TNN.ng

Drivers Beat DSS Official Silly In Ekiti

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCWm6HhxSjoJXV7pYFtHysIc3a2IcATYMHCaljCBImAhv9GD3Anryyk6xnVWayO7o_j0wAACcBFd-HcOKLqPIBNGh_hNlDWi4uP1hiA8ct_uWX9P4mN-nOSdI9A5qTpiDuYwTAMVOXhCj0/s1600/DSS+vs+Police.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCWm6HhxSjoJXV7pYFtHysIc3a2IcATYMHCaljCBImAhv9GD3Anryyk6xnVWayO7o_j0wAACcBFd-HcOKLqPIBNGh_hNlDWi4uP1hiA8ct_uWX9P4mN-nOSdI9A5qTpiDuYwTAMVOXhCj0/s1600/DSS+vs+Police.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Irate drivers at Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti on Friday attacked an operative of the Directorate of State Service (name witheld) and beat him silly for allegedly interfering in their protest.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Trouble started following a disagreement between the students of EKSU and Akoto drivers designated vehicles plying the institution over the number of passengers on a seat.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The students were said to have protested that the drivers reduce the number of passengers on a seat to its normal three from four that they had started carrying.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The disagreement escalated into a free-for-all and caused traffic gridlock from Bawa Area of Ado Ekiti.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
An eyewitness said some of the drivers carried clubs, cudgels and sharp objects to scare passengers and motorists plying the road.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
They also forced motorists to discharge students of the institution.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The situation took a more violent trend as the DSS official was attacked.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
His clothes were torn to shreds and in the process sustained bruises, cuts and blood stains on his body when the reporters met him.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"I was punched, clubbed, stoned by the drivers and if not for the timely intervention of another colleague who fortunately came to the scene and shot in the air severally to scare the mob away, it would have been worse", he said.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Officials of the DSS, Policemen and some top officials of the  EKSU later visited the scene to restore peace in the area.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Police Public Relations Officer, Albert Adeyemi, could not be reached for comments.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
But a police source said it was the DSS official who courted trouble by challenging the drivers.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"He shot into the air four times and in the process heightened the tension."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Meanwhile, the students have vowed to ensure that the drivers comply with the regulation of only three people on a seat.</div>

Drivers Beat DSS Official Silly In Ekiti

Irate drivers at Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti on Friday attacked an operative of the Directorate of State Service (name witheld) a...

Our Constitution Does Not Know ING - Adoke

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3PtvvVMVSjwTkizuM-brPymnU5I1J241fSbWDeHkGlNxPaNYVQ7KYF0_0k8Q3m8pcN9gtrDoX0QjGEJB60XxfBa2AVSK7zHfAgJABj6Lh__udOGRG_9XxOE0ndZZx2CRbUplZzmnsmVIh/s1600/Adoke.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3PtvvVMVSjwTkizuM-brPymnU5I1J241fSbWDeHkGlNxPaNYVQ7KYF0_0k8Q3m8pcN9gtrDoX0QjGEJB60XxfBa2AVSK7zHfAgJABj6Lh__udOGRG_9XxOE0ndZZx2CRbUplZzmnsmVIh/s1600/Adoke.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Mohammed Bello Adoke (SAN) has said the 1999 Constitution has no provision for Interim National Government (ING).</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
He asked those behind the contraption to forget the idea because it would not work.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Adoke, who made the clarification in a statement in Abuja, said the ING was alien to the constitution.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The minister said: “My attention has been drawn to calls in the media by some Nigerians for an Interim National Government to ostensibly midwife the 2015 general elections to usher in a new democratic government.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"While I recognise and appreciate the inalienable right of Nigerians to freely express themselves and proffer solutions to perceived national challenges, I am deeply concerned that some undiscerning Nigerians are being unwittingly led to believe that a certain prescription, which is alien to the Constitution, can be adopted as a viable solution to our national challenges.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"It has become necessary to correct this misconception and refocus the citizenry on the path of constitutionalism and democratic tenets consistent with our quest for democratic consolidation in Nigeria.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"For avoidance of doubt, it is pertinent to state that the framers of the 1999 Constitution did not envisage an Interim National Government to superintend over the affairs of government. It is not surprising to observe that no provision for Interim National Government was made in the Constitution.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"The contraption called Interim National Government is alien to Nigeria’s constitutional framework and the arrangement should not be promoted by well-meaning Nigerians under any guise or circumstance.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"Nigerians are enjoined to continue to rely on the Constitution, which contains adequate provisions on how the democratic process can be activated to elect their leaders from time to time."</div>

