Newspaper Review For Thursday October 1st, 2015

1. At last, Buhari sends ministers’ list to Senate

President Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday, sent names of the first set of ministerial nominees to the Senate for confirmation. The list, however, got to the Senate after the end of the day’s plenary, prompting the Red Chamber to declare that it was yet to receive the list from the President. This almost resulted in a row between senators on the platforms of All Progressives Congress, APC, and Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, but was quickly nipped in the bud by the Senate President, Senator Bukola Saraki, who was only 24 hours earlier given a confidence vote by his colleagues. Saraki on his Twitter handle, confirmed that he had received the ministerial list. The long-awaited list was presented to the Senate President by the Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari and the Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly (Senate), Ita Enang, at 4. 59 pm, yesterday. The list was said to contain names of 21 ministerial nominees.

2. CBN raises concern over declining growth

The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, has raised concerns over the continued slow down of the country’s economic growth. The central bank on Wednesday also said the banking system had enough liquidity to take up what foreign investors might sell after JP Morgan removed Nigeria from its bond index. The CBN plans to retain foreign currency controls because of concerns about slowing growth, a senior bank official said on Wednesday. Growth was 2.35 percent in the second quarter year on year, compared with 6.54 in the same quarter of 2014. “We are concerned that we are having declining growth,” Moses Tule, the Central Bank’s monetary policy director, told reporters. He defended the bank’s decision to impose currency controls to preserve foreign reserves, which fell 23 per cent in the year to Sept. 23, central bank data showed.

3. Buhari ‘ll be distracted, overworked as Petroleum Minister —NACCIMA

The Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, NACCIMA, yesterday, faulted President Muhammadu Buhari’s decision not to appoint a Minister of Petroleum, saying the President would be distracted and overload himself with excess workload. Speaking in an interview in Abuja, Mr. Billy Harry, National Vice President, NACCIMA, stated that the President already had too much work to do to saddle himself with a ministerial appointment. He said if Buhari really wants to bring the change dividend that Nigeria voted for, he should focus on administering all the ministries from a vantage point as President, not as a minister and a President. He said: “It will distract him and not give him the required space and work time to be able to administer facets of the economy and policies. “We have so many more issues other oil. Agriculture alone can swallow everything that oil is doing.” Agriculture alone can give us over 500 per cent of income stream of what oil is doing. So, does it mean that if he wants to curb corruption in that sector, he has to also be minister of agriculture?

4. Sylva wins Bayelsa APC guber ticket again

Former Bayelsa State governor, Chief Timipre Sylva, yesterday, won in the rescheduled primary of All Progressives Congress, APC, to emerge as the party flag bearer for the December 5,  governorship election in the state. Sylva polled 981 votes to beat his closest rival, Chief Godknows Powell, who garnered 39 votes. Fourteen governorship aspirants participated in the primary.

5. Tribunal declares APC candidate winner of Taraba Central senatorial election

The National Assembly Election Tribunal sitting in Jalingo, Taraba State, under the chairmanship of Justice Samson Anjor, has nullified the election of Senator Bashir Marafa Aba. Marafa was declare the winner of the Taraba Central Senatorial seat on the platform of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the April general election. The result of the election was contested by Alhaji Yusuf Abubakar Yusuf of All Progressives Congress, APC. Yusuf petitioned the cancellation of election results in Gayama ward in Bali local government area of the senatorial constituency by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC,stating that the cancellation gave room for the PDP candidate to gain more votes than APC in the election.

6. Flood: Kogi to commence evacuation in 48 hours

Kogi State government has announced its intent to commence the process of evacuating people living in flood prone areas in the next 48 hours. This came at a time victims of 2012 flood disaster in the cried cried out that they had been schemed out in the allocation of the post-flood estate built by the government for their relocation. Yomi Awoniyi, the Deputy Governor and Chairman, flood Management Committee, said the evacuation protocols would be activated by the state government, if the water level continued to rise. Awoniyi disclosed that the water from close monitoring, rises every hour, adding that the state was no longer as comfortable as it was believed. He appealed to those living in flood prone areas to move upland to avoid severe loss of lives and properties.

7. Councillors sack Udu LG boss, freeze account

THE Chairman of Udu Local Government Area, in Delta State, Solomon Kpoma, was yesterday, impeached by the legislative council, while the local government account was also ordered frozen. Motion for the chairman’s impeachment was moved by Henry Igbine, Councillor representing Ward 20, Aladja, and supported by Duke Efegbere, Councillor representing Ward 8, Owhase, and signed by 16 out of the 17 Councillors that attended the sitting. According to the councillors, the Chairman was impeached for refusing to furnish the legislative house with income and expenditure of the council since his assumption in office over alleged misappropriation of public funds and misinforming the public through showcasing of non-existent projects and high-handedness. Another motion was also moved by Henry Egbine, and seconded by Benjamin Sharta, and signed by 16 councillors that all accounts of Udu Local Government Area be frozen till further notice.

8. 2019: PDP zones presidency to the North

AHEAD of 2019 presidential election, the national leadership of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has zoned the Presidency to the North, saying it has learned its lessons and would never repeat any such mistake in future. The party also said it had drawn a roadmap towards the 2019 general election and for future electoral success. This was part of the recommendations of Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu-led PDP Post- Election Review Committee, which recommended that in accordance with the popular views expressed in the submissions to the committee, the Presidency should be zoned to the North as it would also assuage any ill-feelings over any perceived breach of the party’s zoning principle.

9. Wike begins defence at Rivers election petitions tribunal

Governor Nyesom Wike, Wednesday, began the defence of his mandate, before the Rivers State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, sitting in Abuja. The governor, whose election is being challenged by the All Progressives Congress, APC, and its governorship candidate in the state, Dr. Dakuku Peterside, opened his defence before the tribunal, by producing seven witnesses that testified on his behalf. Among those that mounted the witness box, and testified that the governorship election actually held in Rivers State on April 11, 2015, included the traditional ruler of Dagbo village in Khana Local Government Area of the state, Chief Adamgbo Sampson. The 53 years old king, who was led into evidence by Wike’s lawyer, Mr. Okey Wali, SAN, told the Justice Suleiman Ambursa-led panel that he participated at the election which he said was violence free.

