JUST IN: Jonathan Sends List Of Ministerial Nominees To Senate

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoBs_wT9u0ClYrsTw_NANUPaN7aMX46eDwzVOVor98dqsfwondqmE2S_gDcwD1XvsJCogjP8b1cKaN4O-oyPWxpoSdOsptBZvZuElZu4txVFlCWuUhgQu5mjOzc5MmeRjFTt0KRg6LKSWb/s1600/Goodluck+Jonathan2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoBs_wT9u0ClYrsTw_NANUPaN7aMX46eDwzVOVor98dqsfwondqmE2S_gDcwD1XvsJCogjP8b1cKaN4O-oyPWxpoSdOsptBZvZuElZu4txVFlCWuUhgQu5mjOzc5MmeRjFTt0KRg6LKSWb/s1600/Goodluck+Jonathan2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <b>President Goodluck Jonathan on Tuesday sent eight ministerial nominees to the Senate for screening and approval.</b></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> The names, contained in a letter signed by Jonathan and read by Senate President David Mark, include senator Musiliu Obanikoro from Lagos state.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Others are, Mrs. Patricia Akwashiki (Nasarawa); Mrs. Hauwa'u Lawan (Jigawa); Prof Nicholas Akise Ada (Benue); Col. Augustine Akobundu retd. (Abia); Mr. Fidelis Nwankwo (Ebonyi); Mr. Kenneth Kobani (Rivers) and Senator Joel Ikenya (Taraba).</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> The Senate has not fixed a date for the screening.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Details later...</div>

JUST IN: Jonathan Sends List Of Ministerial Nominees To Senate

President Goodluck Jonathan on Tuesday sent eight ministerial nominees to the Senate for screening and approval. The names, contain...

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PDP Faction Wants Jonathan Out As Candidate

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI-uhB-_wIFa4UYRjiwz0zVczYBWnYGwTcCpRzJbPXVWxVGM1BGIsbsseKgKjUUAeQfTpj3o-OmZhLbehpDnuhRfDfMw1c-xEkbr39M5CL3YfTyeg5uU5bSSDHuw3G6kx-n9XarNJP6gd3/s1600/GEJ-sad-church.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI-uhB-_wIFa4UYRjiwz0zVczYBWnYGwTcCpRzJbPXVWxVGM1BGIsbsseKgKjUUAeQfTpj3o-OmZhLbehpDnuhRfDfMw1c-xEkbr39M5CL3YfTyeg5uU5bSSDHuw3G6kx-n9XarNJP6gd3/s1600/GEJ-sad-church.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <b><br /></b></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <b>SaharaReporters has learned of a new twist in the desire of some top officials of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for a six-month postponement of polls in Nigeria, with several sources saying a faction of the party would work to replace President Goodluck Jonathan as the party’s presidential candidate. </b></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> In separate interviews with <b><a href="http://saharareporters.com/2015/02/17/pdp-faction-wants-jonathan-out-candidate-party-faces-deepening-schisms">SaharaReporters</a></b>, numerous PDP officials disclosed that many founding members of the party had lost confidence in Mr. Jonathan’s viability as a candidate, adding that a faction within the party had discussed easing the incumbent president out of the presidential race, and replacing him with another candidate from the Niger Delta zone. </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> “The only obstacle to the plan is that the South-South might kick against it, so we have arrived at a consensus to find another candidate,” one of our sources, a northerner, said. </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> “If elections could be postponed for six months, we will definitely replace President Jonathan as our candidate,” another member of the faction confirmed. </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> In a clear sign that the party was crumbling was within, several high ranking PDP members said they regretted letting President Jonathan carry the party’s flag as a presidential candidate in the forthcoming elections. Some of them confessed to being aware that the party’s prospects looked dire with Mr. Jonathan holding the presidential ticket. </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> “We are the ones who started the push for six months delay in the elections to enable us [to] put in place an interim government which would then enable the party to change its presidential candidate to somebody that is more competitive,” one official confessed. He added that Mr. Jonathan’s faction also sought the extension for their own designs, which was to explore ways of rigging the elections. </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Our interviews revealed that many PDP governorship candidates in the north and elsewhere in the country were secretly working against Mr. Jonathan’s re-election or quietly distancing themselves from him. </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> One party leader revealed that some candidates in the northern area were all but campaigning for Mr. Buhari, the presidential flag bearer of the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC). </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> However, some PDP officials told SaharaReporters that, while they hoped that President Jonathan could be sidelined to increase the chances of the party in the upcoming elections, they also wished that the APC would also dump Mr. Buhari as its presidential candidate. </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> The party officials claimed that key political figures across Nigeria continue to view a Buhari Presidency with mortal fear because of his stubborn personality and his promise to punish the corrupt.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Several of the PDP officials told SaharaReporters that the rift between Mr. Jonathan and a large faction in the party that wants him dumped was reflected in the responses to former President Olusegun Obasanjo who two days ago dramatically announced his resignation from the PDP, publicly tearing his membership card. Two of the officials disclosed that, while Mr. Jonathan’s aides launched direct attacks on Mr. Obasanjo, the officials at the party headquarters in Abuja adopted a more cautious and subdued tone, regretting that the former president had decided to leave the party. </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Some officials stated that the party hierarchy viewed Mr. Obasanjo’s public departure from the party as a dangerous signal and as a major threat. “Chief Obasanjo doesn’t just come out swinging the way he has done recently unless he is privy to the existence of some third forces that are against President Jonathan. And to the best of our knowledge, the former president has never fought a battle like this and lost, no matter how long it takes him,” one of the officials said. </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> “The truth is that many senators, honorable members of the House of Reps and governors are loyal to Baba, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo. So they are doing Baba’s bidding even though they are giving Mr. President [Jonathan] the impression that they are with him,” another party official in Abuja said. </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> The party officials acknowledged that the statements of former President Obasanjo in the last three days had caused a major havoc on the party’s plans to work towards an interim national government. </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Several of the PDP officials attributed the fractiousness within the party to the way Mr. Jonathan and his wife, Patience Jonathan, imposed unpopular candidates on the party in various parts of the country. Even though they agreed that Mr. Obasanjo had imposed candidates on the party in the past, one PDP official said the Jonathans consistently backed candidates who were extremely unpopular within the PDP and unelectable. </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Asked if President Jonathan was aware of plans to replace him, some of our sources said the president knew that many powerful members of the party were not satisfied with his style and low performance. One source said former Vice President Alex Ekwueme and even the party’s chairman of the board of trustees, Tony Anenih, were far from enthusiastic about Mr. Jonathan’s re-election. </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> “President Jonathan’s candidature and unpopularity are damaging the party,” one official stated. He added that the party’s electoral prospects in the general elections had dwindled dramatically. “We are only sure of carrying about 11 states in the country, according to our internal polls,” one party official disclosed.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Party officials also said they were determined to change numerous candidates for governorships, the Senate and House of Representatives in several states if the six-month postponement ever became a reality. “The way President Jonathan and First Lady Patience Jonathan picked many candidates has now weakened the party across the country,” one top official in Abuja complained.</div>