Our Constitution Does Not Know ING - Adoke

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Mohammed Bello Adoke (SAN) has said the 1999 Constitution has no pr...

Raped 13-Year-Old Pupil Gets Pregnant

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzXXAOD4ZgYW2yxtqkfwHsCkyrHHrayNUd65rPvlRSYcc_6g7Q7bnxnpc66yuW0wCEUHQlN67N38jRJFU3butatutl0OijkZtStynFhSkB7CUehSBUN5NZmcGqKIVVnJmMjwoag-XbUkHD/s1600/rape-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzXXAOD4ZgYW2yxtqkfwHsCkyrHHrayNUd65rPvlRSYcc_6g7Q7bnxnpc66yuW0wCEUHQlN67N38jRJFU3butatutl0OijkZtStynFhSkB7CUehSBUN5NZmcGqKIVVnJmMjwoag-XbUkHD/s1600/rape-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>The police have arraigned a 27-year-old man, Tope Akintade, for impregnating a primary three pupil, Beatrice (pseudonym), after he allegedly raped her.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Akintade and Beatrice, an orphan, are neighbours at a compound on Baale Street, Agboju, Kuje in the Amuwo area of Lagos State.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><a href="http://www.punchng.com/metro-plus/13-year-old-pupil-gets-pregnant-after-being-raped/">PUNCH Metro</a></b> learnt that the 13-year-old victim was outside washing plates in the afternoon, sometime in November, when Akintade, who hails from the Idanre Local Government Area, Ondo State, lured her to his room and forcefully had sex with her.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Our correspondent gathered that Beatrice’s aunt, who preferred to be anonymous because of the nature of the incident, had earlier warned the suspect to stay away from her niece when she (the minor) complained that he was "playing rough play" with her.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Our correspondent learnt that neither the aunt nor other lodgers of the compound were around on the fateful day to intervene in the act as Akintade reportedly coerced the minor into three rounds of sexual romp.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It was gathered that the act, which the minor had kept secret, became apparent when she began to exhibit some symptoms usually shown by pregnant women.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
She was said to have been taken to a hospital where a test conducted on her revealed that she was three months pregnant.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Akintade was eventually arrested by police officials attached to the Satellite Police Division and charged with rape.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
PUNCH Metro was told that he had confessed to the crime in a statement made to the police. A prosecutor, Olusoji Ojaokomo, arraigned him before an Apapa Magistrate’s Court on two counts of rape.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The charge read, "That you, Tope Akintade, 27, on Baale Street, Agboju, Satellite Town, Kunje, Amuwo, Lagos, in the Apapa Magisterial District, did defile one Beatrice by having canal knowledge of her and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 137 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2011.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"That you, Tope Akintade, did indecently assault Beatrice by touching her private parts and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 134 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2011."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The accused, however, pleaded not guilty before the magistrate, Mrs. O.I. Adelaja, who admitted him to bail in the sum of ₦50,000, with two sureties in like sum.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"The sureties must tender to the court evidence of tax payment and their residential addresses for verification", she added.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
She adjourned the case till March 23, 2015 for mention.</div>

Raped 13-Year-Old Pupil Gets Pregnant

The police have arraigned a 27-year-old man, Tope Akintade, for impregnating a primary three pupil, Beatrice (pseudonym), after he alle...

