TNN.ng

EFCC Arrests Ogun LP House Of Reps Candidate

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWptMbnf3UpjvQahhiPx8e0s8BjGzQYbnW_w7TU5dEGqUYOQ-zjxYJjEXhAjy3F7SvxV4LFPjCdQ_lgYmxYUj61hEXpVfD2riEh9d21Y7qPcH9ehomYATmTGza2VjiXdX9GlJKbSdXGukZ/s1600/Bambi1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="542" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWptMbnf3UpjvQahhiPx8e0s8BjGzQYbnW_w7TU5dEGqUYOQ-zjxYJjEXhAjy3F7SvxV4LFPjCdQ_lgYmxYUj61hEXpVfD2riEh9d21Y7qPcH9ehomYATmTGza2VjiXdX9GlJKbSdXGukZ/s1600/Bambi1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>A chieftain of the Labour Party in Ogun State, Abayomi Olufemi, has been arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, for allegedly issuing dud cheques.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Mr. Olufemi, popularly called Arambambi, was arrested on Friday in Abeokuta.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
He is accused of issuing dud cheques three times to his landlord at a duplex located at Adigbe area of Abeokuta.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The suspect, who was eyeing a House of Representatives seat on his party’s platform, was arrested by the police and handed to EFCC operatives.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
EFCC had acknowledged a petition against the politician dated December 17, 2014 and since commenced investigations.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The case was earlier handled by the Zone 2 Command of Police in Abeokuta.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“Mr. Abayomi Olufemi issued a UBA cheque number 00000157 with a value of ₦1.4 million only dated 20th December, 2011,” the petitioner told the EFCC. “The cheque whose copy is attached to this letter was lodged for payment. The cheque was returned without any money credited into my account. Another UBA cheque with number 00000224 with a value of ₦1,4000,000.00 dated 30th April,2014 to make repayment for the earlier bounced cheque of ₦1,400,000.00 with cheques number 00000157 was given to me by Mr Abayomi Olufemi. The cheque bounced and was also returned after lodgment in the bank. Attached also is a copy of the bounced cheque.”</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAlBFcpBZ2OANKrb06-_fpuYgZz7BW19s3cERKheqDAATQV8Y9x84m_slEUEATexreWLNqwmyAtz-1blf_TXDPsuGP_2BZ5GAKVw0GUluN_cXVnEkGlogqvwYlT19lDS_4JPYUNNKwH0UH/s1600/Bambi.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAlBFcpBZ2OANKrb06-_fpuYgZz7BW19s3cERKheqDAATQV8Y9x84m_slEUEATexreWLNqwmyAtz-1blf_TXDPsuGP_2BZ5GAKVw0GUluN_cXVnEkGlogqvwYlT19lDS_4JPYUNNKwH0UH/s1600/Bambi.JPG" width="452" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“Mr. Abayomi Olufemi also gave me another UBA cheque with number 00000225 with a value of ₦500,000,00 dated 30th September,2014. This cheque was also lodged for payment. The cheque bounced and was returned by the bank without any value credited into my account. Attached is a copy of this bounced cheque.”</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The petitioner, Oriyomi Abiodun, however, appealed to the commission for justice. He said the action of the suspect was in violation of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Act.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
When contacted, the spokesperson of the Ogun State Police Command, Muyiwa Adejobi, confirmed the arrest.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“It is true we arrested him and handed him over to EFCC,” Mr. Adejobi said.</div>

EFCC Arrests Ogun LP House Of Reps Candidate

A chieftain of the Labour Party in Ogun State, Abayomi Olufemi, has been arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC,...

