Thursday, 9 June 2022

NigerianEye: “2023 Polls: Igbos under attack in Lagos – Ohanaeze tells Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu” plus 29 more

NigerianEye: “2023 Polls: Igbos under attack in Lagos – Ohanaeze tells Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu” plus 29 more

2023 Polls: Igbos under attack in Lagos – Ohanaeze tells Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu

Posted: 09 Jun 2022 09:02 AM PDT

 


Apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo has condemned the reported attack on the people of South-East resident in Lagos.

 

Several videos currently circulating on social media show several youths being attacked by thugs where they had gone to obtain their Permanent Voters' Cards, PVCs.

 

They could be heard wailing in the video that despite closing shops for that purpose, some hired thugs had prevented them from obtaining the card.

 

Some Igbo youths sustained injuries in the process.

 

Reacting through a statement by its President-General, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide said Ndigbo should not be pushed beyond the walls.

 

"We have already been pushed to the walls, what they are doing now amounts to pushing Ndigbo beyond the walls and the consequences could be drastic.

 

"The two major political parties in the country cannot deny the South-East presidential ticket and at the same time deny them the opportunity to exercise their franchise. This is a call for total anarchy in the land and we are urging the security agencies to rise to the occasion," Okwu said.

 

He called on the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Bola Tinubu and the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu "to call their people to order."

 

"We are saying this because Bola Tinubu has serious hatred for Ndigbo which he demonstrated by shunning the entire South-East during his consultations with delegates ahead of his party's primary election.

 

"We do not begrudge him as it is within his right to choose who to interact with. However, what we will not condone is the mindless and unprovoked attack on Igbos resident in Lagos State.

 

"If those behind this mayhem are not doing his bidding, he should come out and condemn their actions in strong terms. The same goes for the Lagos State Governor, who is the Chief Security Officer. He must ensure the protection of every resident of Lagos State no matter where the person comes from," he cautioned.

 

"We also call on the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to deploy registration materials to churches and other public places in Lagos in order to give Nigerians free access," Okwu further stated.

APC Chairman, Abdullahi Adamu, NWC meets with Tinubu after presidential primary

Posted: 09 Jun 2022 08:58 AM PDT

 


The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Abdullahi Adamu on Thursday met with the party's presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu.

 

Adamu led APC's National Working Committee, NWC, to the meeting with Tinubu.

 

The meeting was disclosed by the APC National Youth Leader, Dayo Israel, via a series of tweets.

 

Israel wrote: "Our National Chairman H.E Abdullahi ADAMU today led us on a courtesy visit to our Presidential Candidate H.E Bola Ahmed Tinubu this afternoon. The full NWC are behind our Candidate.

 

"Hon. Dayo Isreal, together with every NWC members has proven to Nigerians that fair play and the rule of law are well tenable in our great party, the APC.

 

"This commitment has paid off with the emergence of @Official_ABAT as our party's flag bearer."

 

Tinubu emerged the APC flag bearer during the party's Special Convention in Abuja on Wednesday.

 

The former Lagos State governor polled the highest number of votes to defeat other presidential front runners like Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Dave Umahi, and Rotimi Amaechi, amongst others.

 

Prior to the presidential primary, Adamu had suggested the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan as the party's consensus candidate.

 

Adamu's choice was, however, rejected by APC Northern governors, who insisted that the party's flag bearer should be a Southerner.

2023: INEC finally announces closure of all party primaries

Posted: 09 Jun 2022 08:56 AM PDT


Prof Mahmood Yakubu, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the closure of all political party primaries effective Thursday, June 9, 2022.


The Commission has also disclosed plans to start uploading names of nominated candidates of parties to the INEC portal.


INEC made the disclosure during a meeting of State Resident Electoral Commissioners at the Commission's headquarters on Thursday.


The INEC Chairman, Yakubu informed that beginning from Friday, the 10th, to the 17th of June, the 18 political parties in the country are required to upload names and other details of their candidates, including those of presidents and their running mates, Senatorial and federal House of Representatives Candidates.


Similarly, the upload of the list of candidates for state elections, namely, Governors and their Deputies and State Assembly candidates is scheduled for July 1-15th, 2022.


Emphasizing the need for parties to be proactive in responding to deadlines, Yakubu cautioned that the nomination portal would shut down automatically by 6 pm on the 17th for national election candidates and 15th July for those of state election


"All Political Parties are required to upload the details of their candidates for each constituency to the INEC Candidate Nomination Portal (ICNP). To achieve this objective, four officials recommended by each of the 18 political parties were trained on the procedure for uploading the nomination forms to the dedicated web portal. Confidential Access Codes to the portal have already been given to each Political Party to facilitate the uploading of its nominations.


"For emphasis, the Commission wishes to remind Political Parties that only the names of candidates that emerged from democratic primaries as provided by Sec. 84 of the Electoral Act 2022 shall be submitted to the Commission. Similarly, the list of all Presidential and Governorship candidates must be accompanied by the names of their running mates (i.e. Vice Presidential and Deputy Governorship candidates) without which the nomination is invalid.


"All nominations must be uploaded to the portal on/or before the deadlines. The portal will automatically shut down at 6.00pm (1800hrs) on Friday 17th June 2022 for national elections and 6.00pm (1800hrs) on Friday 15th July 2022 for State elections.


"Nomination Centre has been set up here at the Commission's Headquarters to receive and process all nominations by political parties, including dedicated telephone lines to serve as Help Desk for any Party that may need assistance".


