Dancing Governor, Ademola Adeleke Visits Singing Senator, Dino Melaye.

The New Governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke declared by the tribunal, was seen all smiles with Senator Dino Melaye as he visits him .

Dino Melaye He wrote:
"When the Dancing Governor of Osun state paid me a visit"

Rivers State AAC Deputy Governorship Candidate withdraws from the 2019 Governorship Election, defects to the PDP.

The Rivers  State Deputy Governorship  Candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) , Chief Akpo Bomba Yeeh has withdrawn  from the 2019 Rivers State Governorship Election , defecting to the Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP).

Addressing journalists at his home in Port Harcourt on Monday, Chief Yeeh  said the reason for his decision  is for him  to join hands with  Governor Wike to move Rivers State forward.

He said: "After  due consultations with my immediate family,  friends and supporters,  I Chief Akpo Bomba Yeeh,  the Deputy Governorship of the AAC for the 2019 Governorship election hereby resign my membership of the AAC and announce my defection to the PDP to join hands with Governor Wike to move the state forward ".

He added: "I was the Deputy  Governorship Candidate of the AAC in Rivers State up till today 25th March, 2019 , when I decided to withdraw my candidature and resign  from the party with immediate effect.

"The  March 9 , Governorship election in Rivers State has been lost and won; lost by my party, African Action Congress (AAC) and its Candidate,  Engineer Biokpomabo Awara and undoubtedly and overwhelmingly won by the Governor of Rivers State, the candidate of PDP,  Nyesom Ezenwo Wike ".

He said that despite the interference of the security agencies,  Rivers people  stood their ground and voted for Governor Wike.

He said: "The collated results further showed that contrary to the false claim  of fictitious lead by the AAC/APC alliance,  the PDP overwhelmingly won  all  the elections  in 18 out of the 19 LGAs,  culminating in the declaration and return of the party 26 House of Assembly Constituencies by the Constituency Returning Officers.

"This fact was confirmed on the 13th of March 2019, when INEC stated, as a matter of fact,  that it had in it's safe custody collated results for 17 Local Government Areas as well as the declaration of the PDP Candidates for 21 State Constituencies.

"The outcome of the elections on March 9, 2019 clearly showed the preference of the people of Rivers State.  Even the blind can see and the deaf  can hear the echo  that Rivers people overwhelmingly  voted to stick  with Governor Wike for the next four years to encourage him to continue with the good works".

The Former Deputy Governorship Candidate of the AAC informed that the Minister of Transportation forced him to sign an un-dated letter of resignation to be effective  after  their expected inauguration.

"I was forced to sign an un-dated letter of  resignation as the Deputy Governor of Rivers State to pave way for Rotimi Amaechi to nominate another person as Deputy Governor.

"These were slavish conditions for any rational politician worth his name to accept,  but I pretended to play along because  doing otherwise at that time would have been too dangerous for the safety of my life, given Rotimi Amaechi's desperation to remove Governor Wike from office and install his stooge in the person of Engr Awara against all odds".

He said that though  the AAC Campaign was never serious and never campaigned  for the office of the position of Governor of Rivers State,  Amaechi during the adoption of the party, said that he would fund the elections and do everything  under the sun to give AAC victory  at the polls.

He said: "Amaechi  disclosed to us that he had already assembled security personnel drawn from the Nigerian Army,  the Police,  DSS and FSARS to provide adequate security cover and enablement for members of the AAC and APC to effectively rig the Governorship election and have us declared as winners on March 9  , 2019".

He stated that the adoption and promise to deliver AAC was with conditions that conferred de facto governance on  the Minister of Transportation,  Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi.

Chief Yeeh outlined the conditions: "First, he (Amaechi) must be the one to appoint 90 percent of all political office holders,  including  commissioners, Special Advisers,  and chairmen and members of Government Agencies and parastatals.

"Second,  he must be the one to nominate and produce all the 23 Local Government Council Chairmen  and other principal officers of the councils.

"We, that is, Engr Awara and my humble self must consult and take instructions from him on all financial,  policy and fiscal matters, as well as award and payment of all contracts and other financial transactions upon inauguration as Governor and Deputy Governor of the state".

He added: "As a practicing Christian,  I have come to the conclusion that the actions and desperate attempts by Amaechi and the AAC/APC alliance to rig the Governorship and State Assembly elections in Rivers State are both morally and legally wrong, reprehensible and inimical to the collective interest of the people of Rivers State.

"The Almighty God will not forgive me if I continue to lend my support  to Rotimi Amaechi's perfidy against the democratic rights of the people of Rivers State to freely elect their own leaders ".

He condemned  the Minister of Transportation for unleashing violence on Rivers people in his failed attempt to rig the 2019 Rivers Governorship election.

The Former Deputy Governorship Candidate of AAC stated that he has informed Engr Awara in writing of his withdrawal and resignation from the Governorship race and the AAC.

APC, Buhari's Fraudulent Victory Will Be Terminated Very Soon - Bukola Saraki.

In his words, “This victory that APC has seen is going to be short lived. If anybody believes that it is a loss to PDP, it is a loss to the country that history will not forgive.”

“We said it many times here, that the worst to do is to do an election that as a country Nigeria will not be proud of.

“We have done an election that no doubt anybody and even those that think they have won are ashamed of the kind of election that we did.

“I think it is a shame to the country and to those that were given that responsibility to do. They have Saturday as their last opportunity to try as much as possible to reclaim part of their embarrassment to the country.

“How can a country like Nigeria, as the speaker said, Ghana has done it, even Congo, even Zimbabwe have done elections. And we say we do elections, with seven inconclusive. We did elections before, in 2015, we did it in 2011, 1999 and after so many years, this is what we can produce.

“It is not a loss to the PDP, it is to the country. It just shows the level of desperation. I have confidence that this will be shortlived and as such let us ensure on Saturday, that these five states that are ours remain within the PDP and INEC should for once do what is right.

“We have a great future ahead and I believe we will start that on Saturday to make sure that we defend those five states that are declared inconclusive,” Mr Saraki said.

BBNaija: Organisers release names of 2019 shortlisted housemates, tells Nigerians what to do.

Multichoice, the organizers of Big Brother Naija has released ten names of candidates given second chance likely to be housemates for 2019 reality show.

Multichoice in a statement on its website on Thursday asked viewers to vote any favourite candidate of their choice listed in order to be shortlisted into the BBNaija house.

The statement reads: “ Meet the #BBNaija Contestant Candidates!

“For the next 10days, you have the power to vote in a hopeful Contestant Candidate into the 2019 BBNaija House!