Ex-Speaker Ghali Na'Abba Dumps PDP

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbERwlwwhXjkED4DnSLEZneQFcXAOI4OgRSET1ybOTY07Ij5toFEo-xqvV4rTThutF_ygmwRTc0cpOvDXxaLHXNE7Je6Iy5JXPBFagY8qwFKosPx7qnqrPf7i347DnMbtkpgM0iNmyX1Ck/s1600/Naaba.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="598" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbERwlwwhXjkED4DnSLEZneQFcXAOI4OgRSET1ybOTY07Ij5toFEo-xqvV4rTThutF_ygmwRTc0cpOvDXxaLHXNE7Je6Iy5JXPBFagY8qwFKosPx7qnqrPf7i347DnMbtkpgM0iNmyX1Ck/s1600/Naaba.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Former speaker of the House of Representatives, Alhaji Ghali Umar Na'Abba has resigned his membership of Peoples Democratic Party.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Na'aba in a letter dated March 15, 2015 and copied to the chairman of the PDP Sharada ward in Kano Municipal local government titled “Notification of Resignation from PDP, each organs and committees and also copied to the chairman PDP Kano State, chairman PDP North West Zone, chairman PDP national headquarters, and chairman PDP Board of Trustees accused President Jonathan of frustrating many PDP members out of the party.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Na'aba’s letter reads “You are no doubt aware of the abysmal level to which the leadership of our great Country under President Goodluck Jonathan and the Peoples Democratic Party have reduced governance to, as a result of which our great Party has been losing its sons and daughters including so many of its founding fathers and members by the day.”</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
According to the letter “All efforts of critical members and fathers of the Party to offer advice remain always unheeded. It pains most of us that majority of the founding fathers that had died like Chief S. M. Afolabi, Alhaji Muhammad Abubakar Rimi, Chief Solomon Lar, Professor Osammor, Chief S. B. Awoniyi etc all died as a result of their frustration by and with the Party.”</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Na’aba stated “Those living like Dr. Alex Ekwueme, Malam Adamu Chiroma, Dr Shettima Mustapha, Alhaji Asheikh Jarma,  Dr, Victor Odili, Mr. Isaac Shaahu and many others are equally living with such frustration. While others like Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, Alhaji Isyaku Ibrahim, Alhaji Musa Gwadabe, two former National Chairmen, Chief Audu Ogbe and Chief Barnabas Gemade etc had since left the Party.”</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Ghali Na’aba lamented “The Party and the administration clearly possess neither compassion nor empathy.The Country’s and the Party’s leadership have become cabalised to the extent that while Nigerians are aware that they have a President in the person of Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, they are at the same time at a loss as to who governs their Country.”</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The soft spoken former MP noted in the letter “both Nigeria and the PDP are left to drift. In the sixteen years the Party has been ruling at the center, the Party’s leadership has failed to lead by example.”</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The former Speaker who enjoyed turbulent tenure under President Olusegun Obasanjo lamented “Instead, it has left us with the conventional wisdom that people cannot succeed in life unless they are ruthless and unprincipled. The Party has become characterized by corruption and impunity in the way and manner candidates for elective positions are being selected to the extent that in almost twenty states, crisis has engulfed the Party over the Gubernatorial primaries and the manner other candidates for other elective positions emerged.”</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Na’aba who lost reelection bid in 2003 stressed “In short, the Party and the Country’s leadership have failed to consolidate democratic gains for sister African Countries and other transition Countries to follow. Instead, under the current leadership, Nigeria is suffering from loss of esteem, as we are now most often consigned to the back seat of international relations. Most worrisome is the current anxiety of most Nigerians as the regime wobbles and tumbles toward the oncoming election.”</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“It has today become incontrovertible that cartels and shady characters are becoming visible, important and indispensable factors in Nigeria’s governance. It appears those at the helm of affairs are more comfortable with such characters of easy virtue than with patriotic and altruistic Nigerians. No doubt, in our Country today, the quality of governance is going down by the day; the onetime lion of the House of Representatives bemoans.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
He maintained “Critical National Institutions that unify and wield Nigerians together have been dragged into politics, contrary to wise counsel and political correctness. No administration has used religion and ethnicity to divide Nigerians more than the current administration under the leadership of Mr. Goodluck Jonathan. The ultimate test of any leader is looking at what has remained after he is gone.”</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Na’aba posited “You will agree with me that such pervasive political behavior should under no circumstances be tolerated by all who subscribe to decent and conscionable political practice. I have relentlessly pushed for reform of the internal policies of the PDP individually and collectively, without success. In fact it is common knowledge that all critical members of the Party have been made irrelevant by the Party.”</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The former Speaker long resignation epistle noted that “Members who are pliant and who lack principle and who stand for nothing are always more trusted by the leadership to carry out Party assignments. Such members are said to be “loyal”. Such loyalty is nothing but an euphemism for people who stand for nothing. Because no one is trusted by the leadership both at governmental and party levels, only a handful of party men and women are always entrusted with such party tasks as National Conventions, fund raising. Such men and women are now fully re circled.”</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
He said that “ Their faces are today so familiar to the eyes of Nigerians.As a politician with political science background, it is obvious to me that PDP is both self-destruct and irredeemable. Coupled with the regimes divisive and unpatriotic disposition, Nigeria has become a bye-word for “touch and go”.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Na’aba noted that “if examples of contemporary nations are anything to go by. The challenge before Nigerians today, in order to secure a new lease of life therefore, is how to get out this inept leadership that has neither allure nor inspiration.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The former Speaker who was a victim of 2011 post election violence said “In its place, Nigerians deserve not just a good President, good governors , and other political office holders, but true and exemplary leaders. And within this context, leadership that is more truly both transactional and transformative and which have more competence and capacity to govern. Nigeria needs leaders with a clear vision for the future. Leaders that will lead not from the back, side or front but from within. Leaders that will provide courageous and moral leadership the dearth of which has led to the weakening of political and economic institutions throughout Nigeria.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Na’aba while rounding up his thought provoking resignation letter said “For the above and many reasons, effective today 15th March 2015, I hereby tender my resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party, it’s organs including the Board of Trustees and all other committees to which I belong at National and State levels.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“I pray that your mind and those of other patriots would also be illuminated with truth so that you may also act wisely and accordingly. This comes with the renewed assurances of my highest consideration and personal respect”.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>

Ex-Speaker Ghali Na'Abba Dumps PDP

Former speaker of the House of Representatives, Alhaji Ghali Umar Na'Abba has resigned his membership of Peoples Democratic Party. ...

Fire Guts INEC Office Abuja

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTr14s8blr4z8Ox8iki8MuSdgKmEUNmQbMqkW15fyflZq9D5cFC49ryFGCbEglX0HKZGRJhNLZ8GOUO9Omsu0b-g_KpxzRk6y2mvGfdhb32q-Za6wUmhI7rtT_nD0z8Lya0KSEbDw1hGbR/s1600/Jega3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTr14s8blr4z8Ox8iki8MuSdgKmEUNmQbMqkW15fyflZq9D5cFC49ryFGCbEglX0HKZGRJhNLZ8GOUO9Omsu0b-g_KpxzRk6y2mvGfdhb32q-Za6wUmhI7rtT_nD0z8Lya0KSEbDw1hGbR/s1600/Jega3.JPG" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>There was a minor fire outbreak at the Electoral Institute of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja on Saturday night, March 14, 2015.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
No harm was done as the fire was swiftly contained, the <b>PUNCH</b> reports.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Confirming the incident, the Chief Press Secretary to the chairman of the commission, Mr. Kayode Idowu, said no electoral material was affected by the fire.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
According to Leadership report, the fire started at 11p.m. on Saturday night and was extinguished at 2a.m. Sunday morning.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Showing newsmen  around the affected area, the director of security of INEC, Shettima Ngilladar, said the power surge caused the electrical panel to go up in flames, ruling out any political mischief, while he explained that no electoral materials for the 2015 elections was in the warehouse as they have been deployed to the state.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The INEC security chief said: “these are non-sensitive materials that have been banned in the warehouse. You will see it yourself it is not hidden. It something clear, this banned non sensitive materials have nothing to do with the elections.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“They are old materials in store that has not been evacuated. These are old stock of non sensitive materials, like bags, envelopes, election forms which were used in 2011 elections. They won’t be used for 2015 elections. Everything here is non sensitive. Police on ground and security investigation is on.”</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Recall that some protesting youths under the aegis of Middle Belt Concerned Youths (MBCY), shut down the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja on Wednesday, March 11, 2015.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
They asked for the immediate resignation or sack of INEC Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega, over his insistence on the use of card readers for the general elections.</div>

Fire Guts INEC Office Abuja

There was a minor fire outbreak at the Electoral Institute of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja on Saturday...

