'APC’s Campaign Council, a Clear Negation of Buhari’s Claims', Group Alleges

The N4Atiku Group has described the constitution of the Presidential Campaign Council of the All Progressives Congress as a clear sign of insincerity and negation of the claims by President Muhammadu Buhari and the APC that the 16-year rule of the Peoples Democratic Party was responsible for Nigeria’s present situation.

In a statement made available to the media on Monday, the group, through its spokesman, Isiaka Abdulai pointed out that “over the years, the President and his party, against all rules of common sense, have accused the PDP of bringing Nigeria to her knees. Instead of addressing the ineptitude of their government, the APC continues to massage its ego with stories that have reduced governance to the extremity of disgrace”.

While describing the PDP presidential candidate as “a man with the genuine interest of the country at heart”, the Group continued that “something is disturbingly wrong with the narrative that PDP destroyed Nigeria. As a matter of fact, the right questions need to be asked. If PDP indeed destroyed Nigeria, why does the APC need those it accused of destroying Nigeria to help it stay in power?”

Abdulai went on to state that “in its insipid manner of lying without recourse to consequence and logic, the APC apparently forgot that the Vice Chairman, North, of its Presidential Campaign Council, Senator George Akume was a PDP Governor for 8years. His counterpart in the South, Senator Ken Nnamani was Senate President under the PDP, its Director General, Rotimi Ameachi served as Speaker of House of Assembly in Rivers State for eight years and had another seven years as Governor under the PDP. That amounts to a total of 15 years.

It may also interest Nigerians to note that the North West Zonal Director, Aliyu Wammakko, was a PDP Governor for eight years and was a Senator for 3 years. The South West Zonal Director, Olusola Oke served as PDP National Legal Adviser for nine years. The South South Zonal Director, Godswill Akpabio was politically well brought up by the PDP. He served as Secretary to the State Government after which he governed Akwa Ibom for eight years, and until four months ago, he was the minority leader in the Senate, a position he got as a PDP member”.

The group wondered why the President and his party members continue to malign the PDP when in actual fact the best human resources they can boast of were actually sourced from the PDP. “None of these people spent less than 13 years as PDP members. Mathematically, that is 81% of the 16 years of the so called destruction. Is it not a sign of insincerity to say PDP destroyed Nigeria for 16 years and still solicit for the help of the people they claimed destroyed Nigeria?” the group asked.

The N4Atiku Group went on to call on Nigerians to “join hands and support Atiku Abubakar who has what it takes to get Nigeria working again”.

Focus on developmental politics not brickbats, Oyo APC tells ADC, PDP, ZLP others

• 

  The Oyo State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has urged the opposition parties in the state to focus on their impending failure at the polls and campaign their manifestoes instead of trying to draw APC out through brickbats and mudslinging.   

   
  The party also took a swipe at the Ibadan North West/South West Federal Constituency candidate of African Democratic Congress (ADC), Wasiu Olatunbosun for condemning the APC, saying that Wasiu Olatunbosun was an integral part of APC government until his selfishness and self-centeredness pushed him out.

  
  The party in a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Dr AbdulAzeez Olatunde on Sunday said that the party is focused on the sustenance of peace, infrastructural, agricultural and industrial revolutions as well as the continuous restoration of the lost glory of the state, saying that any party that is sure of his past achievements and manifestoes should come forward to market it.
  
  Dr Olatunde said that the party’s achievements through Governor Abiola Ajimobi are unrivaled by any of the past governors in the present political dispensation, noting that, comparatively, none of the icons of the opposition parties has better achievements than APC. 
  
  The party said it would rather focus on its governance, developmental and progressive politics and will therefore campaign for continuity with concrete plans, noting that the era of mundane politics and motherhood campaigns are gone in the state.

  Dr Olatunde said Wasiu Olatunbosun has no moral right to castigate the APC government he was a part of, revealing that the ADC candidate organized many mercantile solidarity rallies in support of Ajimobi until his selfish interest pushed him out of APC, the party with the best welfare package and developmental projects for the people of Oyo State.

  He congratulated the ADC on the exit of their messiah to Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), Senator Ladoja, who is a cankerworm that has transversed four different parties in the last one year, urging APC members to should show understanding with the vituperations of members of ADC, PDP, ADP, ZLP and other opposition parties as they now have forlorn hope in the 2019 poll. 
  
  

Former President,Shehu Shagari Dies At 93

Death has been announced of the Nigerian’s Second Republic President, Alhaji Shehu Usman Aliyu Shagari, GCFR.

Shagari we reliably gathered died at the National Hospital Abuja on Friday after a brief illness.

He died at the age of 93.

His demise was announced on twitter by his grandson, Bello Shagari.

Bello wrote, ”I regret announcing the death of my grandfather, H.E Alhaji Shehu Shagari, who died right now after brief illness at the National hospital, Abuja.”

Online Journalists Charged on Ethics and Professionalism

Online journalists have been urged to insist on ethical practice and cautioned against rushing to publish, so as to guard against the spread of fake news. The call was made in Ibadan on Thursday by the South West Bureau Chief of The Nation Newspapers, Bisi Oladele and Mr. Wale Ojo Lanre, a former Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Oyo State Council. He made the call while speaking at a lecture organized by the Online Media Practitioners of Nigeria, OMPAN.

Oladele, who has been a journalist for more than two decades tasked online journalists on fact checking and being innovative. “You must get good and credible content all the time. You must also remember that innovation is the language that can sustain you in this industry”, he said.

