THE WISE ONES: April 2015

Tuesday, 28 April 2015

Senate Presidency: Tinubu bows to pressure, dumps Akume

AHEAD of the inauguration of the 8th Senate where a new Senate President would emerge, strong indications emerged yesterday that the National leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC and former Lagos State governor, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu may have bowed to pressure from the Senators that he should allow them elect their own Senate President.

Xenophobic violence: Why are the citizens not in their countries? – Zuma

President Jacob Zuma on Monday hit out at other African countries after South Africa faced a backlash over the wave of anti-foreigner attacks in the country.

While Zuma condemned the violence, saying immigrants contributed to the South African economy, he also questioned why so many had flocked to South Africa.

Controversial sacking of police IG

DISPLAYING utter contempt for the 1999 Constitution he swore to uphold, President Goodluck Jonathan has sacked Suleiman Abba as the Inspector-General of Police. He replaced him immediately with Solomon Arase, a Deputy Inspector-General, in an acting capacity. Both the dismissal and the acting appointment are gross violations of the 1999 Federal Constitution, Nigeria’s supreme law.

Hate campaign: Buhari bars AIT from covering activities

President-elect, General Mohammadu Buhari may have just started a revenge mission on the African Independent Television, AIT when, yesterday, the security men attached to him barred the station’s correspondent, Tinabeso Bebei from covering Buhari’s functions.

Tinubu’s alleged apology to Bode George: George seeking relevance – Tinubu’s aide

Chief Bode George’s claim that the national leader of All Progressives Congress, APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, apologized to him should be taken as the meditations of a man in search of political relevance, Mr. Sunday Dare, Media aide to Tinubu, said yesterday.

‘Missing’ $20bn oil money: I have nothing to hide, Jonathan tells Buhari

President Goodluck Jonathan on Monday said his administration had nothing to hide in respect of the claim by a former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Lamido Sanusi, that $20bn oil money was not remitted to the Federation Account by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation.

B’Haram is a fraud, says Buhari

The President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari, has said the claim by the Boko Haram sect that it is a religious group is a fraud.

He also said the sect would be denied a recruitment base the moment people in local communities realised that its claim of being a religious group was nothing but a fraud.

APC leaders fail to agree on zoning

Leaders of the All Progressives Congress on Thursday failed to reach a decision on the zoning of political offices.

They met at the Rivers State Governors’ Lodge at Asokoro, Abuja, all through Wednesday night and the early hours of Thursday.

Lawmakers condemn defection of PDP members, others to APC

Lawmakers in Anambra State House of Assembly have condemned the recent mass defection of members of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and other parties to the All Progressives Congress soon after PDP lost the presidential poll.

No hiding place for NNPC looters

FOR public officials and their cronies stealing the country blind through the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, the day of reckoning beckons. The thumping victory of Muhammadu Buhari in the March 28 presidential election was followed last week by the World Bank’s backing for his resolve to closely scrutinise the corporation. With persistence, the reign of impunity and unbridled looting will, hopefully, soon be over at the state-owned oil company. The incoming government must ensure that everyone involved in corrupt practice in the corporation is detected, investigated, prosecuted and punished.

I warned you on looming defeat, Tukur to PDP

FORMER National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur has attributed the defeat of the party by the All Progressives Congress, APC during the March 28 and April 11 general elections, to what he termed, failure on the part of the leadership to adhere to his warning on the looming loss.

APC will know I’m an attack dog – Mu’azu

The National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu, has said PDP will not go into any alliance with the incoming administration of the opposition All Progressives Congress.

Court halts Fayose’s impeachment

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, yesterday, set aside all actions and activities of the factional former Speaker of Ekiti State House of Assembly, Dr Adewale Omirin, and the All Progressives Congress, APC, lawmakers from November 21, 2014 till date, including the purported commencement of impeachment proceedings and notice alleging misconduct against the State Governor, Ayodele Fayose and his Deputy, Dr Olusola Eleka.

