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  • Army arrest wanted Boko Haram terrorist

    Army arrest wanted Boko Haram terrorist

    The Army says they have arrested a wanted Boko Haram suspect, Maje Lawan at Banki, Borno.

    According to a statement by Brig.-Gen Texas Chukwu, the army spokesman, the suspect is believed to be number 96 on the wanted list earlier published by the army.

    Chukwu said Lawan was apprehended after he infiltrated into an Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp in the area.

    “The suspect is currently undergoing preliminary investigation and will be handed over to the appropriate authority for further action,” he said.

    Meanwhile, Chukwu said troops had neutralised two terrorists at Malari village also in Borno during an ambush while others fled into the bush.

    He said 10 bicycles were recovered from the terrorists during the encounter.

    In a similar development, he said troops had dislodged armed militia from their camp at Gbamjimba-Akor axis in Guma Local Government Area of Benue.

    He said unspecified number of the armed militia men were neutralised, adding that others escaped into nearby bushes with gunshot wounds.

    Chukwu said one AK 47 rifle, two AK 47 rifle magazines, 60 rounds of 7.62 mm special ammunition and five motorcycles were recovered from them. (NAN)

  • President Buhari salutes veteran Journalist, Ray Ekpu at 70

    President Buhari salutes veteran Journalist, Ray Ekpu at 70

    President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated veteran journalist and co-founder of Newswatch Magazine, Ray Ekpu, who turns 70 on Aug. 6 as well as clocks 45 years working as a journalist and an administrator.

    President Buhari’s congratulatory message is contained in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, in Abuja on Sunday.

    The President joined the media world, family and friends of the renowned columnist and activist in celebrating the many years of exceptional contribution to national development through his writings, speaking engagements and leadership roles.

    According to him, Ekpu’s consistency and forthrightness in speaking and writing the truth to authorities deserves special commendation, especially the many times he placed his life at risk in fighting for democracy and the institutionalisation of good governance in Nigeria.

    President Buhari affirmed that his wealth of knowledge, wisdom and editorial skills should serve as a benchmark for upcoming journalists “as the future of the industry rests on the indelible tenets of fairness, accuracy and balance.’’

    The President prayed that the Almighty God would grant the prolific writer longer life, good health and more wisdom to serve the nation and humanity.(NAN)

  • Yoruba group pledges loyalty to patriotic politics

    Loyalty

    By Abolade Ogundimu

    Abuja, Aug. 5, 2018(NAN) The Yoruba Ronu Leadership Forum has reiterated its support for politicians that fully subscribe to masses-oriented ideology.

    Mr Akin Malaolu, the Secretary-General of the socio-cultural group made this known in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.

    According to Malaolu, the group is unperturbed by politicians’ defection but interested in any political party with proven record of national developments.

    “Political defections should be driven by intent to make the masses better and not selfish interest.

    “The recent realignment of political leaders in and to various political parties must be seen as ideal in democracies around the world.

    “Our nation will be better if they are not defecting for selfish gains but greater good of their people or constituencies.

    “Leaders who think of themselves alone, without care for positive change have no modicum of regard for the generality of the people.

    “It is no surprise to see them moving in droves,they would always be attracted to their typical likes across party lines,” he said.

    Malaolu said his group enjoined the electorate to ensure that only candidates with proven commitment to masses development got elected.

    “Today, we are grateful to Nigerians everywhere for still keeping the vigil for the sake of their children and to the future of Nigeria in their speedy search for her greatness.

    “There is no doubt that some politicians have remained obstinate in their errors and political mistakes, arrogance and pomposity are the pivots turning them.

    “God that put them together into one political boat has a mission unknown to the Nigerian people.

    “It is important to identify them now and reject them at the polls, so that their political demise will be celebrated with fanfare in all States of the Federation.

    “it can be clearly seen that they have continued in their old ways of turning religion against religion and tribes against tribes.

    “They have perfected the art of evil doing as good political tool against the Nigerian people thinking we are still fools and food for them.

