Buhari has impacted the poor than previous presidents, Festus Keyamo claims

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Media director of Buhari Campaign Organisation Festus Keyamo said no Nigerian government has touched the lives of the poor like President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration has done in three years.

Keyamo, a human rights lawyer made this known at the inauguration of Buhari/Osinbajo Project 2019 in Ilorin, Kwara state capital.  He said the previous administrations established the worst system of government.

“I can tell that there is no government in the history of this country since 1960 that has addressed the plights the poor, the vulnerable in the last three years than this government,” Keyamo said.

“If you compare what accrued to the country in 16 years and what was done with the money earned in three years and infrastructure built by Buhari, you will see the difference,”

According to him, before Buhari came on board, over 24 state governments were unable to pay the salaries of their workers.

He said the administration, with prudent management of resources, approved bailout funds to the states to clear the arrears and address their critical challenges.

“We should not go back to that era of nonpayment of salary and suffering of the masses,” Keyamo added.

He said Buhari with his sharing formula has done was to take the bullet from the rich to protect the poor unlike previous governments.

“They operated a system that ignored physical infrastructure in the country, that ignored the plight of the poor, the weak and the vulnerable in Nigeria,”

“In 16 years, all they did in the South East was Onisha-Owerri road, whereas, in three years, President Buhari is doing four major road construction in the region. You have a president who has fought for you, why can’t you fight for him,” Keyamo said.

He, therefore, urged Nigerians to support the president in next year’s elections, saying ”this is the time he needs you more to fight for him…. We must remind ourselves today why we must stand firmly behind him in 2019,”

By Dennis Erezi

2014 Muslim-Muslim ticket arrangement is why Tinubu is fighting me – Saraki

* Says Tinubu is fighting him because he kicked against Muslim- Muslim Ticket in 2014 ahead of 2015 Election
* Says Buhari’s Administration treated the Legislature with contempt, as an appendage and that was not acceptable to him
* Says Tinubu also expressed displeasure with Buhari’s style of Government
* Accuses Tinubu of Engaging in Rhetorics, he vowed to support Buhari for 2019 even on a Stretcher to South West Presidency in 2023
* Reiterates that he left the APC due to certain elements and Forces

Saraki and Tinubu

By Henry Umoru
ABUJA- SENATE President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, Monday took a swipe at All Progressives Congress, APC Stalwart, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu for accusing him that he dumped the party for the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP because he wanted automatic ticket and sharing of the national wealth, saying that the former Lagos State governor was only engaging in rhetorics.

Saraki noted that he left the APC for PDP because the party generally ignored justice, equity and inclusiveness, just as he said that President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration constantly treated the National Assembly, especially the Senate with contempt and acted as if the law making body should be an appendage of the Executive, which to him, was unacceptable, adding that it became imperative for him to stand by the legislative arm and defend the nation’s democracy.
The Senate President accused Tinubu of fighting him because in 2014, him and other leaders of the party vehemently opposed to plans by the former governor to force the APC to accept the Muslim-Muslim ticket arrangement which was to be foisted on the party for the 2015 polls, adding that he took the bull by the horns and told him that in the interest of the country, he should accept the need for the party to present a balanced ticket for the 2015 General Elections in terms of religion and geo-political zones.

He explained that since then, there have been very active, plotting at every point to undermine him, within and outside the National Assembly.

Responding to accusations by Tinubu that he left the APC for personal reasons and his aspiration for the presidency in 2019, Saraki in a statement he personally signed Monrday said that at different fora, he had complained to the former Lagos State governor on the actions of the government which were detrimental to the government, adding that he had also expressed his reservations that the government would find it difficult to convince the people during elections.

According to the Senate President, Tinubu has also expressed displeasure with the style of government, even as he reiterated that his decision to quit the APC was due to the fact that certain elements and forces were within the party.

He said that opportunities to seek redress and correct the anomalies that were expressed by him and others, were deliberately blocked as a government-within-a-government had formed what he termed, an impregnable wall and left in the cold, everyone else who was not recognized as “one of us”.

Saraki in the statement reminded the APC Chieftain that he( Tinubu) had told him in the course of their discussions that he would support President Buhari for second term in 2019 even on a stretcher because there would be power shift to the South West in 2023.

The Senate President who noted that while his own decision was based on protecting collective, national interest, Tinubu will rather live with the identified inadequacies in the government for the sake of fulfilling and preserving his presidential ambition in 2023, adding, “This new position of Tinubu has only demonstrated inconsistency, particularly when one reviews his antecedent over the years.”