The INEC Chairman said the Commission is responding to a request to deploy more CVR machines to needy States and LGAs to enhance CVR in areas disrupted by insecurity, assuring that no prospective registrants would be left out.

Monarch, clerics raise concern over state of education in Northern Nigeria

Posted: 09 Jun 2022 08:53 AM PDT


Traditional rulers and Islamic clerics have raised concerns over the state of education in Northern Nigeria.


The Emir of Kazaure, Dr. Najib Hussain Adamu raised his concerns while commenting on the state of education when he received the Jigawa Education Partners in his palace.


Reports indicate that out of the over 13 million out of school children in Nigeria, over 60% of them are in Northern Nigeria and 7.93 million of those children are girls".


He explained that the present state of education in Northern Nigeria is the result of out of school children, resulting in poverty, insecurity and other problems in the region on the long run.


"People are resistant to take their children to school because our education system is in a state of coma" the Emir stated.


"95% of our teachers are not qualified, our learning environments are in a sorry situation, and our schools also lack teaching aids" the Emir stated.


The Emir, however, urged governments, stakeholders and donors to intensify efforts to address the problems.


Meanwhile, the Islamic clerics identified poverty and illiteracy among rural parents as the major factors retarding the development of education, especially that of the girl child.


Earlier, the Chairman, Jigawa Education Partners Tasiu Abubakar said, despite the billions of naira budgeted for education and the Free Girl Child Education Policy in the state, there are certain socio-cultural barriers hindering girl enrolment in the state.


He noted that advocacy and engagement with religious and traditional leaders would help in addressing the problems.

BREAKING: Nigeria vs Sierra Leone: Jose Peseiro releases Super Eagles’ starting XI for AFCON qualifier (Full List)

Posted: 09 Jun 2022 08:34 AM PDT


Super Eagles head coach, Jose Peseiro, has released his team's starting XI to face Sierra Leone in today's 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, qualifier in Abuja.


Peseiro released the list in a post via the Super Eagles' official Instagram account.


Below is the Super Eagles starting XI against Sierra Leone:


Uzoho, Bassey, Ekong, Ajayi, Aina, Simon, Aribo, Iwobi, Chukwueze, Umar and Osimhen.


Substitute: Adeleye, Adeyinka, Dennis, Musa, Sanusi, Omeruo, Moffi, Dessers, Lookman, Shehu, Onyeka and Etebo


The kick-off time for the match is 5 pm.

Sowore wins AAC presidential primary election

Posted: 09 Jun 2022 08:12 AM PDT

 


Omoyele Sowore, human rights activist, has won the presidential ticket of the African Action Congress (AAC) unchallenged.

 

Sowore was affirmed as the party's presidential candidate at the AAC convention that took place in the federal capital territory (FCT) on Thursday.

 

The activist will be up against Bola Tinubu, APC standard-bearer, Atiku Abubakar, PDP presidential candidate; Peter Obi, Labour Party presidential candidate, and others in the 2023 elections.

 

Before the party's convention commenced, Sowore stepped down from his position as chairman of the party he played a key role in founding.

 

Last week, the court of appeal in Abuja affirmed Sowore as the substantive chairman of the AAC.

 

In May 2019, the AAC reportedly suspended Sowore, who was the presidential candidate of the party in the 2019 elections, as well as Malcolm Fabiyi, who was deputy national chairman.

 

In July 2019, a federal high court in Abuja, presided over by Inyang Ekwo, ruled against the activist who appealed that decision which declared Leonard Nzenwa as the acting chairman of the party was ill-conceived.

 

The appellate court set aside the judgment of the lower court recognising Leonard as acting chairman and awarded N200,000 as damages in favour of Sowore.

BREAKING: Peter Obi’s challenger, Ezenwafor withdraws from presidential race

Posted: 09 Jun 2022 08:08 AM PDT

 


Mr. Jude Ezenwafor, the factional presidential candidate of the Labour Party has reportedly withdrawn from the contest.

 

Ezenwafor had received ultimatum from the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide led by Mazi Okwu Nnabuike to withdraw from the contest.

 

It was learnt that he took the decision via a letter he conveyed to the national leadership of his faction of the party.

 

He said in the letter being circulated online that his decision to withdraw was personal and appealed to his supporters to understand him.

 

The letter reads, "I hereby withdraw from the forthcoming Presidential Election in 2023. After consulting my supporters Nationwide, I decided to withdraw for personal reasons.

 

"I regret any inconvenience my withdrawal might cost our great Party. I thank the leadership of our great Party for giving me the opportunity to serve Nigeria".

 

This is coming amidst ultimatum also given to him by the Movement for the Actualization of Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB.

 

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, as well as the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, had also earlier dismissed Ezenwafor and his faction.

 

With the development, the coast is now clear for former Anambra Governor and Presidential candidate of the party, Mr. Peter Obi.

 

When contacted over the development, the President-General of OYC, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike said the letter of withdrawal was not enough, stressing that, "Ezenwafor should do a broadcast for us to be convinced. He can disown the letter at any time."

BREAKING: Only Peter Obi’s faction of Labour Party is recognized – NLC

Posted: 09 Jun 2022 08:08 AM PDT


 

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on Thursday said it only recognises the Labour Party faction that produced the former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi as its presidential candidate.

 

Recall that Jude Ezenwafor, a former chairman of LP in Anambra State, was declared the winner of the presidential primary organised by a faction of the party on Wednesday.

 

But a statement issued by the National President of the NLC, Ayuba Wabba said that faction is not recognized.