    “We hope that one day they shall eat dog biscuits for lunch,” he said.

    Malaolu noted the apology of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for 16 years of past misrule.

    “With the ongoing realignments visibly everywhere without any patriotic reason but selfish gains, Nigerians must not fall for any anti-masses collusion.

    “Government should be handed over to the progressives who remain committed to people -oriented policies in spite of open frustrations from self-serving elected office holders, ” he said.

    Malaolu said flimsy excuses made by federal legislators for drastic cutdown of 2018 budget for critical infrastructures and social welfare could be a good yardstick to judge if they could contribute to national development.

    “We are assuring President Muhammadu Buhari and other leaders with milk of human kindness in them of our support wholly and fully to their aspirations in the 2019 general election.

    “Our Forum started cleaning political political Augean stables since 2004 , watching, looking and taking notes of what was achieved to what was looted.

    “The 16 years of PDP in power was a period of lost opportunities to right the wrongs done to the Nation’s economic development by previous Military administrations, Malaolu said.

    “That could be seen in all areas that could assist in gainful employment for our teeming youths,” he said.

    Malaolu said his group supported Buhari in 2011 after its assessment of democratic rule and obvious weaknesses.

    “The election was won by him but reactionary forces changed some results if not, Buhari would have taken the mantle of leadership in 2011 as President,” he said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the defections from one party to the other by politicians in the last three weeks may not be unconnected with the preparations for 2019 general elections.

    NAN also reports that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has in reaction to this, said its departing members were majorly those that were clogging its progressive wheel from within, saying “good riddance to bad rubbish “.(NAN)

  • NNPC says Baru not funding alleged impeachment plot against Saraki

    NNPC says Baru not funding alleged impeachment plot against Saraki

    The Management of  Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), on Sunday said its Group Managing Director, Dr Maikanti Baru, was not funding any plot to impeach the President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki.

    Mr Ndu Ughamadu, NNPC Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, said in a statement in Abuja that the Corporation was not party to the ongoing political struggle in the National Assembly.

    Ughamadu said the trending reports in some section of the media insinuating that Baru had doled out funds to effect the impeachment of Saraki were false.

    He described the report as ”the handiwork of mischief makers seeking to drag NNPC and Baru into a purely political affair totally different from its mandate as the national oil company with fiduciary responsibilities to the government and people’’ of Nigeria.

    ”The report is not only false but also an affront on the verifiable reforms in the operations of the corporation under the remit of Dr Baru.’’

    He said the reforms had “witnessed irreversible strides in the area of transparency leading to the sustained publication of NNPC monthly operations and financial records.

    ”The allegations are mere fiction and outright tales by moonlight for anybody to insinuate that Dr Baru or anybody else could just take a dip into the Corporation’s till and dole out the volume of funds being portrayed in that phantom report for political purpose.’’

    Ughamadu  called on all well-meaning members of the public and oil and gas industry stakeholders to discountenance the story.

    He said that the Management of NNPC remained  committed to its statutory role and responsibility to the entire federation.

    Saraki, on July 31 decamped from the ruling All Progressives Congress to the Peoples Democratic Party and the Senate promptly adjourned plenary until Sept. 25.

    Allegations that Baru was involved and funding an alleged impeachment plot against Saraki have been rife. (NAN)

  • Passengers’ protest delay Kaduna-Abuja train

    Hundreds of stranded train passengers on Sunday protested over alleged underhand dealings in the sale of tickets for the Kaduna-Abuja train service.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that although the train for the 4:00pm trip to Abuja had arrived on time, passengers had formed human shield preventing entry into the departure area at Rigasa station on Sunday in Kaduna.

    The passengers said tickets were sold for only 10 minutes before they were told it had been exhausted.

    A passenger, Usman Lamin, alleged that the train station officials had sold off the over 600 tickets to touts who openly sale at double the price.

