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Nigerians Waiting For Audit Report On Missing $20 Billion - Buhari

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<b>All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate Gen. Muhammadu Buhari yesterday described corruption and insecurity as obstacles to economic growth, stressing that his administration will tackle the vices, if elected on February 14.</b></div>
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Gen. Buhari challenged the Jonathan administration to account for the missing $20 billion, adding that Nigerians are waiting for the report of the forensic audit ordered by the government. He said, if the cash cannot be accounted for, it is the greatest form of corruption.</div>
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The former military leader, who also promised to provide jobs through massive investments in agriculture and mining, said the key to economic recovery and poverty eradication is regular power supply and abolition of corruption, reports the <b><a href="http://thenationonlineng.net/new/nigerians-await-forensic-audit-report-missing-20b-says-buhari/">NATION</a></b>.</div>
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Gen. Buhari said: "Corruption affects our ability to secure ourselves and it also undermines the performance of the economy.”</div>
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He added: “Twenty billion dollars at ₦210 to one dollar is equal to ₦4.2 trillion, which is nearly a year’s federal budget. If it is true that this sum cannot be accounted for, this is the greatest form of corruption. Just think at ₦5 million per vehicle, this money would have bought 840,000 patrol vehicles. This will improve security in every town and village in this country.</div>
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“At ₦13.5 million for a high capacity bus, this money would have bought 311,000 buses. This would have revolutionalised the transport and production side of the economy. From the information at my disposal, Lekki Bridge in Lagos cost ₦29 billion to construct. ₦4.2 trillion would have built 145 Lekki bridges. This would have revolutionalised transport, infrastructure, construction, and employment in the economy.</div>
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“If the average cost of generating one mega-watt of power is about $1.5 million, excluding gas and distribution costs, $20 billion would have bought us over 13,333 mega watts of power. What a difference that would make up and down the country.”</div>
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Gen. Buhari flayed the Federal Government for borrowing money to fight Boko Haram in a country that successfully fought a civil war without incurring debts. He said: “When Chief Obafemi Awolowo was the Vice Chairman of the Federal Executive Council and Federal Commissioner for Finance, we did not borrow money to fight the civil war. But, they are now borrowing to fight Boko Haram.”</div>

Nigerians Waiting For Audit Report On Missing $20 Billion - Buhari

All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate Gen. Muhammadu Buhari yesterday described corruption and insecurity as obstacles...

