2015 Presidency: It’s Buhari Vs Jonathan

LAGOS—WITH 3,430 votes, former Head of State, Major-General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd), yesterday, trounced his four opponents to emerge the 2015 presidential candidate of the main opposition All Progressives Congress (APC).
His main challenger, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, a former vice-president, got 954 votes to come third behind Kano State Governor, Dr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, who scored 974 votes. The other contenders, Imo State governor, Rochas Okorocha and Mr Sam Nda-Isaiah got 624 votes and 10 votes respectively.
In line with the pre-convention agreement reached by the five aspirants, Atiku has conceded defeat and congratulated Buhari on his victory, saying, “my word is my bond, I am committed to the success of the APC in 2015 polls.”
Buhari and Jonathan
Buhari and Jonathan
Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, also congratulated Buhari and hailed Atiku and the other presidential aspirants for their sportsmanly conduct.
With the development, there will be a repeat contest between General Buhari and President Goodluck Jonathan, who is flying the flag of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the February 2015 election.
In the 2011 presidential polls, Jonathan polled 22.5 million votes to beat Buhari who garnered 12.2 million votes.
Okorie, Eke pick UPP, CPP tickets
Apart from PDP and APC, the United Progressives Party (UPP), yesterday, picked its founder, Chief Chekwas Okorie, as its presidential candidate with Bello Umar as his running mate.
This was announced at the National Convention of the party held at Binez Hotel, Aba, Abia State, which was monitored by a team of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) led by the Abia State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Prof. Jacobs Jatau.
The UPP also presented governorship tickets to Dr. Osmond Ukanacho (Imo State), Dr. Chris Akomas (Abia State) and Hajiya Binta Gwarzo Rufai (Kano).
Earlier in the week, the Citizens Popular Party (CPP) also picked its National Chairman, Chief Sam Eke as its presidential candidate.
Atiku concedes
On a day that Buhari’s victory sparked off infectious jubilation among his supporters at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos, venue of the primaries, Atiku, in a concession statement by his media office, when it became clear that he had lost out, said that General Buhari ran a spirited campaign, and that since the delegates had spoken, he fully deserved the victory.
The statement reads in part: “I am very confident that you will provide the needed leadership to turn this country around. I have no doubt that you will work with dedicated and qualified Nigerians to protect our citizens, improve our economy, create jobs, improve education, reform governance and fight corruption. You will indeed bring the change Nigerians have been yearning for. Once more, congratulations.”
The loss by Atiku was being taken, yesterday, as a big blow by some of the major operatives of the former vice-president, who traced their woe directly to the governors.
“For us, it is a very bad one, having lost woefully. The reason we lost so badly was because the governors were convinced that they could not bend Atiku. They believe that his wealth has made him too independent,” a source in Atiku campaign team said yesterday.
Oshiomhole congratulates Buhari, hails Atiku
Congratulating Buhari on his emergence as APC presidential candidate, Governor Oshiomhole, in a statement, also gave kudos to the other presidential aspirants for a gallant fight and urged them to join hands with the party’s candidate to scale the next hurdle.
His words: “First, let me congratulate the flag-bearer of our party, a highly disciplined, tested and trusted leader, Major-General Muhammadu Buhari for emerging through this refined, transparent and credible process of delegate election.
“Also, I wish to congratulate the delegates for their tolerance, patience, maturity and commitment towards ensuring a successful convention which has produced such a strong candidate for our party. This goes to show that we all are committed to being agents of change in this democratic process. With the emergence of Buhari, Nigeria will no doubt get a true and selfless leadership needed to drive the much-desired change at the centre and the race to effect that real change has just begun.”
We must wipe away tears of Nigerians — Tinubu
In his goodwill remarks at the convention, APC National Leader, Senator Bola Tinubu said “a special history is in the air and I can say this is the voice of the young, the old, the North, South, East and West, Christians and Muslims all over the country. With our convention holding tonight, the history is to be written tonight and this convention represents the beginning of a new Nigeria, new dream and hope.”
He continued: “We are doing things differently given the challenges facing our country, we are bringing about change to avert a national failure. We cannot afford to squander this opportunity and that is why we are showing a sense of national purpose, transparency, openness according to the spirit of fair play in our presidential primaries.
“This will show Nigerians we are a democratic party and we are pure because our behaviour will speak for us. Our new manifesto has shown hope of our party and it is going to be a turning point in our lives.”
Buhari declared winner
While officially declaring Buhari the winner of the exercise, Chief Returning Officer, Dr Kayode Fayemi said: “It is my esteemed pleasure to reach this historic conclusion of this keenly contested race. Having won the majority of votes cast, it is my pleasure and honour to declare Muhammadu Buhari as the winner of the APC presidential primaries in preparation for the 2015 presidential election. All our aspirants have proved to be champions in this race.”
We’ve made history – Oyegun
APC National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun commended the convention planning committee for a job well done. He also commended the aspirants for display of good sportsmanship saying “to all of you who are here and those who have gone home, you have made history.”
Join me to bring about change –Buhari
In his acceptance speech, winner of the presidential primaries, Buhari commended the convention planning committee for the success of the convention.
He said: “The outcome of the presidential primaries is a demonstration of democracy at work. What has happened is not about winning or losing but about freedom of association. I wish to thank my fellow contenders for putting up a good fight. I extend my gratitude for accepting my nomination and I will meet you in due course to fashion out how we will win the elections. It is with deep sense of humility that I accept to be the candidate and flag-bearer of the APC. I stand before you and ask that you join me to bring about the needed change for this country. It is either we advance as one or we fail together.”
I’ll work with Buhari —Kwankwaso
On his part, Kwankwaso promised to work for the success of the party and Buhari at the polls.
“I want to start by thanking God for making me to be part of history. On behalf of myself especially the delegates that voted for me, I want to congratulate the winner of this primary, General Buhari. We earlier agreed that whoever wins this election, we will work for him. Let me assure you that we will work together for the success of the APC at all levels,” he said.
Internal democracy has begun –Okorocha
Also speaking, Okorocha said: “The responsibility falls on the shoulder of General Buhari. I believe it is God and it came to him because he is the oldest of the family and I believe the next one will go to the youngest of the family. We have now taught the world that internal democracy can begin in a party.”
Explaining why he participated in the race, he said: “I participated in the race because I wanted to give our brothers from the South-East a sense of belonging.”
APC is the only alternative— Tambuwal
Also, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal said history is being made with the coming together of opposition parties in Nigeria. “What we are seeing today has never happened in the history of Nigeria and we have shown we are the only alternative to what we have in Abuja.”
Tambuwal appealed to Nigerians to vote out the PDP-led government at the centre, saying: “I must say with every sense of belonging that APC remains the party for today, tomorrow and the future. So I call on Nigerians to come together by voting out incompetence and malfunction government we have in Abuja.”
PDP welcomes Buhari
National Leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP has welcomed the emergence of General Muhammadu Buhari as the Presidential candidate of the APC.
In a statement by PDP National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, the PDP urged the APC presidential candidate to be issue- based in his campaigns, adding, “We hope that this time round, General Buhari will conduct a campaign that is issue based and devoid of ethno-religious sentiments.”
Metuh said, “This will be the fourth time General Buhari will be contesting in the presidential elections. On each of the three previous occasions, he failed to articulate a vision of the future that was acceptable to Nigerians. On each occasion his brand of politics was rejected across Nigeria. Apart from changing to a dinner suit, General Buhari, has not changed the tired ideas and provocative utterances that Nigerians rejected in previous elections.
Cov./Punch

IGP orders investigation into alleged 'torture of couple' in Lagos

The Inspector General of police has ordered investigations into the alleged torture of photographer, Ejeh Smith, and his wife, Grace. The couple claimed they were battered by a policeman along the Lekki Roundabout on Wednesday Dec. 3rd. (read here). Find the police press release below..
The attention of the Police High Command has been drawn to a viral media story alleging Police incivility to a couple in Ikoyi, Lagos. The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Suleiman Abba has ordered a full scale investigation into the matter in line with his avowed commitment to protect and uphold the Human Rights of all Nigerians and residents therein.
The Officer involved has been identified and is already undergoing administrative trial. All other officers whose conduct did not speak well on the incident are also being sanctioned, preparatory to further necessary action.

