President Buhari Has Been Treating Corruption Like A Family Affair – Fayose

​Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State has blasted the anti-corruption crusade of President Muhammadu Buhari while accusing him of “treating corruption involving his men as a family affair.” Fayose further labelled the Buhari led All Progressive Congress government as the most corrupt in the history of Nigeria. Governor Fayose described the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources Ibe Kachikwu’s allegation the of award of $25 billion contracts without following due process against the Group Managing Director (GMD) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC); Dr. Maikanti Baru, as ‘messy and an embarrassment to the country’. According to a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, Governor Fayose said; “When miscreants write petitions to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against perceived opponents of President Buhari, EFCC will act immediately, but when known Nigerians, including members of Buhari’s government raise allegation of corruption against close allies of the President, the EFCC will look the other way.” He said; “As posited by APC Senator, Shehu Sani, we are in a situation where perfume is being sprayed on corruption when it affects Buhari’s men while insecticide is being sprayed on corruption when it involves perceived political opponents of the President. “When allegation of corruption is made against Buhari’s men, EFCC acts like pet dog, but when it is against those whose faces the President does not like, the anti-graft agency acts like lion. “No nation can achieve greatness with such a partial leadership.” Speaking further, Governor Fayose said; “While Nigerians are still asking questions as to what has happened to the report of the committee that investigated the $43 million discovered in an apartment at Osbourne Towers, Ikoyi, Lagos, allegation of $25 billion was made by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Ibe Kachikwu, and as usual, the allegation like others before it, is being treated as family affairs. “Before now, the Acting Chairman of EFCC, Ibrahim Magu was indicted of corruption by the Department of State Service (DSS) and all that was done by President Buhari was to ask the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), to investigate the DSS report. Up till today, nothing has been heard about it and Magu, despite his rejection by the Senate, is still acting as the EFCC chairman. “Up till today, Nigerians are yet to be told the owner of the Legico Shopping Plaza, Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island, Lagos inside which the EFCC claimed that it found N448.8 million cash. “Despite the presence of CCTV cameras, we have not been told the identities of those who brought the five sacks in which the EFCC claimed that it found N49 million cash to the Kaduna Airport. “As far as I am concerned, President Buhari is not fighting any corruption. He is fighting his political foes and God is not a God of double-standard. This Buhari’s government is a government of double-standard.”

