9News Nigeria

Senegal’s President, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, has been elected as the new Chairman of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Faye was elected on Monday during the 69th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government held in Freetown, Sierra Leone, where leaders of the regional bloc met to deliberate on key political, economic and security issues affecting West Africa. 

He succeeds Sierra Leonean President Julius Maada Bio, who assumed the rotating chairmanship in 2025 after taking over from Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu. 

Faye takes over the leadership of the 15-member regional bloc at a critical time, as ECOWAS continues to grapple with terrorism, political instability, democratic governance challenges, and efforts to rebuild relations with Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger following their withdrawal from the organisation. 

The 46-year-old Senegalese leader, as Chairman, is expected to spearhead efforts to strengthen regional cooperation, promote democratic governance, deepen economic integration, and restore confidence in the bloc.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

By Princely Onyenwe

A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and four other political parties, a ruling that could have significant implications for Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The court, presided over by Justice Peter Lifu, directed INEC to deregister the ADC, Action Peoples Party (APP), Action Alliance (AA), Accord Party (AP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) over their failure to meet constitutional requirements for retaining political party status.

The judgment followed a suit filed by the National Forum of Former Legislators, which argued that the affected parties failed to satisfy the electoral performance thresholds stipulated under Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Electoral Act 2022, and relevant INEC regulations.

According to the plaintiffs, the parties neither secured the required percentage of votes in presidential elections nor won elective seats at the federal, state, or local government levels, as required by law.

The ruling is expected to generate widespread political debate, particularly because of its potential impact on preparations for the 2027 elections.

Political observers say the judgment could raise questions about the political future of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who has recently been linked to opposition realignment efforts involving the ADC. While Atiku has not formally emerged as the party’s presidential candidate, the court’s decision may create uncertainty around any future political plans tied to the platform.

Beyond ordering deregistration, the plaintiffs had also sought to restrain the affected parties from participating in elections, conducting primaries, holding rallies, or engaging in other political activities unless they comply with constitutional provisions governing political parties.

The court’s decision places the spotlight on INEC’s constitutional responsibilities and could trigger further legal and political actions as stakeholders assess the implications of the judgment.

With less than a year before political activities for the 2027 elections gather momentum, the ruling is likely to reshape calculations among opposition parties and aspirants seeking viable platforms to contest future elections.

For inquiries on this news contact 9News Nigeria on +234 08036856526

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

By Samuel Abasiekong-Abasiekong

Hundreds of South African women stormed streets in Durban and parts of Johannesburg with bra on Thursday night and Friday morning against xenophobic attacks targeting their Nigerian and Zimbabwean husbands.

Similar protests occurred in 2013 when South African women married to Nigerians marched against discrimination and delays in spousal permits.

Stripping to their undergarments for a renewed demand to protect their husbands, the “Bra Protest” is traditional symbol of extreme distress as the women declared:

“Our husbands are not going anywhere.”

The demonstrators who are legally married to foreign nationals, marched through city centers singing and chanting slogans condemning anti-migrant vigilante groups.

“They are our husbands, the fathers of our children, and the providers for our homes,” said one protester, identified as MaMkhize. “This xenophobia is tearing our families apart. We were shouting yesterday and we are shouting today: Our Nigerian and Zim husbands cannot go anywhere!”

The demonstration follows a surge in anti-foreigner protests and vigilante actions across Durban, the Eastern Cape, and Gauteng since early May. Groups have demanded that all foreign nationals leave South Africa, including those with legal spousal status and children born in the country.

The women say their husbands are legal residents who contribute to their households and communities. The protest is the most visible pushback yet against rising hostility toward migrants, particularly Nigerians and Zimbabweans.

Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, confirmed that at least two Nigerians, Kelvin Chidiebere Amaramuiro and Ekpenyong Andrew, have died in the recent crackdown.

Speaking further Nigeria Foreign Affairs Minister said “I maintained that our government cannot stand by and watch the systematic harassment and humiliation of our nationals resident in SA, as well as the extra-judicial killings of our people,” Odumegwu-Ojukwu said after speaking with her South African counterpart, Ronald Lamola.

The Ghana Union of Traders Association issued a statement condemning the attacks and urged the African Union to intervene. “We cannot build African unity while our brothers and sisters are hunted in the streets,” the group said.

Meanwhile, officials in Harare expressed concern for Zimbabwean nationals married to South Africans. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it is monitoring the situation and has engaged Pretoria through diplomatic channels.

Civil society groups in Kenya and Uganda have held solidarity vigils, in Nairobi and Kampala and calling on the African Union Commission to enforce the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and hold South Africa accountable for protecting all residents.

The AU Commission said it is “deeply concerned” and called for restraint. A spokesperson noted that the AU’s Agenda 2063 envisions free movement of people across the continent and urged member states to uphold that vision.

Analysts link the renewed xenophobic sentiment to South Africa’s high unemployment rate, which exceeds 32% nationally and 60% among youth in some areas. Frustration over jobs, housing, and service delivery has often been directed at migrant communities

The Federal Government of Nigeria has begun arrangements to evacuate Nigerians willing to return home.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has formally written to the Senate, requesting legislative approval for the deployment of Nigerian troops to the Republic of Benin as part of a peace-enforcement mission.

The request which was read at Senate during plenary on Tuesday, 9 December 2025, follows reports of an attempted coup in Benin, prompting and the need for swift stabilisation efforts. 

In his letter, President Tinubu said the deployment is necessary to support the restoration of constitutional order and prevent further escalation that could threaten regional security.

The Senate is expected to deliberate on the request, as Nigeria positions itself to play a leading role in maintaining peace within the West African sub-region.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Tanzania has called off its Independence Day celebrations scheduled for December 9, following calls for nationwide protests over alleged mass killings during last month’s disputed elections.

At least over 240 people were charged with treason after the protests, but the President later sought to ease tension and asked prosecutors to “show leniency” many of those charged have reportedly been released.

On Monday, while announcing the cancellation of celebrations, Prime minister NwIgulu Nchemba announced that funds meant for the event will instead be used to rebuild infrastructure damaged during election unrest.

Nchemba also called in Tanzania’ns to avoid further violence and seek political dialogue instead.

He appealed to Tanzanians to avoid violence and insisted on the importance of political dialogue.

“I urge my fellow Tanzanians to come together and discuss the issues affecting us Let us not return to what we went through, because the consequences are irreparable”, he said.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan had score 98% of the vote, but critics labeled the poll a “mockery of democracy” after opposition leaders were barred from contesting.

Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan came into office in 2021 as Tanzania’s first female President following the death of President John Magufuli.

She was initially praised for easing political repression, but the political space has since narrowed.

The government has yet to release an official death toll, though opposition figures claim that hundreds were killed.

However, a commission of inquiry has been set up to investigate the matter.

-9News Nigeria.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Civil society organizations have expressed strong condemnation of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) for sending a congratulatory letter to President Paul Biya of Cameroon following the disputed October 12, 2025 elections.

In a statement released on November 5, 2025, the organizations stressed that the letter undermines the Commission’s impartiality and credibility as a continental human rights body. 

They argued that by congratulating President Biya amid credible reports of post-election violence and fatalities, the Commission risks eroding public trust in its mandate to promote and protect human rights across Africa.

The statement noted that democracy across the continent is under increasing threat, citing manipulated elections, weakened institutions, and a rising culture of impunity. 

The groups emphasized that the Commission should have taken proactive measures to address electoral violence and uphold human rights, rather than issuing messages perceived as endorsing contested political outcomes.

The coalition called on the African Commission to cease issuing congratulatory letters to political figures, reaffirm its commitment to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and investigate electoral-related abuses in Cameroon, Tanzania and other nations.

Among the Nigerian civil society signatories were Stanley Ibe, Chidi Anselem Odinkalu, Ikechukwu Uzoma, Adaobi Egboka, and Ikeazor Ajovi Akaraiwe SAN.

“The credibility of the Commission depends on its ability to prioritize the rights and dignity of African citizens over political convenience,” the statement said.

The organizations warned that Africa’s human rights institutions must rise above political pressures to defend democracy, equity and justice on the continent.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Ivory Coast’s President Alassane Ouattara has won a fourth term, securing a crushing 89.77 per cent in a vote which his two greatest rivals were barred from, the electoral commission said Monday.

Nearly nine million voters were eligible to cast their ballot Saturday in the world’s top cocoa producer, which has resisted coups and jihadist attacks plaguing much of west Africa but which saw tensions soar and deadly violence in the run-up to the election.

Even before the provisional results’ announcement, Ouattara was already anticipated to have swept the polls, after early tallies on Sunday showed him winning upwards of 90 per cent of the vote. Turnout was close to 100 per cent in his northern strongholds.

The political veteran was also ahead in traditionally pro-opposition areas in the south and parts of the economic hub Abidjan, where polling stations had been almost empty on Saturday.

Entrepreneur Jean-Louis Billon came second to the veteran leader with 3.09 percent, said the commission’s president Ibrahime Kuibiert Coulibaly, who announced a 50.10 percent turnout — a similar level to 2020, when Ouattara won 94 percent of the vote in an election boycotted by the main opponents.

This time round, Ouattara’s leading rivals — former president Laurent Gbagbo and Credit Suisse ex-CEO Tidjane Thiam — were both barred from standing, Gbagbo for a criminal conviction and Thiam for having acquired French nationality.

“Their absence, their calls not to participate in the election, and the climate of tension that deteriorated in recent days foretold a significant demobilisation of the electorate,” said William Assanvo, a researcher at the Institute for Security Studies (ISS).

In the southern city of Gagnoa, Gbagbo’s former stronghold, Ouattara won 92 per cent of the vote but with a turnout rate of only 20 per cent.

The opposition has already denied “any legitimacy” to Ouattara and has called for new elections.

– ‘A calm election’ –

Political analyst Geoffroy Kouao believes “the turnout rate shows two things”.

“First, Mr Ouattara’s supporters turned out in force, as shown by the Soviet-esque results in certain regions,” said Kouao.

“And second, supporters of the (Gbagbo and Thiam’s parties) did not go to the polls.”

Billon also expressed concern Sunday for “very low turnout in some regions”, while still offering congratulations to Ouattara.

Billon and the other candidates on the ballot, including former first lady Simone Ehivet Gbagbo, did not have have a chance of reaching a second round due to a lack of support from a major party or significant financial resources.

Earlier calls for protests by the main opposition led to deadly unrest in the run-up to the election, with at least eight people killed this month and nearly two dozen reported injured in election-day clashes at some 200 polling stations.

The government had declared a nighttime curfew in some areas and deployed 44,000 security forces..

Presidential elections in the country are commonly rife with tension and unrest.

Ouattara first came to power following the 2010-2011 presidential clash between him and Laurent Gbagbo, which cost more than 3,000 lives among their supporters.

On Monday, Abidjan returned to near-normal activity after the capital was unusually deserted at the weekend.

“The Ivorians said NO to prophets of doom,” headlined the Patriote, a pro-Ouattara newspaper, praising “a calm election”.

The opposition daily Notre Voie, however, pointed to “an election reflecting a divided country”.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

South African firebrand politician Julius Malema has once again stirred the Pan-Africanist debate, calling for Africa to unite under one President, one currency, one Parliament, and one army. 

The bold declaration, made at the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) General Conference, has reignited both excitement and skepticism.

As evident as his call is mirrored to ambitions of leaders like Kwame Nkrumah, Julius Nyerere, and Muammar Gaddafi, this path might be a situation of when pigs fly.

If implemented, Malema’s vision could transform Africa into one of the world’s most powerful blocs, with a combined population of over 1.4 billion people and vast natural resources under a single government. 

Also, a common currency could reduce dependence on the dollar and euro, strengthening Africa’s bargaining power in global trade. 

A united army could also present a formidable force against terrorism, coups, and external interference, while a central Parliament might harmonize policies and reduce political instability.

However, the challenges are profound. Africa’s 54 nations are deeply divided by language, culture, political ideology, and economic disparity. 

There are very important questions on; Which country would host the continental government? Who would lead a united army? How would fragile states integrate with more advanced economies without deepening inequalities?

It is also integral that Africa should first strengthen regional bodies such as ECOWAS, SADC, and the African Union before attempting full political union.

Malema’s statement may not immediately alter Africa’s political trajectory, but it forces the continent to revisit a question that has lingered since independence: is unity the ultimate solution to Africa’s challenges, or is it an ideal too complex to achieve in practice?

For now, the EFF leader’s words serve as a reminder that the dream of one Africa, once carried by Nkrumah, Nyerere, and Gaddafi remains alive, but its realization may depend on whether the current leaders are willing to sacrifice sovereignty for solidarity.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and presidential candidate, Kingsley Moghalu, has questioned why African countries persistently fail to adequately fund the African Union Commission (AUC).

In a pointed statement made on Sunday, Moghalu asked: “Why would African countries not fund the AU Commission? The African mentality of dependency on the ‘kindness’ of strangers is really sick. 

“China funded the construction of the AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa. It was later discovered to have been comprehensively bugged!”

His comments surfaced just as similar concerns were raised by Mo Ibrahim, the Sudanese-British billionaire and founder of the Mo Ibrahim Foundation, during a high-level conversation at the Ibrahim Governance Weekend held in Marrakech, Morocco. 

In dialogue with outgoing African Union Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat, Ibrahim questioned the wisdom of African leaders relying on external donors to fund the core operations of the African Union.

“We must ask ourselves, is it acceptable that the African Union still depends largely on external funding to function? Where is the ownership? Where is the dignity?” Mo Ibrahim asked.

The conversation comes amid rising frustration over the AU’s continued reliance on donors, including the European Union, China, and other non-African partners for the bulk of its peacekeeping, infrastructure, and operational financing. 

In 2012, China completed the $200 million construction of the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa as a “gift” to Africa. 

However, a 2018 report by Le Monde Afrique revealed that the building’s data systems had allegedly been compromised, with servers reportedly transferring sensitive information to servers in Shanghai. an accusation China denied.

Moghalu, a prominent voice on economic transformation and sovereignty in Africa, pointed to this incident as symptomatic of a broader problem: Africa’s failure to assert control over its own institutional architecture.

The African Union had once pledged to reduce its reliance on external financing through a 0.2% levy on eligible imports across member states. 

However, implementation of this decision, known as the Kigali Financing Decision has been patchy at best, with only a handful of countries fully complying.

The Mo Ibrahim Foundation’s annual governance weekend has long been a forum for blunt conversations on Africa’s political, economic, and institutional challenges. 

This year’s theme centered on “Financing Africa’s Future”, amplified growing calls for a rethinking of Africa’s place in the world, not just in rhetoric but in funding, ownership, and long-term commitment to its own institutions.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Ghanaian President, John Mahama, on Thursday visited his Nigerian counterpart, Bola Tinubu, at the State House in Abuja.

The visit, the first since his inauguration on January 7 is to brief Tinubu, who also doubles as the Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government on his recent visit to Burkina, Mali, Niger.

Briefing reporters, the Ghanaian leader said he was in Nigeria to keep Tinubu updated on diplomatic efforts with the military junta leaders of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, aimed at addressing regional security and stability.

Mahama acknowledged the complexities of the regional issue but assured that with continued constructive dialogue all pending issues between the Alliance of Sahel States and the Economic Community of West African States will be resolved.

“I came to thank him for the honour done me during my inauguration but also to brief him on the visits to the sahealean countries Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger and to bring him up to date with some of the issues and to discuss with him. As ECOWAS chairman, its my duty to come and brief him on the some of the concerns that were raised there so that we continue to dialogue with those other countries.

“Well it’s a complicated situation and it’s not as easy as we think. We just need to continue to dialogue and see how we can continue to dialogue together,” Mahama stated.

Responding, Tinubu said his talks with the three Alliance of Sahel States, AES by its French acronym, were essential to safeguarding lives and fostering prosperity across the region.

“I feel good that he is here in the first place. I am indeed very happy with the efforts he has made to have a bridge between the AES countries and the ECOWAS. It’s not a bad idea for us because of the security situation in the Sahel region and what economic opportunity that we must embark to ensure security of lives and prosperity of our citizens,” Tinubu said.

“The innocent people in this episode are the citizens of those countries not much about us the leadership. The citizens must be the first beneficiary and the first point of reasons together.”

Relations between Ecowas and the three Sahel countries have been tense since the military seized power in Niger in 2023, Burkina Faso in 2022 and Mali in 2020.

After the Niger coup, Ecowas imposed crippling sanctions on the country, such as border closures, a no-fly zone for all commercial flights and the freezing of central bank assets. Negotiations between Ecowas and the juntas have taken place since then but have failed.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo says Africa needs a democracy of its own context that delivers to all people.

Obasanjo said this in Abuja, while speaking at a Colloquium to mark the 60th birthday of former Imo Governor, Emeka Ihedioha, noting that to sustain democracy in the continent, Africa needed one that delivers to all people, not to few section.