PDP Faction Wants Jonathan Out As Candidate

SaharaReporters has learned of a new twist in the desire of some top officials of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for a six-month po...

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Nigeria’s Miserable Choices | New York Times

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsXZq8z6cYYVmhEhZzl-tyQXOyrLFBDuds6hZ_HCT9AUaYx_hY0F2hjH_FfAAOcshgR56BaeJ8rLaur00EuoQyf0W_HQxGAIX7OIQ_eVspTkWACVx4M8jMXlXeiloK5lMKjCeAOPy6IP11/s1600/GEJ+NYT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsXZq8z6cYYVmhEhZzl-tyQXOyrLFBDuds6hZ_HCT9AUaYx_hY0F2hjH_FfAAOcshgR56BaeJ8rLaur00EuoQyf0W_HQxGAIX7OIQ_eVspTkWACVx4M8jMXlXeiloK5lMKjCeAOPy6IP11/s1600/GEJ+NYT.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <b><br /></b></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <b>The Nigerian government was supposed to hold presidential elections this past weekend, which presented voters with the dispiriting choice of keeping a lousy incumbent or returning to power a former autocratic leader. Now they will have to wait at least six weeks to cast votes.</b></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> The Nigerian election commission said earlier this month that it had pushed back the vote until at least March 28, after the country’s security chiefs warned that they could not guarantee the safety of voters in northeastern areas of the country where Boko Haram, the extremist militant group, captured international attention last spring when it abducted hundreds of schoolgirls. On Friday, Boko Haram fighters attacked a village in neighboring Chad for the first time, an alarming sign of the group’s expanding strength in a region that also includes areas of Cameroon and Niger.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Any argument to delay the vote might be more credible if President Goodluck Jonathan’s government had not spent much of the past year playing down the threat posed by the militants and if there were a reasonable expectation that the country’s weak military has the ability to improve security in a matter of weeks.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> It appears more likely Mr. Jonathan grew alarmed by the surging appeal of Muhammadu Buhari, a former military ruler who has vowed to crack down on Boko Haram. By dragging out the race, Mr. Jonathan stands to deplete his rival’s campaign coffers, while he continues to use state funds and institutions to bankroll his own.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> That Mr. Buhari, who helped launch a coup against a democratically elected government in 1983 and ruled until late 1985, has emerged as potential winner is more of an indictment of Mr. Jonathan’s dismal rule than a recognition of the former military chief’s appeal.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Nigerian voters have grown increasingly worried about the stunning rise of Boko Haram, which has committed terrorist atrocities including bombings. </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> The abductions and attacks by the group have exposed the weaknesses of Nigeria’s armed forces and the dysfunction of the government. Although Mr. Jonathan’s government has in the past been less than enthusiastic, and at times obstructive, in response to offers of American and European aid, he appears to be growing increasingly worried. In an interview with <b>The Wall Street Journal</b> last week, he said he would welcome American troops to fight the insurgency. </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Beyond security matters, entrenched corruption and the government’s inability to diversify its economy as the price of oil, the country’s financial bedrock, has fallen have also caused Nigerians to look for new leadership. Nigeria, the most populous nation in Africa, and a relatively young democracy, cannot afford an electoral crisis. That would only set back the faltering effort to reassert government control in districts where Boko Haram is sowing terror. The security forces may not be able to safeguard many districts on Election Day. But postponement is very likely to make the security threat worse.</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.nytimes.com/2015/02/16/opinion/nigerias-miserable-choices.html?ref=opinion&_r=0">New York Times</a>' Editorial</b></div>