[VIDEOS] Compare: Amanpour Interviews Jonathan, Buhari

<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3dRV6AoEH6vwYcQ-wsgmiji6weq0MymMQCW6WBp6EWswNDe8cBV02dBzWvKI3CSQJ5mHt6fNF3VeoM0X8A1XE2u9gjdHORq87_GWGWrjm1Euk4ewnsnw-SR5pYXi0wgcRAF8S4OJWulFG/s1600/Amanpour.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3dRV6AoEH6vwYcQ-wsgmiji6weq0MymMQCW6WBp6EWswNDe8cBV02dBzWvKI3CSQJ5mHt6fNF3VeoM0X8A1XE2u9gjdHORq87_GWGWrjm1Euk4ewnsnw-SR5pYXi0wgcRAF8S4OJWulFG/s1600/Amanpour.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b>
<b>About 2 years ago, CNN anchor, Christianne Amanpour interviewed President Goodluck Jonathan. And, some days ago, the same woman had an interview with President Jonathan's main contender at the rescheduled presidential poll, General Muhammadu Buhari.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Watch videos of the two interviews below and make a constructive comparison of how the two leaders performed.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
First is the Amanpour interview with President Goodluck Jonathan:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="400" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kmgEMO8Qfd0" width="640"></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
You have seen that. Now you can see the Amanpour interview with General Muhammadu Buhari:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="400" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ybBWvLj47eg" width="640"></iframe></div>

[VIDEOS] Compare: Amanpour Interviews Jonathan, Buhari

About 2 years ago, CNN anchor, Christianne Amanpour interviewed President Goodluck Jonathan. And, some days ago, the same woman had an i...

Anti-Buhari Suits Split Jonathan's Camp

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi31wNr7bJEgSxcgc_hTtQZWemnkcCcFWfHWYofERjZsACDdX60a4IGZBXZbsMLcLYTjTGNQzDeJprgeLrh0H54S05sEpz5vq_dr-HjzPcm-Q0MaU6HGv7FAsYaQ9k7U-WwB5UX4KaCzDtE/s1600/Buhari+Jonathan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi31wNr7bJEgSxcgc_hTtQZWemnkcCcFWfHWYofERjZsACDdX60a4IGZBXZbsMLcLYTjTGNQzDeJprgeLrh0H54S05sEpz5vq_dr-HjzPcm-Q0MaU6HGv7FAsYaQ9k7U-WwB5UX4KaCzDtE/s1600/Buhari+Jonathan.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>There is a split in the camp of President Goodluck Jonathan and the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) over the eligibility suit filed against All Progressives Congress(APC) presidential candidate Gen. Muhammadu Buhari.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Some PDP stalwarts, especially those from the North, are opposed to the four matters pending in court over Gen. Buhari’s certificate, <b><a href="http://thenationonlineng.net/new/jonathans-camp-splits-anti-buhari-suits/">The Nation</a></b> learnt yesterday.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It was also learnt that the Presidency is not keen to "support all the applications in court" as it sees the suits as "mere distractions".</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
There are three suits at the Federal High Court against Gen. Buhari and a criminal matter at a Magistrate's Court on APC's candidate's eligibility.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Some PDP chiefs, especially those from the North and some retired Generals, are uncomfortable with the legal actions.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It was learnt that the grouse of the PDP stalwarts is on the misinterpretation of Section 131 of the 1999 Constitution by those questioning Gen. Buhari's certificate.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Some of the aggrieved PDP leaders and some  strategists  of the President were also angry that a case of alleged  forgery/perjury could be raised against Gen. Buhari.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It was learnt that those unhappy with the suits have started reading "ethnic meanings into the whole drama".</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
A source said: "Those from the North are shocked that those behind the applications are mostly from the Southeast and a negligible few from the South-south. They are seeing everything from the ethnic angle.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"They also said the matters accounted for part of the reasons Jonathan is losing ground in the North because Northerners see it as signs of desperation."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Another source added: "Some of us believe those behind the suits do not mean well for the President. They should have taken cognizance of past pronouncements by the court on Adams Oshiomhole and Section 131, which says the minimum requirement is the ability to be able to read and write".</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
But a few others trying to please the President wanted the suits to be pursued to the logical conclusion.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
A member of the NWC said: "If some APC sympathisers can go to court to challenge the President on his right to second term, then we felt we must also place some hurdles before Buhari.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"Some of our leaders do not like these suits but we cannot stop our supporters who have genuine reasons to challenge Buhari’s eligibility.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"This is politics. The onus is on Buhari to provide all necessary evidence."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
A highly-placed source in the Presidency said: "To the best of our knowledge, these suits are mere distractions. This is why the Presidency has nothing to do with it.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"Let me tell you, some of these applicants and their counsel  have been advised by some government officials to drop the suits."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Responding to a question, the source added: "When these suits get to advanced stage, they may not get the required support from the government."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Section 131 says: "A person shall be qualified for election to the office of President if (a) he is a citizen of Nigeria by birth; (b) he has attained the age of forty (40) years; (c )he is a member of a political party; and (d) he has been educated up to at least School Certificate level or its  equivalent.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“In  Section 318, School Certificate or equivalent means (a) a Secondary School Certificate or its equivalent, or Grade II Teacher’s Certificate, the City and Guilds Certificate; or (b) education up to Secondary School Certificate level; or <b>(c) Primary Six School Leaving Certificate or its equivalent <u>and</u> (i) service in the public or private sector in the Federation in any capacity acceptable to the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) for a minimum of  10 years; <u>or</u> (ii) attendance at courses and training in such institutions as may be acceptable to the Independent National Electoral Commission for periods totaling up to a minimum of one year, <u>or</u> (iii) the ability to read, write, understand and communicate in the English Language to the satisfaction of the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC);</b> and (d) Any other qualification acceptable by INEC."</div>