Jonathan Takes Over Campaign As Eurasia Predicts 60% Win For Buhari

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOzTTpIa_dJF8KJqNalCA_5AIjxQhfMExWQGyvFPP_TRSN6Ivj43XzdOZV-ZOajPpshM5MlkHDs9MAAELBhT-JO3qRoS4M12-5VFd6JsfX4IEvQNXtxRtLIGt2Pr37Fw_tQSTnTAkxRedz/s1600/GEJ+GMB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOzTTpIa_dJF8KJqNalCA_5AIjxQhfMExWQGyvFPP_TRSN6Ivj43XzdOZV-ZOajPpshM5MlkHDs9MAAELBhT-JO3qRoS4M12-5VFd6JsfX4IEvQNXtxRtLIGt2Pr37Fw_tQSTnTAkxRedz/s1600/GEJ+GMB.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Things are not adding up for President Goodluck Jonathan and Nigeria's ruling party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in his re-election bid with the polls a mere 14 days away.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Suspicion is rife within the party hierarchy, and leaders are pulling in different directions, according to presidency and party sources. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The situation is so bad, that the President’s campaign has split into five with the president himself taking his destiny in his own hands by personally criss-crossing the country to woo traditional rulers, opinion moulders, youth and women leaders with a view to salvaging the situation. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Shortly after his nomination by the PDP for the race, President Jonathan set up a Presidential Campaign Council led by Dr. Ahmadu Ali to co-ordinate the campaign nationwide. But complaints and field reports reaching the president from the states convinced him that the council was far from effective. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In came the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the PDP, Chief Tony Anenih, who, sources said, began to ‘remote control’ the campaign council. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Soon, four other main groups, all purporting to work for the president’s election emerged.  These are: the PDP Governors’ Forum; the PDP initiative; and the strategic team being driven by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Anyim Pius Anyim/ministers/Chief E.K.Clark, and other motley support groups. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
A party source familiar with the situation said: “The struggle for personal benefits has overshadowed the target of winning the election. Virtually everyone wants to make money from the campaign as if there will be no tomorrow or as if we are going to lose at the poll. The president saw the gaps and decided to personally drive his own campaign." </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The situation was not helped by poll results before the postponement of the February election that the President was heading for a humiliating defeat. He quickly took over the campaign and has been jetting round the country to prop up his image. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“If the president tells you his experience in the last three weeks that he has been shuttling about, you will appreciate that he would have lost the February 14 election woefully,” was the way another source put it yesterday. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Only last Thursday, the Deputy Director-General of the PDP Campaign Organisation, Professor Tunde Adeniran, accused the PDP of doing little to promote Jonathan. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“If we continue to show this man has not done anything, others will capitalise on it. The party is not showing enough in this regard. The president’s achievement is undersold and in some cases not sold at all. In some places they ask, so Jonathan has done so?” he said. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Within the last three weeks, the president has visited the Southwest, which he sees as the zone holding the ace in the election, at least four times to plead for support. During the first visit, he spent a whole week in Lagos meeting Obas, youths, market women and other interest groups. He also visited churches for prayers. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
On the second visit, he went to Oyo town to see the <i>Alaafin</i>, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, and Ile-Ife on the third visit where some Obas were gathered to pray for him. He returned to the zone on Thursday to seek the support of the <i>Awujale</i> of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, who told him that he should not expect any Oba to campaign for him. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“In Ijebu here, it is not possible for any Oba- not even in Ijebu, in Yorubaland- to go out and say vote for this, vote for that. That person is looking for trouble. But they should give them (the politicians) the opportunity to present their programs so that the people can make up their minds on what to do,” the <i>Awujale</i> told him. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Comments by the president’s wife, Dame Patience Jonathan, during campaigns are also believed to be alienating sections of the country from her husband. One of such was the statement she made recently in Port Harcourt that northerners are breeding children they could not cater for, hence the menace of <i>Almajiris</i>. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“<i>Our men no dey born shildren throway for street. We no dey like the people for that side</i>,” she said in pidgin English. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Apparently haunted by the statement, Mrs. Jonathan last week was absent at a women’s campaign in Minna, Niger State. Another was when she declared in Asaba, Delta State that the APC presidential flag bearer, General Muhammadu Buhari was “brain dead.” </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
She was also in Benin, Edo State on Saturday where she said that her husband must complete “our two terms” in office. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Meanwhile, the Eurasia Group, the world’s leading global political risk research and consulting firm, has tipped the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari, to win this month’s election. The firm projects that the APC flag bearer has a 60 per cent probability to beat President Goodluck Jonathan in the election. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The firm’s Africa practice head and analyst, Philippe de Pontet, wrote Saturday that the electoral map is tilting to Buhari in swing regions in the Southwest and the Middle Belt. He said that with Buhari in the saddle, investors could expect business-oriented policies.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
He adds: “The election will still be difficult to call, but our expectation of a narrow Jonathan win was predicated on several factors that are losing some saliency late in the campaign. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“Chief among them is the incumbency and financial advantages of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). While this still helps Jonathan, its impact is blunted by the intensity of support for Buhari, lackluster grassroots campaigning by the PDP, and new anti-rigging measures by the electoral commission.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“New permanent voting cards and card readers will sharply reduce the level of rigging seen in 2011, when Jonathan beat Buhari in a landslide …</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“While we expected the electoral map to favour Jonathan, current trends suggest that the swing regions may side with Buhari, including the Christian-majority and heavily-populated southwest around Lagos. That could be the decisive demographic factor in the election …” </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
A local think tank, the Centre for Public Policy Alternatives, gave Buhari a 58% to 32% lead in Lagos State, where Jonathan won the last election. Eurasia Group thinks Jonathan’s approval rating is below the 40% threshold under which incumbents have a hard time getting reelected. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“Despite some important military gains against [the Islamic terror group] Boko Haram in the northeast, and a partial exoneration of its oil revenue management in a recent PWC audit, [Jonathan's] Peoples Democratic Party is starting to look desperate… [But] it is not clear … that Buhari has a strong economic policy orientation. This uncertainty is a chief risk for investors.” </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Jonathan is likely to contest an unfavorable outcome, especially a close election, and that could mean protracted violence. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“The reason we aren’t upgrading Nigeria’s outlook to positive, however, rests in the potential for an oil disruption and the likely pushback to Buhari’s policy agenda in a highly polarized political climate. His victory is likely to unleash a resurgence of militancy in the Niger Delta (Jonathan’s home region) that targets the oil sector. Former Delta militants have threatened to blow up oil pipelines, platforms, and personnel as in the past when they routinely took up to 500,000 barrels per day offline. There is likely some bluster in their threats …"</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><a href="http://thenationonlineng.net/new/two-weeks-to-polls-jonathans-campaign-in-disarray-as-buhari-surges/">The Nation</a></b></div>

Jonathan Takes Over Campaign As Eurasia Predicts 60% Win For Buhari

Things are not adding up for President Goodluck Jonathan and Nigeria's ruling party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in his re-e...