    The passengers said the station manager must allow everyone to board the train and collect the fares along the way, otherwise no one will get in.

    Efforts to get official reaction was unsuccessful, but one of the workers at the train station said the only solution is to increase the number of train shuttles from the present two on Sundays.

    He said on condition of anonymity that because of the fear of travelling by road due to security concern, people going to Abuja from Kaduna are increasingly relying on the train service.

    As at the time of filling this report (4:10 pm) soldiers had to be deployed to the station where they barricaded places before passengers could board the train. (NAN)

  • Presidential Villa roundup from July 29 to August 4, 2018

    Activities commenced at the Presidential Villa for the week on Sunday, July 29, with an announcement by the Presidency that the Federal Government has assembled a 1000-strong military force, comprising the army, air force, police and the civil defence to launch fierce attacks on the bandits terrorising the villages and towns of Zamfara State.

    A statement issued by Mallam Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant to the President, Media and Publicity said the deployment of troops to Zamfara followed directives by President Muhammadu Buhari.

    He said the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has begun the deployment of fighter jets to Katsina, the airport with the closest proximity to Zamfara State to make for immediate and effective response to the menace of the bandits.

    According to him, this has not been possible in the past because there was no fuel depot facility in Katsina, but NAF has devised a way around the problem.

    In Lome on Sunday night, the President was quoted as saying that he was not bothered about the defections in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) because the majority of Nigerians was supportive and appreciative of his administration’s performance.

    New ECOWAS Chairman, President Buhari with his predecessor Faure Gnassingbe and President of Liberia, George Weah in Lome
    New ECOWAS Chairman, President Buhari with his predecessor Faure Gnassingbe, in Lome during the ECOWAS meeting; Cross River State Gov. Ben Ayade watching from behind

    The President was responding to a question during an interactive session with the Nigerian community in Togo at the Nigerian Embassy, Lome, according to a statement by Garba Shehu, his media aide.

    On Monday, July 30, President Buhari made a strong appeal for inter-regional collaboration on maritime security, the fight against terrorism and other crimes through effective border control.

    The President made the call while contributing to the consideration and adoption of the Draft Declaration by the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on Peace, Security, Stability and the Fight against Terrorism and Violent Extremism in the Togolese capital.

    “Respect for rule of law, democracy and promotion of human rights are also vital as they are attributes of good governance, which would enhance the socio-economic development of the two regions,” he added.

    On Tuesday, July 31, the Presidency said there was no truth in the claims that President Muhammadu Buhari has a hand in the move by minority members of the Benue State House of Assembly to remove the State Governor Samuel Ortom.

    The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, said this in a statement made available to journalists.

    Femi Adesina
    Special Adviser to the President, Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina says President Buhari has no hand in Benue State politics

    Adesina said Buhari would never be part of any unconstitutional act, adding that any attempt to link the President with the inglorious past, when minority number of lawmakers removed governors, will not stick.

    Later on Tuesday in Lome, President Buhari was elected the new Chairman of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

    The President’s election was one of the highpoints of the 53rd Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS which held in the Togolese capital.

    In his acceptance remarks, the Nigerian leader, who commended his colleagues for his election, noted that he did not offer himself for the post, “but you refused to take my no for an answer.”

    Mallam Garba Shehu, the Senior Special Assistant to the President, Media and Publicity, on Wednesday, August 1, urged Nigerian groups or individuals that have objections to the Nigerian Press Council Amendment Bill to follow due process rather than throw mud at the government using the media.

    Garba Shehu
    Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to President Muhammadu Buhari

    Shehu pointed out that all the attacks against the government as a result of the bill were misdirected since it has nothing at all to do with the Executive.

    “This is a privately-sponsored bill; President Muhammadu Buhari is not involved,” Shehu said.

    Meanwhile, a statement issued by Femi Adesina, Special Adviser to the President, Media and Publicity said President Muhammadu Buhari will begin a 10-day working holiday from August 3, 2018.

