Ex-militants among newly elected lawmakers in Rivers Assembly - Premiumtimes

Some of the dreaded Niger Delta militants, who accepted the Federal Government’s Amnesty, have been elected into the Rivers State House of Assembly, PREMIUM TIMES can authoritatively report.
The late President Musa Yar’Adua had in 2009 signed a Proclamation granting Amnesty to Niger Delta militants, who agreed to lay down their arms and embrace peace.

The deal offered an unconditional pardon and cash payments to fighters who surrendered their arms and assembled at screening centers located in many parts of the oil-rich region within 60 days.
It targeted up to 10,000 militants whose attacks in the six Niger Delta states cost the country a third of its oil production and revenue.

The amnesty which came to effect on Thursday, August 6, 2009, saw militant commanders, including Government Ekpemukpolo, alias Tompolo, Sogboma George, Ateke Tom, Farah Dagogo, Ebikabowei Ben, alias Boyloaf, Kile Selky Torughedie, alias the Young Shall Grow; surrendering their arms and returning to normal life outside the creeks.
But based on the result of last Saturday’s election released by the state Returning Officer, Faraday Orumwense, a professor of Material Engineering, the ex-militants are among the 25 candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party, who won the poll.

The ruling All Progressives Congress was only able to win a seat in the 32-members state legislature.
Citing widespread irregularities and violence, Mr. Orumwense declared elections in six state constituencies inconclusive. Among those who will be making laws for the oil-rich state are Farah Dagogo, an ex-general of a dreaded militant group. Mr. Dagogo, an indigene of Tombia community was dragged into the race by the Degema Political Front, a frontline political group and he will be representing Degema State Constituency in the assembly.

Adoki Tonye Smart, who will be representing Port Harcourt 11 State Constituency in the new assembly was a former field commander and second in command to Soboma George.
Late Mr. George was a dreaded militant leader who was shot by a rival gang in the Old Port Harcourt Township, months after he accepted the government’s amnesty. Chisom Promise Dike, who won the Oyigbo State Constituency seat in the assembly, is a strong ally of Ateke Tom, a self-styled General of the erstwhile Niger Delta Vigilante Forces.

Buhari and economy: Which way forward? ...By Henry Boyo

Henry Boyo

Expectedly, goodwill messages have, deservedly, poured in from far and wide to congratulate the clear victor of the 2015 presidential election, Muhammadu Buhari. The President-elect may not be unduly disturbed that President Goodluck Jonathan’s inspirational and totally unexpected early acceptance of defeat, ironically, favourably raised the incumbent’s rating as a statesman beyond the pedestrian perception induced by his performance in governance. 

Indeed, despite the complimentary economic growth rates, regularly, gleefully presented by the Minister of Finance, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, sadly, more Nigerians joined the already bloated poverty ranks. The horrid level of insecurity, apparently instigated by ethnic and religious divide, may in fact find their true origin in the pervading level of unemployment and poverty nationwide.

Consequently, expectations are high that Buhari will provide an antidote to poverty, corruption and unemployment. Clearly, Nigeria’s poverty cannot be blamed on an inhospitable climate or shortage of natural resources. In fact, other nations with considerably less natural endowments may be excused for decrying what they consider to be inexplicable inequity by Providence. Clearly, our inability to galvanise our resources for the greater good is actually caused by the application of fiscal and monetary strategies that are antagonistic to consumer demand, and job creation.

Conversely, nations like Singapore, with little or no resources, succeeded in enhancing mass social welfare with well thought out fiscal and monetary strategies that are people-focused. Consequently, if Buhari must succeed, he must quickly reverse the ratio between capital and recurrent expenditure, such that well over 60 per cent of total annual revenue projections would be dedicated to the enhancement of social infrastructure and human capacity. Thus, we must drastically reduce the prevailing humonguos salaries and allowances of public servants, particularly our legislators, who are reported to be amongst the highest paid in the world.

Certainly, Buhari would need to also reduce the duplication of functions by various Ministries, Departments and Agencies as per the recommendations in the Steve Orosanye report, but government must be careful to minimise the inflow of new entrants into a jobless market. Similarly, the President-elect should be wary of increasing the current debt to GDP ratio, as this is a straight road to another unfolding oppressive debt burden.