BA Flight To Dubai Returns To Heathrow Over Smelly Poo In Toilet

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiigjuheIxTN9seoNttE1qH8tOuLRhQo7CnaKXk680MbF8y57Qx7gUUFJUV4wpsytL9qA4Zcs5Dl4ZHzRP8BDDti7_ypXx7kXAskcvNMpZ8544B3N8ou8rk4oMJebnhk79dOoeTchYRlmpf/s1600/British_Airways_So_2803633b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiigjuheIxTN9seoNttE1qH8tOuLRhQo7CnaKXk680MbF8y57Qx7gUUFJUV4wpsytL9qA4Zcs5Dl4ZHzRP8BDDti7_ypXx7kXAskcvNMpZ8544B3N8ou8rk4oMJebnhk79dOoeTchYRlmpf/s1600/British_Airways_So_2803633b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>A British Airways flight to Dubai was forced to return to Heathrow Airport when a “smelly poo in the toilet” became unbearable for passengers.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The pilot announced that the long haul flight had to be aborted, after cabin crew were unable to prevent the pungent odour emanating from an overflowing toilet.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Around 30 minutes in the seven-hour flight, the plane returned to London amid health and safety concerns.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Hertsmere councillor Abhishek Sachdev, who represents Potters Bar Parkfield was on the plane and said it was “insane” that passengers had to wait 15 hours for another flight due to a “smelly poo in the toilet”.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
He told <i>Mail Online</i>: “The pilot made an announcement requesting senior cabin crew, and we knew something was a bit odd.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“About 10 minutes later he said you may have noticed there’s a quite pungent smell coming from one of the toilets.”</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Mr Sachdev, who was not seated near the toilet in question, said: “He said it was liquid faecal excrement, those are the words he used.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“He said it’s not a technical fault with the plane, and he was very adamant about that.”</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The captain said the plane’s crew had investigated the problem, but were unable to fix it, so the plane would need to return to London for health and safety reasons.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The BA105 flight took off at 8.15pm on Thursday night and was due to land in Dubai seven hours later. Instead, passengers had to wait 15 hours before they could resume their journey, and caught another flight to Dubai at 1pm on Friday.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Mr Sachdev, who was travelling with his pregnant wife, Rupa, and their two-year-old daughter, Shravani, said: “It’s obviously disappointing to lose a whole day of your trip.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"You might expect it on some random airline, but you wouldn’t expect it from British Airways.”</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
A British Airways spokesperson said: "We're very sorry for the discomfort to our customers. We provided them with hotel accommodation and rescheduled the flight to depart the next day."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/aviation/11472627/British-Airways-flight-to-Dubai-forced-to-return-to-Heathrow-due-to-smelly-poo-in-toilet.html">UK Telegraph</a></b></div>

BA Flight To Dubai Returns To Heathrow Over Smelly Poo In Toilet

A British Airways flight to Dubai was forced to return to Heathrow Airport when a “smelly poo in the toilet” became unbearable for pass...

Inside Story Of How Jonathan's, PDP's Offer Of ₦200 Billion + Interim VP To Tinubu Collapsed

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-ohRMmJ_bPYUOAXfk85aiUllb5Pk0MGTe9GI_Vk1ou1tSLiG_3Z5cf49x3ztQmaN00u3KvkwxiJsfrrLYFIF_-4MBmLU25nGcAi2DcP8havRhB_4v4ZdbPpJYsF4LydVTtiwMRLCfzYC9/s1600/Tinubu2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-ohRMmJ_bPYUOAXfk85aiUllb5Pk0MGTe9GI_Vk1ou1tSLiG_3Z5cf49x3ztQmaN00u3KvkwxiJsfrrLYFIF_-4MBmLU25nGcAi2DcP8havRhB_4v4ZdbPpJYsF4LydVTtiwMRLCfzYC9/s1600/Tinubu2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Bola Tinubu, the National Leader of the Nigeria’s leading opposition party, the All Progressives Congress, had revealed that President Goodluck Jonathan offered him a Vice Presidency slot under an Interim National Government arrangement, an offer he claimed to have rejected. Femi Fani-Kayode, the head of the Peoples Democratic Party Presidential Campaign Organization, refuted the story, saying that it is the illusionary imaginations from Tinubu. However, I was personally intimated of the ING offer to Tinubu by an equally top PDP chieftain who boasted jokingly that my "Tinubu and Buhari" alliance will soon crumble.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This his allusion to 'my Tinubu and Buhari' is based on the fact that he knew that I publicly led some Bishops who opposed the distribution of money to some of my pastor-colleagues on an anti-Buhari sentiment and that I was among the people who ensured that some that collected that money did not sell Jesus to PDP. I believe that the Gospel of Jesus is greater than PDP and APC and this party chieftain subscribes to this and my belief that the good, the bad and the ugly are found in both parties. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Mid February, I was at a sort of meeting bordering on security in the North of Nigeria and afterwards another meeting ensued where some PDP faithful were touting how Jonathan will defeat Buhari during the March 28 polls. I mentioned to the August members present who claim direct links with President Jonathan that their principal had already offered a Vice Presidency slot to Tinubu under an Interim Government arrangement. I was literally shouted down by those who claim (and I know that some of their claims are true) that they are personally close to Jonathan and he never mentioned it to them. They called it opposition gimmicks. The same persons, a week later, having confirmed the details I gave, contacted me again and this time around, believing that I must be close to either Buhari or Tinubu, asked me about the latest move of the opposition. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Close to four weeks ago, I was informed by a privileged member of the ruling PDP that Tinubu has been offered a VP slot in order to get him to break away from the presidential candidate of the APC, Muhammadu Buhari. This highly placed PDP facilitator, stakeholder and observer intimated that he is in the thick of the discussion and that soon Tinubu will abandon Buhari for Jonathan. Those allegedly in the thick of the discussions included a retired Military President, select PDP leaders, especially from the South West and South South, some past civilian governors and somebody they believe is working for Dasuki Sambo, the National Security Adviser. Mentioning the names, I was told, is not necessary because my sources will be thoroughly embarrassed. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I was later told that Tinubu rejected the Vice Presidency slot almost instantly. According to my sources, he instead requested that the ruling party defray his campaign expenses, which he put at ₦200 billion ($2 billion). He also allegedly demanded that the PDP will allow him produce all the senators from all the APC states in the South West and also those of Kwara and Edo States, the Niger Delta and North Central. When I inquired what they will decide on the Tinubu project, I was told that though Jonathan did not mind fulfilling Tinubu’s alternative request, the PDP leaders in the South West rejected the idea of allowing him produce 18 senators all by himself, viewing it as politically dangerous. This money is still chicken change to a party that had stacked nothing less that ₦3 trillion through shady oil deals in readiness for the elections. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Tinubu, under pressure to give a green light, abandoned the discussion on the pretext of giving the entire idea a second thought. PDP leaders were still waiting for his second thought when he was seen at Chatham House with Muhammadu Buhari, the presidential flag bearer of the opposition APC. The Chatham House speech of Buhari did an irreparable damage to Jonathan’s image among the international community and the PDP had seen Tinubu as giving the impression that negotiations are ongoing and then he went on to sponsor a Chatham House embarrassment on the President. According to sources, it was Femi Fani-Kayode who decoded that Tinubu had abandoned the plot and warned the party that the best thing to do is to cage the Lion (Tinubu) before it was too late. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The current plot by the PDP is to stop Tinubu at all cost since he failed to deliver the South West vote to Jonathan even when the PDP was ready to give him his demand of ₦200 billion. I learnt that Tinubu’s image is to be terribly damaged, then series of harassment, trumped up charges and outright elimination might follow. This elimination plot, though canvassed by a former presidential spokesman, has been rejected even within many PDP circles, including Jonathan himself. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
A top APC chieftain whom I met to follow up the political transactions, initially said he was ignorant of the contents of the negotiations but after some days confirmed that though an offer of ₦200 billion was made, it was the PDP that made the offer to defray Tinubu’s campaign expenses. I was informed that though Tinubu was averse to the ING arrangement, for President Olusegun Obasanjo’s caution to the former governor reinforced his stance. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
My take on all these is that PDP approached Tinubu to help sell the Yoruba people to Jonathan and abandon Buhari the manner he sold former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Nuhu Ribadu, in 2011 for a couple of billions of Naira. This time around, the stakes were higher and Tinubu played a fast one on them. Tinubu rejected the ING offer, made his own offer, which the PDP accepted in part (monetary aspect) and rejected the issue of being allowed to manipulate and produce the Senators and House of Reps members from APC States in the South West in an election that will hold on the same day. Tinubu probably got another advice and decided to stick to Buhari and PDP got enraged. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Those denying that there was no ING offer are also lying because even NSA Dasuki and former Military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, have been discreetly campaigning to Northern Emirs and leaders to accept an ING option to be headed by a northerner. Even former President Shehu Shagari, according to reports, favours the idea. The news is all over Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi and creating division among their political elites with the Interim National Government option getting gradual sympathy. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The loser in all these heist is the masses. Why must an offer and acceptance of a probable ₦200 billion must be given when such amount can build two second Niger Bridges or four brand new Enugu-Port Harcourt and Enugu-Onitsha expressway? This means that if Tinubu had agreed, ₦200 billion that could build five Federal Universities would have left PDP for Tinubu’s pocket. Tinubu, Babangida, Dasuki, Femi Fani-Kayode, Bode George, Buruji Kashamu and all the people involved in this ING cum ₦200 billion betrayal deal should stop denying the truth. Spending such billions on a political expedition is wrong and those buying, selling and making merchandise of the impoverished 160 million Nigerians, half of whom live below $1 daily, should realise it is monumental wickedness in the sight of God and those involved must repent now before God Almighty allows that self-inflicted crisis that will bring in a bloody military revolution already brooding in the atmosphere. A word is enough for the thieves. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Obinna Akukwe writes from profetobinna2@yahoo.com, www.facebook.com/pages/ObinnaAkukwe, @ObinnaAkukwe</i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Culled from: The Eagle Online</b></div>