He pointed out that digital journalism is moving at top speed, hence the need for online journalists to upgrade themselves on a regular basis. “No one who wants to remain relevant can remain static”, he told the participants.

Speaking on gratification and why it should be delayed, Oladele said “your attitude to money will distinguish you. If you don’t delay gratification, it will delay your progress in journalism. It is those who pursue the things that bring money that make money”, he said.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Oyo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Comrade Wunmi Faniran noted that online media is evolving every day. He also noted that the traditional media have commenced online operations so that they are not left behind. While commending the leaders of OMPAN for putting the lecture together, he urged members to “keep writing, write accurately and inform people well”.

In his presentation, Ojo Lanre explained that online journalists can sustain traffic on their websites if they make integrity, truth and diligence their watchwords. “Fact-checking will not only prevent you from being part of the multitude, it will deliver you from the error of majority thinking”.

-Theanchoronline

Top Bizman, Kola Karim Supports Atiku's Campaign With $ 30.5 Million

Kola Karim, the polished and stylish international businessman and CEO of Shoreline Energy has a specialty, starting companies and nurturing them to success. Building extremely viable international partnerships is also one of his innate characteristics. What many may however not know about him is that he is fiercely loyal to his friends and whenever any of his friends needs support, he is always there to lend a hand. If his friend has an aspiration, to him, it is all or nothing. He never supports in half measures; he goes the whole hog.

The news now is that Kola Karim has built yet another partnership. Thanks to the man whose company recently acquired 51% stake in Entrepose, a leading provider of construction and mechanical services to International Oil Companies, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar’s presidential campaign has received a major boost.

Kola Karim has promised a support of $ 30.5 million. He also promised another ₦ 9 billion before the end of January. With that, Atiku will have no problem prosecuting his presidential campaign. Apart from the funds coming at the right time, it will most likely turbo-charge the former Vice-President’s campaign which is already moving at full gallop.

Those in the know have revealed that the relationship between Atiku and Karim did not just start. They have been close from way back and not only does Atiku believe in him as one of Nigeria’s most successful entrepreneurs, he had always seen greatness in him even as a young entrepreneur. Karim on the other hand believes in the Atiku project, especially for the good of Nigeria and Nigerians.

Apart from Shoreline where he is the CEO, Karim controls a number of other companies including Costain West Africa where he is Chairman of the Board. 49-year-old Kola Karim has also been a Director of Nigerian Ropes Plc since March, 2008

Oyo OMPAN Holds A Day Seminar

The Association of Online Media Practitioners of Nigeria (OMPAN), Oyo State chapter is set to hold a day seminar in Ibadan.

This was disclosed in a Press Release signed by state's Chairman of the Association, Mr. Remi Oladoye and made available to journalists by PRO of the Association in the state, Dare Adeniran.

According to the release, the seminar with the Theme 'Online Journalism and Media Integrity in Nigeria', comes up tomorrow Thursday 27 December, 2018, at Dapo Aderogba Hall, NUJ Press Centre, Iyaganku GRA, Ibadan by 10am.

Mr Bisi Oladele, South West Bureau Chief of The Nation Newspaper, is the guest lecturer at the seminar while Ambassador Wale Ojo Lanre, Associate Editor Nigerian Tribune would also be speaking on Developmental Journalism.

“Association of Online Media Practitioners of Nigeria (OMPAN),  Oyo State chapter is a group of online journalists who have come together to hoist excellence, professionalism, honesty and  objectivity as part of the association's core values.

Consequent upon the need to improve the skills and knowledge of our members, however, we are organizing a periodic seminar/workshop for training and teaching members on how to promote  media integrity and enhance a better society through balanced and objective  news coverage,” the statement reads.

‘Don’t Be Deceived By Presidency’s 2023 Promises’, Atiku Warns Igbos, Yorubas

The Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has urged the South West and South East geo-political zones of Nigeria not to be deceived by assurances that their zones would produce the president in 2023. The charged came on the heels of promises from the Presidency regarding which zone would produce the President in 2023.

Last week, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha had stated in Owerri  that the South East would get its turn to produce the president in 2023 if it supports President Muhammadu Buhari’s second term.

A similar situation played out in Ibadan on Saturday as the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo urged Yorubas to throw their weight behind the President’s second term bid in order to get a chance to produce the president in 2023.

In a statement signed by spokesman of the PDP Presidential Campaign Council, Kassim Afegbua, Atiku accused the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, of trading with 2023 in a bid to return to power at all cost.

“In its desperation to hang on to power despite its abysmal failure so far, the All Progressives Congress, APC, and the Presidency, have resorted to trading with the lure of 2023 presidency, promising both the South East and South West respectively of the 2023 Presidency in exchange for votes.

“Giving out two promises has exposed the insincerity and dubious intention of the Buhari-led federal government with the people of the South East and South West geopolitical zones with empty promises of bequeathing power to the two zones at the same time in 2023. This is why Nigerians cannot take the APC and the Buhari presidency serious any longer, as we prepare for the 2019 election,” Atiku said in the statement.

The PDP Campaign Council went on to state that “two principal officers of the same government cannot be fooling Nigerians with vainglorious promises all in the name of re-election. Such discordant tunes by the first and second citizens of our dear country have exposed lack of synergy, and display of double standard and double-speak by chieftains of a government that has continued to display wanton desperation to hold on to power at all cost in the face of monumental failure.”

The statement continued: “How can the President be promising South-Easterners the Presidency when his Vice President is also promising the South-Westerners same position in 2023, all in the name of 2019 re-election?