Buhari must tackle impunity, says World Bank

The World Bank spoke yesterday on Nigeria’s economic future, saying President-elect Muhammadu Buhari’s plan to tackle corruption will have consequences.
The bank projected a drop in the economic growth rate of Sub-Saharan Africa from 4.5 per cent in 2014 to 4.0 per cent in 2015.

The bank’s Chief Economist for Africa, Mr Francisco Ferreira, spoke during a video conference to inaugurate ‘Africa Pulse’, a World Bank Group analysis on issues shaping Africa’s economic prospects. The conference was monitored in Abuja
“I think it is very well spelt because institutions are built in parts on norms; one norm that has to be changed is the norm of impunity.

“I think the decision, hopefully, will have consequences for the future as institutions will be stronger and norms will be cleaner,” Ferreira said.
According to him, the downturn largely reflects the fall in the prices of oil and other commodities.
“The 2015 forecast is below the 4.4 per cent average annual growth rate of the past two decades and well short of Africa’s peak growth rates of 6.4 per cent in 2002 to 2008.
“Excluding South Africa, the average growth forecast for the rest of Sub-Saharan Africa is around 4.7 per cent”, Ferreira said.

Ferreira said an average decline, in terms of trade for Africa is about 18 per cent, a development he said, wouldlead to losses in purchasing power for the region.
He said that the decline in oil and commodity prices were among the challenges undermining the developmental gains made in the Sub-Saharan African.

How elections were rigged, by PDP, APC -Vangaurd

The struggle to win more governorships between the political parties, yesterday, shifted to the media with the two major political parties accusing each other of conspiring with the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and security agencies to rig the governorship elections against them where they lost out.

The recriminations came as INEC declared governorship contests in Abia, Imo and Taraba States as inconclusive.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, a coalition of 60 civil society organisations, yesterday urged INEC to clinically scrutinize results from Abia, Akwa Ibom and Rivers States. The coalition in a statement, yesterday particularly affirmed that there was sufficient reason to “question the credibility of the elections results in Rivers and Akwa Ibom States.”

Echoing the CSOs, the European Union, EU, Election Observation Mission, EU EOM, pointed at Rivers and Akwa Ibom States as the two most outstanding states where the elections were marred by violence and deliberate interference.

How elections were manipulated in Akwa Ibom, Rivers —APC

Briefing newsmen in Lagos, yesterday, on the outcome of the elections, the National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, painted a picture of how, according to him, the elections in Rivers and Akwa Ibom were manipulated by the Presidency and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

He said the party was left with no option than to call for the cancellation of the election conducted in the two states.

Explaining how the elections were manipulated, in the two states, he said: “As you would recollect, our party’s chapter in Rivers had written a petition complaining of the crass partisanship of the Rivers State Commissioner of Police in the Presidential and National Assembly elections held on March 28. Because of this petition, the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Suleiman Abba posted three Commissioners of Police from the Force Headquarters to oversee the April 11 Governorship and House of Assembly elections in Rivers State but as soon as the President learnt of this development, he directed the IGP to reverse the decision and instead requested that AIG Tunde Ogunsakin be posted to oversee the April 11 elections in Rivers State.

‘How Buhari can develop economy, inflow of foreign investment’ ... By Mose Nosike

President-Elect Muhammadu Buhari

While congratulating Nigeria and Nigerians for the monumental success of the nation’s presidential election that took place on March 28, 2015, the antecedent of the President-Elect, General Muhammadu Buhari as a tough minded leader may be a good thing capable of shaping a better future for Nigeria after-all. Both within and outside Nigeria, it is generally held that “the fear of Buhari is the beginning of wisdom”.

This saying essentially points at those who in one way or the other may have something to hide or protect either in public or private sector activity. Already in certain vital ministries, departments and agencies of govern-ment where unethical practices ran rampage, panic waves have begun to trickle down from top public office holders to low ranking personnel.

With this “fear wave” in motion, and fuelled by the General’s unrepentant distaste for the corruption menace, one can dare say that Nigeria is again on the verge of experiencing a total attitude adjustment and a “positive new order”, capable of setting the desired pace for economic development especially the inflow of foreign invest-ments.