 

The statement reads in part, "The leadership of the NLC and TUC recognize the leadership of the Labour Party led by Barr. Julius Abure, a former trade union leader and workers are part of the leadership.

 

"The NLC and TUC are aware of only one presidential primary which was held in Asaba, Delta State on 30th May 2022 and produced HE Peter Obi as its presidential candidate and standard-bearer."

Why Tinubu won APC presidential primary – Ex-Borno gov, Shettima

Posted: 09 Jun 2022 07:29 AM PDT

 


Former Borno State Governor, Kashim Shettima, has revealed why the All Progressives Congress presidential candidate emerged as the party's flagbarer for the 2023 general election.


Shettima noted that Tinubu's promise of better days for Nigerians across all divides resonated with party members, stakeholders and delegates that voted at the party's primary.


He said aside from the endorsement of Tinubu by six other presidential aspirants, his personality and nationwide acceptability played a crucial role in his emergence.


"Asiwaju emerged as victor against all odds because you elected to see through the mud thrown at him by those who couldn't match his political credentials," he said.


Shettima, who was one of the top supporters of Tinubu's presidential ambition, revealed these in a series of tweets on his Twitter handle on Thursday.


It was reported that Tinubu scored 1,271 votes to defeat his closest contenders, Rotimi Amaechi and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, on Wednesday.


Amaechi obtained 316 votes while Osinbajo polled 235.

 

He contested against 13 other aspirants – Mr Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba, Pastor Tunde Bakare, Mr Ahmed Rufai, Senator Rochas Okorocha, Mr Jack Rich, Governor Ben Ayade, Governor David Umahi, Senator Ahmed Yarima, Dr Ahmed Lawan, Osinbajo, Amaechi, Governor Yahaya Bello and Mr Ogbonnaya Onu.


Nine aspirants had earlier stepped down, eight of whom asked their supporters to vote for Tinubu, while one asked his supporters to vote for Osinbajo.


Those who stepped down before voting began were Governor Abubakar Badaru of Jigawa, Robert Boroffice, Ken Nnamani, Ibikunle Amosun, Dimeji Bankole, Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi and Godswill Akpabio.


But the former Borno governor, who is the current lawmaker representing Borno Central District, said that though the former Lagos State governor had won the APC presidential primary, there was more task ahead for him to win the 2023 general election.


Shettima wrote, "Our victory in the @OfficialAPCNg Presidential primaries is a testament to widespread belief in @officialABAT's promise of better days by Nigerians across all divides. This is a victory for all of us, for those who defied pedestrian propaganda and falsehoods to stand with the truth


"This is the first lap of our race to rekindle your faith in Nigeria and pride in its possibilities in a fast-changing world. Asiwaju emerged as Victor against all odds because you elected to see through the mud thrown at him by those who couldn't match his political credentials.


"The endorsement of Asiwaju by six aspirants even before the election, which he won by a massive landslide, underscored his mass appeal among the esteemed contenders. Thus, we call on them to join us in the second lap of this race. We can't afford to do so without a united front.


"I congratulate you for being a part of this history and doing so without underlining any of the country's fault-lines. This is the maturity and wisdom we intend to adopt in the coming days to bring you, patriots of a great nation, under one umbrella to market Asiwaju's ideals."

BREAKING: FG fingers ISWAP as culprits in Owo Church massacre

Posted: 09 Jun 2022 07:21 AM PDT


Security chiefs who attended Thursday's Security Council Meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja have narrowed down the perpetrators of Sunday's church killings in Owo, Ondo State to the Islamic State of West Africa(ISWAP).


Although no arrest has been made as investigations and trailing of the terrorists were still ongoing, the Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola debunked insinuations that the attacks had ethnic or religious colouration.


The security council meeting presided by President Muhammadu Buhari, had the Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Secretary to the Government of the Federation; Boss Mustapha; the Chief of Staff to the President, Professor Ibrahim Gambari and the National Security Adviser (NSA), Major General Babagana Monguno (retd) in attendance.


Other attendees include the Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor, Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Farouk Yahaya; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo; and the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Isiaka Oladayo Amao.


Also in attendance are the Inspector-General of Police, Alkali Baba Usman; the Director-General of the Department of State Service (DSS), Yusuf Bichi; and the Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ahmed Rufai Abubakar.


Recall that Nigerians woke up to a gory sight of over 25 church members killed by unknown gunmen, a development that has elicited condemnations across the country.


But briefing State House Correspondents on some of the resolutions taken after the meeting, Aregbesola said security channels has zeroed the suspects to the ISWAP.


"Council is quite concerned about the violent attack in Ondo state and we have been able to locate the perpetrators, we have zeroed it that ISWAP did it, the animals in ISWAP wanting attention are responsible, we have asked security personnel to go after them and bring them to justice".

Tinubu: Dino Melaye mocks Okorocha, Tunde Bakare, others, nicknames Yahaya Bello

Posted: 09 Jun 2022 07:18 AM PDT

 


A former federal lawmaker, Senator Dino Melaye has mocked some of the All Progressives Congress, APC, presidential aspirants.

 

The national leader of the APC and former Lagos State Governor, Tinubu, scored 1,271 to defeat his closest challenger, Rotimi Amaechi, who polled 316.

 

Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, came third in the primary, polling 235, Senate President, Ahmed Lawan, scored 152 votes, while Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello managed 47 delegates' votes.