Inside Story Of How Jonathan's, PDP's Offer Of ₦200 Billion + Interim VP To Tinubu Collapsed

Bola Tinubu, the National Leader of the Nigeria’s leading opposition party, the All Progressives Congress, had revealed that President ...

APC Chose Buhari To Cheat The North, Says Gov Aliyu

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTNBb5-NmDQZoBbi5sbdYHHey7bcLah8h42fkXFKMkFj6anW0DPG91C4eRUY4I1HAV4X2P3KkWJAM9esPpyy-hDsh4YYeA3PZzZfTnvwnjUHpVUBwuBnIJCi4GV-Vx_91ED8YeRaMCNG_0/s1600/Babangida-Aliyu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTNBb5-NmDQZoBbi5sbdYHHey7bcLah8h42fkXFKMkFj6anW0DPG91C4eRUY4I1HAV4X2P3KkWJAM9esPpyy-hDsh4YYeA3PZzZfTnvwnjUHpVUBwuBnIJCi4GV-Vx_91ED8YeRaMCNG_0/s1600/Babangida-Aliyu.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>The Niger State Governor, Dr. Muazu Babangida Aliyu, on Saturday said the emergence of former Head of State, General Muhammadu Buhari, as the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) was a grand design by the party’s top leadership to cheat the North the opportunity to rule again. </b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Aliyu, who stated this at a lecture organized to mark the 40th birthday of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Niger State, Hon. Umar Nasko, in Minna, said Buhari at 73 years lacks the capacity and energy to rule Nigeria, compared to a vibrant, younger candidate. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Aside that, he noted Buhari’s antecedents as former Head of State and Chairman of the Petroleum Trust Fund showed he was never in control in manning the positions adequately and that he was fully aware of these flaws. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Aliyu said: “The APC still went ahead and picked him as their candidate so that they can armtwist him and later take over power from him. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“For how long will we continue to allow the North to be cheated? </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“They know we in the North want power at all cost, so they said who among them in the North do we give it to? </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“So, they decided to go for an old man who they know lacks the capacity to rule instead of a young vibrant (Governor of Kano State, Mallam Rabiu) Kwakwanso, who we gathered was suppose to be their presidential candidate, because he cannot be controlled. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“And we all knew what happened when he was the Head of State. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“He left power to (late Chief of General Staff) Tunde Idiagbon. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“When he was the Petroleum Trust Fund chairman during the government of (late) General (Sani) Abacha, he left the administration of the organisation to his boys to handle all the contracts. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“And when former President Olusegun Obasanjo wanted to probe the activities of PTF, the young boys all started dying one after the other. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“He could not handle the positions.” </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Berating critics of his administration alleging none performance, Aliyu said it is only those that are blind that would accuse him of not providing the people of the state with the dividends of democracy. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Accordingly, he said: “Since the creation of the state in 1976, no administration has executed the kind of projects executed by this government in the provision of adequate health care, roads, housing, good education among others. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“Those that accused my government are either blind or crazy. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“But then, even if you don’t have eyes, you can use your hands and feel (touch) the projects executed all over the state.” </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Earlier, the Director General of the Nasko Campaign Organisation, Hon. Aminu Yusuf, said the event was a symbolic socio-political one planned and strategically arranged to mark the 40th birthday anniversary of the party’s governorship candidate. Yusuf expressed confidence in the PDP winning the elections at all levels. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Speaking also, Nasko urged the gathering to give their votes for continuity in the provision of good leadership and democratic dividends at all levels in the state. He thanked God for attaining 40 years.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<b>Culled from:</b> <b><a href="http://theeagleonline.com.ng/presidential-poll-apc-chose-buhari-to-cheat-north-gov-aliyu/">The Eagle Online</a></b>

APC Chose Buhari To Cheat The North, Says Gov Aliyu

The Niger State Governor, Dr. Muazu Babangida Aliyu, on Saturday said the emergence of former Head of State, General Muhammadu Buhari, ...