It is worthy to mention that Nigeria, over the years, has suffered a decreasing presence of foreign investment due to enormous corrupt activities and has earned for herself a reputation as one of the most corrupt countries.

As a non-profit business chamber, trade and investment promotion British association working assidu-ously in the past 3 years, we have significantly pushed up trade and investment into Nigeria and the United Kingdom; Nigerian London Business Forum believes that only strict enforcement of laws by the incoming government of General Muhammadu Buhari can bring about attitudinal change in Nigeria.

Can Some Tell Nigerians Why the First Lady, Patience Jonathan wasn't at Otuoke to vote?

Just saw observed on TV that the first lady Patience Jonathan wasn't with president Goodluck Jonathan to cast vote in Otuoke unlike March 28 presidential election. The President was only with the her mother to cast his vote in his home town.

Can some find out where the first lady was?

Ondo: Election marred with irregularities, REC cancels election in some wards

Following snatching of election materials in some part of Ilaje and Ondo East local government areas of Ondo State, the Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, Mr. Segun Agbaje in the state yesterday cancelled elections in the affected areas.
According to the REC, the affected areas include, Ugbo wards in the state constituency 1, and some units in Ondo East local government.
The Nation had earlier reported that some suspected thugs loyal to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) allegedly hijacked elections materials met for Ugba wards in Ayetoro community in Ilaje council when they were bringing them from the riverine.

Agbaje, who confirmed this, said information filtered in that ballot boxes and papers, meant for several units in Ayetoro and Ugbo Ward 2, were snatched by armed men.
One of the presiding officers, who preferred anonymity disclosed that Ilepete community, the collation centre for Ugbo Ward 3, was also reportedly attacked by armed thugs, who engaged in sporadic shooting at Ilowo to scare voters away.
Also at Ute Ward 12, Unit 6 in Ose Constituency, armed thugs launched an attack, snatching electoral materials and disappearing with them.
INEC also confirmed that there was no voting at Itekule, in Ondo East Local Government, as sustained gunshots kept voters indoors throughout the accreditation and voting period.

‎Following snatching of election materials in some part of Ilaje and Ondo East local government areas of Ondo State, the Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, Mr. Segun Agbaje in the state yesterday cancelled elections in the affected areas.
According to the REC, the affected areas include, Ugbo wards in the state constituency 1, and some units in Ondo East local government.

The Nation had earlier reported that some suspected thugs loyal to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) allegedly hijacked elections materials met for Ugba wards in Ayetoro community in Ilaje council when they were bringing them from the riverine.
Agbaje, who confirmed this, said information filtered in that ballot boxes and papers, meant for several units in Ayetoro and Ugbo Ward 2, were snatched by armed men.

One of the presiding officers, who preferred anonymity disclosed that Ilepete community, the collation centre for Ugbo Ward 3, was also reportedly attacked by armed thugs, who engaged in sporadic shooting at Ilowo to scare voters away.
Also at Ute Ward 12, Unit 6 in Ose Constituency, armed thugs launched an attack, snatching electoral materials and disappearing with them.

Nigerian Politics: Same Old Wine In A New Bottle ....By Osayimwen Osahon George

A careful research on the members of both dominant parties namely PDP and APC will generate the conclusion that the same people who have plotted the graph of backwardness of the country have only come under a new name to foster their nefarious acts. It’s still the same old story of the PDP being tagged as evil while some of their key members with questionable pasts are adopted by the APC for a new course. The predicted result is the application of the same old values and ideologies to a new political setting which presumably will yield the same outcome as we have had in the past.

There have been a lot of political chants about "change" as well as "transformation" by the members of the All Progressives Congress and the People's Democratic Party respectively. They both form the two dominant political parties of the multiparty system practiced in Nigeria today. Nigerians have aligned themselves consciously as well as unconsciously with both political parties. It’s a welcome development given the history of apathy, distrust and negligence that has marred the electoral system over time. Suddenly, the electorates are becoming so vibrant; they have assumed their constitutional roles of being kingmakers. The recently concluded presidential elections that ushered in General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd) is a political warning shot to all public office holders. It restored the power and dignity of the ballot box.