He noted that the Greek model of democracy, ensured that all citizens participated directly in their affairs, adding that what was praticable now was a representative system, that does not taken care of everybody.

Baba Iyabo added that before the colonial rule, Africa practiced democracy, a system of government which attended to the needs of her people.

basanjo also lamented that in Africa, democracy was becoming a system of government by a small number of people over a large population.

“Is democracy failing in Africa? Are we talking of democracy or western liberal democracy?

“Abraham Lincoln describes it as a government of the people, by the people and for the people. But what do we have today?

“The Greek democracy affects everyone, but democracy has now become representative democracy and it doesn’t taken care of everyone.

“Democracy in Africa has failed because it’s not African, it doesn’t have our culture and way of lives.

“Democracy is dying in Africa and to save it, it should be made in the context of Africa,” Obasanjo said.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Mozambique opposition leader Venancio Mondlane said he and President Daniel Chapo had agreed to “end all violence” after months of deadly clashes between protesters and security forces.

Mondlane met with Chapo in Maputo, the capital of the southern African nation which has been gripped by political turmoil since a disputed general election in October.

Mondlane said in a live video on social media that both leaders are ready to end all types of persecution, from both sides, which included violence against police, his own supporters as well as members of the ruling party.

9News Nigeria reports that part of his statement revealed; “We have to stop the destruction of public and private property … and give the country a chance to stabilise,” he said.

The opposition leader said the president had also agreed on the need to provide social and psychological assistance to the families of victims and to create legal conditions for detained protesters to be released.

According to a local civil society group over 360 people have died in the demonstrations and blockades which have been violently repressed.

Official results put Mondlane in second place in last year’s presidential election and handed victory to Chapo of the Frelimo party, which has governed Mozambique since independence from Portugal in 1975.

Chapo was credited with 65 percent of the vote, compared to 24 percent for Mondlane.

The opposition leader claims he won 53 percent and has rallied enough support to hand Frelimo its first real challenge in half a century.

“I totally disagree with the election results, I continue saying that this government was put in place on the basis of electoral fraud,” Mondlane said in his live video.

But “today, we are here to say to the Mozambican people that we are starting this dialogue,” he added.

Chapo took office in January and earlier this month signed a post-election deal with nine other parties.

The deal, yet to be approved by parliament, aims to culminate with a review of the constitution.

Mondlane, who is popular with young people, did not attend that dialogue and instead marshalled hundreds of his supporters to a march in Maputo.

Some 14 people were wounded in violent clashes with police. And at least two more people were killed last week when police opened fire on a crowd marking another round of protests called by the opposition leader.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Popular American philanthropist and YouTuber, MrBeast, has unveiled an ambitious plan to combat child labor in West Africa, where an estimated 1.5 million children are engaged in hazardous work on cocoa farms. 

This initiative seeks to transition these children from farms to classrooms by incentivizing school attendance with free breakfasts and essential learning resources.

A pilot program launched at a participating school has already reported a 10% increase in attendance within the first week, signaling early success in efforts to curb child labor. 

MrBeast aims to create a sustainable solution to one of the region’s most pressing child welfare crises, by collaborating with local stakeholders and leveraging his global influence.

Child labor in the cocoa industry has long been a global concern, with the International Labour Organization (ILO) classifying it as one of the worst forms of child labor under Convention No. 182. 

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), which West African nations including Nigeria have ratified, mandates that children be protected from economic exploitation and work that is hazardous or detrimental to their education.

Child Labor Laws in Nigeria

Nigeria, one of the signatories to these international agreements, has domestic laws aimed at protecting children from labor exploitation. 

The Child Rights Act of 2003 prohibits the employment of children under the age of 12 in any capacity and restricts hazardous work for minors under 18. 

The Labour Act of Nigeria further outlaws forced or exploitative labor, though enforcement remains a challenge, particularly in rural agricultural communities.

With child labor deeply entrenched in the cocoa supply chain due to economic hardship and lack of educational access, MrBeast’s initiative offers a promising intervention. 

This approach, which blends philanthropy with structural solutions, aligns with global advocacy for child rights and education. 

If successful, this program could set a precedent for how private-sector influence can drive meaningful social change in developing regions.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

The Narcotics Control Commission in Ghana has arrested a suspected Nigerian drug kingpin, Uchechukwu Chima, in an intelligence-led raid at his hideout in Accra.

56-year-old Chima was arrested on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, following the discovery of 192kg of cocaine and 0.42kg of heroin, with an estimated street value of 2.1 million Dollar.

The acting Director of Public Affairs and International Relations at NACOC, Francis Amoah, confirmed the arrest in a statement issued on Wednesday, March 19.

According to the statement, field tests confirmed the seized substances as cocaine and heroin.

9News Nigeria reports that part of the statement revealed; The statement read, “An intelligence led operation by the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) on Tuesday, 18 March 2025, resulted in the arrest of a 56 year old Nigerian, Uchechukwu Chima at Oyarifa, a suburb of Accra.

“A search conducted by the NACOC team at the suspect’s hideout uncovered substances suspected to be narcotic drugs. Field tests conducted on the suspected substance proved positive for cocaine and heroin, both narcotic drugs. The suspected narcotic substances, with a total weight of about 192kg of cocaine and 0.42kg of heroin, are estimated at a street value of US$2.1 Million

“The suspect, Uchechukwu Chima who has been a target for NACOC for some time now, is noted to be the brain behind some seizures/arrests made by NACOC in the past. NACOC by this seizure and arrest, has taken this substantial quantity of drugs from the street, saving millions of lives of people who would have otherwise perished from abusing these hard drugs.

“NACOC remains committed to making Ghana an unprofitable destination for drug trafficking and thus protecting the safety and well-being of all Ghanaians and the international community.”

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

The Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, has called for urgent measures to address the worsening food crisis in West Africa and the Sahel, warning that millions could face severe hunger if proactive steps are not taken.

Speaking at the third meeting of the ECOWAS Regional Food Security Reserve Management Committee in Abuja on Tuesday, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, stressed the importance of food reserves in tackling food insecurity in the region.

Kyari, represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Marcus Ogunbiyi, acknowledged the efforts of ECOWAS leaders in establishing the Regional Food Reserve Initiative in 2013, describing it as a crucial intervention for food security.

“This meeting is taking place at a particularly worrying moment for our region,” he said.

The minister, who also chairs the committee, pointed to conflicts, economic instability, and climate change as major factors worsening food shortages.

Citing data from the December 2024 Cadre Harmonisé report, he stated, “Nearly 34.7 million people are in immediate need of food and nutritional assistance.”

He stressed the need for enhanced strategies, increased sovereign financing, and better management of food reserves to curb market volatility and improve food security.

Kyari noted, “The food security situation has worsened due to conflicts, economic instability, and the devastating impact of climate change.

“This calls for a concerted effort to boost food production, enhance strategic food storage, and stabilise market prices while strengthening the administration and management of the regional food reserve.”

Kyari highlighted progress made since the food security reserve was established, including capacity building, early warning systems, and emergency food assistance.

The reserve currently holds over 74,000 tonnes of food stored across the region for emergency deployment.

However, he called for improvements in the reserve’s governance, operational efficiency, and monitoring mechanisms to ensure a more effective response to food crises.

He said, “It is crucial to ensure that the instruments and governance of the regional food security reserve are aligned with the challenges we face and our ambitions for the region.

“As such, we must strengthen the decision-making process and enhance monitoring of the reserve’s operations and interventions.”

Kyari urged committee members and stakeholders to actively contribute to discussions on operational plans and emergency response strategies, expressing confidence that the meeting would yield solutions to strengthen the region’s food security framework.

Nigeria, he assured, remains committed to supporting regional food security initiatives.

In her remarks, ECOWAS Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, Massandjé Toure-Litse, warned that food insecurity could escalate if urgent measures are not implemented.

“If appropriate measures are not taken, this figure could reach 47 million by the lean season from June to August 2025,” she cautioned.

Toure-Litse, represented by Acting Executive Director of the Regional Agency for Agriculture and Food, Mohamed Zongo, listed geopolitical shifts, conflicts, economic instability, and climate change as key drivers of the crisis.

She called for a strengthened regional response while laying the foundation for long-term resilience.

“It is imperative that our region enhances its immediate response mechanisms while consolidating the foundations of sustainable resilience,” she said.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Former Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly and 2023 Governorship candidate, Hon. Ike Ibe has called for the introduction of a single currency across Africa and renewed advocacy for a permanent seat for African nations at the United Nations. 

Speaking on Radio Nigeria’s international affairs program, Ibe emphasized the need for African nations to strengthen unity and economic independence.

He also addressed the growing political instability in West Africa, particularly the recent decisions by Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali to withdraw from regional organizations. 

According to him, this trend could set a dangerous precedent for other nations.

“They left because they want to decide their destinies,” he stated, warning that such isolationist moves could further fragment the continent.

Ibe highlighted the African Union’s (AU) role in fostering unity and ensuring that Africa no longer serves as a mere partition ground for Western powers. 

He stressed that it was time for African nations to look inward, embrace nationalism, and work toward self-sufficiency.

“For many years, Africa has continued to beg for a permanent seat at the UN,” he lamented, adding that the AU’s leadership must take decisive steps toward securing Africa’s rightful place in global governance.

He described Africa as the next major resource hub of the world, particularly in human capital, and urged leaders to harness the continent’s potential rather than allowing external forces to dictate its affairs.

Hon. Ibe also pushed for the full implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), arguing that it would reduce the need for young Africans to seek opportunities outside the continent at great personal risk.

He called on the newly appointed AU chairperson, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, to take a strong stance against Africa’s continued economic dependence on Western nations.

“The AU must end the servant-master relationship between Africa and the West,” he asserted.

Ibe insisted that with Africa’s vast untapped market and resources, it is time for leaders to act decisively in shaping the continent’s economic and political future.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, AUC, Moussa Faki, on Sunday called for an end to hostilities in South Sudan.

Faki expressed concern over the escalating tensions and clashes in Nasir County, Upper-Nile State, including a lethal attack on a UN helicopter and violence in Western Equatoria and Western Bahr el-Ghazal, which seemed to have threatened the peace process.

In a statement on the AUC website, Faki condemned the violence and urged all parties to exercise utmost restraint, as he called on the authorities to hold the perpetrators accountable and take immediate measures to protect citizens.

9News Nigeria reports that part of his statement revealed that;“I call for an immediate end to the hostilities, adherence to the ceasefire arrangements, and for the parties to urgently engage in national dialogue. “The AUC is currently consulting with authorities, IGAD, and other stakeholders to ensure a de-escalation of the situation,” he said.

Faki therefore reiterated the AU’s longstanding call for the full implementation of the Revitalised Peace Agreement, stressing that South Sudan’s future depends on peaceful coexistence, unity, and collective responsibility.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Information obtained by 9News Nigeria shows that President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria is presently in a meeting with his Sierra Leonean counterpart, Julius Bio, at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, in Abuja.

According to local reports, Bio arrived at the forecourt of the Villa at 12:22 pm on Monday in the company of the bagpipers of the Presidential Guards Brigade.

The reports also revealed that Bio was received by the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, who ushered him into the closed-door meeting.

9News Nigeria reports that Nigeria and Sierra Leone have maintained strong diplomatic relations since their respective independences in October 1960 and April 1961.

Both nations are active members of the Economic Community of West African States and the African Union and have collaborated on initiatives aimed at promoting peace, stability, and development in the region.

Between 1991 and 2002, Nigeria played a pivotal role in supporting Sierra Leone during its civil war when it led the ECOWAS Monitoring Group in peacekeeping efforts to restore stability in the region.

According to history, Nigerian forces were also instrumental in combating rebel factions and reinstating the democratically elected government of President Ahmad Tejan Kabbah after a military coup in 1997.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

The Governor of Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on Monday, marked his swearing-in with a bold act of clemency, granting freedom and reduced sentences to 43 prisoners.

Acting on the recommendations of the State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy, Aiyedatiwa ordered the immediate release of eight convicts, while 15 death row inmates had their sentences commuted to prison terms, as another 20 serving life sentences were granted reduced jail terms.

This is according to a statement made on Monday from the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ebenezer Adeniyan, noting that the development is in a move that underscores his commitment to justice reform, the statement noted.

“This decision is a testament to Governor Aiyedatiwa’s belief in second chances and the potential for rehabilitation,” said the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Olukayode Ajulo, SAN.

It was titled, “Inauguration: Gov Aiyedatiwa Extends Mercy to 43 Prisoners.” “It is His Excellency’s responsibility to ensure that our justice system reflects mercy and humanity.”

The move aligns with Aiyedatiwa’s broader judicial reforms.

In October 2024, he swore in six new judges to strengthen the state’s legal system, declaring, “This is particularly fulfilling for me, as it marks the second time in our administration’s history that appointments to the Bench of the state judiciary have been mad and in such a large number.”

His inauguration also carries deep personal significance.

Reflecting on his journey, he stated, “It has been his [late Governor Akeredolu’s] wish that I succeed him. He said it on our first day of inauguration.”

With his second term officially underway, Aiyedatiwa has set a clear tone: a government focused on justice, fairness, and second chances, the statement concluded.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

A foremost public affairs analyst, respected scholar, politician, activist and former Chairman/CEO of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, Dr. Sam Amadi has made a strong case for the governor of Imo State, His Excellency Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodinma, CON, to produce his preferred successor at the end of his tenure in 2028.

The Ngor-Okpala born politician who had shown interest in the governorship of Imo State both in 2019 and 2023, emphasized that the governor is a brilliant and likeable persona, who is very experienced in politics and the Nigerian power dynamics, recounting his many years of active involvement in the game at the highest level.

Recalling his encounters with the governor, over the years, Amadi, a legal expert and teacher, confirmed that Governor Uzodinma is a hard-working and honest businessman who had secured contracts from various federal government agencies before his ascension to the Imo State governorship seat. This confirms the long known narrative that the Omuma born businessman, strategist and politician, has maintained a traceable history of wealth and industry through his life.

While Governor Uzodinma is more focused on delivering the dividends of democracy to Imolites in line with his promise of “Shared Prosperity”, rather than allowing himself to be distracted by 2027 politics, Dr. Amadi’s early and unsolicited campaign is a clear vote of confidence from a notable critic and opposition leader on Uzodinma’s performance in office over the last five years.

Dr. Sam Amadi’s affirmation of Governor Uzodinma’s performance and his concomitant popularity among the Imo electorate is appreciated. However, at the right time, Governor Uzodinma, shall align with the APC and majority of Imolites to elect a popular, visionary and technocratic, “Shared Prosperity” aligned candidate to take up the mantle after his tenure terminates on the 15th of January, 2028.

The above is a content opinion tagged “Sam Amadi supports Uzodinma to produce his successor”

IMO IS WINNING!

Onwuasoanya FCC Jones is Special Adviser to the Governor of Imo State on Public Communication and writes from Owerri.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

The Federal Government of Nigeria has expressed the most populous county in Africa’s support for the G20’s push for inclusive growth, as it called for urgent global reforms to promote economic equity, peace, and security.

Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, made this known in a statement on Thursday through his Special Assistant on Media and Communications Strategy, Alkasim Abdulkadir.

Tuggar made the statement while speaking during the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Johannesburg, South Africa, as he used the opportunity to congratulate S.A on assuming the G20 presidency, pledging Nigeria’s full support for its priorities, such as disaster resilience, debt sustainability, and just energy transition.

9News Nigeria reports that some of his words were; “The G20 must focus on harnessing critical minerals for inclusive growth, while tackling global conflicts and humanitarian crises.”

He therefore called for strengthened mechanisms for peaceful conflict resolution, humanitarian aid, and support for African-led peace initiatives, emphasizing on comprehensive approach to combating terrorism, with the aim of focusing on security and socio-economic development through investments in education, healthcare, and job creation.

The minister therefore reiterated Nigeria’s call for urgent reforms in multilateral institutions, stressing that the current global system does not reflect the realities of developing nations.

He decried the issue of tax justice, urging the G20 to support President Bola Tinubu’s proposals to tackle capital flight and tax evasion by multinational corporations, as he expressed concerns over illicit financial flows (IFFs), which he claims drains billions from Africa annually through corruption and illegal trade practices.

The Minister further called for greater transparency in global financial transactions, stronger regulations on tax havens, and enhanced international cooperation to recover stolen assets.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

The Immediate past President of Ghana, Nana Akufo-Addo, on Thursday called for cooperation among African nations to tackle their challenges.

Akufo-Addo made this call at a book launch in Abuja in honour of a former military president, General Ibrahim Babangida, noting that African nations should not rely on foreign aid for survival, arguing that the COVID-19 pandemic made some nations to be independent.