PDP Hawks Threaten Awujale With Dethronement After Refusing To Endorse Jonathan

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrdM-zCXI9Bzd5t4nsW-yAam90pryixgUix8_YzvlSPDSt1zfPHjuiSuRAXWRwgS3rn01lGMMIQUxb6M5T4TLLkJis84gut8Yut9ByF0g8I-xD6TYz6Ylmm5RLE39BtIasz5IHVq-Mguxf/s1600/Awujale.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrdM-zCXI9Bzd5t4nsW-yAam90pryixgUix8_YzvlSPDSt1zfPHjuiSuRAXWRwgS3rn01lGMMIQUxb6M5T4TLLkJis84gut8Yut9ByF0g8I-xD6TYz6Ylmm5RLE39BtIasz5IHVq-Mguxf/s1600/Awujale.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Aftermath of President Jonathan's visit to <i>Awujale</i> and the paramount ruler of Ijebu land, the highly respected royal father's refusal to publicly endorse Jonathan for second term, it has been revealed that the president is not happy with the way the event has turned out.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Sources at the presidency revealed that after the meeting with the royal father, president Jonathan and the PDP inner caucus are very angry with some of the party leaders from the state who have made the presidency believe that they are very popular in the state.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It was further revealed that the presidency particularly directed its anger towards the former governor of the state Otunba Gbenga Daniel whom the presidency claimed has been grandstanding with his control and structure in the state.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The source revealed: "these people have been siphoning money from the president through sweet words. The only person who has proven to be on ground is Prince Buruji Kashamu. The president was however shocked at the public and blunt refusal of the <i>Awujale</i> to endorse him (Jonathan) after the former governor claimed to have prepared the ground for a positive endorsement. They siphon dollars with propaganda".</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
An emergency PDP caucus meeting was however called after the meeting with <i>Awujale</i> to manage the situation. In attendance was both former governors of the state Gbenga Daniel and Olusegun Osoba. It was suggested at the meeting by Gbenga Daniel that <i>Awujale</i> should be threatened with dethronment, a suggestion Akinrogun Osoba vehemently opposed.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Gbenga Daniel explained to the meeting that its just a threat, that it once worked for the <i>Alake</i> of Egbaland and the paramount ruler of Egbaland when he complained about bad roads. He reminded the meeting that twice the threat of dethronement have been used to call <i>Awujale</i> to order. First in 1982 and secondly by the Abacha regime. He said that President Jonathan's re-election is the most important even at the expense of the gubernatorial election in the state. He asked the president to continue to make cash less available to the incumbent.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Osoba told the meeting that, the situation can still be salvaged before all other paramount Yoruba Obas take queue from <i>Awujale</i>. He again did not support the threat to dethrone. He suggested a huge financial war chest should be earmarked for rebranding. Osoba affirmed that his role is to spoil the chances of the incumbent but the PDP should work on its own to ensure victory. He asked the president not to forget their agreement when he wins. A move which the core state PDP faithful kicked against. They said Osoba cant control such war chest as hes not a member of the party.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The president was the last person to speak. He expressed his dissapointment at the handling of party politics in the state. He said the developmental project by the current administration is too much to ignore. He promised an immediate release of the sum of $2.5m for the rebranding which $500,000 will be given to Osoba. Another sum of $1m is to be released to the <i>Awujale</i> and other paramount rulers in the Yoruba kingdom would be coerced through the <i>Afenifere</i> to move for massive public endorsement of President Jonathan.</div>

PDP Hawks Threaten Awujale With Dethronement After Refusing To Endorse Jonathan

Aftermath of President Jonathan's visit to Awujale and the paramount ruler of Ijebu land, the highly respected royal father's ...

