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France strikes IS in Iraq from newly deployed carrier – general

France launched air strikes against Islamic State targets in Iraq on Monday in the first sorties from the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier, newly deployed in the eastern Mediterranean. “We carried out strikes in Ramadi and Mosul in support of ground forces that were pushing against troops of (the Islamic State group),” said army chief of staff General Pierre de Villiers, aboard the carrier. He said planes from the Charles de Gaulle would launch strikes against IS targets in Syria, including command and recruitment centres as well as oil facilities, in “a matter of hours or days”. Rafale jets catapulted from the carrier’s flight deck on Monday morning, an AFP reporter saw. The strikes came 10 days after the deadly jihadist attacks in Paris, claimed by IS, that left 130 dead. French President Francois Hollande said earlier in Paris: “We will intensify our strikes, choosing targets that will do the most damage possible to this army of terrorists.” The Charles De Gaulle has 26 fighter jets, more than treblingFrance‘s strike capacity in the US-led mission against IS. Francealready has six Mirage and six Rafale jets stationed in the United Arab Emirates and Jordan. A military source said their missions would overfly Turkey or Jordan to avoid Syrian anti-aircraft defences. To avoid crossing paths with Russian planes,Franceis coordinating with Moscow via the US coalition headquarters in Qatar. French and Russian naval commanders began exchanging information at the end of last week ahead of the deployment to the eastern Mediterranean, where Russia has several ships. Russian President Vladimir Putin instructed his navy last week to work with the French “as allies”. After its operation in the Mediterranean, the Charles de Gaulle will head to the Gulf to relieve a US carrier.

AGF snubs court on Dasuki

**Wants bail granted Dasuki revoked over $2billion arms fraud allegation.
The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice Mr. Abubakar Matami (SAN) on Monday failed to appear before the Federal High Court in Abuja to explain the siege laid on the Asokoro residence of the former National Security Adviser (NSA) Col. Sambo Mohammed Dasuki (rtd) by operatives of the State Security Services (SSS) in spite of the bail granted him by the court.
Instead of the appearance of the AGF, the Director of the Public Prosecution of the Justice ministry, Mr. Mohammed Saidu Diri arrived the court with a fresh motion on notice requesting for revocation of the bail granted the ex-NSA in the unlawful possession of firearms and money laundering charges brought against him.
The motion signed by Diri was brought to the court pursuant to section 169 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015

Tambuwal, Umana, Mimiko mourn Audu’s death

Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal yesterday condoled with the family of Prince Abubakar Audu over his demise. The governor’s condolence message was contained in a statement ‎signed by his Media aide, Malam Imam Imam.

Late Abubakar Audu
Tambuwal ‎described the death of the Kogi State governorship candidate of the All Progressive Congress as shocking. He urged family members and supporters of Prince Abubakar Audu to take heart and consider the death an act of God.
“The deceased lived a life of service whose concern for the unity, stability and progress of Kogi remained unshakable until his last breath,” the governor stated. Also speaking, the APC candidate for the governorship election in Akwa Ibom State, Umana Umana, condoled with family of the deceased politician as well as people of the state.
He lamented that just while Kogi State was on the verge of getting a governor who will develop the state, tragedy struck. “Audu was a great man and I am positive that he would have worked hard to change the face of a state that has suffered due to years of misrule. We pray God to grant his family and supporters the fortitude to bear the loss. As a party, the APC will miss him greatly”, he said.
He called on people of the state to honour Audu, by remaining true to the APC and supporting it in all its activities. “The best way the people of Kogi State can honour Audu is by ensuring that they vote in a man who will develop the state. And that can be achieved by remaining true to the APC.
You have had PDP governors in the past and you can all testify that no progress has been recorded in the state. I urge you therefore to keep his dream of a better Kogi State alive”, he added.
Ondo State Governor, Olusegun Mimiko,  in his condolence message issued by the state’s Commissioner for Information, Kayode Akinmade, said news of the death of the former governor came to him as a rude shock, adding that no one would have envisaged that the late politician would not see the end of the election.
“The former governor’s death is most unfortunate and the day of his death will remain the darkest in the history of Kogi State,” he said.

I am devastated by Audu’s death - Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed shock over the news of Abubakar Audu’s death, saying he was personally devastated by the sad development. “We are obviously devastated at the loss”, he said Audu, who died on Sunday was the All Progressive Congress, APC’s candidate in the inconclusive Kogi State Governorship election that held last Saturday. President Buhari who is currently attending the Third Gas Exporting Countries Forum in Tehran, Iran. In a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu President Buhari described the late Abubakar Audu as a talented politician, a loving family head and a respected community leader. “He was immensely courageous”, he said. The statement added: “President Buhari condoles with the family of the late governor, the government and people of Kogi state as well as all our party members, men and women who stood with Audu in his bid return as Governor. He ran as the favorite in the election as the early results have clearly shown.” President Buhari prayed to Allah to repose the soul of Governor Audu, and to give his family, the people of Kogi State and the APC members all over Nigeria the fortitude to bear this loss.

Bayelsa guber: Contractors declare support for Sylva

The Bayelsa State indigenous contractors on Monday declared their support for the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its governorship candidate for the December 5 election, Chief Timipre Sylva.
The contractors under the aegis of Indigenous Contractors Association (ICA), in a statement issued after a meeting in Yenagoa, directed all its members in various communities to mobilise support for Sylva.
The contractors in the statement signed by their President, Mr. Clement Adaminegbe, said Sylva encouraged local and indigenous contractors when he was a governor of the state.
They added that the former governor provided enabling environment and adequate security across the state during his first tenure.
“Issues of sea piracy and kidnapping were tackled to the barest minimum during his tenure as oil workers and contractors freely carried out their jobs in the creeks of Bayelsa State without fear,” they said.
The contractors, however, lamented the spate of kidnapping and sea piracy under the present administration, saying the current situation had made it difficult for foreign and local contractors to execute their projects.
“If Sylva is elected again, he would do his best to secure lives and property in the state. Contractors will not be left out in Sylva’s administration,” said.

Boroffice: Mimiko’s defence of N7bn loan request lame, witless

Senator representing Ondo North Senatorial District, Prof. Ajayi Boroffice, has described as lame and witless the defence of Governor Olusegun Mimiko-led Ondo State Government, over the N7 billion loan request from Zenith Bank PLC. In a statement by his media office, and signed by Kayode Adeniyi, Boroffice said it was amateurish and awkward that the Governor Olusegun Mimiko-led administration lowered the debate on ‎the N7 billion bank loan to the argument that since some states had borrowed, why should Ondo State not borrow. The statement read: “It is amateurish and awkward that the Governor Olusegun Mimiko-led administration has lowered the debate on ‎the N7 billion bank loan to crass politics and puerile argument; that since some states have borrowed, why should Ondo State not borrow? Is the government saying it requested for N7 billion loan from Zenith Bank on the ground that World Bank has granted credit facilities to Lagos and Edo States. The witless argument from the government further shows there exist no developmental plan for which the loan was sought after. “Really, ‎there is nothing hypocritical or ignorant about a warning inspired by patriotism against mortgaging the future of our children under the guise of seeking loan to fund infrastructural deficit. However, It is rather preposterous that a government renowned for limitless deceit thinks it can preach on honesty. “On the issue of Lagos and Edo States: it is quite clear that while World Bank granted Lagos and Edo States long-term, low interest rate development policy operation credit facilities, our dear Ondo State is seeking N7 billion loan at an unduly high and exorbitant interest rate from a commercial bank. “It is on record that World Bank has strict borrowing conditions with strong emphasis on transparency, accountability, strong financial management information system for budget management, high financial accountability through timely audits and publication of state government’s audited financial accounts. In truth, same conditions cannot be said of the controversial N7bn loan request. When last did the Mimiko-led administration audit government spendings and present its audited financial accounts to the people of Ondo State for public scrutiny? Not once in 7 years. “The undoing of the Mimiko-led administration is that it is exhibiting severe disillusionment as well as demonstrating retiring soporific with its indolent belief that no developmental project could be executed without recourse to borrowing. Senator Boroffice does not agree with this absurdity. “Furthermore, the issue of N7 billion is coming at the same time the Mimiko-led administration declared that paucity of funds is delaying local government polls after feeding fat on local government allocations for about 7 years. Is it true that the N7 billion loan is designed to enhance the rigging machinery of the sinking PDP in Ondo State? “Senator Ajayi Boroffice remains committed to the genuine development of Ondo State and her people. It is the administration that has thrown Ondo State into senseless debt of about N77 billion, yet untiring, and seeking to borrow more that is consciously working ‎to ground Ondo State for the next administration. ‎The Mimiko-led administration should address the people of Ondo State on the debt profile of Ondo State ‎and leave the people to figure out their true enemy. “On reiterating note, although government is continuum, the incoming APC government in Ondo State will not be committed to the repayment plan of any dubious loan granted by Zenith Bank PLC or any other commercial bank at the detriment of the people of Ondo State,” added Boroffice.

PDP vows to reclaim Jigawa ahead of February LG poll

After suffering heavy defeat in the hands of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the last general election, the Peoples Democratic Party, Jigawa State chapter has vowed to reclaim the state in the forthcoming February local government election in the state. The PDP chieftain and former commissioner of information in the state, Alhaji Babandi Ibrahim, made the assertion while addressing newsmen on the readiness of his party to face the election. He explained that PDP would field candidates for all elective positions, adding that the party has confidence of winning 90 per cent of all contested positions in the election. According to him, the opposition PDP had already put strategies in place and given full rights to the party members to bring out the most qualitative and accepted candidates for the election. The commissioner said, “During the last elections, APC government succeeded in winning the gubernatorial and some legislative seats in the state just due to the Buhari factor which is no longer in existence now”. “So, the people of Jigawa State have now tested the two parties and I’m sure they will judge based on the performance of each party in the state; as I tell you now, there is no more Buhari factor that would save any candidate”. “The people of Jigawa State are currently regretting voting for APC in the last general election; the party and its leaders have disappointed them as they have nothing to show as a dividend of democracy in the last six months”.