10. Jonathan’s ministers, aides not victimised by Buhari’

FORMER Police Affairs Minister, Alhaji Jelili Adesiyan, has said neither himself  nor his colleagues and their aides are being victimised by the new administration. Speaking with newsmen in Akure, the Ondo state capital, Adesiyan said probing the ministers should not be seen as victimization by the President Muhammadu Buhari administration.
Adesiyan however  kicked against the selective probe of the President Jonathan administration but said that it should be holistic “even when President Buhari was the military Head of State” The minister, who was asked to react to alleged victimization of former Ministers under the Jonathan administration said “I am not seeing them doing it.

Newspaper Review For Friday 18th, September

1. Senator Shehu Sani Backs FG to Negotiate With Boko Haram

The senator representing Kaduna Central at the Uper Chamber of the National Assembly, Shehu Sani has opined that peace talk with the Boko Haram extremists would surely bring insurgency to abrupt end in the country. According to him, Federal Government’s plan to negotiate with the violent group was the way forward for Nigeria. Speaking on Thursday in Abuja, the senator enjoined the government to ensure that the negotiating team was made up of people capable of bringing the insurgents to the negotiating table.

2. We Won’t Be Distracted by Code of Conduct Charges Against Saraki – Senators

Senator Sabi Aliyu Abdullahi (Niger North) and his counterpart from Nasarawa South, Senator Hussain Salihu, on Thursday said charges brought against Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, by the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), will not be allowed to cause any distraction to the legislative agenda of the Senate.

3. Bayelsa Guber: I Will Win APC ticket – Sylva Boasts

Former governor of Bayelsa State and governorship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, Chief Timipre Sylva, has boasted that he will emerge as the party’s candidate at the primary scheduled for Tuesday. In a statement on Thursday by his media aide, Doifie Buokoribo, he urged his supporters and loyalists to remain focused and steadfast despite the postponement of the primary.

4. NLC to Collaborate with ICPC in Monitoring Bailout Funds

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has promised to work in concert with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, to monitor the disbursement and use of the N338bn bailout funds which the federal government released to about 27 states of the federation. President of the NLC, Comrade Ayuba Wabba, in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Thursday noted that the congress has directed all state councils in the benefiting states to serve as whistle blowers on any criminal diversion of the bailout funds.

5. Buhari Cancels Visit to Cross River for Groundbreaking of 260km Highway

The proposed visit of President Muhammadu Buhari to Cross River State for the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of a 260km superhighway has been cancelled. A statement by Christian Ita, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River, on Thursday, confirmed the cancellation.

6. Court Stops ICPC, EFCC, SSS, others From Arresting, Probing Ex- Amnesty Boss, Kuku

A federal high court has barred security agencies and anti-corruption bodies from arresting or probing the former Coordinator of Presidential Amnesty Programme, Kingsley Kuku over alleged fraud. Mr. Kuku is accused of diverting billions of naira meant for amnesty programmes for former militants in the oil-rich Niger Delta.

7. Burkina Faso Coup: Top Ally of Former Dictator, Compaore, Named Ruler

A Burkina Faso general, who served as top military aide to former dictator, Blaise Compaore, for three decades, was named Thursday as the leader of a coup that sacked the West African nation’s interim government. Gilbert Diendere, a former chief-of-staff to Mr. Compaore, was named the head of the new junta called the National Council for Democracy.

8. ICPC Arraigns 5 Directors in Niger Delta Ministry over N655million Theft

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, has charged five directors in the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs to court for allegedly stealing N655 million and $100,000. The officials were arraigned before an Abuja Federal High Court, Maitama, presided over by Justice Baba Yusuf.

9. Abuja Chief Judge Advocates Bail for Robbery Suspects

The Chief Judge of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Ishaq Bello, on Thursday urged judges to grant bail to robbery suspects and also soften bail conditions when possible. Mr. Bello stated this while freeing 24 inmates on health and age grounds from the Kuje Prisons.

10. Keyamo Wants Al-Makura Investigated Over Assault on Woman

Lagos lawyer and human rights activist, Festus Keyamo, has written a petition to President Muhammadu Buhari, wherein he accused Governor Tanko Al-Makura of Nasarawa and his convoy of publicly assaulting a woman, Mrs. Lois Ngi Iorvihi. Keyamo’s letter to President Buhari, dated September 15, 2015, was titled ‘Reckless Impunity and High-handedness of Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura and his Security Detail’ and made available to us yesterday

Newspaper Review For Thursday 17th, September

1. Buhari Mulls Boko Haram Amnesty in Return for Chibok Girls

President Muhammadu Buhari told AFP Wednesday that Nigerian authorities were talking to Boko Haram prisoners in their custody and could offer them amnesty if the extremist group hands over more than 200 schoolgirls abducted last year. The Nigerian leader added that he was confident “conventional” attacks by the group would be rooted out by November — but cautioned that deadly suicide attacks were likely to continue.

2. Body Language Is Not Enough – Odinkalu Tells Buhari

The Chairman, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Prof. Chidi Anselem Odinkalu, has advised President Muhammadu Buhari, to go beyond just his body language, to provide responsible leadership in governance. Odinkalu, who spoke in his capacity as Guest Lecturer at the 2nd Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) Annual Colloquium in Abuja, said Nigeria, as presently constituted, needs leaders that can speak and connect with the citizenry.

3. Army Captures Over 200 Boko Haram Insurgents in Adamawa

The Department of Civil Military Affairs at the Army Headquarters, said on Wednesday that it had captured and de-radicalised over 200 Boko Haram insurgents in Adamawa. Brig.-Gen. V O Ezugwu, the Commander, 28 Task Force Brigade, Mubi made the disclosure at the opening of a two-day sensitisation programme on de-radicalization held in Mubi, Adamawa. “This Brigade has rescued and de-radicalised over 200 Boko Haram insurgents from November 2014 to date.

4. NUPENG Shuts Down Chevron HQ Over Labour Disputes

Members of Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), on Wednesday shut down operations at Chevron Nigeria Ltd (CNL), as they protest what they termed the company unfair labour practices. The protesters’, who stormed the headquarters of CNL in the morning, blocked all the entrances, leading into the company, carrying different placards.

5. Osun Govt Okays Giesi Ruling House To Present Next Ooni of Ife

Following the resolution of the Osun State government to invite the Giesi ruling house of Ile-Ife to present candidates for the kingmakers to pick a suitable occupant of the vacant stool of Ooni, the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs has been given a mandate to issue a letter for the invitation to the ruling house.