Anti-Buhari Suits Split Jonathan's Camp

There is a split in the camp of President Goodluck Jonathan and the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) over the eligibility suit filed again...

Will Okupe Allow President Jonathan Concede Defeat?

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR6iHhG1L0NbcplsqkId4aNKFIZDGa1xPxu1jW7DH6KPRTVEX-gSkoZFSJaAHkuLKIc6i_KFj0iBfnR_g72QtPqRW9j3Tn5BqppZoU8s5FofwOuumFoMW8YZCth-PvsqjwVcMeDy-NOtL7/s1600/doyin-okupe+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR6iHhG1L0NbcplsqkId4aNKFIZDGa1xPxu1jW7DH6KPRTVEX-gSkoZFSJaAHkuLKIc6i_KFj0iBfnR_g72QtPqRW9j3Tn5BqppZoU8s5FofwOuumFoMW8YZCth-PvsqjwVcMeDy-NOtL7/s1600/doyin-okupe+(1).jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Affairs, Dr. Doyin Okupe, has reacted to former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s prediction that a new government will be formed on May 29, 2015.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Former president Olusegun Obasanjo in an interview with Financial Times in Nairobi on Monday said: "I'll only go by the constitution. By our constitution, <b><a href="http://nigerianewsroom.blogspot.com/2015/02/jonathan-inviting-military-coup-on.html">there must be a new government on the 29th of May</a></b> and the constitution lays out how that new government should emerge".</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Okupe thus reacted on his Facebook page:</div>
<div id="fb-root">
</div>
<script>(function(d, s, id) { var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; if (d.getElementById(id)) return; js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; js.src = "//connect.facebook.net/en_US/all.js#xfbml=1"; fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs); }(document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk'));</script><br />
<div align="center" class="fb-post" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/okupedoyin/posts/1553163871610106" data-width="640">
<div class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore">
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/okupedoyin/posts/1553163871610106">Post</a> by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/okupedoyin">Doyin Okupe</a>.</div>
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
Now we can all see that Okupe is one of those parasites feeding fat and misleading President Goodluck Jonathan. If not, why does he seem not believing that a new government will be inaugurated on May 29?</div>

Will Okupe Allow President Jonathan Concede Defeat?