    “In compliance with Section 145 (1) of the 1999 Constitution, a letter has been transmitted to the President of the Senate, and the Speaker, House of Representatives to that effect.

    “While the President is on vacation, the Vice President will be in acting capacity as President. President Buhari will be in London for the holiday,” he said.

    Also on Wednesday, President Buhari received President Adama Barrow of The Gambia at State House, Abuja, during which he said development was usually the first casualty in an unstable polity.

    President Adama Barrow and President Buhari in Abuja on Wednesday
    President Buhari receives President Adama Barrow of The Gambia at State House, Abuja on Wednesday

    According to President Buhari, “The best route to national development is stability. When a country is not stable, you spend most of your financial resources on security.

    “That is the money that should have gone into education, infrastructure, and generating employment for the people, particularly youths,” President Buhari was quoted in a statement by Femi Adesina, his media aide.

    The President was quoted to have congratulated President Barrow for stabilising The Gambia after his emergence, following the impasse caused by his immediate predecessor, Yahya Jammeh, who initially refused to vacate office, after losing the presidential election in December 2016.

    Also on Wednesday, the President took time off late Wednesday afternoon to visit the proposed presidential campaign office for next year’s election.

    President Buhari arrives at the Campaign office
    President Buhari arrives at the proposed presidential campaign office for next year’s election

    Adesina, in a statement, said the same building at Herbert Macaulay Way, Central Area, Abuja, had served as campaign headquarters for the 2015 election.

    President Buhari was reported to have expressed satisfaction with the facelift and thanked all those who worked on giving the office a befitting look.

    On Wednesday night, the President was reported to have met with the National Chairman of the APC, Adams Oshiomhole and some senators elected on the platform of the party led by the Senate Leader, Ahmed Lawan.

    The meeting came amidst the gale of defections being witnessed in the party.

    President Buhari meets with the National Chairman of the APC Adams Oshiomhole and some senators elected on the platform of the party led by the Senate Leader, Ahmed Lawan
    President Buhari meets with the National Chairman of the APC Adams Oshiomhole and some senators elected on the platform of the party led by the Senate Leader, Ahmed Lawan

    Oshiomhole told State House correspondents at the end of the meeting that the right thing for the President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki to do is to vacate his seat, having left the party.

    Earlier on Wednesday, the President had presided over the weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.

    Addressing State House Correspondents after the meeting, Attorney-General of the Federation, AGF, and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami said Nigeria and China have agreed on a prisoner swap.

    Malami said the swap deal was ratified by FEC, explaining that Nigerian prisoners to be affected for now were specifically those jailed in Macau, an autonomous region in the South Coast of China.

    Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) Abubakar Malami, addressing newsmen in Abuja
    Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) Abubakar Malami, addressing newsmen in Abuja

    He however, clarified that for the deal to be effective, it would also need to be ratified by the Chinese authorities, adding that there was plan to sign similar deals with other countries.

    The Minister also disclosed that FEC approved a Federal Government Action Plan on Anti-money Laundering and Combating Financing of Terrorism.

    In his remarks, the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, said council approved N72.9 billion contract for the reconstruction of Creek Road to Tin Can Island through Apapa and Oworonsoki roads to Toll Gate end of Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

    The project, which excludes the Coconut and Mile 2 sections of the road, is to be handled by the Dangote Group on a Public-Private Partnership.

    On Thursday, August 2, 2018, President Buhari met behind closed doors with the nation’s security chiefs.

    President Buhari meets behind closed doors with the nation’s security chiefs
    President Buhari meets behind closed doors with the nation’s security chiefs

    The meeting, which was held inside the Presidential Villa, Abuja, was meant to review ongoing efforts aimed at tackling security challenges across the country.

    At the end of the meeting, a statement credited to the Minister of Defence, Mansur Dan-Ali said the security chiefs seized the opportunity of the meeting to demand for more equipment from the Federal Government to sustain the tempo in the fight against insurgency and other security challenges across the country.