According to Akufo-Addo, the pandemic taught the world several lessons, including the need for global leaders to “admit the urgency of the infrastructural deficiency in our countries, especially in the health sector, as was exposed by the pandemic”.

He added that the pandemic also enabled governments to embark on a programme that involved the construction of hospitals for the citizens.

9News Nigeria Reports that some of his words were; “There is no such thing as charity in international relations. Nobody is going to give you vaccines until their own needs have been fully satisfied,” he said.

“African countries therefore need to cooperate with each other and not count on aid from the international community. That is why Senegal, Nigeria, South Africa, Rwanda, and others have taken the responsibility of manufacturing their own vaccines.”

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has called on African leaders to view the continent’s youth as a vital resource for innovation and leadership, rather than a liability.

Speaking at the launch of the report, Advancing Inclusive Development: Policy Options for Burkina Faso, Guinea, Gabon, Mali, and Niger in Ethiopia, Jonathan emphasized the importance of strategic investments in education, digital infrastructure, and skills development to unlock the full potential of Africa’s young population.

“We must shift our perspective from seeing demographics as a challenge to leveraging it as a strategic advantage. Our youth are an asset, not a burden,” Jonathan stated.

Acknowledging Africa as the world’s youngest continent and a growing economic frontier, He also highlighted the structural challenges limiting its progress, such as governance deficits, political instability, and economic vulnerabilities.

The former president called for a renewed focus on inclusion and economic empowerment as essential drivers of political stability and sustainable development. 

He emphasized that governance should be rooted in legitimacy, inclusiveness, and responsiveness to the needs of citizens.

“Africa’s future must not be left to chance. Political stability cannot thrive without trusted institutions, adherence to the rule of law, and leadership that derives legitimacy from the people,” he added.

Jonathan concluded by urging African nations to take decisive steps towards creating a strong, self-reliant, and prosperous continent.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria arrived in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to participate in the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union, AU, for Heads of State and Government.

Tinubu was received at the airport by the Ethiopian Deputy Chief of Protocol, Eshetu Legesse, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar and the charge d’affaires of the Nigerian embassy in Ethiopia, Amb.Nasir Aminu.

President Tinubu’s spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, made this known in statement, noting that Tuggar later briefed President Tinubu about the summit and some diplomatic wins for the country, a session that stretched until about 2 a.m. on Friday.

According to the statement, in this year’s AU summit, President Tinubu will deliver a speech about African Union Peace and Security Council, where discussions will focus on current security challenges on the continent, including the escalation of conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The President will also participate in meetings on health financing, establishing an Africa Credit Rating Agency, and climate change.

Among the wins was the re-election of Amb. Bankole Adeoye as African Union Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security.

Nigeria also retains its seat on the African Union Peace and Security Council, reaffirming, in the words of Tuggar, “Nigeria’s leadership and commitment to peace and security on the continent.”

At the briefing were Mr Wale Edun, the Minister of Finance; Abubakar Badaru, Minister of Defence; Jumoke Oduwole, the Minister of Trade and Investment; Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation and Muhammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation.

Balarabe Abbas Lawal, Minister of Environment and Doris Uzoka-Anite, Minister of State for Finance,

Amb. Mohammed Mohammed, Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, and Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, the Chief of Naval Staff, also attended the briefing.

9News Nigeria reports that the theme of the sessio was decided on by the Heads of State and Government at the 37th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the union in February 2023 in Addis Ababa.

The AU said in the continuing pursuit of justice and equity, the conversation about reparations has emerged as a critical and transformative dialogue that requires the collective attention and action of Africans and all people of African descent.

The scope of the conversation, the AU said, goes beyond historical injustices and into the current fabric of societies around the world.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Investigators in Libya have uncovered the bodies of 28 migrants buried in a mass grave near a detention facility in the country’s southern desert region.

According to a statement from the Libyan Attorney General’s Office on Sunday, the grave was found north of the city of Kufra, where dozens of migrants had been held captive. 

Security forces subsequently launched an operation that led to the rescue of 76 detainees from the facility.

Authorities suspect that a criminal gang was responsible for the horrific treatment of the migrants, alleging that they were unlawfully detained, tortured, and subjected to cruel, degrading, and inhumane conditions.

Kufra, situated in southeastern Libya near the borders of Egypt and Sudan, has long been a key transit point for migrants attempting to reach North Africa’s coast leading to Europe.

However, Libya’s prolonged instability following years of civil war has fueled an environment where human trafficking and other criminal enterprises thrive.

Several armed groups, some with links to state agencies, are known to operate extensive smuggling networks, exploiting migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers. 

Series of reports bordering on severe human rights abuse, including unlawful killings, forced labor, and trafficking for sexual exploitation are widespread.

The latest discovery displays the persistent dangers faced by migrants in Libya, where international organizations have repeatedly called for stronger efforts to combat human trafficking and protect vulnerable individuals.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

The Senate of Nigeria, has mandated its committees on National Security, Intelligence and Foreign Affairs to investigate an allegation made by Niger’s Head of State, Abdourahmane Tchiani, against Nigeria.

Moving the motion, Umar Buba representing Bauchi, expressed deep concern over what he described as serious and unfounded allegations made by the Nigerien leader, noting that Tchiani had accused Nigeria of colluding with France to destabilise Niger through a new militia group called Lakurawa said to be operating in Nigeria’s North-West zone.

Buba said that in an attempt to legitimise the allegations, the Nigerien leader wrongfully implicated certain Nigerian officials, including the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and the former Director-General of National Intelligence Agency,  Ahmed Rufai.

“Upon learning of these allegations, the National Security Adviser swiftly and unequivocally dismissed them as baseless by clarifying that Nigeria has never allowed a foreign military base on its soil, having previously rejected such requests from both the United States and the United Kingdom.

“Ribadu also reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to maintaining peaceful relations with its neighbours, including Chad, Benin Republic and Cameroon.

“He (Ribadu) emphasised the need to focus on common enemies, terrorist groups, rather than engaging in unnecessary hostilities,” he said.

According to him, any attempt to deliberately undermine Nigeria’s sovereignty and international standing must be condemned, particularly when such claims lacked substantive proofs.

He said that the motion underscored the senate’s commitment to protecting Nigeria’s sovereignty, preserving its international reputation and foster peaceful and cooperative relations with neighboring countries. 

According to the Upper Chamber, the investigation, which is to be conducted within four weeks, is aimed at using diplomatic and security measures to restore and strengthen the ties between Nigeria and Niger Republic.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Few hours after the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR made official presentation of the 2025 Budget of restoration to the country, several reactions have trailed the provisions thereto.

9News Nigeria reports that many financial experts have spotted and criticized certain key features contained in the 2025 budget as presented before the National Assembly today Wednesday December 18, 2024 by Mr President.

It has been argued to a logical conclusion that FG targeting 34.82 trillion in revenue to fund the budget. And, still, the government expenditures is to be 47.90 trillion including 15.81 trillion for debt servicing is a charade.

There’s indication that probably, there is a likelihood of budget deficit next year 2025 and likely, Nigeria will not be free from foreign’s loan, investigation revealed.

In the overview of the 2025 budget, President Tinubu shared the following insights:

 “In 2025, we are targeting 34.82 trillion naira in revenue to fund the budget.
 
“Government expenditure in the same year is projected to be 47.90 trillion naira, including 15.81 trillion naira for debt servicing.
 
“A total of 13.08 trillion naira, or 3.89 percent of GDP, will make up the budget deficit.
 
“This is an ambitious but necessary budget to secure our future.
 
“The Budget projects inflation will decline from the current rate of 34.6 percent to 15 percent next year, while the exchange rate will improve from approximately 1,700 naira per US dollar to 1,500 naira, and a base crude oil production assumption of 2.06 million barrels per day (mbpd).”

However, President Tinubu stated that the Presidential budget presentation has a green indication that will reassure economic restoration in the country as 9News reports.

In his words, “Today, I presented the proposal for the ‘2025 Budget of Restoration: Securing Peace, Rebuilding Prosperity’ to the Joint Session of the National Assembly.

“This budget reflects our administration’s unshakable commitment to stabilising our economy, improving lives, and paving the way for a brighter future for every Nigerian.

“The time for lamentation is over. This is a time to act. A time to support and promote greater investment in the private sector. A time for every Nigerian to look hopefully towards a brighter future because a new day has dawned for us as a nation.”

“Together, we have embarked on a journey of transformation and reform, and while the road has not been easy, the progress we’ve made is undeniable.

“We have witnessed economic growth of 3.46% in Q3 2024, up from 2.54% in Q3 2023. Our foreign reserves now stand at $42 billion, providing robust economic security, and we now have a trade surplus of ₦5.8 trillion, reflecting the resilience of our policies.

“The 2025 Budget is ambitious but necessary and we have earmarked record allocations in some key areas:
• ₦4.91 trillion for Defence and Security
• ₦4.06 trillion for Infrastructure
• ₦3.52 trillion for Education
• ₦2.48 trillion for Health

“We are building a Nigeria where peace reigns, opportunities abound, and every citizen can dream, work, and thrive in safety.

“Let us move forward, not as individuals but as one united nation, determined to rewrite our story for the generations to come.

Meanwhile, key features of the 2025 budget allocations are:

• Defence and Security: N4.91 trillion.
• Infrastructure: N4.06 trillion.
• Health: N2.48 trillion.
• Education: N3.52 trillion.

However, there are a lot of expectations by Nigerians to see Tinubu’s administration surpass that of the People’s Democratic Party PDP that ruled for sixteen (16) years without any lasting legacy to show.

In comparison, the Tinubu’s few years in administration has surpassed that of PDP administration by record, Nigerians can attest to this fact.

Though Ex- President Buhari has established some templates, the Tinubu’s administration is expected to improve the economy of the country, improve the Agric empowerment sector, the Oil and Gas to fund local refineries and power generation.

At a sustainable reduction on fuel pump price to N500 per liter and supply of constant electricity, both the manufacturing and production sectors in Nigeria will automatically stabilize. By then, insecurity can be accurately subsumed and taken care of by massive reduction of stress and starvation in the land.

There is also emergency need to diversify and subsidize economy to empower both the agricultural mechanization and industrialization and rapid technological growth will be established just as countries like China, US, Singapore , Dubai, South Africa to say but a few have developed.

Time is of essence and Nigerians are expecting better governance respective of what the provisions of the budget has stated. The renewed hope agenda has to be all inclusive and humane oriented.

-Princely Onyenwe reporting

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Edo state government has ordered the Honourable council Chairmen of the eighteen (18) local government areas in the state to assume authority and take charge of the LGAs pending the outcome of the suspension order issued to the Executive Chairmen by Edo State lawmakers on Tuesday.

Reactions have continued to trail the suspension of eighteen (18) LG Chairmen by the Edo State House of Assembly EDSHA on Tuesday at a plenary.

At the plenary therefore , EDSHA pronounced the petition that led to the suspend all the eighteen (18) elected local government council chairmen in the state for alleged insubordination and gross misconduct as 9News Nigeria reports.

Before the members of the Edo House of Assembly EDSHA present at the Tuesday’s plenary, the Speaker directed Leaders of the legislature in the eighteen (18) local government areas of Edo state Nigeria to oversee the running of the councils for the next two months.

Investigation by 9News Nigeria reveals that the 24-member Edo House of Assembly is dominated by members of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

The facts before our News desk is that a petition by Governor Monday Okpebholo led to their immediate suspension by the ESHA on Tuesday plenary.

In the petition, the governor accused the LG chairmen of refusing to submit financial accounts of their local government to the state government.

The governor who described the action of the LG chairmen as insubordination and gross misconduct, requested the House to look into the matter.

The motion for the suspension of the council’s chairmen and their deputies was moved by Mr. Isibor Addeh, an APC member representing Esan North-East _1 and seconded by Donald Okogbe, PDP, representing Akoko-Edo- II.

Factually, the motion was debated and at the end of the debate, 14 members voted in support of the suspension, six opposed while three members abstained.

Notably, eighteen (18) Local government chairmen and one hundred and ninety two (192 ) ward councillors were elected on September 2, 2023 and till the date and time of this suspension, 9News reports that these local government lawmakers and Chairmen have been on thorough check by government and trials by the electorates at respective wards and constituencies across Edo state.

Okpebholo had on December 3, 2024, given the LG chairmen 48 hours to submit statements of account of their respective councils to the Assets Verification Committee.

Governor Okpebholo directed the council chairmen to submit the statements to the Assets Verification Committee, through the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, SSG.

According to the governor , “the statements would help and enable the Assets Verification Committee to do its job effectively and efficiently from September till the date.

Meanwhile, the suspension takes immediate effect and the council leaders are ordered by law to take charge of the leadership pending the end point of the matter. This implies that Edo LGA Chairmen are officially suspended by ESHA following the alarm raised by the executive via petition on misappropriation and unparliamentary conducts.

On my interaction with some LGA Chairmen and Councilors in Edo State, they confirmed the state of suspension and are ready to challenge the government in court.

-Princely Onyenwe reporting

For inquiries on this news contact 9News Nigeria @08036856526

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

By Obinna Ejianya (9News Nigeria – Melbourne, Australia)

The recent U.S. presidential election delivered a surprising turn of events, as Donald Trump emerged victorious once again, securing his return to the White House. The fierce and polarizing campaign saw Trump up against a significant Democratic contender, Vice President Kamala Harris, who took up the challenge after President Joe Biden stepped down due to health concerns and party pressures. This election saw Trump’s remarkable escape from multiple assassination attempts, which some attributed to divine intervention. Ultimately, Trump clinched the win, sweeping key swing states and marking his return to power.

With his campaign focusing heavily on themes of “Immigration,” “America First,” and strict economic policies, Trump’s victory signaled a resurgence of these priorities. Now that he’s set to implement his agenda from day one, the world, particularly Africa and Nigeria, is preparing for the implications of his policies. His reappointment of hardliners in his cabinet sends a clear message: this administration will act decisively on the promises made during his campaign.

Given Trump’s track record and the appointments he’s already made, we can expect a presidency that aggressively pursues stricter immigration policies, a focus on American economic interests, and an intensified stance on religious persecution and extremism. This in-depth analysis examines the probable impact on Africa, especially Nigeria, considering the pros and cons of Trump’s policies, his governance style, and the early signs of his administration’s intended direction.

Historical Context of Trump’s Policies on Africa

During his first term, Trump’s approach to Africa mixed criticism with selective strategic initiatives. While he sharply criticized African leaders for corruption and poor governance—a stance some considered blunt but necessary—he also introduced programs like Prosper Africa, designed to increase U.S. investments on the continent. Through the Development Finance Corporation (DFC), his administration provided funding for development projects, fostering U.S. business ventures in Africa. However, his tenure was also marked by significant cuts to foreign aid and a protectionist trade stance, casting uncertainty on the future of U.S.-Africa relations.

1. The Policy Blueprint: Trump’s “America First” Doctrine Returns

At the core of Trump’s campaign was a promise to prioritize America’s economic interests, a stance expected to shape his policy toward Africa. In his first term, Trump emphasized reducing America’s dependence on foreign countries and introduced protectionist trade policies aimed at bolstering U.S. industries. His re-election has revived this “America First” doctrine, which entails favoring U.S.-centric deals and renegotiating or even retracting trade agreements that, in his view, disadvantage American businesses.

For Africa, this could mean a possible overhaul of trade initiatives like the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which grants African countries duty-free access to U.S. markets. If Trump seeks to alter or rescind AGOA, Nigeria could face economic setbacks, as access to the U.S. market is a key revenue source. With a focus on trade restrictions, Trump’s policies might limit the volume and scope of African exports to the U.S., potentially affecting Nigeria’s oil sector and its economic stability.

2. Immigration and Travel Policies: Stricter Rules Ahead

Trump’s campaign heavily emphasized a hard stance on immigration, and his administration is set to execute these policies immediately. As early as his first term, Trump implemented travel restrictions targeting multiple African countries, including Nigeria, Sudan, and Tanzania, under the pretext of national security concerns. With the reintroduction of hardliners into his administration, a continuation of strict immigration policies is likely, potentially even more restrictive than before.

For Nigerians, this could mean tougher pathways to entry into the U.S., affecting students, skilled workers, and those seeking to reunite with family members. The impact of these policies could be twofold: while it may hinder Nigerians seeking better opportunities abroad, it could simultaneously pressure Nigeria’s leaders to create an environment that retains local talent. The “brain drain” phenomenon, marked by the migration of professionals and skilled workers from Nigeria, might slow if Trump’s policies restrict U.S. immigration options, provided Nigeria addresses critical economic challenges to make the country more livable for its citizens.

3. Security Cooperation and Counterterrorism: Protecting Christians and Combatting Extremism

One area where Trump’s administration could positively impact Nigeria is in the spectrum of security and counterterrorism, with a focus on protecting Christian communities that face persecution. Trump’s stance on religious freedom has been clear, as he has spoken against the persecution of Christians, especially in regions like northern Nigeria, where religious extremists target Christian communities. His administration has been vocal about the rights of persecuted religious groups, and he could bolster U.S. support for Nigeria’s efforts to counter Islamic extremism that targets Christians.