6. ICPC Arraigns Ex-finance Director, 4 others Over N715m Fraud

The former Director of Finance, Federal Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, Yusuf Agabi, was on Wednesday arraigned by the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission for allegedly diverting N715million. Mr. Agabi and four others are standing trial before Justice Husseini-Baba Yusuf of the FCT High Court, Abuja.

7. Ex-presidential Aspirant Declared Wanted For Jumping Bail

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared the Director-General of the National Task Force to Combat Illegal Importation of Small Arms, Ammunition, and Light Weapons (NATFORCE), Emmanuel Osita Okereke, wanted for jumping bail. Okereke was a former presidential aspirant under the platform of the Nigerian Liberation Party (NLP).

8. FG Borrows N882bn To Fund 2015 Budget

The Federal Government has so far borrowed N882.122 billion to finance the 2015 budget. Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Finance, Mrs. Anastasia Daniel-Nwaobia, gave the figure yesterday in Abuja during her presentation before the House of Representatives’ Ad hoc Committee on the Nonimplementation of Capital Projects in the 2015 Appropriation Act.

9. Hundreds Slaughtered By B’Haram, Abused by Security Forces in Cameroon

Boko Haram has slaughtered nearly 400 civilians in northern Cameroon, while a heavy-handed response by security forces and inhumane prison conditions have led to dozens more deaths, Amnesty International said in a report launched today. Based on three research missions in 2015, the report, Human rights under fire: attacks and violations in Cameroon’s struggle with Boko Haram, documents how Boko Haram has killed at least 380 civilians since January 2014.

10. Burkina Faso Presidential Guard Detains Cabinet

Burkina Faso’s powerful presidential guard interrupted a cabinet meeting on Wednesday and detained the ministers, the prime minister and interim President Michel Kafondo, two senior military sources said. “It is the whole of the government, including the prime minister and the president, taken by a group of soldiers from the presidential guard,” said one senior military source. “They have not asked for anything for the time being.”

Newspaper Review For Tuesday 15th, September

1. PDP Delayed Buhari’s Ministerial List, Economy – Ondo APC

The All Progressives Congress, APC, in Ondo state has attributed the delay in the release of President Muhammadu Buhari’s ministerial nominees and the slow pace in the growth of the economy to the 16 years of misrule, maladministration, unprecedented corruption and mismanagement of state treasury‎ under the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. The Party, in a statement made available to newsmen by its Publicity Secretary, Omo’ba Abayomi Adesanya disclosed that these inherent obstacles affected the smooth take-off of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led federal government.

2. Governor Wada Wins Kogi PDP Primaries

The incumbent Governor of Kogi State, Captain Idris Wada, has won the primaries of the People Democratic Party, ahead of the November 21 governorship election. According to the results from the Confluence Stadium in Lokoja, Wada emerged victorious in 20 of the 21 local government areas of the state. His opponents, Alhaji Isah Echocho and Moses Ametuo, finished second and third respectively.

3. Bayelsa Guber: Alaibe, Sylva Not Capable of Unseating Governor Dickson – Senator Ogola

As preparations heat up ahead of the December 5 election governorship election in Bayelsa State, Senator Foster Ogola, has predicted victory for incumbent governor, Seriaki Dickson. Ogola, who represents Bayelsa-West senatorial district in the National Assembly, said neither a former Managing Director of Niger Delta Development Commission, Timi Alaibe, nor a former governor of Bayelsa State, Timipre Sylva, were capable of unseating the current governor.

4. Boko Haram: France Pledges Military Equipment, Intelligence Support

French President François Hollande has pledged that his administration will assist the Multinational Joint Task Force (MJTF) with intelligence gathering and equipment to check the activities of insurgents in Nigeria and beyond. Hollande announced this on Monday at the Elysee Palace in Paris after a closed door bilateral meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari, who is on a three-day official visit to France.

5. Aisha Buhari Urges Government To Enforce Law On Rape To Protect Women, Children

Aisha Buhari says girls should attain 17 years before going into marraigeAisha Buhari, wife of the President, has urged government at all levels in the country to enforce the law on rape in order to protect women and children. Aisha stated this when she received some staff of the Ministry of Women Affairs, United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund, UNICEF, and National Population Commission, led by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Ezekiel Oyemomi, who came to brief her on the plan to launch an action to end violence against children, slated for 15 September.

6. PDP Narrates How Alaibe Donated N10bn For Obasanjo’s Third Term Plot

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Bayelsa State has described the governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Timi Alaibe, as “a desperate power monger” who cannot be trusted with public funds. The party also revealed how Alaibe allegedly donated N10 billion towards the realisation of the aborted third term plot of ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo, when he was Managing Director of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

7. FG Says Electricity Tariff Hike Takes Off October

The Federal Government, Monday, insisted that the proposed increase in electricity tariffs would take off from October. This is against several protests and resistance by electricity consumers. Speaking at the Powering Africa Nigeria conference in Abuja, Mr. Godknows Igali, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Power, reiterated Federal Government’s committed to improving the fortunes of the power sector and also provide an enabling environment for investors in the sector.

8. I saw Our Defeat Coming, We Mismanaged Our Successes – PDP chieftain, Ogbemudia

A former governor of old Bendel State, Dr. Samuel Ogbemudia has admitted that he saw the ouster of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, coming. Ogbemudia, a chieftain of the PDP, made this remark while participating in the party’s biometric registration exercise which kicked off in Benin, the Edo State capital on Monday.

9. Inflation Rises To 9.3% – NBS

The nation’s Consumer Price Index which measures inflation rose again in August to 9.3 per cent, an increase of 0.1 per cent over the July figure, and staying above the Central Bank of Nigeria’s target upper limit, the National Bureau of Statistics said in its monthly report on Sunday. Food inflation rose marginally to 10.1 per cent year-on-year in August versus 10.0 per cent in July.

10. Amaechi Not Corrupt, He’s The Cleanest Ex-governor in Nigeria – APC

Rivers State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress has insisted that the immediate past governor of the state, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, remained untainted with corruption. The state APC urged President Muhammadu Buhari to disregard “desperate” efforts by the current Governor of the State, Chief Nyesom Wike, to tarnish Amaechi’s image. A statement signed by its State Chairman, Dr. Davies Ibiamu Ikanya, and issued in Port Harcourt on Monday said “We make bold to say that if there is any clean and spotless former governor in Nigeria, that person is Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, CON.