 

Others are Governor of Ebonyi State, Dave Umahi with 28 votes, Prof Ben Ayade of Cross River State with 37, while Imo West Senator, Rochas Okorocha came out with 0 vote, Ahmed Yerima scored 4, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu -1, Emeka Nwajuba – 1, Jack Rich – 0, Mokelu – 0, and Pastor Tunde Bakare – 0.

 

The organisers announced that 13 votes were voided. And this means that about seven aspirants scored less than the voided votes in the exercise.

 

And Melaye has found an occasion to mock these aspirants and also changed the name of his Governor, Yahaya Bello to AK47.

 

"The ruling [party] conducted its national convention and presidential primaries between 6th-8th June, 2022 and the results were announced yesterday.

 

"Voided votes got more votes than 7 APC Presidential Aspirants namely: Ahmed Yerima 4, Ogbonna Onu 1, Nwajiuba 1, Rochas Okorocha 0, Jack Rich 0, Mokelu 0, Pastor Tunde Bakare 0.

 

"Meanwhile Yahaya Bello who is 47 years old scored 47 votes and due to 'Tatatatatata' tendency now nicknamed AK47," he tweeted on Wednesday night.

APC governors at liberty to pick Tinubu’s running mate, says campaign spokesman

Posted: 09 Jun 2022 07:17 AM PDT

 


Bola Tinubu campaign organisation says the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), a body of governors elected on the All Progressives Congress' (APC) platform, is at liberty to pick a running mate for the party's presidential candidate.

Tinubu beat Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, Senate President Ahmad Lawan and Rotimi Amaechi, former minister of transportation, to pick the APC presidential ticket on Wednesday.

Before the convention, the governors agreed that power should go to the south.

Speaking with The Punch, Bayo Onanuga, spokesman of the campaign organisation, said Tinubu's running mate can come from any geo-political zone or religion.

 "The vice-president can come from any region and religion. But the PGF is at liberty to pick. Up till now, we are all aware that Atiku has not chosen a VP," Onanuga said.

"Yet, he was elected before him. But in our own case, it is a party affair.

"The party leaders will look at the chances and decide how they will balance a Muslim from the south, maybe with somebody that comes from north-east, north-central or from north-west. That is how it is done. I cannot circumvent the party.

 "The Governor Atiku Bagudu-led PGF has the task to pick a competent deputy for him. Already, he has a cordial relationship with virtually all of them. You will also have to understand that he has just picked the presidential ticket.

"I am also sure that this issue of picking the right candidate for VP will be in the minds of the party leadership and the APC governors too.

"At this moment, we just want to pause and take a rest from the stress of the just-concluded campaign."

 

Tinubu’s victory will begin with Ekiti governorship poll – Fayemi Boasts

Posted: 09 Jun 2022 07:17 AM PDT

 


The Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, yesterday boasted that the All progressives Congress will use the state's June 18 governorship poll to open the window of victory for the presidential candidate of the party in the 2023 election, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

 

Fayemi, who was given a heroic welcome to Ekiti after he participated in the presidential primary of the party held on Tuesday in Abuja, said he stepped down from the race for Tinubu to preserve and fortify Yoruba's unity and cohesion.

 

Fayemi, who was welcomed from the Ondo-Ekiti border town by APC members, was cheered by the crowd at Igbara Odo, Ilawe, Odo and Ado Ekiti, as part of the welcome rally organised for him by the party after the presidential primary.

 

At the shadow poll that took place in Abuja with 23 presidential contestants, Fayemi stepped down for Tinubu, who had now emerged the party's candidate.

 

Addressing the party supporters at the Fajuyi Pavilion, in Ado Ekiti, Fayemi said the party was resolute to deliver Ekiti to APC, by ensuring that the governorship candidate, Biodun Oyebanji, wins the June 18 poll and send a signal that Tinubu is well fortified to win the coming presidential poll.

 

Fayemi applauded Ekiti delegates and party faithful across Nigeria for demonstrating enormous support for him during his consultations to states, saying the success of the shadow election, had proved the naysayers, who predicted doom for APC wrong.

 

"I thank all our members for this rousing welcome. I never knew this would happen to welcome me back home. They may say Ekiti people are stubborn, but we are very honourable.

 

"From next week Saturday, we will continue to see the effect of my action. Asiwaju's winning will begin from Ekiti and Osun governorship elections. Before 12noon on June 18, the news will be filtering out that Biodun Oyebanji has won. Those who hate him are now getting weary.

 

"By Tuesday next week, the Presidential candidate of our party and incoming President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the outgoing President, Muhammadu Buhari, governors and bigwigs in APC will be in Ekiti during the grand finale of our party to mobilise for Oyebanji.

 

"In this battle, we are going, don't fear anything. There is nothing to fear. Those who are threatening will do nothing. From one village to another, farmstead to another, we will reach everywhere to campaign for Oyebanji. I am now back home fully", Fayemi said.

 

Justifying his presidential ambition, Fayemi posited that he decided to veer into the race with that unflagging belief that he possesses sterling qualities to be president and not out of overambition or unbridled propensity to seek elective positions.

 

He added: "In Nigeria today, they know that good things can come out of our Nazareth in Ekiti. Some of our people were not really happy with the way things went, but God knew about it.

 

"The most significant thing there was that, God sent us on a journey that we should ensure that Yoruba witnesses no disunity so that we can have progress, peace and development.

 

"It was also part of our mission for Nigeria to be united and prosper and that was what I went to do in that presidential convention and we did the job and the accolades are coming.

 

"I thank all party members and the entire Ekiti, including our royal fathers for their support for me. I wanted the Southwest to bring home something. We didn't want a blockade and I didn't want the name of our state to be mentioned in a negative way in Yorubaland.