Saraki in the statement titled, “the Tinubu Rhetoric – My Response, said, “I have always restrained from joining issues in the media with Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and this is based on my respect for him. However, I will not allow him to create a wrong, false and mischievous impression about the reasons for my decision to exit the All Progressives Congress (APC) and present his prejudices as facts for public consumption.

“I have been consistent in my complaints to all leaders of the APC, including Tinubu, that a situation where the National Assembly is not constructively engaged or carried along in key policy decisions, particularly those that will eventually require legislative approval, is not in the best interest of the nation. No genuine leader of the legislature will be comfortable that the Presidency will simply write a terse letter to the National Assembly on key issues which the federal legislature is expected to later deliberate upon and give its approval. The Buhari administration consistently treat the legislature with contempt and act as if the law making body should be an appendage of the Executive. To me, that is unacceptable.

“In the same way, I find it very objectionable that many stakeholders who worked strenuously to get the administration into office have now been excluded in the government and not consulted on key decisions as necessary and expected. In fact, some of them are treated as pariah. A party which ignores justice, equity and inclusion as basic pre-condition for peace, unity and stability cannot sustain its membership and leadership.

“Let me redirect the attention of the former Governor of Lagos State to the aspect of my July 31, 2018, statement announcing my exit from APC in which I emphasized that the decision “has been inescapably imposed on me by certain elements and forces within the APC who have ensured that the minimum conditions for peace, cooperation, inclusion and a general sense of belonging did not exist”.

“In that statement, I further noted that those APC elements “have done everything to ensure that the basic rules of party administration, which should promote harmonious relations among the various elements within the party were blatantly disregarded. All governance principles which were required for a healthy functioning of the party and the government were deliberately violated or undermined. And all entreaties for justice, equity and fairness as basic precondition for peace and unity, not only within the party, but also the country at large, were simply ignored, or employed as additional pretext for further exclusion. The experience of my people and associates in the past three years is that they have suffered alienation and have been treated as outsiders in their own party. Thus, many have become disaffected and disenchanted. At the same time, opportunities to seek redress and correct these anomalies were deliberately blocked as a government-within-a-government had formed an impregnable wall and left in the cold, everyone else who was not recognized as “one of us”. This is why my people, like all self-respecting people would do, decided to seek accommodation elsewhere”.

“Tinubu himself will recall that during the various meetings he had with me at the time he was pursuing reconciliation within the party, I raised all the above issues. I can also vividly recall that he himself always expressed his displeasure with the style of the government and also mentioned that he had equally suffered disrespect from the same government which we all worked to put in office. I also made the point that whatever travails I have gone through in the last three years belong to the past and will definitely not shape my decisions now and in the future.

“However, during those meetings, the point of disagreement between me and him is that while I express my worry that there is nothing on ground to assure me that the administrative style and attitude would change in the next four years in a manner that will enable us deliver the positive changes we promised to our people, he (Tinubu) expressed a strong opinion that he would rather ‘support a Buhari on the hospital stretcher’ to get a second term because in 2023, power will shift to the South-west. This Tinubu viewpoint was not only expressed to me but to several of my colleagues. So much for acting in national interest.

“It is clear that while my own decision is based on protecting collective, national interest, Tinubu will rather live with the identified inadequacies in the government for the sake of fulfilling and preserving his presidential ambition in 2023. This new position of Tinubu has only demonstrated inconsistency, particularly when one reviews his antecedent over the years.

“Again, let me reiterate my position that my uncertain and complex relationship with Tinubu has been continually defined by the event of 2014 when myself and other leaders of the APC opposed the Muslim-Muslim ticket arrangement about to be foisted on the APC for the 2015 polls. It should be noted that he has not forgotten the fact that I took the bull by the horns and told him that in the interest of the country, he should accept the need for the party to present a balanced ticket for the 2015 General Elections in terms of religion and geo-political zones. Since that time he has been very active, plotting at every point to undermine me, within and outside the National Assembly.

“It is a surprise to me that Asiwaju Tinubu is still peddling the falsehood about the fact that my defection is about automatic ticket and sharing of resources. Members of the public will recall that when the issue of my decision to quit APC came to the fore and many APC leaders were holding meetings with me, a newspaper owned by the same Tinubu published a false report about the promise of automatic ticket, oil block and other benefits. I immediately rebutted their claims and categorically stated that I never discussed any such personal and pecuniary benefits with anybody. My challenge that anybody who has contrary facts should come forward with them still remains open.

“It should be known that Democracy is a system which allows people to freely make their choice. It is my choice that I have decided to join others to present a viable alternative platform for Nigerians in the coming elections. Tinubu and leaders of the APC had better respect this decision or lawfully deal with it. As for me, Allah gives power to whom He wishes. Human beings can only aspire and strive to fulfill their aspirations.”