Newspaper Review For Monday 14th, September

1. Buhari Goes To Paris

Muhammadu Buhari, the President of Nigeria says something almost sub-consciously that underscores the phi­losophy of the foreign policy of his administra­tion: that it is more cost effective, politically and economically to be at peace with your neigh­bours. This, he once explained, “is something I learnt from the army”.


2. Buhari To Reduce Ministries From 42 to 19

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, has hinted of President Muhammadu Buhari’s plan to prune down the number of federal ministries from the current 42 to 19. The reduction of federal ministries was part of the recommendation of the Alhaji Ahmed Joda transition committee. Shehu, who made the intention of his principal known to Daily Trust, stated that the President believes the reduction would save cost of governance and ensure proper coordination of duties and better service delivery.

3. Buhari Won’t Interfere With Senate Probes – Presidency

The Presidency has said that President Muhammadu Buhari will not interfere in the ongoing probes being carried out by the National Assembly. It said the Senate’s probes of the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Mr. Ibrahim Lamorde, and the power sector from 1999 to 2015, were purely legislative matters and that the President could not stop them. The Senate Committee on Business and Ethics is currently probing an allegation of diversion of N1tn proceeds of corruption recovered by the EFCC.

4. We Are Rebranding PDP For Younger Generations – Dokpesi

In a bid to shore up its membership drive and make the party more attractive to the younger generation, the chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (e-Membership Registration Committee) Chief Raymond Dokpesi, weekend said that the party was undergoing an all-inclusive process of rebranding itself in order to conform with global best practices in political participation. Dokpesi, who spoke during the official flag off of the e-registration exercise in Etsako East local government area of Edo State, on Friday, explained that while not drifting from the ideals of the founding fathers, part of the objectives of the project was to return the party to its members, many of whom belonged to the younger generation atuned with modern ways of doing things.

5. Buhari’s Ministerial List Likely Out This Week

President Muhammadu Buhari is expected to forward the list of his ministerial nominees to the Nigerian Senate any moment this week. Sources close to the presidency said, yesterday, that the list would go through the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, for the consideration of the distinguished members of the Red Chamber.

6. ‘I Will Jail You’ – Hameed Ali warns corrupt Customs officers

The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Col. Hameed Ali (retd), on Friday evening said corrupt officers and men of the agency will go to jail. He also said all Customs Area Controllers, heads of units and departments will be accountable for infraction dealing with false declaration, deliberate misapplication of the tariff, undervaluation and concealment.

7. DPR Seals 200 Filling Stations, 25 Depots in A’Ibom, C’River

The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), Eket, Akwa Ibom, on Sunday said it sealed 200 petrol filling stations within six months in its area of operations for illegality. Mr Asuquo Antai, Controller of Operations in Charge of Akwa Ibom and Cross River, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Eket . Antai said that 40 filling stations were sealed in Calabar while 160 were closed in Akwa Ibom.

8. Suicide Bombers Kill 7 in Northern Cameroon

Suicide bombers attacked a northern Cameroon town on Sunday morning, killing at least seven people and severely wounding 18, a local official said. The attack hit the town of Kolofata, which sits near the Nigerian border and has been repeatedly targeted by the Nigeria-based Islamic extremist group Boko Haram. The death toll could climb, said Midjiyawa Bakari, governor of the Far North Region, who confirmed the attack Sunday morning as he was heading to the area. He said he had been told three bombers were involved, and that the wounded were being taken to the hospital in the town of Mora.

9. Nasarawa Gov. Al-Makura Denies Alleged Harassment of Motorist

Nasarawa State governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura has described the alleged harassment of a family on the Lafia-Abuja highway by his security personnel as unfortunate and misrepresentation of facts aimed at tarnishing his good name. This was contained in a press statement signed his special assistant on media, Ahmed Tukur, and made available to journalists in Lafia on Sunday.

10. Eight Pupils Killed in Jos School Building Collapse

The building of an Islamic School has collapsed in Bukuru, Jos South Local Government in Plateau State killing at least eight students. The incident which occurred at about 7:30 on Sunday night threw several families into mourning. The Islamic school, Abu Naib Islamic school is operated under a building located along Gero road in Bukuru. The school normally holds its evening lessons between 6:30pm and 9pm daily with over forty students attending.

Newspaper Review For Wednesday 9th, September

1. Queen Elizabeth Becomes UK’s Longest-reigning Monarch

Britain’s Queen Elizabeth, who ascended the throne aged just 25 as her exhausted country struggled to recover from the ravages of World War II, makes history as she becomes the UK’s longest-reigning monarch. At about 5:30pm (1630 GMT) on Wednesday, Elizabeth, 89, who is also the nation’s oldest ever monarch, will surpass the 63 years, 7 months, 2 days, 16 hours and 23 minutes that her great-great-grandmother Queen Victoria spent on the throne.

2. Buhari Orders for List of Ex-officials Yet to Return Their Diplomatic Passports

President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday ordered for a list of former government officials and other persons still using diplomatic and official passports illegally. The President said his administration will take the necessary actions against them. Speaking after being briefed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bulus Lolo, President Buhari said this is to forestall any kind of negative acts that may put the country in bad light.

3. Ex-Minister Tells Buhari to Publish Names of Treasury Looters

A former Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Nduese Essien, on Tuesday urged President Muhammadu Buhari to publish the names of treasury looters who had returned stolen funds. Mr. Essien made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Eket, Akwa Ibom State. According to him, publishing the names of the looters will make more impact in the fight against corruption.

4. Bayelsa: Jonathan Endorses Dickson for 2nd Term

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has hinged his support for Bayelsa State governor Seriake Dickson’s re- election bid on the fact that the governor is one of the most performing governors in the country, based on his excellent track record of regular payment of workers’ salaries, reduction of the state’s huge debt profile and the unprecedented infrastructural development. Dickson, last week, submitted his nomination and expression of intent form at the National Secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abuja to contest for a second term in office, ahead of the December 5 Governorship poll in Bayelsa State.