The hopes of Nigerians have been raised with the APC appearing out of the blues as messiahs of the masses. A careful research on the members of both dominant parties namely PDP and APC will generate the conclusion that the same people who have plotted the graph of backwardness of the country have only come under a new name to foster their nefarious acts. It’s still the same old story of the PDP being tagged as evil while some of their key members with questionable pasts are adopted by the APC for a new course. The predicted result is the application of the same old values and ideologies to a new political setting which presumably will yield the same outcome as we have had in the past.

In a developed political setting, political parties are founded on strong values and ideologies. Aspiring leaders that share in the same belief system and perspective will join the party that suits their political ideologies. In America today, the mode of operation of a democrat is different from the tactics and techniques of a republican due to the different foundational values inculcated in them by the political parties they belong to. In Nigeria today, the level of maturity of our politicians can be likened to a playground of kids who at the slightest quarrel or distortion of interests join another group to play with sands, kick balls or probably fiddle with insects.

This is a blatant show of 'politics of reshuffling'. A case of the same old leaders putting the blame on political parties as if the political parties weren't pioneered by human beings. Human beings dictate the course of every organization. The destiny or development of the organization shouldn't be blamed on the organization as a non-living entity but all the members that made it up. The recent trend of constant defection even on the day of the election only shows the level of selfishness and unseriousness on the path of our so called 'leaders' the younger generation look up to. This is an expression of shame, lack of vision as well as conscience. It depicts the fact that our political parties are not bounded by different ideologies and the members can't boast of a single political philosophy that will guide their administrations when they get into office.

 The bitter truth is that defection has been made easier since the political parties and their members in Nigeria share a common dominant political ideology and philosophy which is the desperate will for political power as a gateway to wealth through massive corruption. This is a common endemic nature of man who loves to amass wealth indiscriminately while in a state of nature as painted by Thomas Hobbes before the state became regularized by governance.
The present practice is different from what was obtainable in the First Republic when leaders like late Sir Ahmadu Bello, the late Chief Nnamdi Azikiwe and the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, the founding fathers of the nation, who were guided by ideologies with which they laid the foundation for the development of their regions and Nigeria at large.

 These were intellectual men of dignity that had a cause and formed a movement to pioneer it. Great men with the future of the country in their hearts. An ardent follower of politics in Nigeria who experiences coma in just a week might wake up to the confusion of who is who among the dominant members of the political parties due to the unrestricted madness of defection which should be curtailed. The motives and values of APC seem good but by admitting the 'bag eggs' of PDP to achieve an expectant development result is simply a fallacy. The motive behind defection is a far cry from the change needed by Nigerians at this crucial stage.

My Lagos visit, not to rig for Agbaje – Jonathan

President Goodluck Jonathan

President Goodluck Jonathan on Friday faulted a claim by the All Progressives Congress that his Thursday visit to Lagos was to coordinate rigging plans for the Peoples Democratic Party in the Saturday governorship election.
He wondered why he would rig the governorship election for the PDP when he did not rig the March 28 presidential election in which he was a candidate.

Jonathan’s position was contained in a statement made available to journalists by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati.
Abati insisted that there was nothing unusual in people paying homage to the President when he is on a visit to Lagos or any other part of the country.

He said the APC spokesman lied as usual and was rude to insinuate that Jonathan met with people in Lagos for the purpose of rigging the elections.
The presidential spokesman said Muhammed and his paymasters were only cooking up meaningless tales in order to change the commendation Jonathan had received across the globe for conceding defeat in the presidential election.

He said, “Lai Muhammed is wrong to say that the President came to Lagos to rig the governorship and State House of Assembly elections scheduled for Saturday, April 11. He is of course lying as usual. And rude.
“President Jonathan visited Lagos. He arrived on Thursday and left on Friday. People visited him. So what? Anytime the President is in Lagos or any part of the country, a lot of people come to pay homage to him.

AY Live Stage Play Jega's Presidential Election Result (Must Watch)

Here is the Hilarious Stage play from AY Live on the Last Presidential |Election  Result. Just watch and enjoy yourself

No One Will Steal Under My Watch – Buhari

President-elect Muhammadu Buhari

President-elect Muhammadu Buhari yesterday vowed to make judicious use of the nation’s resources, declaring that he will neither embezzle nor allow anyone to embezzle the country’s resources.