This emphasis on religious freedom may translate to increased military aid and counterterrorism training for Nigerian forces battling Boko Haram, ISIS-affiliated groups, and other militant factions. However, there are concerns that Trump’s focus on security might come at the expense of other crucial support, such as economic aid and development assistance, which are essential for addressing the root causes of extremism. While military cooperation could strengthen Nigeria’s ability to fight extremists, a single-track focus on counterterrorism without addressing socio-economic challenges may not produce long-term stability.

4. Trade Policies and “America First” Agenda: Opportunities Amidst Restrictions

One of the central concerns for African nations, particularly Nigeria, is the potential shift in trade policies under Trump’s administration. Trump’s “America First” agenda is centered on a more insular economic approach, which may adversely impact African exports to the U.S. market. For example, the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which allows eligible African countries to export goods duty-free, is set to expire in 2025. Trump has previously expressed skepticism toward AGOA, which raises concerns that his administration may not renew the act. Losing AGOA benefits would significantly impact African economies that depend on U.S. markets, including South Africa and Nigeria.

The trade war between the U.S. and China presents an unexpected opportunity for African countries. As Trump’s administration imposes tariffs on Chinese goods, American companies may seek alternative suppliers for raw materials and goods. This shift could open doors for African exporters to fill supply gaps, potentially enhancing trade with the U.S. for countries like Nigeria. For African countries that can adapt to meet U.S. import demands, this development could prove economically beneficial.

While the “America First” agenda could reduce the scope for African countries to benefit from the U.S. economy, some aspects might still offer indirect benefits.

Trump’s stringent trade restrictions on China have the potential to cause an influx of Chinese investments and goods in Africa, as Chinese manufacturers seek alternative markets. Nigeria, as Africa’s most populous country and a significant market, could attract Chinese firms displaced from the U.S. market, potentially creating jobs and stimulating local industries.

However, this potential economic boon is not without risks. Increased dependency on Chinese goods could reduce Nigeria’s leverage in negotiating trade deals with other global powers. The presence of more Chinese businesses in Africa could also intensify the competition for local industries, impacting Nigeria’s manufacturing sector and increasing external debt if the Nigerian government continues to rely heavily on Chinese loans for infrastructure projects.

5. Development Aid and Foreign Assistance: A Double-Edged Sword

Historically, Trump’s administration has shown skepticism toward extensive foreign aid programs, and his return to office may see cuts to these initiatives, which are vital to many African nations. Nigeria, for instance, has relied on foreign assistance for healthcare, education, and poverty reduction. U.S.-funded programs targeting diseases like HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis could face reductions, directly affecting healthcare access and outcomes in Nigeria.

Nonetheless, Trump’s emphasis on self-reliance could encourage African nations to reduce dependency on aid and build sustainable internal resources. For Nigeria, this could mean prioritizing policies that foster economic independence, strengthen healthcare infrastructure, and improve education systems. Although challenging, a shift towards self-sufficiency could be beneficial in the long term, allowing Nigeria to determine its own developmental trajectory rather than relying on external aid.

6. Diplomatic Relations: A Mixed Bag for African Leaders

Trump’s no-nonsense and often abrasive style of diplomacy has led to tense relationships with foreign leaders, and African nations are no exception. Trump’s outspoken criticisms of African leaders for corruption, inefficiency, and poor governance have been polarizing, with some viewing it as condescending, while others see it as necessary bluntness.

While some found his remarks undiplomatic, others saw value in his stance, as it highlighted issues that continue to hinder Africa’s progress. His insistence on accountability could serve as a wake-up call for African leaders, compelling them to address long-standing challenges and implement necessary reforms. By criticizing African leaders’ shortcomings, Trump indirectly encourages a higher standard of governance and accountability.

However, Trump’s return to the presidency may bring diplomatic challenges, as leaders who feel slighted by his remarks may be reluctant to cooperate closely. To maximize diplomatic benefits, African leaders, particularly those in Nigeria, will need to engage constructively with Trump’s administration, seeking common ground in trade, security, and development to mitigate potential diplomatic fallout.

The Road Ahead for Nigeria and Africa

In conclusion, Trump’s presidency undoubtedly presents both opportunities and challenges for Africa, particularly Nigeria. His hardline approach to immigration, focus on “America First” economic policies, and protective stance on religious freedoms suggest a complex set of policies that will require careful navigation. Nigeria stands to gain from Trump’s commitment to counterterrorism support, especially with respect to religious persecution, as well as from indirect economic opportunities resulting from U.S.-China trade tensions.

On the other hand, stricter immigration policies may curb the brain drain, keeping skilled professionals within Nigeria if the government can improve local conditions. Reduced aid could drive Nigeria towards self-reliance, but only if leaders rise to the challenge by developing robust economic policies that lessen dependency on foreign assistance. Additionally, the potential for strained diplomatic relations means that African leaders must prioritize strategic diplomacy, advocating for policies that benefit both sides.

In the end, Trump’s presidency presents a blend of risks and possibilities for Nigeria and Africa as a whole. By preparing for potential policy shifts and strengthening internal governance, Africa can seize opportunities amid these challenges and emerge more resilient in an evolving global landscape.

By Obinna Ejianya (9News Nigeria – Melbourne, Australia)

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has identified personal ambition as the root cause of the internal crises rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Speaking at a media chat in Abuja monitored by 9News Nigeria, Wike said the party’s failure to address its issues stems from the relentless efforts of some members to undermine him.

”Let me tell you the problem—it is not that the PDP cannot get its acts together; it is this personal ambition,” the minister said.

“This attitude that ‘I must bring Wike down’. When all you attempt is to bring me down, you make mistakes. Wike will not go down, which is true.”

Wike also criticized Bala Mohammed, Governor of Bauchi and Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, for poor leadership. He described the current leadership as the worst in the party’s history, pointing out that Mohammed’s actions have hindered the party’s progress.

“PDP has never had it this bad in terms of leadership, particularly from the chairman of the governors’ forum. And I knew it would be so. Leadership is not by mouth. It is about talking; it is by action,” he said.

“How do you know when people are treacherous? When Tambuwal finished as the chairman of the PDP governors’ forum, the position has always been rotating between the north and south.

“But Bala and co connived and went to Bauchi and took away the chairman of the governors’ forum of the PDP to the north.

“Of course, he knows, if I was governor, it wouldn’t happen. For me as a leader, you must have to make sacrifices.

“You must have the capacity to galvanise the people. You are in the opposition party. You are not in the ruling party. People will see that you are serious about taking over power.

“How has he (Mohammed) mobilised his colleagues by funding the party to make sure that the party is effective and efficient through the national working committee.

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9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Sequel to the portrayal of Alhaji Abiodun Isola Ejigbadero with unprintable names in a desperate attempt to blackmail and tarnish his image and reputation, Mr. Jelili Sulaiman has been served a pre-action notice.

Following the announcement of his suspension by the Lagos State Assembly, Sulaiman has been spreading false narratives about the suspension. In his inability to provide answers for the mismanagement of public funds, diversion of public funds into his Zamzam Medical Outreach, purchase of old, faulty cars for councilors for official assignments, acquisition of several properties within his seven years of occupying the office as council chairman among several other allegations, Sulaiman has resorted to cheap blackmail, name-calling, resulting in his supporters calling Ejigbadero unpredictable names.

This pre-action notice serves to call Sulaiman to fully retract his malicious videos, tender an apology to Abiodun Ejigbadero and also pay a fine of one hundred million naira or face legal action.

Find full content of the pre-action notice below:

Hon. Jelili Sulaiman,
Alimosho Local Government,
Akowonjo, Alimosho,
Lagos State.

Dear Sir,

RE: YOUR UNFOUNDED ALLEGATIONS AGAINST ALHAJI ABIODUN SHOLA EJIGBADERO IN VIDEO UPLOADED ON TIKTOK BY A BLOG, LAGOS REPORTERS AND ALSO REPORTED IN THE SAHARA TELEVISION – DEMAND FOR FULL RETRACTIONS, DAMAGES OF ₦100,000,000 (ONE HUNDRED MILLION NAIRA) ONLY AND PUBLIC APOLOGY

We are the Soliciters to Alhajl Abiodun Jimoh Ishola Ejigbadero (hereinafer called Our Clent) on wthose behalf we are writing this petition to you.

Sir, you were shown recently on the Video on TikTok by Lagos Reporters also aired by Sahara Reporters to have alleged and attributed your uspension by the Lagos State House of Assembly to your refusal to hand over the Alimosho LGA revenues to Alhaji Abiodun Jimoh lshola Ejigbadero with your crowd of supporters cheering and chanting, shouting “Ole, Ole” (Thief, Thief).

Sir, you know that the said allegations were false entirely but you deliberately misrepresented the facts to the public in order to defame the character af our dients and denigrate his personality. Your unfounded allegations are capable of lowering our clilent’s estimation in the eyes of the right thinking members af the society and calculated to portray him as a
dubious, corrupt person who is conniving to illegally tamper with public revenues for his selfsh gains. It is an allegation bordering on crime. Your supporters shouting “Ole, Ole” lends credence to these interpretations. It exposed him to Public Odium and cast hm in total bad light.

Sir, it is against these backgrounds that we demand a full retraction of these baseles allegatlons against the person of our Client in two major National Newspapers along with an apology and the payment of the sum of ₦100,000,000 (One hundred Million Naita) only as damages for soiling his reputation and defamation of his Character. We give you 14 days to comply with these demands failing which we have been briefed by our Client to initiate legal actions against you in the Court of Law to seek redress in this matter.

Yours falthfully,
Chief Adekunle Funmilayo

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Former deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Kingsley Moghalu has stated that Africa is badly governed.

He stated this via his X handle on Tuesday 25, September 2024.

According to Moghalu, the sole reason behind Africa’s poverty is bad governance, stressing that any other “reason” is just an “excuse”.

“Africa is poor because it is, broadly and with very few exceptions amongst its 55 countries, badly governed. Any other “reason” is just an excuse.” He said. 

He also highlighted that this misfortune, with a few exceptions like the nations of Rwanda, Botswana and Mauritius can be found amongst the other countries within the continent.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

A former speaker of the Imo state house of assembly, Ike Ibe has said that protesters are not criminals because protests are constitutionally permitted.

In a statement issued on Monday, 5 August, he emphasized that the government is meant to provide the greatest good for the people, highlighting that protests are a way of expression and communication.

The former gubernatorial candidate further pointed out that the loss of lives during the ‘EndBadGovernance’ protests was avoidable and highly condemnable.

“Government is supposed to provide the greatest good for a large number of people.

“Unfortunately, the protests that have occurred in Nigeria in that last few days have resulted to the loss of innocent lives and police officers. Police agents are not supposed to come to protest grounds with weapons”. He stated.

Ibe then lamented that the actions of security agents are wrong for Nigeria’s democracy, urging the government to take necessary measures to address the concerns of the people.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Chad junta chief Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno on Saturday said he would contest the May 6 presidential election, just three days after his chief rival was killed in murky circumstances.

Deby Itno took power in 2021 after his father, veteran leader Idriss Deby Itno, died while fighting rebels, as his father led the Sahel country for more than three decades.

Deby Itno had been proclaimed transitional president by the junta and had promised a return to civilian rule and elections within 18 months, as he subsequently extended the transition by two years.

The date of the presidential elections was announced on Tuesday, barely two months before the vote.

Deby Itno, 39, is almost certain to win, given that his main challenger has been assassinated and the opposition has been muzzled and repressed.

Meanwhile, Deby Itno’s cousin and main political rival, opposition leader Yaya Dillo Djerou, was killed after troops surrounded the office of his Socialist Party Without Borders in the capital N’Djamena.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

President Bola Tinubu is set to attend the final match of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) between Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire.

The President of the Confederation of African Football Federations, Patrice Motsepe, confirmed Tinubu’s plan to be present during a press conference in Abidjan.

Motsepe expressed his optimism for the final and mentioned that he would discuss the possibility of Nigeria hosting the World Cup again with President Tinubu. Vice President Kashim Shettima also attended the semi-finals, where Nigeria emerged victorious. The AFCON 2023 final will take place on Sunday at 9 pm Nigerian time, and the event may spark discussions about Nigeria’s potential World Cup bid.

During a press conference in Abidjan on Friday, Motsepe conveyed his optimism about the upcoming final on Sunday and also mentioned that President Tinubu would be among the guests in attendance.

“I was told the President of Nigeria is coming. I was sitting next to the Vice President during the Nigeria-South Africa game. While I can’t show excitement when any nation scores, they said they could see my happiness. And yes, I am always happy,” he said.

When asked if Africa could host the World Cup again, he said, “Nigeria must put in a bid.”

He revealed that he would have a conversation with President Tinubu about it on Sunday.

“If you haven’t been to Lagos, you haven’t been to Africa. As president of 54 member federations, I owe them all a duty, but I am proud of Nigeria,” he added, expressing his admiration for Nigeria.

Vice President Kashim Shettima attended the semi-finals on Wednesday when the Super Eagles defeated South Africa 4-2 on penalties.

The AFCON 2023 final between Nigeria and Cote d’Ivoire is scheduled to kick off on Sunday at 9 pm Nigerian time.

As the excitement builds for the showdown, discussions about Nigeria potentially hosting the World Cup again may emerge during President Tinubu’s attendance at the event.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

This is the Full Speech by the Nigerian President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the 78th United Nations General Assembly 2023 in New York, United States.

Full Speech obtained by 9News Nigeria from the United Nations platform.

STATEMENT DELIVERED BY HIS EXCELLENCY, BOLA AHMED TINUBU, GCFR PRESIDENT, FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA

AT THE GENERAL DEBATE OF THE 78TH SESSION OF UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY, 18TH SEPTEMBER 2023.

Mr. President, Heads of State and Government, Secretary-General, Distinguished Delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Mr. President, On behalf of the people of Nigeria, I congratulate you on your well-deserved election as President of this Session of the United Nations General Assembly.

We commend your predecessor, His Excellency, Mr. Csaba Korosi (Cha-ba Kor-o-chi) for his able stewardship of the Assembly.

We also commend His Excellency, Antonio Guterres, Secretary General of the United Nations, for his work seeking to forge solutions to humanity’s common challenges.

This is my first address before the General Assembly. Permit me to say a few words on behalf of Nigeria, on behalf of Africa, regarding this year’s theme.

Many proclamations have been made, yet our troubles remain close at hand. Failures in good governance have hindered Africa. But broken promises, unfair treatment and outright exploitation from abroad have also exacted a heavy toll on our ability to progress.

Given this long history, if this year’s theme is to mean anything at all, it must mean something special and particular to Africa.

In the aftermath of the Second World War, nations gathered in an attempt to rebuild their war-torn societies. A new global system was born and this great body, the United Nations, was established as a symbol and protector of the aspirations and finest ideals of humankind.

Nations saw that it was in their own interests to help others exit the rubble and wasteland of war. Reliable and significant assistance allowed countries emaciated by war to grow into strong and productive societies.

The period was a highwater mark for trust in global institutions and the belief that humanity had learned the necessary lessons to move forward in global solidarity and harmony.

Today and for several decades, Africa has been asking for the same level of political commitment and devotion of resources that described the Marshall Plan.

We realize that underlying conditions and causes of the economic challenges facing today’s Africa are significantly different from those of post-war Europe.

We are not asking for identical programs and actions. What we seek is an equally firm commitment to partnership. We seek enhanced international cooperation with African nations to achieve the 2030 agenda and Sustainable Development Goals.

There are five important points I want to highlight.

1. First, if this year’s theme is to have any impact at all, global institutions, other nations and their private-sector actors must see African development as a priority, not just for Africa but in their interests as well.

Due to both longstanding internal and external factors, Nigeria’s and Africa’s economic structures have been skewed to impede development, industrial expansion, job creation, and the equitable distribution of wealth.

If Nigeria is to fulfil its duty to its people and the rest of Africa, we must create jobs and the belief in a better future for our people.

We must also lead by example.

To foster economic growth and investor confidence in Nigeria, I removed the costly and corrupt fuel subsidy while also discarding a noxious exchange rate system in my first days in office. Other growth and job-oriented reforms are in the wings.

I am mindful of the transient hardship that reform can cause. However, it is necessary to go through this phase in order to establish a foundation for durable growth and investment to build the economy our people deserve.

We welcome partnerships with those who do not mind seeing Nigeria and Africa assume larger roles in the global community.

The question is not whether Nigeria is open for business. The question is how much of the world is truly open to doing business with Nigeria and Africa in an equal, mutually beneficial manner.