5. No Regret Supporting Jonathan in Last Election – MASSOB Leader
Chief Ralph Uwazuruike

Leader of the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), Chief Ralph Uwazuruike, has said that he had no regret for supporting former president Goodluck Jonathan in his re-election bid in the last presidential polls. Uwazuruike stated that although Jonathan lost in his re-election bid, the South East had got closer ties with the people of Niger Delta region.

6. Group Warns Otedola to Stop Blackmailing Niger Deltans

A group, Niger Delta Revolutionary Council (NDRC), Tuesday, called on oil magnate and businessman, Femi Otedola, to stop blackmailing Niger Delta sons and daughters. A statement signed by the spokesman of the group, Wynowei Whyte, said it has observed that some elements from other parts of Nigeria who profited immeasurably from the last administration headed by a Niger Delta son have turned themselves into Potiphar’s wife and blackmailers of Niger Delta people.

7. ICPC Declares Agric. Ministry Staff Wanted Over N36.2m Salary Scam

The Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) has declared a staff of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr. Joseph Ogah, wanted for allegedly defrauding the Federal Government of N36.2 million. The commission, in a statement on Monday by its spokesperson, Rasheedat Okoduwa, indicated that the suspect, Mr. Ogah, is a member of a syndicate that fronted a company, Soft Alliance Disco Limited to pay salary arrears totaling N36, 194, 636.00 to a fictitious staff on the payment platform of the ministry of environment.

8. Nasarawa NLC Rejects Cash Payment of Salaries, Threatens Strike

Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Nasarawa state chapter, has rejected the plan by the State Government to pay its workers their August salaries through table payment. Mr Abdullahi Adeka, the state NLC Chairman, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lafia on Tuesday. “If the government refuses to adhere to the terms of agreement reached with the union to pay workers through their respective banks; we would go on strike.

9. Lalong Urges EFCC to Prosecute Jang, Others Over Alleged Looting of State Funds

Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, to expedite action on former Governor of the state, Jonah Jang, and others who he alleged looted the state’s fund during his administration. Lalong said the call has become necessary in order to recover the funds looted.

10. Ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo Meets Buhari at Aso Rock

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Tuesday met with President Muhammadu Buhari at the State House, Abuja, for a closed-door meeting that lasted for about an hour.

Newspaper Review For Sunday 6th, September

1. BoT Member, Babatope Urges PDP to Allow Youths Take Control of Party

A member of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP Board of Trustees, BoT, Chief Ebenezer Babatope, has expressed his resolve to make other leaders of the party agree to the fielding of a northerner as the party’s presidential candidate in 2019, stressing that it will not be politically appropriate for the opposition party to present a candidate from the South then. Babatope, who made this known in a recent interview aired in Rockcity FM, Abeokuta, clarified that his position is not informed by the fact that President Muhammadu Buhari is from the North. He stated categorically that “if we are poised to have a candidate in 2019, it will not be politically wise for the PDP, I’m expressing a personal opinion now, which I’m going to canvass within party, to field a southerner as candidate, not because Buhari is a northerner.”

2. Tribunal Upholds Jang’s Election as Senator Representing Plateau North

The National and State Assemblies Election Petitions Tribunal has upheld the election of Jonah Jang as Senator representing Plateau North in the National Assembly. Delivering judgment, Saturday in Jos, the Plateau State Capital, Chairman of the Tribunal, Justice Lanre Akeredolu, held that the petition lacks merit in every facet. “The petition fails in its entirety and it is hereby dismissed”.

3. Buhari Administers Polio Vaccines on Children in Daura

President Muhammadu Buhari on Saturday administered Oral Polio Vaccines (OPV) on some children in his country home, Daura, Katsina State. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event which took place at the residence of the president, was part of the campaign to wipe out the virus from the country by 2017. NAN reports that the president who did not make any comment during the exercise, was assisted by Katsina State Gov. Aminu Masari and the Permanent Secretary, State Ministry of Health, Dr Ahmad Qabasiyyu.

4. Olu of Warri is Dead

The Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse II, has passed on. He reportedly died in Lagos last night, from a yet to be disclosed illness. Atuwatse had been on the throne since 1987.

5. APC Begs CBN not to Restructure Akwa Ibom’s Debt

The All Progressives Congress, APC, in Akwa Ibom State has called on the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, and the Debt Management Office, DMO, not to act on the Akwa Ibom State request for debt restructuring until the account of the state was properly audited. The party in a release by its Publicity Secretary, Mr. Ita Awak expressed concern that after over three months in office, the State Governor, Udom Emmanuel had not deem it fit to disclosed the total debt profile and income he inherited from the immediate past governor, Chief Godswill Akapbio.

6. PDP Promises Transparent Primaries in Kogi, Bayelsa

The National Working Committee, NWC, of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has assured that it would conduct free and transparent primaries for upcoming governorship elections in Kogi and Bayelsa. The Acting National Chairman of the party, Chief Uche Secondus, gave the assurance on Friday while receiving nomination form for the election from Gov. Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa, who is seeking re-election. According to Secondus, the NWC would ensure a process that would be acceptable to the people of Kogi and Bayelsa in its primaries.

7. Flood Kills 6-Year-old Boy, Submerges 116 Communities in Adamawa

The Adamawa State Emergency Management Agency ( ADSEMA), on Friday confirmed that a six-year-old boy was killed, while 116 communities had been completely submerged by flood wrecking many parts of the state. Mr Haruna Furo, the Executive Secretary of the agency, said in Yola that two-thirds of the state was under threat of flood. Furo said that 12 local government areas, out of the 21 in the state, were ravaged by the flood.

8. Zakari Biu: Ohanaeze Fumes, says PSC Promoting Terrorism

The Ohanaeze Ndigbo has expressed outrage over the new twist in the dismissal of commissioner of police, Zakari Biu. Biu was on Friday reinstated and statutorily retired by the Police Service Commission, PSC, nearly three years after he was found guilty of aiding Boko Haram mastermind, Kabiru Sotoko to escape from detention. It could be re-called that Bui went on military trial in 2012, following which he was found guilty and dismissed from the Force.