Sylva assures Bayelsa elders of peaceful election

The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa State, Mr Timpre Sylva, has assured Bayelsan elders that his party would ensure a peaceful election. Mr Sylva gave the assurance while seeking his endorsement by the Bayelsa State Elders Council in south-south Nigeria. He defended some of the allegations against him as well as called on residents in the state to support him to ensure justice was upheld. The Chairman of the council, Chief Francis Doukpola, admitted that some members of the council have political affiliations but gave an assurance of the council’s non-partisanship. The Chairman of the Council of Traditional Rulers, His Royal Majesty Diete Spiff, confirmed that Mr Sylva was eligible to contest for the election, but tasked him to ensure the elections were violent free as he had promised. The elders’ council also appealed to the APC candidate to ensure that his party shuns violence and any act capable of truncating the peace of the state before and during the polls. The support of the councils is expected to be a boost for the aspirations of Mr Sylva as he continue to canvass for votes from the length and breadth of Bayelsa State.

How PDP can oust APC – Nnamani

Former Senate President Ken Nnamani has said the only way the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) can wrest power from the All Progressives Congress (APC) is to entrench inter­nal democracy. Besides, he said party leaders must obey and abide by the rules of the party even as he advocated the abolition of delegate system to conduct primaries in the selection of candidates. He canvassed a review of the PDP constitution to facititate open congress, empowering all registered PDP members to vote and select their candidates. Nnamani disclosed this in a paper he was sched­uled to deliver at the recent PDP Rebrand Forum held in Abuja. He urged members to stop the blame game over the party’s loss of last elec­tion. Instead, Nnamani said they should take a bold step towards reinventing itself by avoiding mistakes that caused it the trust of the electorate. He said: “Many of the people who are very pained that we lost the presidential election have needlessly been blaming ourselves. This blame game should not continue. We lost the elec­tion because we deserved to lose. We had run out of policy gas. We worked hard to lose the election.” He said: “Now it is time for renewal and renewal requires strategic thinking and bold actions. Many years ago, I worked with some of my colleagues in the PDP and we foresaw this moment. We predicted that the PDP needed to keep faith with its cardinal prin­ciples and values to sustain its leadership of Nigerian politics. How I wished our other colleagues listened to us in those days. We would have averted the disaster of the 2015 electoral defeat. Some of those who contrib­uted immensely to the PDP electoral defeat shouted us down and refused to hear our voice of wisdom. This is past now. There is no time for recrimination and self-adulation. It is time for clarity and effective action. “It is time for genuine embrace of internal democ­racy. The new PDP should become the symbol of in­ternal democracy. Our re­branding should first start with a real commitment to internal democracy. I sug­gest that before we go fur­ther on this journey let all those who desire to lead PDP in formal or informal positions of authority pub­licly declare a new code of conduct. The heart of this code of conduct will be an oath to always promote and protect internal democracy. “Beyond the code, the new PDP must put in its constitution expulsion for any party official at all lev­els who deliberately sub­verts the process of internal democracy. Impunity must end now. Impunity does not end with mere words or declarations. It includes clear sanctions for violation of core tenets of party sys­tems. It is common knowl­edge that we lost many states to the APC because we deliberately refused to conduct primaries that al­low our party members to vote for the candidate of their choice. If we have been less reckless in man­agement of party politics we would have gained at least four more states and perhaps won the presiden­tial election. But we shot ourselves on the foot.” Listing how PDP can retake the political space, Nnamani said: “I think we should go the full hog and write into the new consti­tution that all primaries in the new PDP will be con­ducted in open congresses where all registered party members have equal votes. This is very radical. But we need radical responses to a terrible situation. Some­one may say that even in United States, the symbol of democracy, primaries are sometimes based on del­egates. But we can do bet­ter than the United States. We can deepen democracy by making primaries fully democratic. “As a leader of the pro­scribed PDP Reform Fo­rum, I took the clear posi­tion that we must be a party ruled by law not by men. I have long known that a rule-based system is supe­rior to a discretion-based system. Godfatherism is a weak framework to build a system that can deliver its mandate. The weight of contradiction of reckless abandonment of our core values and rules is what has drowned the ship of PDP in the waters of Nigerian poli­tics,” Nnamani said.

Bayelsa guber: Ex-Militants warns Presidency against rigging

Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) has warned the Presidency against any attempt to rig the December 5, 2015, governorship election in Bayelsa State. The group said any attempt to rig the election would re-awake “a sleeping dog.” It called on the United Nations and international community to be a witness, stressing that such act would be resisted. MEND stated that it would dispatch 500 members to monitor the exercise, particularly in the creeks, declaring its support for Governor Seriake Dickson, who is the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), assuring him of Ijaw backing. In a statement issued yesterday in Port Harcourt, Rivers State by its Acting Chairman, Prince Amaibi Horby (aka General Busta Rhymes) and 12 others, the group said Dickson had performed well in executing people-oriented projects. The statement reads: “We have endorsed Governor of Bayelsa State, Hon. Henry Seriake Dickson for a second term as Bayelsans gear up for December 5, 2015 election. Dickson, over the years, has performed creditably in office as he has driven development to the hinterland. “The Ijaw people are solidly behind him in this forthcoming election, and we will ask our members to monitor the election in the state, especially in the vast creeks of Bayelsa, where we are deep-rooted to avoid intimidation and possible rigging by the enemies of Ijawland and their Abuja collaborators. “We wish to admonish President Muhammadu Buhari not to engage election riggers in the governorship election as such vicious and surreptitious antics shall not only be vehemently resisted, but may also lead to waking the sleeping dog from sleep. “We call on the United Nations and, indeed, the international community to bear us witness as we are not unaware of the planned use of ‘federal might’ to intimidate the people of Bayelsa State in favour of their chosen candidate,” the group said. MEND noted that the governor is a product of the Ijaw struggle for resource control and self-determination in the Niger Delta, before venturing into active politics, stating that he had contributed immensely to the socio-political and economic development of the Ijaw nation. “We are mustering total support for him because he is a product of the Ijaw struggle for resource control and self-determination in the Niger Delta. So far, he has contributed immensely to the vast socio-political and economic development of the Ijaw nation,” the group said.

Kogi guber: APC candidate’s death does not invalidate election – Lawyers

Lawyers yesterday told the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) that the death of the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) does not invalide the on-going election in the state. They urged INEC to allow the deputy governorship candidate of the APC, Abiodun Faleke, to conclude the on-going election. The former Chairman of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ikeja Branch, Monday Ubani; a member of the Ogun State Judiciary Service Commission, Abayomi Omoyinmi and a lecturerý of Law at University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka, Wahab Shittu said the process should be concluded. Ubani said: “Since the Electoral Act didn’t specifically provide for things like this happening in the course of an election, we would have to make recourse to the judicial pronouncement in the case of Rotimi Amaechi where the Supreme Court said in an election, it is the political party that is the beneficiary of election and not the candidate. That is why Amaechi that didn’t contest elections was sworn in. “In this situation, the deputy governorship candidate would have to step in to conclude the process. If he wins the election, the APC would then decide on another deputy for him”. According to Ubani, the time to choose a candidate through primary election had lapsed for all the political parties and it is not possible for any of the parties to go for primaries anymore. Omoyinmi said: “In the eyes of the law, the deputy should ordinarily conclude the re-run election for the office of the governor and it is now left for him to pick a new running mate”. Omoyinmi said the kind of situation in Kogi was not envisaged. Shittu said the matter could be viewed from different perspectives. Shittu said since the election was declared inconclusive, the running mate should be allowed to step in and conclude the process of the supplementary election. This, he said, has become necessary because the electoral law did not envisage such an incident–Audu’s death. On the other perspective, he said since it is the ýparty that fields the candidate, and that since the election has turned this way, the party would have to replace the governorship candidate. “Which means that election might be conducted afresh. The death of a candidate during the process of an election automatically voids the election. It is not a question of an election being inconclusive. The entire electoral process is now altered with the death of the governorship candidate,” he said. Constitutional lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Malam Yusuf Ali said the situation in Kogi is “very complex, because the election has been declared inconclusive”. He said: “If he had won the election outright, it would have been a different matter, but with the way things are, it is very delicate.” Chief Niyi Akintola (SAN) said: “There can be fresh election. INEC can only conduct supplementary election in the 91 polling units. The death of Audu cannot nullify the election. It was APC that contested the governorship election not Audu as an individual.” Akintola explained that it is left to the APC to pick another candidate from among those that contested the governorship primary with Audu or ask the deputy governorship candidate, James Faleke to take over. “The decision lies with the APC,” he added. The presidential candidate of the United Progressive Party (UPP) in the last general elections, Chief Chekwas Okorie, said it was a very shocking development that threw everybody off-balance. He said: “ From every indication, it is a political party that wins an election; the result so far released suggests that the people of Kogi State are favourably disposed to an APC government to be in-charge of affairs in the next four years. What it therefore means is that the APC still has a chance, even his death, to govern the state, based on the result already declared. “So, they should follow up the supplementary election with the same atmosphere of peace that we witnessed in last Saturday’s election. If their choice is the APC, then let the APC rule them in the next four years.”

Diezani Seeks Spiritual Healing, Returns To Nigeria On Friday

Diezani Alison Madueke, former minister of petroleum, has reportedly ordered her relatives to jet her back into Nigeria this Friday as her condition grew worse last weekend.

Diezani Alison-Madueke has reportedly ordered to be returned to Nigeria, following further decline in her health.
The ex-oil minister has not been responding to treatment since Thursday, November 19.
This development has given her family sleepless night, hence the decision to have her return to the country to find spiritual help.
Daily Post reports that Diezani’s family have contacted Lagos-based prophet, T.B Joshua of the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN), for prayers.
An insider is quoted to have said:“She has not tasted any solid food since last Monday. She did not speak throughout Thursday. When she eventually spoke Friday morning, she ordered them to return her to the country to visit Prophet T. B Joshua for prayers.”
Madueke has been bedridden in a London hospital following her removal as overseer of the oil ministry, she is said to be battling cancer.
Meanwhile, the ailing former minister who has been battling some charges of fraud leveled against her, said in a recent interview that she did not steal a dime while in office.
According to her, she left $5.6billion in the NLNG account, contrary to the report that she milked the nation treasury dry before leaving office.
The embattled minister noted that she served the  country  professionally.