Direct investment in critical industries, opening their ports to a wider range and larger quantity of African exports and meaningful debt relief are important aspects of the cooperation we seek.

2. Second, we must affirm democratic governance as the best guarantor of the sovereign will and well-being of the people. Military coups are wrong, as is any tilted civilian political arrangement that perpetuates injustice.

The wave crossing parts of Africa does not demonstrate favour towards coups. It is a demand for solutions to perennial problems.

Regarding Niger, we are negotiating with the military leaders. As Chairman of ECOWAS, I seek to help re-establish democratic governance in a manner that addresses the political and economic challenges confronting that nation, including the violent extremists who seek to foment instability in our region. I extend a hand of friendship to all who genuinely support this mission.

This brings me to my third crucial point.

3. Our entire region is locked in a protracted battle against

violent extremists. In the turmoil, a dark channel of inhumane commerce has formed. Along the route, everything is for sale. Men, women and children are seen as chattel.

Yet, thousands risk the Sahara’s hot sand and the Mediterranean’s cold depths in search of a better life. At the same time, mercenaries and extremists with their lethal weapons and vile ideologies invade our region from the north.

This harmful traffic undermines the peace and stability of an entire region. African nations will improve our economies so that our people do not risk their lives to sweep the floors and streets of other nations. We also shall devote ourselves to disbanding extremist groups on our turf.

Yet, to fully corral this threat, the international community must strengthen its commitment to arrest the flow of arms and violent people into West Africa.

4. The fourth important aspect of global trust and solidarity is to secure the continent’s mineral-rich areas from pilfering and conflict. Many such areas have become catacombs of misery and exploitation. The Democratic Republic of the Congo has suffered this for decades, despite the strong UN presence there. The world economy owes the DRC much but gives her very little.

The mayhem visited on resource-rich areas does not respect national boundaries. Sudan, Mali, Burkina Faso, CAR, the list grows.

The problems also knock on Nigeria’s door.

Foreign entities abetted by local criminals who aspire to be petty warlords have drafted thousands of people into servitude to illegally mine gold and other resources. Billions of dollars meant to improve the nation now fuel violent enterprises. If left unchecked, they will threaten peace and place national security at grave risk.

Given the extent of this injustice and the high stakes involved, many Africans are asking whether this phenomenon is by accident or by design.

Member nations must reply by working with us to deter their firms and nationals from this 21st-century pillage of the continent’s riches.

5. Fifth, climate change severely impacts Nigeria and Africa. Northern Nigeria is hounded by desert encroachment on once-arable land. Our south is pounded by the rising tide of coastal flooding and erosion. In the middle, the rainy season brings floods that kill and displace multitudes.

As I lament deaths at home, I also lament the grave loss of life in Morocco and Libya. The Nigerian people are with you.

African nations will fight climate change but must do so on our own terms. To achieve the needed popular consensus, this campaign must accord with overall economic efforts.

In Nigeria, we shall build political consensus by highlighting remedial actions which also promote economic good. Projects such as a Green Wall to stop desert encroachment, halting the destruction of our forests by mass production and distribution of gas-burning stoves, and providing employment in local water management and irrigation projects are examples of efforts that equally advance both economic and climate change objectives.

Continental efforts regarding climate change will register important victories if established economies were more forthcoming with public and private sector investment for Africa’s preferred initiatives.

Again, this would go far in demonstrating that global solidarity is real and working.

CONCLUSION

As I close, let me emphasize that Nigeria’s objectives accord with the guiding principles of this world body: peace, security, human rights and development.

In fundamental ways, nature has been kind to Africa, giving abundant land, resources and creative and industrious people. Yet, man has too often been unkind to his fellow man and this sad tendency has brought sustained hardship to Africa’s doorstep.

To keep faith with the tenets of this world body and the theme of this year’s Assembly, the poverty of nations must end. The pillage of one nation’s resources by the overreach of firms and people of stronger nations must end. The will of the people

must be respected. This beauty, generous and
forgiving planet must be protected.

As for Africa, we seek to be neither appendage nor patron. We do not wish to replace old shackles with new ones.

Instead, we hope to walk the rich African soil and live under the magnificent African sky free of the wrongs of the past and clear of their associated encumbrances. We desire a prosperous, vibrant democratic living space for our people.

To the rest of the world, I say walk with us as true friends and partners. Africa is not a problem to be avoided nor is it to be pitied. Africa is nothing less than the key to the world’s future.

Compiled and edited by Obinna Ejianya @obinna_ejianya (9News Nigeria – Melbourne, Australia)

9newsnigeria #unitednations #unga78 #bolatinubu #president #Nigeria #naija #lagos #newyork #Tinubu #leadership #leaders

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

A viral picture of President Tinubu leaning on a table in solitude at the G20 meeting has set tongues wagging, fuelling more speculations and doubts about Tinubu’s acceptance among his supposed peers.

The picture that dominated social media space, at least in Nigeria, has the Nigerian President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu as he was leaning on a ballroom table looking frustrated and deserted while other world leaders were socializing and chatting away their time among each other.

The scenario created curiosity on why the president was desolated and distanced from other world leaders, irrespective of the fact that he is the president of Africa’s most populous country, “The Giant of Africa.”

One social media user posted on his/her social media account,  Whiteangel1234:

“Please why is Mr President Standing alone at the G20 Summit? Why is he not being noticed or rather ignored”

Whiteangel1234

While some of the president’s die-hard supporters alleged that the picture was a photoshop work, our investigation found it to be authentic and in fact, depicted more evidence that President Tinubu did not enjoy the company of other world leaders at the summit.

The original picture was posted on X (Twitter) by the Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi with the message “Lovely to interact with PM @LeeHsienLoong. India and Singapore will continue to deepen our bilateral relations for the betterment of our people.”

Though Tinubu appeared in the background of the picture, he was not the focus but was on his own, totally neglected and dejected.

Hence, we decided to dig deeper and find out why the Nigerian president was forsaken at the G20 World Leaders Conference held in India.

There had been speculations that Tinubu attended the summit un-invited but the presidency had since refuted the claim saying President Tinubu was attending “on the special invitation of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.”

Nigeria is not a permanent member of the G20 international forum but was one of the nine guest countries invited for this year’s summit in India.

The Presidency also confirmed that President Bola Tinubu used his participation at the G20 Leaders’ Summit to shop for more foreign direct investments (FDI) for Nigeria.

It was revealed that Nigeria has been seeking membership to the group and part of Tinubu’s purpose for travelling is “ascertaining the benefits and risks” of joining the forum.

Stigma on Nigeria and her current leadership

1. The issue of legitimacy and credibility when it comes to the just concluded 2023 presidential election.
2. Nigeria’s image in the global playground as a country that has nothing to offer except bad leadership and bad government policies.
3. Nigeria has a population of about 120-130 million people while the majority of the citizens are living below the poverty level.
4. President Tinubu’s alleged criminal record in the USA draws a weighty concern.

How First World Leaders Perceive and Weigh Nigerian Leaders

Recall US President Donald Trump’s mocking remarks after his meeting with Tinubu’s predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari on April 30 2018. President Trump had described his April meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari as lifeless. While speaking with his three aides after the meeting at the White House, Trump said he never wanted to meet with someone as lifeless as Nigeria’s President.”

“The first meeting, with Nigeria’s ailing 75-year-old Muhammadu Buhari in April, ended with the US president telling aides he never wanted to meet someone so lifeless again, according to three people familiar with the matter.”

Trump’s outward expression was a black-and-white epitome of how the first world country leaders view Nigerian leaders of this era even though most of them would not verbalise such perception.

The general well-being and standard of living of the citizens, economy, political stability, transparency in governance, and historical and geopolitical factors are of immense significance in how world leaders may perceive Nigerian leaders. It’s important to note that these perceptions can vary among different leaders and countries, and they may change over time when Nigerian leaders start to get it right.

It is also important to prioritize these imaginary perceptions that are vital in assessing the respect a leader should command even among his counterparts from first and second-world countries.

1. Regional Influence: Nigeria is often regarded as a prominent regional power in Africa due to its large population, economic potential, and military capabilities. Nigerian leaders may be seen as important counterparts in addressing regional challenges and maintaining stability in West Africa.
2. Economic Potential: Nigeria is considered Africa’s largest economy and has significant natural resources, including oil. World leaders may view Nigerian leaders in terms of their economic policies and potential for investment and trade partnerships. There may be expectations for Nigerian leaders to promote economic growth, address corruption, and improve the business environment.
3. Security Concerns: Nigeria faces various security challenges, including terrorism, insurgency, and ethno-religious conflicts. World leaders may have concerns about the ability of Nigerian leaders to effectively address these issues and maintain stability within the country. They may expect Nigerian leaders to collaborate with regional and international partners in combating terrorism and promoting peace.
4. Democratic Governance: Nigeria has experienced periods of military rule in the past, but it has made progress toward democratic governance. World leaders may assess Nigerian leaders based on their commitment to democratic principles, respect for human rights, and the rule of law. The conduct of elections, freedom of the press, and the independence of the judiciary are factors that could shape these perceptions.
5. International Engagement: Nigerian leaders’ engagement with the international community, including participation in regional and global organizations, can influence how they are perceived. Active involvement in diplomacy, peacekeeping efforts, and regional integration initiatives may be viewed positively by world leaders, as it demonstrates Nigeria’s commitment to international cooperation and global issues.

It’s important to remember that these perspectives are general and can vary depending on specific circumstances, such as the leader in question, regional dynamics, and the priorities of individual world leaders and their countries.

In the case of President Tinubu, the perception of the world leaders especially from the West and other first-world countries is one that lacks average credibility.

By Obinna Ejianya (9News Nigeria – Melbourne, Australia)

[Read more] Editorial and Opinion Articles on 9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Cabinet List: Prominent Support Group Director Genral accuse Sanwo-Olu of not been political in his appointment by engaging support groups that worked hard to ensure his re-election for second term.

According to the Baat Ideology Support Group Director General, Hon. Mohammed Toheeb Owolobi, the governor’s act was more intentional “an affront to the collective sensibilities of the Support Groups.”

The criticism trailing the list of commissioners and other appointments nominated by the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has further heightened as a group and scholars described the composition of the nominees “as a continuation of the governor’s longstanding bias against support groups in the state.”
They said the list exhibited a “callous insensitivity to diversity, equity, and fairness.”

Hon. Mohammed Toheeb Owolabi, in an interview with 9NEWS NIGERIA ’ reporter said in response to the issues raised, engagements with relevant stakeholders including the support groups and especially BAAT IDEOLOGY SUPPORT GROUP are ongoing for prompt resolutions.

Earlier, legislators in the state House of Assembly had kicked against the list submitted to them for screening by the governor, saying some local government areas were not represented with many other details as regards support groups participation.

Hon. Mohammed Toheeb Owolabi said: “Over the past years, we have witnessed several instances of injustice towards support groups by the Governor Sanwo-Olu-led state government through its unfavourable policies, lopsided appointments, and infringements on support groups and socio-political rights as a group community by not been a partisan and favouring non political persons in his cabinet.

“The released list of commissioners and other appointments is thus a continuation of the old abnormality and a reaffirmation that the state government has no regard whatsoever has performed in campaign and other electoral activities to bring back the Governor and thereby, this act of Governor Sanwo Olu will affect the APC in subsequent elections.

He said the group had at various times engaged the government regarding the grievances but the government has yet to act on them and even up until this time.

Support Groups make up less than 10 per cent of the list, even though they constitute over 60 per cent of not just the state’s population but her voting public. We observed that out of 39 nominees, only few are chosen and not even from Bat IDEOLOGY support group ,” Hon. Mohammed Tobeeb Owolabi, said.
He said the Baat Ideology Support group rallied around Mr Sanwo-Olu and the APC when most people, especially some other support group that did less have been given appointments in one way or the other.
“We mobilised our community to not only vote for the return of the governor but also defended the votes under very difficult circumstances. It must be stated that the Bat Ideology Support Group did not collect a dime from either the APC flagbearers or any of their opponents in that election. Rather we acted truthfully and selflessly with the hope for a more prosperous Lagos with full self funding all through with provisions of campaign materials with proves all across the state to support the Governor re-election.

We want to emphasise yet again that support groups of the state are not disposable items to be used and discarded at will. It is time that we insist most emphatically that it cannot and will not be business as usual again,” Hon. Mohammed Toheeb Owolabi said.
The group, therefore, demanded a review of the appointments through all spheres.

The support group calls out on the governor to re consider his appointments by considering the support groups that worked hard for his re-election.

So has to encourage support groups coordinations ahead of upcoming elections for advantage of the party (APC)

For: 9News Nigeria
Odesola Oluwaseun
Reporting

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

A group, BAAT IDEOLOGY SUPPORT GROUP, has declared support for the policies of President Bola Tinubu.
The group said it was in support of Mr Tinubu’s policies, including the removal of fuel subsidy and the floating of the Naira.

The removal of fuel subsidy and the floating of the Naira have brought untold hardship to Nigerians, which include skyrocketing transportation fares, an increase in the price of foodstuffs and an appreciable loss in the value of the Naira against the US Dollar.

Although the federal government and some state governments have rolled out some palliative measures, Nigerians are groaning as they lament the unbearable cost of living.

The group reiterated its support for Mr Tinubu and his All Progressives Congress-led federal government.

The Group Director General, Hon. Mohammed Toheeb Owolabi , in his speech, commended its members for the success recorded in the last general election which “led to the victory of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and all other candidates under the platform of APC that came out victorious in the last 2023 General Election, this couldn’t have been possible without your collective efforts.”

The group said it is incumbent on its members spread across the length and breadth of the country to sensitise Nigerians on the benefits and gains of Mr Tinubu’s policies, even as it acknowledged that opposition elements and antagonists of the APC-led government are taking advantage of the ”temporary hardship occasioned by the introduction of these economic policies to instigate Nigerians against Mr President and APC
in general.”

“We are not yet succeeded if we relent at this moment; the success of BAAT IDEOLOGY SUPPORT GROUP is hinged on the success of President Tinubu-led government because we campaigned vigorously for his emergence, and we should not fold our arms while the opposition members are doing all they could to present this administration in a bad light,” Hon Mohammed Toheeb Owolabi Said.

More opportunities, appointments for Nigerian youth and general persons is encouraged.

This will also boost the group more , especially its large members for continued support as they are been rewarded.

The group also called on President Tinubu to appoint more Nigerian youths and general persons , from its leaders to members, worthy of appointment into various boards of federal government parastatals and agencies.
It also said it needed the support of the Tinubu-led administration in giving youth more opportunities to enhance full participation in governance by creating an enabling environment for them to display their political and administrative dexterities.

The group equally called on the government to create more capacity-building opportunities for its members and other Nigerian youth so that they can fully contribute to their quota to building the nation.

Reporting
Odesola Oluwaseun
9News Nigeria

www.9newsng.com

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

By Wisdom Nwedene

Rwanda President, President Kagame has retired Army Generals and equally carried out some major changes following the military coup that sacked President Ali Bongo from power in Gabon.

9News Nigeria had reported that the coup which took place on Tuesday night shocked the world and forced many nations, including President Bola Tinubu, the United Nations and the African Union, to condemn the actions of the military.

The coup in Gabon was the latest in a series of military coups that have seen democratically elected leaders removed from the seat of power in Niger Republic, Mali, Sudan, Burkina Faso, and Guinea-Bissau.

9News Nigeria reports that
President Kagame has approved the retirement of several RDF generals, including senior presidential advisor on security matters, Gen. James Kabarebe.

The senior military officers also include Gen Fred Ibingira, Lt Gen Charles Kayonga, Lt Gen Frank Mushyo Kamanzi, Maj Gen Martin Nzaramba, Maj Gen Eric Murokore, Maj Gen Augustin Turagara, Maj Gen Charles Karamba, Maj Gen Albert Murasira, Brig Gen Chris Murari, Brig Gen Didace Ndahiro, and Brig Gen Emmanuel Ndahiro.

No reason was given for their unplanned retirement, only that it is suspected to help arrest the whirlwind of military coups currently spreading within the African continent.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

By Obinna Ejianya (9News Nigeria – Melbourne, Australia)

## Introduction: The role of media in guarding Nigerian democracy

In a democratic society, the media plays a crucial role in safeguarding the interests of the public. In Nigeria, the media has been instrumental in monitoring government policies and ensuring transparency, thus contributing to the growth of democracy. This article explores the importance of transparency in governance, the role of the media in monitoring government policies, the challenges faced by the Nigerian media, case studies of the media’s impact on government policies, the significance of investigative journalism, the future of the media in Nigeria, and ways individuals can support the media’s role in monitoring government policies.

The importance of transparency in governance

Transparency is the cornerstone of a functioning democracy. It ensures that government actions and policies are open to public scrutiny, fostering accountability and trust.