Buhari Discusses Economic Blueprint With Business Community

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<b>The APC standard bearer unfolded his economic blue-print at a meeting with the organised private sector hosted by Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola. The theme of the meeting was: <i>GMB means Business</i>. Gen. Buhari was accompanied by party leaders, including the National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, the Chairman of the APC Presidential Campaign Committee, Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, the Chairman of the Directorate of Policy and Programmes, former Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi, Mr. Audu Ogbeh, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, and Director of Media Mallam Garba Shehu.</b></div>
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Fayemi, who welcomed the businessmen to the parley, reflected on the yearning for economic revival for the progressive transformation of the country. He said through creative interventionist initiatives by the government, countries in distress have always risen to economic progress in the period of grave crisis and adversity.</div>
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Fashola highlighted the difference between the APC and the PDP, saying that the APC manifesto is people and research-based. He added: “APC manifesto is designed to address 2015-2019 problems. PDP has 1999 manifesto. The naira has weakened. Interest rate has skyrocketed. We need to choose whether we should change Jonathan or we need continuity.The necessity now is to halt the downturn. If they couldn’t do much at $100 per barrel, they cannot do better when the resources are decreasing.”</div>
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Gen. Buhari, who promised to encourage periodic and regular meetings with the business community, said his administration would be committed to economic growth, job creation and restoration of the dignity of labour among Nigerians.</div>
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He said: “Our policies for implementing our commitments will be governed by the highest consideration of how they create jobs. Equipping and resourcing our security personnel, for example, will not be limited to the provision of arms alone, but uniforms, boots and accoutrements, are enormous opportunities for textile production, garment making and shoe making.</div>
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Buhari explained why power generation and transmission have been erratic, despite the privatisation of power utilities. He said: “Power supply is the minimum that we can seriously commit to in order to quickly galvanise the economy back to productivity. We agree with the privatisation of the power utilities, but we believe it must go further to transmission.  After the signing and handing over ceremonies of the power assets, the real work of producing, transmitting and distributing power is really just beginning.</div>
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“The reason why the success seems elusive is that, apart from the signing ceremony and handing over of the power assets, the hard work to connect the various parts of the power chain, supply gas, install transformers, complete substations has not been done. Our studies show that we will require no less than 200,000 trained personnel to support the initiative to provide power and light up Nigeria.”</div>
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Gen. Buhari said apart from the inherent direct employment that the revival of the sector will create, the reduction in the cost of production, the savings from self-generation by Nigerians, who currently spend their income on purchase of diesel and petrol to generate their own electricity, will reduce the burden on their disposable income.</div>
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He said these savings will be spent by Nigerians on other basic necessities of life, thereby reducing poverty.</div>
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Gen. Buhari said his administration would support the initiative to build a refinery in Lagos, adding that the move will lead to job creation, local fuel supply and national security as well as reduce importation, lessen demand for foreign exchange and strengthen the naira.</div>
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The former Head of State, who promised to fight the infrastructure battle, emphasised that road construction will be a major priority of his administration.</div>
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He stressed: “Road construction alone will unlock a value chain of opportunities in the built industry for construction companies, builders, engineers, architects, quarry operators, cement and iron rod production and supply.</div>
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“The successful opening up of Nigeria by the construction of new roads and highways will revive road transportation, truck manufacture, tyre manufacture, engine oil, and brake pad production. It will also create a demand for jobs for mechanics, drivers, and those engaged in transport support business. We expect a revival of inter-state economies that used to thrive across Nigeria, providing support to travellers by way of canteens, restaurants and farm produce.”</div>
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Gen. Buhari promised to promote discussions between the business community and his economic team to explore options of reducing taxes and Customs duties without too much disruption to government finances and private sector business plans.</div>
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He also spoke on the APC manifesto and campaign message. In his view, they reflect the yearnings of Nigerians for change.  Nigerians, said Gen. Buhari, should expect positive change, if he is elected.</div>
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According to him, during the survey that took place in 36 states, Nigerians indicated that insecurity, corruption and the economy were their biggest worries.</div>
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He added: “That is why I have been talking about insecurity and corruption on one hand and minning, agriculture, infrastructure and jobs on the economic side.”</div>
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Noting that corruption has almost become a culture in Nigeria, Gen. Buhari said: “They are so inter-connected and the Nigerian people are right in their identification of these problems. We cannot build an economy in an insecure environment. We cannot build an economy when the playing field is not level. We cannot build an economy where corruption is the working capital. Corruption affects our ability to secure ourselves and it also undermines the performance of the economy.”</div>
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Gen. Buhari spoke on the importation of fuel, saying that the country should be ashamed because it is an oil-producing country.</div>
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He said: “If you also factor the ₦2.2 trillion spent on subsidising fuel import, which became a huge scandal, you may then understand why our manifesto focuses on the issues of security, corruption and the economy. We are too vulnerable as a nation at this moment, if we have to import fuel to move our planes, our tanks and our men. We are too vulnerable as you can see that we also have to import arms. We are vulnerable because our troops also depend on imported food.”</div>
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Gen. Buhari, who served as the Federal Commissioner for Petroleum and Chairman of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), recounted his achievements, saying he upgraded refineries in Port-Harcourt and Kaduna.</div>
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He added: “We got tankers off the road and saved lives. When I became the Head of State, we fought bunkering. We increased the exportation of refined products. But, Nigeria is now importing fuel.”</div>
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Gen. Buhari gave an ultimatum to corrupt officials and other Nigerians, saying that he would confront them, if he becomes the president.</div>
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He said: “The courts will continue to fight corruption. The legislature, executive and judiciary will fight corruption. But, from the day an APC Federal Government is in place, those corupt people will have to behave themselves.”</div>
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At the meeting, Mr. Funso Phillips of the Nigeria Economic Council (NEC) wanted to know what Gen. Buhari would do differently, if elected as the President. The former Head of State said that, while he will not discontinue any policy that is good, he will change what is not good.</div>
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Another informal operator, who emphasised the importance of land in economic development, wanted to know Buhari’s position on land accessibility for industrial growth. He promised to promote an atmosphere that is conducive to investment promotion and development.</div>
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Another participant wanted to know who the General will fight corruption differently. Buhari replied that the three organs of government will be involved in the fight against fraud in high places.</div>
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The APC candidate urged members of the business community who have questions to ask from the campaign team to forward their enquiries to Chief Odigie-Oyegun and Dr. Fayemi, promising to respond to them.</div>