“Big Brother is giving you the viewer, the power to select one more housemate to go into the Big Brother house this season.

“These personalities bring you the choice of more drama, action, love, laughter or entertainment!

“All you have to do is vote the personality you will like to see in the house daily, from March 21 – 31 2019

“Remember, you must be an active DStv/GOtv Subscriber to cast valid votes.”

See names below:

Avatar Name: Charles (32years)
Avatar Name: Emeka (33years
Avatar Name: Nkeiru (23years)
Avatar Name: Precious (23years)
Avatar Name: Onyeka(24yrs)
Name: Moshood(26yrs)
Avatar Name: Todum(32)
Avatar Name: Ifeanyi(23yrs)
Avatar Name: Oluwasegun (30yrs)
Avatar Name: Samson(25yrs)

Sanwo-Olu gives reasons for building collapse in Lagos.

Lagos state Governor-elect, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has explained why the Lagos island area of the state is experiencing the issues of building collapse in recent times.
According to him, the incessant building collapse can be attributed to advance in years the affected building was constructed.

The Governor-elect who described the incident as unfortunate noted that Lagos island is a part of the old colony of Lagos saying it’s not unexpected to see houses that are over a century old. “Building collapse is an unfortunate thing, extremely very unfortunate. You know Lagos it’s a part of the old colony of Lagos, so it’s not unexpected to see houses that are over a century old and in those numbers, we need to be sincere to ourselves and we need to be real. “We know that with a mega city of our status, it comes with a lot of challenges but we are lucky that we have been part of it before now and we are excited that the solutions we are bringing up – that we’ve identified on the campaign trail will very quickly, be able to bring about positive development that will improve the quality of lives and ease all of the challenges that we currently have in Lagos." Sanwo-Olu, who spoke with journalists at the State House, Abuja, after a meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari, said Lagos state needs regeneration to address the incessant cases of building collapse. “When you want to take people’s properties and you want to regenerate, they must first see a sincerity of purpose – what are the additional plans that you have for them? Before you could regenerate, there must be a stop gap – in the next two to three years what are the plans you have for them? And you need to do what we call proper enumeration.

French court convicts Koffi Olomide for rape of 15-year-old dancer.

A French court on Monday handed Congolese singer Koffi Olomide a two-year suspended prison sentence for the statutory rape of one of his former dancers when she was 15.

Olomide went on trial after four former dancers claimed he sexually assaulted them several times between 2002 and 2006. The assaults allegedly happened in the Democratic Republic of Congo as well as in France, including at a villa outside Paris where the women said they were held against their will.

The dancers said they managed to make a night-time escape from the villa in June 2006, and have not returned to their country since for fear of reprisals.
Prosecutors at his trial in Nanterre, outside Paris, had sought a seven-year prison sentence but the court dismissed the assault and kidnapping charges.

Bukola Saraki signs National Minimum Wage Bill

President, Bukola Saraki, today Wednesday March 20th, signed the Senate’s version of the National Minimum Wage Bill, 2019 (SB 722).

The bill which passed the Third Reading stage at the Senate on Tuesday March 19th, gave the approval for the increase of the minimum wage to N30, 000.

Charlyboy Collected Money From Buhari To Attack Atiku – Deji Adeyanju Reveals.

“Charly Boy is the number one Mumu in Nigeria. He collected money from them to do a video against the main opposition candidate -Atiku and also to stop attacking Buhari.

“When I confronted Charly Boy with the evidence, he confessed to collecting money from them but said he didn’t collect the money to do a video against Atiku but they gave him the money as support. I dare him to deny this allegation. I have the recording of his confession.

“Imagine after all the sacrifices, someone will just be going round collecting money in the name of the movement. Huge disappointment. A fraud. The stories are just too many.”

Source: Native Reporte

Senate Approves N30,000 as National Minimum Wage.

The Senate on Tuesday approved N30,000 as national minimum wage with its passage of the National Minimum Wage Act (Repeal anf Enactment) Bill 2019.

This is sequel to the presentation of the report of the ad-hoc committee on the national minimum wage by its acting chairman, Senator Francis Alimikhena (Edo North).

The Senate Committee of the Whole had considered and approved all the 18-clause report of the Alimikhena-led committee after a motion moved to this effect by Senate Leader, Senator Ahmad Lawan.

The House of Representatives had in January approved N30,000 as new minimum wage after holding a public hearing on the national minimum wage bill presented to the National Assembly by President Muhammadu Buhari.

Why I Decided Not To Speak On 2019 Presidential Election Result – Obasanjo.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has given reasons why he would not comment on the outcome of the February 23 presidential election.

Mr Obasanjo backed the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, in the election that was won by President Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Mr Buhari as the winner with 15,191,847 votes. Mr Abubakar garnered 11,262,978 votes.

Mr Abubakar has challenged the result in court. PREMIUM TIMES On Monday reported how he gathered a team of lawyers at the Court of Appeal, who are currently working on the processes of filing the petition.

Mr Obasanjo said speaking about the election would be ”subjudice.”

The former president spoke on Tuesday at the Shehu Musa Yar’adua Centre Abuja, at the launch of a book written by Abdullahi Shehu, titled ”Election in Nigeria: The Long Road To Democracy.”

The event attracted the presence of dignitaries, including a former Head of State, Yakubu Gowon; human right activist, Femi Falana; a former deputy president of the Senate, Ibrahim Mantu; Chido Onumah, author of ‘We Are All Biafrans”, among many others.

”I will not dabble into the details of what I call current aspect of Prof Shehu’s book because since the emphasis was on the national election, particularly the presidential election, and the presidential election is now taken to court,” Mr Obasanjo said.

”I think talking about it would become subjudicive, because it has been taken to court,” he added.

Mr Obasanjo, however, spoke on Mr Shehu’s book.

”The book discusses the election and electoral processes in Nigeria including why there must be a free fair transparent and credible election as predictive autumn of the country.

”It reviews the main factors that led to the defeat of the PDP in 2015, and how the APC mismanaged the victory. The main thrust of the book is a comparative analysis of the APC Next Level and the PDP ” Let’s Get Nigeria Working Again”, he added.

Mr Obasanjo said the author had done justice in reviewing the bedrock of a democratic government.

”I think from the review, you would see that the author had done justice in what he set out to achieve

”In the introduction in which election is the bedrock of a democratic government, all modern democracy and old elections, not all elections are truly democratic. The measure of a democratic election is that it is transparent fair, credible and acceptable

”The problem is who determines these outcomes in the election? And that is where the concerns about a sustainable democracy arises and sustainable democracy, if an election is fundamental and basic to democracy and good governance.”