Buhari, who made the statement during a town hall meeting yesterday in Yola, said he would give priority attention to fighting corruption, insecurity and enhancing educational development, noting that most of the social ills bedevilling the country could be traced to dearth of education.

He decried the high level of corruption in the country which he blamed for the years of decay that led to massive unemployment, and asserted that, to address the situation, he would invest massively in agriculture and exploit the mineral resources sector in order to create employment.

Buhari noted that for Nigeria to get out of the woods, the people must persevere in nation building, adding that in the face of the massive decay in the system, tackling Nigeria’s problems would be a daunting task.

He also stated that the country was endowed with human and natural resources ‘’but unfortunately the resources were mismanaged and squandered, leading to the present situation in the land”.

Buhari, however, noted that with the support, sacrifice and resolve of Nigerians to effect change, the country will be the better for all.

He reiterated his promise that in the course of running his government, he would not favour or discriminate against anyone, but ensure that Nigeria’s resources are fairly and judiciously distributed across every nook and cranny of the land.

Fayose and Ekiti: Buhari’s first test

Ask anyone that is well informed about Nigerian politics that who is presently the most controversial governor in Nigeria, and he will certainly tell you: Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State. Without doubt, Governor Fayose, through his recent utterances and actions, has earned himself the most popular and controversial Nigerian State Governor of the moment.

Governor Fayose was re-elected as the Governor of Ekiti State on the platform of Peoples Democratic Party on June 21, 2014 and was sworn into office on October 16, 2014. Prior to this, it would be recalled that he had been a Governor of the same state from May 29, 2003 to October 16, 2006 when he was impeached.

One of the recent activities that have made Fayose popular and controversial was his unrelenting attacks on the person of General Muhammad Buhari, the newly President-elect of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, who has just been elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress. While some people, especially his lovers, see nothing new or abnormal in the firm decision of Fayose in attacking Buhari, some believe he was too harsh. To the former, it is not new in Nigerian Politics for politicians to attack one another for the purpose of gaining political advantages over one another. So to these people, Fayose should even be commended for playing his political card very well.

However, the latter believe that Fayose is becoming too aggressive and unreasonable in the manner he plays his politics. The most popular and widely criticized of those attacks on Gen. Buhari was an advertisement he (Gov. Fayose) placed in the Punch newspaper of January 19, 2015 and Daily Sun of the same date. In that advertisement, Fayose was indirectly asking Nigerians not to waste their votes by voting General Muhammad Buhari who, according to him, is too old to govern the country.

Fayose had, in that advertisement, indirectly predicted the death of General Muhammad Buhari in office if eventually elected. So these people see everything wrong in that advertisement. Critical and objective observation of the roles of Fayose in 2015 general elections may prompt many to wonder whether or not Fayose has done something that other politicians have not done before. Aside that widely criticized advertisement sponsored by Fayose, one may find it quite difficult differentiating him from other politicians. It has always been the practice of Nigerian politicians to attack one another during election period. So in this regards, Fayose shouldn’t be an exception.

PDP members decamping to APC ​are ​”stomach ​politicians​”​ — Niger governor, Aliyu

Governor of Niger State, Mu’azu Aliyu

The Governor of Niger State, Mu’azu Aliyu, has described politicians defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressive Congress as people who are suffering from poverty of integrity, morality and principle.

Mr. Aliyu who was receiving guests at his office Wednesday in Minna, the Niger State capital, said electorates should not be deterred by defections from the PDP adding that those who should worry are members of the APC that will soon have problems of political profiteers in their hands.
“I will rather resign from politics instead of defecting from PDP. Those defecting from PDP based on the outcome of the presidential and National Assembly election lack principles of integrity and morality, they are indeed stomach politicians.”

“For principles of integrity, morality, we have chosen to remain in PDP. I heard people insinuating that I have dumped my party candidate for the APC candidate. It is a lie, I will never do such a thing.”
Speaking on the forthcoming election, he said the accusation by the Niger State APC against the PDP in terms of plans to rig in the April 11 gubernatorial election has shown that “they are indeed the very ones trying to rig and cause civil unrest. On our own side, we will abide by the rule to ensure nobody or party is cheated. The election must indeed reflect the wishes of the people.”