The IGP further reiterated the determination of the Force to abide by the contents of the newly launched NPF Human Rights Practice Manual, stressing that no abuse of human rights will be tolerated in the Force.
Ag. CP EMMANUEL C. S. OJUKWU, psc
FORCE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER
FORCE HEADQUARTERS

Yeah!! There you go boss. Do the work and work the job. Great one. But let's hope this is not just a public statement just to douse the tension and latter sweep the case under . Let's hope the IGP lives up to expectations then we'll hale him.

Military destroy Boko Haram armoured personal carrier, kill militants

Below is a statement from the Nigerian Military...
Troops in pursuit of terrorists had an encounter with a group of them at Muva Junction yesterday. The fierce encounter resulted in substantial casualties including loss of lives & equipment on both sides. An armoured Personnel Carrier used by the terrorists was destroyed in the fight, while General Purpose Machine Gun, Rocket Propelled Grenades, rifles,IEDs, & ammunitions as well as, bows, arrows, locally made pistols & guns captured from them have been taken into custody.

Meanwhile, troops have continued their advance backed with highly coordinated air strikes against the terrorists. Communities & locations such as Garkida, Vimtim, Kumare-Uba, Mararaba, Mubi, & others are also under regular patrols & surveillance to secure them against any resurgence of terrorist activities.

Court orders IG, SSS to confisticate Obasanjo's new book

And now ooo court has ordered  the book siezed from all quarters. Just thinking aloud, what are they afraid that would be revealed to Nigerians from Obasanjo's book. I know the former president is not innocent of some of the accusations we would find in his book but am also sure it would be very revealing. Am almost certain that a bunch of politicians and so called public servants would go down after the book greets the book stands.
Any way let me not bore you with my opinion. A High Court in Abuja today Wednesday December 10th ordered the Inspector General of Police, Director-General of State Security Services and Controller General of Nigeria Customs Services to confiscate Obasanjo`s book, 'My Watch' from public vendors, NAN reports.
Justice Valentine Ashi, gave the order after former President Olusegun Obasanjo allegedly went ahead to publish his book titled “ My Watch’’ in spite of a court order made on Dec. 5, restraining him from making the publication.
"I am of the view that the defendant having gone ahead to publish the book, he should therefore show cause within 21 days of the order served on him on why he should not be punished for contempt of court.
"The Inspector-General of Police, the Director-General of State Security Services and the Controller General of Nigeria Customs Services are hereby directed to recover the book from sales vendors,” the Judge ordered.
He directed that the book should be kept with the registrar of the court pending the determination of the suit.

Ashi also restrained the defendant from further printing, publishing or circulating the book “ My Watch’’ which, he said “touches on the subject matter of the suit before the court.’’

Earlier, counsel to Obasanjo, Mr Realwan Okpanachi, told the court that the book was published before the order was granted.

Okpanachi argued that the book had been in circulation since November and the order was made on Dec. 5.

The Counsel to Buruji Kashamu, Mr Alex Izinyo, SAN, submitted that the defendant`s application was a calculated attempt to deceive the court.

Izinyo argued that the defendant admitted in his motion papers that the book was published on Nov. 10 and in another paragraph, it was also stated that the book was published on Nov. 2.
“My lord, the burden of proof lay with the defendant to show the court three volumes of the book,’’ he said.

Ashi adjourned to Jan. 13 and 14, 2015, for hearing of the substantive case.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the plaintiff Mr Buruji Kashamu, had earlier dragged former President Olusegun Obasanjo before the court for libel.
NAN further recalls that Kashamu alleged that the former addressed him as ex-convict in the letter he wrote to President Goodluck Jonathan titled, “Before it is too late’’.

Cov./NAN

Excerpts from Obasanjo's book: Implicating so many. Most read

I find this excerpt from Obasanjo's recently released book (memoir) a must read. The book really implicated a lot of people ehnnn. No wonder people sort the court to stall the launch. Abeg read joor.

"By the Constitution, I had to inaugurate or prorogue the National Assembly on June 4, 1999. The most important officer in the National Assembly is the senate president and that office had been zoned to the South-east. And here was where Atiku Abubakar, my vice-president,first showed his hand and his character.
“Without seeking my view or approval, he started planning the installation of Chuba Okadigbo as the senate president. I did a background check on Chuba including his past as a student and made enquiries about him in the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) under (President Shehu) Shagari and no one would recommend him for the post of senate president.

“I left Atiku to go on his chase while I carried out a meticulous and detailed investigation and background check on each senator from the South-east. The one that appeared most appointable was Evan Enwerem. I canvassed the senate across the board for his election and he was elected. Atiku did not expect it and he felt sore.

“He began to strategise for Enwerem to be removed and Chuba Okadigbo to be installed. His strategy worked because I was at Abuja airport to receive a visiting head of state when the news reached me that the Senate had impeached Enwerem and elected Okadigbo. I was not perturbed. I came to understand from some senators including Florence Ita-Giwa, who later became my Special Adviser/ Liaison Officer to the National Assembly, that Atiku distributed US$5,000 each to some senators to carry out the ‘coup’.
“That was the beginning of bribing the legislature to carry out a particular line of action to suit or satisfy the purpose or desire of an individual or a group. The National Assembly had tasted blood and they would continue to want more. From the day I nominated Atiku to be my vice, he set his mind not for any good, benefit or service of the country, but on furiously planning to upstage, supplant or remove me at all cost and to take my place.

“That was what I brought him for, but he was impatient and over-ambitious.He was not ready to learn and to wait. His marabout, who predicted that despite being elected as governor, he would not be sworn in as a governor, which happened, also assured him that he would take over from me in a matter of months rather than years.

“All his plans, appointments of people and his actions were towards the actualisation of his marabout’s prediction. Once I realised his intention and programme, I watched him like a hawk without giving any indication of what I knew and letting down my guard. I could not succumb to the distraction, diversion and malevolence of an ambitious but unwise deputy.

“The work in hand was more important than a confrontationalrelationship with my deputy, a man over whom I knew I had far more experience and outreach in all matters. To alert him of what I knew he was up to, would only lead to lying, denial, more mischievous plans and more duplicity on his part.
“He was better managed that way. What was important was not allowing myself to be surprised or outmanoeuvred by him. I must always seize the initiative and know what was going on if not in his mind, but at least in his camp. That I did very effectively.

“Sometime in the fourth quarter of 2004, an associate of Atiku came to my residence at the Aso Villa from Atiku’s official residence. He felt uncomfortable and I tried to make him feel at ease. Then, he settled to tell me the story of what had just transpired in Atiku’s residence. I listened with rapt attention.
“He went on to say that Atiku told him that for him to become the President of Nigeria, the 2007 elections were only a formality.

“The seven ingredients he needed for his enthronement were already in his hands. He controlled the National Assembly because both the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representativeswere in his pocket. He controlled twenty-eight out of thirty-six governors. He had control of the media. His influence over the judiciary was overwhelming.

“What he needed was foreign endorsement and for that he had employed two lobby groups in the US and one in the UK. And finally, the money for the elections was in his purse.
“When the man finished, I thanked him without passing any comment. The man was surprised at my reaction and asked, ‘You have nothing to say to these?’ I said that I had nothing to say and I immediately called my ADC, Chris Jemitola, to play a game of squash with me.

“On our way to the squash court with my ADC, I said, ‘People at times make plans and leave God out of their plans.’ My casual remark struck Chris and he said, ‘Sir, that was a profound statement.’ I said that I made the statement because of what I had just heard of Atiku’s plan. I was not convinced he had put God in his plans.

“Atiku was confident and God was laughing. Most of Atiku’s ingredients soon started to fall out of place one by one. The first was the party, PDP.
“He thought I was powerless and had no clue about the execution of his plan with his group; part of his attack on me was for national chairman of the party to give the first salvo, then other things would follow as his grip on the party would be firm and consolidated.