“This is a clear show of deceit, desperation, crass insincerity and hypocrisy of the highest order. This is a clarion call on the South-Easterners not to trust such carrot being dangled before them as it has become obvious that this government neither fulfills promises nor keeps any covenant.

“The same government cannot promise the Igbos and Yorubas at the same time if it were sincere about the shape of politics of 2023 Presidency. This government has an uncommon reputation for deceit, lies, insincerity and hypocrisy especially when it has to do with its 2019 re-election bid.

“Nigerians are beginning to see through the pretensions and dubiety of purpose of the Buhari-led federal government; a government that has shown its incapacitation and leadership atrophy in the last three years and crippled the fabric of our collegiate solidarity and unity through nepotism and cronyism. The President cannot on the one hand be playing God by decreeing which zone it intends to bequeath the reins of power, while his Vice President on the other hand is also promising his South West zone of same position. This is a typical feature of power hawkers, in their desperation to hoodwink buyers to patronise their morbid products.

“The Nigerian public must wake up to this double-speak and vote out this inconsistent government in 2019. It is a responsibility that every Nigerian must buy into in order to save the country from further maladies and mis-governance.”

My Takeaways from 2019 Budget By Atiku Abubakar

President Muhammadu Buhari presented the 2019 Budget Proposals to the Joint Session of the National Assembly on Wednesday 20 December 2018. Its key aim is to, according to the President, ‘further place the economy on the path of inclusive, diversified and sustainable growth in order to continue to lift significant numbers of our citizens out of poverty’.

The 2019 Appropriation Bill proposes an aggregate expenditure of N8.83 trillion for the year of which N4.04 trillion is recurrent, N2.31 trillion capital and N2.14 trillion will be devoted to debt service. The planned spending is lower than the 2018 budget by N300 billion. Allowing for 11% inflation rate, its real value is N7.95 trillion.

The proposed budget as presented is fundamentally flawed. It deliberately ignores and fails to address current realities and pretends, as Mr. President asserts, ‘we are on the right direction’. On the contrary, the 2019 budget is built on very shaky foundation and makes very generous, often wild and untenable assumptions which pose significant risks to its implementation. It will be a disservice to the country if we ignore these fundamental flaws.

Several inaccurate claims litter the budget document - all, I think, in an attempt for Mr. President to whitewash the regime and hide their monumental failure to improve, even minimally, the welfare and living standards of much of the population. I see the rhetoric of ‘inclusive, diversified and sustainable growth’ as no more than an amplification of the APC-led government’s renewed propaganda to hoodwink the citizens into believing that there is ‘light at the end of the tunnel’.

Few of these claims by Mr. President are that ‘we have recorded several successes in economic management’, that ‘the economy has recovered from recession’, that  ‘foreign capital inflows including direct and portfolio investments (have) responded to improved economic management and that ‘we have had a sustained accretion to foreign exchange reserves’ etc.

In reality, the economy is yet to recover from the 2016/2017 recession as it remains SEVERELY STRESSED, extremely fragile and vulnerable to external shocks. GDP growth declined from 2.11% in 2017 to 1.9% in Q1 and to 1.5% in Q2 of 2018. In Q3 of 2018 there was only a marginal increase of 0.3% to 1.8%.

In its current form, the local economy is not dynamic enough to journey to their so-called NEXTLEVEL.  For the year 2019, a general slowdown in the real growth rates of economic activity in both the oil and non-oil sectors has been projected at 1.9% by the World Bank. This rate is well below the 2019 budget projection of 3.01% and is not enough to create the needed jobs for the growing population of the country or for the attainment of the SDGs. 

As a sign of the weakness of the economy, the rate of unemployment has increased from 18.8% in 2017 to 23.1% in Q3 of 2018. Today, close to 20 million people are unemployed compared to 7.2 million people in 2014. These high rates of unemployment represent both a significant distortion in the economic system and a lost opportunity for critical national development and could potentially threaten social stability.

Sadly, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is limited and is declining. In Q3, 2018 capital inflows were US$2.855.21 billion showing a decrease of 48.21% compared to Q2 2018 and 31.12% decrease compared to Q3 2017. Indeed, its current level is the lowest since Q2, 2017. Value of Foreign Portfolio recorded at US$1.7 billion represents a decrease of 58.2% compared to Q2 2018. It also represents a 37.7% decrease compared to the Q3 of 2017.

Finally, it is very significant to note that capital importation in 2014 (Q3) was US$6.5 billion and in 2018 (Q3) US$2.9 billion. This shows US$3.6 billion or 55% decline since the regime came into power.

So, contrary to Mr. President’s assertion, capital importation actually shrinks! In reality Mr. President should expect no less. It is a fact that under his watch and resulting from his actions or inactions, investor confidence in the economy has waned like never before in Nigeria’s history.  Nigeria remains an uncompetitive economy as demonstrated by the recent World Economic Forum (WEF), Global Competitiveness Index which positions Nigeria as 115th of 140 Countries.  The Report shows that Nigeria has moved three places down, contrary to Mr. President’s claim that ‘we are moving in the right direction’.  Nigeria remains one of the most difficult places to do business as evidenced by the massive outflows of capital in recent times.

Yes, we have seen some increases in gross reserves. However, the so-called ‘successes’ recorded did not emanate from any coherent and comprehensive economic policies of the Federal Government. The ‘sustained accretion’ to foreign exchange reserves resulted from increases in international prices of Brent Crude and foreign borrowing. Given our total dependence on the oil sector for foreign exchange earnings, any turbulence in the international oil market will lead to reversals.