Kogi guber: APC, PDP accept INEC’s decision on polls

Senator Dino Melaye said on Sunday in Lokoja that the All Progressives Congress has accepted the decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission declaring the Kogi State governorship election inconclusive.
Melaye said this while addressing journalists shortly after the declaration of the results of the election by INEC.
He said in spite of the inconclusiveness of the election, the APC would eventually win the supplementary election.
He urged party members and supporters to remain calm “and be confident that victory will surely come”.
In a separate interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, Joe Agada, an agent of the Peoples Democratic Party, expressed satisfaction with the decision, adding that it was based on the observation he made.
Agada said the the PDP would participate in the supplementary election, adding that the party could still win the election.

Bayelsa guber: PDP insists Sylva ineligible to run

The Peoples Democratic Party in Bayelsa State at the weekend revisited the eligibility status of All Progressives Congress candidate for the December 5 governorship election in the state, Timipre Sylva, in reaction to an advertorial published by a concerned body, the Truth Movement of Nigeria. In a statement by the Bayelsa State Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Hon. Godspower Keku, the party contended that the inherent issues contained in the advertorial were subsisting and had cogent foundation to render Sylva’s candidature null and void. The Truth Movement of Nigeria had in the said advertorial signed by its Publicity Secretary, Fred Amakom, posited that though Sylva has been nominated as the candidate of the APC in the election, but he was ineligible on account of having been elected twice as governor in 2007 and 2008. Citing constitutional and legal precedent to back its argument, the body noted that Sylva having been elected twice was no longer eligible to contest as doing so would be at variance with provisions of Section 182 (1) (b) of the 1999 Constitution as amended. The section states: “No person shall be qualified for election to the office of governor if he has been elected to such office at any two previous elections.” To do otherwise, the PDP said, would amount to a breach of the constitution as Sylva would be serving more than the stipulated maximum of eight years in office. It clarified any supposed ambiguity in the interpretation of this section of the constitution in relation to the state governors’ suit in the matter in 2007 in which Sylva was one of the respondents and that based on the Supreme Court judgement on the case, it was well established that all the governors including Sylva were deemed to have contested the re-run election and as such he had been elected twice and no longer eligible to re-contest the third time. The PDP added in the statement: “Chief Timipre Sylva has previously been elected twice as governor of Bayelsa State namely in 2007 and 2008. The 2007 election was nullified by the Court of Appeal and Chief Timipre Sylva contested and won the re-run election where upon he was elected the second time and served for about a cumulative period of four years and seven months as the governor of Bayelsa State. He now seeks to be elected a third time as the governor of Bayelsa State in the said forthcoming elections. “But the Supreme Court clearly recognized the earlier nullified election of Governor Timipre Sylva as having led to his first election. Thus his success in this re-run election was obviously his second election and has thus barred him from contesting again having been previously elected twice.” On this legal ground, therefore, the PDP scribe said in the statement that allowing Sylva to contest in the next election would be an assault on the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and a clear impunity, which he noted could create constitutional crisis. Keku called on President Muhammadu Buhari; the Senate President, Bukola Saraki; the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara; and Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, to wade in urgently in order to ensure the sanctity of the constitution is protected and justice was done in the interest of the nation. Keku added in the statement: “Democracy is founded on the rule of law and anything outside it is tantamount to impunity. This is why we believe resolutely that based on the Supreme Court judgement, Timipre Sylva is not eligible to run in this election and our convictions are already being shared by the public as this body’s penetrating insight into the matter vindicates our earlier position.”

Speaker hails judgment restoring constituency in Benue

The Speaker of the Benue House of Assembly, Terkimbi Ikyange, has hailed the judgment of a Makurdi High Court compelling the Independent National Electoral Commission to conduct election into the suppressed Mbagwa State Constituency. Ikyange, who is representing Ushongo State Constituency on the platform of All Progressives Congress, gave the commendation during chat with newsmen in Makurdi on Sunday. The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Ushongo Local Government Area of the state used to have Ushongo and Mbagwa constituencies, but the latter was suppressed by INEC. Concerned constituents took the matter to court in 2015 and judgment was given in their favour. The court urged INEC to restore the constituency and conduct election into it within 90 days. But the commission did not obey the order. Consequently, Ikyange; Mike Andoakaa, a former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice; and Hyacinth Nyakuma, among others, also filed the same case in 2014 at the same court. The speaker, who told newsmen that having two constituencies from his area was a thing of great joy to him, added that with the judgment in their favour, his joy knew no bounds. Ikyange said: “I am aware that if we have two constituencies from my local government, that will trigger more development to our area. “It was because of this fact that I supported the move.” Ikyange accused some journalists of not verifying their stories before going to press, stressing that they rather ended up misinforming the people. He said some journalists wrongly reported that Justice Binta Nyako ordered the commission to retrieve his Certificate of Return and conduct elections into the two constituencies. He said: “This was not the judgment. “Rather, the judge urged the commission to restore the suppressed constituency and conduct election into it within 90 days as earlier ruled in 2014 and not otherwise as reported by a section of the media. “The commission will conduct election only in Mbagwa constituency because I am already in the Assembly and I am from the existing constituency, which is Ushongo.”

Bayelsa guber: Dickson lacks capacity to govern – Sylva

Barely two weeks to the 2015 governorship election in Bayelsa State, Chief Timipre Sylva of All Progressive Congress (APC), has accused the incumbent Governor, Seriake Dickson, of having no capacity to govern the people of the state. Sylva also said governor Dickson is full of deceits as he claimed to have completed projects initiated and awarded by his administration. The APC governorship candidate stated this at the weekend in Oporoama, Southern Ijaw local government Area during his campaign to the people. Sylva said, he is coming to change Bayelsa state from poverty to wealth and bring rural urban transformation to the hinterlands and end sufferings inflicted by governor Dickson to the people Sylva who arrived the venue of the campaign with a chartered helicopter at 4.30 pm accompanied by his running mate, Elder Wilberforce Igiri, Director General of the Sylva/Igiri campaign Organization and Senator Heineken Lokpobiri and State Party Chairman, Chief Tiwei Oruminghe appealed to the people to vote APC in order to witness and see the miracle of change that would happen in the state. He vowed to bring governance to the people by completing the road project from Yenagoa to Ayama and to Oporoama, the headquarter of Southern Ijaw local government Area, if voted as governor come Dec, 2015. Recall that Southern Ijaw locality is the traditional homes of Sylva running mate, Elder Wilberforce Igiri and the state Chairman, APC, Chief Tiwei Oruminghe. The governorship hopeful said governor Dickson had not done any tangible project in the state as his government is full of deceits and blackmails. Sylva also accused Dickson of issuing fake appointment letters to politicians to woo them to support him without paying them salaries, saying that the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) is death in the central and state levels, appealed to the electorate to vote APC in the Dec 5th governorship elections. Also Speaking , the Minister of Agriculture and the Director General of Sylva/Igiri Campaign Organisation, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri said President Buhari loves Bayelsa state and have interest in the Development of the state, describing PDP as a death party that have no control any longer in the center. Lokpobiri insisted that whether the Dickson and PDP like it or not, APC must win Bayelsa state governorship Election come Dec 5th,2015. The Minister who spoke in Ijaw dialect urged the people to vote Sylva, APC to end poverty, insecurity and unemployment in order to enhance socio economic transformation in the state He appealed to the people to secure their Permanent Voter Cards PVC and vote APC as to flush out Dickson and PDP from the creek haven come Dec 5th polls.

Sani Bello to opposition: Your threats are insignificant

Niger state governor, Governor Abubakar Sani Bello, at the weekend warned those threatening to cause trouble and make the state ungovernable because of the inauguration of local government councils’ caretaker committees, to desist or face the wrath of law. He said his administration has the capacity and will to crush any rebellious threats to peace and stability of the state. Bello spoke when he inaugurated caretaker implementation committees for the 25 local government councils of the state describing the threats he had received from opponents over the issue as mare ranting. “I have received threats. I do not mind those threats; I take them in good faith. Some have said that there would not be peace in the state. I have directed the state Commissioner of Police to arrest anybody found making trouble and make the person to face the wrath of the law. We have been tolerating all sorts of rubbish from them but these have to end now”, he warned. The governor said that the administration would no longer folds its hands and watch mischievous elements or group to continue to undermine the integrity of his government adding that “the administration has the political will to deal with them decisively”. He urged the new chairmen of the councils to ensure prudency and probity in the administration of their respective local government finances, adding that they must be agents of the restoration agenda of his administration at the grassroots level. He stressed the determination of the administration to wipe out corruption in the system and enthrone accountability for effective delivery of rural roads and provision of basic amenities and infrastructural development. He said: “However, as you take the mantle of leadership in you respective local government areas, we shall not tolerate any form of arrogance from you, since you are there to serve the people, you must be seen to be fair to all no matter their political interests. Whenever you face challenges that you cannot help, refer to us so that we can collectively look at the issues.”