When government policies are shrouded in secrecy, corruption and partisanship thrive. Transparency allows citizens to understand how decisions are made, how public resources are allocated, and whether government actions align with the interests of the people. By demanding transparency, the media acts as a watchdog, ensuring that the government remains accountable to the public.

The role of the media in monitoring government policies and ensuring transparency

The Nigerian media plays a vital role in monitoring government policies and ensuring transparency. Through investigative journalism, news outlets uncover hidden agendas, expose corruption, and hold politicians accountable. By reporting on government activities, policies, and decisions, the media provides citizens with the information they need to make informed choices and actively participate in the democratic process. Journalists act as intermediaries between the government and the public, bridging the gap and facilitating dialogue. Their role is not only to inform but also to advocate, analyze and provide critical perspectives on government policies.

The Nigerian media landscape

The Nigerian media landscape is diverse and vibrant, comprising various print, broadcast, and online outlets. From national newspapers to community radio stations, there is a wide range of sources through which citizens can access information. Additionally, social media platforms have gained significant popularity, allowing for real-time dissemination of news and fostering citizen engagement. However, while the Nigerian media has made significant strides in recent years, it still faces several challenges that hinder its ability to effectively monitor government policies.

Challenges faced by the Nigerian media in monitoring government policies

The Nigerian media confronts numerous obstacles in its quest for transparency and accountability. One major challenge is the threat to journalists’ safety and freedom of expression. Journalists who expose corruption and criticize government policies are often subjected to harassment, intimidation, and sometimes violence.

Another significant challenge is the issue of money-politics and media buying by politicians and those in authority. Many politicians and government authorities use their financial resources to influence media coverage, leading to biased reporting and the suppression of critical information. This undermines the media’s role as an impartial observer and protector of democracy. Additionally, journalists often face threats, intimidation, and physical violence when reporting on sensitive issues. This culture of impunity poses a severe threat to press freedom and hinders the media’s ability to hold the government accountable.

Additionally, media organizations face financial constraints, limiting their ability to invest in investigative journalism. Furthermore, there is a lack of access to information as government officials often withhold vital data or provide selective disclosures. These challenges restrict the media’s ability to fulfil its role as a watchdog.

Case studies of the media’s impact on government policies in Nigeria

Despite the challenges, the Nigerian media has had significant impacts on government policies through its rigorous reporting and investigative journalism. One notable case is the exposure of corruption in the fuel subsidy system. Journalists uncovered a massive fraud scheme in which billions of dollars were embezzled through fraudulent fuel subsidy claims. The media’s relentless coverage resulted in public outrage, leading to investigations, prosecutions, and reforms in the subsidy system. Another case is the media’s role in exposing electoral malpractices, which led to the nullification of elections and the strengthening of democratic institutions.

Two notable case studies demonstrate the media’s impact on government policies in Nigeria: the EndSARS protest and the 2023 Presidential Election Malpractices. The EndSARS protest, sparked by police brutality, gained widespread attention through social media and traditional media coverage. The media played a crucial role in amplifying the voices of the protesters, exposing police misconduct, and demanding accountability from the government.

Similarly, during the 2023 Presidential Election, media outlets exposed malpractices, voter intimidation, and electoral fraud. This led to public outcry and calls for electoral reforms, ultimately resulting in positive changes.

The role of investigative journalism in promoting transparency and accountability

Investigative journalism plays a crucial role in promoting transparency and accountability. By delving deep into complex issues and uncovering hidden truths, investigative journalists shed light on government policies and actions that would otherwise remain in the shadows. Through in-depth research, interviews, and data analysis, investigative journalists provide the public with comprehensive and well-documented reports, empowering citizens to demand transparency and accountability from their government. The media’s commitment to investigative journalism is essential for a healthy democracy.

The future of the media in Nigeria and its impact on democracy

The future of the media in Nigeria holds both challenges and opportunities. With the rise of digital platforms and social media, the media landscape is evolving rapidly. While this presents new avenues for information dissemination and citizen engagement, it also brings challenges such as the spread of misinformation and the need for media literacy. To ensure the media’s continued impact on democracy, it is crucial to address these challenges while upholding the principles of freedom of the press and protecting journalists’ safety. The media must adapt, innovate, and maintain its commitment to truth and accountability.

Ways individuals can support the media’s role in monitoring government policies

As individuals, we have a vital role to play in supporting the media’s role in monitoring government policies. Firstly, we can prioritize consuming news from credible and independent sources, avoiding the spread of misinformation. Secondly, we can actively engage with the media by participating in discussions, sharing important stories, and providing feedback. Thirdly, we can support media organizations financially by subscribing to newspapers or making donations to nonprofit news outlets. Lastly, we can champion policies that protect journalists’ safety, freedom of expression, and access to information.

Conclusion: The importance of a free and independent media in promoting transparency and democracy

A free and independent media is indispensable in promoting transparency and democracy in Nigeria. By monitoring government policies, investigating corruption, and holding those in power accountable, the media ensures that the public interest is safeguarded. However, the Nigerian media faces significant challenges that must be addressed to maintain its effectiveness. As citizens, we must actively support the media’s role by consuming credible news, engaging with media organizations, and advocating for policies that protect journalists. Together, we can strengthen transparency, foster accountability, and build a more democratic Nigeria that yields positive dividends for the citizenry.

Call To Action: Nigerians should support the Media in their pursuit of transparency and accountability. Stay informed, engage with credible news sources, and advocate for press freedom. Together, we can promote a stronger democracy for all.

By Obinna Ejianya (9News Nigeria – Melbourne, Australia)

#9NewsNigeria #media #transparency #democracy #nigeria #government

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9News Nigeria

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led  Economic Community of West African States has ordered its standby force to restore constitutional order in the Niger Republic.

The President of ECOWAS, Omar Alieu Touray, made the declaration while reading the resolution of ECOWAS on the Niger coup at the ECOWAS Extraordinary meeting in Abuja on Thursday.

It also called on the African Union, AU, partner countries, and institutions to support the resolution taken by the sub-regional body.

ECOWAS said all efforts made to dialogue with Niger Republic military junta have been defiantly rejected by coup leaders as they condemn the continuous detention of President Mohamed Bazoum and his family members.

The resolution partly reads, “Direct the committee of the Chief of Defence Staff to activate the ECOWAS standby force with all its elements immediately.

“Order the deployment of the ECOWAS stand-by force to restore constitutional order in the Republic of Niger.

“Underscore its continued commitment to the restoration of constitutional order through peaceful means.”

More details soon…

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9News Nigeria

To be clear: the impacts of imperialism in Africa included the creation of a system of economic exploitation that benefitted Europe at the cost of Africa. It is worthy of note, that, throughout history, imperialism has led countries to extend their rule over weaker countries and then colonized those countries to expand their own power. Imperialism allows the ruling countries to use the weaker countries for their resources.

Let me begin with the golden words of A Pan-Africanist and iconic revolutionary, Patrice Lumumba, founder and leader of the Movement National Congolais (MNC) party was Congo’s independence leader and the first democratically elected leader of the country. He dedicated his life to fighting colonialism, exploitation and injustices. Lumumba played a critical role in Congo’s fight for independence from Belgium.

Patrice Lumumba posited: “We were offered a choice between liberation and the continuation of bondage. There can be no compromise between freedom and slavery. We chose to pay the price of freedom.” If only the rest of the African continent could adopt this perspective..
Africa has what it takes to thrive on her own!

Nigeria earned almost $400 billion in 16 years under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The PDP administration built nothing and added nothing beyond creating hundreds of ‘private jets’ flying billionaires who owned no industries – it prides itself on building nothing but a handful of people who successfully highjacked and manipulated the system as exemplified by just two of the high flyers: Diezani Allison-Madueke and Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.

Diezani had unlimited access to power, money, and other privileges: she was on the board of Shell Petroleum as executive director, once married to Allison Madueke, a retired Naval officer, former CNC, and two-term military governor of two different states. She was a trained architect who later transformed to become Nigeria’s first female minister of works and later petroleum minister. Yet, despite these privileges, Diezani stole our barbequed fish, and roasted yams, and hide them in her bra like a mad woman.

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is a full-blown product of the imperialist and a neutralized American citizen who has been serving as the Director-General of the World Trade Organization since March 2021. Ngozi played a very dominant role under the Peoples Democratic Party voodoo economy supervised by former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan two unapologetic ‘irredeemable’ imperialist agents. Ngozi played the role of a well trained imperialist mind successful.

Thereafter, she was rewarded with a plum office as the first woman and first African to lead the World Trade Organization as Director-General. Meanwhile, the Nigerian economy nosedived completely.

Fast-forward, the first half of the APC’s sixteen years has almost rivaled the PDP Now the million dollars.

Akeredolu, in a statement personally issued in Akure, the Ondo State capital on Wednesday, noted that the “intentions and motives of the zoning formula represent early signs of steps aimed at attempts to cabin the hard-earned Presidency for our Leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu by a few individuals with eyes on Aso Rock Power Buttons.”

In lieu of the above, the incoming administration of Tinubu’s Presidency inheriting a huge burden of trust deficits, squandering of riches, and heavy debt profile, must of necessity be circumspect and avoid the pitfalls of the past.

To be clear: the impacts of imperialism in Africa included the creation of a system of economic exploitation that benefitted Europe at the cost of Africa. It is worthy of note, that, throughout history, imperialism has led countries to extend their rule over weaker countries and then colonized those countries to expand their own power. Imperialism allows the ruling countries to use the weaker countries for their resources.

The catchall phrase “African solutions to African problems” should be the watchword on the lips of the team members of the new administration with the hope of a new social order. It is evident that African people have got the necessary resources and knowledge to address the challenges the continent is facing. Even if the concept needs further development, away from the ongoing recolonization as exemplified by endless borrowing presently from the Eastern world and previously from the Western front.

Expectedly, ‘Hope ’93’ must continue to resonate in our subconscious minds. The progenitor: Bashorun Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola is an admixture of ideological contestation and political admiration.

LPLikewise, Tinubu’s Presidency should emulate MKO’s philosophy of Pan-Africanism. The point of a total overhaul of our system cannot be overstated: we must be reasonably independent of the West and the East. Therefore, the incoming President Asíwájú Bola Ahmed Bola must stick to his determination of running a people’s friendly economy devoid of corruption.

Finally, the incoming administration should endeavor to be the bridge between the past and the future thereby turning our past inglorious era of wastage of resources into building a new era of HOPE, FREEDOM, and VIBRANCY.

The sleeping giant deserves to wake up to its responsibilities in the continent of Africa and occupy her rightful position in the comity of Nations – so that at the fullness of time, the verdict of posterity, the verdict of history, and the judgment of God will be kind with us as a nation destined for greatness.

Richard Odusanya
Mind Restructuring Enthusiast

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

President Muhammadu Buhari, has on Wednesday wrote to the Senate, asking the honorable house to approve a new loan request of $800million.

In a letter read by the President of the Senate, Senator Ahmad Lawan, President Buhari who noted that the loan would be utilized to scale up the National Social Safety Net Programme, said that the loan would be sourced from the World Bank. Details later:

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9News Nigeria

They say that they want change. In my opinion, what is happening now should be an opportunity for them to really break with the past. But, what do we see: desperation, cyber-bullying, threats and name-calling.

Instead, I had argued that our vibrant citizens particularly the restive youths should get on social media and tell themselves and the whole world that they are breaking with the past and are accepting, without rancor, the results of our elections.

Permit me to begin with the golden words of Albert Pike, an American author, poet, orator, editor, lawyer, jurist and Confederate general who served as an associate justice of the Arkansas Supreme Court in exile from 1864 to 1865. He had profoundly posited:

“what we have done for ourselves alone dies with us, but what we have done for others, and for the world remains and is immortal.”

Expanding this assertion, another American writer who was a statesman and a scientist, Benjamin Franklin averred that “if you would not be forgotten as soon as you are dead, you either write things worth reading or do things worth writing about.” Therefore, the huge responsibility to protect the sanctity of our electoral system becomes inevitable.

Flowing from the above, I am somehow despondent. Our children and younger ones ( The youths who are mostly complicit in the rot in the society) are behaving like those in my generation and before us.

If they do this, the whole world would respect and give them more support while the older ones would be completely disarmed forever. Strategy is required, and this should be one of their political strategies towards success.Election is not a game of entitlement.

This is where I completely disagree with many of our faith-based leaders. You either win or lose. And once the results are announced, the winners or losers should take a position of a good sportsman. It’s like a football match. You may have complains about the game or the referee, but the result remains the end game. If you disagree, the only option available is the court!

In conclusion, I like to dedicate this article “The Road To The Promised Land Or The Golgotha” to all our compatriots home and abroad: it must be the promised land not the Golgotha; you are the heroes of our democracy, it is your victory;

to the President-elect and his deputy, history beckons as you shepherd and navigate us through the dark cloud with the ‘Renewed Hope’.

NIGERIA WILL BE PEACEFUL.

Finally, I will leave us with the profound words of Clive Staples Lewis, a British writer and Anglican lay theologian. Clive posited: “The road to the promised land runs past Sinai. The moral law may exist to be transcended: but there is no transcending it for those who have not first admitted its claims up on them, and then tried with all their strength to meet that claim, and fairly and squarely faced the fact of their failure.

“ARISE ‘O COMPATRIOTS

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9News Nigeria

The presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Bola Tinubu, has cleared all 10 out of 20 local government areas of Ogun State declared so far by the Independent National Electoral Commission.

The results from 10 local governments were declared by local government officers at the state collation centre in Abeokuta on Sunday.The Peoples Democratic Party presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, trailing the APC in the results so far declared.

The 10 local governments so far declared were Remo North, Ikenne, Egbado-South, Ewekoro, Abeokuta North, Ijebu-North and Ijebu North-East.

Others were Imeko Afon Odeda and Ijebu-Ode.

Below are the breakdown of the results:(1) Remo North: APC- 5814, PDP – 3627, LP – 984, NNPP – 22

(2) Ikenne: APC – 9431, PDP – 6616, LP – 2698, NNPP – 39

Abeokuta North: APC – 20,094, PDP – 5057, LP – 4092

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9News Nigeria

She said Tinubu is a political leader who recognizes potential and acts on it. “Many people asked me why I was supporting this man here and all I can say is he is one person I know in this political realm that sees potential and doesn’t ignore,” she said.

“A leader in many forms.”

Zahra Buhari-Indimi, the daughter of the president, has described Bola Tinubu as a “leader in many forms.”

The presidential election commenced on Saturday with a total of 18 candidates contesting for Nigeria’s highest office.Tinubu is the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC).In a post on her Instastory, Zahra revealed why she is supporting the former governor of Lagos state.

Millions of Nigerians took to their polling units to vote in favour of their preferred candidates with celebrities also not left out of the phenomenon.Out of the 18 presidential candidates, four are leading the race for the election.They include Tinubu, Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP), Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Rabiu Kwankwaso of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).President Muhammadu Buhari voted at his polling unit in Daura, Katsina state.

After voting, the president showed off his ballot papers to let the people around the polling unit know he voted for Tinubu.

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9News Nigeria

• President Muhammadu Buhari has appealed to Nigerians to exercise further patience as appropriate measures are being taken to ease the hardships occasioned by the Naira redesign policy.
• President Buhari said despite the initial hardships, God willing, there will be light at the end of the tunnel.
• This is as the President has called for support for the Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the February 25 election, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, saying that the APC’s candidate will continue with the achievement of his administration if given the mandate.

A statement issued on Sunday by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu said in a message sent home from Addis Ababa, Buhari said he is fully aware of hardship some policies of government, “which are meant to bring overall improvement to the country” had caused and appealed for further patience as the government takes appropriate measures to ease them.

According to the statement, “In a video recording to shore up support for Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC in the upcoming elections a few days ahead, the President thanked Nigerians for electing him to be President for two terms, and urged them to vote for the APC flag bearer because “he is reliable and I know he will build on our achievements.

”It further said, “In the campaign message to voters, the President specifically put a call on “our traditional rulers, religious leaders and parents to warn their followers and wards alike, to not allow themselves to be used by a few to foment trouble.

“I want to assure you that the government has taken adequate security measures to allow everyone to come out and cast their votes. I am therefore appealing to everyone to give them the necessary support.

“Fellow Nigerians, I want to use this opportunity to once again thank you for electing me to be your President on two occasions.

“I am not a contestant in this election, but my party, the All Progressives Congress, has a candidate in the person of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

As I mentioned before, Tinubu is a true believer in Nigeria, who loves the people and the development of our country.

“I am calling on all of you to vote for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He is reliable and I trust he will build on our achievements. “Finally, I want to once again assure you that I am fully aware of the current hardship you are facing as a result of some policies of the government which are meant to bring overall improvement to the country.