OBITUARY: On March 18, doctors told Oronto Douglas he had a few days to live…The Cable

Oronto Douglas

Oronto Douglas, special adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan on research, documentation and strategy, died in the early hours of Thursday three weeks after his doctors told him he had a few days to live.

He was diagnosed with cancer in 2008 and had been battling the disease since then with “encouraging signs” of improvement, family sources told TheCable. At some stage, he was thought to have survived as the cancer went into remission, but he suffered a relapse in 2011. He had been visibly sick in the last one year, losing weight dramatically and sometimes needing a wheelchair to move around in the last three months.

 Douglas, a trusted aide of Jonathan, travelled to the US in March for his regular check-up and was told by his doctors that he could not survive further medication. “They told him he would die in a matter of days. That was on March 18, 2015. He had to choose between dying in the US and returning to Nigeria. He decided to return home,” the source said. He was said to be in high spirits up till the moments leading to his death, which occurred at 4:58am on Thursday at the State House clinic, Abuja. “You would not believe he was so sick if you listened to him on the phone.

Only if you saw him physically would you know his state. As at Wednesday, he was still working even though he could not move around the house,” the source added. Unlike in 2011 when he went on the nationwide campaign tour of Jonathan, he was not strong enough to participate in the 2015 campaign, and could no longer go to office.

Buhari’s victory has shamed doomsayers’ prediction that Nigeria will break up in 2015 – Gowon

Ex. Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon

Former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, said the peaceful conduct of March 28 Presidential poll won by Maj. Gen Muhammadu Buhari(retd.), has shamed doomsayers’ perception that Nigeria will break up in 2015.

“No one will ever repeat that wild and arrogant prediction that Nigeria will go under; those doomsayers have been shamed and Nigeria will grow from strength to strength,” Gowon told NAN in Jos on Monday. While recalling the prediction that the country would disintegrate in 2015, Gowon declared that those that made the prediction did not reckon with Nigeria’s ability to solve its problems.

“The nation has always had the mechanism to tackle its concerns and this election and its peaceful outcome have proved that a united and focused nation would always survive and move toward greatness,” he said.

The former Head of State expressed happiness that the polls were adjudged free and fair by local and international observers, and commended the patience and resilience of the voters, who defied rain and the scorching sun to cast their votes. “During the elections, I visited polling units in Asokoro, Karu, Nyanya, Maitama and Wuse.

The people came early, and in many cases, waited for INEC officials that came late. I was touched by such commitment. “I was also touched by the good spirit and camaraderie amongst the voters as they waited to vote. I was also happy that they were very friendly and did not allow their political differences to tamper with the fact that they all had one destiny,” he said. Gowon also commended INEC officials, especially the NYSC members, for insisting on doing the right thing, and urged Nigerians to keep that spirit so that democratic governance would mature in the country.

Source: Today.ng

Former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, said the peaceful conduct of March 28 Presidential poll won by Maj. Gen Muhammadu Buhari(retd.), has shamed doomsayers’ perception that Nigeria will break up in 2015. “No one will ever repeat that wild and arrogant prediction that Nigeria will go under; those doomsayers have been shamed and Nigeria will grow from strength to strength,” Gowon told NAN in Jos on Monday. While recalling the prediction that the country would disintegrate in 2015, Gowon declared that those that made the prediction did not reckon with Nigeria’s ability to solve its problems. “The nation has always had the mechanism to tackle its concerns and this election and its peaceful outcome have proved that a united and focused nation would always survive and move toward greatness,” he said.

Read full story here:

Former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, said the peaceful conduct of March 28 Presidential poll won by Maj. Gen Muhammadu Buhari(retd.), has shamed doomsayers’ perception that Nigeria will break up in 2015. “No one will ever repeat that wild and arrogant prediction that Nigeria will go under; those doomsayers have been shamed and Nigeria will grow from strength to strength,” Gowon told NAN in Jos on Monday. While recalling the prediction that the country would disintegrate in 2015, Gowon declared that those that made the prediction did not reckon with Nigeria’s ability to solve its problems. “The nation has always had the mechanism to tackle its concerns and this election and its peaceful outcome have proved that a united and focused nation would always survive and move toward greatness,” he said.