Oil subsidy removal, booby trap for Buhari –Bamidele

The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Legislative Budget and Research, Opeyemi Bamidele, has said the absence of a provision for fuel subsidy in the 2015 Appropriation Act is a booby trap for the incoming administration of the President-elect, Maj. Gen.Muhammadu Buhari (retd.).

Landmine blast kills soldier, three vigilantes in Sambisa Forest

Nigerian troops were forced to retreat from Boko Haram’s Sambisa Forest stronghold in the restive northeast after a landmine blast killed one soldier and three vigilantes, security sources said yesterday.

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FG drags NASS to Supreme Court over 1999 constitution amendments

Poised for a last fight, the Federal Government, yesterday, dragged the National Assembly to the Supreme Court, seeking for an order nullifying all the proposed amendments to the 1999 constitution.

In an originating summons it filed through a former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Bayo Ojo, SAN, FG, prayed the apex court to declare as unconstitutional, the amendments as proposed by the lawmakers.

Boko Haram terrorists out of arms, ammunitions — DHQ

AS troops continued their mop operations to rid the Sambisa Forest of the remaining Boko Haram terrorists in the forest, the insurgents are said to have run out of arms and ammunitions, an escapee and military sources have revealed.

How court terminated suits challenging Buhari’s eligibility

The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, yesterday, terminated further hearing on two separate suits that challenged the qualification of General Muhammadu Buhari, rtd, to participate in the 2015 presidential election.

Saraki, Akume split North-Central Senate caucus

Fresh intrigues are beclouding the contest for the office of the President of the Senate in the 8th National Assembly following the reported split of the North-Central caucus of the Senate between two groups.

APC heads for tribunal to challenge Kashamu’s victory

THE candidate of the All Progressives Congress in Ogun-East senatorial district, Dapo Abiodun, has filed a petition before the state National Assembly Election Petitions Tribunal to challenge the victory of the winner, Buruji Kashamu.

Boko Haram runs out of arms, ammunition; says escapee

Remnants of the Boko Haram terrorists have run out of arms and ammunitions, as the Nigerians military intensifies attack on Sambiza Forest, an escapee and military sources have revealed.

This is even as the Director Defence Information, Major General Chris Olukolade confirmed to newsmen in Abuja that ground troops with support from airstrikes have stormed sambisa forest combing terrorists from their hideouts.

Jonathan to hand over on May 29th- FG

The Federal government on Wednesday clarified that the dinner being organised for the president elect on May 28 is not meant to be for a formal handover to president-elect, Muhammadu Buhari, noting that the May 29th hand-over date remains sacrosanct.

Patience Jonathan to quit as African First Ladies President

President Goodluck Jonathan’s loss in the March 28 presidential election has started taking its toll on his wife, Patience.

Arrangements had been concluded for her to quit her position as the President of the African Ladies Peace Mission, two months before the expiration of her tenure.

Drama, as Abba stalls handover for hours, 3 DIGs protest Arase’s appointment

There was confusion and drama at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, yesterday, as the sacked Inspector-General of Police, Mr Suleiman Abba, stalled the formal handover to his successor, Mr Solomon Arase, until he was compelled to do so by the Presidency.

NNPC has started refunding unremitted $1.48bn –Alison-Madueke

The Minister of Petroleum Resources Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, on Wednesday disclosed that the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation has started refunding the $1.48bn unremitted fund into the Federation Account as recommended by an audit firm, PriceWaterHouse Coopers.

Jonathan fires IG Abba over polls …names Arase in acting capacity

President Goodluck Jonathan on Tuesday sacked the Inspector-General of Police, Suleiman Abba.

Abba, who became IG less than nine months ago, was replaced by a Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Solomon Arase, in acting capacity

Gunmen kill el-Rufai’s campaign coordinator

Markus Ishaya, a campaign coordinator to the Kaduna State Governor-elect, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, was on Tuesday killed by unknown gunmen.