This cannot be counted as ‘success’. The acclaimed ‘success’ was simply by the Grace of God.

Even Mr. President’s acclaimed successes in agriculture can be interrogated.  In spite of the so-called ‘increased investment across the entire value chain from agricultural inputs to farming and ultimately, food processing’, agricultural growth is well below historical levels.  The growth in agricultural production declined from 3.48% in Q3 2015 to 1.91% in Q3 2018. Similarly, in 2018, growth has been declining from 3% in Q1, to 1.19% in Q2 and 1.91% in Q3. There is little evidence to show that ‘increased investment’ in agriculture has yielded positive results.

This brings us to what the key question is: can the 2019 budget place the economy on the path of inclusive, diversified and sustainable growth in order to continue to lift significant numbers of our citizens out of poverty as PMB claims?

Here are 6 reasons why it cannot.

First, the 2019 is built on a very shaky foundation. It seeks to consolidate on the ‘achievements’ and ‘successes’ of the 2018 budget. However, the 2018 budget was itself poorly implemented. Actual revenue collected was only N2.84 trillion (as at September 2018) against projected revenue of N7.17 trillion. This implied that as at September 2018, only approximately 40% of projected revenues were realized by the Federal Government. Similarly, by December 14 2018, only N820.57 billion was released for capital spending out of a projected expenditure of N2.652 trillion. This implied that only 31% of the capital budget was implemented. This would impact negatively on growth, jobs and poverty.

With such a dismal budget performance, the economy would NOT have had the capacity to grow, generate wealth and jobs. 

Secondly, the 2019 budget is a business as usual budget. The Federal Government keeps repeating the same mistakes BUT expects different results. For example, although the current resource position remains precarious, government does not intend to introduce significant fiscal restructuring. Thus, in spite of dwindling revenues, subsidy on PMS will continue (US$1 billion is budgeted for that); Government does not intend to introduce any reforms in the foreign exchange market as multiple exchange rates will be maintained - thus given away between ₦300 billion and ₦800 billion to opportunists, rent-seekers, middlemen, arbitrageurs, and fraudsters; and finally, the budget is overwhelmingly recurrent, with capital spending taking the back seat.

Thirdly, 2019 Budget is based on grossly exaggerated assumptions. They are NOT able to put in place any coherent and comprehensive policies to give hope that these assumptions can be met. For example the Oil price benchmark has been pegged at $60 per barrel and domestic oil production will be maintained at 2.3 million barrels per day.  Of recent, the oil market has been turbulent and Brent Crude sells at less than US$60. There are projections of over-supply resulting from US shale production and pressure on Saudi by the US not to cut production. With regards to local production, we all know that throughout 2018, average production was 1.95 million barrels per day. Indeed, the latest report from OPEC suggests that Nigeria will be required to cut production to 1.65 million barrels per day. This implies that revenue targets to implement the budget will not be met.

The most laughable assumption is that real GDP will grow at 3.01 percent. When indeed, GDP growth has been sluggish, with a projection of 1.9% in 2019. The government cannot cut spending and expect the economy to grow. 

Fourthly and very fundamentally, 2019 Budget is very small. The size of the budget is not sufficient to stimulate growth of the economy, create jobs and alleviate poverty. The planned total expenditure of N8.83 trillion is lower than 2018 budget by approximately N290 billion. The Federal Government is contracting the economy whereas in a period of recession, governments MUST spend more to have meaningful impact on jobs and poverty.

The budget is also very low in relation to the size of the Nigerian economy, which is estimated at approximately N150 trillion. This means that the 2019 budget is barely 6% of GDP. (Compare Bangladesh 15.30%, India 12.74% and Afghanistan 11.9% in 2017). Again, this will have no meaningful impact on jobs and poverty. 

Fifthly, Nigeria’s fiscal crisis persists and fiscal position of the Federal Government, and by extension, the states and local governments remains precarious. First, projected revenues of N6.97 trillion are 3% lower than 2018 and second, the oil sector continues its dominance as it contributes 54% of the budget revenues. The non-oil sector is expected to contribute only 20% of the budget revenues. There are no coherent and comprehensive plans to expand the resource horizon of the Federal Government.

As a result of the brewing fiscal crisis, budget deficit remains high at N1.86 trillion. This is equivalent to 21% of the budget and 1.3% of GDP. The implication is that the Federal Government will need to borrow more in 2018 to implement the budget. Debt Service is already putting a strain on government revenues.  The sum of N2.14 trillion has been provided for debt service. This means that 30% of projected revenue will be used in debt service.

Six, as has been with previous budgets, recurrent costs and debt service will take a lion share of the budget as against capital expenditure. Capital expenditure will be only 23% of planned expenditure. On the other hand, 24% of the budget will be spent on debt service and 46% on overhead and personnel costs. Thus over 70% of the budget will be devoted to recurrent costs and debt service. This will not grow the economy and create jobs.

It is therefore putting it mild to say that the 2019 proposed budget is not developmental, will not pull Nigeria from the abyss and may, indeed accentuate the misery and hopelessness the Nigerian people have lived with since 2015.

There must be an alternative to this Budget. Nigeria needs a government which understands how to run the economy in order to Get Nigeria Working Again. Fortunately for the country, the Atiku/Obi team has exactly that capacity and experience.