Read full story here:

What’s Good for Democracy is Good for Business..By Tony Elemelu

Tony Elemelu

I am optimistic about Africa and its future. I believe strongly - that a new Africa has begun to emerge - although one cannot dismiss the odd hurdle and challenge along the way.  What’s come to life is a more mature continent aware of its past, proud of its heritage and willing to do more in pursuit of a brighter future.

You may wonder about such unabashed optimism, from someone living and working in a country long perceived as difficult and complex. The simple reason is that today’s Nigeria is a different country. The potential we have long imagined for our nation is now becoming a reality. The economic management of Nigeria has improved over the last decade and our leaders are asking more of themselves and their colleagues in and out of government.

Also the private sector is more self-assured and confident about the new economic policies that have led to steady growth in the past decade. We don’t expect anything fundamental to change irrespective of the outcome of the elections.  For this reason we have demonstrated a greater willingness to partner the government so as to help underpin Nigeria’s growth and prosperity. 

As a business leader, my hope for yesterday’s election was a free, fair and well-managed poll that will increase confidence in the political class, respond to the people and prioritise the development of our economy.

Recently, Nigerians went to the polls, and over the course of 2015, a total of 11 African countries will conduct national-level elections. Free, fair and well-managed elections will increase confidence in Africa’s political class, its politics, people and economies. This will aid the flow of long-term investment, expand opportunities and allow broader economic participation for all Africans, especially our youth and women.

Unless You Impeach God First, You can't remove me - Gov. Fayose Dares Lawmakers

Gov. Ayo Fayose, Ekiti State Governor

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose has dismissed the purported impeachment notice issued to him by the All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmakers in the State House of Assembly, saying he was yet to be served any impeachment notice.

Fayose, while speaking at an audience participatory programme; “Meet Your Governor” aired on the State Television, EKTV, Ekiti Radio, Progress FM and NTA, Ado Ekiti today, described those plotting his impeachment as the same enemies of Ekiti State that plotted his exit from office in 2006.
“Nobody served me any impeachment notice. I only saw the notice online like every other person”, he said.

The governor, who described himself as an Israelite said: “I’m like Israel that is in the midst of enemies but will always prevail. Whoever wants to remove me will first have to impeach God.”
He said the APC members were trying to get at him because he wholeheartedly supported President Goodluck Jonathan’s reelection bid.

“They are doing all these just to get at me because of my support for President Jonathan and I have no regret for supporting the president.
“Let me say it again, I have not been served any impeachment notice. The House of Assembly is also on recess and Dr Adewale Omirin is not the speaker of the State House of Assembly.

Video reveals Oba Akiolu of Lagos threatened Igbo residents in Lagos [MUST WATCH]

The Video has emerged where Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu’s  threatens Igbo residents  of not voting for Akinwunmi Ambode as the next Governor of Lagos.

In the Video above, the Oba clearly warned the Igbo to vote for only the  governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Akinwumi Ambode, or else they will die in the lagoon Ambode even though the People Democratic Party Candidtate (PDP),  Jimi Agbaje  is a blood relation.

The monarch on Sunday said he was not ready to beg the Igbos and warned them not to repeat their support for presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), President Goodluck Jonathan on March 28.

What Buhari Needs To Succeed – Jonathan

Major General Muhammadu Buhari, President-Elect

Jonathan spoke at the Presidential Villa, Abuja yesterday when he received a delegation of the
Federal Capital Territory residents led by his vice, Mohammed Namadi Sambo, who paid him Easter homage. The president described Easter, as a period of  sacrifice. He said: 

 

“Whenever we talk about this period, the key lesson there is sacrifice. Somebody sacrificed for our own salvation. “Now, Buhari is coming on board; it is not about supporting Buhari or government, but what sacrifice, as individuals, are you willing to make for government and for the nation?”  

 

He asked whether Nigerians would be ready to make the sacrifice of backing Buhari if he should increase Value Added Tax (VAT) from five to 10 percent. There is already a proposal in the medium term expenditure framework now before the National Assembly to increase VAT from five percent.
The President said:

 

 “In the ECOWAS sub-region for example, Nigeria has the lowest VAT, other
countries pay up to 12 percent. “If for instance, Buhari decides to increase VAT from 5 to 10 percent, will Nigerians support him? That is sacrifice, and we must make sacrifice.” The president maintained that no government would survive if the citizens, especially businessmen, refuse to pay tax.“If you are a businessman and you say you are supporting government, but you don’t pay tax; how do you expect that government to survive?
 