The North wants restructuring like any other part of Nigeria – Gov. Tambuwal

Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has said that the north wants restructuring like any other part of the country contrary to the general belief that the North was against it. Speaking as chairman at the ongoing 2-day conference on “The North and the future of the Nigerian Federation,” organized by Arewa Research and Development Project, ARDP, in Kaduna Wednesday, governor Tambuwal observed that the idea that the North was against restructuring because it benefits most from the current state of things is patently false. He explained, “The fact that some people continue to parrot such a lie only help to give credence to the flawed argument. Let us be clear: the North wants restructuring as much as anyone else. However, as a people we do not easily jump unto the bandwagon because we are always there for the long haul. We believe that any decision we take must be inclusive, and respect procedures and processes so that the outcome is sustainable. “Only recently, the Northern States Governors’ Forum and Northern Traditional Leaders Council Committee on Restructuring of the Nigerian Federation which I chair inaugurated a technical committee reflecting the amazing diversity of Northern Nigeria to look at the issues surrounding the call for restructuring and get the aggregate views of the North and present same to the committee for use during the proposed Town Hall/Public Hearings across the 19 Northern States. “We have ensured that the technical committee members are personalities who have proven themselves in various fields, people with the intellectual ability and experience to contrast, aggregate and analyse the views of the North and how they impact on the growth and development of this country. “I think we should first, as a country, agree on a mutual definition of the term restructuring. In my view, if restructuring means taking stock of our arrangement to ensure that no state takes a disproportionate amount of the resources, or most of the available space in the education or job sector, or subjugate the others’ culture or religion, or lords it over the other so that the number of the poor and uneducated whose future is circumscribed by their circumstance is shared proportionately, then we are game. “We all want a country where there is peace and progress, where justice is a given, where all lives are safe and people can pursue their legitimate livelihoods wherever they choose. I believe each state in this country has areas of comparative advantage and life is a cycle so that what was once the largest revenue earner can in time become less so while something else takes ascendancy. “As a country we must look to the future and agree on what in the long run will benefit us all. I must give kudos to the organisers for choosing such an appropriate theme for this conference, ‘The North and the future of the Nigerian federation.’ “I am glad to see that the organisers have noted the critical role that education must play in any part that the North eventually chooses to take. The truth is that the modern world is one that puts premium on human capital rather than natural resources. The development of that capital therefore must take precedence over anything else we want to do as a people. He assured the participants that the outcome of the conference would form a critical part of the aggregate views of Northern States on restructuring, adding that it will be useful to the region’s current effort at ensuring that it does a thorough job on behalf of the people. Tambuwal called on everyone who has any view on the matter or any suggestion that would make the great country move forward and strengthen its unity to come forward and express those views. The convener, Dr. Usman Bugaje, said the main objective of the conference was to bring clarity, accuracy and precision to the debate on the future of the Nigerian Federation. He added that the conference was also meant to get experts to guide the North in identifying its priorities as it goes into the debate and negotiations. “The North has a history and has come a long way, sharing values and aspirations and has therefore a collective responsibility to chart its future together. “In this respect, it is important to say that the knowledge generated in this conference will feed into the committee of Northern Governors and Traditional Rulers,” he explained.

Fayose lists reasons why Buhari is Nigeria’s worst president ever (See Reasons)

Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State has asserted that the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government is the most corrupt in the history of Nigeria. Fayose made the allegation while accusing the President of “treating corruption involving his men as family affair.” In a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, the Governor wondered why the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, finds it difficult to go after those close to the President but are always quick to prosecute Nigerians opposing Buhari. According to Fayose, “When miscreants write petitions to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against perceived opponents of President Buhari, EFCC will act immediately, but when known Nigerians, including members of Buhari’s government raise allegation of corruption against close allies of the President, the EFCC will look the other way. “As posited by APC Senator, Shehu Sani, we are in a situation where perfume is being sprayed on corruption when it affects Buhari’s men while insecticide is being sprayed on corruption when it involves perceived political opponents of the President. “When allegation of corruption is made against Buhari’s men, EFCC acts like pet dog, but when it is against those whose faces the President does not like, the anti-graft agency acts like lion. “No nation can achieve greatness with such a partial leadership. “While Nigerians are still asking questions as to what has happened to the report of the committee that investigated the $43 million discovered in an apartment at Osbourne Towers, Ikoyi, Lagos, allegation of $25 billion was made by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Ibe Kachikwu, and as usual, the allegation like others before it, is being treated as family affairs. “Before now, the Acting Chairman of EFCC, Ibrahim Magu was indicted of corruption by the Department of State Service (DSS) and all that was done by President Buhari was to ask the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), to investigate the DSS report. Up till today, nothing has been heard about it and Magu, despite his rejection by the Senate, is still acting as the EFCC chairman. “Up till today, Nigerians are yet to be told the owner of the Legico Shopping Plaza, Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island, Lagos inside which the EFCC claimed that it found N448.8 million cash. “Despite the presence of CCTV cameras, we have not been told the identities of those who brought the five sacks in which the EFCC claimed that it found N49 million cash to the Kaduna Airport. “As far as I am concerned, President Buhari is not fighting any corruption. He is fighting his political foes and God is not a God of double-standard. This Buhari’s government is a government of double-standard.”