“That salvo came in the form of a letter to me from the chairman of the party, Audu Ogbeh, who had fully defected with (Iyorchia) Ayu to Atiku.
“The letter, which was not the product of any issue or matter discussed with or at any party meeting, came suddenly. When I received it, I could read the sinister intention behind it.
“I spent that night writing my reply and I sent it in the morning. My reply was clear. I wondered why Atiku and his group did not realise that with my reply, the battle line was clear or maybe they thought that the seven ingredients would remain intact to the end.
“My assistants had moles within the Atiku group. Anything that they planned would be reported. That was the case after Ogbeh’s letter. They decided that Ogbeh should appear remorseful and come with the National Working Committee to apologise to me. It was not from their hearts, but to lure me to a ‘killing ground’.

“All pieces of information that were reported were verified because it would not come from only one informant. Timely information is a very important principle of war and also of politics. In politics, just as in war, what matters is not just your plan, but knowledge of your opponent’s plan. Knowing their plan, I had the choice of playing along with them or being firm, I chose the latter.
“I told Ogbeh that my relationship with him as national chairman and me as national leader of the party was based on mutual confidence and trust. But with his letter, my reply and what I knew of him then, I could no longer work with him in confidence and trust.

“There were only two choices left for both of us in our best interest and that of the party – he, leaves as chairman or I leave as leader of the party.
“The following Sunday, I called at his house, which I had done on several occasions in the past when there was an important party matter to discuss. This time, I asked him to give me an undated letter of resignation as the national chairman.

“I waited, he gave me but it was wrongly addressed to me rather than to the national secretary of the party as stipulated in the party’s constitution.
“Ogbeh reported to his group and it was decided by them to play on and to wait for my disgrace whenever I presented a letter of resignation not addressed to the national secretary.
“The informants did their job and I, once again, paid another visit to Ogbeh at his residence. He entertained me to a meal and drink, and changed the addressee on his letter of resignation.
“It would appear he never reported the change to his group. When I considered it opportune and appropriate, the letter was dated and presented to National Executive Committee of the party, which regrettably accepted the resignation.

“With that, whatever control Atiku claimed to have over the party began to crumble. But he did not think so and went on to boast that if I made my daughter the national chairman, it would be a matter of weeks not months before he would put her in his pocket.
“I therefore had to look for a successor chairman, who would be too big, uncompromising and inflexible to be lured and controlled by Atiku. I found such a man in Senator (Dr.) Amadu Ali, whom I had known many years earlier as a medical doctor in the army…”

Another police brutality: Husband and wife allegedly tortured

A police officer attached to the Ikoyi Police station has been accused of physically assaulting a couple, 29yr old photographer, Ejeh Smith, and his wife, Grace, 26. The couple said the policeman, identified as Dada Ogunsanya attacked them with his rifle along the Lekki Roundabout on Wednesday December 3rd.
According to Punch, the couple who are currently receiving treatment at a Lagos Hospital for wounds they sustained from the attack, said they were in a taxi on their way to their Parkview home when a 7-man Police patrol team at the Lekki Roundabout stopped their taxi.

Narrating what transpired, the driver of the taxi, Ndubuisi Iheaka said the police asked to inspect his boot which he obliged and opened for them. He said they then demanded for his drivers license and as he was about getting it for them, they flashed their lights on his passengers
"I was about getting the driving license when he started flashing his torchlight on my passengers who were sitting at the back. The wife told the officer not to flash the torch on them since the inner light of the vehicle was on. Because of what she said, the policeman asked them to come down from the cab. This started an argument. The next thing I saw was that the policeman pulled my passenger (Ejeh) by his trousers, and his wife went to plead with him to stop. But instead, he slapped her and punched her husband. He was wearing a ring, which inflicted a deep cut on Ejeh’s face. After that, he used the butt of his gun to hit him in his eye and face. He also dragged his wife on the road.” the taxi driver said
Grace, the photographer's wife said the assault continued with the police officer stepping on her stomach
"If I was pregnant that night, I would have lost my pregnancy. I was only trying to pet him to leave my husband since he did not have business with us. I told him to face the cab driver and leave us alone. The other policemen were just looking at him while he dragged me on the ground. A man riding a tricycle at the time was the one who rescued me. He said the policemen must call their Divisional Police Officer or else he would not leave the scene,” she said.
Mr Ejeh said as they were being tortured, the DPO of the Ikoyi Police station, Mrs Aisha Haruna arrived the scene and ordered that they be taken to their station to make statement. He said he refused, insisting that they need medical attention. He said he was dripping blood from his eyes and his wife was vomiting blood.
"We told her that we needed to first treat ourselves before we could make statements. That was when we were given forms and referred to the Falomo Police Hospital. We paid for the treatment and we also went to the eye clinic for treatment.”
Grace said all the video recordings she did of the incident on her phone have been deleted by the police, including some of her personal data.
“Even my personal data were deleted. And when I asked the DPO why she did that, she said we deserved the treatment we got. She said she would have locked us up in the cell if not for our injuries. She said we did not know how to talk,” Grace said.
While confirming the incident, the Lagos state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Kenneth Nwosu,said disciplinary actions would be taken once investigation into the matter is concluded.
“Yes, the incident happened in the Ikoyi division. Inquiries are on as well as disciplinary procedures.”he said
Meanwhile the Husband and Wife says they will be filing a petition to the Inspector General of Police through their family lawyer.

Jim Nwobodo disowns his three children from his first wife

Jim Nwobodo has disowned his 3 children from his first wife, saying they're not his 'flesh & blood'

The former Governor of the old Anambra State addressed journalists today in Enugu and accused two of his children (the ones he disowned today) Chukwudi and Nonso Nwobodo, of stealing the corpse of their older brother, Ifeanyi Nwobodo, who died in November after a battle with cancer

Remember last week Jim Nwobodo refused for his 1st son to be buried inside his compound, insisting that he be buried outside. But his brothers refused and took his corpse away. Nwobodo addressed the problems he's having with his sons at his home today. Continue to read what he told journalists...
"This is not really a very happy occasion for me – at my age, I should be talking about peace and not to get involved in something like this. Ifeanyi was my first son and unknown to us, myself and my wife, his family hid him. 
“When we got to know that he was sick, we were very worried, we made sure he was taken to the best cancer hospital in the US.”
"From the day he died, I started planning for his burial. Because of politics, I felt that I should bury him before the primaries.
“Chukwudi and Nonso (Ifeanyi’s siblings) came to see me here and I told them that the burial will be in two weeks time, that they should come back so that we could plan for it. 
“As I am talking, I have seen neither Chukwudi nor Nonso till date. Their sister, who came back from US and called me to say that she is back, as I am talking to you, I have not seen her. 
“You start to wonder- what kind of children are these? The press said I have two wives – it is not true. I divorced her (former wife) before I became governor. I have the divorce papers, please don’t refer to me as having two wives. I am a decent man. I have only one wife. Please save me the trouble and embarrassment of talking about matrimonial trouble, the church will not wed me if I have two wives.
"The children through her (former wife) cannot be said to have been flesh and blood. I am stopping at that – you know what I mean. A child that is yours will not hurt you like this, these children cannot be my flesh and blood.
“My children love me. It is only children that are not yours that will seize their brother’s dead body. If they can steal the dead body of their brother, it is terrible, unprecedented.”
“They suggested the church and when the Bishop approached me, I accepted. The Bishops started preparing for the service, but till date the same people disappeared. If they say a word, I will tell the world what they have done and the entire world will spit at them”.
"If you are a father, you put the date for your son’s burial and these riff-raffs put a new date, will you go?”

UNILAG rape scandal: Stephanie Okereke's brother finally speaks

Just got this press statement from someone who claims to be a rep of Daniel Okereke, the older brother of actress Stephanie Linus who was alleged to have raped a UNILAG student on Nov 6th. (read here). Find the statement below...
It took me a while to react to these baseless allegations about my good self because I had to investigate to know if it was truly me they were referring to or someone was impersonating me. I wouldn’t have responded but for the numerous innocent readers who may have been misled by this untrue publications which was never verified before going public. I thought that balanced reportage had to do with getting both sides of the story. What happened between me and my estranged friend was a case of a woman who claimed she was heartbroken because she discovered I am in a very serious relationship.
She flared up when she realized and started demanding that I must settle her since I was not taking her seriously not to talk of marrying her. She demanded for two million naira (N2m) and a Toyota Yaris car as settlement else she would scandalize my name and that I know I wouldn’t want that since according to her I come from a popular and wealthy background. I took it as one of those empty threats until I now read about this complete sham about my good self.