Nigeria’s Miserable Choices | New York Times

The Nigerian government was supposed to hold presidential elections this past weekend, which presented voters with the dispiriting choi...

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Egypt Launches Offensives Against Libyan Jihadists

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHj88agZv2UaulCly-LCPN7nRD5njr8T9cif0yb3l9SXueGvIh01DecEnI1BsArEbzv0vaCfRqN09H8szasR5DswZ2oHX3szS8s2x1Yn4V5nkOxGXijK70vPmgidUsH5fXmrdZlr-lOznL/s1600/Beheading-Egyptian-christians-ISIS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHj88agZv2UaulCly-LCPN7nRD5njr8T9cif0yb3l9SXueGvIh01DecEnI1BsArEbzv0vaCfRqN09H8szasR5DswZ2oHX3szS8s2x1Yn4V5nkOxGXijK70vPmgidUsH5fXmrdZlr-lOznL/s1600/Beheading-Egyptian-christians-ISIS.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <b><br /></b></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <b>Egypt’s Air Force has launched airstrikes against ISIS targets after the terrorist group posted a video online showing the beheading of 21 Egyptian Christians.</b></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> The airstrikes began early on Monday, February 15, and Libya’s Air force also participated in the operation.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> The gruesome video showed 21 Coptic Christians being led down a Libyan beach by an equal number of terrorists clad in black.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> The men, who had gone to Libya in search of jobs, were then forced to kneel and beheaded.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> The airstrikes were targeted at and hit Islamic State camps, training sites and weapons storage areas in Libya.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> A statement released by the Egyptian military stated that the purpose of the operation was “to avenge the bloodshed and to seek retribution from the killers”.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> “Let those far and near know that Egyptians have a shield that protects them,” it added.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Jordan also recently launched airstrikes against ISIS after the group burnt Jordanian pilot, Moaz al-Kasasbeh alive.</div>

Egypt Launches Offensives Against Libyan Jihadists

Egypt’s Air Force has launched airstrikes against ISIS targets after the terrorist group posted a video online showing the beheading of...

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We're Saddened By Obasanjo's Exit - PDP