    Later on Thursday, President Buhari flew into Bauchi for the campaign rally of Hon. Lawal Yahaya Gumau, the APC candidate for the August 11 by-election in Bauchi Southern Senatorial District.

    President Muhammadu Buhari at campaign rally in Bauchi on Thursday for Hon. Lawal Yahaya Gumau who is vying for senatorial seat
    President Muhammadu Buhari at campaign rally in Bauchi on Thursday for Hon. Lawal Yahaya Gumau who is vying for senatorial seat

    In his remarks at the rally, the President prayed that God will expose bad eggs and sycophants within his party ‘‘who are bent on trying to loot our resources.’’

    The president told party supporters his administration had not relented in addressing the security challenges in the country, as well as placing the nation on a sound economic footing.

    He therefore, urged the people of the state to vote and support the APC candidate in the forthcoming senatorial by-election.

    On Friday, August 3, 2018, President Buhari commenced his 10 working days holiday in the United Kingdom.

    Read also: Presidential Villa roundup from July 22 to July 28, 2018

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  • Breaking: Akpabio meets Buhari in London

    Senate minority leader, Godswill Akpabio met vacationing President Muhammadu Buhari in London today, four days before he crosses over to the All Progressives Congress.

    Issues discussed were not diclosed.

    Akpabio had met Vice President Yemi Osinbajo in Abuja on Thursday and also national leader of the APC, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in Lagos.

    Akpabio’s decision to leave the PDP has dampened PDP celebration over the defection of a dozen senators, three governors and some 30 members of the House of Representatives, who hitherto were members of the All Progressives Congress.

    Akpabio with Buhari in London

    He is scheduled to switch to the APC in Ikot Ekpene on 9 August.

    Akpabio was governor of oil-rich Akwa Ibom state from 2007-2015. He was elected a Senator in 2015 and was chosen as the minority leader for the Peoples Democratic Party senators.

    APC Newspaper on its Twitter handle announced Saturday night the news that Akpabio was switching allegiance : “We can confirm that, HE, Sen (Dr) Godswill Akpabio is a card carrying member of @OfficialAPCNg effective August 4, 2018. @OfficialPDPNig has lost him. Official Reception in days”.

    And APC United Kingdom in another tweet set the date for the defection: “Acting President, @ProfOsinbajo accompanied by Senator (Dr ) Ita Enang, and leaders of the APC in Akwa Ibom to formally receive Senator (Dr.) Godswill Akpabio into APC at Ikot Ekpene Stadium on Thursday 9 August, 2018. All lovers of Democracy are cordially invited”.

    Senator Ita Enang, Buhari’s liaison officer with the National Assembly confirmed the unfolding political drama, tweeting:

    Senator Ita Enang@SenItaEnang

    I’m confirming that the @APCNigeria family as earlier indicated will formally receive H.E,@godswill_akpabio on WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 8,2018 at an elaborate ceremony in Akwa-Ibom State.Senator (Dr) ITA ENANG.Presidential Liaison to the National Assembly- Senate. Sen@itaenanglaw2.com

     · Karu, Nigeria
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  • Aisha Buhari joins Gambia’s First Lady for her birthday

    The Wife of President Muhammadu Buhari, Aisha, on Sunday joined her Gambia’s counterpart, Mrs Fatoumatta Bah-Barrow, to celebrate her 44th anniversary in Abuja.

    According to the tweet by Presidential aide on Social Media, Lauretta Onoche, Aisha Buhari accompanied the Gambian First Lady to celebrate her birthday with a visit to Maitama Hospital in Abuja.

    Mrs Bah-Barrow felicitated with women and children at the hospital and also cut her birthday cake at the Presidential Villa.

    Aisha Buhar and Mrs. Bah-Barrow admiring a baby

    “Supportive Nigerian First Lady, @aishambuhari accompanied Gambian first lady to celebrate her birthday with a visit and gifts to women and children patients at the Maitama hospital in Abuja.