Ishaya was said to have been trailed by the gunmen to his house in the Atuku Kasa area of Jema’am Local Governor Area of the state.

Hold S’African gov responsible for foreigners attacks – NLC

The Nigeria Labour Congress, on Tuesday in Abuja said the South African Government should be held responsible for the xenophobic attacks in that country.

This is contained in statement signed by Dr Ayuba Wabba, President of the NLC.

According to the statement, it does not matter who incites the violence because the attacks lack any sane justifications.

S’Africa must punish perpetrators –ECOWAS

The Economic Community of West African States has demanded the immediate arrest and prosecution of perpetrators of the xenophobic attacks on fellow Africans by South African mobs.

ECOWAS also demanded for action on the part of the South African government to halt the attacks.

The regional economic block equally offered to work with the government of South Africa to end the crisis.

Presidential run-off would have led to crisis –Jega

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Attahiru Jega, said on Tuesday that a presidential run-off would have led to a crisis in the country.

Jega, in his first public comment on the March 28 and April elections, predicated his assertion on what he called many lacunas in the amended Electoral Act.

It is time to make more sacrifices, Buhari tells politicians

The President-elect, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, on Tuesday in Abuja, said the time had come to make more sacrifices and deliver on the promises made to the electorate.

Buhari said this when a delegation of All Progressives Congress (APC) politicians from Kogi and Kwara states paid him a courtesy visit at the party presidential campaign headquarters in Abuja.

Plaintiffs, seeking to stop Buhari, withdraw eligibility suit

Plaintiffs in the two of the three pending suits challenging the eligibility of the President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari, to contest in the March 28, 2015, presidential election have been withdrawn.

Justice Adeniyi Ademola who is presiding over the matters at the Federal High Court in Abuja subsequently struck out the matter after the plaintiffs indicated their intention to withdraw the suits on Wednesday.

‘Hausa, Yoruba conspiracy against Jonathan must be addressed before May 29'

THE South South Voice, a pressure group in the Niger Delta, has described as unacceptable the way and manner the North and the West truncated the second term ambition of President Goodluck Jonathan and warned that the nation may face another round of crisis unless issues relating to alleged conspiracy against the people of the South South is addressed.

I don’t need your praise, Tinubu tells Kashamu

The national leader of the All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has rejected the praises showered on him by Ogun-East senator-elect, Buruji Kashamu.

Kashamu, who is the Chairman of the Organisation and Mobilisation Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party in the South-West, had last week, described Tinubu as his role model and the architect of modern Nigeria.

Buhari will not fail Nigerians, says Wamakko

Gov. Aliyu Wamakko of Sokoto State has assured Nigerians that the President-elect, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari will not fail the nation. ‘The APC-led Federal Government under Buhari will strive to meet the expectations and yearnings of Nigerians, irrespective of religious, ethnic or cultural differences,” he said.

2015 polls: Tinubu fits into Awolowo’s shoes, says Alaafin’s aide

FOLLOWING the political ingenuity of the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu which resulted in the victory of the party at the recently concluded general elections, the Royal Ambassador to the Alaafin of Oyo, Aare Ayandotun Ayanlakin has said he (Tinubu) had attained towering political heights similar to that of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

Pesticide responsible for Ondo deaths, says WHO

The World Health Organisation says pesticide poisoning is the probable cause of mysterious deaths of over 18 people in Ode Irele, in Irele Local Government Area of Ondo State.

Those who died suffered from blurred vision and headaches, and then lost consciousness before dying within 24 hours.

Showdown in Ekiti as Fayose mobilises Okada riders, NURTW against impeachment bid

There appears to be no end in sight to the current face-off between the 19 All Progressives Congress, APC, lawmakers in the Ekiti State House of Assembly and Governor Ayo Fayose.