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Affairs, Dr. Doyin Okupe, has reacted to former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s predi...

Nobody Can Islamize Or Christianize Nigeria - Buhari

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA6pN1iCe4o-dwWLmmzsY0GroYp1ildcVNTLL9ohiMjwQd3lJ8nl3m5NFzPoDUt2vFjOfVah5OTkzTa5Ew9Bw5NYybLDoRu9nkBTdDlKDIJy6cWFSi72_vOIWJ1_VFFbQRTnP5y9GMzjbE/s1600/GMB+Catholic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA6pN1iCe4o-dwWLmmzsY0GroYp1ildcVNTLL9ohiMjwQd3lJ8nl3m5NFzPoDUt2vFjOfVah5OTkzTa5Ew9Bw5NYybLDoRu9nkBTdDlKDIJy6cWFSi72_vOIWJ1_VFFbQRTnP5y9GMzjbE/s1600/GMB+Catholic.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>The presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), General Muhammadu Buhari, has assured that nobody can Islamise the country under his government, if elected in March 28 presidential election.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Nigerians, General Buhari advised, must reject those who propagate hatred, ethnicity, divisiveness, sectionalism or seek to manipulate religious differences for political gains.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Addressing Christian leaders under the auspices of Northern Christian Leaders Eagle Eye Forum in Abuja, he said dividing Nigerians along religious lines was distasteful to him, having lived through a system that recognises excellence, rather than the religion or tribe one belongs to.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
He declared that despite what his detractors said, he was not a religious fanatic of any sort and will never be.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"In all my life, I have never supported extremism of any kind, and nowhere in my record of service to this nation can this false toga, political opponents have tried so hard to put on me, be substantiated.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"Indeed, it is very unfortunate and I feel extremely sad that I have to give this type of assurance", he said.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The new phenomenon of dividing Nigerians "along religious lines", he said, "is really very irritating to me because I live through all these examples."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In his address entitled: <b>One Nation Bound in Freedom, Peace and Unity</b>, he told his audience: "Please take note of the historical events that happened in this country. General Yakubu Gowon presided over this country for nine solid years, including 30 months of serious civil war. All his Service Chiefs and Chief of Staff, Supreme Headquarters, were Christians. I never heard of any Muslim, any reasonable Muslim that raised observation.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"When politics started, Abiola, a Muslim, went to the Northeast and picked Babagana Kingible, also a Muslim, and they won the election, including in Kano, where an indigene who was also a Muslim was standing election.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"When I was in government, I, as Head of State and late Tunde Idiagbon, again a Muslim, were from the North. Both of us Muslims and from the North presided over the country and nobody ever raised a finger. So, this new phenomenon of dividing us along religious lines which has gained a lot of currency is really very irritating to me because I live through all these examples.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"In the military, it really did not matter as long as you are qualified. It was your competence that matters. If you are good, you earn good reports on course, you earn good confidential reports and you get promotion. If you are bad, no matter how religious you are, you are pushed aside. It was as simple as that."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The former Nigeria leader, who was flanked by his running mate, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, added: "Recently, I had the honour and privilege of meeting with the Conference of Catholic Bishops, here in Abuja.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"At that meeting, I had the opportunity to make some remarks about our country, these imminent elections, my personal views, as well as record. I cherish and appreciate this opportunity to again reiterate some of the remarks I made at that meeting.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"As our nation approaches perhaps the most crucial election in our history, all true patriots are called to deeper reflection of the basic ingredients that bind the nation together- our common freedom, peace and unity.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"This reflection is even more relevant in the face of the illegal postponement of the general elections - a feat achieved through various sinister ploys and with the sole aim of avoiding the will of the people.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"In all of these, I feel the urge to communicate some of my personal vision and thoughts to the people of our great country, especially on the question of religion, a sensitive matter for many citizens that has become the most frequently used tool by the ruling party. This affords me an opportunity to give my response to the ruling party’s false propaganda and lies against my person.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"Needless to say, we must at all times hold the unity, peace and progress of our dear nation paramount and above all other considerations, especially politics. Those who deliberately disseminate divisive disinformation and attempt to stoke primordial sentiments using religion or ethnicity and create fear in the minds of our people fail the standard of patriotism this nation demands of them and deserves from them."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
He noted: "The ruling government and PDP have adopted this sad divisive and false narrative as their strategy to prevent the inevitable change that our country and people desire and require. And they have succeeded in making some of us victims of the tales which they invent, propagate and sell as gospel truth to gullible listeners, while it is all nothing, but a tissue of lies."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