How can someone say you were beaten up by seven (7) guards before canal knowledge of you prevailed? Someone who claimed she was sick? She must be a female wrestler in the WWE (The World Wrestling Entertainment) for such measures to be required before a strong tall guy like me will need to force her to have canal knowledge of her. Someone who claimed she was raped could also muscle out strength to destroy my properties in front of the so alleged seven guards? If I were a nobody would she be priding in saying I allegedly raped her? I know that the thought of possessing me is your dream but you didn’t need to go this shameless way.

Those that may have advised you to do this (if any) gave you the worst advice ever because you can’t have me through cheap blackmail. Let me make it crystal clear that there was never a case of rape nor assault. I have decided not to reveal more shocking details on this sad episode because her family initiated peace moves towards mine and I strongly believe in the biblical saying “to err is human but to forgive is divine”. In a country where people can use some sections of the media to publish unverified stories of even the highest offices in the land, then who am I to bother if such crude treatment is meted out to a rising star like me. Must we continue to destroy our very best because we have a very few media platforms that are willing tools to be used. This is sad and unkind.

Why will they want to bring in a respected elder stateswoman Prof. Ndi Okereke-Onyiuke, OON, into an issue where the alleged accused is an adult who should take full responsibility of his actions and in-actions. A woman who worked tirelessly day and night to develop the Nigerian Capital Market and by extension the Nigerian economy which in turn put food on the tables of millions of Nigerians and beyond. During her tenure as the DG of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, the Capital Market was bountiful and prospered as never before. She is an institution in this country and should please not be dragged into trivial issues like this. She should be respected as such.

Thank you all for doing so.

I appeal to those sections of the media that publish unverified stories to please verify before going public because they have the tools to make or mar peoples’ images. I hope that all the respected media sources that publicized this untrue story will be kind enough to do a retraction. God bless you as you do so. I thank all those that called me and sent text messages and said we know you did not do those things. I also thank those who do not know me that said negative things about me, and the reasons are obvious – they do not know me. My humble advice to them is not to thrive on hearsay but facts because it is me today; no one knows whose turn it might be tomorrow. Thank you for reading. God bless us all and Merry Christmas.

Signed,

PRINCE DANIEL OKEREKE.

PDP LAGOS PRIMARIES: Reactions and protest trail result

Reactions have continued to trail yesterday's Lagos state Guber primaries of the Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP ) held at Oregun ikeja, venue in Lagos, which saw the emergence of Pharmacist Jimi Agbaje as the flag bearer of the PDP for the 2015 governorship elections in Lagos State. 

While some describe the event as a charad some say its frudulent and a sham while others hale the leadership of the party for what those who oppose the outcome refer to as anointing Jimi Agbaje to fly the party's flag.

One of such people that have unresevingly expressed disappointment in the result and the conduct of the entire exercise is one of the Governorship hopefuls Babatunde Olalere Gbadamosi who made his grievance known to GROOVE PLUS+ and 'Democracy Today' during an interview with Marshall Ononye.

Chronicling the initial violent that heralded the primaries Gbadamosi said, "it was like a war front with gun shots heard from afar as I arrived the venue. It was at that point that My supporters insisted I wear a bullet proof vest as the hoodlums who were creating the scene at the venue in support of some apirants were also threatening to take down other aspirants that were not in thier good books. "

Voting began behind schedule, starting with late take-off of accreditation of delegates, as gates were not opened for delegates and journalists until around 4.00 p.m.

He also spoke on the irregularities that trailed the electioneering process and how delegates were influenced by certain members of the party.

The hieght of the protests followed a
difference in the number of delegates that voted and the number of
votes cast.
The Chairman of the PDP Governorship Committee for Lagos State,
Senator Umar Kumo, announced 863 as the number of votes cast as
against 806 delegates that voted, sparking protests.

The police had to fire several canisters of tear gas, resulting in stampede, while delegates, journalists, among others, who were refused access were made to stand at the gate for several hours where the primaries was holding had to scamper to safety in different directions.

The PDP six aspirants jostling for the governorship slot included former Minister of State for Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, Mr Babatunde Gbadamosi, Mr Jimi Agbaje, Dr Deji Doherty, Mr Tokunbo Kamson and Mrs Modupe Chukwuemeka.

Armed with certain fact and evidences BOG said he would first appeal for a rerun of the primaries and if that doesn't transcend to a favorable outcome he would need to take a different approach to the matter.

In all of these there are indications that some of the aggrieved party members and former aspirants for the party's Guber ticket have fingered the party’s Elders’ Council as headed by Chief Olabode George and Senator Adeseye Ogunlewe as being behind all of this. It would be recalled that the the party’s Elders’ Council in an earlier interview had made insinuations to hand pick Jimi Agbaje giving what they referred to as his professional background.  According to him, the PDP would not by anyway go lower to pick
anybody who possessed qualities lower than Fashola’s.

Referring to the party's resolve to pick Jimi Agbaje as against Musiliu Obanikoro or any other aspirant the PDP Elders’ Council, Lagos State said
Obanikoro was not electable.
Ogunlewe, who addressed newsmen on Saturday night, at the
Ikoyi residence of Chief George, noted that the group and
Lagosians were quite familiar with the image of Obanikoro, as
well as his records, declaring that “never again; we will never
again return to Babylon".
The former minister vowed that Senator Obanikoro would
not be picked by delegates at the PDP governorship primaries
to fly the party’s flag in the 2015 poll.

In his words: “We will never pick him, we will never return to
Babylon. We will never,
never, never pick him. I have answered you, we will never return to Babylon, never. We will not vote for him, never. The leadership has agreed."

Since after the primaries the social media has been flooded with reactions from the public. Most of them dismayed by the outcome of events that characterised the election while some others hale the outcome calling on the aggrieved parties to team up with Jimi to work towards ousting the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) that has held on to power in the state for over 15 years.

It is not looking like the coast is completely cleared as we anticipate to see a fall out from yesterday's primaries.

Stay logged for all the fact, all the sides, all the time on GROOVE PLUS+

Drop a comment.

Jimi Agbaje Wins Lagos PDP Governorship

Jimi AgbajeMr Jimi Agbaje has won the governorship ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos State defeating a former Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro.

The result was announced at about 11:20pm local time on Monday.

While counting was going on, there was an uproar, as some persons tried to grab the ballot box.

It is one of the last results that were released in the governorship primary elections held across Nigeria.

Mr Agbaje’s victory came after there were reported discrepancies between the number of delegates and the number of ballots counted.

While 806 delegates were recorded, 863 ballots were counted at the end of the election, a development that caused a disagreement.

Mr Jimi Agbaje is a pharmacist by training from the University of Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.

He served in many health management capacities in his early years as a pharmacist in Lagos State, and is the Managing Director of Jaykay Pharmaceutical & Chemical Company Ltd.

Senate race: Oduah picks PDP ticket for Anambra North

Former Minister of Aviation, Princess Stella Oduah, at the weekend clinched the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ticket for Anambra North Senatorial District.

She polled 259 votes out of the 297 accredited delegates cleared for the election held at New Era Secondary School, Nteje, Oyi Local Government Area.

Other contestants in the race included Senator Margery Okadigbo, who polled eight votes; former Minister of State for Water Transport, John Emeka, who got 15 votes and Chief Samuel Ikefuna, who polled 10 votes. Five votes were declared invalid.

The Returning Officer, Anthonia Nwankwo, while declaring Oduah winner, described the election as the best so far in the history of PDP in Anambra State.

In an acceptance speech, Oduah said she was overwhelmed by the love demonstrated by her people in the PDP by choosing her to fly the party’s flag during the 2015 elections.

She said she had accepted the outcome of the election as a response to the call by her people for service and promised not to let them down. She acknowledged that there were difficult tasks ahead but expressed optimism that with the support of the people, they would overcome all challenges.