That government will not survive,” he said. He recalled that as a deputy governor in Bayelsa State his people used to come to him to pledge their loyalty. He said he often responded, “Don’t tell me you are loyal; tell me you are patriotic to the country and that you believe in Bayelsa State. “To me, whenever I travel to different countries and see things work, those things didn’t fall down
as many people made sacrifice. “Therefore, in Nigeria, people must also be ready to make the required sacrifice. Whoever becomes president is immaterial so long as the citizens are
happy; our children go to school, when they are sick, they go to good hospital and of course, the
economy blossoms. “Nation building depends on the sacrifices of individuals and the patriotism of the citizens.

These are two key elements. “We are talking about Boko Haram or terror; soldiers are dying for us to live, police are dying for us to live. That is sacrifice. As individuals, you don’t need to die, but there are various roles you need to play. You must make sacrifice. “The economy of China was threatened, but they locked up themselves for a period of time. And by the time they opened their doors, they become even a threat to the biggest economy. “Are we ready for that kind of sacrifice for the
government? Whenever we talk of Easter, these are the key lessons of sacrifice”, Jonathan said.
The president reminisced about his years of service from being the deputy governor of Bayelsa State to being the nation’s number one citizen and said: “I think it is enough”.
The president said since 1999, he had been in a cage “being taken care of by the government”.
“For me as an individual, this Easter coincides with the time I’m leaving. But I always say that
I’m one of the luckiest Nigerians. I’m yet to see somebody luckier than me. From 1999, I was in
the hands of government for 16 years.
“I was in a cage, being taken care of by the government. From May 29, 1999 to date; 16 good
years! I think it is enough and I am happy. Help me to thank God for that ...Today is a glorious day for me.”

Those in the delegation were Secretary to the Government of the Federation Anyim Pius Anyim;
Chief of Staff Jones Arogbofa; Head of Service Danladi Kifasi; Archbishop of the Anglican Church
of Nigeria Most Rev. Nicholas Okoh; Catholic Archbishop of Abuja Cardinal John Onaiyekan;
Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission John Kennedy-Opara; Chief
Imam of the National Mosque Alhaji MuhammedMusa, among others.

Source: Dailytrust

What Buhari Needs To Succeed – Jonathan

Major General Muhammadu Buhari, President-Elect

Jonathan spoke at the Presidential Villa, Abuja yesterday when he received a delegation of the
Federal Capital Territory residents led by his vice, Mohammed Namadi Sambo, who paid him Easter homage. The president described Easter, as a period of  sacrifice. He said: 

 

“Whenever we talk about this period, the key lesson there is sacrifice. Somebody sacrificed for our own salvation. “Now, Buhari is coming on board; it is not about supporting Buhari or government, but what sacrifice, as individuals, are you willing to make for government and for the nation?”  

 

He asked whether Nigerians would be ready to make the sacrifice of backing Buhari if he should increase Value Added Tax (VAT) from five to 10 percent. There is already a proposal in the medium term expenditure framework now before the National Assembly to increase VAT from five percent.
The President said:

 

 “In the ECOWAS sub-region for example, Nigeria has the lowest VAT, other
countries pay up to 12 percent. “If for instance, Buhari decides to increase VAT from 5 to 10 percent, will Nigerians support him? That is sacrifice, and we must make sacrifice.” The president maintained that no government would survive if the citizens, especially businessmen, refuse to pay tax.“If you are a businessman and you say you are supporting government, but you don’t pay tax; how do you expect that government to survive?
 

That government will not survive,” he said. He recalled that as a deputy governor in Bayelsa State his people used to come to him to pledge their loyalty. He said he often responded, “Don’t tell me you are loyal; tell me you are patriotic to the country and that you believe in Bayelsa State. “To me, whenever I travel to different countries and see things work, those things didn’t fall down
as many people made sacrifice. “Therefore, in Nigeria, people must also be ready to make the required sacrifice. Whoever becomes president is immaterial so long as the citizens are
happy; our children go to school, when they are sick, they go to good hospital and of course, the
economy blossoms. “Nation building depends on the sacrifices of individuals and the patriotism of the citizens.