Kogi guber: PDP will react with verifiable evidence – Metuh

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Sunday said it would react to Saturday’s Kogi gubernatorial election, declared inconclusive by INEC, after getting facts about the election. The National Publicity Secretary of PDP, Chief Olisa Metuh, stated this in a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, shortly after the election was declared inconclusive. Metuh said that “the party always wants to make informed reaction based on verifiable evidence on what went on during the election. “We don’t rush to make reactions, we make only informed reactions. Our reaction will be based on what is on ground and verifiable evidence that we have. “We are still compiling evidence, we are still making enquiries; we are still keeping in touch with our people on the ground in Kogi. “It is only when we finish all these that we can take informed decision and we announce it to the public. “We don’t just get up and react; No, it is too early to react.’’ The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Lokoja had earlier declared Kogi election inconclusive. The Returning Officer, Prof. Emmanuel Kucha, who is the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, said the decision was based on INEC approved guidelines for 2015 general elections. Kucha said that in applying the provisions of the guidelines, the election should be declared inconclusive and result withheld when the margin of votes between the two leading candidate was less than the number of registered voters in poling units where elections were not conducted. According to him, there are 49,953 registered voters in 91 polling units involving 18 local government areas where elections did not hold or cancelled. He said whereas Prince Abubakar Audu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) scored 240,867 votes, followed by Gov. Idris Wada of PDP with 199,514 votes, the margin between the two candidates was 41, 353. The officer said since 49,953, the number of registered voters in areas where elections were not held was more than 41,353 representing the different between votes polled by APC and PDP candidates, the election was declared inconclusive.

$20bn Missing Money: I Am Not An Angel, But I Am Not A Devil- Diezani Cries Out

Nigeria’s former minister of petroleum, Diezani Alison-Madueke has told Nigerians that she is not the devil as they believe she is, although she is not an angel.
Nigerian Bulletin reports that the embattled former minister, made this statement in the concluding part of her interview with Dele Momodu, where she maintained that she is innocent of the allegations leveled against her.
According to her:“Believe it or not, and God is my witness, I didn’t have to steal. I’m not an Angel but I’m not a devil. I don’t have billions anywhere. How is it possible for one woman to steal billions of dollars in a country like Nigeria?

Diezani Alison-Madueke undergoing cancer treatment, as photographed for Dele Momodu’s The Boss project
“Did I blow up the vaults of the Central Bank or transfer the money to heaven? Where can you keep such money in this age of money laundering fiasco?
“I did my job professionally without even thinking of anyone as opposition. Otherwise we would not have approved the Oando-Conoco Phillips deal. Tinubu came to see me three times and we approved on merit.”
Mrs Alison-Madueke also said that while it is true that a minister is influential, the real power is in the NNPC, which she referred to as the cash cow.
She added that while a minister sits in the ministry treating files, holding meetings at home and abroad, looking glamorous and taking all the flak, the soul and heart of the nation is NNPC.
The embattled former minister had in a recent interview, informed that she did not loot the country’s treasury as many had said she did.
But Nigerians have  told her to recover  quickly from her  cancer and return to face the charges  leveled against her,  especially that of the missing $20 billion  oil money

Nigerians React To Abubakar Audu's Death

The reported death of Abubakar Audu, the gubernatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kogi state has sent shockwaves through the country.

Former Minister, Femi Fani Kayode and Dele Momodu joined thousands of Nigerians who took to social media to express their dismay and grief over the death of Audu who reportedly passed away shortly after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had announced the results of the voting and had declared the election inconclusive.
The late politician is expected to be buried tomorrow, November 23 in his home town according to Islamic rites.
Check out some of the reactions to Audu’s death below
May the soul of Alhaji Abubakar Audu, the APC governorship candidate for Kogi state who dropped after the election, rest in peace.Very sad.
— Olufemi Olu-Kayode (@realFFK) November 22,  2015
The Boss newspaper was told by a source that ABUBAKAR AUDU may have died of exhaustion as he had collapsed earlier but was resuscitated! — Dele Momodu (@DeleMomodu) November 22,  2015
Abubakar Audu is dead. There is obviously no smoke without fire..The Nigerian Police should investigate and get back to Nigerians ASAP.
— Sapiosexual (@ChukwukaJerri) November  22, 2015
May the PEACE that comes from d MEMORIES OF LOVE SHARED comfort d family of Prince Abubakar Audu in the days ahead. pic.twitter.com/c JHqc3jBhL
— APC United Kingdom (@APCUKingdom) November 22,  2015
A scary world the death of prince Audu shud b a lesson to the elite
— Romeo (@Maidalankabi) November 22,  2015
This life is vanity upon vanity. Leading an Inconclusive election. Then died. R.I.P Prince Audu
— Oluwole Danley (@hailuface) November 22,  2015
Tinubu reportedly contacting different SANs on ways of ensuring Prince Audu’s running mate, Faleke emerges as Governor of Kogi State
— Desolate Thinker (@dinstots) November 22,  2015
What shall it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his own soul? RIP Prince Audu Abubakar Vanity upon Vanity is all vanity!
— Miz Cazorla (@MizCazorla) November 22,  2015
What happens now if Prince Audu is really dead to his votes & lead? Would it go to his Deputy Guber candidate or what?
— Architect Dr King (@mustysarina) November 22,  2015
Prince Audu is dead! You have to fear this life. Death is inevitable & unpredictable. Once it is time,neither a second is added nor removed
— Mr El-Bonga™ (@el_bonga) November 22,  2015
May God console Abubakar Audu’s family and grant him eternal rest.
— Dipo Awojide, PhD (@OgbeniDipo) November 22,  2015
#KogiDecides: Bring Back Our Prince Audu – Emmanuel Balogun https://t.co /b4n2mtzfhX… https://t.co /jtvekeuiNs
— Kogi Reports (@kogireports) November 20,  2015

Kogi Guber Electioni: APC Candidate Audu Is Dead

The All Progressives Congress governorship candidate in Kogi state, Abubakar Audu, is dead. Sahara Reporters first broke the news that Audu passed away of undisclosed medical reason just after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had announced the results of the voting and had declared the election inconclusive. Abubakar Audu Naij.com correspondents rushed to Audu’s house in Lokoja to confirm the authenticity of the report. He was previously said to have left his country home in Ofu LG for Lokoja, the state capital. The phones of his aides were switched off. There was also anxiety in social media, as some claimed that Audu is safe and alive saying that the information about his death was simply a rumour. See one of the Facebook posts (which, however, was deleted shortly after the publication): Upon arrival, Naij.com exclusively reported that Audu’s house in Lokoja was deserted. Sources around the mansion said the APC candidate had never shown up in his Lokoja house as previously reported. Meanwhile, famous publisher Dele Momodu posted a shocking tweet: The Boss Breaking News: we’ve just confirmed from an impeccable family source that the former Governor of Kogi State ABUBAKAR AUDU is dead! — Dele Momodu (@DeleMomodu) November 22, 2015 Audu’s close friend who pleaded for anonymity also confirmed the information to Premium Times:“Audu is gone.” The source added the politician was suddenly took ill and was was being rushed to Abuja preparatory to be flown abroad for treatment. However, his life could not be saved. Sahara Reporters adds that the burial date is already known, which is November 23. The official confirmation has been finally provided. FLASH: APC Governorship candidate for Kogi state, late Abubakar Audu, will be buried tomorrow in his hometown. — APCNEWSALERT (@APCNEWSALERT) November 22, 2015 R.I.P. One of the locals, Dominic Babadamina, told Naij.com that a prominent prophet in the state had predicted that Audu would not govern Kogi again. The resident, however, refused to provide the cleric’s name. It should be noted that according to the results as counted by the INEC in the evening of November 22, the APC polled 240,867, while the PDP received 199,514. However, the election was declared inconclusive as the leading margin was below the number of registered voters in cancelled polling units.

Oshiomhole: Next Edo governor will come from APC

Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, has said that he would handover to a governor who has passion for the state and elected on the platform of the All Progressive Congress (APC). The governor said his successor must be a person that has managerial competence to drive and ensure that the state witness more growth and development than during his tenure. Oshiomhole, who spoke in a chat with journalists, boasted that it would be an easy defeat for the Peoples Democratic Party in next year’s governorship election. He said his administration has rediscovered the state and gave the people confidence that Edo is viable. He noted that the challenge for his successor would be on how to work on some feeder roads and connect adjoining streets. He said,”Today the Edo man has regained confidence, there is no question now that the state is capable of developing and that we can do something about the problem of infrastructure, flooding, restoring integrity to public schools and restoring integrity to public health care system.” “The problem we are having in Edo today is that PDP cannot show you one clean road with street light, with drainage that they did that is still there. The only thing you can see are the ones Ogbemudia did. If the PDP had laid some foundations we would have gone far today, we started form minus and minus to zero.” “But the next governor is going to build on plus plus plus. And I am confident that the next governor will come from APC because the PDP has neither the messenger nor can they have a credible message.”

Oshiomhole: Next Edo governor will come from APC

Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, has said that he would handover to a governor who has passion for the state and elected on the platform of the All Progressive Congress (APC). The governor said his successor must be a person that has managerial competence to drive and ensure that the state witness more growth and development than during his tenure. Oshiomhole, who spoke in a chat with journalists, boasted that it would be an easy defeat for the Peoples Democratic Party in next year’s governorship election. He said his administration has rediscovered the state and gave the people confidence that Edo is viable. He noted that the challenge for his successor would be on how to work on some feeder roads and connect adjoining streets. He said,”Today the Edo man has regained confidence, there is no question now that the state is capable of developing and that we can do something about the problem of infrastructure, flooding, restoring integrity to public schools and restoring integrity to public health care system.” “The problem we are having in Edo today is that PDP cannot show you one clean road with street light, with drainage that they did that is still there. The only thing you can see are the ones Ogbemudia did. If the PDP had laid some foundations we would have gone far today, we started form minus and minus to zero.” “But the next governor is going to build on plus plus plus. And I am confident that the next governor will come from APC because the PDP has neither the messenger nor can they have a credible message.”

APC’s Abubakar Audu wins Kogi governorship election

The candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Abubakar Audu, has emerged winner of the Kogi State Governorship election held on Saturday. With results from the state’s 21 local governments now counted, Mr. Audu garnered 231, 863 votes as against the 199, 514 votes scored by his closest challenger, Idris Wada, of the Peoples Democratic Party. The APC candidate defeated the Peoples Democratic Party’s candidate and incumbent governor, Mr. Wada, in 16 of the 21 local government areas in the state. Mr. Audu has 32,349 more votes than Mr. Wada. The local governments won by Audu are Ofu, Ida, Kabba Bunu, Yagba East, Yagba West, Adavi, Koton Karfi, Ankpa, Okehi, Ajaokuta, Ijumun, Olamaboro, Igalamela, Bassa, Lokoja, and Ibaji. The PDP was victorious in five local governments namely Ogori Mangogo, Omala, Okene, Dekina and Mopa-moro local governments.