 

"Nothing is bad if we have ambition, but there can be victory in what appears like a loss, and there can be a success in what people say is a failure. We must act well. for the success of Nigeria to be consolidated.

 

"What they thought was that APC will come out disunited and scattered, but we came out of our convention more victorious, invigorated, consolidated, energised and better prepared to ensure that the Poverty Development Party(PDP) and other ones parading themselves don't come back.

 

"Let me assure you of this, those pretending to have what it takes to govern Ekiti State will meet their waterloo on June 18", Fayemi vowed.

 

2023: MASSOB orders LP factional presidential candidate, Ezenwafor to withdraw or face Igbo youths’ wrath

Posted: 09 Jun 2022 06:54 AM PDT


The Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, on Thursday ordered the factional presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr Jude Ezenwafor, to withdraw or face the wrath of Igbo youths.


The group condemned in totality the moves by alleged 'enemies' of Ndigbo to sponsor a faction in the LP, where the former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi had emerged as the presidential candidate.


The National Leadership of MASSOB in a statement signed by the Director of Information, Comrade Edeson Samuel, and made available to journalists in Abakaliki, capital of Ebonyi State, vowed to deal with political troublemakers In Igbo land.


According to MASSOB: "We describe Mr. Jude Ezenwafor as a huge disappointment and betrayer of future interest of Nigerian youths. He was paid and allowed himself to be used by Aso Rock cabals to create the artificial impression that Mr. Peter Obi's Labour Party is factionalized.


"We advise Mr. Ezenwafor to withdraw from this shameful and sacrilegious act and the mission he embarked on. We know that APC and PDP are afraid of Mr. Peter Obi and his labour mantra. He has won the hearts of the populace, that is why they want to use Ezenwafor as a bought tool to frustrate Mr. Peter Obi."


MASSOB, however, expressed confidence that Obi will definitely win the forthcoming 2023 presidential election in Nigeria.


"This Ezenwafor must learn from his paymasters on stepping down for their kinsman whom they entrust their political interest. The Governor of Sokoto State, Alhaji Tambuwal stepped down for his brother Atiku Abubakar for him to win the PDP presidential ticket. The Yoruba aspirants in APC presidential election stepped down for their brother, Bola Tinubu for him to clinch the APC presidential ticket," the group said.


The group, however, tasked Mr. Ezenwafor to step down for Obi to avert being treated as a saboteur and betrayer of the Igbo nation.

APC primaries: Amaechi breaks silence after losing to Tinubu, reveals next action

Posted: 09 Jun 2022 06:46 AM PDT


Former Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Amaechi, has spoken for the first time since his defeat at the Presidential primaries of the All Progressives Congress, APC.


Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the national leader of the APC and former Lagos State Governor, Tinubu, scored 1,271 to defeat his closest challenger, Rotimi Amaechi, who polled 316 in the national convention.


Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, came third in the primaries, polling 235, Senate President, Ahmed Lawan, scored 152 votes, while Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello managed 47 delegates votes.


Amaechi, in a letter he personally signed, said he looks forward to working with Tinubu to ensure that the All Progressives Congress, APC, wins the 2023 presidential election.


The former Rivers State Governor also congratulated Tinubu, saying "Congratulations on your well-deserved victory at the APC Presidential Convention and I entered my best wishes as you prepare for the 2023 Presidential election.


"I am confident your victory will re-energise the progress of our great party the APC, buttressed by your vision of a Common Sense Revolution which led to the defeat of PDP in the 2015 election.


"As you embark on this historical journey, I wish to assure you of my commitment to your success at the polls in 2023. I look forward to providing the necessary support to ensure that we develop a prosperous country for all Nigerians."

Kayan Mata will give you cancer, death – Pastor Ibiyeomie warns

Posted: 09 Jun 2022 05:37 AM PDT

 


Founder of Salvation Ministry, Pastor David Ibiyeomie has cautioned against the use of popular sx enhancer, Kayan Mata, saying it has spiritual implications which can attract cancer and even death.

 

In a sermon, the clergy called on users of the local herbal preparations (aphrodisiacs) to repent in order to avoid the consequences.

 

According to the man of God who believes that Kayan Mata is diabolic and used to spellbind men, the product has the capacity of destroying the life of users.

 

He said, "Your father gave you one small thing to hold on your waist, rededicate your life. All of you who also have Kayan Mata, give your life to Christ because if you don't give your life, it can also destroy you. They will not tell you the consequences of it.

 

"In case you don't know, go and ask your mother. No woman uses charm to hold a man that lives long; find out! When the woman gets to a particular age, the thing will just vanish and she will die. Look at women who use charm, they don't live long.

 

"They will have cancer or one thing that will kill them. The witch doctors will not tell you. Satan will give you money with time bomb because he does not give anything free".

 

Kayan Mata literally means 'women things' in Hausa language and it is used by spinsters to hypnotise and spellbind men to themselves.

APC primary: Gulder boy – Shehu Sani mocks Osinbajo after losing presidential ticket to Tinubu

Posted: 09 Jun 2022 05:35 AM PDT

 


Former lawmaker, Senator Shehu Sani, has mocked Vice President Yemi Osinbajo after former Lagos State Governor, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, emerged as the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

 

Sani claimed that Osinbajo would now be called a 'gulder boy' after losing the APC presidential ticket to Tinubu.

 

According to him, prior to the APC presidential primary, Osinbajo was called a star boy, adding that failure is an orphan.