The former president further reviewed the part highlighted in the book, as ”Election Integrity.”

He described an election without integrity as a ”farce”

”Then we go to the other part and very important part in which Prof Shehu highlighted very much in this book, and that is election integrity. Without integrity, any election is a farce.

”In this regard, an election can futher enhance democracy, security, human right and freedom,” he said.

Source: PremiumTimes

Elections: Atiku, PDP Finally Files Petition Against Buhari, APC Victory.

Nineteen days after the declaration of President Muhammadu Buhari as the winner of the February 23rd presidential election, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party has finally filed his petition against the victory of Buhari at the poll.

Atiku and the PDP are challenging the election of Buhari and the All Progressives Congress (APC) on the grounds of alleged massive riggings, malpractices, and noncompliance substantially with the electoral laws.

In the petition filed this evening Atiku and the PDP are praying that they be declared winner of the February 23 presidential election.

In the alternative, the two petitioners prayed the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal to nullify the poll and ordered for a fresh election that will be conducted in lines with provisions of the electoral laws.

Although a copy of the petition cannot be obtained at the filing of the report, the National Legal Adviser of the PDP Emmanuel Enoidem, confirmed to journalists at the Court of Appeal, venue of the tribunal that the petition has been filled.

Mr. Enoidem said that the PDP and its presidential candidate have already assembled a powerful legal team, comprising 20 Senior Advocate of Nigeria and other retinues of lawyers who will establish the fact of the petition.

He disclosed that over 400 witnesses have also been assembled to testify during the hearing of the petition.

On the order earlier granted to the party and its presidential candidate to inspect materials, he said that the inspection is being carried out from the polling units across the country.

Tourism: Discovery of oil, Nigeria’s greatest misfortune —Ooni of Ife.

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, has said that the greatest misfortune that has ever befallen Nigeria as a nation was the discovery of oil and gas.

Ogunwusi said this late on Friday during a courtesy visit by the National Executive of Nigeria Tour Operators to the Ooni’s palace in Ile-Ife.

The executive members were led by Mrs Bilikisu Abdul,  NATOP’s President.
The traditional ruler said that Nigerians had failed to develop the tourism potential in the country due to the discovery of crude oil.

Ex President OLUSEGUN Obasanjo Appointed Chairman of World Ex-Presidents.

Mathew Olusegun Okikiola Obasanjo Appointed as the new chairman council of world ex-presidents.

OBJ records as the first African to be appointed at the 32nd annual plenary meeting of world ex-presidents in Newport, United Kingdom recently.

He takes over from Franz Vranitzky who was a former chancellor of Austria from 1986-1996 before he later became chairman of world ex-presidents chairman on 1st July 2010 and served till June 2015.

Past and present (1) Helmut Schmidt of Germany (2) Malcolm Fraser of Australia (3) Jean Chretien of Canada (4) Franz Vranitzky of Australia (5) Olusegun Obasanjo of Nigeria.

True leaders will always march on. They may not be perfect but their work speaks for them.

If men were God, I won’t be Governor-elect, says Abiodun.

Winner of the March 9, governorship election in Ogun state, Prince Adedapo Abiodun, on Sunday declared that if some  “men were God,” he would not have become the Governor – elect of the state.

Abiodun who revealed that what had kept him going in the journey of life despite daunting challenges is his absolute and unshakeable faith in God, saying such faith was anchored on the message of Christ in Mark 11:23, which assured that an unwavering faith could relocate a mountain from one point to another.

The successful entrepreneur, oil magnate and real estate player made this known at St. James Anglican Church, Iperu, his home town, during a Thanksgiving Service to appreciate Almighty God for protection and victory at the gubernatorial poll in the Gateway state.

Prominent personalities at Thanksgiving Service include former Ogun and Ekiti State governors, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, Kwara state Governor-Elect, Alhaji Abdulraheem Razaq, Senators Buruji Kashamu, Gbenga Kaka, Gbolahan Dada, Biyi Durojaiye, Senator Solomon Adeola (aka Yayi), Prof Toyin Ashiru and Otunba Bimbo Ashiru.

Also in attendance are  Dr Femi Majekodunmi, Prince Segun Adesegun, Chief Toyin Okeowo, Ogun West Senator-elect, Chief Tolu Odebiyi, Otunba Rotimi Paseda, Hon Kayode Oladele, royal fathers, among others.

The Governor – elect on the ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC), recalled that he was pained and heartbroken in 2015 when he lost in the contest for the Ogun East senatorial seat but kept pressing forward undaunted because an inner voice was telling him he still has a vision yet to be accomplished.

He pledged to run an equitable, just, accountable  and a transparent government which would create a public, private partnership for the benefits of Ogun state, the citizens and residents.

Abiodun said: “my victory has a hand of God. My friends and people around me were asking, “Dapo, what has kept you going ahead in your ambition? What has propelled you? But I remained focus in God and unshakeable. For you to succeed, you don’t have to have doubts in your mind.

Read Also: OPC greets Sanwo-Olu, Abiodun

“In my spirit, I have a mission for my country. I didn’t give up. For you to succeed, you should learn to get up and go. Also, you should have convictions.

“I always refer to the book of Mark 11:23. Honestly if men were God I wouldn’t have been here. In the 90s when I came back from the university, I offered to serve the people of Ogun state but I came second in that contest.

“Immediately after the primaries I joined Otunba Gbenga Daniel and campaigned for him, eventually he became governor.

“Again, In 2011 I joined hands with the incumbent governor(Ibikunle Amosun) to win the election.  In 2015 I offered to become the senator but I wasn’t successful in that race but I was pained and heartbroken but I didn’t give up because something continued to tell me that I have a vision which is yet to be unaccomplished.

“Today, what I want you to take home from here is that we should never give up because many times when we meet disappointment, it is just an avenue to close a window for a double door to be opened.

“I want to assure you that we would lead an equitable and a transparent government which will create a public , private partnership for all, so help me God.

“I want to thank you all for been here today. We would have postponed this thanks given service until after inauguration but we want to quickly acknowledge the fact that this is an act of God.

“Few days ago,  I was with one of the paramount rulers in the state to thank him for his support and that which was rendered by his people and he said to me that, even the leafs are singing and dancing over your victory.

“I pray may all of us enjoy this kind of victory in our individual homes in Jesus name.”

In his  sermon, the Archbishop Ecclesiastical Province of Lagos, Olusina  Fape, said it is God that made Abiodun Governor – elect for a purpose in Ogun state.

Fape said Abiodun’s value could only be determined when he begins to effect real and  positive changes in the lives Ogun people and the state.