9. Army Recovers 97 Cows, 41 Sheep From Cattle Rustlers in Niger

The 31 Artillery Brigade, Minna, said it had arrested a suspected cattle rustler and recovered 97 cows and 41 sheep in Sarkin Pawa, Munya Local Government Area of Niger. Capt. Agwu Njideka, Assistant Director, Army Public Relations (ADAPR) of the Nigerian Army, Minna, said this while briefing newsmen in Minna on Saturday. “A total of 97 cows and 41 sheep were recovered during the operation by the soldiers. Some of the rustlers ran away on sighting the soldiers,” she said.

10. Senate Ad hoc Committee on Waivers Uncovers Massive Fraud

There are indications that the Senate Ad-Hoc Committee on Waivers has recorded a major breakthrough in its anti-corruption crusade as reports say it has uncovered many ways in which the waivers policy was being used to defraud the country of billions of naira. The committee discovered that importers and relevant government agencies were involved in the deal that otherwise would have been a source of revenue to the Federation Account. It will be recalled that the committee was set up in July to carry out holistic review of the policy with a view to determining revenue losses incurred by the government.

Newspaper Review For Saturday 5th, September

1. Buhari, Osinbajo Haven’t Declared Their Assets Yet — PDP

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has described as “a deceptive window-dressing to hoodwink unsuspecting Nigerians” the release, by an aide of President Muhammadu Buhari of a “mere” list of some belongings of the president and his Vice, Yemi Osinbajo, in place of the pledge made to Nigerians by Mr. Buhari as candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, on March 18, 2015, at exactly 5 pm. The PDP recalled that the President in his own words had stated to Nigerians that, “I pledge to publicly declare my assets and liability and also encourage my political appointees to publicly declare their assets and liability”.

2. Kaduna Senator, Shehu Sani, Declares Assets, Says he is Worth N22million, Several Houses, Vehicles

The senator representing Kaduna Central Senatorial District, Shehu Sani, on Friday publicly declared his assets, saying he currently has a total of N22 million in three bank accounts. The senator, who was an activist before delving into politics, also said in a statement that he owns two residential houses in Kaduna, two houses under lease in Kaduna, two uncompleted office apartments in Kaduna, one residential house in Abuja, one family inherited house in Kurfi, Katsina State, and one family inherited house in Minna, Niger State.

3. Rumble in SSS as Jonathan’s CSO, Others Vow to Challenge Sack

There is disquiet in the department of State Security Service (SSS) following mass dismissal and retirement of personnel perceived to be partisan, corrupt or on collision course with the present leadership of the service. In a sweeping retrenchment Tuesday, the SSS sacked dozens of personnel including the former spokesperson of the service, Marilyn Ogar, and the former Chief Security Officers (CSOs) to President Muhammadu Buhari and former President Goodluck Jonathan, Abdulrahman Mani and Gordon Obua respectively.

4. Nigeria is One of World’s Worst Business Destinations — World Bank

Despite improving five steps on its ranking last year, Nigeria emerged one of the worst business destinations, the 2015 World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business ranking has showed. Nigeria ranked 170 among 189 economies covered in the 2015 edition, released on Thursday. The improvement, which showed a 3.61 percent improvement from 43.72 percent points in 2014 to 47.33 percent points in 2015, reflected the country’s movement from the 175th position in 2014 to its current this year.

5. PDP Claims DSS Planning to Kidnap Udom, Asks World Powers to Call Buhari to Order

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has alleged that the operatives of Department of State Services are planning to kidnap the Governor of Akwa Ibom state, Mr. Udom Emmanuel. It alleged further that recent actions by the DSS under the leadership of Mr. Lawan Daura was a reminiscent of the era of a former Director General of the defunct National Security Organization, Lawal Rafindadi. Acting National Chairman of the PDP, Prince Uche Secondus, said this when he hosted the Governor of Bayelsa State, Seriake Dickson, at the party’s headquarters on Friday in Abuja.

6. PDP Wins Two NASS Election Petitions in Nasarawa

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Friday won two National Assembly election petitions in Nasarawa State. The National Assembly Election Petitions Tribunal sitting in Lafia upheld the election of Sen. Philip Gyunka (PDP-Nasarawa North) and Reps David Umbugadu of Akwanga/Wamba/Nasarawa-Eggon federal constituency. The tribunal Chairman, Justice Peter Obiora, in his judgment, dismissed both petitions for lack of merit. Obiora upheld their elections as announced by INEC and awarded them cost of N50, 000 each.

7. Ebonyi Civil Servants to Embark on One-week Warning Strike

Nigeria workers strikeEbonyi State civil servants have been directed by Labour unions in the state to embark on a one-week warning strike to demand payment of their salaries.The directive was handed down on Friday in Abakaliki by labour unions. Ebonyi Civil servants and the State Government have been having a running battle over the payment of the 50 per cent salary structure implemented by the immediate-past administration.

8. Ekiti Proposes Life Imprisonment for Kidnappers

Following its determination to stem the tide of kidnapping in the state, the Ekiti State government has forwarded a bill seeking life imprisonment for individuals convicted of kidnapping to the state House of Assembly. The proposed anti-kidnapping law was one of the decisions reached on Friday at the State Executive Council. The council meeting was presided over by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Kolapo Olusola.

9. APC Accuses PDP of Trying to Drive Amaechi Out of Political Space

The All Progressives Congress, APC, in Rivers State, on Friday declared that the witch-hunting and sponsored probe against the former governor of the state, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the state is a waste of time. This was stated by the state Deputy Chairman of the APC, Prince Peter Odike, while addressing the press at the APC Secretariat in Port Harcourt, adding that the plan by the Wike led PDP in the state was to shut Amaechi out of political space, which he said is impossible.

10. Your Claims Are Totally Baseless – Chris Okotie Fires Back at Emeka Ike

Pastor Chris Okotie preachesPastor Chris Okotie has reacted to Emeka Ike’s outburst that he was responsible for his marital crisis, disclosing that he has nothing to do with the actor’s wife. It was recalled that Suzanne, Emeka’s wife, has been in court, pushing for the dissolution of their marriage and the play-boy actor on the other hand, had been on an apologetic end, for reconciliation. On Thursday, the Nollywood actor-cum-producer had accused the general overseer of Household of God Church, as being the architect behind the ongoing crisis in his 12-year-old marriage.