While saying that he has never been and will never be a religious bigot, Buhari said: "For me, the issue of religion was, and should always, be a matter of personal conviction. This personal conviction approach to religion has defined my work and interactions all my life, including my tenure in office as military Head of State.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"The religion of all those I worked with was never a factor in their progress or in what happened to them. All that mattered then, and should still matter today, are competence, integrity and readiness to be fair to all.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"I was recently informed that we had a balanced cabinet with key positions such as Finance, Energy and Defence occupied by Christians. In addition, 11 of the 19 governors I appointed were Christians.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"My most memorable recollections of subordinate service were under Christian bosses, the finest our country had then, and among the most respected today. Indeed, one of the best appraisals I received in the course of my military career was from General T.Y Danjuma.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"Government has no business preferring one religion to the other. The role of government is to protect lives and properties of citizens and to respect and protect their constitutional rights."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
To him, "One critical freedom that every government must strive to protect is the liberty for citizens to exercise their respective faiths, Christians and Muslims or others, in a lawful manner without fear or hindrance and to prosecute those who use religion as an excuse to destroy homes, schools and places of worship.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"When governments fail in that duty, they must then assist in the rebuilding of structures, including destroyed places of worship and giving full restitution for lost property.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"We, Nigerians, are a religious people, and the burning of places of worship constitutes one of the vilest forms of abomination to all those who believe in God. It is the duty of governments to protect this important sensitivity.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"Let me state this categorically, that I, Muhammadu Buhari, as an individual, and as president of this great country by the grace of God, given the opportunity to serve, have no personal religious agenda. And I will not entertain, consider or promote the religious agenda of anyone.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"I will not condone any initiative that seeks to promote one religion over the other. Neither I, nor my party, or any member of my team has any desire or plan to Islamise or Christianise Nigeria or support anyone with such intention.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"Although I am a practicing Muslim, and I have been so all my life, I have never belonged to, nor shared the views of, any extremist group. I am not even a cleric. I believe that religion is personal and private.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"Most of my bodyguards are Christians. If I have not Islamised these people who serve under me, how will I Islamise the likes of Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, Ogbonnaya Onu, Governors Rochas Okorocha, Kayode Fayemi, Rotimi Amaechi or Professor Yemi Osinbajo, who is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and a pastor? Or how will I Islamise Nigeria?"</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
He added: "Our constitution, which in many respects, is similar to the American constitution, does not permit a state religion. The Sharia identified in the constitution is almost synonymous with customary law. It is only applicable in matters of personal status such as marriage, divorce and inheritance.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"This has been the case since the 1979 Constitution. Just as no one can make any customary or any other religious law the law of Nigeria, so Sharia cannot therefore be the law of Nigeria.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"My record is evidence of this strongly held belief. Before my tenure, the deadly and violent extremist radical sect, <i>Maitasine</i>, carried out terrorist activities in the North, especially Kano. When it erupted again in Bulunkutu and Yola during my tenure, it was effectively eliminated. Similarly, when some Chadian insurgents attempted to occupy Nigerian territory, I led the military confrontation that eliminated the threat.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"For all purposes, we must all learn to live together as brothers and sisters, because the problems that bedevil our nation do not discriminate based on religion or ethnicity. Poverty and hunger do not know or respect religion or creed. When a bomb explodes in a market, it kills and maims without regard for religion or ethnicity. The millions of the unemployed youth of our country cut across all tribes and religions.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"Wicked propagandists continue to spread vicious lies about me for political gain, including claiming that I once asked Muslims not to vote for Christians. This must be the height of absurdity. How could I ever say that, when whoever voted for me would be voting for the Christian running with me on the same ticket?</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"And how could I ever say that of Christians when my own holy book, the <i>Qur’an</i>, tells me that in the entire world those that are nearest in love to me are those who believe in Jesus Christ? I ask, who, intending to win any election, ever does that? How can I choose southern Christian running mates (Chuba Okadigbo of blessed memory, Pastor Tunde Bakare and Pastor Yemi Osinbajo) and with them by my side, make such silly utterances?</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"Because they have no record, they must seek to destroy our own; and because they have no integrity, they feel they must impugn our own. We must reject those who propagate hatred, ethnicity, divisiveness, sectionalism or seek to manipulate our religious differences in such cynical fashion."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Others who accompanied Buhari to the meeting are: Gen. Paul Tarfa; Gen. Abdulrahaman Danbazau; Col. Hamid Ibrahim Ali; Prof. Ango Abdullahi; Boss Mustapha and B.D. Lawal, an engineer.</div>