Buhari Discusses Economic Blueprint With Business Community

The APC standard bearer unfolded his economic blue-print at a meeting with the organised private sector hosted by Lagos State Governor ...

Abdulsalami Meets Service Chiefs, IGP On 2015 Elections

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<b>A former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, on Monday in Abuja met with the Service Chiefs and the Inspector-General of Police, warning that the 2011 post-election violence should not be repeated in 2015.</b></div>
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He spoke in his capacity as the Chairman of National Peace Committee on 2015 Elections which was convened by the Founder, Kukah Centre for Faith and Leadership Research, Bishop Mathew Kukah.</div>
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The committee was formed to ensure full compliance with the Peace Accord signed by President Goodluck Jonathan of the Peoples Democratic Party and his closest rival, presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Maj. Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (retd.).</div>
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The <b><a href="http://www.punchng.com/news/abdulsalami-meets-service-chiefs-warns-against-electoral-violence/">PUNCH</a></b> reports the meeting also had in attendance representatives of various political parties and religious leaders.</div>
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Apart from Abubakar, other members of the committee are businessman Aliko Dangote; Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe (retd.), Cardinal John Onaiyekan; Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Sa’ad Abubakar, Alhaji Muhammad Musdafa; Primate of Anglican Church, Most Rev. Nicholas Okoh; President, Christian Association of Nigeria, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor and Justice Rose Ukeje.</div>
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Others are Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, a former Minister of Foreign Affairs and Deputy Chairman of the 2014 National Conference, Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi; Prof. Ameze Guobadia, Prof. Zainab Alkali, Publisher of Vanguard Newspapers, Mr. Sam Pemu-Amuka; Kukah and a former President of Nigerian Bar Association, Dame Priscilla Kuye.</div>
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The ex-Head of State said, “Any Nigerian who loves this country must preach peace. There is apprehension and there is no need for that. Nigerians, please, I beg you, learn from the former mistakes. We must ensure that we do not repeat the mistakes of the past.</div>
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“We must ensure that the February elections are peaceful and secure.</div>
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“I am very happy that the contestants in the forthcoming Presidential elections have signed a peace accord and I expect that they follow up in keeping up with this agreement.</div>
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“We all have roles to play. The media has a role to play in ensuring that they preach peace. People tend to believe in what they read. Avoid sensational stories and help preach peace to our people.”</div>
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The Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshall Alex Bade, had earlier said the military was prepared to assist the police and other civil authorities in providing security before, during and after the polls.</div>
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On his part, Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Kenneth Minimah, also promised to support the police and other civil authorities during the elections.</div>
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In his remarks, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Adesola Amosun said, “We have commenced the airlift of materials needed for the elections starting from Abuja. We have a lot of unmanned airports in Nigeria, we have deployed our men to man these airfields and should there be saboteurs, it will be difficult for them to bring in illegal materials into the country.”</div>
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The Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Suleiman Abba said, “The support to civil authorities by the military is provided in the constitution. The military has the responsibility to support civil authorities in providing security. That is why they need to strengthen the civil security agencies during the election. In some of the areas identified as flash points, we will invite the military to assist. But it will not include the polling boots. The police will continue to conduct its role in ensuring there is law and order in the country.”</div>

Abdulsalami Meets Service Chiefs, IGP On 2015 Elections

A former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, on Monday in Abuja met with the Service Chiefs and the Inspector-General of Police, ...