“I am appealing to you to exercise further patience as we take appropriate measures to ease these hardships. God willing, there will be light at the end of the tunnel.”The President emphasized that the APC presidential candidate has demonstrated his commitment to the development of the country and the well-being of its people.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

The Christ Embassy Founder Pastor Chris Oyakhilomen endorses Peter Obi of Labour Party. He said this a few hours ago at the Loveworld Convocation Arena. He said asked members to use their PVCs and vote for the Candidate whose name is in the Bible; Peter.

Pastor Chris Reveals the Presidential Candidate to Vote for Ahead of Nigeria’s Presidential Polls.

THE FIRST CANDIDATE

He is not himself. He is under the influence of a devil. This devil was mocking and laughing, scoffing at Nigerians. The devil is using him. It’s a wicked spirit of darkness, a mocker. The devil’s name is jackal. A jackal is a trickster, a swindler who usually operates on behalf of another for the purpose of deception. This demon is mocking Nigeria. But he’s been cut off.

THE SECOND CANDIDATE

In the spirit, the second candidate, if you let him get into office, you will have no country. You would have sold your country.

THE THIRD CANDIDATE

Then in the spirit, the 3rd candidate was afraid of winning. He didn’t want to lose but he was afraid of winning. Then I prayed, Lord give him wings to fly! HIS NAME IS IN THE BIBLE!!Hope you’ve gotten your PVC? VOTE WISELY!!!

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9News Nigeria

The Majority Leader of the House of Representatives, Ado Doguwa, on Thursday in Abuja, said the new naira policy is putting the governing party, All Progressives Congress, at a disadvantage in the coming elections.

Doguwa, who chairs the Special Adhoc Committee on the Naira Redesign, Cashless Policy and Naira Swap in the lower chamber of the national assembly, revealed this after he led members of the committee to meet the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja.The meeting came hours after the President, in a televised message on Thursday morning, announced that only the old N200 notes would remain legal tender until April 10, 2023.

However, the Ad-hoc committee expressed dissatisfaction saying, “It is not yet Uhuru.”

Concerned about the implementation of the President’s directive, Doguwa said the committee expects the CBN to act immediately.He also warned that it will perform its oversight functions to ensure full compliance and will, where necessary, invoke its legislative powers.

According to him, “We came to say to Mr. President that despite his broadcast this morning, in spite of the fact that he has told the CBN to make some amendments to take some new steps to ameliorate the hardship, it is not yet Uhuru.

“For instance, the Central Bank has been directed to make money available. But how do we ensure that Mr. President’s directive is being carried out? That cannot be guaranteed.

“Mr. President addressed us and addressed the CBN governor once again to our face and we used the opportunity to also tell the CBN governor that ‘you must go around to implement the directive of the President as contained in the letters of his speech.

”He cautioned the CBN and other relevant agencies against defaulting on the directive as the legislature will not spare its constitutional powers to impose penalties.“Of course, while we are discharging our constitutional right to oversight every institution of government, we must ensure that the directive of Mr. President is carried out to the letter.

“Failure to do that, we must involve every instrumentality of the law, legislative instrumentality, to ensure that Presidential orders are being abided by and ensure that the laws of the land are also being respected.”

According to Doguwa, the new naira policy has dampened the chances of the APC in the coming elections.

He argued that not only do Nigerians now see the party as the source of their sufferings, but public officials elected on its platform also cannot access the requisite cash to run campaign rallies.

“So those of us in the APC are not happy about it. Why will you insist on cashless when even INEC has raised a lot of fears that without cash is needed to carry out activities by the electoral commission.

”The PUNCH reported that Doguwa met the President in the company of other committee members, the Central Bank Governor, Godwin Emefiele; representative of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami; the Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba; the Director-General, Department of State Services, Yusuf Bichi; the Permanent Secretary, State House, Tijani Umar and the Economic Adviser to the President, Adedoyin Salami.

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9News Nigeria

Nigerians must reject politicians whose favourite pastime is a resort to weaponizing ethnic and religious sentiments.

By Richard Odusanya.

If Nigeria must progress, we must completely eradicate religious sentiments/tribalism and unite the centrifugal forces into forces of Nigeria beyond ethnic and sectional sentiments in the choice of candidates into public office. Unity is the ability to pull towards a common goal at a given time.

Religion, ethnic and tribal divides are common amongst most Countries of the world, but weaponizing Ethnicity is more prevalent in 3rd World Countries where leaders take advantage of tribal sentiments to appeal to sectional support.

Nigerians are notoriously religious, as exemplified by the numbers of the adherents of the dominant religion. However, the danger comes when religion is mixed with politics.

Religion by its very nature and content appeals not so much to reason. It’s a heart matter and carries with it huge emotions.

Meanwhile, religion has been traditionally defined as a collection of cultural systems, belief systems, and worldviews that relate humanity to spirituality and, sometimes, to moral values. Because reli-gion and politics are always changing and adapting, the foundational ideologies of the relation-ship between these two entities are continually challenged, reimagined and modified.Against this background, I opined that our ever vibrant citizens will see reason why we cannot afford to fail. Hence, the Nigerian story of weaponisation of religion which has been characterised by the manipulation of historical narratives between Christians and Muslims, and the setting of ethnic groups against each other over the years.

Most Muslims in northern Nigeria have continued to re-echo sentiments of the old caliphate (1804-1903), which views Christianity as a foreign religion that is tied to colonialism. This has fed from a false notion that one religion is superior to the other. In my view religion is a man made and driven by the desire to explore the possibility of pleasing our creator, the most high God.

Flowing from the foregoing, I reckoned that weaponization of religion and ethnicity is a menace to democratic values, social stability and peace. As a matter of fact, it is the foundation of anarchy and destabilization.

Therefore, as a nation destined for greatness we should resist the temptation of exhibiting intolerance, extremism, exuberance and spreading falsehood. After all, the forthcoming election is not a do-or-die affair; rather, it is God who gives power to whoever he pleases.

Sadly, It was former President Olusegun ‘St’ Matthew’ Aremu Obasanjo, who during the 2007 electioneering campaigns, told us that the elections were a “do or die affair”. He was determined to install his own successor and nothing was going to stand in his way. The beneficiary of that electoral heist, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, did acknowledge the tainted nature of his mandate during his inauguration.

He proceeded to set up the Justice Uwais electoral reform committee that was charged with the responsibility of bequeathing on the nation a better electoral system.

Unsurprisingly, Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party and a major beneficiary of politics of ethnicity and religion promoted by the proponent of do-or-die politics, his mentor the balogun owu.

Peter, inherited many of the traits and attributes of his benefactor and has fully deployed the instrumentality of do-or-die politics by weaponization of religion and ethnicity as exemplified by the activities in the Lagos rally of the Labour Party tagged,

“Mega rally” it signposts the beginning of politics with bitterness which must be discouraged at all cost. Peter Obi is one of the 18 candidates seeking Nigeria’s highest office in the 25 February polls.

For the record, I am one of the few citizens of our beloved country Nigeria with unparalleled and nationalistic mindset; an Ijebu-man by reasons of providence, from the South-west Nigeria; an Igbo-man by birth and marriage. Born by a Northern mother of the blessed memory. I daresay that I am a miniature map of Nigeria.

Today, as a special day in my life, I rededicate the rest part of the journey of life in pursuit of humanitarian , emancipation and the African Renaissance – so help me God.

Conclusively, Nigerians! "Shine Your Eyes" elections is not 'do-or-die' and government is not magical. 

Obviously, the election results of June 12th 1993, Nigerians saw the best in our citizens as we all went out to vote peacefully regardless of same faith ticket and devoid of ethnicity. By June 24th 1993, we also saw the worst of our leadership as the elections were annulled.

LEADERSHIP IS A CATALYST FOR CHANGE.

#NigeriaDecide2023: Weaponization Of Religion And Ethnicity

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

He said, “The Nigerian election is a huge and complex one. It requires the engagement of critical services and in line with the provisions of the exchange laws and regulations, service providers are generally paid by means of electronic transfer to their accounts.‘

With about 16 days to the general election, there are strong indications that the new naira notes scarcity may disrupt the exercise. The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Mahmood Yakubu, said this during a meeting with the Central Bank Governor, Godwin Emefiele at the CBN headquarters, Abuja, on Tuesday.

He explained that many service providers to INEC had no bank accounts. He, therefore, solicited the support of the apex bank to address the concern related to the CBN cash withdrawal policy which had caused chaos across the country.

The apex bank had last year pegged weekly cash withdrawal limits set for individuals and corporate organisations to N500,000 and N5 million, respectively.

It also introduced the currency redesign policy which involves the issuance of new N1000, N500 and N200 notes last December. But explaining his concern to the CBN chief, Yakubu said the service providers needed to be paid fully or partly, adding that there were fears about the withdrawal limits.

He said, “The Nigerian election is a huge and complex one. It requires the engagement of critical services and in line with the provisions of the exchange laws and regulations, service providers are generally paid by means of electronic transfer to their accounts.‘

’However, there are crucial areas such as transportation and human support services that have to be immediately enumerated, either partially or in full because services are rendered.“In addition, emergency situations may arise requiring immediate cash payments. Some of the critical service providers are unbanked. Over the years we have worked with the Central Bank of Nigeria and commercial banks to pay for such services seamlessly during general elections, as well as off-cycle and by-elections.

‘’Over the years, the commission has migrated all its accounts at national and state levels to CBN and this arrangement has worked without hindrances to our activities.

“In view of the recent policy involving the redesigning of some denominations of our currencies and the limit on cash withdrawals and availability, we consider this meeting important in addressing some of our areas of concern with just 17 days to the 2023 general elections.

‘’We are confident that an aspect of this meeting will reduce the anxiety expressed by some of our service providers. We are determined to make the 2023 general election one of the best elections in Nigeria but we cannot do it alone. That is why the commission is mobilising every critical national institution for the success of the election.”

The CBN governor assured that cash would be made available for payment of the service providers and added that the apex bank would not allow itself to be used to frustrate the efforts of the electoral body.

Emefiele promised that the apex bank would do everything possible to support the 2023 election, stressing that it has never failed Nigerians.He stated, “Now, just aside from the issue of storage of election materials and together with transportation of these election materials from CBN locations to your own specific or designated locations; where do you want these materials to be?‘’I know that just a few months ago, I visited your office and you raised the issue of how foreign exchange can be procured for you to import your BVAS and other election materials that need to be imported. And I give you my word that foreign exchange will be provided for that purpose.

“I stand here or I sit here to confirm that today, not $1 is owed. All the dollars that are needed to import those items have been provided and those items have been imported.

“So, it is all part of our commitment.

Now this issue of payment and logistics for people who are going to be transporting election materials, even to visit wards; the assurance I give to you is that because we regarded the INEC project as a topmost or urgent national assignment, it cannot fail and the central bank would not allow itself either to be used or itself to be seen as an agent that frustrated a positive outcome of that election.

’’Emefiele said the CBN would provide the cash support with the electoral body needed to prosecute the poll.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Let me begin with the prophetic words and one of the songs of Sonny Okosun, a Nigerian musician, who was known as the leader of the Ozzidi band. He named his band Ozzidi after a renowned Ijaw river god, but to Okosun of the blessed memory, the meaning was “there is a message”. His surname is sometimes spelled Okosuns and his first name Sunny.

He was one of the leading Nigerian musicians from the late 1970s to mid-1980s. Ozzidi King; exactly forty years ago in February 1983, he had sang a prophetic song with the title; “Which way Nigeria” In the music, the Ozzidi King asked: Which way Nigeria? Which way to go? I love my fatherland. I want to know which way Nigeria is heading to?

This puzzle has led most of our compatriots in different walks of life to get terribly worried about governance in our beloved country Nigeria, particularly at the National level since the end of the First Republic (i.e. the period between 1st October, 1960 when Nigeria gained its independence and the 15th day of January, 1966 when the first military coup d’etat took place in Nigeria). Fast-forward to June 12, 1993, the first election after the 1983 military coup that terminated the country’s Second Republic precisely in the night 31st, December 1983.

Ironically, the number one topic in the polity at that moment is June 12, 1993 election, adjudged as freest and fairest in the history of the country. the elections was the outcome of a transitional process to civilian rule spearheaded by the military ruler, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida.

The unofficial result of the election – though not declared then by the National Electoral Commission (NEC) – indicated a victory for Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), who defeated Bashir Tofa of the National Republican Convention (NRC).

Sadly, the election results was annulled, since then as a troubled nation we’ve been growing in darkness up till now.

For those who do not know, particularly the youths of our beloved country Nigeria, who are usually fed with wrong information; this is the real issue, the annulment led to protests and political unrest, including the resignation of Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida and a weak interim civilian government, and culminated in the continuation of military rule in the country with Sani Abacha ascending to power as the military head of state via a bloodless coup later in that same year.

The issue of the election regained prominence following the declaration of June 12, as Democracy Day by President Muhammadu Buhari and the posthumous GCFR award conferred on MKO Abiola, presumed winner of the election. Interestingly, It’s been three decades since the events of the June 12, 1993 elections which annulment were marked by mass strike actions and protests. Nigerian working masses, trade unions, civil society groups and youth protested against the annulment of the election by the Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida regime. June 12 represents total freedom, the free expression of the will of the people, justice, equality, respect for human rights and above all elimination of the twin evils of ethnicity and religion bigotry in our political space.

The annulment cast a dark shadow on our nation. Regardless, I will completely align with the saying: “The Darker the Night, The Nearer the Dawn.

"Bashorun Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola is the symbol of the freest, fairest and transparent election in the annals of our history, an election where no blood was shed, where a muslim-muslim ticket won and an election which defied tribalism and regionalism. This is where the "Which way Nigeria" of the Ozzidi King pricked the mind. 

As a nation destined for greatness and having overcome the twin evils of ethnicity and religion by what June 12 represent and the sacrifice of Bashorun Abiola. I, therefore, recommend a change of Eagle square to MKO Abiola square before the next major event where the 16th President C-in-C of the federal republic of Nigeria swearing-in ceremony will take place. Therefore, in honor of the pillar of sport in Africa, we should allow the twin evils of ethnicity and religion to remain in the past.

Permit me to conclude this article dedicated to our compatriots home and abroad particularly at a trying time like this: I like to say that encouraging our friends in their toughest times is actually a great way to reaffirm our own decision to never give up on ourselves. When facing adversity, we may think we’ve reached our limit, but actually the more trying the circumstances, the closer we are to making a breakthrough.

The darker the night, the nearer the dawn.

Victory in life is decided by that last concentrated burst of energy filled with the resolve to win.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

• New court documents obtained from the State Security Service (SSS) obtained by PREMIUM TIMES have revealed that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, has been funding “unknown gunmen” terrorising the Southeast region of the country.
• The secret police known as the SSS or Department of State Services (DSS) accused Emefiele of funding terrorism, unknown gunmen terrorising the Southeast region, the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its militant wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).

The secret police known as the SSS or Department of State Services (DSS) accused Emefiele of funding terrorism, unknown gunmen terrorising the Southeast region, the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its militant wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).

It said the actions of the CBN governor were “meant to subvert and sabotage” President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

DSS investigation revealed that the apex bank governor funded the groups with resources he raised for his failed presidential bid in 2022 and diverted public funds.

It added that the funds and the vehicles Emefiele had planned to use for his presidential campaign were channelled into the funding of “‘Unknown Gunmen’, ESN and elements of IPOB, a proscribed organisation.

”According to the secret police, Emefiele “on several occasions in actions prejudicial to the security of the Nigerian state,” engaged in “criminal conspiracy to divert government resources into suspicious acts of terrorism financing”.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

The Obi-Datti Presidential Campaign Council has denied that the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi is in talks with Atiku Abubakar, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party,=.Diran Onifade, Head of Media for Obi-Datti Presidential Campaign Council, in a statement issued on Wednesday, Onifade said Obi was not in talks with Atiku or any other candidate.

Diran Onifade, Head of Media for Obi-Datti Presidential Campaign Council, in a statement issued on Wednesday, Onifade said Obi was not in talks with Atiku or any other candidate.

Atiku had said that he was in touch with the presidential candidates of the Labour Party and New Nigerian People Party (NNPP), Obi and Rabi’u Kwankwaso respectively for possible support in the forthcoming elections.In an interview with BBC Hausa service, Atiku said he was holding talks with both presidential candidates, adding that the duo were not in any way a threat to his chances in the election.However, Onifade stressed that Peter Obi is the frontrunner in the race and therefore not in any talks to step down for any candidate.

“We have been inundated with enquiries about the claim of an ongoing discussion between our Presidential ticket and the camp of PDP’s Presidential Candidate, Atiku Abubakar.“For emphasis, we wish to repeat, as we have said all day, that the claim is totally false and baseless. We are not in any talks with Atiku or anyone else with a view to stepping down from a race in which we are the frontrunner.