Nobody Can Islamize Or Christianize Nigeria - Buhari

The presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), General Muhammadu Buhari, has assured that nobody can Islamise the c...

PDP Makes U-Turn, Expresses Confidence In Jega

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhowQgobEyVn5zQFgYKALAdo4z5gNC_42RXL2d22NcC0Db2UgAYwR7AoRyFaZOzDe0UivH_xxygYfkdpKK5DWGY9CysZKUjCB83qSg7E21MCFsbTEBG6wF-69Tztb4mYXPKAmEpuImYo0A0/s1600/Muazu1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhowQgobEyVn5zQFgYKALAdo4z5gNC_42RXL2d22NcC0Db2UgAYwR7AoRyFaZOzDe0UivH_xxygYfkdpKK5DWGY9CysZKUjCB83qSg7E21MCFsbTEBG6wF-69Tztb4mYXPKAmEpuImYo0A0/s1600/Muazu1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>The National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu, said on Thursday that the leadership of the party and its governors had confidence in the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Attahiru Jega.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Mu’azu spoke at a press briefing in Abuja. The briefing which held at the national headquarters of the party, had in attendance some PDP governors, led by the Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The position of the party and its governors as given by Mu’azu differed from the position of its campaign directorate, which had threatened to pass a vote of no confidence in Jega and his team.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The campaign team, through its Director of Media and Publicity, Femi Fani-Kayode, had complained about the distribution of the Permanent Voter Cards, which it alleged was being skewed in favour of the opposition All Progressives Congress.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Mu’azu, curiously, differed on this at the press briefing, saying that the postponement of the elections would enable Jega and his team to distribute the remaining voter cards.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
He said even President Goodluck Jonathan had expressed confidence in the chairman of the commission and that there was no way the party would disagree with the President’s position.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
He said, “You asked if the party has confidence in Jega? My answer is not far-fetched.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“The President stated during his media chat last night (Wednesday) that he has confidence in Jega.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“We also have confidence in Jega and that he and his team will conduct free, fair and transparent elections.”</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The PDP chairman also disagreed with Jega that the elections were postponed solely because of the security challenge in some parts of the country.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
He said, “While we were cruising in the euphoria of the success of our campaign that was leading us to victory, INEC on February 7, 2015, relying on section 26 (1) of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended) announced the postponement of the elections by six weeks, citing what it called security challenges.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“Although we tend to agree with INEC on the security reasons given for the postponement, we are nevertheless not unmindful of the fact that the commission on its own part was not fully prepared for the February 14 election date.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“Taking the INEC chairman, Jega, on his own words, for the 68.8 million registered voters, the commission had only printed and delivered 66.3 million Permanent Voter Cards with 1.3 million yet to be delivered and 1.1 million stolen cards yet to be replaced.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“Also according to Jega, 45.09 million voters cards were collected by prospective voters, representing 65.8 percent of the registered voters and 23.71 million PVCs, representing 34.2 percent, were yet to be collected as at February 7, which is exactly one week to the February 14 earlier scheduled date. Compare this anomaly with the 2011 elections where not a single eligible voter was disenfranchised.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“By this account, INEC could not sincerely claim to have been fully prepared for a desirable credible, free and fair election at the time when more than 23 million registered voters were going to be disenfranchised.”</div>