Jonathan Rains Dollars On Yoruba Obas

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfhXk4SNR5k35FP5ZHb9CjJ9-WYpoL7_Q8p89SgQYn5yNUQP2LAcihSby5kGcTWtP_U9Ut9J0elP4PX9ujZOfKoD68orhIQTmjXcng4OVRzrQR-1OdfHkbpfhubTjm53fjAT1VChzNItDt/s1600/GEJ+Obas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfhXk4SNR5k35FP5ZHb9CjJ9-WYpoL7_Q8p89SgQYn5yNUQP2LAcihSby5kGcTWtP_U9Ut9J0elP4PX9ujZOfKoD68orhIQTmjXcng4OVRzrQR-1OdfHkbpfhubTjm53fjAT1VChzNItDt/s1600/GEJ+Obas.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>The March 28 presidential election has made some traditional rulers in the South-West geopolitical zone millions of Naira richer, <i>SUNDAY PUNCH</i> has learnt.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Findings show that this change of fortunes was brought about by President Goodluck Jonathan’s quest for the support of the traditional rulers and their subjects for his re-election bid.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Jonathan, the Peoples Democratic Party candidate, has virtually relocated to the South-West since the Independent National Electoral Commission postponed the general elections. The President has traversed the geopolitical zone, holding series of meetings with traditional rulers, groups and individuals.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Analysts have said South-West voters might determine the outcome of the presidential election. As a result, the All Progressives Congress and the PDP are making strenuous efforts to win the votes of the region.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>SUNDAY PUNCH</i> learnt that the President and his team doled out various amounts of money in dollars to monarchs during his recent visits to the region. It was, however, gathered that a few of the traditional rulers and chiefs turned down the money.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Competent sources disclosed to our correspondents that a handful of Obas received as high as $250,000 each, while the least paid were traditional rulers of small towns who were given $10,000 each.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Sources say the sum of money given to each traditional ruler is determined by a set of criteria, which range from status and class - whether first-class, second-class, or mere traditional chief - to the popularity and perceived political clout of the monarch.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The traditional ruler of a prominent South-West ancient city, which the President visited was said to have been given $250,000 (₦50m) while other traditional chiefs were given $10, 000 (₦2.2m).</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
A prominent lawyer, who spoke to <i>SUNDAY PUNCH</i> in confidence, alleged that each of the paramount rulers received about $250,000 (about ₦50m). He, however, added that some of the senior Obas were expected to share the largesse with their subordinate Obas and chiefs.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
He said, “We learnt that the Yoruba Obas in the highest category got $250,000, a part of which will go to the lower Obas. Ironically, a son of one of the prominent Obas is contesting on the platform of the opposition, APC. Interestingly, when the President visited the palace, the father dressed the son with the same attire as the others.”</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
On February 21, Jonathan after inaugurating the Olorunsogo Power Plant 2, at Papalanto in Ewekoro Local Government Area of Ogun State, held a private meeting with some prominent traditional rulers in the state.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
At the meeting were the Akarigbo of Remoland and Chairman of the Ogun State Traditional Council, Oba Michael Sonariwo; Alake and the Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo; Olowu of Owu, Oba Adegboyega Dosunmu; Olu of Itori, Oba Fatai Akamo; Oniro of Iro, Oba Adebari; Olu of Owode-Egba, Oba Kolawole Sowemimo; and other traditional rulers, mostly from the Ogun Central Senatorial District.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Awujale and paramount ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, and Olu of Ilaro, the Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, were absent.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Jonathan returned to Ogun State on Thursday and paid a private visit to the Awujale in his palace at Ijebu Ode.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Also, three weeks ago, the President was in Oyo State, where he visited the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, and the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Oladunni Ajagungbade, in their respective palaces.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
On March 7, the President visited the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, in Ile-Ife, Osun State, to seek the support of the monarch and his colleagues for his re-election.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Apart from the Ooni, the Orangun of Oke-Ile, Oba Adedokun Abolarin; the Owamiran of Esa Oke, Oba Oba Adeyemi Adeniran; the Olufi of Gbongan, Oba Adetoyese Oyeniyi; Alowa of Ilowa, Oba Bukola Ali; the Olojudo of Ido Osun, Oba Adeen Aderemi; and monarchs from the entire Ile-Ife region were at the palace to receive the President.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The President, thereafter, proceeded to Ilesa where he also met with the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, Oba Adekunle Aromolaran, another paramount ruler. Traditional rulers from Ijesaland were also present at the Owa’s palace to receive the President.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In Ekiti State, a similar scenario played out. Jonathan met Ekiti monarchs when he visited the state for the PDP campaign in January, it was learnt on Friday. About 50 traditional rulers were present at the meeting and the President took time to shake hands with all of them.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
A source within the PDP told our correspondent that traditional rulers categorised as ‘mere traditional chiefs’ were given $10,000 each by the President’s aides. The monetary gift, it was gathered, was given to “appreciate the presence of the traditional rulers and solicit their support for the President’s re-election.”</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Similarly, a source in the palace of a prominent traditional ruler in one of the South-West states, said, “It is true that the President gave out money to the kings. But it was not a huge sum as speculated. Thus, the kings should not be seen as being bought over. Our kings are men of good standing in the public. Their consciences are not for sale and could not have been bought.”</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The windfall from the President is not limited to traditional rulers alone as groups and individuals have also benefitted hugely from it.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The groups, which included market women, students, professional and ethnic groups, <b><a href="http://www.punchng.com/news/jonathan-rains-dollars-on-south-west-obas/">SUNDAY PUNCH</a></b> learnt, made between $5,000 and $100,000 in Lagos. All the groups that visited Jonathan at the State House, Marina, went home richer.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The largesse however caused rancour among some of the groups as members accused their leaders of short-changing them.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
A member of a popular Yoruba group that visited Jonathan in Lagos said his group received $50,000.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Speaking under the condition of anonymity, he said, “We were given $50,000 when we finished meeting the President; but to my surprise, our leader gave me only $500. A lot of us are not happy with what he did.”</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Secretary, Board of Trustees, National Council of Traditional Rulers in Nigeria, Oba Adedapo Aderemi, however, told one of our correspondents on the telephone that he knew nothing about the President’s largesse.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Aderemi, who is the Olojudo of Ido Osun in Osun State, said the monarchs did not collect any bribe, neither were they offered.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
He said, “I do not know anything about the bribe. The President invited us and we went to meet him. Jonathan is our son just like Buhari is our son. As the number one citizen of the country, Jonathan invited us and we honoured the invitation.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“There is none of us who is hungry. Obas in Nigeria are not hungry as far as I know.”</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Similarly, the Chairman, Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers and the Onitaji of Itaji, Oba Adamo Babalola, said they (kings) did not receive money from Jonathan at any time.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
He said, “I’m not aware. Nothing of such happened to my knowledge. If that happened, I was not part of it.”</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In the same vein, the Ondo State Council of Traditional Rulers said it did not benefit from Jonathan’s cash gift.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
A member of the council, the Olufon of Ifon, Oba Israel Adeusi, said the allegation was an effort to drag the traditional council into politics and tarnish its image.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“This kind of rumour should be stopped. We are not politicians and we should not be dragged into this kind of politics.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“You have a duty to stop this kind of rumours and protect the integrity of the traditional institution,” he said.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
On his part, Oba Kayode Olisa, Oba Ajowa Akoko, said he was not at the meeting where Jonathan met with the traditional rulers in the state.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
According to him, he had travelled out of the state and was unable to make the appointment.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Asked if anything was sent to him afterwards, he said, “I am not aware if anything was given; only those who attended will be able to confirm what happened.”</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Efforts by <i>SUNDAY PUNCH</i> to get the Presidency’s reaction did not yield any positive result on Saturday as calls made to the telephone line of the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, did not connect.</div>

Jonathan Rains Dollars On Yoruba Obas

The March 28 presidential election has made some traditional rulers in the South-West geopolitical zone millions of Naira richer, SUNDA...