Anambra guber: Ekwueme dumps Obiano, endorses Obaze

Former Vice President, Dr Alex Ekwueme on Wednesday cleared the air on his earlier endorsement of Anambra governor, Chief Willie Obiano for a second term. News of the endorsement of Obiano by Ekwueme against the PDP candidate, Mr Oseloka Obaze, who is also running for the election with his (Ekwueme’s) daughter has been making waves, suggesting that he may have dumped his party and daughter. But Ekwueme in a meeting of stakeholders of the Old Aguata Union(OAU) in his country home in Oko, Orumba North local government, said his support for his daughter was total. Ekwueme who delved into memory lane on the formation of the PDP, said Anambra state had a kindred affinity with the party. He said time had come to unseat Obiano of the All Progressives Grand Alliance and enthrone a PDP government in Anambra State as APGA was able to saddle the affairs of the state for 12 years because of the protracted crisis in the PDP in the state. He said, “Anambra State is a PDP state from inception. We shall now continue with PDP. Time has come for us to take away power from APGA.” He insisted that APGA’s tenure in the state would officially come to an end in November 18 as PDP which had brought its members together were ready to ensure victory for the party. In his speech, a former governor of the state, Mr Peter Obi, described Obiano’s performance as ‘provocatively abysmal’. He said that was the reason he was championing his (Obiano’s) ouster. He said Obaze would only do one term to give way for Anambra South senatorial district to produce the next governor of the state in respect of the zoning arrangement enshrined in the state’s political system. While denying that he did not demand N7bn from Obiano for funding his election in 2013 as being speculated, Obi maintained that he left N75 billion in the coffers of the state for Obiano. In his speech, Obaze hailed Ekwueme for his roles in the enthronement of democracy in the country in 1999. He assured the people of simultaneous development of the state. He said his priority would be on education, adding that 26 percent of the state budget would be dedicated to education, while promising scholarship from nursery to Junior secondary school three if voted to power.

Killer vaccine: Enugu government, Army condemn rumour, closure of schools

Nigerian govt bans private practice for medical doctors

Nigerian Government has banned medical doctors working in public hospitals from private practice. The decision was taken at the Wednesday’s Federal Executive Council, FEC, meeting presided by President Muhammadu Buhari. Government added that henceforth the doctrine of no work no pay which was contained in the nation’s law would be invoked for workers embarking on strike. In a joint media briefing after the FEC, the Minister of Health Prof. Isaac Adewole and Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige, noted that most of the unions that recently embarked on strike contravened the labour laws especially the Trade Dispute Act. The ministers further disclosed that a committee had been set up for comprehensive evaluation of job done by workers, especially in the public sector.

Fani-Kayode reveals why Buhari cancelled Atiku’s contract with NPA

Former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, has claimed that President Muhammadu Buhari cancelled the contract former Vice-President, Atiku Abubakar, had with the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), because he will contest against him in 2019. Fani-Kayode, in a series of tweets on Wednesday, also labelled Buhari as “wicked, cowardly and petty”. He wrote: “U cancel @atiku’s contract with NPA simply because he wants to run against u in 2019. This tells me that u are wicked, cowardly and petty. “U signed 648 billion naira worth of oil deals on ur sickbed in London when no-one could see u.This tells me that u are greedy and corrupt.” The Nigerian government has directed the NPA  to terminate the boats pilotage monitoring and supervision agreement that the agency has with Intels Nigeria Limited, a company co-owned by Atiku. It said the contract with Intels, a leading integrated logistics and facilities services provider in the maritime and oil and gas logistics sectors of the country, was void ab initio.

Traders shut down Abuja market over Government alleged plan to evict them

​ There was intense tension at Utako market, Abuja, on Wednesday, as commercial activities were grounded following protest by traders over alleged plot to evict them from the market. There was heavy presence of combined team of security personnel with Armoured Personnel Carriers (APC), and other security vans stationed at strategic locations in and around the market. Many of the traders wielded placards with various inscriptions including, ” Our Mumu Don Do,” “NASS Save Our Soul; “We Have 99yrs Lease” and “We Say No To Eviction”, among others. The market leadership was yet to address the crowd as at the time of filling this report. Details later…