He advised the Governor – elect to shun sycophants and surround himself with people of integrity when assembling members of his cabinet, praying that God would help him to succeed.

Fape also advised him not to allow himself to be carried away by the excitement and euphoria of electoral victory, lest he forgets those who God used to help him to the position of a Governor after being sworn – in.

The Archbishop who also doubles as the Bishop of Remo diocese of Anglican Church, urged him not to turn his back on the structure of the All Progressives Congress(APC) in the state as it provided him the vehicle on which he rides to power.

Fape said: “A stream that forgets its source will definitely go dry. It is not that we don’t have people with credible character in this country, but our problem is nepotism.

“And I will advise you to select able people of Faith to be able to be a ruler over hundreds and thousands of men and women.

“There are many things yearning for attentions at this auspicious time you are coming in as governor.

Your father and mother are your first destiny helpers. So, in your own case, as governor, you have become parent to all and sundry in Ogun state.

“Ask God for destiny helpers to work with you to be able to take Ogun State to a greater height.

“As a consumate entrepreneur, we know your antecedent, you have not come to steal the state funds to build your house, but have been blessed already. You are already loaded.

“You need destiny helpers to fulfil all your electoral promises”, said the Bishop. God has appointed everyone to succeed. You and your wife (Bamidele) will not fail. Whatever you lay your hands upon, you will succeed.”

I’ve neither quit politics nor left PDP —GEJ.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has said that he has no reason to quit the Peoples Democratic Party or retire from politics for now.

He made the statement on Sunday through his Media Adviser, Mr. Ikechukwu Eze, in reaction to a report by an online publication which claimed that the ex-president had resigned from PDP and quit politics.

Eze’s statement described the news as fake, saying that it was a “calculated attempt to rubbish the elder statesman.”

“The PDP gave Jonathan the platform to serve as deputy governor, governor, vice president and eventually, president of Nigeria.

“Jonathan has no reason at this time to resign his membership of the platform.

“Those who derive pleasure in spreading fake information had better occupy themselves with more productive endeavours that are obviously more relevant to nation building.
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“Obviously, this is a fabrication borne out of mischief, as the publishers of the fake story claimed that the former President made the statement while being interviewed by the Nigeria News Agency.
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“There is absolutely no way the former President could have spoken to a non-existent news agency, as none in the country goes by that name,” the statement stated.

We’ll probe FSARS killing of PDP agent in Rivers, says Wike.

The RIVERS State Governor, Nyesom Wike, said on Saturday that the state government would inaugurate a panel to ensure that the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad personnel, who killed Dr. Ferry Gberegbe, a PDP agent in Khana Local Government Area of the state, was brought to justice.

This is as the governor  announced N200m scholarship for the four children of the deceased, directing Gberegbe’s widow to open bank accounts for each of the four children.
The governor spoke on Saturday in Port Harcourt when he led leaders in the state on a condolence visit to the family of the slain lecturer.

He said, “We will set up a judicial commission of inquiry to ensure that the culprits are brought to justice. It is unfortunate that F-SARS killed the PDP collation agent. The state government will offer scholarship to the four children left behind by the deceased. The mother of the children should open dedicated accounts for each of the children.

You can’t be successful and escape criticisms – Otunba Subomi Balogun.

Billionaire banker and philanthropist, Otunba Subomi Balogun, speaks with TOFARATI IGE on his personality, career, family and other issues

At 85, how would you assess your life’s journey so far?

I think the assessment is in the hands of the divine authority, our God. All I would say is that I am extremely grateful to my maker for making me still very agile, meticulous, articulate and behaving like someone who is 60 years old.

Again, I want to thank my maker for his benevolence to me. The whole essence of my celebration is to give thanks to my maker, and to ask Him to endow me with the wherewithal to continue to be appreciative for all that He has done for me.
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In all humility, I am really grateful for all the good Lord has done for me. And all who know me know that this is coming from my heart.

Okorocha withdrew N17bn from banks in three days, Imo PDP alleges.

The Imo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party has accused Governor Rochas Okorocha of withdrawing N17bn from four banks in three days and converting government property to personal use.

The state PDP Chairman, Mr Charles Ezekwem, said this on Saturday in Owerri, the state capital, during a press conference.

The PDP alleged that between Tuesday, March 12, 2019 and Thursday, March 14, 2019, Okorocha made withdrawals from Access Bank, Zenith Bank, Unity Bank and Skye Bank (Polaris) amounting to over N17bn.

Why I rejected 2018 Range Rover birthday gift –Alex Unusual.

When it was revealed on social media that a former Big Brother Naija contestant, Alexandra Amuche, aka Alex Unusual, rejected a gift of a 2018 Range Rover SUV on her birthday last month, it was hard to believe.

However, in a chat with Sunday Scoop, Alex said it was true she rejected the car gift. She stated, “I rejected the first car I received on my birthday. For me, it was not just about the gift but where it was coming from. The second car given to me was from love. Responsible fans put their money together to get me the car, while the former was from someone who liked me. It is okay to like me but I didn’t feel it was right to collect a car from an admirer. He could decide to collect the car from me anytime he felt like. If I collected the car and I told him I didn’t want a relationship later, what would happen?”
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The reality show finalist said she was aware that many ladies would jump at the offer but she didn’t regret her decision. Alex said, “The man felt I was too proud when I rejected the car gift. But I am not a proud lady. I know many girls will take the vehicle; it was a 2018 Range Rover (for crying out loud). But I am Alex Unusual; I am not the type who can be wooed with material things.”

Also, she said her mother wasn’t surprised when she rejected the vehicle. According to her, it was not the first time she would reject a car or something huge. Alex added, “I have rejected money and material things many times. The car gift was just one of them."

“This year’s birthday celebration was amazing and I am happy I am growing. All my birthdays are always filled with so much love but a night before my birthday, I cried a lot. I had a quarrel with my mother, manager, camera guy and stylist.” BBNaija AlexUnusual

Governor Wike Gifts Children Of PDP Agent Allegedly Killed By FSARs N200m Scholarship.

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has announced that the State Government will set up a Judicial Commission of Inquiry to ensure that the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad (F-SARS) personnel who killed Dr Ferry Gberegbe, PDP Khana Collation Agent are brought to justice .

Governor Wike also announced a N200million scholarship for the four children of the Late Dr Gberegbe, directing the widow of the deceased to open bank accounts for each of the four children.

All you need to know about Her Royal Majesty, Regent Taiwo Oyebola Agbona.