She also called on other contestants in the race to join hands with her to ensure victory for the PDP and to bring positive developments to the people of Anambra North.

Also speaking, a former member, House of Representatives, Jessie Balonwu and former Chairman, Onitsha South Local Government, Chief Basil Ejidike, lauded the PDP delegates for their maturity and for voting their conscience without any form of coercion.

The member Representing Oyi/Ayamelum Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, Hon. Chizor Obidigwe, said the outcome of the election had shown that the people’s wish had prevailed.

Adamawa PDP primaries: Aggrieved aspirants petition Mu’azu, Jega

Some Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Senatorial and House of Representatives aspirants in Adamawa State, have petitioned the Acting National Chairman of the party, Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu and the Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega over alleged illegal and improper conduct of Senatorial/House of Representatives primaries in the state.

In a letter dated December 7, 2014 entitled: “Illegal and Improper Conduct of Senatorial and House of Representatives Primaries in Adamawa State,” the aggrieved politicians alleged that the change of the venue from Adamawa to Abuja, was a breach of the party’s guidelines on congresses as it was done to foist an anointed candidate on party members.

The Senatorial and House of Representatives aspirants, who signed the petition were Senator Grace  Bent;  Aishatu Ahmed, Mr. Elisha Ishiaku, Mrs. Patricia Bonos, Senator Mohammed Mana, Mr. Umar Suleiman and Alhaji Abba Suleiman.

Others were Alhaji Isa Danburan, Commodore Usman Sali (retd.), Alhaji Tijjani Kwaghe, Dr. Mustapha Saidu, Alhaji Umar Babangida, Alhaji Abdulrahaman Rwatcham,  Ahmed Nwangwsi and Mohammed Bassu.

According to them, those who took part in the party’s primaries on Sunday evening in Abuja were hired from the nation’s capital as those who claimed to be delegates, were not known and were not elected in the state.

Beside the use of those they described as fake delegates, they also complained that it was illegal to bring the primaries to Abuja, an action the petitioners said was against the party’s electoral guidelines.

The members of the National Working Committee of the PDP hurriedly shifted the conduct of Senatorial/House of Representatives primaries in Adamawa State to Abuja, an action the aggrieved aspirants claimed contradicted  Article 26 (a) (i) (ii) and (iii) of the PDP guidelines on primaries.

The article says that “In the conduct of primaries for the party’s candidates for the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the primaries shall be held at the Senatorial District Headquarters.

” All the delegates to the Special Congress shall assemble in the Constituency Headquarters, the constituency Headquarters shall be as prescribed by the Independent National Electoral Commission“

Also, Article 26 (b) (i-iii) says: “In the conduct of primaries for the party’s candidates for the House of Representatives of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the primaries shall be held at the Federal Constituency Headquarters

” All the delegates to the Special Congress shall assemble in the Constituency Headquarters, the constituency Headquarters shall be as prescribed by the Independent National Electoral Commission”

They also claimed that the list of delegates for the primaries was changed and substituted “by the people that were hired in Abuja while the authentic delegates from Adamawa State were left in Yola as they could not be conveyed because of the sudden change of venue for the primary elections.”

The aspirants appealed to Mu’azu to object the way and manner that the entire process was handled and save the PDP from collapsing in the state.

FG Launches Revised Workplace Policy on HIV/AIDS

The federal government has launched the revised National Workplace Policy and National Action Plan on Human Immune-deficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) in the country.

With this, government has reiterated its commitment to upholding the rights and dignity of all Nigerian workers irrespective of their HIV status and ensuring an end to stigmatisation and discrimination against workers infected and affected by HIV and AIDS.

Supervising Minister of Labour and Productivity, Alhaji Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, who presented the revised Policy and Action Plan to the social partners in the labour sector, civil society organisations, employers and Nigerians for effective implementation, stressed that fundamental rights at work were at the heart of the revised policy, drawing from the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Recommendation No. 200.

At the launching of the policy in Abuja, which formed one of the events marking this year’s World AIDS Day celebration, the supervising minister noted that HIV and AIDS constitute one of the most serious health and socioeconomic challenges confronting the Nigerian society, particularly the world of work.

According to him, “It becomes more worrisome when the segment of the population mostly affected is the virile youths and middle age people within the productive age bracket.

He noted that the first National Workplace Policy on HIV and AIDS was developed by the labour ministry in 2005 in collaboration with the ILO and social partners such as the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUCN), and stakeholders as Network of People Living with HIV and AIDS as well as other relevant NGOs.
“The review of the existing National Workplace Policy became imperative in the light of new epidemiological evidence on HIV and AIDS, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Recommendation on HIV and AIDS in the World of Work (No. 200) and more importantly to align  it with the  National Strategic Plan on HIV and AIDS”, he stated.

Turaki, who expressed concern that the world of work represented the single largest group of people living with HIV in the world today, noted that the revised policy established key human rights principles to guide efforts to prevent HIV and mitigate its impact in workplaces across the country.

He stressed that the philosophy of the Policy was predicated on the fact that decent work is central to people’s wellbeing, adding that the policy “lays the foundation for a more gender sensitive HIV and AIDS response in Workplace”.

He pointed out that the participation of all the critical stakeholders in the fight against HIV and AIDS in the revision of the Policy documents would engender effective implementation of the National Policy and the National Action Plan respectively.

Electricity Consumers Oppose High Estimated Bills

I just gbadu this one. Anyway read for your self.

Electricity consumers across the country have insisted that they would no longer pay the high estimated bills being slammed on them by the electricity distribution companies.

The consumers, under the aegis of Consumer Rights Advancement Organisation said they had adopted a position of “no prepaid meters, no more payment of estimated bills.”

The President of the organisation, Mr. Adeolu Ogunbanjo said in a statement made available to THISDAY that the issue of non-supply of meters has been recurring both before and after the privatisation of the power sector.

He, however, alleged that post-privatisation estimated bills are four times higher than the figures paid by consumers before the privatisation exercise, and accused the Discos of sabotaging efforts to supply meters to consumers.

Ogunbanjo noted that consumers of electricity across the country have been very accommodating to the extent of tolerating what he called crazy billings and very high estimated bills being slammed on consumers every month.

“It must be noted that, before privatisation, crazy and high estimated bills have not been as repelling as after the privatisation of the discos, where crazy and estimated billings are currently four times higher.

“This has encouraged the discos to deliberately continue to stall the supply of meters to electricity consumers in Nigeria. This has brought untold economic losses and hardship to Consumers. We make bold to state that Meter Manufacturers in Nigeria currently have over two million meters that meet local and international standards, waiting in their warehouses for interested Electricity Consumers. It must also be noted that all industry regulators, stakeholders and players like the Federal Executive Council, the National Assembly, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and the Electricity Distribution Companies (DISCOs) are very well aware of the availability of this very large stock of standard meters in Nigeria,” he explained.

According to him, the organisation has written letters and had interactions and engagements with  the various stakeholders, including the Chairman of NERC and the Director General of Consumer Protection Council, as well as some of the distribution companies intimating them on the Nigerian electricity consumer’s plight and travails with crazy billings, very high estimated bills and the non-supply of meters.

He further stated that the consumers can no longer tolerate or accommodate the “DISCOs’ open exploitation and rip off, crazy billings and very high estimated bills, paying for DISCOs Technical and Commercial losses and the non-supply of meters.”
According to him, it is noteworthy to recall that when prepaid meters got introduced years back, they were supplied to electricity Consumers free of any charges.  

Shrien Dewani murder case thrown out by South African judge

Shrien Dewani has been found not guilty of arranging the murder of his wife, Swedish national Anni Dewani
British businessman Shrien Dewani has been cleared of murdering his wife during their South Africa honeymoon, after the judge threw out the case.
Judge Jeanette Traverso said the evidence presented by the prosecution fell "far below the threshold" of what a reasonable court could convict on.
She said the evidence of the prosecution's main witness was "riddled with contradictions".
Anni's family said they had been failed by the justice system.
Announcing her ruling, the judge said the only reason not to grant the application would be in the hope that Mr Dewani would implicate himself if he gave evidence.
But to do so would be a "manifest misdirection", she said.