PDP Ogun Assembly Candidate Alleges Plot To Replace Him

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm4zpHAH5ltwaw_P_YQ9X-ppYSZvdB6sMnj4E0F2RYBa7V5cpJ_agLPCVbpHO7bOlvAI4Qr30nSOZSaJDS2XbbYYgGmau5f3zAmszgXfZbZs_53xCDOIENSiToETJ8tXwHOI8MwoPYOtfR/s1600/semiu_Oganla.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="574" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm4zpHAH5ltwaw_P_YQ9X-ppYSZvdB6sMnj4E0F2RYBa7V5cpJ_agLPCVbpHO7bOlvAI4Qr30nSOZSaJDS2XbbYYgGmau5f3zAmszgXfZbZs_53xCDOIENSiToETJ8tXwHOI8MwoPYOtfR/s1600/semiu_Oganla.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>A State House of Assembly Candidate in Ogun State under the banner of Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), Semiu Oganla on Sunday cried out over a plot by some influential leaders of the party to rob him of his mandate.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The candidate told newsmen in Abeokuta that the plot was coming after his confirmation by the Independent Electoral Commission, (INEC), as the party's authentic candidate for the race. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Our correspondent reliably gathered that, Oganla's name was included in the INEC approved list of candidates on page 165, titled, 2015 State House of Assembly Final List', and he is cleared to represent the party in Abeokuta North Local Government Area, having earlier won party primaries with 70 votes out of the total 80 votes cast during the party primaries held on November 29, 2014. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Findings also revealed that the result showed that his co-contestants at the primaries which include; Olugbenga Adebayo scored 8 votes, Eyitayo Soleye recorded 1 vote, while Amodu Taofeek and Salau Modupeola did not show up. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Ironically, few weeks to the general election, the party sought an order from the Federal High Court, Ikoyi Lagos under Justice O.E. Abang to replace his name with Eyitayo Soleye, son of former Minister for Finance, Onaolapo Soleye, who at the primaries scored one vote. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In a motion of notice, suit number FHC/L/CS/347/12, the party claimed that there was a typographical error in submitting the name of Oganla, hence, the request to replace him with Soleye. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"An order correcting the typographical error in the names of candidate listed in the order of this honourable court made on the 15th day of December 2014 by properly stating the names of candidates for the constituencies listed below as shown hereunder and deleting the names mistakenly listed for the same constituencies in the said order to wit;...(11) Eyitayo Soleye replacing Semiu Oganla for Abeokuta North), the motion reads. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The motion on notice in possession of our correspondent was filed on January 28, 2015 by R.A Oluyede of  D96 Landbridge Avenue, Victoria Island Annex, Lagos. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In the same vein, an affidavit in support of the motion on notice filed by Chinedu Mbata, a litigation officer in the law office of the solicitor stated that the party Secretary, Semiu Sodipo erroneously forwarded the name of the candidate in a hurry.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"In the haste to send the result sheets and reports to our office in view of the urgency involved, he inadvertently sent a report of primaries for the House of Representatives, which contained an error in the name of the candidate of the party for Abeokuta North/Odeda/Obafemi-Owode constituency'i" t reads. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"He also made a mistake in wrongly forwarding to our office an incorrect result of the primaries for Remo North and Abeokuta North State Constituencies," the court papers added. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
But, in his reaction, the party candidate for Abeokuta North House of Assembly petitioned the Indepedent National Electoral Commission, (INEC), alleging crooked plans by some members of the party to substitute his name. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Oganla in his petition, insisted that, he was the nominated candidate of the party, having convincingly won the primaries, and his name forwarded to the electoral body and also published among the list of names of various parties candidates of Abeokuta North State Constituency. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
According to him, "Some unscrupulous elements within the party are crookedly planning to short change me by trying to substitute my name to that of one Eyitayo Soleye, their favourite, under the guise that my name was typographically in error forwarded to INEC. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The candidate further alleged that, an earlier attempt by the elements was to forge his signature in a purportedly written withdrawal letter, but when the plot failed, they now resolved to hide under what they called typographical error and approached a court to file a motion, stressing that, he would not succumb to the plot to do away with his mandate.</div>

PDP Ogun Assembly Candidate Alleges Plot To Replace Him

A State House of Assembly Candidate in Ogun State under the banner of Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), Semiu Oganla on Sunday cried out...

This Is Akwa-Ibom, State Where Govt Officials Kneel For Gov's Wife

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgio8qjvyNg8pGb6DKjKqQoRvyByAyaN4zdnnmanwmgsE43Pd2Zkqqveqnlu1HD3HtVt7-mU8XXHF25X-z8YwqjXk9jDZHMx7S6Sl28NNoXm_t5WdNUY5C0j_O50wvcWHW6tmTzZ-_uJNNs/s1600/Akpabios-wife-360x225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgio8qjvyNg8pGb6DKjKqQoRvyByAyaN4zdnnmanwmgsE43Pd2Zkqqveqnlu1HD3HtVt7-mU8XXHF25X-z8YwqjXk9jDZHMx7S6Sl28NNoXm_t5WdNUY5C0j_O50wvcWHW6tmTzZ-_uJNNs/s1600/Akpabios-wife-360x225.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Kneeling, bowing or prostrating for the wife of Akwa Ibom State governor, Mrs. Unoma Akpabio, is a common feature in Akwa Ibom state.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Those who do not oblige to this concept are often considered to be anti-Akpabio’s administration.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
A member in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly representing Mbo State Constituency, Mrs. Alice Ekpenyong, knelt before the governor’s wife at the Independent National Electoral Commission office, when they were being presented with the certificates of return in 2011.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Similarly, many of the commissioners in the state cannot stand before Mrs. Akpabio to talk; they must either face a different direction or stoop low before her.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Recently, the Commissioner of Works, Mr. Don Etim, was found kneeling to talk to her during one of the Peoples Democratic Party campaign rallies in the state.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Etim is the Dean, College of Commissioners in the state. He is one of the longest serving commissioners in Akpabio’s administration.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Also a commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Dr. (Mrs.) Glory Edet, was recently seen fanning her during the presentation of the 2015 Appropriation Bill to the House of Assembly.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
A strong PDP member, Mr. Silvernus Okon, stated that the governor’s wife has no regards for anybody.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
He added that even if Etim had wanted to kneel before her, she would have cautioned the man against doing so.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“It is unbelievable that Don Etim who is old enough to be her father could descend so low to kneel before her.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“This tells you the type of people that we have in the state. Even if Etim had wanted to kneel for her, we expected her to have stopped him and cautioned him against doing so in future,” he said.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
All attempts to get Etim to react to why he knelt before the governor’s wife failed as calls to his phone indicated that it had been switched off.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
A text message was also sent to him which he did not reply, the <b><a href="http://www.punchng.com/news/akwa-ibom-state-where-commissioners-others-kneel-for-akpabios-wife/">PUNCH</a></b> reports.</div>

This Is Akwa-Ibom, State Where Govt Officials Kneel For Gov's Wife

Kneeling, bowing or prostrating for the wife of Akwa Ibom State governor, Mrs. Unoma Akpabio, is a common feature in Akwa Ibom state...