As the first girl child, she is to stand in gap on the throne of her fore-fathers till the Senior traditional Chiefs (Afobaje) choose the next King for the town.
Tradition entails her to temporarily take over the rulership of her kingdom.
She has been on the throne for over a year so far.

A recent graduand of Achievers University, Owo Ondo State as been crowned as a Regent (Adele Oba) in Aaye town in ifedore Local Government, Ondo State
She was born into the Royal family of HRM Oba J. B Agbona, Orimoro 11, the Alaaye of Aaye( who transformed from mortality to immortality to join his ancestors on the 4th of may, 2017).
She studied Medical Laboratory Science (Heamatology).

She is also on social media and bears Royal_bliss on Instagram.

As a Regent, Her Majesty is forbidden to Kneel to any human, she must not have sexual intercourse, she must not eat in public, she must always be in male atire.

Offa Robbery: Police asked me to implicate Saraki – Suspect.

A suspect in last year’s robbery attacks on commercial banks in Offa, Kwara state, Ayoade Akinnibosun, on Friday told an Ilorin High Court how the police asked him to implicate the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki.

Akinnibosun and two other suspects, Ibikunle Ogunleye (2nd accused person) and Adeola Abraham (3rd accused person) narrated before the court how police extracted statement from them by force during the course of investigation of the incident.

The suspects also disclosed that the principal suspect in the robbery incident who was a dismissed police officer, Michael Adikwu was shot dead by one Inspector Vincent attached to the police Intelligence Response Team (IRT).

Akinnibosun, Ogunleye and Abraham were examined and cross-examined by their counsel, Mathias Emeribe and prosecution counsel, Razaq Gold, in a trial within trial on how they were tortured and threatened by the police to make confessional statements.

The prosecution witness, Inspector Hitila Hassan, had on Thursday told the court that the suspects voluntarily gave their statements under his supervision.

Lead Prosecuting Counsel, Prof. Wahab Egbewole sought to tender the statements as exhibit but the defence counsel, Mathias Emeribe objected.

Emeribe argued that the statements were not voluntarily taken, noting that they fell short of the provisions of the Evidence Act particularly sections 28 and 29.

At the resumed hearing today, Akinnibosun said “Abba Kyari told me to mention the name of Senate President Bukola Saraki that he gave me the guns for the operations. But I declined to do that contending that my life is at stake.

“He (Abba Kyari) promised that they would reward me handsomely and set me free if I can indict Senator Saraki. When I disagreed they called some policemen to take me back to their cell. During this time, my hands were tied to my legs in the back.”

The suspect added that he was the leader of Kwara South Liberation Movement mobilizing young jobless graduates for the Senator representing Kwara South district in the upper legislative chamber, Dr Rafiu Ibrahim.

“The essence is to secure government jobs for the boys,” he said.

Ayoade Akinnibosun, Ibikunle Ogunleye and Adeola Ibrahim gave graphic details of their horrifying experience allegedly in the police custody in Abuja.

During one of their encounters at the police IRT ‘theatre room,’ they said in their presence Inspector Vincent allegedly shot dead five Fulani men.

‘The theatre room,’ according to them is the generator room of the IRT’s office and it also doubles as where suspects are extra-judicially executed.

They added that it was in the same ‘theatre room that Inspector Vincent otherwise known as ‘Mr. Torture,’ allegedly shot dead Michael Adikwu for failing to indict them in the robbery incident.

According to Ibikunle Ogunleye “they brought the late Adikwu to implicate us and he said he had not met any of us in his life that is why Mr. Torture shot him to death.”

The trial Judge, Justice Halimat Salman adjourned the case to March 25, 2019 for continuation of trial within trial

Two-Storey Building Collapses In Ibadan yesterday, Victims Cry For Help With Phone Calls

Barely two days after a three-storey building collapsed in Ita Faji area, Lagos Island, another building has collapsed in Ibadan, Oyo State.

According to reports coming from Oyo State, the building collapsed at Bode area after Molete bridge.

People are still trapped and there are no equipments to rescue them ...At the site of the collapsed building, people trapped under the rubbles could be heard making phone calls crying for help.

At the time of this report, the casualty toll was not clear but a crowd is currently gathered at the scene of the building collapse.

Ambode Orders Demolition Of Over 80 Marked Buildings In Lagos Island.

The Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, has ordered the demolition of over 80 buildings in Lagos Island earlier marked to be brought down.

The order follows the collapse of a three-storey building in the Ita Faaji area of the Island, housing a primary school said to be located on the second floor of the building, killing both children and adults.

During an assessment of the disaster scene on Wednesday, Governor Ambode vowed to demolish all illegal school buildings in the area and some structures marked unfit in Smith, Palm Church and Adeniji Adele Streets.

The gym instructor who killed 49 Muslims in New Zealand, reveals his inspiration .

28-year-old Australian man, Brenton Tarrant, is believed to be the gunman behind the horrific attack that left 49 persons dead in two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, on Friday. .

The suspect invaded two mosques during a coordinated and unprecedented attack. Tarrant reportedly worked as a personal trainer at Big River Gym in the northern New South Wales city of Grafton.

He left his job after making some money from Bitconnect, a cryptocurrency like Bitcoin, and then used the money to fund his travels. He is known to have travelled to Europe, South-East Asia and East Asia.

In a 74-page manifesto, believed to have been written by him, Tarrant described himself as a “regular white man, from a regular family” who was born in Australia to a “working class, low-income family”.

“My parents are of Scottish, Irish and English stock. I had a regular childhood, without any great issues. I had little interest in education during my schooling, barely achieving a passing grade,” he said.

“I am just a regular White man, from a regular family. Who decided to take a stand to ensure a future for my people.” He cites ‘birthrates’, mass immigration and ‘white genocide’ as his motivations.

The author of the manifesto went on to describe himself as “a private and mostly introverted person” and admits he is racist, adding that he is an “Eco-fascist by nature”.

He described himself as an ethnonationalist and a fascist, who was inspired by Norwegian shooter Anders Breivik who murdered 77 people in terror attacks in 2011.

He spent three months on the specifics of the Christchurch attack, having abandoned an earlier choice of target in Dunedin. He denied being ordered to carry out the attack, saying he acted alone.

AD candidate vows to challenge Sanwo-Olu’s victory in court.

The governorship candidate of the Alliance for Democracy in Lagos State, Chief Salis Owolabi, has vowed to challenge in court the result of the election that produced Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu of the All Progressives Congress as the governor-elect.

He said the result of the election was unacceptable to him because of the irregularities witnessed in many areas of the state.
Owolabi’s position was contained in a statement made available to our correspondent by his media team on Wednesday in Lagos.