Ami Denborg, the sister of Anni Dewani weeps as she walks away after making a statement expressing the family's shock at the South African justice system
Mr Dewani, from Bristol, was extradited to South Africa this year to face trial accused of planning the murder of his wife in November 2010.
He listened intently as key evidence against him was criticised by the judge as she gave her ruling over almost three hours.

Mr Dewani, 34, went straight down to the cells to prepare for his release, following the decision, as his family embraced.
It is believed he left the court, without making a comment, through a side entrance.
Mrs Dewani's family, who had said it would be a "nightmare" if the trial did not continue, immediately left the court room.
Shrien and Anni Dewani
Prosecutors said bisexual Mr Dewani had long planned to get out of the relationship to Swedish-raised Anni
They bowed their heads amid shouting from the public gallery.
Speaking outside the Western Cape high Court, Mrs Dewani's sister Ami Denborg said: "Today we feel as a family that the justice system has failed us and we are deeply disappointed.
"We came here looking for answers and we came here looking for the truth and all we got was more questions.
"We waited patiently for four years to hear what really happened to Anni and to hear the full story of what happened to our dearest little sister.
"All we wanted was to hear all the events and the hope of actually finding that out has kept us, as a family, going.

"Unfortunately we believe that this right has now been taken away from us."
Her uncle, Ashok Hindocha said the family would be going through the case with their lawyers to confirm whether they can file a lawsuit against Mr Dewani in the UK.
"We would have preferred to have known about his sexuality before he married our precious Anni," he said.
"She gave herself to him, mind, body and soul and she hoped to have been cherished and loved. But she would not have married him if she had known about his secret sex life with male prostitutes and the activities he engaged in."

The judge ruled it was not necessary for Mr Dewani to give evidence, saying a defendant was entitled to be discharged if there was no possibility of conviction unless he entered the witness box and incriminated himself.
The judge said the evidence from the three criminals already convicted over Mrs Dewani's murder was "so improbable, with so many mistakes, lies and inconsistencies you cannot see where the lies ended and the truth begins".
Dewani, 34, has always denied plotting with others to murder his bride, who was found shot dead in the back of their taxi after the couple were hijacked during a late-night tour of a township.

Prosecutors said bisexual Mr Dewani had long planned to get out of the relationship to Swedish-raised Anni, and arranged the attack in which he would escape unharmed and Anni would be killed.
Judge Traverso said it was crucial for the state's case to prove that Mr Dewani entered into an agreement with others to have Anni killed.
Tongo was the only accomplice witness, she said, adding that such evidence should be treated with "caution".
Tongo's version needed to be corroborated specifically where it implicated the accused, she said.
Details such as where he picked up and dropped off Mr Dewani and his wife did not provide corroboration, the judge said.

Rappers brawl as Diddy allegedly punched Drake at a nightclub

RAP mogul Diddy put rising star Drake in his place, after he allegedly punched the young rap artist in a fight over money at a nightclub.

Both rap stars were at the infamous LIV nightclub in Miami, where the fight occurred at 4am outside the popular venue.

Witnesses told The New York Daily News that Diddy, aka Sean Combs allegedly punched Drake, 28, outside the Fountainbleau hotel.

“Drake definitely got the s**t kicked out of him,” according to Bullet magazine editor Ray LeMoine, who had been partying at the club.

He said he received text messages from people who were there.

“I heard they were taking him to the hospital.”

MZ.com reports the fight was triggered by Drake disrespecting Diddy by using music without permission, and Diddy confronted Drake just outside the club.

“(Diddy) had his security walk over to Drake’s table and let them know that Diddy wanted to talk to him outside around 4am,” a club insider told The New York Daily News.

Diddy said, “You will never disrespect me” ... and then allegedly punched him.

TMZ.com reports Diddy threw just one punch, leaving Drake stunned, but not knocked out.

But one witness told The New York Daily News that Diddy punched him three times.

It is understood that the fight was over in around 20 minutes, and Drake left the scene as Diddy returned to club and continued to party at a V. I. P booth.

Other sources have suggested the fight was sparked by Drake, who allegedly made an offensive comment to Diddy’s girlfriend, “Let’s Get Crazy” singer Cassie Ventura, but this could not be verified.

Diddy and Drake were at the club celebrating DJ Khaled’s birthday with Lil Wayne and other guests before the fight broke out.

Otti wins APGA governorship ticket in Abia

Former Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Diamond Bank Plc Dr. Alex Otti emerged yesterday in Umuahia as the Abia State All Progressives Grand Alliance’s (APGA’s) governorship candidate for the February general election.

Otti, at the primary held at the Lakewood Hotel on Aba Road, Umuahia, the state capital, polled 485 votes from a total of 503 votes cast to defeat his rival, Mr Chikwendu Udensi, who scored 8 votes.

Of a total of 511 delegates accredited for the primaries conducted in a free and fair atmosphere, 503 voted while 10 votes were voided

Addressing party supporters after he was declared winner by the chairman of the APGA Electoral Committee, Otti expressed his appreciation to delegates for conducting themselves in an orderly manner at the primary.

He said: “I must thank God for a very peaceful election and the delegates for their support.  Let me also say that those who didn’t vote for me because I know that as time goes on they will come to understand what we have come to do in APGA. All in all, I am very happy with the result of the primaries.”

In an interview with reporters, the winner gave the alleged deplorable state of Abia as the main reason why he came out for the race.

He added that it was not too late to salvage the situation, adding that it could  have been worse if “people like us did not take the bold step we took, because I believe that I have the capacity, the skills and the network as well as the experience and training to turn the situation in Abia around.’’

“In terms of potentials, I believe that Abia State is blessed because we have the resources, both material and human, creative minds and entrepreneurs. What is required is a little support from government by way of creating the enabling environment; and that is exactly what I have come to do for my state,” he said.

The APGA governorship candidate reiterated his commitment to embark on massive infrastructural turnaround to aid commerce and industry even as he said that healthcare and educational systems would be attended to for the betterment of the citizenry, if he becomes governor.

He emphasised that his administration would ensure that teachers in the state receive proper training to enable them impact qualitative knowledge in school children at various levels.

2015: Ribadu, others clinch PDP state governorship tickets at Primaries

FORMER chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has clinched the governorship ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Adamawa State.

He emerged tops in the primaries conducted at the Old Parade Ground, Abuja, on Monday, beating five other aspirants, including incumbent governor, James Ngilari, who boycotted the exercise.

Others aspirants who boycotted the election were former acting governor of the state, Dr Ahmed Modibbo, Alhaji Awwal Tukur (son of former national chairman of the party, Dr Bamanga Tukur), Mr  Marcus Gundiri and General Aliyu Kama.

Even though the defeated aspirants were not present, their names were, however, on the ballot papers and did pick up some votes.

According to the result read out at the venue, Kama polled 3 votes, Modibbo 30, Ngilari 26, Gundiri 33, Tukur 25, while Ribadu secured a total of 688 votes, while two votes were declared invalid.

Ribadu, who lost to President Goodluck Jonathan as the presidential candidate of defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in 2011 election, recently defected to the PDP.

In his acceptance address, Ribadu promised to bring his anti-corruption credentials to bear in the governance of the state, if elected.

He thanked the delegates for their orderly conduct and extended his hand of fellowship to co-contestants.

Folarin emerges Oyo PDP candidate

former Senate Leader, Senator Teslim Folarin, was declared winner of the primaries  and will be candidate of the PDP in the 2015 governorship election.

At the end of the exercise, held at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Ibadan, Folarin polled 167 votes, followed by former deputy governor in the state, Hazeem Gbolarumi, who had 12 votes. Alao-Akala, who was not at the venue of the election had two votes, while Seyi Makinde, who was also absent, had no vote.

Other aspirants who were at the venue of the exercise were Professor Taoheed  Adedoja, Senator Ayoade Adeseun, Dr Azeez Adeduntan and Professor Soji Adejumo, while Mr Femi Babalola and Isaac Owolabi were not in attendance.

Speaking with journalists after the exercise, the Public Relations Officer of the party, Kehinde Salawu, stated that the aspirants who did not show up for the primaries were considered as being part of the election process, since they did not communicate to inform the party that they would not be pulling out of the exercise.