    “Happy birthday Your Excellency, Bah-Barrow.’’

    View image on TwitterView image on TwitterView image on Twitter

    Supportive Nigerian First Lady, @aishambuhari accompanied Gambian first lady to celebrate her birthday with a visit and gifts to women and children patients at the Maitama hospital in Abuja.
    Happy birthday Your Excellency, Bah Barrow.  Mrs Bah-Barrow was born on 5th August 1974 in Banjul.

    Her father Abdoulie Bah was a local businessman, whereas her mother Isatou Jallow was mostly known amongst the community for her compassion and generosity towards the poor and the needy.

    Growing up, the First Lady spent her childhood in Basse with her two siblings,wher e she attended the St. George’s School.

    Having completed her education and moved to the Capital city of Banjul, the First Lady married the current President of the Republic, His Excellency Adama Barrow on 20 th March 1997.

    She is blessed with a son named Mamadou Barrow and a daughter called Taibou Barrow.

    She runs a successful humanitarian service through her Fatoumatta Bah-Barrow Foundation.

    The Foundation is a non-profit charity organization that supports disadvantaged communities, women, children and vulnerable groups in The Gambia.

    The foundation is established for charitable purposes aimed to benefit areas in health, orphans, children, widows, youth and women through educational projects and social development programmes.

    Aisha Buhari joins Mrs Bah-Barrow, the birthday First Lady

    Founded on May 1, 2017, the foundation is “To bring relief and empower the vulnerable and disadvantaged in The Gambia, for an opportunity to dwell and carry a new hope for a brighter future.

    “To complement government efforts in reducing extreme poverty, marginalization of rural women and support local community initiatives

    The foundation was set shortly after the inauguration of her husband, Mr. Adama Barrow, President of The Republic of The Gambia.

    Fatoumatta Bah-Barrow always had the dream to extend her reach and compliment development efforts in reducing extreme poverty, assisting marginalized rural women, girls and vulnerable children in The Gambia.

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  • Agriculturalist urges farmers to embrace dry season farming

    Agriculturalist urges farmers to embrace dry season farming

    An Agriculture Extension Officer, Mr Joseph Aboyeji, has advised farmers in the country to embrace dry season farming as a way of improving production and increase their income.

    Aboyeji gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at Omu-Aran in Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara on Sunday.

    He also said that dry season farming would promote all-year round farming, reduce poverty and food insufficiency.

    Aboyeji said the Federal Government Growth Enhancement Scheme (GES), under the Agriculture Transformation Agenda (ATA) was a veritable platform to achieve success, regarding dry season farming.

    He noted that with GES, the envisaged increase in production and income of farmers would be achieved, adding that beneficiaries under the scheme would have unhindered access to highly subsidised farm inputs.

    Aboyeji, however, called on the Federal Government to exhibit strong political will and accord top priority to promoting dry season farming.

    The agriculturalist said that potential dry season farmers required adequate fund to achieve all-year round farming.

    According to him, the late and inadequate rainfall being experienced since the beginning of the year had posed serious challenges to farmers in meeting up with their food production target.

    Aboyeji, who noted that dry season farming was capital intensive, called for more adequate budgetary allocation for the sector to reduce poverty and unemployment.

    The agriculturalist said the decline in the global crude oil price should be enough reason for the authority to give the sector the necessary attention.

    “I think it is time for the Federal Government to increase its budget provision for agriculture, especially dry season farming.

    “There are lots of expectations from all tiers of government to turn around the socio-economic fortune of the country by utilising our God-given land and natural resources for our own benefit.

    “With increase in production of crops like rice, wheat, sorghum and vegetables, this will go a long way to complement the wet season harvest and output in meeting up with the desired target.

    “Dry season farming, if well planned and implemented, would allow for all-year round farming and is capable of solving the nation poverty and food insufficiency,” Aboyeji said.

    He also called for the provision of modern storage facilities and markets to assist farmers actualise their high production target and income. (NAN)