He said, “I will not and I am not accepting the result of the governorship election because it was fraud against the people of Lagos State.

Woman Commits Suicide After Losing Two Children In Lagos Building Collapse.

The collapsed building in Lagos Island on Wednesday resulted in a mother, who lost her two children in the incident, to commit suicide after she received news of the death of the children.

It was learnt that she gave birth to the two children, who were between the ages of six and four, through Caesarean Section (CS).

The woman and her husband live in Gambari area of the Island.

Some residents of the area who narrated the incident said she bought a bottle of insecticide called ‘Sniper’.

“Nobody knew what she wanted to do with the Sniper. But a few minutes later, we saw the bottle beside her where she was sleeping and we found out that she was already dead," a neighbour, who preferred not to be named, said.

Sympathisers, however, thronged their house to condole with the husband and family members.

Meanwhile, a mother, Yetunde, whose son was injured, has been too traumatised by the sight of the boy lying critically on the hospital bed, that she has not sat down for over nine hours.

She had been moving from one corner of the Lagos Island General Hospital to the other in search of the prescribed drugs and other needs demanded by the doctors.

The boy survived the injuries and his two legs are in Plaster of Paris (POP).

Recollecting the event of the past 24 hours, Yetunde said she was the person that dressed the boy for school. She had already left the house, when she received a call that the school, which her son attends, had caved in, leaving many children trapped. She called on well-meaning Nigerians to pray for the speedy recovery of her son.

Benue rerun: PDP picks Mark, Ortom, Suswam, others as polling agents.

Ahead of the governorship rerun election, the Peoples Democratic Party in Benue State has announced names of its polling agents and returning officers.

The Independent National Electoral Commission had announced March 23 for the supplementary election.

Benue is among the six states where the electoral commission said rerun governorship election will hold on March 23.

Other states in this category are Kano, Adamawa, Bauchi, Sokoto and Plateau.

Ortom, in the first election, scored 410,576 votes while the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Emmanuel Jime, got 329,022 votes.

The Returning Officer, Prof. Sebastian Maimako, who declared the election inconclusive, said that 121, 011votes were cancelled.

The list of the party’s polling agents and returning officers, which our correspondents sighted on Thursday, was said to have been forwarded to INEC.

Topping the list of the party agents are a former Senate President, David Mark, immediate past governor of the state, Gabriel Suswam, erstwhile Minister of Interior, Abba Moro and Governor Samuel Ortom.

Others are a former Director General of the National Agency for Foods and Drug Administration and Control, Dr Paul Orhii, Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Titus Uba and the Secretary to the State Government, Tony Ijohor (SAN).

Also on the list are the state chairman of the PDP, John Ngbede, the state Attorney-General, Michael Gusa,  the National Auditor of the party, Agbo Emmanuel, Mike Mku, Frank Utoo, Dr Elijah Ikpaor, Prof. Tor Iorapuu, Steven Iyorchir, Mark Gbillah, Dave Iorhemba, Tyorkyan Cletus, Orker Jev, Bemgba Iortyom, Matthew Nyinta, David Tsevedo, Cyril Gajir and Tersegu Tsegba.

The returning officers, according to the list signed by the state party Publicity Secretary, Bemgbar Iortyom , are Senator Dino Melaye and former Attorney-General of the state, Alex Adum.

When contacted to speak on the list, Iortyom declined.

Atiku, Makinde in closed-door meeting with Obasanjo.

Former vice president and the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar; and governor-elect in Oyo State, Seyi Makinde,  held separate closed-door meetings with former President Olusegun Obasanjo at his residence in Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Thursday .

Our correspondent gathered that Atiku arrived at Obasanjo Presidential Library around 1pm  and spent one hour with his former boss.

Obasanjo’s media aide, Kehinde Akinyemi, confirmed the meeting.

Akinyemi, however, described the meeting as private.

However, a source at the meeting told our correspondent that Atiku came to seek further advice from Obasanjo on the next step to take after his loss at the poll.

Meanwhile, Makinde  and Obasanjo held another closed-door meeting two hours after Atiku  had left.

Makinde was  reported to have arrived Obasanjo’s residence around 4pm and went straight to the inner room of the former President.

The duo later emerged from the closed-door meeting and held another meeting with some chieftains of the PDP, including the former deputy chairman (South) of the party, Chief Olabode George.

According to a statement by Obasanjo’s media aide, his boss warned the governor-elect in Oyo State against running a selfish government.

“Please, run a government that will be make them ask, ‘Where has this type of government been all this years in Oyo State?’

“You must give them something positive; you must give them good democracy and not that one my younger brothers will call pocketing democracy,” the statement quoted Obasanjo as saying.

The governor-elect reportedly said the visit was to appreciate and seek wisdom from the elder statesman.

I am not violent, please give me my certificate, Okorocha begs INEC.

The current governor of Imo state and the senator elect in the just concluded National Assembly election conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Mr Rochas Okorocha, Wednesday asked the commission to hand him over his certificate, noting that the commission cannot seize his certificate because of a mere petition against him.

Okorocha made this known when some of his supporters marched to the government house to protest.

Recall that INEC removed his name from the list of senators-elect who will receive their various certificates on Thursday. The commission argued that the governor was declared winner under duress.

In view of the above therefore, Okorocha opined, “I wonder why INEC will withhold my certificate for a frivolous reason, without hearing from me. I am not a violent person and those who know me know that,” he said.

“This is why we have peace in Imo state. The Returning Officer could not have done that under duress under the watchful eyes of the Police, DSS and party agents. I am not unmindful of the fact that those who are fighting me from Abuja are anxious to see me removed as a senator. I urge INEC to do the right thing immediately by releasing my certificate.

“Let me tell every Nigerian that I fought no one and no one should fight me. If anyone fights me, he will be the loser at the end of it all. My INEC Certificate cannot be touched or seized, doing so is belittling democracy in Nigeria.

“It is only the tribunal that has the right to say otherwise once a result is declared. INEC cannot seize my certificate by mere petition written by somebody in a case I was not given the opportunity to present my own side of the story.”

Bukola Saraki messed up, please forgive him – Oyinkansola Saraki begs Kwarans.

The younger sister of the Senate President Bukola Saraki, Oyinkansola Saraki has accused her brother of not doing enough for the Kwarans for the past years. She pleaded for the people of Kwara to forgive him and also his father.

Oyinkansola Saraki appeared on TVC programme ” Your Views” made several comments against Bukola Saraki. She tagged Bukola as being “selfish”.
"We talked to him but he didn't listen, now the Kwarans have rejected him through the slogan ‘O to ge”.

