike in the 51st minute gave Wikki Tourists a 1-0 victory over new comers Bendel Insurance . Rivers United beat newcomers Remo Stars 1-0 through a very late goal by Wasiu Jimoh in the 95th minute. NPFL ...

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), has certified 4, 310 Fleet Operators, nationwide, under the Road Transport Safety Standardisation Scheme (RTSSS), the Corps Marshal, Mr Boboye Oyeyemi has said. Oyeyemi made this known in Abuja on Wednesday at the 2019 Annual Retreat for Safety Transport and Administrative Officers overseeing transport duties. Oyeyemi, who was represented by Deputy Corps Marshal, Training, (DCM) Ademola Lawal, said that the effort was aimed at ensuring safety management on Nigerian roads. The corps marshal said the 4, 310 Fleet Operators had 4, 382 terminals, adding that out of the figure, 526 operators were certified in 2018, 126 prosecuted and four jailed. Currently, 13 other cases are in the Courts of law, Oyeyemi said. He explained that the retreat was important because of the rising haulage sector road traffic crashes. Investigations suggested that the crashes could have been avoided if safety managers of the fleet operators had been quite responsive to ...

Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta, says his administration will continue to focus more on youths empowerment in order to sustain the existing peace in the state. Okowa spoke at the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship campaign rally on Wednesday in Burutu, the administrative Headquarters of Burutu Local Government Area. The governor said that youths were critical to the success of the infrastructure development in the area, because they were part of the peace being enjoyed in the state. We were able to achieve much because of the peace that existed in the area. In my second tenure, I will triple youths empowerment because, if we do not empower youths, it will be difficult to have peace, he said. Okowa assured people of the area that he would embark on more developmental projects in his second tenure as governor, urging them to support his re-election. He also appealed to the people to vote for all the candidates of the PDP from the presidential level to the House of Assembly. W...

Forum of Non-Governmental Organisations in Nigeria (FONGON) on Wednesday expressed satisfaction with the decision of President Muhammadu Buhari to sanitize the judiciary. The Coordinator, Mr Wole Badmus, spoke in Abuja during a peaceful protest in support of the programmes and policies of the present administration. The organisation welcomed the decision of Mr President to suspend the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justices Walter Onnoghen over allegation of non-declaration of assets. Buhari had on Jan. 25 suspended Onnoghen, pending the completion of his trial at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) and swore in Justice Ibrahim Muhammad, the most senior Supreme Court Justice, as the acting CJN. Badmus on behalf of the organisations pledged support for the re-election bid of President Buhari come Feb. 16. We want to register our sincere appreciation and support for the programmes and policies of President Muhammadu Buhari, most especially the decision to sanitize the judiciary. We...

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Wednesday stressed the Federal Governments commitment to boosting employment for the youths in order to secure their future and that of the nation. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Osinbajo made the declaration in Idanre during a courtesy visit to the palace of the Owa of Idanre, Oba Frederick Aroloye, as part of the administrations house-to-house campaign. He said the administration had employed 500,000 youths under the N-Power initiative and would increase this to one million when re-elected. In 2050, Nigeria will be the third most populous nation in the world because the growth of Nigeria is by three per cent every year; we must do something about jobs for our youths, he said He identified corruption as a major problem facing the country, saying this was responsible for its under developed infrastructure. Corruption is our main problem. We have funds to take care of our needs, but corruption is too much. We must tackle it and we wont...

Troops recovered two AK-47 rifles and two magazines from the scene of battle. Troops of the Nigerian Army killed four members of terrorist group, Boko Haram, during an encounter in Borno State on Wednesday, January 30, 2019. According to an official Army statement, the firefight started when troops of 192 Battalion Gwoza, Borno State, in conjunction with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force, came in contact with an unspecified number of terrorists while on a fighting patrol along Gwoza -Yemteke Road early on Wednesday. "The gallant troops engaged the terrorists in a gun battle neutralising four of them whilst others fled with gunshot wounds," the statement read. Troops recovered two AK-47 rifles and two magazines from the scene of battle. Troops of the 7 Division Nigerian Army, Operation Lafiya Dole, had similarly killed four terrorists during a raid on a Boko Haram hideout along Makinta Meleri in Konduga local government area of Borno last week. Since Boko Haram...