Nnamdi Kanu May Have Been Murdered - MASSOB Leader

A faction of the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) has claimed that the detained Radio Biafra director Nnamdi Kanu may have been killed. This was contained in a statement released in Abakaliki by MASSOB’s factional director of information, Uchenna Madu, Vanguard reports. The group leader said the information had been disclosed by some security operatives sympathetic to the Biafran issue. The statement reads: “Factional MASSOB has discovered that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu detained by Nigeria has been murdered in Abuja. “Information to Biafra Intelligence Agency (BIA), through operatives sympathetic to the Biafran cause revealed it to us. Pro-Biafran groups may not believe it until Monday, Nov 23, when Nnamdi will be arraign in court. “The cause information we are receiving from Abuja is not healthy, we’re still waiting till Monday. Nnamdi Kanu is the arrowhead of the Biafra agitation. Nigeria should be extremely careful on Nnamdi Kanu. “If government extra judicially kills Nnamdi Kanu, Nigeria will experience the worst volcanic rebellion and aggression. “We call on the Ohaneze Ndigbo, South East Govs, Igbo leaders of thought, South-East and South-South Professionals, Igbo National Assembly members, traditional /religious leaders to call Nigeria’s Presidency to order now. “We demand that Nnamdi Kanu must appear in court on Monday, Nov 23 alive or dead. We love non-violence & wish to maintain it but Nigeria is pushing Biafrans to the wall.” Kanu’s arrest by the security forces caused massive protests by Biafran activists who demanded his immediate unconditional release. The protests have taken place in Rivers, Anambra, Enugu, Abia, Imo and Delta states. In the latest development related to the legal action against Kanu, the court adjourned the case to November 23

Cleric urges politicians in Kogi to shun violence

A cleric, Envang. Frank Kato, has urged politicians and their supporters in Kogi to shun actions capable of heating up the polity in the state. The cleric gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lokoja on Sunday. ‘’The political class demands and deserves political harmony, understanding, collaboration and accord, to move the state forward. ‘’So far, we thank God because the political situation in the state after the election is peaceful, and largely harmonious, we don’t want anything that will jeopardise this positive development.’’ Kato also urged all those who contested the election to see themselves as a forum of leaders providing leadership to the people of the state. The evangelist urged politicians and political office holders in the state to prioritise the welfare of the people. In a separate interview with NAN, an agriculturist in the state, Dr Tunde Arosanyin, urged the the political parties and their candidates to accept the outcome of the Nov. 1 Governorship election in the state in good faith. According to Arosanyin, the politicians and their supporters will do the state good by eschewing violence after the announcement of the results of the election.

#KogiDecides: APC leads in result released so far, Audu poised to win

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the November 21 governorship election results in at least 20 out of 21 local government areas in Kogi state. Prince Abubakar Audu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has won at least 15 of the 20 LGAs announced so far, while Captain Idris Wada of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has only won 5 of the 20 LGAs. Audu is expected to be announced winner. See embedded results below: #KogiDecid esResult: Dekina LGA APC – 20994 PDP – 21602 — Nigeria Newsdesk (@NigeriaNewsdesk) November 22, 2015 #KogiDecid esResults: Lokoja LGA APC – 13517 PDP – 12414 — Nigeria Newsdesk (@NigeriaNewsdesk) November 22, 2015 #KogiDecid esResult: Bassa LGA APC – 11815 PDP – 9258 — Nigeria Newsdesk (@NigeriaNewsdesk) November 22, 2015 #KogiDecid esResult: Igalamela-Odolu LGA APC – 9003 PDP – 8683 — Nigeria Newsdesk (@NigeriaNewsdesk) November 22, 2015 #KogiDecid esResult: Olamaboro LGA APC – 13227 PDP – 8202 — Nigeria Newsdesk (@NigeriaNewsdesk) November 22, 2015 #KogiDecid esResult: Ofu LGA APC – 16800 PDP – 10997 — Nigeria Newsdesk (@NigeriaNewsdesk) November 22, 2015 #KogiDecid esResult: Omala LGA APC – 9228 PDP – 10517 — Nigeria Newsdesk (@NigeriaNewsdesk) November 22, 2015 #KogiDecid esResult: Kabba Bunu L.G.A: APC – 9,659 PDP -7,768 — Nigeria Newsdesk (@NigeriaNewsdesk) November 22, 2015 #KogiDecid esResult: Idah LGA: APC – 11779 LP – 24 PDP – 6952 — Nigeria Newsdesk (@NigeriaNewsdesk) November 22, 2015 #KogiDecid esResult: Yagba East LGA: APC – 7129 LP – 16 PDP – 5368 Advertisement — Nigeria Newsdesk (@NigeriaNewsdesk) November 22, 2015 #KogiDecid esResult: Yagba West LGA: APC -7930 PDP – 7021 — Nigeria Newsdesk (@NigeriaNewsdesk) November 22, 2015 #KogiDecid esResult: Okene LGA: APC – 14786 LP – 1437 PDP – 15968 — Nigeria Newsdesk (@NigeriaNewsdesk) November 22, 2015 #KogiDecid esResult: Ijumu LGA: APC – 9958 LP – 25 PDP – 6040 — Nigeria Newsdesk (@NigeriaNewsdesk) November 22, 2015 #KogiDecid esResult: Koton Karfe LGA: APC – 10426 LP – 10 PDP – 9316 — Nigeria Newsdesk (@NigeriaNewsdesk) November 22, 2015 #KogiDecid esResult: Adavi LGA: APC – 15636 LP – 1318 PDP – 11902 — Nigeria Newsdesk (@NigeriaNewsdesk) November 22, 2015 #KogiDecid esResults: Okehi LGA: APC – 10,170 PDP – 8504 LP – 4272 — Nigeria Newsdesk (@NigeriaNewsdesk) November 22, 2015 #KogiDecid esResults: Mopa-Muro LGA: APC – 3888 LP – 10 PDP – 4195 — Nigeria Newsdesk (@NigeriaNewsdesk) November 22, 2015 #KogiDecid esResults: Ogori/Magongo LGA: APC – 1931 LP – 03 PDP – 2601 — Nigeria Newsdesk (@NigeriaNewsdesk) November 22, 2015 #KogiDecid esResult: Ajaokuta LGA: APC – 8581 LP – 550 PDP – 6903 — Nigeria Newsdesk (@NigeriaNewsdesk) November 22, 2015 #KogiDecid esResult: Ankpa LGA APC – 22983 PDP – 14731 — Nigeria Newsdesk (@NigeriaNewsdesk) November 22, 2015

‘Wike’s Men Behind Violence, Kidnapping In Rivers’

The Rivers Progressives Front (RPF) has alleged that loyalists of the Governor Nyesom Wike’s administration are responsible for most of the violence and kidnappings bedevilling Rivers State. The group further alleged that, “those behind the act are part of the group he deployed for the rigging, maiming and killings that characterised the April sham elections in Rivers State.” A statement by the RPF spokesman, Elder Tamuno Iyalla, said the group “is terribly concerned about this trend of things that has almost totally disorganised and dislocated social and economic life in our dear state. But more worrying is the emerging pieces of evidence that the supporters of Gov. Wike are also those behind the heightened state of violence and insecurity in Rivers State. “On Thursday, some people were arrested by the police at Ada-George Road with three AK-47 rifles and 300 ammunition given to them. Based on their confession, they were given the arms by an official of Emohua Local Government. As we make this gruesome development public in this press release, Gov. Nyesom Wike is putting pressure on the police to release the suspects.” The RPF called on the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, CP Musa Kimo, to ensure that his men resist pressure from Nyesom Wike and thoroughly investigate the matter and prosecute the suspects according to law. “We remind the commissioner of police to realise that his reputation and office are being endangered by the activities of criminals who enjoy the support of Wike’s government officials. This is the time for the commissioner to bring to the knowledge of all Rivers people and Nigerians that the intractable violence and insecurity in Rivers State are all induced and sustained by the present Rivers State government officials, directly and indirectly,” the group said.

Bayelsa elders back Sylva for governorship

Candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the December 5 governorship elections in Bayelsa State, Chief Timipre Sylva, has secured the backing of elders and traditional rulers in the state under the platform of Bayelsa Council of Elders. The support for Sylva on Saturday took political watchers in the state by surprise. It followed an interactive session between the Candidate and the Council. At the meeting, the APC flag-bearer pledged not to bear any grudge against any politician and individuals for their role in the incidents that led to his disqualification to run for the second term in 2012 under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and his travails under the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan. Present at the meeting were the Chairman of the Council, Chief Francis Doukpoula, and the Chairman, Bayelsa State Council of Traditional Rulers and Amanyanabo of Twon Brass, King Alfred Diete-Spiff; Ebidawei of Kolokuma kingdom, King Agara Onya Mozi; Ebidawei of Boma Clan; King Joshua Igbugburu; Dr. Amba Ambaowei; Chief Douglas Naingba; Senator Rufus Inatimi-Spiff and others. Briefing journalists after the meeting, Diete-Spiff, said, Sylva is eligible to run. “We have given you our blessings and support. We call on you to be peaceful and carry any grudge against anyone”, he told Sylva in the presence of newsmen. Thereafter, he called for a voice vote from the elders to confirm that the endorsement was freely given, with the “ayes” in the majority. Diete-Spiff added, “We have told him what we want and as one of our members, we like to give him our blessing. We would like to appeal to all contestants to ensure that there is fair and violence free election. “For Sylva, we will like to say God be with you. We all rejoice with you in your aspiration and we want to ask that all that you promised us here today be kept.” Earlier, the Chairman of the council, Francis Doukpola explained that though some members were partisan politicians, the council as an institution is not. “Irrespective of the party you belong, Bayelsa is one. We are brothers and sisters. The group is made up of special people. As an institution, we are not partisan – we are a father figure to all.” About a week ago, the Bayelsa Council of Elders was reported to have endorsed the governorship candidate of the PDP, Governor Henry Seriake Dickson. In his speech before the Traditional Rulers and Elders of the State, Sylva said though he was pained by the refusal of the Elders from the State to reach out to him during the political processes that led to the exit of the former president from office, the decision to meet with them is based on the conviction that his governorship aspiration is based on true justice. According to Sylva, “I believe if as a Governor, I was allowed to run in 2012,I would have won and done my second term in office. I was disqualified from the office I was occupying. It only happened in Bayelsa… If our elders believe in justice, they must start with me.” “I hear people say that let us stop this no-second term syndrome. They say let Dickson go for second term. And I say to the people that let the second term start with me. If you wish you may give him second term after I have served mine. I think it beholds on us to put Bayelsa on the path of justice. I am running for office justifiably. And justifiably, I need your support.”