” I am disappointed that Bukola Saraki did not do well when he was a governor in Kwara State having studied in the United Kingdom.

”Bukola and I studied in the United Kingdom, he knows all the good things in the United Kingdom we think he should reciprocate that in Kwara when he became the Governor but he failed them.
”Even as a Senate-President, he has not carried the people of Kwara along."

NNPC confirms recruitment exercise.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation says it has opened its portal for recruitment of fresh graduates and experienced professionals into the system.

Mr Ndu Ughamadu, its Group General Manager, (Public Affairs Division), confirmed this to the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja on Wednesday.

He said that the portal for the recruitment was opened on Wednesday.

INEC declares PDP’s Governor Ishaku winner of Taraba governorship election.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially declared the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Darius Ishaku, as the winner of the 2019 governorship election held on Saturday in Taraba State.

The Returning Officer for the election, Shehu Iya, at about 3.50 a.m. Tuesday at the INEC office in Jalingo pronounced Mr Ishiaku, who is the incumbent governor, as the winner having satisfied the requirement of the law.

Mr Iya, a professor at the Modibo Adama University, Yola, announced that the PDP scored a total vote of 520, 433 while the All Progressives Congress (APC) recorded 362, 735 across the 16 LGAs.

The PDP has never lost a governorship election in Taraba State since 1999.

According to the breakdown of the results from the 16 LGAs, the PDP won 12 LGAs while the APC candidate, Sani Danladi claimed victory in the four other LGAs.

PDP’s biggest tally was recorded in Wukari LGA where the party pulled a total of 92,527 while the APC had 34,995 votes

The PDP also had it nice in Takum LGA where the present governor hails from as they recorded 50,562 votes compared to APC’s 14,014.

For the APC, their biggest win was in Jalingo LGA where the party got 58,511 compared to the PDP’s 31,917

Before the declaration of results, Bala Dan Abu, Senior Special Assistant to the Taraba State Governor on Media and Publicity told PREMIUM TIMES that his principal had been preparing for the just concluded election since his first day in office

“It is an election we are well-prepared for, the governor started preparing for this election right from his first day in office by working very hard to make his re-election as easy as possible…” he said

In all, the Total Registered Voters for Saturday’s election was 1, 777, 105 while the Total Accredited Voters were 931539.

The valid votes from Saturday’s polls were 909,716 and the total votes cast was 925320.

The rejected votes across the 16 LGAs were 15604.

Final Results of the 16 LGAs released

1) GASSOL L G A

APC: 46,385

PDP: 28,181

UDP: 1577

2) Zing LGA

APC: 7105

PDP: 31,619

UDP: 699

3) ARDO-KOLA LGA

APC: 19,617

PDP: 22,208

UDP: 576

4) YORRO LGA

APC: 6,712

PDP: 16,278

UDP: 725

5) LAU LGA

APC; 12,542

PDP; 20,881

UDP 659

6) USSA LGA

APC: 10,209

PDP: 20,567

UDP: 1,795

7) TAKUM L G A

APC: 14,014

PDP: 50,562

UDP: 1676

8) GASHAKA L G A

APC:10,746

PDP: 12,592

UDP: 505

9) JALINGO L G A

APC: 58,511

PDP: 31,917

UDP: 1698

10) BALI L G A

APC: 31,357

PDP: 34,744

UDP: 476

11) IBI L G A

APC: 18,616

PDP: 13,630

UDP: 253

12) DONGA L G A

APC: 13,707

PDP: 42,696

UDP: 1834

13) Wukari LGA

APC: 34,995

PDP: 92,527

UDP: 1638

14. Kurmi LGA

APC: 3815

PDP: 28,519

UDP: 595

15. Karim Lamido LGA

APC: 44, 480

PDP: 34, 892

UDP : 1327

16. Sardauna

APC: 29, 924

PDP: 38, 618

UDP: 256

Kano: Governor Ganduje on the Run, As Police Arrests Deputy Gov., Others, Blocks Heavy Rigging.

Kano State Deputy Governor, Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, and the Commissioner for Local Government, Mutari Sule Garo, have been arrested, for trying to disrupt the collation of results in the State.

The Deputy Governor, alongside his Aide De Camp, the Local Government Chairman, Lamin Sani, were apprehended by the Police, at the INEC Collation Centre, at Nassarawa Local Council, for allegedly destroying result sheets.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the State, Abdullahi Haruna, confirmed the arrest.

He said that the suspects have been detained at the Police Headquarters, in Bompai, Kano.

It was gathered that the two arrested men were saved from being manhandled by supporters of the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Candidate, at the Collation Centre.



The incident which took place at about 2am, on Monday, was said to be responsible for the delay in releasing the final results of the Kano State Governorship election.

UN mourns victims of Ethiopian Airlines crash.

The United Nations has expressed profound shock and dismay over the crash of Ethiopian Airlines plane on Sunday morning.

The global body stated this in a statement issued by the Communications Section of Economic Commission for Africa, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on behalf of Ms Vera Songwe, the executive secretary of ECA.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the Boeing 737-800 crashed in Bishoftu, shortly after take off from Bole International Airport.

“As the UN family, we are deeply saddened by all the lives lost in this tragedy.
.
“We have lost numerous members of staff from UN agencies. We have also learnt of losses in other international organisations as well.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families, close friends and colleagues of the victims of this crash.

“The United Nations family is mourning the loss of our colleagues and friends, many of whom lost their lives carrying out their professional duties today.

“We will be reaching out to families and offering our support,” Songwe said.

According to government reports, 149 passengers and eight crew members were believed to be on flight ET302 from Addis Ababa to Nairobi.

Songwe, however, called for caution in sharing names and images of the victims on social media platforms.

“On behalf of the entire UN leadership team, I urge everyone to remain sensitive to the families of the victims and avoid sharing names and images on social media.

“Our security and travel services in the entire UN system in Ethiopia are actively monitoring the situation and we will continue to keep everyone updated in the coming hours and days,” she said.

Adekunle Akinlade Rejects Ogun Governorship Election Result, Alleges Manipulation.

The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) and its gubernatorial candidate, Adekunle Akinlade has rejected the ongoing election results being announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Ogun state.

The APM Campaign Director General, Sarafa Ishola spoke alongside Akinlade at the party’s secretariat at Leme, Abeokuta.

Ishola alleged that gubernatorial election which began peacefully on Saturday was allegedly hijacked by hoodlums and “unidentified uniform men” during the collation stage, and further manipulated the results in favour of APC.

He said the APM had petition INEC in the state to investigate the “infractions” and stop announcement of results forthwith.