For the avoidance of doubt, an Atiku Presidency, come 2019, will present to Nigerians a people’s budget that will prioritize and focus on the twin challenges of unemployment and poverty. Nigeria’s high rates of unemployment, poverty and inequality represent both a significant distortion in the economic system and a lost opportunity for critical national development and could potentially threaten social stability.

Resolving these thorny issues requires significant departure from the APC-led government’s ways of doing things. TheAtikuPlan will accelerate growth rather than contract the economy to steer Nigeria out of recession and to create opportunities for our youth to be self-employed.  The private sector will be a critical driver of economic growth and #TheAtikuPlan will therefore act expeditiously to create a supportive and enabling environment for businesses to invest and thrive.

We shall disrupt and improve the budgeting process to facilitate more effective budget impact on the economy by increasing, significantly, the share of capital expenditure in the budget to a minimum of 40% in the first instance. To facilitate increased capital spending, we shall improve spending efficiency by cutting on recurrent expenses, by ensuring the judicious utilization of all borrowed funds for economic diversification and infrastructural development and by promoting more Public Private Partnerships in critical infrastructure funding.

TheAtikuPlan recognizes that Nigeria’s current unprecedented fiscal crises, characterized by rising debt levels and revenue short falls, have resulted largely from APC-led government’s poor management of resources. We shall therefore undertake significant fiscal re-structuring including a review of the current subsidy regime and of the monumental losses to the economy arising from leakages from the operation of the foreign exchange market, in order to channel resources into the critical sectors of the economy.

“How Our Experts Abroad Can Return Home”, Atiku Explains

The Peoples Democratic Party presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has stated that Nigerians who have excelled abroad would return home if the country can provide what they get in the countries where they are. 

Abubakar expressed the thought via his Twitter handle on Friday, a day after a parley with members of Civil Society Organizations at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja.

Pointing out that it is indeed doable, Atiku tweeted “So if we want our citizens who have excelled abroad to return home, let us provide what they get there, and this is doable because we have the human and material resources to do it. This is how I believe our experts abroad can return home”.

The Vice Presidential candidate of the PDP, former Governor Peter Obi stated at the event that the PDP does not have the habit of making excuses or blaming others. “People keep asking – ‘Peter, where will you find the money for these projects you’re talking about?’ I always respond that I have governed a state successfully. And we found the money”, he said. He also called on the Civil Society Organizations to vote for Atiku Abubakar as he would help provide solutions to the problems affecting Nigeria.

The Director-General of the PDP Presidential campaign and Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, who described the budget presented to the National Assembly on Wednesday as a ‘budget of no hope’ said “we all want a country that is secure, today Nigeria is longer safe. We must ensure that we have a government and a President that will be able to do that. We want a government that fight poverty, this hunger that is in the land”. He also urged Nigerians to resist anything that will tamper with the unity of the country.

Ajimobi commissions 5.76 km Rural Roads at Ikereku

Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi on Tuesday commissioned the 5.76km rural roads at Ikereku in Akinyele East Local Council Development Area of the state.  

• The road project with 19 culverts was the pilot scheme of the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP) which cut across Ikereku - Oloronbo – Abidogun – Ileba – Abebi - Onigbongbo Village linking Iware Road.

  Governor Ajimobi stated that the commissioning ceremony was another success story of his administration, stating that the project was aimed at improving the living standards of the people at the grassroots and providing access roads for them to convey their farm produce to the city.

  The governor, who was represented by the State Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Mr. Toye Arulogun, said that more communities would benefit from the scheme, promising that the project would cover over 500 kilometers of rural roads in Oyo State.

  He however enjoined the people of Oyo State to support the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the forthcoming elections so as to guarantee more dividends of democracy.  

  In his address, the State Commissioner for Agriculture, Natural Resources and Rural Development, Prince Oyewole Oyewunmi commended Governor Ajimobi for making Oyo state the pioneer beneficiary of the RAAMP project, emphasizing that the initiative would assist in promoting agricultural production and generate employment opportunities for the people.

  Speaking, the State’s Project Coordinator of RAAMP, Dr Yode Ayanlowo stated that the main objectives of RAAMP are to improve rural access and agricultural marketing in selected participating states while enhancing sustainability of the rural and states’ roads network, stressing that the project is meant to connect small holder farmers in participating state to local agricultural markets with all weathered access road in selected and prioritized rural development areas.

  Dr Ayanlowo stated that 28 rural local councils would benefit from the programme in Oyo State, noting that RAAMP as a project does not stop at providing access roads to ease evacuation of farm produce after harvest to the markets but also concern on what becomes of the produce when it gets to the market.

  In their goodwill messages, the Oniroko of Iroko, Oba Olasukanmi Opeola and the Onikereku of Ikereku, Oba Olasunkanmi Akinyosoye expressed appreciation to Governor Ajimobi for his laudable achievements in the state especially the elevation of traditional rulers to crown Obas in Ibadan land.

  Earlier in his welcome address the chairman of Akinyele East Local Council Development Area, Builder Ayo Akinpade described the project as a good omen that would increase agricultural productivity in the area as well as revenue generation for his council.
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Atiku blames Alex Badeh’s death on rising insecurity across Nigeria

The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has blamed the murder of former Chief of Defence Staff, Alex Badeh, on the rising insecurity in the country, saying the best tribute that President Muhammadu Buhari can pay to the late security chief is to ensure free and fair polls next year and return home to a well-deserved rest.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by his Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Abubakar said had gunmen not waylaid the vehicle in which Alex Badeh was travelling, he would not have sustained the gunshots and the health complications that terminated his life.