21 Homosexual poly students nabbed in Delta

Police detectives in Asaba, Delta State, have arrested 21 students who have been allegedly involved in same sex activities. It was gathered that the two state-owned polytechnics (names withheld) where the suspects were arrested, were a beehive of perverse sexual acts as male students engage in same sex activities for financial gains. Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Mrs. Celestina Kalu, who confirmed the arrest of the suspects, said the police acted on a tip off. She said, “We had it on good authority that the male students allegedly engaged in anal sex. The suspects, upon interrogation, made useful statements to the police while investigations are ongoing.” It was learnt that homosexuality has been on the rise in the two institutions and culprits were also members of various cult groups. Meanwhile, the police in Obiaruku have arrested the leader of a notorious cult group who allegedly had been terrorising the community in the last one year. The cult member, it was reliably gathered, had allegedly led other members of the group to attack unsuspecting residents of the community and inflicted injuries on them. Confirming the arrest, the state PPRO, Celestina Kalu, identified the suspect as Ikechukwu Azubuike, a 19-year-old school dropout. She said he would be charged to court on completion of investigation.

Bayelsa guber: Police arrest suspect, invite 17 others over murder of APC stalwart

A prime suspect, Promise Meshak, has been arrested by the police in Bayelsa State for the alleged murder of a stalwart of the All Progressives Congress, Andrew June. The police were also said to have invited 17 persons including a leader of the Peoples Democratic Party, Alex Ekiotenne, in connection with the alleged murder. June was stabbed to death with machetes last Wednesday while returning from Ekeremor town after attending the APC governorship campaign along with others who also suffered various degrees of injuries. Police Public Relations Officer, Bayelsa State Command, Asinim Butswat, confirmed the arrest of the prime suspect, Promise Meshak. He said Meshak, a 23-year-old man, allegedly inflicted the deceased APC member with machete cuts which led to his eventual death. He, however, said others that were either arrested or invited were for investigation purpose, adding that the public would be kept abreast of the development. “I can tell you that the prime suspect, Promise Meshak, has been apprehended. If there are other persons arrested in connection with the murder, it is for investigation purpose. Investigation is ongoing,” he stated. Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson, has condemned the killing of Andrew June in Oweiggbene community in Ekeremor Local Government Area of the state. The governor, who said he was deeply moved by the death of the man, called on the security agencies in the state to urgently investigate and fish out the perpetrators of the dastardly act. In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Iworiso-Markson, the governor also cautioned politicians and their supporters to conduct themselves in a peaceful manner during campaigns. He noted that election is not a do-or-die affair and therefore any acts of violence should be condemned. “The reported death of Mr. Andrew June came to me as a rude shock because it was a needless and reprehensible act by whoever may have been responsible. “As I have always said, election should be a civilized process, conducted in a peaceful manner rather than do or die affair. As such the perpetrators of this heinous act must be fished out and appropriately punished”, he said. Meanwhile, the APC has lauded the police for the timely arrest of the suspected murderer and interrogation of other persons in connection with the murder. In a statement on Saturday, Director,Media and Publicity, Sylva-Igiri Campaign Organisation, Nathan Egba, said the recent violent attack perpetrated by the alleged PDP thugs and arrest of the killer had confirmed the fears of the APC that the PDP was stock piling arms to cause mayhem in a bid to rig the election. “Bayelsans and Nigerians can now truly see which of the political parties and candidates are spoiling for war to intimidate and harass APC members. “The APC and the governorship candidate, Chief Timipre Sylva, have commended the police for rising to the occasion to check the excesses of the opposition and their thugs. “We urge the police to continue to remain neutral and courageous enough to deal decisively with any group or individual that engage in acts capable of disrupting the election”, Egba said.

Bayelsa guber: Gov. Dickson inaugurates campaign advisory council

Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson on Saturday inaugurated the advisory council of his campaign organisation in Yenagoa, barely two weeks to the December 5 governorship election in the state. Dickson, who is the flag bearer of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), explained that the advisory council would have been inaugurated earlier but for the untimely death of its designated chairman, former Governor Deipreye Alamieyeseigha. He said that the advisory council now headed by Senator Nimi Barigha-Amange would continue to function even after the election as a foremost caucus to provide policy direction to the PDP and its government. He lamented the alleged brazen manner members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) had been boasting to use federal might to rig the election. Dickson said such utterances and show of impunity by the opposition had clearly shown that they were not prepared for the election. He said the APC were envious of the achievements of his administration and that was why they were hell-bent on reversing the state to its dark past characterized by insecurity and violence. The governor therefore called on the Federal Government and the international community to prevail on all institutions that have a role to play in the conduct of the election, including security agencies, to be neutral in the discharge of their duties. “Members of the opposition party, APC, with their conducts, are hell-bent on igniting crisis in the state, knowing full well that they cannot win the forthcoming governorship election. “They have perfected their rigging plans and that is why we are calling on the Federal Government and the international community to prevail on all institutions that have a role to play in the conduct of the election to be above aboard. “The PDP is known for peace and that is the message we are preaching in all the communities in the state”, he said. Dickson thanked members of the advisory council for their support and assured them that he would not renege on his electoral promises. The council has three vice chairmen representing the three senatorial districts in the state, namely Amalate Turner (East), Blessing Akpuluma (Central) and former deputy governor Peremobowei Ebebi (West). Elder statesman,Thompson Okorotie,will serve as secretary with Senator Inatimi Spiff as Director of Strategy and James Jephthah as Director of Operations. Over 40 elders of the PDP and all serving National Assembly members from the state are also members of the council.

President Buhari Condoles Obama, Putin, XI Jinping, Others Over Death of Nationals in Mali Hotel Attack

President Muhammadu Buhari and Nigeria join other peace-loving nations of the world in condemning Friday’s dastardly terrorist attack on a hotel in Bamako, Mali. President Buhari assures President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita and the people of Mali of the full support and solidarity of the Federal Government and people of Nigeria as they mourn those who lost their lives in the attack and strive to bring the surviving perpetrators to justice. The President also extends heartfelt condolences to the governments and people of China, Russia, the United States and Belgium whose nationals sadly lost their lives in the heinous and callous attack. Against the background of persisting atrocities in Nigeria and other countries across the world, President Buhari calls once again for an intensification of international cooperation against all known terrorist organisations, their collaborators and sponsors. In a statement releases through the office of the Special Adviser to the President, Mr. Femi Adesina shows that the President reaffirms that Nigeria, under his leadership, remains committed to deploying all necessary resources and working with friendly nations, regional, continental and global organisations to speedily overcome the continuing threat of terrorism to world peace and security.

Presidency Speaks On Biafra Issue, State Of The Nation

The presidency gave new comments on Nigeria’s state of the nation, including security, economic challenges and Biafra issues. Vice President Yemi Osinbajo was representing President Buhari in Jos, Plateau state, on Saturday, November 21. The ‘second citizen of Nigeria’ emphasised that Nigeria has entered its glorious era during his speech at the graduation ceremony of in the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru. Naij.com brings you the key eight quotes from the event. 1. Boko Haram and other such insurgent groups around the country would soon be consigned to history. 2. Our problem is not legislative, but lack of political will and weak legal process – delay in the judiciary and suppression of the entire legal system. 3. Agitators for a breakaway Biafra Republic should think twice, as the federal government would not fold its hands and allow anyone plunge the country into crisis. “Your right to protest is limited by the rights of others to safety and peaceful existence,” VP to pro-Biafra protesters. 4. People or groups in Nigeria should to submit to peaceful and democratic means of expressing themselves in case they have some grievance or disaffection. 5. Never again should we allow mindless violence inspired by false and evil precepts to threaten our national security. 6. We can offer our country opinion without violating the law of the land or threatening law and order, join hands with the Buhari administration to develop Nigeria. 7. The APC-led administration would tackle the challenges in the education sector as a means of ensuring better future for Nigeria’s younger generation. 8. We have to focus on early child education, retrain teachers, ensure that our curricular will prepare our children for the 21st century. NIPSS was established in 1979. Over 1,780 course participants, including 63 people in 2015 have graduated as the members of the National Institute. The vice president and some 2015 graduates.

MASSOB Issues New Directive To All Igbos In Nigeria

The Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) has issued a new directive for all the Igbos living outside the Igbo land. According to it, they should start returning home, to the South East, invest in the region by re-establishing their businesses there. The movement said those living in the northern and western parts of Nigeria show their insensitivity and the nonchalant attitude to the own people. Vanguard quoted the MASSOB national director of information Uchenna Madu: “We have decided and promise to provide adequate security for lives and property in Igboland. MASSOB shall defend Igboland with our blood, valour and enthusiasm. It is our unflinching service to our father land.” The movement also vowed to stop armed robberies, kidnapping and reduce the level of the crime in the region. “Nigeria has vowed to continue to be a state where prejudice, tribalism, exclusion and hate are elevated while nation building is ignored, a state where it seems the only logic for unity is to share oil resources and not on the basis of consent, mutual respect, fraternity and brotherhood,”Mr Madu said. However, such claims and pro-Biafra protests do not find understanding even between the Igbos themselves. For instance, an apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohaneze Ndigbo, has dissociated itself from any secessionist activitiesand movements. Elder Chris Eluemunoh, the chairman forum of state presidents of Ohaneze, tagged the demonstrations as ‘pure madness’. At the same time, the forum pleaded with President Muhammadu Buhari to address the infrastructural decay in Igboland, as underdevelopment there is obvious. Several ethnic nationalities of the South South geo-political zone asked Biafra supporters to stay awayfrom their lands. The Urhobo nation has even demanded the Indigenous People of Biafra group to remove themfrom the proposed map of Biafra.