I Poured Hot Water On My Maid Because She's Lazy - Ibadan Madam

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<b>The Ibadan, Oyo State based woman, Bunmi Oladele, who brutalized her maid and poured scalding hot water on her, has come out to state her reasons for meting out such heartless punishment on the poor girl whose name has been given as Sadia, a citizen of Benin Republic.</b></div>
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The woman said that though what she did was a mistake, the girl has been insolent, lazy and has been defecating all over the place, as well as taken her car keys to someone, ostensibly to use for rituals.</div>
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Hear her:</div>
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“Ever since Sadia came, she would not work for me. When she was brought, the person who brought her collected ₦34,000 for four months salary. This included ₦10,000 for transportation. In the morning I would be the one to sweep and wash my baby’s clothes.</div>
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"I could see no usefulness in her being with me. Even I used to back my baby myself. I complained to the woman who brought her and asked her to refund my money. But the woman said that the money had been sent to Benin Republic.</div>
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"After some time, I noticed that she was defecating all over the compound. There was a day she took my car key, two of my baby dresses and my ₦4,500. I called the woman who brought her and when she came, the girl confessed to her that it was one Togolese man who told her to give him my car key."</div>
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<b><a href="http://nigerianewsroom.blogspot.com/2015/01/omg-see-woman-inhumanity-woman-as-madam.html">We reported the story of Mrs. Oladele's brutality to her maid here on January 27</a></b>.</div>
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The hapless girl, on her part, said that it was not the first time the woman had been battering her.</div>
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"I was brought to Ibadan by my relation. My duties in my new boss’ house was to help her do house chores and cook. I don’t know my salary because it was not being paid to me.</div>
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"She started beating me shortly after I started working with her. She would hit my head against the wall and slap me hard, complaining that I did not know how to sweep. My face would swell up and recede again after some days.</div>
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"On January 20, 2015, the woman poured hot water on me. I had put water on the fire for her to bath her baby. When she woke up, she was very angry, saying that I didn't sweep the floor very well. She started pouring the hot water on me and I was writhing in pain."</div>

I Poured Hot Water On My Maid Because She's Lazy - Ibadan Madam

The Ibadan, Oyo State based woman, Bunmi Oladele, who brutalized her maid and poured scalding hot water on her, has come out to state h...