I didn’t spend N2tn on elections –Jonathan

President Goodluck Jonathan on Sunday said there was no truth in a report that he and the Peoples Democratic Party spent N2tn for campaigns ahead of the just-concluded general elections.

He also denied setting up a committee to conduct an audit of how the elections funds were disbursed by party members and state officials.

Buhari has not appointed any minister — APC

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has urged Nigerians to disregard the wild speculations making the rounds concerning the appointment of ministers and the zoning of offices under the incoming Buhari Administration.

Zulu king denies triggering S.Africa anti-immigrant attacks

Zulu king Goodwill Zwelithini on Monday denied whipping up xenophobic hatred in South Africa after he was accused of triggering violence that has left at least seven people dead and forced thousands from their homes.

S’Africa attacks: Nigerians lose N21m, says envoy

Nigerian Consul-General in South Africa, Amb. Uche Ajulu-Okeke, said on Sunday that Nigerians lost more than N21m Rand (1.2m) in the on-going xenophobic attacks in South Africa.

Why I’m not proud to call Buhari my president — Aribisala

Dr. Femi Aribisala, a pastor and Vanguard columnist, in this interaction with Vanguard editors, ventilates his passion for President Goodluck Jonathan and explains his position on the person and politics of the president-elect, Major-General Muhammadu Buhari. Excerpts:

Fayose is the chief security risk of Ekiti — Omirin

In this interview with KAMARUDEEN OGUNDELE, the embattled Speaker of Ekiti State House of Assembly, Dr. Adewale Omirin, speaks about the tension between the All Progressives Congress’ lawmakers and Governor Ayodele Fayose

Why Senate asked Jonathan to return original copy of Constitution Amendment Bill

Contrary to the content of the letter that President Goodluck Jonathan refused to sign the Constitution Amendment Bill because of alleged usurpation of executive powers by the National Assembly in the bill, among other reasons, there is an allegation that Jonathan signed the original amendment bill.

Impeachment Threat: I am ready to negotiate with APC lawmakers — Fayose

The face -off between the 19 All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmakers in Ekiti State House of Assembly and Governor Ayo Fayose may soon be over, as the governor says he is willing to negotiate with the lawmakers

Polls: PDP chieftains demand Mu’azu’s resignation

As part of the fallout of the Peoples Democratic Party’s failure at the last general elections, top party men are calling for the resignation or removal of the party’s National Chairman, Adamu Mu’azu.

PDP stalwarts who spoke with SUNDAY PUNCH said it behoves on Mua’zu to turn in his resignation letter even without since he had been unable to take the party to victory.

Mu’azu responsible for PDP’s defeat — Gulak

Former Senior Special Adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan on Political Affairs, Mr. Ahmed Gulak, tells TOBI AWORINDE that those defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress lack focus, sincerity and loyalty

What are your thoughts on the mass exodus of members from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress?

Why my cabinet will be small – Buhari

•We will go into action before we are sworn-in

•‘Our priorities on security, economy, unemployment, corruption’

•On indiscipline: People are more prepared to behave than in 1983

If statements from the president-elect, Major-General Muhammadu Buhari, are to be believed, the incoming administration, to be inaugurated on May 29, will hit the ground running. Buhari says he intends to put together a small cabinet that may go into action even before the swearing-in. In a nutshell, he speaks on the shape of things to come in this interview.

Nigeria may evacuate citizens from South Africa this week

Nigeria will begin evacuation of its citizens from South Africa this week over xenophobic attacks on immigrants from other African countries, SUNDAY PUNCH has learnt.

Nigerians who are interested in returning to their country have been told to contact the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa.

South Africans after our lives, Nigerians raise the alarm

Some Nigerians in South Africa have cried out against the xenophobic attacks on Africans in parts of the country.

In separate telephone interviews with SUNDAY PUNCH, the Nigerian migrants expressed their fear of attacks as death threats were being circulated on social media.

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