I Have Served And I Think It’s Enough – Jonathan

Immediate past President Goodluck Jonathan has asked former African leaders to encourage the incumbent leader to follow their country’s tenure limit. Jonathan was speaking on November 19, Thursday, as the speaker at a event named “Presidential elections and democratic consolidation in Africa: Case studies on Nigeria and Tanzania.” The ex-Nigerian leader stated that “democracy is being institutionalized in Africa” at a step which guarantees that the continent would be rid of ongoing electoral problems within the next months. Former president while commenting on Africa’s place in the world approved that historical reticence of the Western world about good developments in the continent is still visible in present day reports about the march of democracy on the continent. He said: “America was called new world when it was discovered but Africa was called the dark continent, the world does not get to hear the best stories about Africa’s electoral progress, because they are not told by global media leaders.” Jonathan added that Africans across the continent are denying leaders“who do not see themselves as elected representative of the peoplebut rather as kings.” While talking about his own experience the ex-president stated that in Nigeria, some “people believe that when you lose an election, you must go to court”as his opponents did after the presidential poll in 2011, “but I insisted on transparent and credible election because I did not want anyone to question my mandate,”he added. “Five justices of the Appeal Court and all Supreme Court justices ruled that the election was free and fair, in fact the 2011 election is widely acknowledged to be the freest and fairest election since Nigeria got independence.” Jonathan said he could have challenged the outcome of the 2015 presidential poll given the prevalence of card reader malfunction across Nigeria but he chose to move on because “I have served and I think it is enough”. The Commonwealth of Nations has nominated Jonathan as a special representative to peacefully resolve the political stalemate in the semi-independent island of Zanzibar, Tanzania.

MUST READ: How President Buhari Can Stop Boko Haram – Prophet

Cardinal John Onaiyekan, the catholic Archbishop of Abuja, has revealed what President Muhammadu Buhari should do to stop the deadly Boko Haram insurgency. The prominent cleric has advised the incumbent Nigerian leader to involve the sect in negotiations. Onaiyekan, who is the ex- president of the Christian Association of Nigeria spoke in Abuja at the 2015 Catholic Television of Nigeria dinner. The cleric said: “What happened in Mali can happen here. We do not need people to cause this kind of great calamity. “The question is how do you create a situation where such things don’t happen? “It is not easy but you can do all you can to put security apparatus around but you cannot do it in such a way that no bad people will move around. “As a spiritual leader, the solution is first we should pray because God can do everything. “Secondly, we should look into our religious messages, because many of these terrorists are also calling the name of some religion, calling the name of God. “But we must find a way of letting them (Boko Haram members) know that this is not what God wants. “I personally do not know how to achieve this but I believe that a lot still needs to be done. “When you (government) reply fire for fire I am afraid it does not solve the problem. “So, apart from military tactics there is need for more effort as political discussion, reaching out to people. “Even the terrorists are human beings born of a woman with feelings.I am sure somebody somewhere can talk to them.” During the presidential campaign Buhari pledged not to hold talks with the terrorists if chosen as president. Meanwhile, in a BBC interview several months ago the president has welcomed talks with Boko Haram insurgents. The last ceasefire agreement between the militants and Nigerian governmentin October 2014 has failed when the Boko Haram sect rejected that they had agreed to a ceasefire with Goodluck Jonathan’s government. Negotiations with the insurgents in recent years have failed to achieve a peace deal, partly because it has several rival factions.

Kogi guber: INEC disowns social media results

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said results of the Kogi State governorship election being posted on the social media are misleading as they are not from them. Writing through its official twitter handle @inecnigeria, with the hashtag #KogiDecides, the electoral body said it would make the results known publicly at the appropriate time. “INEC wishes to state that results of Kogi Gov. election being posted on Social Media are inaccurate and should be disregarded. “Official results will subsequently be announced and the winner of the election declared by the INEC’s returning officer,” INEC wrote in subsequent tweets.

Kogi guber: Situation Room faults Audu’s decision to display vote

The decision of the All Progressives Candidate governorship candidate in the ongoing governorship election in Kogi State, Abubakar Audu, to openly display his ballot paper after thumb-printing is wrong, according to a election monitoring group, the Situation Room. The Situation Room is a platform of civil society organisations working on elections, good governance and other issues in Nigeria. Audu had shown off his ballot paper, which showed he voted for himself, to a cheering crowd at his polling unit. Replying a tweet containing a photo of Audu displaying his thumb-printed ballot paper, the group wrote, “This is wrong… Voting should be secret. #KogiDecides.” Although there are 22 candidates vying to become governor of the state, Audu and the incumbent governor, Capt. Idris Wada, are the main contenders. A former banker, Audu, 68, has been elected governor of the state twice. He was governor from January 1992 until 1993 under Nigeria’s failed third republic and from May 1999 to May 2003. The Independent Electoral Commission, explaining how to vote on its website, said voting would be by open secret ballot system, adding among other things, “Your vote is secret because no one will see which candidate you choose.” Its electoral offences and penalties, however, did not say anything about the voluntary display of ballot paper and the choice made. Lagos-based lawyer, Jiti Ogunye, however, said there was no need to try to make a mountain out of a molehill. “The law deals with substance and not frivolities,” he said. He explained that at the polling station, there were ways and manners in which voters and candidates were meant to conduct themselves. He said, “The circumstances of the conduct of the APC candidate being reviewed, I do not think and I cannot come to the conclusion that the mere display of his paper, perhaps out of excitement, is an act of electoral misconduct on his part or an act that should attract sanctions by the electoral body or election tribunal if he does win the election.”

Bayelsa guber: We are not afraid of opposition party – Dickson

Gov. Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa on Saturday urged his followers to be confident of victory in the Dec. 5 election in the state and not to be afraid of those in the opposition. Dickson spoke during his campaign rally in Amassoma, Southern-Ijaw Local Government Area of the state. “There is no room for other parties in the state, especially in the forthcoming governorship election. “I have come to educate you on the need for the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to win the forthcoming election in the state because the election is about you and Ijaw nation. “PDP has done well for the state and we can still do it again. Bayelsa is for all of us and we must not allow the state fall into the hands of any bad politician,’’ he said. Dickson told the party faithful that with their support, the PDP would come out victorious in the election. Advertisement “We have no fear of the opposition party (APC) and the host of them because Bayelsa is already for PDP. “I urge you to discard any threat of intimidation from them; prepare yourselves, go out en masse and perform your civic duty with your Permanent Voter Cards. “The opposition can go about plotting any bad thing to win, but it will not work; our dear party has done so well in the development of the state. “We are saying no to rigging, PDP is saying no to violence during, before and after the governorship poll; I urge you, on that day, Dec. 5, cast your vote for the PDP, vote for the man you love,” he said. Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Mr Carpet Bate, Amassoma Youth President, said that they were in support of Gov. Dickson’s re-election bid and would give the PDP 100 per cent vote.

Bayelsa guber: Alamieyeseigha’s kinsmen promise Dickson their votes

Kinsmen of the late Ijaw leader and former Governor of Bayelsa State, Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, at the weekend trooped out at a mega rally in Amassoma with a resounding pledge to ensure the re-election of the state Governor, Hon. Henry Seriake Dickson. The state governorship election is slated for December 5, 2015. Dickson had rounded off his extensive campaign tour to the Ogboin Kingdom, meeting the people in Otuan, Amassoma and Amatolo communities on his re-election bid and solicited their support. In their speeches, the traditional rulers, political leaders, youths and women groups from the kingdom lauded what they said were the impressive performance of the governor in his first term and assured him of their preparedness to make his re-election bid a reality. Bubaraye Azebi, who spoke on behalf of the Amassoma community, lamented the sudden passage of Chief Alamieyeseigha, who he described as a political hero, but expressed confidence in the governor’s ability to sustain the vision of their deceased son in terms of developing the area in particular and the state in general. According to Azebi, the community was happy to identify with Dickson’s re-election because of the sense of belonging he said his administration had given to them. He cited the connection of Amassoma to the national grid, appointment of several indigenes to positions of public trust, construction of the Etegwe-Tombia section of the Yenagoa/Amassoma Road, building of schools and the international cargo airport in the area. Speaker after speaker at the rally, including the Commissioner for Transport, Hon. Akpoebide Alamieyeseigha; a member of the state House of Assembly, Hon. Kate Owoko; the Chairman of Southern Ijaw Local Government Council, Chief Remember Ogbe; ex-lawmaker, Hon. Kuroakigha Dorgu; Special Adviser on Youth Mobilisation, Hon. Steven Diver; Chief Douye Naingba; Chief Patrick Osunu; Hon. Solomon Apreala; Apretari Ogugu; and the Chairman of Ogboin Rural Development Authority, Hon. Timpre Asari, assured the governor of victory in the area. Responding, a highly elated Governor Dickson expressed delight at the massive turn out and groundswell of support demonstrated by the people. He announced the state government’s decision to immediately clear the outstanding electricity bills amounting to N10 million owed by the Amassoma community to enable them enjoy power supply. While assuring the people of the area of more government’s presence in his second term, Dickson urged them to remain steadfast in their support for the PDP and not allow themselves to be intimidated on the day of the election. He reiterated his call on the Federal Government to do everything possible to provide a level playing ground for all political parties participating in the election in order to maintain the existing peace and stability in the state before, during and after the poll. The governor, who called for a moment of silence in honour of the late Alamieyeseigha, said: “Today comes across both as a sad and happy day to me and my team. “Sad in the sense that if our leader were alive, he would not have only addressed us here but would have also hosted us in his house for dinner before our departure. “But be that as it may, I know his spirit is still with us, seeing the kind of support and the very warm reception you have given to me and the entire campaign team. “Since the inception of my administration, I have never for once doubted your support. “You have always been good to me. “That is why this government will continue to carry you along in its scheme of things. “We have not come here to campaign but assure you that God Almighty will keep all of you safe on the day of the election as you come out to vote massively for the PDP that has always protected our interest. “We know that the other party is not ready for election. “They don’t even regard you the voters. “That is why they are threatening that they will win the election by any means. “But I urge you not to be intimidated by anybody, including those who want to wear fake military uniforms on that day. “Come out and vote and also stay back to protect your votes because I repeat nobody can intimidate or harass you as there will be adequate security on ground.” Present at the rally were the Deputy Governor, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (rtd); the Chairman of theAdvisory Council of the Restoration Campaign Organisation, Senator Nimi Barigha-Amange; the Director General of the Campaign Organisation, Chief Fred Agbedi; and former Deputy Governor of the state, Peremobowei Ebebi, among other PDP chieftains.