Meanwhile, series of controversies have continued to trail the conduct of the exercise, as some stakeholders have kicked against it.

One of them, who preferred anonymity, told the Nigerian Tribune through the  phone that “all they did today was totally illegal, because there was an existing court order that says the primaries should not be conducted.

“I can boldly tell you that no official of the party came from Abuja to supervise the exercise. I do not know where those they said supervised the election came from. So, as much as I know, the governorship primaries held today at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Ibadan, was illegal and unacceptable.”

Reacting, Mr Seyi Makinde said the governorship primaries held at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, which produced Senator Folarin as winner was nullity, as there was a subsisting court order.

Makinde, while addressing his supporters, who welcomed him from Abuja at his office in Ibadan, on Monday, said he would pursue his case at the court to a logical conclusion.

He urged his supporters to remain calm, as he would soon tell them his next line of action.

Ayade clinches Cross River PDP gov ticket

SENATOR representing the Northern Senatorial District of Cross River State, Professor Benedict Ayade, on Monday, in a landslide, clinched the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship ticket for the 2015 elections.

In a very peaceful and transparent primaries conducted at the U.J. Esuene Stadium in Calabar,  Professor Ayade scored 752 out of the 831 accredited delegates to defeat Reverend Father Francis Eworo, who had five votes, while Mr Emmanuel Ibeshi, former national publicity secretary of the PDP had no vote,.

Mr Joe Agi had 11 votes, former Group General Manager (crude) of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mr Goddy Jeddy-Agba had five votes and Dr Peter Oti had no vote. Nine votes were declared invalid.

Jeddy-Agba, however, boycotted the exercise.

Earlier, the electoral panel had announced 10 aspirants for the contest, but a few minutes before the commencement of voting, four aspirants publicly announced their withdrawal from the race in support of Ayade.

Those who publicly stepped down for Ayade were Mr Fidelis Ugbo, secretary of National Planning Commission (NPC), Mr Legor Idagbo, former Commissioner of Works in the state, Mr Mike Aniah, former secretary to the state government and Mr Larry Odey, Speaker of the state House of Assembly.

Chairman of the electoral panel, Mr Olusola Akonmode, who announced the result, commended the peaceful conduct of the exercise.

Nasko picks Niger gov ticket, Aliyu gets senatorial ticket

Former Chief of Staff, Government House, Niger State, Alhaji Umar Mohammed Nasko, has clinched the governorship ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party for the 2015 governorship election.

Umar Nasko polled 908 votes to beat eight other challengers among them the Niger state Deputy Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Musa Ibeto, who recorded 34 votes.

Former minister of Commerce, Mustapha Bellom, scored 11 votes, Alhaji Sahabi Danrangi 11 votes and Hannafi Sudan 57 votes.

Alhaji Dukku and Former Kano State governor, Aminu Isa Kontagora, though contested, did not return any vote.

Chief returning officer for the primaries and former minister of state Finance, Senator Jibril Martins Kuye, said 1027 candidates were accredited for the election while three votes were voided.

In his acceptance speech, Alhaji Umar Nasko attributed his victory to God and the delegates, promising to campaign vigorously in the nook and crannies of the state to ensure his victory in the general election.

Meanwhile, Niger State governor, Dr Muazu Babangida Aliyu, has picked the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ticket for the Niger East Senatorial District in the state.

The governor said that with the peaceful nature of the primary elections conducted in most states of the federation, “it is expected that such will be replicated during the campaigns and the general elections.”

One thousand and twenty-four delegates from the three senatorial zones of the state cast their votes in the election as against the 1025 expected.

Governor Aliyu, speaking to newsmen, declared that “we want to ensure peaceful campaign devoid of campaign of calumny and blackmail.”

Ringim picks Jigawa gov ticket
Adamu Amadu, Dutse

Alhaji Aminu Ibrahim Ringim emerged as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gubernatorial candidate for Jigawa State after the withdrawal of the two other aspirants before the party primaries.

Aminu Ringim won the election with over 1,120 votes at the primaries presided over by Alhaji Isah Ahmed Duniyabahutu, the former chairman of the party in the state  and under the supervision of Alhaji Kaulaha Aliyu from the party’s national headquarters.

The aspirants who withdrew from the race were Aminu Kani and Alhaji Abba Anas Adamu.

Wike emerges Rivers gov candidate

Immediate past minister of State for Education, Chief Nyesom Wike, on Monday, emerged the governorship candidate of the Rivers State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the 2015 elections.

  He scored a total of 1,083 votes to beat his closest rival, Honourable Dumbari Ben-Dimkpa, who scored a total of 21 votes, Honourable Ibinabo Michael-West scored three votes, while two others, Senator Lee Maeba and Mr Emmanuel Georgewill, scored one vote each.

  The governorship primary, conducted, amidst tight security, by Honourable Etifa Bekeakpo, was however boycotted by 16 other PDP governorship aspirants.

  Those who boycotted the governorship primary included former vice-chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, Professor Don Baridam; Oseleye Dennis Ojuka, Mrs Abietedoghu Bob-Abbey Hart, Gabriel Pidomson, Atamuno Atamuno, Dr Silver Opusunju, Chief Sampson Ngerebara, Major Lancelot Anyanya and Tamunosisi Gogo-Jaja.

Others were Chief Pawariso Samuel Horsfall, Captain Sunny Nwankwo, Bernard Mikko, Prince Tonye Princewill, Nimi Walson-Jack, Bekinbo Dagogo-Jack, Chief Dumo Lulu-Briggs and former minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Odein Ajumogobia.

  In his acceptance speech, Wike, from Rumueprikom community in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, extended an olive branch to the aggrieved aspirants, urging them to join him in the battle to reclaim the state for PDP.

  “I congratulate, especially, all my fellow aspirants as worthy gladiators and I publicly invite them to join hands with me in the great task ahead. The task of ensuring a total victory for the PDP in Rivers State; the task of ensuring the re-election of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, in whom we are all well-pleased and committed to the cause of his victory in the polls in 2015.

“I offer olive branch to all combatants in the struggle to recover for the PDP and indeed all Rivers people, the stolen mandate, currently in the hands of All Progressives Congress in Rivers State. We shall and we should work together, very assiduously to recover what is rightly ours.

  “I am deeply humbled and elated by the electoral success of PDP. It is unique and special that I am found worthy to be entrusted with the enormous responsibility of flying the party’s flag, by electing me governorship candidate for the 2015 general election in Rivers State.

  “I dedicate this victory to God Almighty, who makes all things possible. It is a victory for democracy; it is victory for all of us who toiled day and night to see to the progress of the PDP in Rivers State,” he said.

Violence rocks Lagos PDP gov primaries

VIOLENCE rocked the primaries held by Lagos State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to pick its governorship candidate on Monday, as hoodlums in their hundreds, stormed the Oregun, Ikeja venue of the exercise, with security personnel, including policemen having hectic time warding them off.

Voting began behind schedule, starting with late take-off of accreditation of delegates, as gates were not opened for delegates and journalists until around 4.00 p.m.

The PDP six aspirants jostling for the governorship slot included former Minister of State for Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, Mr Babatunde Gbadamosi, Mr Jimi Agbaje, Dr Deji  Doherty, Mr Tokunbo Kamson and Mrs Modupe Chukwuemeka.

The police had to fire several canisters of tear gas, resulting in stampede, while delegates, journalists, among others, who were refused access were made to stand at the gate for several hours where the primaries was holding had to scamper to safety in different directions.

The police intervention, however, did not come until the hoodlums, some of who were seen hiding guns and other dangerous weapons under their apparels, with some others throwing stones, empty water bottles, among others had inflicted several forms of injury on people.

Some arrests were later made by the police after the situation had returned to normal as those affected were seen locked up in the black maria stationed in front of venue of the exercise.

I’ve not stepped down —Obanikoro

Speaking with newsmen at the venue of the exercise, former Minister of State for Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, dismissed reports that he had been persuaded to withdraw from the governorship race, declaring that nobody could persuade him to step down.

According to him, “nobody can persuade me to step down. I resigned the coveted office of Minister of State (Defence). I am here and you all can see, despite the rumours being peddled. I am here and there is no doubt in my mind that we are going to participate and see this to a logical end.