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUMwNROpi21ejoSESJMHZIlls6bmR1sd7DkRXZz6tq1QyZjA4IzyU2UO8G4W0lvI7bcdiQkoAQwnNugL6s-pZE3x3woKt8zYsGzFBvdl5IEst5kcy1WiIXe6WW721GOM7cMxMgXSxr14Oq/s1600/PDP-CARTOON.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUMwNROpi21ejoSESJMHZIlls6bmR1sd7DkRXZz6tq1QyZjA4IzyU2UO8G4W0lvI7bcdiQkoAQwnNugL6s-pZE3x3woKt8zYsGzFBvdl5IEst5kcy1WiIXe6WW721GOM7cMxMgXSxr14Oq/s1600/PDP-CARTOON.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <b>The ruling Peoples Democratic Party has expressed sadness over former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s decision, Monday, to dump the party.</b></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Mr. Obasanjo announced his resignation fromthe party at a dramatic meeting where he ordered his party membership card be shredded. PDP officials had earlier condemned the act, with the secretary of the party’s Board of Trustees, Walid Jibrin, saying Mr. Obasanjo acted irresponsibly.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> The chairman of the board, Tony Anenih, said the former leader will not be missed by the party. In its official statement, signed by spokesperson, Olisa Metuh, the PDP said it was “saddened” by Mr. Obasanjo’s departure, and lamented the party’s inability to pacify the former president after several pleas.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Read full Statement below:</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> "The leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has received the news of the decision of former President Olusegun Obasanjo to withdraw his membership of our great party. We have also carefully examined the circumstances and the reasons adduced for this unfortunate decision.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> "While we concede to the inalienable rights of every citizen to hold opinion and to decide who to associate with, we are however deeply saddened that Chief Obasanjo, a revered leader of our party, our first Presidential flagbearer whom the PDP offered the platform to rule our nation for eight years, could decide to abandon this party at this critical point in time.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> "This is especially as Chief Obasanjo, who was also the Chairman of the highest advisory organ of the PDP, the Board of Trustees (BoT) discountenanced all pleas by elders and leaders of our great party with regard to his reservations on certain issues within our fold. Many Nigerians are still bewildered as to what manner of provocation could have led a former President to lose his composure and go to the extent of tearing the membership card of the party that he once led.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> "Indeed, the PDP is hugely at loss as to how the decision and action of the former President who had enjoyed the benefits of being elected to the highest position of leadership will assist in deepening our democracy and stabilizing the polity.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> "It is our considered opinion that no matter the provocation, a statesmanly disposition from a person of Chief Obasanjo’s status could have encouraged our citizens and help in stabilizing system.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> "We believe however, that what this country needs now is patriotic actions that engender national unity, tolerance and peaceful coexistence of our people irrespective of political, ethnic and religious persuasions. The overall interest of our nation and wellbeing of our citizens must remain paramount and above all personal and group interests."</div>

We're Saddened By Obasanjo's Exit - PDP

The ruling Peoples Democratic Party has expressed sadness over former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s decision, Monday, to dump the party...

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We Won't Miss Obasanjo In PDP, Says Anenih

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge5QhR_NYPAMkXuw7GtDTKspx2LVIjmxzB6vXUxUOjYEsOLHU5Sfu3Pwt-vjdbvWjAjyfYclCChkGzpgSW0kjPoa-QG4RArSik3ZdcNsf9lAeGlyYTEqGvbXw545VuvUelaB-JcJtO3mcY/s1600/Anenih-and-Obasanjo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="502" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge5QhR_NYPAMkXuw7GtDTKspx2LVIjmxzB6vXUxUOjYEsOLHU5Sfu3Pwt-vjdbvWjAjyfYclCChkGzpgSW0kjPoa-QG4RArSik3ZdcNsf9lAeGlyYTEqGvbXw545VuvUelaB-JcJtO3mcY/s1600/Anenih-and-Obasanjo.png" width="640" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <b><br /></b></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <b>The Chairman Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party, Tony Anenih, on Monday said ​former President ​Olusegun Obasanjo will not be missed by the leaders of the party.</b></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Mr. Obasanjo, a former president for eight years on the platform of the party, had on Monday ​dumped the party, saying he will no longer be a politician.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Emerging from a meeting with President Goodluck Jonathan and PDP chieftains at the Presidential Villa, Mr. Anenih told journalists that Mr. Obasanjo had the right to either quit or join any political party of his choice as a Nigerian.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> The BoT chairman said, “(Mr. Obasanjo) has the right to leave any party, and he has the right to join any party; he is a Nigerian.”</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Asked if PDP would miss Mr. Obasanjo, Mr. Anenih replied, "Why should we miss him?"</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> He added that to the leaders of the party, Mr. Obasanjo was not loss.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> ​The ​former President ​has been one of the most vocal critics of Mr. Jonathan, his estranged political son.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Mr. Obasanjo ha​d​ ​​​repeatedly​ criticized Mr. Jonathan’s style of governance, and had at the weekend alleged that the polls shifts were masterminded by the president to manipulate the result of the elections in his favour.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> He had also in an audience in Kenya last week, endorsed the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Muhammadu Buhari, the 2015 elections. He later denied the endorsement in an audience in London.</div>

We Won't Miss Obasanjo In PDP, Says Anenih

The Chairman Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party, Tony Anenih, on Monday said ​former President ​Olusegun Obasanjo will n...

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