[UPDATED] Kogi Poll: INEC To Announce Official Results Tomorrow

Reports reaching Naij indicate that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has suspended the announcement of results from today’s governorship poll till tomorrow November 22. This comes hours after report had emanated that commission was getting ready to roll out official results of today’s governorship election across all local government areas. The commission had earlier taken to twitter on its official handle (@inecnigeria) to disregard results being posted on Social Media, describing them as“inaccurate”. It was gathered that voting has been completed in most polling centres in the state, hence counting of the votes has commenced. The commission had earlier taken to twitter on its official handle to disregard results being posted on Social Media, describing them as“inaccurate”. It was gathered that voting has been completed in most polling centres in the state, hence counting of the votes has commenced. However, at all polling units visited by Naij.com reporter in Lokoja, the-money-in-exchange-for-vote was the practice. This practice was seen at Ganaja polling unit 009, , polling unit 006 Bishop Ajayi Crowther, ‎ward A, polling unit 006 Lokoja LGA‎ and other polling units across the state capital. Voters were seen collecting money from party agents before voting. As at 4:17pm, some polling centres are beginning to count votes. It was also reported that Destruction of election materials were destroyed at Etia-Aja Unit 27, Anyigba Ward, Dekina local government area. Meanwhile, life has returned in the state capital Lokoja after the completion of the 6am to 6pm curfew. Petrol stations in some parts of the capital have opened for business just as shop owners were seen opening up for business.

Unofficial Results For Kogi Governorship Poll By Naij.com

The Kogi people have been deciding on Saturday, November 21, who will be the next governor of the state. The residents have choices of 22 aspirants, but the most popular are Abubakar Audu from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Idris Wada, candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party and the incumbent governor of the state. As polling units have been already closed, counting of ballot papers commence and Nigerians are posted unofficial results of the election. Disclaimer: please note that the results below are not final; the information may be updated any time. INEC is the only authority which can declare official election results, no results are authentic until confirmed by INEC. Ogori–Magongo local government area (LGA) Mopamuro Ward 08 Unit 1 – APC – 28, PDP 118. Unit 2 – APC 23, PDP – 75. Unit 3 – APC 27, PDP – 59. Aiyegunle Gbede Oge unit APC – 79, PDP – 37 Iluafon APC – 58, PDP – 16 Okomi Ayere Ijumu APC – 80, PDP – 52. Unit 04 APC – 90, PDP – 38 Aiyetoro Gbede Oke Bukun: PDP – 81, APC – 113 Aduratedo: PDP – 107, APC – 131 Iluafon: APC – 138, PDP – 86 Demonstration Kabba APC – 171, PDP – 70 Unit 017, SUBEB open space, Lokoja PDP – 129, APC – 193. Muhammed Ali lost polling unit Ogane Dekina by Anglican Primary School PU PDP – 213, APC – 86, LP – 1, invalid – 13. Adavi LGA: APC – 12, PDP – 5, LP – 30, DPP – 1, invalid – 1, total – 49. Amole open space, Lokoja. APC – 148; PDP – 110; LP – 8; PPA – 5; APGA – 1; APA – 1; PDC – 1. Invalid votes – 13. Accredited voters: 319. Crowther Memorial College unit, Lokoja LGA. APC – 169; PDP – 129; PPA – 5; LP – 7. Lokoja LGA Ward A. SUBEB/SPEB POLLING UNIT APC – 193 PDP – 129 Idah LGA, Ugwoda Ward, Ojaina unit 006 APC – 39 PDP – 39 Idah LGA, PU (22/07/04/011) ADC – 3 APA – 3 APC – 111 CPP – 1 DPP – 1 PDC – 1 PDP – 63 PPA – 2 NNP – 1 Lokoja LGA Lokoja A Ward, APC – 139 PDP – 144 Ajaokuta LGA, ward 2 Ebiya South 01 Town Hall: ACC – 123; APC – 73, PDP – 45. ‎Ajaokuta LGA, ward 08 Achagana 001 Open Space: APC – 85 PDP – 124 ‎ Ajaokuta LGA, ward 13-Old Ajaokuta 001-Kilometer 18: ACC – 87 APC – 42 PDP – 45‎ ‎ Idah Ward 05 Ogegele 002 Open Space, Ogegele1: ACC – 183, APC – 100, PDP – 77‎ ‎Crowther Memorial College unit, Lokoja LGA. APC – 169, PDP – 129, PPA – 5, LP – 7 ‎ Also, the director general of Governor Idris Wada’s re-election committee, Senator Tunde Ogbeh lost his polling unit to the APC. The All progressive Congress defeated PDP – 200 to 158 votes at Lokoja Club. PU 002, Karaworo South, Lokoja PDP – 185, APC – 231; PU 12, Amole’s Space, Lokoja APC – 148, PDP – 110, LP – 8 PPA – 5, APGA – 1, APA – 1, PDC – 1. Odolu Ward: APC – 206, PDP – 95; Ijumu Ayere unit 03: APC – 101, PDP – 58; AyegunleGdede/ Iluhafon ward: APC – 167, PDP – 41. This is a developing story…

#KogiDecides: Underage Voter Caught In Koto Karfi (Photo)

As the ongoing gubernatorial election in Kogi state nears its crescendo, an underage voter was caught by election monitoring agents in 22/11/08/003, Gegu Beki Ward 8, Koto Karfi local government area of the state today. The picture made available by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) situation room report, showed a youngster who appears to be in his mid teens. The teenager’s Permanent Voter Card (PVC) was collected by an official who checked to confirm his status, where it was discovered that he was below 18 year age mandatory age for voters. The tweet reads: #KogiDecidesUnder-age voting at 22/11/08/003, Gegu Beki Ward 8, Koto Karfi LG cc @inecnigeria pic.twitter.com/n PhSVDVykb — Situation Room (@SituationRoomNg) November 21, 2015 Meanwhile, some road users have been left stranded in Kogi state after security operatives disallowed them from passing through the state to their destinations because of the ongoing pollin the state.

Who Senator Kadiri Expresses Support For

Senator Alex Kadiri, the gubernatorial aspirant from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), has shown support to the opposition candidate. Kadiri supported the second term bid of the Kogi state Governor Idris Wada from the Peoples Democratic Party. The senator who lost the party’s ticket to Prince Abubakar Audu, the APC’s flag bearer in today’s poll, spoke to newsmen at Odu Ogboyaga ward 001 in Dekina local government and said Wada is the best among all the gubernatorial aspirants. Kadiri expressed his delight over the peaceful nature of the elections so far, while he accepted that he is yet to get news from other polling stations. Inhis own part, Chief Salifu a second class traditional ruler, said from the reports he has got so far, the poll is going on peacefully. He said:“I have been talking to my people to cast their votes and go back. This is what I have been telling them.” 22 members of the party (both new entrants and old members) had indicated their interest to fly the party’s flag for the election. However, Prince Abubakar Audu has defeated other contestants in what turned out to be a keenly contested governorship primary in Kogi.

PHOTO: Aisha Buhari Visits Tinubu In Lagos

Hajia Aisha Buhari on Saturday, November 21, 2015, paid Asiwaju Bola Tinubu a courtesy visit in his residence at Bourdillon in Ikoyi area of Lagos state. According to Cable.ng, Mrs Buhari was in Lagos to commiserate with the former governor over the demise of Haliru Dantoro, the late Emir of Borgu kingdom in Niger state. The All Progressives Congress (APC) leader’s spokesman, Sunday Dare, informed that the Tinubu hailed President Muhammadu Buhari’s wife, who was accompanied by the wives of different governors,“on her Style and commitment to Nigeria.” Mrs Aisha Buhari (left) and the Tinubus on Saturday, November 21, 2015 Tinubu’s closeness to the late monarch is believed to have been responsible for the famous traditional title, ‘Jagaban Borgu’ in 2006. The late monarch had said:“It was in the days of the ill-fated third republic, in the fateful year of 1992 that my path first crossed that of His Excellency, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu. “We were both elected into the senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, he as an SDP Senator and I on the platform of the NRC. “Though from opposing sides of the political divide, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu and I, gradually discovered that our positions on issues of burning national importance increasingly propelled both of us and few other like-minded patriots in the same political direction… He is a die-hard workaholic.” Tinubu, while eulogising the late monarch, said:“He was a very close friend and compatriot, and his death is a very personal loss to me. Particularly, it was very painful when I saw him on Wednesday; he was looking radiant and ready to come back home.” Just recently, Mrs Buhari assured Nigerians that they were in safe hands with her husband, but urged him to ensure he pays the monthly N5,000 to the unemployed Nigerians as promised prior to the 2015 presidentialelection.