Newspaper Review For Thursday 3rd, September

1. EXCLUSIVE: Unpaid Salaries: NLC Petitions Nduka Obaigbena, Threatens to Disrupt THISDAY 20th Anniversary

The twentieth anniversary of THISDAY Newspapers scheduled for Saturday September 5, 2015 may flop, it was authoritatively reports. This is as the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) has given the owner of the publication and media mogul, Mr Nduka Obiagbena, till before close of work on Friday September 4, to pay outstanding staff salaries or face its wrath. Copy of a letter sent to Mr Obaigbena Tuesday afternoon was exclusively obtained by DAILY POST last night.

2. NLNG Panics as US, Australia Enter Gas Market

Nigeria’s tough economic realities caused by the continuous fall in global crude oil prices may worsen as the country’s other source of revenue, gas, is currently being threatened at the international market, the Nigeria Liquified and Natural Gas company has warned. The NLNG also noted that the fall in global oil prices would continue till the end of 2015, adding that it might worsen in the coming year.

3. Buhari Never Made 100 Days Promise to Nigerians – Keyamo

KeyamoA Lagos-based lawyer, Festus Keyamo has defended President Muhammadu Buhari over accusations that he made a promise concerning his achievements within 100 days in office. Keamo said although his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), may have done so, Buhari personally did not make any 100-day promise.

4. IGP Assures INEC of Adequate Security for Kogi, Bayelsa Elections

Solomon AraseThe Inspector-General of Police, IGP, Mr. Solomon Arase, has assured the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of the preparedness of the Police to provide adequate security during the Kogi and Bayelsa states governorship elections. This is contained in a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, Acting ACP Olabisi Kolawole in Abuja on Wednesday.

5. North East NASS Caucus Defends Buhari’s Appointments

The Northeast National Assembly Caucus on Wednesday in Abuja stoutly defended President Muhammadu Buhari’s appointments, insisting that his decision was in the best interest of the nation. Reacting to public outcry over the appointments, the Caucus expressed that what was important to Nigeria and Nigerians this time was getting the nation on the pedestal of greatness.

6. Air Force Jets Blow up Boko Haram Solar Panels, Other Targets in Sambisa

Residents flee as Boko Haram kill 37 in Borno CommunitiesThe Nigerian Air Force, in its bid to sustain the ongoing air assault against the Boko Haram terrorists in Sambisa Forest, has continued to hit vital targets with a view to decimating the capability of the sect. The most recent success was the attack on BHT targets in Ngoshe and Pulka by the Alpha Jets providing Close Air Support to on-ground forces.

7. Power Supply Drops by 1,047MW

Power supply to households and businesses in the country has fallen below the 4,000 megawatts mark as 1,047.3MW was lost in seven days, data obtained from the Presidential Task Force on Power showed on Tuesday. Last week, electricity from the national grid hit a record high of 4,810.7MW, which was achieved at 8:45pm on August 25.

8. ICRC Says 2nd Niger Bridge Still on Track

The Director-General, Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), Mr Aminu Diko, has said that the construction of the long awaited 2nd Niger Bridge is still on course. This is contained in a statement signed and made available to newsmen by Diko on Wednesday in Abuja. Diko disputed reports that the project was “on hold’’, “stalled”, “ being probed” or even “suspended”.

9. INEC to Re-start Delimitation of Constituencies Stopped Before Elections

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), is to re-start the delimitation of constituencies suspended shortly before the general elections in 2015. Acting Chairman of INEC, Mrs Amina Zakari, said this when the new Surveyor General of the Federation (SGOF), Mr Ebisintei Awudu, visited her in Abuja. This information, obtained from the commission’s daily bulletin on Tuesday, quoted Zakari as explaining that it was suspended due to the high level of controversy it generated at that time.

10. Fayose Pardons 31 Ekiti Civil Servants Who Resumed Late to Work

Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has pardoned the 31 civil servants who resumed late to work on Monday. The governor has been facing public criticisms after some workers who came late to office were seen prostratating before him in the state. Fayose, made this disclosure at a meeting with public servants in Ado Ekiti on Wednesday.

Newspaper Review For Wednesday 2nd, September

1. Naira Drops to 218 as Dollar Demand Rises

The naira dropped on Monday by 2.3 per cent to 218 against the dollar at the parallel market. The greenback was sold for 213 at the black market on Friday. Foreign exchange traders linked the development to huge demand for the dollar by importers, politicians and investors. “There is an upsurge in demand for the dollar due to increase in liquidity in the system, with some buyers willing to pick up dollars at any available rate,” the President, Association of Bureau De Change Operators, Alhaji Aminu Gwadabe, said.

2. Develop Other Revenue Sources – Ambode Advises FG, states

Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State has advised state governments and the Federal Government to develop alternative revenue sources as persistent declines in global oil price continue to impact negatively on the nation’s oil revenue. He also said that the current economic challenges facing Nigeria called for greater commitment and contribution from all stakeholders particularly professional bodies.

3. Oil slump: OPEC Bows to Pressure for Negotiation

The Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries has finally surrendered to market pressure, expressing its willingness to open talks with other crude producers following the persistent drop in oil prices. Crude is currently trading near multi-year lows, and the oil cartel said it was ready to talk to other producers, according to an article in the OPEC Bulletin issued on Monday.

4. Ex-depot Price of Petrol Drops as Oil Price Crashes

The slump in the price of crude oil in the international market has forced oil marketers to reduce the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) or petrol at the depots in Lagos, we learnt. The price of Brent had hit a peak of $115 in June 2014, after an all-time high of $147 in July 2008. However, after the June 2014 peak, the price slumped to $45.19 per barrel in January 2015, and further down to $42 last week, the lowest level this year.

5. Possession of Fire Arms: Court Grants Dasuki Bail on Self-recognition

A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to the immediate National Security Adviser (NSA), Mohammed Sambo Dasuki, on self-recognition after he pleaded not guilty to a one count charge of illegal possession of firearms. Dasuki is standing trail on a one count charge of illegal possession of fire arms preferred against him by the Department of State Security who searched his home 48 hours after leaving office in July 2015. Soon as the charge of “being in possession of firearms without license punishable under Section 27 (1) (a) (i) of the Firearms CAP F28 LFN 2004” was read to him, Dasuki pleaded not guilty.