Pressure Mounts On Jega To Postpone Polls

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<b>Advocates of postponement seem to be getting more desperate, with the presidential election just 11 days away.</b></div>
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According to a report by the <b><a href="http://thenationonlineng.net/new/pressure-mounts-jega-postpone-elections/">NATION</a></b>, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman Prof. Attahiru Jega is under pressure to shift the elections from February 14 and 28. He remains firm, insisting that the commission is prepared for the all-important exercise.</div>
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The pro-shift agitators have:</div>
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•instituted four suits in the courts, pleading that INEC should be told to pull the brakes on the elections;</div>
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•said that the insecurity in the Northeast makes a shift imperative; and</div>
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•marched on the INEC headquarters yesterday to push their case.</div>
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Besides, security agencies have asked INEC to explain four issues which, they said, will assist them in taking a stand.</div>
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National Security Adviser (NSA) Col. Sambo Dasuki was hit by a hail of criticism when he suggested in London that the elections could be shifted for would-be voters to get the Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).</div>
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To INEC, however, the cards will be no excuse for shifting the elections.</div>
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INEC has so far distributed 44,741,759 cards.</div>
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The figure represents about  65 per cent of 68,833,476 registered voters for the  general election.</div>
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Jega is expected to speak tomorrow on whether or not the polls will go ahead as scheduled.</div>
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INEC arrived at the new figure after an evaluation session in Abuja, according to sources.</div>
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A top source in INEC said: “As at Monday, 44,741,759 Permanent Voters Cards have been received by their owners. We are hopeful that by February 8, the figure would have become higher than this because the response of eligible voters has been encouraging.</div>
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“I also want to place on record that all the PVCs for the 68,833,476 registered voters have been received by INEC and distributed to all the 36 states and the FCT.</div>
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“It is important for the public to know that 65 per cent of eligible voters for 2015 poll have collected their PVCs. This implies that we can go ahead with the election.”</div>
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Responding to a question, the source added: “There is no cause for alarm at all because we have extended the period for the collection of PVCs to February 8.</div>
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“If you look at the 2011 poll, during the presidential election, 40,728,990 voted but only 39,469,484 votes were valid and 1,259,506 votes invalid.</div>
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“While in 2007 about 35,288,984 voted during the presidential election, the figure for 2003 was 42, 018,735, including 2,538,246 invalid votes.</div>
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“Even in 1999 when the stake was higher following anxiety over the return to democracy, the voters’ turnout was 30,282,052. The acclaimed June 12, 1993 presidential election recorded 14,293,396 votes.”</div>
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To the source, who pleaded not to be named, Nigerians voting history has shown that less than 50 million usually votes.</div>
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“All the noise about PVCs is the handiwork of some elements who are looking for an excuse to shift the poll at all cost, he stressed, adding:</div>
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“So, we are convinced that we are still within the projection of the average voters turnout during our past general elections.”</div>
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Jega will on Wednesday lay all the cards on the table before Nigerians on INEC’s preparedness and the sanctity of the timelines.</div>
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“Our indices are ready, we will present these for all the stakeholders to assess us. There are so many vested interests who do not see anything good in what INEC has done,” the source said, adding:</div>
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“We woke up today to hear rumours of the resignation of Prof. Jega as INEC chairman when he was busy holding series of meetings in the office.”</div>
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Security agencies  are likely to meet with INEC “before the end of this week.”</div>
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They are likely to, according to a source, discuss:</div>
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•likely disenfranchisement of voters;</div>
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•effect of litigations on PVCs on the outcome of the elections;</div>
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•on relocation of many polling units; and</div>
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•confusing Business Rule of removing four million registered voters from register without informing them.</div>
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“The relocation of polling booths from private school, churches and mosque is a welcome development. Has INEC informed would-be voters? Can’t this development lead to confusion on voting day?” a source said, adding: “The confusing Business Rule has ensured the removal of at least over 4 million registered voters, who are yet to be aware of the removal of their names; if they may require re-registration or recapturing as INEC promised the Sultan of Sokoto over his plight.”</div>
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One of the sources in INEC said: “We are awaiting a session with all stakeholders to clear the air on many issues. But we are yet to be invited by security agencies.”</div>
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As at the time of filing this report, Jega was in a crucial meeting with top INEC management staff.</div>
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It was not immediately clear what informed the emergency session.</div>
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Contacted, a National Commissioner of INEC said: “Jega met with all directors to checklist all preparations for the elections coming up in the next few days.</div>
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“It was more of a procedural thing, we wanted to ensure that all hands are on deck and things are working as planned.</div>
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“In fact, I can tell you that three meetings were held on Monday between Jega and  his team. He held strategic session with National Commissioners, members of the management and those in technical units and all directors.</div>
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“The meetings had nothing to do with any resignation or frustration.”</div>
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Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman said: “The meeting with directors and management staff was a routine one.</div>
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“In preparation for the elections, INEC chairman, National Commissioners and directors had been working late to make sure that all plans work accordingly.”</div>

Pressure Mounts On Jega To Postpone Polls

Advocates of postponement seem to be getting more desperate, with the presidential election just 11 days away. According to a repor...