 

He disclosed this in a tweet via his Twitter handle on Wednesday.

 

Sani tweeted, "Before the elections, Osinbajo was called a StarBoy. Now he may be called a Guinness or Gulder Boy; failure is an orphan."

 

Tinubu had scored a total of 1,271 votes to defeat Osinbajo, who polled 235 votes and former Minister of Transportation, Mr Chibuike Amaechi, who got 316 votes and others.

History will be made if Tinubu becomes president – Tanko Yakasai

Posted: 09 Jun 2022 05:35 AM PDT

 


An elder statesman, Alhaji Tanko Yakasai, has hailed the emergence of Bola Tinubu as the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress.

 

In a congratulatory message on Thursday, Yakasai said history will be made if Tinubu emerges as the president of the country.

 

The elder statesman said Tinubu's emergence as president would signify "the total break away" from military influence in Nigeria's polity.

 

He said, "The election of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the APC Presidential Bearer is indeed an important political development in our country. This transition will lead us to a full-pledged democracy, a milestone of an acclaimed figure and political Juggernaut of the APC National Leader to a National Leader of Nigeria.

 

"When Asiwaju, a sage, is eventually elected as the President of the country in the forthcoming Presidential Elections, history shall be made in our contemporary political development for a number of reasons.

 

"Paramount and if elected as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Asiwaju's election victory will signify the complete and total break away from military influence in our polity which will bring about the return of the country to a full pledge democratic tradition and practice for the first time since the return of civilian rule in 1999.

 

"It will also constitute a stamp of validation of the 1914 amalgamation of the people of Northern and Southern protectorates by the entire people of Nigeria of their own free will.

 

"It is gratifying to note that this is the first time the major Political Parties are fielding non-military actors as their Presidential standard-bearers.

 

"Therefore it is important to appeal to all candidates vying for various political positions in the country to commit themselves to the principles of playing politics according to the rule of the game, eschew politics of bitterness, violence and do away with the culture of thuggery in our political activism and return the country to the path of civility in the conduct of partisan politics.

 

"May their emergence be the harbinger of the return to politics of decorum, without bitterness as well as the beginning of the arduous task of finding a better strategy that will enhance the needed national unity, peaceful coexistence and cohesion in our country a prerequisite for genuine nation-building.

 

"I pray that the coming general elections will be conducted in a peaceful atmosphere free from violence. It is our hope that the National Electoral Commission will conduct the election in a peaceful, credible manner devoid of rigging and manipulation."

NIMC clears air on 7.9m NIN of Nigerians missing from database

Posted: 09 Jun 2022 05:25 AM PDT


The National Identity Management Commission, NIMC, has refuted reports that the National Identity Number, NIN, records of Nigerians are missing from its database.


NIMC's Head of Corporate Communications, Kayode Adegoke, said reports that the commission lost 7.9 million NIN of Nigerians were false and misleading.


A news platform, not NigerianEye, reported that NIMC may have lost 7.9m NIN records of Nigerians.


Reacting, Adegoke, in a statement he signed, assured Nigerians that its database is safe and secure.


According to Adegoke, NIMC database is impenetrable; hence no data can go missing.


He said: "NIMC has noticed with great dismay an erroneous and malicious news report published in the Nigerian Tribune of June 7, 2022, with the deceptive and misleading headline: Did NIMC Lose NIN Records of 7.9 Million Nigerians?


"In the said misleading report, the writer insinuated that NIMC lost 7.9m NIN records of Nigerians; the writer also gave varying inaccuracies of the NIMC database in an attempt to confuse and misinform the general public, including wrongly stating that the National Identification Number (NIN) is a 10-digit number.


"The Management of NIMC wishes to reassure Nigerians that our database remains intact and impenetrable, and, no NIN records could have been missing."


He noted that the NIN is an "11-digit unique number."


Adegoke urged Nigerians to ignore the said report, stressing that it was a product of the "writer's infantile imagination."

Nnamdi Kanu slams fresh suit against High Court Chief Judge over secret trial policy

Posted: 09 Jun 2022 05:05 AM PDT


The self-acclaimed leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu has slammed a fresh suit against the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Terhamba Tsoho, over the adoption of a secret trial policy in the criminal charges brought against him by the Federal Government.


The Chief Judge was sued alongside the Chief Registrar of the court at the Federal High Court, Abuja in which the detained Kanu is seeking an order of the court to void the secret trial policy on the ground that it is invalid, unlawful, and unconstitutional.


The suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/556/2022 was instituted on his behalf by Ifeanyi Ejiofor, one of the counsels in his defense team.


Kanu predicated his objection to a secret trial on the ground that the policy violated his fundamental rights under section 36 of the 1999 Constitution and Section 34 of the Terrorism Prevention Act 2011.

Lagos: Tension in Jakande Isolo as residents burn bikes after fatal accident (Video)

Posted: 09 Jun 2022 04:29 AM PDT


 

There is tension around the Jakande Estate at Isolo, Isheri Road, and environs in Lagos.

 

On Thursday, a motorcycle (okada) rider hit a passerby who died within some minutes.

 

In a swift reaction, residents trooped out in anger and attacked bikes plying the routes.

 

The protesters set a number of them on fire. The operators are now avoiding the area for their safety.

 

The police have assured that officers are on ground to ensure the safety of lives and normalcy in activities.

 

Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin confirmed that the rider "veered off the road and hit a pedestrian".

 

"Unfortunately, the pedestrian fell and died on the spot. People around decided to lynch the motorcycle rider."