Diezani loses 56 houses to FG

​ A Lagos Federal High Court, has ordered the permanent forfeiture of 56 houses linked to a former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke. The Justice Abdulaziz Anka-led court gave the order while ruling on the matter, on Wednesday. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission claimed that Diezani acquired the said houses located in Lagos and Port Harcourt between 2011 and 2013 using front companies. EFCC said the former Minister paid $21,982,224 for the properties, adding that the funds were allegedly from proceeds of crime. The Commission listed the properties to include 29 terraced houses comprising eight four-bedroomed penthouse apartments, six three-bedroom apartments, two three-bedroom maisonettes, two twin bedroom apartments and one four-bedroom apartment. Details later…

Tagbo: Police reveals cause of death, re-invite Davido

​ The Lagos State Police Command, has revealed the autopsy of Late Tagbo Umeike, a friend of Nigerian music star, Davido. Acting Police Commissioner, Imohimi Edgal, said Tagbo died from suffocation. Edgal made the disclosure during a press briefing, on Wednesday in Lagos. He also disclosed that Davido has been re-invited for questioning over Tagbo’s death. Details soon..

Biafra: Nwodo wants to use us to negotiate vice presidential slot‎ – IPOB

The Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, has said that part of the reason it fell apart with the President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Dr Nnia Nwodo was because it refused to sacrifice its quest for Biafra on the demand of the Ohanaeze boss. According to him, Nwodo wanted to use it to negotiate for the vice presidential slot in the 2019 presidential election. IPOB in a press release in Awka, Anambra State and signed by the publicity secretary of the group, Mr Emma Powerful stated that Nwodo among other things wanted to present himself as the only good man in the south east, with the hope of being nominated as a vice presidential candidate in 2019. The group in the press release said, “It has become absolutely necessary to reply Chief Nnia Nwodo, on his Aso Villa sponsored umbrage on the great and noble IPOB and our humble leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. Chief Nwodo’s F.G- backed tissue of lies which was designed to blackmail and paint us as violent, disrespectful and unintelligent bunch of ingrates is only an arm of the war declared on us by the Federal Government of Nigeria. “We begin by reminding Nwodo, that our leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu represents the righteous anger of the much abused, much betrayed masses of Eastern region, who have watched helplessly for 47 years as their so called leaders traded away their collective future for peanuts.” In the press release titled ‘why we fell out with Nwodo,’ the group gave eight reasons why it decided to shun the earlier agreement being reached by Nnamdi Kanu and Igbo elders. Part of the reasons was that, “Nwodo is piqued and pissed that we did not allow him to trade with the great IPOB and present himself as the overall leader of Eastern Nigeria, thereby packaging himself as the ultimate VP choice for 2019. “We have nothing against his secret and hidden political ambitions. We wish him luck. It’s just that Nnamdi Kanu and IPOB will not be available for him to trade off. We will always prefer men like the 87 year old Prof Ben Nwabueze, First Republic Minister Mbazuluike Amechi and the upright Archbishop Anthony Obinna to lead us to any meeting with government. “When we paralyzed Biafraland on 30th May this year and the oppressor panicked and responded with a quit notice, the F.G. immediately reached out to all the zones, Nwodo moved his train to Abuja and met with the Acting President, Osinbajo and announced that check points and appointments into Buhari’s government were our only grouse with Nigeria. This is a blatant lie because our leader agreed with Nwodo that Nigeria must show commitment towards addressing our key demand which is referendum.” It said that even though Nwodo positioned himself as the leader of the zone, when a meeting was scheduled with Osinbajo despite the fact that IPOB agitation was what led to the meeting being convened in the first place, Nwodo did not ask for its input or grouse with Nigeria before attending the meeting. The group said it fell out with Nwodo because he was piqued that every effort he made to join IPOB leader’s meeting with the governors at Enugu was turned down, while adding that it would continue to work for the restoration of Biafra.

10 things you need to know this Wednesday morning

Good morning! Here is today’s summary from Nigerian Newspapers: