Witness testifies against Buhari’s ex-aide candidature

                             

A Federal High Court sitting in Kano has fixed February 12 for the testimony of Prosecution Witness One (PW1) in the trial involving former Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on House of Representatives, Abdulrahman Sulaiman Kawu Sumaila.

Sumaila was sued by Alhaji Muhammed Shamsuddeen Bello, a House of Representatives candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC) challenging the eligibility of his contest.

Also parties in the case were the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and All Progressive Congress (APC) as 1st and 2nd respondents respectively.

Both Sumaila and Bello were members of the ruling APC in Kano but were at loggerhead over the contest of Takai/Sumaila federal constituency in the forthcoming general elections.

Bello is in court challenging INEC, APC and Sumaila for substituting his name with Sumaila as APC’s candidate for Takai/Sumaila federal constituency.

Bello argued that Kawu had never contested for the position in the last APC’s primary election conducted in Kano.

He told the court that Sumaila rather contested for the position of Kano South senatorial district in the last primary election and lost to Senator Kabiru Ibrahim Gaya.

He told the court that Kawu’s name was strangely published as candidate for Takai/Sumaila federal constituency on the last day for publication of particulars of candidates.

When the case came up on Thursday, counsel to APC and Sumaila, 2nd and 3rd respondents in the case, Mr Okechukwu Edeze objected a move by the plaintiff’s counsel, Mr Nuraini Jimoh to present the prosecution witness, Alhaji Muhammed Shamsuddeen Bello for his testimony.

Mr Edeze appealed to the court to give him sometimes to study a reply on the point of law by counsel to the plaintiff which he was served with on Wednesday, February 6, 2019.

In his ruling, the presiding judge, Justice Lewis Allagoa adjourned the case to February 12, 2019 for continuation.

Angela Simmons flaunts her hot legs in new sexy photos

                               

Reality star and mother of one, Angela Simmons looked all stunning in these new sexy photos she shared on Instagram.

See full photos below.

Domestic & Sexual Violence Response Team reacts to the allegations that the men who drugged, raped and filmed a woman in a hotel have been freed

                             

The Domestic & Sexual Violence Response Team have reacted to the allegations that the young men who drugged, raped, and filmed a 23-year-old woman have been freed by the Lagos state police (read here).

Twitter users alleged that suspected rapists, Razaq Oluwaseun Oke, 28, and Don-Chima George, 25 (left), have been freed by the Lagos State Police after Don-Chima's dad, who owns Dallankester Hotels in Lekki Phase, where the rape took place, intervened.

Twitter users also alleged that Don-Chima’s father got the police to arrest the victim's brother, sister and friend.

But the DSVRT has said that the allegations are false. They say the suspects are still in custody and will be prosecuted.

In a statement released via Twitter, DSVRT wrote:

 Our attention has been drawn to the rumour that the perpetrators of rape of a 23 yr old lady have been released. This is to inform the general public that the suspects are still in custody. The DPP will ensure diligent prosecution of the case. @kingNelo2 @grooveeshakes @TheNamii

 

 

Kannywood star Zango formally defects to PDP, endorses Atiku

                                

Kannywood actor and musician Adam Zango has officially defected from All Progressives Congress (APC) to Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The actor also said that he has endorsed Atiku Abubakar of the PDP as his presidential candidate.

The actor made the announcement on his Instagram page today, Thursday.

The media confirmed that the actor had a crucial meeting with the PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar and some officials of the party yesterday (Wednesday) in Abuja before making his announcement today.

He posted: “I was appointed with the title of PDP Brand Ambassador. I endorsed Atiku Abubakar as my presidential candidate. Let’s get Nigeria working again.”

Zango also added that the decision was his choice and that of his partners including actors like Fati Washa, Zainab Abdullahi Indomie, Maryam Gidado and Isah Ferozkhan among others.

Zango who was a die-hard supporter and campaigner of President Muhammadu Buhari has been in recent days complaining about how the ruling All Progressives Party (APC) was treating Kannywood filmmakers.

Yesterday, the actor also known as ‘Prince Zango’ reposted a post promoting PDP and Atiku on Instagram posted by Kannywood actor and Atiku’s campaigner, Zaharaddeen Sani.

A source also close to the actor told the media that between today and tomorrow, Zango would hold a press conference to explain the reasons behind his defection from APC to PDP and why he endorsed Atiku as presidential candidate, among others.

CUPP alleges plan to frame up Atiku, Saraki, Melaye

                               

The Coalition of United Political Parties has alleged that there is a grand plot by the Federal Government to implicate the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, Bukola Saraki; Senator Dino Melaye and other opposition leaders as the 2019 election approaches.

The coalition’s spokesman, Imo Ugochinyere, in a statement released to newsmen, said the opposition politicians will be accused of gunrunning. The statement in part reads

“Elements of the ruling party have commenced the branding of some vehicles with the colours of the opposition bearing the photos of these opposition leaders and have acquired arms which will be hidden in the vehicles and the vehicles will be driven to join the campaign convoy of the opposition consensus candidate in Kwara, Kogi and Adamawa and other parts of the country where they have also selected.

“The vehicles will eventually be searched by the police and the arms recovered. Their plot will include mobilising thugs and causing violence on the day of such recovery so as to tag the opposition as violent. The APC leaders are aware Nigerians now know them for their violence which has trailed their campaigns nationwide.

“Their internal crisis and ‘grab-power-by-all-means’ attitude have catalysed their rejection by Nigerians and they desire to break all the laws to cast the opposition in bad light.

“On poll day, part of their plot include also to use more of these branded vehicles loaded with thugs to disrupt voting and collation in
some centres and blame the opposition for violence and disruption of the process which will lead to mass arrest of opposition leaders to give the ruling party advantage to rig and deny the people the opportunity to give their preferred candidates their mandate. 

The security agencies are hereby put on notice that Nigerians will not accept any breach of security being orchestrated by elements of the ruling party disguised in whichever form they choose. 

Nigerians are put on notice to be watchful and vigilant to see through the evil plans of the ravenous group of rulers we have in our country today. They should not be deterred. Their songs of war and plot to rig the elections will be resisted. APC is already in morbid fear of losing elections and all their shenanigans are like the last futile kicks of a dying horse.”

'Its becoming normal for dads to impregnate their daughters in Edo State' – Commissioner for Women Affairs, Ohenhen

                                

Edo State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Magdalene Ohenhen has revealed that it is becoming a normal thing in the state for fathers to impregnate their daughters.

She described the situation as very sad, saying the earlier the state stopped it, the better. She made the disclosure, yesterday, during a protest by the Brave Heart Initiative for Youth and Women (BHI) led by Lady Grace Osakue.

The group was seeking  justice for 17-year-old Gift Alonge who was said to have been impregnated by her father. The victim was alleged to have been first impregnated in 2017 by her biological father, Jacob Alonge, and later in 2018.

“It’s a very sad situation. Edo State is becoming something else, and the earlier we stop it, the better for us. It is becoming a normal thing in Edo State for men to impregnate their own daughters,” the commissioner said.

Ohenhen cited another case of a man who slept with her daughter for over 10 years before the case was reported to the police. She said: “It is time we stopped all these. Edo State forbids it, it is a taboo. We are begging Edo men to stop sleeping with their daughters, it is an abomination.”

Festus Keyamo denies saying 'President Buhari has memory loss just as Jesus Christ and Prophet Mohammed did'

Festus Keyamo who is the spokesperson of the Buhari Campaign Organization, has refuted reports quoting him as saying President Buhari suffers memory loss just the way Jesus and Prophet Mohammed did when they were alive. 

Lalong is very shameless – Ortom

                            

Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State has taken a swipe on his counterpart in Plateau state, saying, “Governor Simon Lalong is very shameless not to stand with his people.”

Ortom made the remark in an interview with newsmen in Makurdi while reacting to comments by Lalong that he (Ortom) was hiding under farmers-herders crisis following his inability to promptly pay the state workers’ salaries.

Lalong had on Wednesday at the APC presidential rally in Makurdi accused his Benue colleague of under performance in his almost four years in office as well as implying that he (Ortom) was using herders-farmers crisis as a smokescreen to cover up his administration’s inefficiency.

But, Ortom in his swift reply, said, “it is unfortunate that Lalong has sold himself out. For me, I’m not prepared to talk about him. All I know is that I’m doing what my people want.

“The primary responsibility of the government is to protect lives and property. It is the Federal Government responsibility to protect the people. And there is no way that I would leave my people behind.”

The governor further denied the allegation that he was using the farmers-herders crises to project himself as he wondered how a government would allow herders to continue open grazing after the law was enacted.

“I will continue to defend my people. I’m not Lalong to abandon my people to be killed and won’t say anything. Even now, are killings not going on? Lalong is very shameless by not standing with his people who elected him. I prefer to stand with my people even if I’m not governor,” Ortom emphasised.

Women group hold peace rally in Abuja

                              

The Women in Politics Forum (WIPF) have held a peace rally in Abuja and other states across the country.

The WIPF is a non-partisan forum for women and affiliate partners with support from UN Women, CDD and WSRN.

The rally, according a statement by Sola Odeja, the Media Consultant to the group, said it was aimed at sensitizing the women in particular and members of the public on participation in the elections and need for a violence free elections.

The President, Women in Politics Forum (WIPF),Ebere Efendu, who was the convener of the rally, said, “Women and our youths are the most vulnerable groups when crises erupt during elections as such we needed to sensitize Nigerians on the need for a violence-free 2019 elections”.

Dr.Joy Onyesoh, a co-convener added that, “the rally ran simultaneously in 14 states namely: Lagos, Osun, Rivers,Delta,Enugu, Imo, Kaduna, Zamfara, Benue, Plateau,Gombe,Abia & Anambra and this helped in sending the message across the country through the partnership of other agencies’.

Also speaking, the Country Representative for UN Women in Nigeria, Comfort Lamptey, said “the vision and objectives of the rally resonates with our organization as such we felt it was a veritable channel of sensitizing the people on violence-free elections”.

New photos of Goodluck Jonathan and his wife Patience

                               

The former president and his wife were pictured at an event being organized by the Goodluck Jonathan foundation in Abuja on Thursday morning. 

See another photo below

Benue ready to receive Atiku for presidential campaign

                               

Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State on Thursday said his government and residents of the state are ready to give the presidential candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar a rousing reception as his campaign train berths tomorrow (Friday) in the state.

In a statement signed his Chief Press Secretary, Terver Akase, the governor said that Benue people will come out in their numbers to welcome Atiku as a sign of the love and confidence they have in him.

Ortom described the PDP presidential candidate as the right man to restore unity among Nigerians and give them a sense of belonging as citizens of the same country.

He also expressed confidence in Atiku’s capability to provide the quality of leadership that the people need at a time the country is passing through difficulties.

He noted that majority of Benue people have resolved to cast their votes for Atiku on February 16, 2019 in anticipation that his administration will be able to end wanton killing of innocent people in parts of the state by armed bandits.

The governor added that a government headed by Atiku will drive economic policies that would offer youths of the country rewarding job opportunities so as to make them more useful to themselves and their communities.

Kannywood star ‘dumps’ Buhari for Atiku

                                   

Kannywood actor and musician, Adam Zango is set to defect from All Progressives Congress (APC) to Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

A source close to the actor told the media that Zango held meeting with close associates of the presidential candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar and some officials of the party on Wednesday in Abuja.

“Zango was in Abuja yesterday, he had a serious and crucial meeting with close associates of Atiku Abubakar and some officials of PDP, a lot of things were discussed, and they were able to convince him to defect from APC to PDP,” the source said.

The source added that the actor was on his from Abuja to Kaduna and would address a press conference to announce officially his defection from APC to PDP.

The source said, “He (Zango) is on his way to Kaduna from Abuja, and he would hold a press conference to announce his defection officially. He would mention the reasons behind his defection.”

Zango who has been a die-hard supporter and campaigner of President Muhammadu Buhari, recently complained about how the ruling APC is treating Kannywood filmmakers.

The actor also known as ‘Prince Zango’ on Wednesday reposted a post promoting PDP and Atiku on Instagram by Kannywood actor and Atiku’s campaigner, Zaharaddeen Sani.

Again, fire destroys over 70 shops at Yan’Katako market in Kano State

                               

The Kano State Fire Service has confirmed that fire destroyed 70 temporary shops at Yan’Katako Market in Rijayar Lemo area of Kano.  

The Spokesman of the State Fire Service, Alhaji Saidu Mohammed confirmed the incident saying 30 of the shops were completely razed down while 40 were slightly burnt.  

“We received a distress call in the early hours of Thursday at about 03:45 a.m. from one Bashir Suleiman that there was fire outbreak at the market. On receiving the information, we quickly sent some of our personnel and fire fighting vehicles to the scene of the incident at about 03:52 a.m. to quench the fire so as not to affect other shops,“ he said.  

He advised traders at the market and other residents to be more careful and desist from using instruments capable of triggering fire as a way of guarding against future occurrence.  

Mohammed also advised the people to keep fire buckets, blankets and extinguishers that would enable them curtail any fire outbreak before calling on the fire service.  Mohammed said the cause of the fire is being investigated.

Ghana's OAP Afia Schwarzenegger strips down to her panties to show ladies how to get 'it' from behind

                                  

Controversial Ghanaian media personality, Afia Schwarzenegger took to Instagram to share a raunchy video of herself clad in her panties and a top as she showed her female followers how to get the D from behind.

Pastor confesses to sleeping with a member's wife after he was caught in the act by the woman's son in Edo state

                                    

A pastor was publicly humiliated after he was allegedly caught with the wife of one of his members in Benin, Edo state.

In a video going viral online, Pastor Innocent of Army Power Ministry in Benin, Edo state, is seen confessing to sleeping with the wife of a church member.

The pastor and the woman were caught in the act by the woman's son who then raised alarm, attracting members of the community. The pastor was then stripped of his shirt and taken to an uncompleted building where he was beaten. He then confessed to the act.

"How e take happen?" members of the community can be heard asking.

"I'll talk. Let me talk abeg," Pastor Innocent pleaded.

He went on: "Yes, na true. Everything na true."

The son of the woman who caught the pastor with his mother can be heard in the background asking the pastor to narrate what happened and how.

The pastor said: "Me and your mama. Yes.... We we we sleep together for Aduawa."

Someone can be heard suggesting that they kill him but another voice can be heard opposing to it, saying, "No touch am oh. No touch am."

The son of the woman involved with the pastor asked him three times, "You sleep with my mama?" and each time the pastor replied, "Yes".

He proceeded to ask the pastor in whose room he had intercourse with his mother, and the pastor replied: "Una house.

Breaking: Election Tribunal unanimously upholds Kayode Fayemi's victory as the duly elected governor of Ekiti State

                               

Moments ago, an election tribunal sitting in Abuja unanimously struck out the case of the Peoples Democratic Party Governorship candidate in Ekiti State, Olusola Eleka and upheld Dr Kayode Fayemi of the APC as a duly elected governor of the state.

A petition had been filed by candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the July 14 governorship election, Prof. Kolapo Olusola challenging the electoral victory of the All Progressives Congress candidate, Dr Kayode Fayemi.

In an over 700-page petition, Olusola had asked the Ekiti Governorship Election Petition Tribunal to declare him as the winner of the election “having scored the majority of lawful votes.”

Beyonce stuns in plunging red mini dress with matching thigh-high boots in new photos

                              

Pop Queen, Beyonce who is currently enjoying a break from work, after wrapping up her 'On The Run II' tour' with husband Jay-Z last year, looked all gorgeous in these new photos she shared.

The 37-year-old mother of three was pictured rocking a plunging velvet mini dress and matching pair of thigh-high boots in the alluring Instagram shoot.

See full photos below.

If I die today, hold the Federal government responsible- Governor Ortom says

                                

Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue state has said that the Buhari-led government is after his life and that if anything happens to him, the government should be held responsible. 

Speaking to newsmen at the Benue State Governor’s Lodge, Abuja on Monday January 28th, Governor Ortom said since his defection from APC to PDP in June 2018, the Federal government has been after his life.

“If I die today, the federal government should be held responsible,” he said.

Why we sealed CJN Onnoghen’s office – Police

                               

Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) were at the offices of the Chief Justice of Nigeria Walter Onnoghen to prevent any tampering with State documents, Daily Trust gathered on Monday.

A police source said the men were acting on an intelligence report that the suspension of the CJN may lead to possible tampering with other sensitive government documents.

It was gathered that Onnoghen is expected to clear the office of his personal effects as his suspension is sustained by federal government.

It was noted that the presence of police men at the CJN’s office was not to prevent him from accessing the office.

Attempts to contact the spokesman of the Nigeria Police Force ACP Frank MBA for comments on the police operation was unsuccessful.

He did not respond to calls or replied text messages at the time of filing this report.

Breaking: CCT adjourns trial of suspended CJN, Onnoghen indefinitely

                              

The Code of Conduct Tribunal, CCT, has adjourned indefinitely further hearing on the non assets declaration charge filed against suspended Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghe by the Federal Government.

At the resumed hearing of the case today, the chairman of the Tribunal, Danladi Umar, said its decision to suspend Justice Onnoghen’s trial was based on the order of the Court of Appeal in Abuja.

“Inview of the Court of Appeal order for stay of proceedings and out of respect for the Court of Appeal, the tribunal hereby adjourn this matter sine-die (indefinitely) pending the determination of the Appeal before the Court of Appeal”, Mr. Umar ruled.

Only the CCT Chairman and the third member of the panel, Mrs. Julie Amabo, attended the sitting.

You benefited from credible polls, Atiku tells Buhari

                                

The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar has asked President Muhammadu Buhari to “stop his dictatorial tendencies” and guarantee a free, fair and credible general election.

Addressing a press conference this morning at Yar’adu Center in Abuja, Atiku said Buhari benefited from a free and fair election in 2015 and should do same under his watch.

Atiku, a former Vice President, also called on Nigerians to vote out the All Progressives Congress (APC) led government in the general elections, adding that Nigeria does not deserve “an undemocratic and tyrannical” government.

Atiku condemned the suspension of the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Walter Onnoghen, saying it is not about whether the CJN was guilty or not, but about the “illegality” of the process that led to his suspension.

Onnoghen should resign honorably- Femi Falana

                               

Lawyer and Humanrights activist, Femi Falana, has asked suspended Chief Justice of Niferia CJN, Justice Walter Onnoghen, to resign honorably after his suspension must have been lifted by President Buhari.

Onnoghen who admitted in his letter to the Code of Conduct Tribunal that he forgot to declare some of his assets after he assumed office in March 2017, was suspended by President Buhari on Friday January 25th.

Speaking on Channels TV yesterday January 27th, Falana said

“The government should as a matter of urgency, lift the suspension on the Chief Justice since the Chief Justice as so much to on his own admitted that he did not declare his assets, he should do the needful by calling it quits”.

He added that after the suspension has been lifted, Justice Onnoghen should quit the bench because he has already admitted that he failed in his duty to declare his asset as required by the constitution.

The Senior Advocate further argued it was wrong for President Buhari to have sspended Justice Onnoghen based on an ex parte order of the code of conduct tribunal. He said by so doing the President did not follow due process, stressing that the government must learn to obey the rule of law.

“You can’t fight corruption without following due process,” Falana said.

Update: Policeman killed in Benin was a member of a cult group - Edo State Commissioner of Police

                                   

The Commissioner of Police in Edo State , Hakeem Odumosun, has disclosed that the policeman killed by unknown gunmen in Benin on Saturday night was a member of a secret cult.

LIB  had reported that the police officer identified as Oisa Monday Ehigie, the orderly to the Chairman of Ikpoba-Okha local government area, Dr. Eric Osayande, was shot dead along the Normayo / Sakponba road in Benin City.

It was also said that the killing might not be unconnected with activities of secret cults that had claimed several lives in the city recently.

The CP said that two other persons were killed in the shootout that claimed the life of the officer .

According to him , the slain policeman died while fighting on the side of his cult group against rival cult group.

“Three people were killed in the fight — the Police officer and two others. I have gone to see his family. It is a cult killing and the officer is a cultist, ” the CP added.

The Commissioner said that arrests have been made in relation to the killings and some guns recovered.

Boko Haram members kill soldier scheduled to wed this Friday Feb. 1st

                                 

A Nigerian soldier who was due to get married this Friday February 1st, has died in a recent attack by Boko Haram members. According to his friends who are mourning on social media, Isa who killed in the recent Boko Haram attack in Buni Yadi, Yobe state. 

Himself and his bride-to-be recently had their pre-wedding photos released and were anticipating their big day. Sadly, that would never happen as his life was cut short while prosecuting the war against the sect members.

May his soul rest in peace, Amen.

Search for Emiliano Sala and pilot of missing plane reopens after fans and footballers raise £277,000

                                

Emiliano Sala's family have launched a private search for the footballer and the pilot of the missing plane in the hope that they might still be alive.

The search for the missing plane was called off last week after days of searching with no trace of the plane or its occupants. 

But Emiliano Sala's family and friends have refused to give up hope and intend to continue with the search with funds raised from a GoFundMe campaign, which has so far raised more than £277,000 donated by more than 4,300 people.

The GoFundMe appeal was launched by Sport Cover, a Paris-based football agency run by the new Cardiff City player’s agent Meissa N’Diaye.

Romina Sala, Emiliano Sala's sister

Relatives and friends of the Argentinian striker arrived in Guernsey on Saturday after the official rescue operation was called off. One of the world’s leading shipwreck hunters, David Mearns, has been brought in to lead the search and is expected to use the latest underwater technology.

The rescue mission for Sala and missing pilot David Ibbotson will be launched next week after bad weather passes over the English Channel.

David Ibbotson

Mr Mearns, who was said to be speaking on behalf of the family, said they wanted to be near where the plane was last located and to have some of their questions answered.

He said:

The family still have some hope, they’re looking at this as a missing person, a missing plane, and until they are satisfied, that’s the mode that we’re in.

 

Simi shares official photo from her wedding to celebrate Adekunle Gold's birthday, but she disables comment on the post

                                  

Its Adekunle Gold's birthday today and his wife, Simi just shared an interesing photo from their wedding to celebrate him.

Simi however disabled comments on the post as she's been under pressure to share more photos from her wedding.

Below is her birthday message to her hubby;

Light of my life. I love you. I also really like you and the way you do ur tins.

I’m such a lucky babe. You’re also lucky af, but iss ur beday, so yea, let’s focus on the celebrant.

I know God knows how much I want you to shine and prosper and win and laugh and be happy, so I pray God grants my heart desires. Happy birthday Champ

Davido and Chioma kissed on stage at his concert in London

                                 

On Sunday night, Davido had a sold-out concert at the O2 Arena in London. 

One of the highlights of the show was the moment Chioma, his girlfriend, got on stage as he sang the song he dedicated to her '' Assurance''.

The couple cared less as they locked lips.

INEC excludes Amina Zakari from Collation center of the Presidential poll results

                                

As the general elections draw nearer, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has excluded Amina Zakari and other national commissioners from the collation of presidential poll results. The electoral body had initially designated Zakari to lead the collation center during the Presidential election on February 16th. This followed a public outcry with many claiming that Zakari is a relative of President Buhari, an allegation that has been denied by the Presidency and Zakari herself.

According to The Nation newspaper, the collation of election results would be done at the collation secretariat and not the collation centre.

“No national commissioner is in charge of collation of presidential poll results. It is true that there is what is called collation centre but it is separate from the collation secretariat, which is responsible for the collation of results.

“No national commissioner will be appointed into the secretariat committee. So, Hajiya Amina Zakari or any national commissioner does not have anything to do with the collation of results.” a source told the Nation.

Police seal off CJN Walter Onnoghen’s office, eject administrative staff

                                  

Fresh reports confirm that the Nigerian police have sealed off the office of the Chief Justice of Nigeria,  Justice Walter Onnoghen, who was suspended by President Buhari, last week,

According to a report by Punch, the move appears to stop any possibility of Onnoghen accessing the office as policemen were said to have sealed the office and ejected all administrative staff in the axis of the CJN office as early as 7am on Monday.

A source said, “the police have sealed the office of the CJN. Officers and men of the Force went to the administrative staff offices at about 7am and ordered clerical and other staff who were already at their desks to leave after which they locked up everywhere.”

The National Judicial Council has fixed Tuesday for an emergency meeting to deliberate on the sudden suspension of Onnoghen and swearing in of Justice Tanko Muhammad as the Acting CJN by President Buhari.

INEC approves 144 observers for polls

                               

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has approved 144 domestic and foreign observers for the 2019 General Elections.

A statement by the commission yesterday said those approved will monitor the 2019 general elections holding on February 16 and March 2.

116 are domestic observers, including government and non-governmental organisations, religious bodies and union and the remaining 28 are foreign observers including African Union, ECOWAS, missions, embassies and international organisations among others.

The statement said all accredited observers should abide by the code of conduct for election observers and that the commission reserve the right to cancel and withdraw the accreditation of any organisation if its members or agents breach the code of conduct.

“Accredited groups are to obtain and complete form EC 14A (ii) from the Elections and Party Monitoring Department, INEC Headquarters, Maitama, Abuja between 8am-4pm (Monday-Friday) starting from 28th January, 2019 to 1st February, 2019.

“To ensure prompt and efficient processing of ID cards, all accredited Observer groups are enjoined to compile the list and photographs of their members for deployment on State basis and submit hard and soft copies (CD please, using JPEG drive) to the Elections and Party Monitoring Department, INEC Headquarters on or before 1st February, 2019,” it said.

It added that the distribution of observer kits (including ID cards to individual observers) will be done by the Elections and Party Monitoring (EPM) Heads of Department (HODs) at INEC state offices between 11th -15th February, 2019.

It warned that groups other than those accredited, found in any state for the elections shall be handed over to law enforcement agencies, including accredited field observers found in states other than where they are posted.

ADAORA ONYECHERE SETS THE TRAIL AT THE ACTION ALLIANCE OFFICIAL FLAG-OFF CAMPAIGN FOR UGWUMBA UCHE NWOSU

ADAORA ONYECHERE SETS THE TRAIL AT THE ACTION ALLIANCE OFFICIAL FLAG-OFF CAMPAIGN FOR UGWUMBA UCHE NWOSU

                       

On 25th January, 2019 at the national official flagoff of the Action Alliance (AA) 2019 general elections, history was made at Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri - Imo State as the ex-broadcaster; journalist turned-politician (Adaora Onyerechere) hoisted the party flag on behalf of other candidates for the Imo State House of Assembly. "An amazon" as the party national party chairman explained her to be, was one woman who stood the taste of time; stood firm in the party when all the odds and chips were down. Remarkably, she has stood her ground, keeping firm resolve to represent the voice of the many Nigerian youths and women who were disenfranchised during the primaries of their various party elections.

Adaora Onyechere is the first to reckon with. A Queen of politics in Imo State as she has been known for since joining the politics. She has left no stone unturned; raised the bar for Nigerian youths and created an enviable platform for the rest of Nigerian women to come in and join in policy making and development at the grass-root. Her strength in mobilization and her keen interest to her people has continued to give her the energy to drive this to its total grand finale.

A woman who this victory in hoisting the flag of her party on behalf of the members who are running for State House of Assembly also shows that perhaps, this is the  first time Okigwe would have its first female representative for Imo State House of Assembly. Amongst all men, she strongly stands tall.

She is gradually growing into the times of Margaret​ Ekpos; the Fumilayo Ramsome-Kutis; the great women politicians of our time who have stood the tides. The Ngozi Okonjo-Iweallas; the Oby Ezekwesili and yes! the Adaora Onyechere of the new generation women who would take politics, redefine it and create an enabling environment for all Nigerian youths as well as the women.

As a matter of fact, this has been made possible by God almighty through one of the most upright and transparent leaders of political parties in Nigeria - Chief Barr. Ken Udenze. A man who has stood his firm resolve in making sure that women are equally represented and given an enabling environment through Action Alliance (AA). He is the first and foremost man who has genetically created this doctrine of necessity to make sure that in the years to come especially as we look at 2023, more competent and credible women would be able to come out, run for for election and win their elections because the party sincerely believes in them.

Gov El-Rufai's son, Bashir, describes Ojukwu as a failed hero

                                      

Bashir El-Rufai, son of Kaduna state governor, Nasir El-Rufai, had  posted a photo on Twitter last Sunday,  to celebrate Enugu state governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, for respecting President Buhari despite their different political and ethnic class. In his tweet, Bashir referred to Enugu state as the Home of the Great Ojukwu.

A Twitter user who is from the South East corrected him, howbeit disrespectully, that Enugu state is not the home of Ojukwu. Bashir found his comment disrespectful and the war of words ensued to the point that Bashir described the late  Biafran leader, Odumegwu Ojukwu as a failed hero.

Read their exchange below.