 

The spokesman said the police arrived at the scene on time and rescued the accused from the lynching.

 

A team of officers then took him to the hospital for treatment and evacuated the deceased.

 

Hundeyin added that before the police returned, "an angry mob was already burning the motorcycles left behind by the fleeing riders.

 

"The Lagos State Police Command condemns jungle justice in very strong terms", he said.

 

The PPRO warned that anyone found engaging in such would be dealt with in accordance with the law.

 

Video:

How Jonathan made me cut communication with Tinubu, APC members – Asari Dokubo

Posted: 09 Jun 2022 04:26 AM PDT

 


A former Niger Delta militant leader, Asari Dokubo, has said his loyalty to former President Goodluck Jonathan made him cut communications with the All Progressives Congress, APC, presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu.

 

Dokubo said he also cut ties with Rauf Aregbesola, the Minister of Interior; President Muhammadu Buhari, and other APC members due to his loyalty to Jonathan.

 

The former militant warlord disclosed this during a Facebook Live on Thursday.

 

According to Dokubo: "I cut off communication with Tinubu because of Goodluck in 2014.

 

"I was in Mecca for Hajj, with the present Minister for Interior, Rauf Aregbesola. I went to his hotel room to see him, that was in 2013, and he said, 'why are you following Goodluck'? He said Goodluck would not do you anything good. He said, 'why don't you stay where you are celebrated?'

 

"All of us celebrate you. And I told him I cannot betray my people. I stood by Goodluck and cut off friendships with Rauf Aregbesola, Adams Oshiomhole, Kayode Fayemi, Tinubu himself, and even President Buhari.

 

"Tinubu wanted me to be in politics; I did not. I sacrificed those relationships for my people, and I'm not regretting it."

2023: At last, Umahi congratulates Tinubu, vows to give him bulk votes in Ebonyi

Posted: 09 Jun 2022 04:23 AM PDT

 


Ebonyi State Governor, Chief David Umahi on Thursday congratulated the presidential candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for emerging victorious in the just concluded primary election of the party.

 

Umahi, who aspired for the seat of the President of Nigeria, lost to Tinubu who scored a total of 1271 votes to defeat his rival opponents.

 

In a statement signed and issued to journalists in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital, Umahi vowed to mobilise support and give bulk votes that will ensure Tinubu's victory in the forthcoming 2023 general election.

 

According to him: "I heartily congratulate the presidential candidate of our party, the All Progressives Congress, APC, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his overwhelming victory in the just concluded presidential primary election.

 

"Let me assure you that the Ebonyi State chapter of All Progressives Congress, and I will support you, and all the candidates of our party in the 2023 general elections.

 

"Let me equally commend all aspirants and the APC National Working Committee for the smooth conduct of a fair presidential primary election."

 

Umahi, however, tasked the national leadership of the ruling APC to come together and unite the force to ensure the victory of all the candidates of the party in the country.

 

"I encourage the leaders and members of our party to come together to support the party for a victorious journey in the 2023 election," he stressed.

Buhari, security chiefs in closed-door meeting

Posted: 09 Jun 2022 04:22 AM PDT

 


President Muhamadu Buhari has commenced a closed-door session with security chiefs at the presidential villa, where he is reportedly billed to receive briefs from all the heads of security agencies in the country.

 

The briefing which is coming under the auspices of the National Security Council Meeting is holding at the State House, Abuja, with Buhari presiding.

 

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha; the Chief of Staff to the President, Professor Ibrahim Gambari; and the National Security Adviser (NSA), Major General Babagana Monguno (retd); are among the high profile government functionaries attending the meeting.

 

Other attendees include the Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor; Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Farouk Yahaya; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo; and the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Isiaka Oladayo Amao.

 

Also in attendance are the Inspector-General of Police, Alkali Baba Usman; the Director-General of the Department of State Service (DSS), Yusuf Bichi; and the Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ahmed Rufai Abubakar.

BREAKING: Buhari to address Nigerians Sunday

Posted: 09 Jun 2022 04:11 AM PDT


President Muhammadu Buhari will address the nation via a live broadcast by 7:00 am on Sunday.


This was confirmed in a statement issued by the Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed.


He said Buhari will address the nation to commemorate this year's democracy day.


The statement reads, "As you may recollect, President Muhammadu Buhari, in June 2018, directed that Nigeria's Democracy Day, marked every May 29, be shifted to June 12 to honour Moshood Abiola, winner of the 1993 presidential election.


"In compliance with the presidential directive, Democracy Day has been celebrated annually on June 12. This year's celebration will mark the fourth time that the day will be marked on June 12, following celebrations in 2019, 2020 and 2021.


"Following extensive work by an inter-ministerial committee, the following programmes have been scheduled to celebrate the 2022 Democracy Day:


a) – This Press Conference officially kickstarts the programme of activities


b) – A public lecture is scheduled to hold tomorrow, Friday 10th June, at the National Mosque here in Abuja at 9am.


c) – This will be followed, on the same day and the same venue, by a Juma'at Service at noon


d) – On Sunday, June 12, there will be a presidential broadcast in the morning. There will also be a Church Service at the National Christian Centre at 3pm


e) – Then on Monday, June 13th, a Ceremonial Parade will be held at the Eagle Square starting from 9am.


" Please note that attendance at these events are strictly by invitation and in line with the Covid-19 protocol."

2023: Shehu Sani warns presidential candidates, supporters against inflammatory statements

Posted: 09 Jun 2022 03:21 AM PDT



Former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani has admonished presidential candidates and their supporters to conduct their campaigns with decency, maturity, and a sense of responsibility.