Political Thugs Kill Three In Lagos

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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYlrkcM3B5elL91EmLlTkuWFcGGhU8LEtN8b9ocjT22D98pl3WHztKWuiNFKhcvHVcctJrsImYjj62UIwYrZnMcsJNTexNTCrU0EhUTg-GsOowBNXNYKl4LddtEB89zFDZ7IDR-kemqOLh/s1600/Ahmed-Igbagbo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYlrkcM3B5elL91EmLlTkuWFcGGhU8LEtN8b9ocjT22D98pl3WHztKWuiNFKhcvHVcctJrsImYjj62UIwYrZnMcsJNTexNTCrU0EhUTg-GsOowBNXNYKl4LddtEB89zFDZ7IDR-kemqOLh/s1600/Ahmed-Igbagbo.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Hoodlums, suspected to be political thugs, have killed three persons in separate clashes in the Ajegunle and Lagos Island areas of Lagos.</b></div>
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It learnt that while one of the two victims in the Amukoko, Ajegunle area was identified simply as Raimi, the deceased in the Lagos Island incident was identified as Ahmed Igbagbo. The third person had yet to be identified.</div>
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<b><a href="http://www.punchng.com/metro-plus/political-thugs-kill-three-injure-others-in-lagos/">PUNCH Metro</a></b> gathered that the thugs, who reportedly belonged to a cult gang known as <i>Campos Boys</i>, caused mayhem at Akindele and Apata streets in Amukoko on Sunday.</div>
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<i>Metro</i> correspondent learnt that two factions clashed in the area, and had a gun duel during which Raimi was shot in the chest. A woman was also reportedly shot in the buttocks.</div>
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Policemen from the Amukoko Police Division were said to have arrived the scene to curtail the crisis, but residents said it was to no avail.</div>
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Speaking with <i>PUNCH Metro</i>, a resident on Akindele Street, who begged to remain anonymous, said 12 other persons were injured during the clash.</div>
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He said, “Our street boiled throughout yesterday (Sunday). There was a clash between the Campos boys, and another group. They began to exchange gunfire on the street. Raimi was shot in the chest and he died. Twelve other persons were wounded and have been rushed to the hospital.</div>
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“When they left Akindele, they moved to Apata Street and killed two more persons. A woman who wanted to lock her shop was hit by bullets on the buttocks. The thugs are supporters of both the All Progressives Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party.”</div>
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Another resident, who gave his name simply as Lukman, said political activities in the area had pitched the thugs and suspected cultists against one another, which was responsible for the mayhem.</div>
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He said, “Their fights bother mainly on money. They have been at daggers drawn for some months now as a result of the coming elections. Raimi was not even a member of the gangs, but they felt he was a threat to their activities. The police should intensify security in this area.”</div>
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While the unrest in Ajegunle was on Sunday, our correspondent learnt that Igbagbo was hacked to death in the Isale Eko area area on Friday.</div>
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According to a resident, Monsuru Sodiq, who claimed they were returning from the APC presidential rally at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Igbagbo was hacked to death by political thugs on the allegation that he stole a mobile phone.</div>
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He said, “We were all returning from the TBS. Around the Isale Eko area, they began to shoot at people. We all fled in different directions, but Igbagbo was not that lucky.</div>
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“They pursued him to a street and hacked him to death. They claimed he stole a mobile phone and they wanted to punish him.”</div>
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The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Kenneth Nwosu, confirmed that there were skirmishes in the Ajegunle area, during which two persons were said to have died. He added that the police division did not have the report.</div>
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He said, “There were skirmishes involving supporters of the same party in the area, and unconfirmed reports have it that two persons were killed in the skirmish. But we have no report of such at the police station.</div>
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“Normalcy has been restored in the area now. Meanwhile, visibility patrols and discreet surveillance have been activated.”</div>

Political Thugs Kill Three In Lagos

Hoodlums, suspected to be political thugs, have killed three persons in separate clashes in the Ajegunle and Lagos Island areas of Lago...

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