The DG expressed concerns that despite the complaints the INEC has started announcing the results.

Ishola said the APM rejects the results as being announced, declaring that “it was hijacked, compromised and did not reflect the wishes of Ogun people.”

“The people of Ogun state have been raped”, Akinlade declared, saying he will use all legal means to undo the alleged injustice.

Lekan Sonde, convicted wife killer, to die by hanging, Court rules.

Lekan Shonde convicted for killing his wife, Ronke, at the Lagos State High Court, on Friday, has been sentenced to death by hanging.

Delivering his judgement on Friday, the presiding judge, Justice Josephine Oyefeso, who, acting on the conviction that Lekan killed his wife, Ronke, sentenced him to death.

The 51-year-old Lekan Shonde, a depot worker in Apapa, Lagos State, had engaged in a scuffle with his wife at their Egbeda-Idimu home in Lagos State, and in the process, it was said Lekan beat his wife to death and later locked her corpse indoors with their two children.

It was a housekeeper it was said found the corpse where it was lying inside the house that reported the incidence to the police who later arrested Lekan.

Lekan had accused his wife, Ronke, of sleeping with the general manager of a publishing company, who was identified as Kayode.

Source- Tribune

PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION MIGHT BE ANNULLED

Exclusive: Fear of presidential election result cancellation looms as INEC has no result sheets for inspection by Atiku 12 days after presidential election
It’s almost two weeks after the conduct of the presidential and National Assembly elections but the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) does not have full results in its kitty.

Worse still is the fact that INEC does not have result sheets and other materials it used for collation of the results, causing anxiety and fears of annulment of elections aftermath of court ruling on Wednesday.

Daily Mail reports that, the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Abuja on Wednesday granted the election result challenger, Atiku Abubakar, a candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, leave to inspect all election materials.

That court leave is causing confusion in INEC as to what to do. Daily Mail gathered that, soon after the court ruling, INEC on Wednesday ordered its legal department to look into the ruling to advise it appropriately, a source in the know revealed.

Even of concern is why INEC has yet to provide details of the outcome of the polls either on its website or at its state offices.

Checks conducted by Daily Mail through INEC online portal, calls to its states’ offices, wards, local governments, federal constituencies and senatorial districts showed no physical collation or online release of the results.

This is causing fears the election results may have been cooked as efforts were rather placed on declaring winners than following processes as allowed by extant laws before declaration of election results could be done.

When Daily Mail enquired from Oluwole Osaze-Uzi, INEC’s Director of Voter Education and Publicity, it was not successful.
Also, attempts to speak with Festus Okoye, INEC’s National Commissioner on Voter Education was also unsuccessful as his phone rang out.

But several sources told Daily Mail that it should normally take few weeks to collate all election materials “owing to the magnitude of the election and the materials used.
“Nigeria is a large country, we shouldn’t be hasty in some issues but I can agree with you that at least all the materials and equipment used should have been at states’ offices.”
Asked why state offices are yet to have the equipment and materials, he said state offices should be asked or INEC “higher authority would be in a position to answer that.”
A source at the legal department of INEC told Daily Mail on phone that “it was always going to be tough providing the materials the court has ordered.

“I don’t know why materials used during the election have not be submitted but I am not in a position to speak – I am in the legal department, my mandate is not to speak on issues like this.”

According to her, “There should be thing to inspect, in fact all things being sought should be available for a petitioner to examine – that’s what all relevant laws in the country says.”
When asked what if the petitioner cannot be provided the materials being sought, she responded, “That is left for the court to decide, but it could mean cancellation of result because you can’t announce nothing for something.”

Buhari has subverted Supreme Court, Atiku may not get justice. – Olisa Agbakoba.

A former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Dr Olisa Agbakoba (SAN), has said he is in support of the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar’s decision to challenge the result of the February 23 presidential poll in court.

He, however, expressed doubts that Atiku would get justice because “President Muhammadu Buhari has subverted the Supreme Court by the removal of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Honourable Justice Walter Onnoghen, and the appointment of the acting Chief Justice of Nigeria (Justice Muhammad Tanko).”

Agbakoba, who had earlier urged Atiku not to go to court to challenge the poll result, said his earlier advice was based on his view that the PDP presidential candidate would face “an uphill task, given the circumstances of challenging election results” in the country.

He said from his experience as one of Nigeria’s experienced election petitions lawyers, the burden of proof to succeed in an election petition “is unfairly huge.”

“We first have to prove that there are electoral irregularities and in my view, once you prove this, you should succeed. Unfortunately, even if you prove electoral irregularities you will have to show how that affected the results of the election.

“Remember that the gap between former Vice-President, Atiku Abubakar, and President Muhammadu Buhari is about four million votes. It is clear to me that the presidential election results were manifestly riddled with electoral irregularities.

“Now that former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has approached the court, it is important to emphasise that he is constitutionally entitled to do so. My personal advice has become irrelevant. I fully support and wish former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar every success,” Agbakoba said.

He, however, bemoaned the delay by the National Judicial Council in dealing with the case of the suspended Justice Onnoghen and the acting CJN, Justice Tanko.

He said, “My perception is that we need to resolve the status of the Supreme Court. I wonder what is taking the National Judicial Council so long. I am also worried about the historical precedent, as no petition on presidential election result has ever succeeded.”

Sultan urges Muslims to watch out for new moon.

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, on Wednesday urged Muslims to start looking for the new moon of Rajab 1440AH.

Abubakar stated this in a statement by Prof. Sambo Junaidu, the Chairman, Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs and Sultanate Council in Sokoto.

The Sultan said, “This is to inform the Muslim Ummah that Thursday March 7, equivalent to 29 day of Jumada al-Thani 1440AH, shall be the day to look for the new moon of Rajab 1440AH.

“Muslims are, therefore, requested to start looking for the new moon of Rajab 1440AH on Thursday and report its sighting to the nearest district or village head for onward communication to the Sultan.”

Ambode assures voters safety during elections.

The Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, has given the assurance that adequate measures had been put in place to ensure a hitch-free exercise in the state during the governorship and House of Assembly elections on Saturday.

During a press briefing at the Lagos House in Alausa, Ikeja, on Wednesday, Ambode added that the peace and security of the state were paramount to his administration.
He said, “I want to assure all Lagosians of their safety and also to let everyone know that Lagos is a cosmopolitan state and it will remain so.

“The peace and security of this state are very paramount to this government and we would ensure that everybody that is eligible to vote goes out to do so. The security agencies have assured us that there would be peace across the nooks and crannies of Lagos.”