6. “Boko Haram in Disarray Now, We Will Soon Defeat Them” – Defence Headquarters

Borno Government sets dateline for reconstruction of communities destroyed by Boko HaramThe Defence Headquarters has said that the end of insurgency in Nigeria is in sight and that all known camps of insurgents on Nigerian territory have been dislodged. The Acting Director, Defence Information, Col. Rabe Abubakar, said this yesterday in Abuja when he paid a courtesy call on Mr Ima Niboro, Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). Abubakar said the military would continue to dominate the insurgents’ hideouts in the North East so th

7. Gulak Blasts Fayose Over PDP National Chairmanship Position

Former Special Adviser to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan on Political Affairs, Alhaji Ahmed Gulak, has blasted Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose for saying the office of national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) should be conceded to the South-West. Governor Fayose had called on chieftains of the party from the zone to indicate interest in the office ahead of the national convention slated for March, 2016.

8. New AfDB Chief Adesina to Focus on Powering Africa

Dr Akinwumi Adesina, the new President, African Development Bank (AfDB), says he will in the incoming years focus on tackling Africa’s chronic power shortages to unlock its economic potential. Adesina, a former Nigerian agriculture minister, said this at his swearing in as AfDB’s eighth president on Tuesday in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire. He said unlocking the continent’s economic potential would help in ending its vulnerability to fluctuations in commodity prices.

9. Buhari Hints Plans to Overhaul EFCC, ICPC

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) are to be overhauled to reposition them to properly tackle corruption in Nigeria. President Muhammadu Buhari made the declaration on Tuesday in Abuja at the opening of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria’s (ICAN) 45th yearly conference, which also coincided with the body’s 50th anniversary as a registered professional association in the country.

10. Presidency Insists Buhari Never Promised Specifics in First 100 days

The Presidency on Tuesday denied reports that President Muhammadu Buhari promised to achieve specific things within his first 100 days in office. It also claimed that the document tagged ‘One Hundred Things Buhari Will Do in 100 Days’ and ‘My Covenant With Nigerians’ did not emanate from the authentic channel of the campaign’s media department. The Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu made the clarification while responding to the criticisms that followed the denial that the President made such promises.

Newspaper Review For Tuesday 1st, September

1. PDP List Achievements at 17

THE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Nigeria’s oldest political party, yesterday, marked 17 years of its existence with a low-key event at its Wadata Plaza, Abuja National Secretariat. Briefing Journalists in Abuja, PDP National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, who catalogued the achievements of the party in its 17 years of existence, said it lost some of its founding and leading members because they could not withstand what he termed, stiff competition within the party and some mistakes the party made. Metuh who tagged his speech, ”PDP At 17..Still The Only True National Party”, said that in spite of the exit of some of its founders and leaders, the party is still in line with the vision and mission of its founding fathers.

2. Court Strikes Out Forgery Suit Against Saraki, Ekweremadu

Justice Ademola Adeniyi of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, yesterday, struck out the suit that sought to remove the Senate President, Bukola Saraki and his Deputy, Ike Ekweremadu from office on the premise that the Senate Standing Orders 2015, that produced them, was forged. Justice Adeniyi terminated further hearing on the matter after the plaintiffs who are five Senators Abu Ibrahim, Kabir Marafa, Ajayi Boroffice, Olugbenga Ashafa and Suleiman Hunkuni, applied to withdraw the suit.

3. Amaechi Challenges Wike to Publish Statements of Govt Accounts

Former Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State, has challenged his successor in office, Governor Nyesom Wike to publish the statements of government accounts with Skye Bank, FAAC, Zenith Bank and Access Bank, insisting that about N7.5 billion cash was left as balance in the state Internally Generated Revenue, IGR, as at May 29, 2015, alongside money in other accounts, totalling N8 billion.

4. China Supports Nigeria’s Bid for UN Permanent Seat

The People’s Republic of China has endorsed Nigeria`s bid for a permanent seat on the United Nations (UN) Security Council. Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, said the Chinese gave their nod for Nigeria`s quest to occupy a permanent seat on the UN security council during a meeting between him and the Chinese officials at the United Nations, New York.

5. Ikedife Urges Igbo to Remain Calm Over Buhari’s Appointments

Former President-General of Ohaneze Ndigbo and Chairman of Anambra Elders Council, Dr. Dozie Ikedife, has urged the Igbo to remain calm and not to over react to the recent appointments of President Muhammadu Buhari. Ikedife said Buhari should not abuse the confidence and respect Nigerians have for him while distributing his appointments. Dr. Ikedife, in Nnewi, yesterday, said Buhari should see himself as the President of all Nigerians both the good, the bad and the ugly. He was of the view that the President should use what he described as the period of honeymoon to enlarge the scope of confidence and respect Nigerians had for him and advised him not to abuse it.

6. Bayelsa Guber: You’re a Sinking Man – Bramaifa Tells Dickson

Bayelsa State Governor Henry Seriake Dickson on Monday came under fire when a group under the auspices of Friends of Timi Alaibe visited the APC National Secretariat Abuja to purchase the governorship nomination on behalf of the former NDDC boss. Dickson had before now described PDP defectors to APC as hungry politicians in dire need of employment. He also said they constitute no threat to his ambition.

7. 3 Feared Dead as Pro-Biafran Group Clash With Security Operatives in Anambra

Three members of a group campaigning for a Republic of Biafra have been reported dead following a clash with Naval officers from the Onitsha out-post in Anambra State. The clash which reportedly took place on Sunday evening also led to the hospitalization of other 20 members of the group, following various degrees of injuries they sustained during the clash. The self-determination agitators were allegedly operating as “Independent People of Biafra.”

8. EFCC Commences Full-fledged Probe of Ex-oil Minister

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has commenced a full-fledged probe into the activities of the immediate past Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). The commission constituted a four-member committee of crack detectives to probe all the NNPC accounts which were supervised by the former minister.

9. Kogi Guber: I’m Confident We’ll Win the Forthcoming Election – Wada

Kogi State Governor Idris Wada in this interview with select journalists recently expressed confidence in returning victorious in the forthcoming election in the state. He also spoke about the socio-political developments in the state as well as his chance of re-election in the forthcoming governorship election in the state.

10. It’s Too Early to Judge Buhari – Lai Mohammed

The National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has said it is too early to judge the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari based on few appointments made so far. Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Monday, Mohammed said he believes the President will make the right decision on appointments and he will be gender-friendly.