Alhaji Atiku Abubakar said while Air Chef Marshal Badeh’s death made headline news because of the personality involved, many ordinary Nigerians are either killed or maimed on a daily basis by rampaging armed robbers, kidnappers, herdsmen and hoodlums across the country.

He said amid indications that the President Muhammadu Buhari led All Progressives Congress (APC) has lost the initiative to these criminals, it is time to remind him to get ready to give way to a political party that has a clear-cut strategy to enhance the security of Nigerians.

“We cannot continue to pretend that all is well with the security system in our country, where armed robbers seem to be having a field day. It is therefore time to look at credible options, especially electing a more prepared candidate who will ensure that policemen and women are well equipped and motivated. Fortunately, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) had shown what can be achieved when the police are provided with adequate resources and are well motivated. It is no longer news that during the 16 years when the PDP was in power, the nation boasted of the better motivated, best equipped and best mobilized policemen in the country,” the statement said.

It was contained in the statement that Abubakar was shocked and saddened by the circumstances of the death of Alex Badeh, an Air Chief Marshal, whom he described as a fine officer, among the best of his time, one who never lost touch with officers and men despite holding several top positions in the nation’s military establishment.

Atiku Abubakar prayed that God will grant repose to Badeh’s soul and comfort those he left behind

‘Corruption Became Official Under Buhari’- Atiku

The  media team of the Atiku Abubakar campaign organisation has averred that corruption  become official since the Buhari administration took over.

In a statement signed by Paul Ibe, Atiku’s spokesman, the team raised 10 questions for President Buhari.

The statement read that the People’s Democratic Party Presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, was taken aback last week when Mr. Babachir Lawal, Buhari’s former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, turned up at the Presidential Villa on Thursday, December 13, 2018, where he was received with pomp and pageantry.

“Mr. Babachir Lawal attended the launch of the Together Nigeria organized by the Buhari Support Organization (BSO).

It is a very sad day for Nigeria, when the President honours a man proven beyond all reasonable doubt to have soiled his hands with money meant for starving refugees.

These are the actions which feed the perceptions that has made Nigeria turn in its worst ever Corruption Perception Index rating by Transparency International where we went back 12 steps in 2018’s rankings, moving from 136 under President Jonathan to 148 today.

According to Transparency International, Nigeria is more corrupt today and we ask the government to answer a few questions including:

· Who reinstated and double promoted Maina?

· Who owns the Ikoyi Apartment $42 million?

· What has happened to Aisha Buhari’s ADC who looted ₦2.5 billion?

· Why was the $25 billion NNPC contracts awarded without due process investigated?

· Why haven’t those beyond Buhari’s padded budget scandals been sacked or charged to court?

· When will Babachir Lawal be charged?

· How come fuel subsidy has doubled even when petrol price has doubled?

· Why did President Buhari lift the suspension of the corrupt NHIS boss, Usman Yusuf, before public pressure forced him to suspend him? Why has he not been charged?

· In May, Transparency International warned that Buhari had increased Security Vote by 600%, yet our soldiers have no weapons and are killed by terrorists. Where is the money going?

· In February Buhari withdrew $1 billion from the Excess Crude Account to ostensibly fund the war on terror, yet the Chief of Army Staff said after Metele that they have no weapons. Where did that money go?

Answers to these and other questions are urgently required from President Buhari by Nigerians and failure to answer them only proves that under Buhari, the All Progressive Congress Government is not just Corrupt, but corruption is its policy.

NBC DG, others under ICPC probe over N2.5bn fraud

The Director-General of the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC), Dr Moddibo Kawu, and other officials of the agency are being investigated by the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) over alleged fraud involving N2.5 billion.

This was disclosed in a statement by the ICPC's spokesperson, Rasheedat Okoduwa, on Thursday, November 15, 2018.

The anti-graft agency disclosed that the fund under probe was from a N10 billion grant released to the agency by the Federal Government in 2016 for a digital switch-over programme.

The agency accused Kawu of engaging in corrupt practices through the process of awarding contracts for the handling of the programme.

The statement reads, "The Presidency in 2016, released N10 billion to the Ministry of Information and Culture for the digital switch-over programme which entails migration of telephone lines from analogue to digital platforms and a White Paper was issued directing that the process be specifically handled by government-affiliated companies.

"Based on the guidelines provided by the White Paper, two companies were nominated to handle the process, one of which was ITS, an affiliate of the Nigerian Television Authority. N1.7bn was released to it as seed grant for the commencement of the switch-over. However,  the ICPC through investigation discovered that the process was fraught with alleged corrupt practices.

"The money was paid into the Zenith Bank account of Pinnacle Communications Limited in May/June 2017 for the programme. The NBC DG during interactions with the commission could not justify why the government White Paper was flouted leading to the release of money to an unqualified company. The Managing Director of PCL, Dipo Onifade, during interrogation confirmed the release of the fund to the company but could not justify that the money was used for the purpose of digital switch-over.

"The commission through investigation discovered several suspicious transfers of a large sum of money from the account of the company into the bank accounts of several organisations and individuals. It found out that N100m was paid into the personal bank account of Onifade in Zenith Bank,  which he claimed was for legal services."

The ICPC also disclosed that another N450 million was transferred into the account of Sabdat Investment Limited, a Bureau de Change, which then converted the money into dollars and handed it over to Lucky Omoluwa, the Chairman of Pinnacle Communications Limited, a private company that Kawu allegedly fraudulently recommended to the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed.

Omoluwa had initially refused to honour the agency's invitations for questioining and filed an application before the Federal High Court, Abuja, to stop the investigation as well as unfreeze the Zenith Bank account of the company that was frozen by the ICPC.

However, the court ordered him to appear before the ICPC for interrogation before the next adjourned date of December 3 before his case would be heard.

"In compliance with the court order, Mr. Omoluwa has appeared before the Commission where he made useful statements to investigators," the statement added.

EFCC Drags Akwa Ibom Gov Emmanuel Udom, NBA President To Court Over 1.4b Fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has filed fraud charges against the Akwa Ibom governor, Emmanuel Udom, and several members of his cabinet.

Udom was charged in a case involving the president of the Nigeria Bar Association, Paul Usoro.

The governor is however covered by constitutional immunity.

Mr Usoro pleaded not guilty in a Federal High Court Lagos to charges bordering on N1.4 billion fraud, the News Agency of Nigeria reported.

The EFCC preferred a 10-count charge against Mr Usoro, in a case before Justice Muslim Hassan.

Also named in the charge is the incumbent governor of Akwa Ibom, Mr Udom, who is described in the charge as being “currently constitutionally immune from prosecution”.

Others charged are: The Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Finance, Nsikan Nkan; Accountant-General of the state, Mfon Udomah; state Attorney-General, Uwemedimo Nwoko, and Margaret Ukpe.

The cabinet members are said to be at large.

In the charge marked FHC/418c/18, the antigraft agency alleged that Mr Usoro committed the offence on May 14, 2016.

It alleged that Mr Usoro conspired with others to criminally convert a N1.4 billion property of Akwa Ibom government.

The prosecution said that the unlawful activity include criminal breach of trust which contravenes the provisions of section 15 (2), 15(3), and 18 (A) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011.

On Tuesday, Rotimi Oyedepo, appeared for the EFCC, while Wole Olanipekun appeared with six other senior advocates for Mr Usoro.

Mr Oyedepo told the court that the anti graft agency had successfully served the criminal charge on the accused on Dec. 10, and sought leave of court for the plea of accused to be taken.

In response, Mr Olanipekun confirmed service of the charge on the NBA President, but hinted the court that after it had directed that the accused be served with the charge at the last adjourned date, the accused was asked to report to the commission’s office for service.

He said that there, at the commission, Mr Usoro was kept for two hours before the charge was handed to him, while he acknowledged same, adding that he was kept at the EFCC for another two hours.

He told the court that the EFCC had earlier informed the accused that he will be detained, but eventually let him go.

Mr Olanipekun then informed the court that the team of defence counsel has been informed that there is already a letter written to the chief judge of the court, seeking a transfer of the case to Uyo, Abuja or any other jurisdiction of the court, apart from Justice Hassan’s jurisdiction.

Based on parity of reasoning and citing diverse judicial and statutory authorities, Mr Olanipekun urged the court to await the decision of the chief justice rather than proceeding with arraignment.

In response, the prosecutor argued that the matter was adjourned until Tuesday for arraignment of the accused, adding that there is nothing before the court that can be construed as setting aside that purpose.

Referring to provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act Mr Oyedepo said that objections can only be raised after the plea of the accused had been taken.

However, the court admitted Mr Usoro to bail in the sum of N250 million, with one surety in like sum.

The court added that the surety must be the owner of a landed property within the court’s jurisdiction, or a civil servant not lower than the rank of a Director in the Federal or State civil service.

The court ordered that the accused’s international passport also be deposited with the court’s registry which will be verified if genuine.

The court then ordered that Mr Usoro be handed over to a counsel of the inner bar, E.B Effiong (SAN), pending perfection of his bail terms.

He adjourned the case until February 5, March 5, and March 6, 2019 for trial.

-NAN

Uyo Airport Incident Shows That Everyone In Akwa Ibom Is APC-Aisha Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari’s wife, Mrs. Aisha Buhari has described what happened at Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo during her visit on Friday 14 December, 2018, as an indication that everyone in the state is APC. There was a mild drama on who to welcome the First Lady between Senator Akpabio's wife and the wife of the incumbent governor, Mrs. Emmanuel.

The First Lady, who had gone to the state for the flag-off of a program to empower some 16,000 women and youths, said that the occurrence at the airport was noting but a mere politics. And that as it is widely known that when it comes to President Buhari, it is all about  'movement' which Senator Goodwill Akpabio is championing in the state. Saying that, “it shows that governor of the state Udom Emmanuel and his wife will soon join APC.”

“To me, what happened at the airport was just a mere politics but when it comes to President Muhammadu, it is all about movement. It is a movement and we have Senator Godswill Akpabio in Akwa Ibom State to lead the movement of President Muhammadu Buhari. As you are all aware the Presidebt is a man of integrity and for those who believe in his ideology should play politics with integrity and momorality.

What happened at the airport shows that, from my observation, almost everybody has entered APC today. That very soon Mr. And Mrs. Udom, their Excellencies will soon join us. It gives me a great pleasure to be in Uyo, the capital of Akwa Ibom State today to address you on this great occasion, the flag-off of a vocational skills training and empowerment of women and youths, organised by MDE, in collaboration with my 'Future Assured' program. 

You will recall that since the beginning of this administration under my Future Assured program, we have trained thousands of women and youths across the 6 geopolitical zones in this country. 

This has been in line with my pledge to contribute in reducing the level of poverty, to ensure that women of Nigeria are self-reliance. We are therefore gathered here today in our renewed commitment to making that promise a reality, to empower 7,600.