“We have urged all our supporters to remain calm in the face of intimidation and persecution. Nothing comes easy, but we believe that whatever the Lord says shall come to pass,” he added.

Another governorship aspirant, Mr Babatunde Gbadamosi, opposed to what he described as plot by some people within the party to harass and intimidate some of them in the race to get their favoured candidate become the party standard-bearer for 2015, saying that was not going to work.

Gbadamosi gave the assurance that he was going to win the contest in a free and fair primaries, even as he said he would be a better governor as somebody coming from the private sector, like the sage, Chief obafemi Awolowo and Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande.  

Chairman of Lagos State PDP governorship primaries panel, Senator Saidu Umar Kumo, said the delay in take-off of the exercise in the state was due to the fact that the panel wanted to tidy up things to ensure a level playing ground.

According to him, the late take-off was also due to the need to follow the laid down rules and regulations in line with the PDP constitution and the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) guideline, describing it as a normal issue.

Reacting to complaints by some people concerning handling of the exercise, Kumo said the panel was dealing with human beings and there was no way doing such would not bring complaints.

He, however, assured that every complaint would be addressed in the best interest of the party.

Mr Jimi Agbaje, an aspirant in the race, while dismissing insinuation in some quarters, said the belief that he was the best candidate for the job must have been due to his past record available to them.

“So, if the people say they believe in Agbaje, it is not for other reason, maybe we have been able to put ourselves in a way that they can see us as a candidate to beat.

“I think it is important to note again, you are saying about winning election, but you have to get the party ticket, and what we are saying is that Agbaje can win general election if he can cross this hurdle,” he said.

Another Lagos PDP gov aspirant withdraws from race

Another governorship aspirant on the platform of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mrs Modupe Chukwuemeka, on Monday, withdrew from the race, as voting was about to commence in the primary exercise to pick who would fly the party’s flag come 2015 election.

The exercise will witness 806 delegates participating in the voting exercise and they are consisted of 137 statutory delegates.

Dr Adegbola Dominic had a day earlier announced his withdrawal from the race.

Announcing her decision, Chukwuemeka, who recalled that she joined the race based on the outcry from non-indigene and also to champion women cause, pointed out that every other aspirant on the party’s platform was capable of addressing the issues involved as she would equally do.

She, therefore, promised to work with whoever emerged as PDP’s standard-bearer to win the governorship of Lagos come 2015.

The PDP aspirant expressed gratitude to the PDP as a party for giving her the opportunity and the leadership for the encouragement and support given her so far.

Troops nab Boko Haram’s cameramen, as peace returns to Mubi

AS Nigerian troops continue to sustain their offensives against terrorists in north-eastern Nigeria, more arrests have been made.

Some of the recent arrests included professional cameramen for the terrorist group who are experts in photo, video recording and filming of their attacks on communities and atrocities against innocent citizens.

The terrorists were nabbed during patrols, surveillance and raid operations to track fleeing terrorists in communities around Adamawa State.

Confirming the development, the Director, Defence Information, Major-General Chris Olukolade, said four of those nabbed were arrested as they tried to escape in an SUV jeep with digital camera and weapons were taken into custody.

He added that they were helping in ongoing investigation in one of the barracks.

Meanwhile, normalcy is gradually returning to the  towns of  Gombi, Hong, Maiha and the commercial border town of Mubi that were recently recaptured by Nigerian troops, following Boko Haram insurgency.

As of the time of a media visit to Mubi, decomposing bodies of the insurgents were seen in some places while their bombed hard- wares, including APC’s Hilux vans and motorcycles laid at various locations, especially Mararrabar Mubi, where intense fighting took place leading to the destruction of many buildings.

Some residents of the area, who spoke with the Nigerian Tribune in Mubi, expressed happiness with the recent situation as they said they felt secured now that the town was in the firm control of the military, adding that the soldiers had been kind to them.

A visit round the town showed low human activity as major streets of the town remained deserted while shops across the major streets of Mubi had remained under locks and key except for a few traders at the Central Market who had opened shop and started trading their wares.

A trader at the market, Mallam Bello Datti, said he was happy that normalcy had started returning to the town, appreciating the authorities for restoring order back to the town.

“As you can see, we have started opening our shops in a peaceful atmosphere without the fear of being molested. This is a welcome development,” Datti said.

It was similarly observed that almost all the ommercial banks in the town had been vandalised by the Boko Haram insurgents.

Soldiers have already started a mop-up operation in preparation for the reinstatement of displaced residents, as every nook and cranny of the town was combed by soldiers who maintained vigilance.

Also, the police and Immigration Services were fully in operation as a visit to the area command of Mubi saw police officers on duty while their vehicles on patrol were seen combing the town as they also mounted stop and search with the aim to fishing out remnants of Boko Haram insurgents.

Residents similarly called on the government to ensure the restoration of GSM network back to the area, as its absence constituted a major stumbling block to the dissemination of information to displaced residents.

Court sacks 21 Kogi LG bosses

A Kogi State High Court presided over by Alaba Omolaye-Ajileye, on Monday in Lokoja nullified the local government election held in May 4, 2013 for improper composition of the Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission.

The trial judge also ordered the local government chairmen to hand over to the most senior director in each of the 21 Local Government Areas of the state with immediate effect.

The Kogi State chapter of the All Progressives Congress   had dragged the state government, KOSIEC and the defendants before the High Court to contest the composition of the state electoral body and subsequent conduct of the local government election by the former chairman who was allegedly a card-carrying member of   the Peoples Democratic Party.

The trial judge said the constitution was designed by the lawmakers to promote the principle of fairness, independence and transparency.

He said that it also expressed the notion of neutrality, adding that these were not abstract notions as the notion of independence.

He held that the actions of KOSIEC, its chairman and other members were contrary to section 200(1) of 1999 Constitution as amended, adding that the composition of KOSIEC was unconstitutional, illegal and void.

Ajileye said, “As an umpire, the Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission must not only be neutral but should be manifestly seen to be neutral…

“I therefore hold that the membership of 4th and 5th defendant of 3rd defendant including the contest of primaries by the 4th defendant under the platform of the 9th defendant (the PDP) compromised, irredeemably, the integrity and neutrality of 3rd defendant to hold the May 4,2013 local government election in Kogi State.”

Homosexual murders partner in hotel room

The victim and policemen
The victim and policemen | credits: Adelani Adepegba
A suspected gay, Mohammed Snu, has been murdered by his partner, Mohammed Umar, inside a room of a hotel in Garki, Abuja.

It was gathered that Snu died after he was stabbed multiple times in the ribs with a screw driver by Umar last Thursday.

The deceased, who was a regular guest at the hotel, was said to have invited Umar for sex, but their romance went sour when Snu refused to pay his partner for the second round of sex.

A source in the hotel said that the two men had sex twice, but Snu allegedly refused to pay for the second round, which led to a scuffle.

The source said, “The man had just come back from a mosque where he went for prayers with his partner when we heard a loud noise from his room and a voice saying ‘ya kuri (please, don’t be angry)’. By the time we forced the door open, we saw Umar standing naked and Snu lying dead on the bed with stab injuries on his body. We immediately called the police and Umar was arrested.”

It was also learnt that the police came back later and whisked away the hotel manager for interrogation.

The incident was said to have generated an uproar around the Garki neighbourhood, as residents gathered in clusters to discuss the tragedy.

Our correspondent was told that policemen from the FCT Command came in a white pick-up van and took the corpse away.

They also drove away his white Mercedez salon car with Abuja registration number, KUJ 883 AQ, which was parked on the hotel premises.

The FCT Police Public Relations Officer, Peter Okechukwu, who confirmed the incident, explained that the deceased invited the suspect to massage him in his hotel room, saying he had pains in his ribs.

He said, “In the course of the massage, Snu asked Umar to undress for sex, and from there, they engaged in a scuffle leading to the stabbing of the deceased by the suspect. It was the loud noise from their room that attracted the hotel workers.

“When our men got to the hotel, we found the deceased and the suspect naked. Investigations have commenced and we will soon know what actually transpired behind the closed door.” He concluded.