Saraki replies Tinubu, says ‘you lied on why I left APC’

By Anthony Ogbonna

President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has replied the national leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu who had, in an analytical piece about the political situation in Nigeria, titled “They go Away because We go the Right Way,” said both Saraki and the Sokoto State Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal left the APC because the party could not offer them what they wanted.

Saraki

Tinubu, in the political-philosophical analysis accused the duo of leaving the APC because, they both covet the presidency and, according to him, the APC cannot give them their desires.

He said Saraki wants automatic ticket and resource sharing and seeks undemocratic means of achieving his desires.

He also said that had Saraki remained in APC, he would not have been able to reclaim his senate seat much less senate presidency.

However, in a sharp response, Saraki said the APC’s national leader’s analysis is, according to him, as wrong as it is mischievous.

Saraki said he is surprised that Tinubu is “still peddling the falsehood about the fact that my defection is about automatic ticket and sharing of resources.”

Saraki said Tinubu published a false report about the promise of automatic tickets, oil blocks and other benefits in a newspaper he owns.

He said, It was his choice “to join others to present a viable alternative platform for Nigerians in the coming elections and that, since democracy is a system that allows people to freely make their choices, then “Tinubu and leaders of the APC had better respect this decision or lawfully deal with it.”
Below is the full response:

“I have always restrained from joining issues in the media with Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and this is based on my respect for him. However, I will not allow him to create a wrong, false and mischievous impression about the reasons for my decision to exit the All Progressives Congress (APC) and present his prejudice as facts for public consumption.

I have been consistent in my complaints to all leaders of the APC, including Tinubu, that a situation where the National Assembly is not constructively engaged or carried along in key policy decisions, particularly those that will eventually require legislative approval, is not in the best interest of the nation.

No genuine leader of the legislature will be comfortable that the Presidency will simply write a terse letter to the National Assembly on key issues which the federal legislature is expected to later deliberate upon and give its approval. The Buhari administration consistently treats the legislature with contempt and acts as if the lawmaking body should be an appendage of the Executive. To me, this is unacceptable.

In the same way, I find it very objectionable that many stakeholders who worked strenuously to get the administration into office have now been excluded in the government and not consulted on key decisions as necessary and expected. In fact, some of them are treated as pariahs. A party that ignores justice, equity and inclusion as basic pre-conditions for peace, unity and stability cannot sustain its membership and leadership.

Let me redirect the attention of the former Governor of Lagos State to the aspect of my July 31, 2018, statement announcing my exit from APC in which I emphasized that the decision “has been inescapably imposed on me by certain elements and forces within the APC who have ensured that the minimum conditions for peace, cooperation, inclusion and a general sense of belonging did not exist”.

In that statement, I further noted that those APC elements “have done everything to ensure that the basic rules of party administration, which should promote harmonious relations among the various elements within the party were blatantly disregarded.

All governance principles which were required for a healthy functioning of the party and the government were deliberately violated or undermined. And all entreaties for justice, equity and fairness as basic precondition for peace and unity, not only within the party, but also the country at large, were simply ignored, or employed as additional pretext for further exclusion.

The experience of my people and associates in the past three years is that they have suffered alienation and have been treated as outsiders in their own party. Thus, many have become disaffected and disenchanted. At the same time, opportunities to seek redress and correct these anomalies were deliberately blocked as a government-within-a-government had formed an impregnable wall and left in the cold, everyone else who was not recognized as “one of us”. This is why my people, like all self-respecting people would do, decided to seek accommodation elsewhere”.

Tinubu himself will recall that during the various meetings he had with me at the time he was pursuing reconciliation within the APC, I raised all the above issues. I can also vividly recall that he himself always expressed his displeasure with the style of the government and also mentioned that he had equally suffered disrespect from the same government which we all worked to put in office. I also made the point that whatever travails I have gone through in the last three years belong to the past and will not shape my decisions now and in the future.

However, during those meetings, the point of disagreement between Tinubu and I is that while I expressed my worries that there is nothing on ground to assure me that the administrative style and attitude would change in the next four years in a manner that will enable us to deliver the positive changes we promised to our people, he (Tinubu) expressed a strong opinion that he would rather ‘support a Buhari on the hospital stretcher’ to get a second term because in 2023, power will shift to the South-west. This viewpoint of Tinubu’s was not only expressed to me but to several of my colleagues. So much for acting in national interest.
It is clear that while my own decision is based on protecting the collective national interest, Tinubu will rather live with the identified inadequacies of the government for the sake of fulfilling and preserving his presidential ambition in 2023. This new position of Tinubu has only demonstrated inconsistency — particularly when one reviews his antecedents over the years.

Again, let me reiterate my position that my uncertain and complex relationship with Tinubu has been continually defined by the event of 2014 when myself and other leaders of the APC opposed the Muslim-Muslim ticket arrangement about to be foisted on the APC for the 2015 polls. It should be noted that he has not forgotten the fact that I took the bull by the horns and told him that in the interest of the country, he should accept the need for the party to present a balanced ticket for the 2015 General Elections in terms of religion and geo-political zones. Since that time he has been very active; plotting at every point to undermine me, both within and outside the National Assembly.

It is a surprise to me that Asiwaju Tinubu is still peddling the falsehood about the fact that my defection is about automatic ticket and sharing of resources. Members of the public will recall that when the issue of my decision to quit APC came to the fore and many APC leaders were holding meetings with me, a newspaper owned by the same Tinubu published a false report about the promise of automatic tickets, oil blocks and other benefits. I immediately rebutted their claims and categorically stated that I never discussed any such personal and pecuniary benefits with anybody. My challenge that anybody who has contrary facts should come forward with them still remains open.
It should be known that Democracy is a system that allows people to freely make their choices. It is my choice that I have decided to join others to present a viable alternative platform for Nigerians in the coming elections. Tinubu and leaders of the APC had better respect this decision or lawfully deal with it. As for me, Allah gives power to whom He wishes. Human beings can only aspire and strive to fulfill their aspirations.”

World Mosquito Day: U.S. reaches 570m people in 24 countries.

On World Mosquito Day, the U.S. Government says it has reached 570 million people in 24 “malaria endemic” countries with malaria treatment and prevention services.

World Mosquito Day, observed annually on Aug. 20, is a commemoration of British doctor Sir Ronald Ross’s discovery in 1897 that female mosquitoes transmit malaria between humans.

Ross is responsible for the annual observance, having declared shortly after his discovery that the day should be known as World Mosquito Day in the future.

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) on its official Twitter handle on Monday, stated that it had been able to reach countries through the U.S. President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI).
Using the #WorldMosquitoDay, the USAID added that malaria “is the leading cause of death in children under five years old.

“In sub-Saharan Africa, malaria is the leading cause of death in children under five years old.

“The PMI and partners have reached 570 million people in 24 malaria endemic countries with malaria treatment and prevention services.”
USAID also noted that, through the PMI, more than 268 million insecticide-treated nets had been distributed in 27 countries since 2005.

The agency added that treated bed nets were responsible for two-thirds of the seven million lives saved between 2000 and 2015 worldwide.

“We look for these numbers to climb as more people get nets and net technology continues to advance.”

Mosquitoes kill about 445,000 people each year, through the transmission of malaria.

The PMI report stated that some estimates showed that eliminating malaria could save 11 million lives and yield an estimated $2 trillion in economic benefits from gains in productivity and health savings.

“The last decade has brought a number of advances in fighting malaria-carrying mosquitoes, including long-lasting insecticide treated nets and new insecticides for indoor residual spraying.

“New uses of technology, such as mobile phones and internet, can enhance timeliness and quality of relevant data and improve decision-making.

“In the coming years, we anticipate innovations in insecticides and a possible malaria vaccine,” the report stated.

Also, in its 12th Annual Report to the US Congress, released in April 2018, it stated that malaria remained a major public health challenge, despite the progress recorded in malaria interventions.
It added that the challenge could slow down progress made.

“Malaria prevention and control remains an important U.S. foreign assistance priority.

“Foreign assistance investments by the U.S. Government empower people, communities, and economies to progress on the path to self-reliance, and malaria interventions are among the most cost-effective.”

The PMI and other global partners have continually supported governments to prevent malaria mortality, morbidity and ensuring its elimination through a five-year strategy.

The strategy, which spans 2015 till 2020, aims at creating a world without malaria.

World Mosquito Day, observed annually on 20 August, is a commemoration of Sir Ronald Ross’ discovery in 1897 that female mosquitoes transmit malaria between humans.

Ross is responsible for the annual observance, having declared shortly after his discovery that the day should be known as World Mosquito Day in the future. (NAN)

Source: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/08/world-mosquito-day-u-s-reaches-570m-people-in-24-countries/

NECO June/July SSCE Results 2018 Out

The National Examinations Council (NECO) June /July 2018 SSCE results have been released. This was disclosed by the acting Registrar/Chief Executive of the Council, Alhaji Abubakar M.Gana.

According to him, a total number of 1,041,536 registered for the examination while 1,032,729 sat for the examination.

A Comparative analysis of candidates with 5 credits and above including English language and Mathematics for 2017 and 2018 shows 70.85 percent for 2017 and 71.48 percent for 2018, showing an increase of 0.63 percent in 2018.
He further disclosed that that there is a drastic decrease in this year examination malpractices. It was also gathered that nine thousand of the candidates that registered for the examinations did not sit for the papers.

S’East region initiates platform for OGP

By Luminous Jannamike
Governments of the five states of the Southeast have established a collective platform to drive transparency and development in the region based on the principles of the Open Government Partnership, OGP.

The platform known as “Sorochia” will be chaired by the Anambra state Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Mark Okoye, for the next two years.

A statement by Agabaidu Jideani, the Director-General of Sorochia says the initiative is a multi-stakeholder effort that aims at challenging South East governments and local societies to improve quality of governance, spread good practices, reform legislations, improve public participation and closely monitor implementation and impact of public programs.

According to him, the initiative which has received the nod of the Nigeria OGP national secretariat will also coordinate the region’s effort towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for the people.

The statement reads: “The people and governments of the South East zone of the country have established a Multi-Stakeholder Initiative to drive transparency and development around OGP and the SDGs for the zone.

“The Anambra State Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget Mr. Mark Okoye has been tasked with leading the South East efforts at establishing and implementing the Transparency and Development imperatives of the Open Government Partnership (OGP) and achieving the set objectives of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the Zone.

“The Multi-Stakeholder Initiative is aimed at challenging South East governments and societies to improve governance, spread good practices, reform legislations, improve public participation and closely monitor implementation and impact of public programs.

“It will provide a platform for peer learning and shared experiences and utilize economies of scale to reduce costs in the introduction and implementation of the OGP principles and SDGs in the South East Zone. This will be cascaded to the local governments and communities utilizing existing formal and informal platforms whilst ensuring inclusivity."

CD demands improved infrastructure in Onitsha

The Campaign for Democracy (CD) has called on Gov. Willie Obiano of Anambra to improve the state of public infrastructure in Onitsha, the state’s commercial hub.

Gov Obiano
The National Publicity Secretary of CD, Mr Dede Uzor, via a statement made available to newsmen in Onitsha on Sunday, said most of the contractors executing road projects were not doing good jobs.
“We call on the governor and his commissioner for works to rise up to their responsibilities to address failed roads in Onitsha and environs.

“Some of the roads le Modebe Avenue, Niger Street were 60 per cent rehabilitated and poorly done with sub-standard materials.

“These roads should be revisited for the poor rehabilitation work done on them.
“Other roads affected are Miss Elems/Port Harcourt Road, Zik Avenue/Ochanja junction, Bida Road, Mbonu Ojike Street, Iweka Road to Main Market, Creek Road, Obodo-Ukwu Road and Nwaziki Avenue,” Uzor said.

He said Orlu Street/Aro-Ndizogu, upper-part of Oguta Road and other strategic roads in Fegge, Iyiowa-Odekpe, Awada, Omagba and Nkpor areas near Onitsha, also require standard rehabilitation.
According to him, these roads are in dire need of attention because motorists are having night mares plying them.

“Government should also extend the installation of lights to all these streets,” he stressed.
The group also asked the state government to construct new water schemes in the area to meet the water needs of the people as most residents rely on private boreholes for potable water.

“There has been collapse of public water system even before this current administration, while dependence on boreholes in Onitsha and environs has resulted in unknown sicknesses among the residents.

“The state government as a matter of urgency should revive the Greater Onitsha Water scheme.
“The state government should also help to improve power supply by providing transformers to Fegge, Odoakpu, Okpoko, Awada and others areas, he said.

2019 election won and lost, APC boasts to PDP

By Omeiza Ajayi

The predictions of a high-stakes political battle ahead of 2019 election, appear to have been corroborated yesterday by the All Progressives Congress, APC, declaration that the poll had been won and lost. A stateument by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Yekini Nabena accused the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, of using propaganda to attract votes.

In addition, APC said the party was being obsessed with the amendment to Nigeria’s Electoral Act which had not been signed.

The statement reads: “The PDP has realised that the 2019 election has been won and lost. If the election is held today, it is clear that the APC will win by a landslide, judging by visible and landmark achievements recorded by the President Buhari administration. This is an apparent fact that gives the PDP sleepless nights. Hence its daily lies and propaganda in its desperate early campaign to attract non- existent votes

“PDP’s attempt to hide under the yet to be assented Electoral Act Amendment Bill is an attempt to draw attention away from the treasonable actions of the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki who has refused to convene the National Assembly to consider at plenary the crucial 2019 Election Budget of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)”.

“The Electoral Amendment Bill passed by the National Assembly is alive and awaiting assent. However, assent to bills in all democratic governments reflects the prudence and discretion of the president in balancing the powers of key constitutional bodies and understanding the concerns of the executive.

“While we strongly condemn the abuse of office by the Senate President backed by his PDP cohorts in sabotaging the executive, specifically INEC, all well-meaning Nigerians have a duty to speak up and ensure that the National Assembly performs its constitutional role and not serve an individual’s personal interest.

“We call on all Nigerians, civil society and indeed the international community to resist the ongoing travesty and legislative rascality being perpetuated by the Senate President and the PDP. The sanctity of our electoral system is being threatened by this orchestrated sabotage and deliberate attempt to weaken INEC as we prepare for the general elections in 2019. The National Assembly must be convened immediately.’

Source:  https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/08/2019-election-won-and-lost-apc-boasts-to-pdp/

INEC extends voters registration exercise by 2 weeks.

…Registers 23 new political parties

Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)

By Omeiza Ajayi

ABUJA —Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has extended the ongoing voter registration exercise by two weeks.

This came as the commission said it has registered 23 new political parties, bringing the number of registered political parties in the country to 91.

The commission had sent letters of invitation to the affected chairmen of the new parties to pick their certificates of registration from the commission tomorrow.

The development presents huge logistical challenge for the electoral umpire, with the ballot paper set to be expanded to accommodate more parties.

Among the newly political parties registered by INEC, yesterday, were African Action Congress, AAC; Alliance for a United Nigeria, AUN; Alliance National Party, ANP; Allied Peoples’ Movement, APM, among others.

Source: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/08/inec-extends-voters-registration-exercise-by-2-weeks/

Senior Lecturer, son rape 13-year-old maid

A 51-year-old Senior Lecturer in the Department of Catering and Hotel Management, Benue State Polytechnic, Ugbokolo, Andrew Ogbuja, has been nabbed and dragged to court for allegedly raping his 13 years old housemaid.

Mr. Ogbuja’s teenage son, Victor, was also alleged to have been part of the sexual molestation of the victim, but is now at large.

Andrew Ogbuja, who was arraigned before a Makurdi Upper Area Court on Monday, was arrested last Friday after the victim’s family raised the alarm.
When the case came up, the accused pleaded with the judge to temper justice with mercy, asking to be granted bail so he can go back home to have the matter resolved amicably, considering his status, especially as he was caught in the act.

The accused, who spoke through his counsel, David Ojile, equally promised to take full responsibility for the treatment of the victim, saying it was a family matter.

His plea was, however, rejected by the trial judge, Mr. Sam Kwen, who ordered the lecturer remanded at Makurdi Federal Prisons.

The case
Earlier the Police prosecutor, Inspector Patrick Sunday, told the court that on August 8, at about 12 noon, the International Federation of Women Lawyers, Benue State chapter, in company of one Rose Abah of Ogene Amadu Edumoga, Okpokwu Local Government Area of the state, reported the matter at the Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department, CIID, of the state police command.

According to the prosecutor, “from the First Information Report, FIR, before the court, Mrs. Abah claimed that sometime in February, when her 13-year-old daughter was sick and admitted at Federal Medical Centre, Makurdi, she told her that when she was staying with her cousin-sister, Felicia Ogbuja in Ugbokolo town between 2013 and 2015, her son, Victor Ogbuja, raped her.

“She further said that her cousin’s husband, Andrew Ogbuja, also had canal knowledge of her.”
He said during police investigation, the said Andrew Ogbuja was arrested, while the said Victor Ogbuja was at large, noting that “the offence is punishable under Sections 97 and 284 of the Penal Code of Benue State 2004.”
However, no plea was taken because the court lacked the jurisdiction to hear the case, while the judge, Mr. Kwen, adjourned the case to September 24.

Sodomised, too
Speaking to newsmen after the court sitting, a caregiver and Founder of Restorer of PathCare Foundation, Evangelist Enewa Soo, stated that sometime in June, the case was reported to her through the International Federation of Women Lawyers and she has since been making sure that the victim’s health was restored.

Soo said: “At the time they brought the girl, she was very sick and when we began to make our findings, we discovered that she was actually raped and the doctors confirmed that she was allegedly sexually abused through the virgina and the anus by one Victor Ogbuja, her guardian’s son.

“Since then we have been trying to see how we can restore her health. We took her to a teaching hospital where series of tests were carried out and she has also been booked for Vesicovaginal Fistula, VVF, operation in Jos, Plateau State, from September 16 to 17.”

Soo lamented that the girl had been emotionally and mentally depressed as a result of her situation and called on parents to beware of who they leave their children with.

The son started in 2013, says victim
Narrating her ordeal, the victim, a JSS 1 student of Federal Government College, Gboko, said her guardian’s son first raped her in 2013 and warned her never to disclose it to anyone.

Her story: “It all started in 2013 when I came to live with my mother’s sister in Ugbokolo because there was no school in my village.

“When I was eight years old, the son started sleeping with me and when his sister caught him, she reported him to their father and the father scolded him.

“From there, the father also started sleeping with me and I told my mother. My mother told my elder sister, who later took me to Makurdi for check up. Last year September, when I went to school and started feeling sick, I was taken to Federal Medical Centre, Makurdi, where I spent two months and five days before I was discharged.

“In the hospital, they discovered that what my aunty’ son and his father did to me was responsible for my condition. My mother went to confront my aunty and the husband, but they did not take the matter serious, that is why we brought the case here. I want my health back.”

FUT Minna
Meanwhile, the management of Federal University of Technology, Minna, Niger State, has sacked one of its lecturers, Omananyi Yunusa, over his involvement in sexual harassment of a female student of the institution.

The university’s Deputy Director, Information and Publications, Lydia Legbo, said the dismissal of Mr. Yunusa, a lecturer in the Department of Geology, followed the outcome of investigation into alleged sexual assault of a female student in the department over marks.

The dismissal was approved during the University Council’s 131st meeting after an investigative panel constituted by Vice Chancellor, Abdullahi Bala, found Yunusa guilty of inappropriate relationship with the student.

Students react
According to a student of the institution, “the news was kept away from media to avoid distraction. In fact, most other departments were not aware.”
A colleague of the victim, who does not want his name mentioned for fear of victimisation, claimed that Yunusa’s dismissal would “bring peace to the department. My Class Governor is a lady, but feels very reluctant when we want to have anything to do with Mr. Yunusa.

“It got to a time, we felt like impeaching her, only to realise that she was avoiding the lecturer because of harassment. We all got the notice about his dismissal; he disappointed himself.”

The institution’s Vice Chancellor said the dismissal of the lecturer would serve as lesson to others to ensure total elimination of sexual harassment in the university community.
The lecturer’s dismissal follows a similar one in another university.

…other institutions
On June 20, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, dismissed a lecturer, Richard Akindele, after he was found guilty of misconduct with a female student of the school.

Also, on July 12, Lagos State University, LASU, issued a query to Sunkanmi Odubunmi, another lecturer involved in a scandal with a student. The case is before a Joint Action Disciplinary Committee.

By Peter Duru

Source: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/08/senior-lecturer-son-rape-13-year-old-maid/

Awka Prison Inmate Registers for Masters Degree Programme at Open University.

AN inmate of the Awka Prisons in Anambra State, Mr. Jude Onwuzulike has registered for a Master’s degree programme in Information Technology at the National Open University of Nigeria, NOUN.

The 39-year old Onwuzulike, a father of four, was inducted at the 7th matriculation ceremony of the institution held recently at the prison premises. Authorities of NOUN and the Nigeria Prison Service, however decided to organize a special ceremony for the inmates.

The excited Onwuzulike told reporters during the ceremony that he had earlier obtained the Bachelor’s degree and Post Graduate Diploma from the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka and University of Nigeria, respectively before he was sentenced to prison.

He said: “My first degree was in Accounting, which I obtained in 2005, while the second degree was in Mathematics. When I came here, I did a Post Graduate Diploma in Information Technology and I am now pursuing Masters degree in the same discipline.”.

He explained that he had to go into another discipline from his first degree course of study due to what he described as unsatisfactory manner the case that led to his imprisonment was investigated by security operatives, particularly the Department of State Services, DSS. He, however did not give details of what brought him to the prison.

Describing the prison as not conducive for learning, Onwuzulike who is serving life imprisonment, said it would require only a focused person to maximize the opportunity provided by the NOUN.

“Here you see all kinds of people, the uneducated, those who lack parental upbringing and those who were brought up in the motor park.

“As you are reading, they will be distracting you, including asking you to switch off the lights for them to sleep,” he said.

The representative of the Vice chancellor of NOUN, Dr. Scholastica Ezeribe, expressed delight at the inmate’s enthusiasm towards academics.
Ezeribe urged other inmates to utilize the opportunity provided by the government to better the lots of prison inmates, adding that the knowledge they acquired in prison would be of great benefit when they regained their freedom.
According to her, the vice-chancellor of NOUN, Professor Abdalla Adamu was passionate about the programme, which was why he graciously offered it to the inmates free of charge in order to encourage them and to give them hope in life.

The officer in charge of Awka Prisons, DSP Ezenam Andrew said the programme was one of the reformative packages of the Nigeria Prison Service to make the inmates useful and productive so as not to be threats to the society after their discharge from prison.

By Vincent Ujumadu.

MASSOB condemns proposed traditional title for Ganduje

MOVEMENT for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, yesterday condemned the proposed traditional chieftaincy title to be given to Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje of Kano State by HRH, Eze Eberechi Dick in Aba, Abia State.

Members of the Movement for the Survival of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) during their rally to mark the 17th anniversary of the movement, yesterday, in Awka, Anambra State.

The group which described the proposal as a slap on Ndigbo wondered at the rationale for such eloquent honour on a man alleged to have always exhibited ethnical hatred for Ndigbo.

In a statement issued in Abakaliki by the National Director of Information of MASSOB, Comrade Edeson Samuel, the group threatened that it will never allow Governor Ganduje to step his foot in Aba or the palace of HRM, Eberechi Dick, describing the conferrer as a major Biafra saboteur if he decides to go ahead with the conferment of the traditional title on the governor.

“The leadership of the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, has condemned the proposed traditional chieftaincy title on Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, the governor of Kano State by HRM, Eze Eberechi Dick.
“Mere proclamation of such installation is a traditional slap on Ndigbo. What is the rationale for such eloquent honour to a man who grossly and disrespectfully dishonoured and exhibited venoms of ethnical hatred for Ndigbo.

“There are many alleged atrocities and evils committed against Ndigbo by Governor Ganduje. In the case of the alleged murder of an Igbo woman named Mrs Bridget Agbahime in Kano state by sponsored Islamic fundamentalists, Governor Ganduje did nothing in the prosecution of the prime suspects.

“MASSOB recalled that on June 2, the 74-year-old kitchen utensils trader from Imo State was brutally attacked and killed at Kofar Wambai market in Kano by a Muslim mob who accused her of blasphemy. According to Biafra Intelligence Agency’s report, she was pounced upon and murdered after she refused to allow a Muslim man perform ablution in front of her shop.

“And five months into the incident, more than enough time for Governor Ganduje and the Kano State government to have arrived at a closure on that act of bestiality, what did the family get? Just when they were bracing up for a firm prosecution that will lead to conviction, they were treated to the familiar abracadabra that is peculiar to the country’s legal system.

“In what must go down as a classic judicial swindle, the chief magistrate, Muhammad Jibril, acting on the advice of the Attorney General of Kano State through Governor Ganduje discharged the suspects and terminated the case.”

By Peter Okutu.

Nigerian Men Should Impregnate Us Else We Will Hit The Street To Demostrate

Some group of military women reported to be Nigerian have hinted to hit the street soon if men do not approach them for marriage proposals.

According to the information picked by NAIJweb.ng, these female soldiers are in dire need of men who they can also call their husbands.

The most intriguing aspect of all is that, these women want to have babies of their own after making so much money now.

Sadly, the Nigerian men are scared to approach them for marriage leaving them frustrated and devastated.

The information didn’t stated the date and time for their intended protest.

Do you think Nigerian men are fear for which reason they can’t propose to military women?

Burial Arrangement Of Unizik Lecturer

Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.

The University community will tomorrow Wednesday, August 15, 2018 bid farewell to late Dr. Andrew Obiajulu, a Senior lecturer of the Department of Sociology and Anthropology
Dr. Obiajulu, until his death was from Nza-Ozubulu in Ekwusigo Local Government Area, Anambra State.

Obiano’s aide, Chima dies in his sleep

A Senior Special Assistant to Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State, Mr. Randie Chima, has been reported dead.

Chima, according to government sources, was found dead in his room at Nwakpodulu Avenue, Awka, the Anambra State capital.

A Senior Special Assistant to Obiano on Television Documentary, Chima, was reportedly “hale and hearty” at his last outing on Friday.

A source, who pleaded anonymity, said: “I’m surprised to hear this story. That Randie is dead? We were together on Friday. He was hale and hearty. A good man is gone. Randie exercised almost regularly at Ekwueme Square.”

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Haruna Mohammed, confirmed the story yesterday.
He said: “There was a report at B Division, Awka, that one Randie Chima, aged 57 years, of Nwakpodulu Avenue and SSA to Anambra State Governor on Audio Visual Productions, slept the previous night and did not open his door the next day.

“When the door was eventually forced opened after several knocks by his neighbours, his body was found on the bed.

“Following the report, Police detectives attached to B Division, Awka, led by the DCO, visited the scene, photographed the victim and rushed him to Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Awka, where he was certified dead by a medical doctor.”

Source: http://news.bestnaira.com/posts/view/obianos-aide-chima-dies-in-his-sleep