PDP Makes U-Turn, Expresses Confidence In Jega

The National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu, said on Thursday that the leadership of the party and its g...

The Police Siege On My Home - By Garba Shehu

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjanNFp7pVeVJZIXZgDsR5V5706oCsA1qFyeFCwJac-awg7tSrLJHewQm6fN6fd449ShfVtL6WUjFy92Mmq8IefwKxZtvgWDkoYFVv-3IKtHp3SgsuATvoUZb91h3HnQA6L0zN95hHZbnye/s1600/Garba+Shehu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjanNFp7pVeVJZIXZgDsR5V5706oCsA1qFyeFCwJac-awg7tSrLJHewQm6fN6fd449ShfVtL6WUjFy92Mmq8IefwKxZtvgWDkoYFVv-3IKtHp3SgsuATvoUZb91h3HnQA6L0zN95hHZbnye/s1600/Garba+Shehu.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>The family members and I were woken from sleep by the noises from a swarm of strangers and the clattering sounds as they cocked their guns. It was a scary situation.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Looking from the window, I saw no fewer than 15 policemen bearing weapons, some in complete uniform and others not fully dressed. It was not in doubt that our Block S.A. 12, in the NNPC Quarters, Area 11, Garki was under a cordon.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Two police cars blocked the incoming lane from the gate just by our block, and two others faced it blocking the exit way. A big white van with heavily tinted glasses was parked between blocks 12 and 14, which faced each other.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The armed men did not climb up to my apartment and I did not, for my part open the door to, as it were to hand myself into their hands.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This situation persisted for about an hour until two things happened: the twitter and the Facebook began to render accounts of the siege and the call to Muslim prayers came and passed without my family members leaving for the Mosque.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
At this point, the van and three of the police vehicles drove off. The fourth one moved to the pavement by the playground with about five policemen in it. It remained there until some moments before 7a.m when that one too, drove off.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Since the end of the stand-off, I have been in communication with the Secret Service, (the DSS) and the Police at the highest levels. Both organisations denied knowledge of this operation at the beginning.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Police Inspector-General returned after making his investigation to say that policemen were there following an emergency call by a neighbour who came under robbery attack.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The telephone number of the distressed neighbour was given to me and his address was given as being Block S.A. 13. The Police account would have been plausible and acceptable to me but for the fact that the point of action, meaning the position of the police cars, the van and the armed men were around and between my own block S.A. 12 and 14 and therefore clearly removed from block 13, which the police report indicated.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The account of the heavily tinted van, that it brought policemen from NNPC to assist the police operation is neither here nor there because both the police and the oil company denied owning a van like that.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
For us at the APC presidential campaign, the duty of communication between our party and candidates on the one hand and the voting public on the other is one that is protected by the Constitution.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
If any armed group of enforcers whether within the police or outside of it as many are suspecting is behind this act of intimidation think they can break our spirit, they are mistaken. We are not going to give up.”</div>

The Police Siege On My Home - By Garba Shehu

The family members and I were woken from sleep by the noises from a swarm of strangers and the clattering sounds as they cocked their g...