This, he said, is due to the fragile and inflammable state of the country.


Shehu Sani on Thursday via his Twitter handle gave the advice as the race for the most exalted office of the land intensifies.


He twitted saying, "In view of the fragile and inflammable state of this country, candidates and their supporters should conduct their campaigns with decency, maturity, and a sense of responsibility.


"Whipping up ethnic, sectional & religious sentiments will only burn down the country they want to lead".


Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP); Bola Ahmed Tinubu of All Progressives Congress (APC); Peter Obi of Labour Party (LP); Prince Adewale Adebayo of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), among others are some of the strong presidential candidates jostling to occupy the nation's number one seat in 2023.

Three days after Owo massacre, gunmen kill six in Ondo

Posted: 09 Jun 2022 02:50 AM PDT

 


Six people have been killed in Ondo town, headquarters of Ondo Local Government Area of Ondo State by gunmen.

 

The attack, which occurred at Sabo and Igba areas of the town on Wednesday night, comes three days after scores of worshippers were killed in Owo, headquarters of Owo Local Government Area of the state.

 

The victims of the attack were said to include tea sellers, a commercial driver and roadside traders.

 

It was gathered that the commercial driver had stopped at Sabo to eat before he was shot dead.

 

The gunmen were said to have stormed the area on three motorcycles after which they opened fire on the victims.

 

As at press time, the identities of the victim were yet to be ascertained.

 

One of the casualties, who was hit by a bullet, was rushed to an undisclosed hospital in the area for treatment.

 

According to a source, it was some cultists that attacked a rival cult group while another stated that the mission of the gunmen was unknown as they shot sporadically, killing three persons in Sabo and one person at Igba.

 

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, SP Fumilayo Odunlami, said she would issue a statement after getting proper brief.

 

Meanwhile, a police source in Ondo town, who confirmed the killings, said the gunmen were armed robbers who attempted to rob residents and traders in the area.

Nigerians will see miracles with Tinubu as president–Reps majority leader

Posted: 09 Jun 2022 02:44 AM PDT

 


Alhassan Ado Doguwa, majority leader of the house of representatives, says Bola Tinubu, the flagbearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC) will "perform miracles" if elected president.

 

Doguwa spoke on Wednesday in an interview on Channels Television.

 

Earlier, Tinubu, former Lagos governor, won the APC primary after he polled 1,271 votes to defeat 13 other presidential hopefuls.

 

Speaking on the development, the majority leader said the former governor will give "a lot of hope" to Nigerians if he wins the presidential election.

 

 "The emergence of BAT, who has been a political household name to a lot of Nigerians, will also give a lot of hope to Nigerians that when the right time comes, the right thing will happen," he said.

 

"I want to believe the emergence of BAT as our flagbearer is like the entrenchment of the right time to get the right person to rule the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

 

"Those of us who are from the north-west, who are also Buhari's disciples, believe that this is somebody who will come and build on the gains already consolidated by the present administration.

 

 "This is somebody who has done it in Lagos as governor, two-term. This is someone who has brought a lot of intelligent people to bear in the system and we have seen how it has manifested.

 

"I think what is going to happen to Nigeria is like a miracle. People will see miracles happening because you have a man who is miraculous that will take charge of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, especially in the area of the economy."

 

When asked if Nigerians should expect miracles on security and economy if Tinubu wins the election, the lawmaker said the APC presidential candidate is someone who can perform miracles to give Nigerians a "complete lease on life".

Osun court remands two for rape, theft

Posted: 09 Jun 2022 02:07 AM PDT


Two suspected rapists, Adegoroye Afeez, 24 years and Olamilekan Elijah, 23 years, were on Tuesday ordered to be remanded in the correctional centre pending the determination of the case against them.


Adjourning the matter till Thursday, June 23, 2022, for hearing, the presiding Magistrate, A. A. Ayeni also referred the case to the Osun State Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP) for legal advice.


The duo were charged before Magistrate Ayeni on a five-count charge bordering on the alleged rape of a 17-year-old minor and theft of two of her phones valued at N28,000.


They were also charged for making a video of the action.


The incident occurred on May 3, 2022, at Oke-Bode area of Iwo.


The defence counsel, Tona Akande had prayed the court to release the defendants on bail pending the determination of the case.


The suspected rapists were apprehended by the Osun Amotekun operatives in Iwo, on May 14, 2022.

EPL: Lyon finally sign Lacazette from Arsenal

Posted: 09 Jun 2022 02:01 AM PDT


France striker, Alexandre Lacazette has completed his emotional return to Lyon, leaving Arsenal for a three-year deal.


Lyon holds a special place in Lacazette's heart, having first arrived at the club in 2003 as a starry eyed 12-year-old.


Lacazette moved to Arsenal in a £53million deal back in 2017 but brought his five-year spell at the North London club to an end by running down his contract, allowing him to return home to Lyon on a free.


Lyon is the only club other than Arsenal that Lacazette has played for in his professional career and he has been training with them since choosing not to extend his contract with the Gunners.


In unveiling their returning player, Lyon released a 71-second video via Twitter on Thursday, which shows Lacazette walking into the dressing room to pull on the shirt once more, before walking out onto the pitch at the Groupama Stadium.


Lacazette stands fourth in Lyon's all-time scoring charts, having netted 129 goals in 275 matches.


He is behind Fleury Di Nallo, Bernard Lacombe and Serge Chies.
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