The empowerment program includes activities such as vocational skills training, for 1,500 women and youths, disbursement for 1000 women trained with cash of 5000 naira each, disbursement of 3 months interest free facilities to 1,100 beneficiaries, issuance of basic business training certificate to 5000 prospecting beneficiaries. 

All these skills outlined for training exercise  are environment specific and competitive in nature. They have been designed to assist the women commence small scale businesses on completion of training.

My Future Assured program shares the aspirations of MDE and SDG in empowering women and getting them actively involved in economic activities, which will lead to self-reliance and inclusive growth in the economy.

Future Assured is contributing to this program with empowerment of 4000 women. As you are all aware, the importance of women economic empowerment program can't be overemphasized. It is specifically addressed five goals of sustainable development; such as poverty eradication, hunger, gender equality, good jobs and economic growth.

At this juncture, let me sincerely appreciate our hosts HE Senator Godswill Akpabio and his wife, Her Excellency Unoma Akpabio for making this all important occasion a reality. I am also grateful to the D.G of MDE, Dr. Nazil Muhammed, his Directors and all who worked tirelessly to ensure we succeed,” Mrs. Buhari stated in her perwoful speech at the program.

Atiku Wishes Buhari Long Life, Says “We Are Brothers”

Presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, on Monday congratulated President Muhammadu Buhari on his 76th birthday.

“I wish President Muhammadu Buhari happy birthday even as my family and I pray for long life for him. Despite the fact that we will meet at the polls soon, I very much affirm that we are brothers born from the womb of One Nigeria. Happy Birthday”, the former Vice President tweeted.

Earlier in the day, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar had attended a town hall meeting with youths in Lagos. There, Atiku’s running mate, Peter Obi assured the youths that Atiku’s government will invest more in education. “The greatness of any nation is the function of how educated her citizens are”, Obi said. He also promised that “the Atiku Presidency will provide jobs and improve the economy a great deal”.

The National Chairman of the PDP, Uche Secondus,  while urging the youths to vote for Atiku affirmed that “a vote for Atiku is a vote for your freedom”. He went further to state that “Atiku will work hand in hand with the youths to develop Nigeria, that is Atiku’s social contract with Youths. Our party, the PDP will hold the Atiku presidency accountable.”

The presidential candidate used the opportunity to reaffirm his readiness to “get Nigeria working again”. He said “II have many children but only one of them is working with the government, all others are working in my various companies. I believe in creating jobs, my government will create jobs for the youth.”

Pledging to ensure that youths will play major roles in his administration, Atiku said “I  pledge that 40% of my government will be youths. My Minister for Youth will be less than 30 years of age, if you are in that category, it could be you! ”

He also promised that lower tax rates and other incentives will be given to the private sector to provide jobs as it is done in the civilised world.

“My government will invest seriously in education to come up with citizens who will be useful to themselves and the country as a whole”, Atiku Abubakar assured.

Sex For Marks OAU Prof Bags Six Years Jail Term

Justice Maurine Onyetenu of the Federal High Court sitting in Osogbo, Monday sentenced former lecturer of Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU, Prof. Richard Iyiola Akindele, to six years imprisonment for demanding sex to pass her student, Monica Osagie.

The accused had pleaded not guilty to the charge of sexual harassment preferred against him by the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offenses Commission, ICPC.

He had since then been remanded in prison custody following objection to his bail by the prosecution ICPC.W

When the case came up on Monday, Akindele opted to change his earlier plea and admitted guilty of the offences as charged.H

Hewas arraigned before Justice onyetenu on November 19 for alleged sexual harassment.

Meanwhile, efforts by the defence counsel to suspend the sentencing and negotiate for plea bargain failed, as Justice Onyetenu frowned at the rampant cases of students harassment by lecturers.

Iustice Onyetenu said “the plea bargain is not absolute. The court still have discretion.

Thiskind of issue is too rampant in our tertiary institutions. We send children to school, they come home telling us that lecturers want to sleep with them.

“We can not continue like this. Somebody has to be used as example. Even primary schools pupils are complaining. Telling me to suspend sentence does not arise. Plea bargain does not arise. May be the case continue to occur and reoccur because someone has not been used as example.

“It is time for the court to start upholding the right of the children, especially female students. The case is endemic.

Counsel to the defendant, Mr. Francis Omotosho, informed the court that the defendant has lost his job and has learnt his lesson.

He told the court that the University has discovered the mistake in the marking of the examination paper of the victim and has concluded plans to compensate her.

The Counsel further told the court that plans are ongoing to make offices of the lecturers open by building the front side with glasses at OAU.

But, the Judge, who apparently not convinced with the prayer of the Counsel, said “do you think they do it in the office? They go to hotel.

Counsel to the ICPC, Mr. Shogunle Adenekan, urged the court to confiscate the mobile phone of the defendant and forfeit it to the federal government, saying that sensitive materials were discovered there during forensic.

He also urged the court to grant order, releasing the mobile phone of the victim, Monica.

After considering the plea bargaining entered and signed by the Counsels, the Judge said there is a need to deter other people because of the nature of the case.

In her judgement, Justice Onyetenu sentenced the convict to 24 months on count one, 24 months on count two, 1 year on count three and 1 year on count four.

She said the jail term should run concurrently.

She also ordered that the Samsung X4 of the victim should be returned to her and the Samsung X8 of the confict should be forfeited to the federal government.

-Vanguard