“Peter Obi is in the contest to win in consonance with the aspiration of the majority of Nigerians who desire a New Nigeria devoid of lies, corruption and selfish scheming,” he said.“I see no threat because we are not together with them (Kwankwaso and Obi). We are in talk with them, one of them may possibly come,” Atiku had told BBC Hausa.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

According to Tinubu, when the government took over, the naira/dollar exchange rate was about N200 to a dollar, but it has depreciated to about N800 to the dollar on the parallel market.

The presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, has again taken a swipe at the President Muhammadu Buhari-led government.According to Tinubu, when the government took over, the naira/dollar exchange rate was about N200 to a dollar, but it has depreciated to about N800 to the dollar on the parallel market.

He disclosed this on Tuesday at the APC presidential campaign rally in Calabar, Cross River State.Tinubu and President Buhari belong to the same party.The APC candidate further said the government did not know the way and how to think.

“To change and the torture (sic), they moved the exchange rate from N200 to N800. If they have repaired it, if they have arrested this, we won’t be where we are today.

We will have been greater.“They don’t know the way, they don’t know how to think, they don’t know how to do,” Tinubu lamented.This is coming a few days after Tinubu attacked the Buhari-led government for the lingering fuel scarcity in the country as well as the naira redesign policy.Speaking in Yoruba in Abeokuta, he said, “Let fuel be expensive, only they know where they keep it. Keep petrol, keep the naira, we will vote and be elected. You may change the ink of naira notes. What you expect will not happen. We will win.“They said petrol will rise to N200/litre and N500/litre, let your mind be at rest. They don’t want these forthcoming elections to hold. They want to scatter it but that won’t be possible.“They thought they could cause trouble; they sabotaged fuel but with or without fuel, with or without motorcycles and tricycles, we will vote and win. This is a superior revolution.“We will take over government through our PVCs. Even if they say there is no fuel, we will trek to the polling units.”

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Atiku Abubakar, has said if he loses the February 25 presidential election, he would take it as his fate, because “I am not the first loser neither am I going to be the last.”Atiku disclosed this during an interview on BBC Pidgin on Tuesday.

He added that all corrupt allegations against him had been investigated and nothing had been found.

“All what I know; all corrupt practices or corrupt allegations against me have been investigated in this country more than anybody else and nothing was found against me. That audio has disclosed nothing new,” he said.Speaking on why he wanted to be Nigerian president, Atiku said he had many children and he wanted to leave a better country for his children and also the future generation of this country.

“First of all, let me start from private perspective, I have many children I brought them up well sent them to the best schools both within Nigeria and outside as I normally tell them I have lived my life and If I should bring them all back home; what kind of a country am I going to leave for them and this thinking that I have is a thinking that every parent in this country, what kind of a country am I going to leave for my kids; is it a better country or not?“This is one of the reasons behind my perseverance to run for the office of this country not only for my kids but for the future generation of this country; everybody’s kids.

”He also said he would take it in good fate if he lost the presidential election slated for February 25, 2005“That is my fate, I take it in very good faith I am not the first loser neither am I going to be the last,” he said.

“I don’t go for any medical treatment abroad other than normal medical checkup the only medical problem I have was if you recall in 2006 in an election year like this I tripped from staircase and injured my knee and I went to Germany for treatment I didn’t have any fracture; I just have what they call Tendon Rupture and the Tendon was brought back in, so that’s the only sickness I have and if electoral authorities say we should produce our medical reports, I am ready to produce my medical reports.

”“Whatever medical attention I require is available in the country I will avail myself of that facility but if it is not available; what do you want me to do? To sit down and die?”

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

This is not so different from the characteristics of “Andrew liver salt” as described by Sen Shehu Sani and the delusional audacity of “Nah we bi d structure” a phrase used deceitfully in exposing the vulnerability and gullibility of the unsuspecting masses.

The Golden Rule And Politics Of Deceitfulness

By Richard Odusanya.

People with a variety of theological views, political views, and backgrounds are coming together to express concern about the polarization that is currently seen in our society today.

There is a belief that our country can find guidance through this dilemma in the practice of the Golden Rule — to “do unto others as you would have them do unto you”— especially as we engage in political activity.

This guide explores a hope that if enough people follow this Golden Rule principle, it could generate the respect and kindness we so desperately need in our country as we get nearer the D-Day February 25 presidential election day.

“There are only ever two strategies in an election,” says Lord Tim Bell, Margaret Thatcher’s favourite adman. “It’s either the opposition saying, ‘Time for a change’, or the government saying, ‘Britain’s great again, don’t let the other lot muck it up.’

The rest is just details.” And he’s ostensibly right. But while the strategies stay the same, the executions can vary wildly. When the Saatchis released their infamous Labour Isn’t Working poster in 1978, an incredulous Denis Healey publicly accused the Tories of selling themselves like soap powder.

This is not so different from the characteristics of “Andrew liver salt” as described by Sen Shehu Sani and the delusional audacity of “Nah we bi d structure” a phrase used deceitfully in exposing the vulnerability and gullibility of the unsuspecting masses.

In its original form the British Labour Party constituted a new type of cadre party, forming an intermediate link with the mass-based parties.

It was formed with the support of trade unions and left-wing intellectuals. At the base, each local organization sent representatives to a district labour committee, which was in turn represented at the national congress.

We should pay closer attention to the interactions between politics, economics, and other realms particularly in Nigeria as we prepare for the February 25 presidential/National Assembly (NASS) elections and the March 11 Governorship/States Assemblies elections.

Interestingly, politics and political activities have become very important issues that most critics and literary writers have devoted their attention to in Africa, particularly within the Nigerian setting. Political matter have become a very prominent topic of contemporary scholarship.

This is due to the fact that Nigeria’s literary works, being reflections of the debased and unholy political activities of contemporary African challenges in our society, which have replicated this picture. Writers always write to reflect the prevailing conditions in their society.

So, most of our writers deal with the political, social and economic decay ravaging our beloved country Nigeria and the continent as a result of the insensitive nature of some of our leaders, sad and unfortunate.

Ideally, these problems are multifaceted; from religious/ethnic intolerance, bribery and corruption by the political leaders and government officials, economic deprivation of the plebeians, the tendency to loot and embezzle government funds, the naked lust for power and wealth, the rigging and manipulation of election results, the killing, maiming and burning of political opponents property, perpetuation of tribalism and tribal hegemony and the general pauperization of the masses.

All these are as a result of the recklessness, inordinate ambition and inhuman nature of African political leaders as exemplified by Olusegun Obasanjo’s “Do-or-die” brand of politics.

No doubt, using disinformation, religion/ethnicity and divisive rhetorics to curry sympathy votes from unsuspecting Nigerians is clearly off point. A man who relates with others only on the basis of religion, race or ethnicity is mentally deficient and emotionally unintelligent. Therefore, issues of religion and ethnicity cannot continue to dominate our political space.

Nigerians say they want issue-based campaigns, but they rarely vote on issues.

Elections in this country are rarely determined by issues, but by ethnic, religious and sectional.

We can no longer continue with religion and ethnicity induced arrangements.

Ironically, the challenges are existential in nature: comatose economy, debilitating insecurity, extreme poverty, moribund institutions, failed public services, endemic corruption, fragile unity. But by “issue-based” campaigns, the presidential candidates should show deep knowledge and understanding of the governance challenges that beset Nigeria and clearly set out and discuss how they would tackle them, if elected.

Therefore, it has become imperative to set a clear agenda and we need to be deliberate in playing down on the twin evils of ethnicity and religion in our political space, now and in future.

Conclusively, the truth is that as a presidential candidate (To win election) you must have Political structures that cut across nearly all wards in the 774 local government in country, if not in all the entire polling units.

The Fallacies of you don’t need political structures is nothing but deceitfulness, the truth is that, God does not get involved in politics and governance, we can not continue to overburden our benevolent creator.

He created us in His own image, which means that human being has the capacity to reason well and conduct its affairs without “O God…. come down, jump up… kill somebody….” Enough of the religious jingoism, let us face reality and stop using religion to crate disunity and spread hatred. The emphasis should be LOVE not spreading falsehood and hatred among our citizens.

Finally, my humble submission is that anybody who is still under the illusion of winning elections, particularly, the presidential election without adequate preparation and political party structures can continue to hold on to he/her delusions, after all, February is just around the corner. But, beyond the facade of priggish speeches and appearances, an aspirations that is like “Andrew liver salt” it will undoubtedly dissolved come February 25 2023.

According to @ShehuSani … Andrew’s Liver Salt is when you move from 10 Million Man Match to Canopy State Rallies.

Diminishing returns – it is a well captured tweet by Sen Musa Rabiu Kwankwaso one of the Frontline presidential candidate, who compares Labour Party to ‘Andrews Liver Salt’.Richard

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Some hoodlums loyal to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) have allegedly brutalised and wounded a musician, Ukworu Ogonna Kelvin, for refusing to sing a campaign song for their party’s presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu.SaharaReporters learnt Kelvin was assaulted at the lodge of the Chairman of Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, Southeast Nigeria

9NewsNigeria learnt Kelvin was assaulted at the lodge of the Chairman of Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, Southeast Nigeria.

9NewsNigeria gathered that Kelvin was on assignment to perform at a funeral in the community when he was approached by APC loyalists led by Mr Marchavilia Uzo of Enuakwa.

Kelvin was severely beaten and wounded when he insisted that he would not grant Marchavilia’s request to sing at an event to campaign for APC presidential candidate.A source privy to the matter told SaharaReporters that Kelvin has probably not lost one of his eyes to the assault.

attempted murder on Ibinabo without any prior report of any feud between the victim and his assailants to law enforcement agencies by the perpetrators before embarking on this barbaric onslaught.

“It is indisputable that the actions of the Coordinator and his cohorts are very provocative and capable of causing unrest in an already tense political space, which would not be in the best interest of the Youths of Ikwo and Ohaozara LGAs and the entire state.

“We, therefore, call on the relevant security agencies with particular reference to the Commissioner of Police, Ebonyi State Command, to expeditiously investigate this matter to bring the perpetrators of this dastardly act to justice so that it will serve as a deterrent to others unscrupulous elements out there.

“We wish to state unequivocally and without mincing words that Ikwo youths are hospitable and friendly to visitors, strangers and have not in any way been hostile to their brothers from other council areas or states that come their way both within and outside Ikwo and wonder why our youths have always been casualties in other localities at different occasions.

“We hereby warn that we can never accept or tolerate such unprovoked or unwarranted attack on any of our members anywhere; no one has a monopoly of violence.

“We, however, appeal to our members at home and in the diaspora to stay calm, remain law-abiding and go about their lawful duties and avoid any form of reprisal as the police investigate the matter.”

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

On the flip side, Peter Obi, a self-advertised (packaged messianic product), magically inclined, captivating and entertaining his gullible followers excited about magic.

Peter Obi: Between Magic And Miracle

By

Richard Odusanya.

Peter Gregory Obi, a Nigerian businessman (Trading in consumables) and a politician who served as governor of Anambra from March to November 2006, February to May 2007, and June 2007 to March 2014. In May 2022, Obi, became the Labour Party nominee for President of Nigeria in the 2023 presidential election, after defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party.

Peter, a self advertised (packaged messianic product) is a perfect example of what usually happens in a society that espoused miracle and are magically inclined.

A nation so rich in resources but lacking in great minds with sound analytical skills.

Interestingly, magic and miracles might mean the same thing to some people, but there is actually a vast difference between the two terms.

It is proper to say that Jesus worked miracles, but it would be wrong to attribute His works to magic.

Basically, magic and miracles differ in their source: magic has either a human or demonic source, but miracles are a supernatural work of God.

Christian views on magic vary widely among denominations and among individuals. Many people actively condemn magic as satanic, holding that it opens the way for demonic possession. Some people simply view it as entertainment.

Historically, there have been people who claimed to be either unblemished character or messengers of God and the end results of such claims most times are outrightly fallacious and falsehood.

Understandably, the first issue after proving the existence of God is the fact that He has appointed and dispatched some selective humans as His messengers to guide man to the right path, which makes the position of prophet-hood the greatest status man can enjoy and as such, the office is sacred. Although miracle is central to the story of our Lord Jesus Christ but the misrepresentation of it has negatively affected the minds of most of our people.

Unfortunately, over the course of human history, there have been false claims as to whether a person, specifically, a so-called ‘messiah’ or what is known as “man of God” in our society today, is truly a messenger of God or not. Thus, like many other claims it needs ample proof that the claimant is genuine and honest.

In normal life if someone knocks on your door with the claim that he is an undercover police officer and needs to ask you some questions, you may not co-operate with him unless you have seen his genuine identification.

A very good example of miracle is how God remembered Noah and all the wild animals and the livestock that were with him in the ark, and he sent a wind over the earth, and the waters receded.

Noah’s Ark is the vessel in the Genesis flood narrative through which God spares Noah, his family, and examples of all the world’s animals from a global deluge.

The story in Genesis is repeated, with variations, in the Quran, where the Ark appears as Safinat Nūḥ (Arabic: سَفِينَةُ نُوحٍ “Noah’s ship”) and al-fulk (Arabic: الفُلْك). This is definitely an act of God ‘miracle’ not magical because it is not IMPROMPTU. This is completely different from the Obidients malady.

To be clear: God is not a magician, He is a miracle working God.

If by the mercies of the most high God; the Nigeria’s political dilemma and economy issues is to receive divine visitation in the manner of Noah and the ark; the most high God in His divine wisdom and characteristics of the only wise God, will most likely visit us through a tested and trusted vessel like David Oyedepo who built from next to nothing and today on top an empire that is incomparable.

David Olaniyi Oyedepo, a Nigerian preacher, Christian author, businessman, architect, founder of the Living Faith Church Worldwide, and presiding Bishop of the Faith Tabernacle in Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria. In my view, such a prepared vessel similar to Noah will be another miracle and a beauty to behold.

On the flip side, Peter Obi, a self-advertised (packaged messianic product), magically inclined, captivating and entertaining his gullible followers excited about magic.

Sadly, the reality of many people that are supposedly rated above the limitations of sentiments and emotion that are caught up with the unrealistic expectations is worrisome because no magic can make Peter Obi turn the 2023 presidential election results in his own favor. The expectations for Obi’s presidency is anchored on unverifiable statistics and premised on falsehood, not supported by logic and scientific inclination.

Although we live in a superstitious society….where unpredictability is normalized. This is part of the reasons why people often resort to superstitious behavior to facilitate goal achievement.

It is against this backdrop that, I will like to conclude this article that focuses on the difference between magic and miracle by admonishing our compatriots home and abroad to restrain from unnecessary show of incivility and Insulting eminent personalities particularly leaders of faith like what we witnessed some few days ago about Sultan Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, the 20th Sultan of Sokoto.

As Sultan of Sokoto, he is considered the spiritual leader of approximate 90 millions of Nigeria’s Muslims, a large number of the nation’s population.

Incidentally, close to two decades ago, I was privileged to witnessed the coronation of His royal highness in the caliphate city of Sokoto precisely on the 2nd of November 2006. That privilege gave me an insight to the cultural evolution and the respect accorded the office of the Sultan. Since then I have not heard of when the personality of the revered royal highness or the office was ever dragged into partisanship or insulted, expect for the recent obidients signatures written all over the social media.

This is totally unacceptable and it must stop.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

National Assembly candidates of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Ekiti State have described their purported suspension by the party as “unnecessary distraction,” saying that they will rather continue reaching out to voters in their various constituencies so as to emerge victorious in the elections.

The seven National Assembly candidates, who said the purported suspension will have no effect whatsoever on their candidacy, said “our concern now is how to win elections and we will not be distracted.”

• Addressing journalists in Ado Ekiti on Saturday, the Senatorial candidates, Alhaji Lateef Ajijola (Ekiti Central) and
• Hon. Funso Ayeni (Ekiti North) as well as House of Representatives candidates, Otunba Yinka Akerele (Ekiti North 1), Hon. Babatunde Ajayi (Ekiti North 2),
• Hon. Lere Olayinka (Ekiti Central 2), Joju Fayose (Ekiti Central 1) and Mrs Emiola Adenike Jennifer (Ekiti South 2), called on members and supporters of the party in the State to remain calm, assuring that nothing will be left undone to ensure our deserved victory in the forthcoming elections.

While describing the party’s action as unfortunate and unguided, they said by the Constitution of the PDP, the purported suspension is null and void because none of them was informed of committing any offence.

“We were never informed of any wrong doing. They didn’t tell us our offense so that we can defend ourselves as provided by the party’s constitution and the constitution of Nigeria.

“Section 57 (6) of the PDP constitution is clear and unambiguous. It states that ‘Any decision taken against a member who has not been informed of the charges against him or has not been given any opportunity of defending himself shall be null and void.’

“Also, Section 33 of the Electoral Act is very clear on candidates for elections and as it is, we remain candidates in line with law and we shall remain focused. Our party is a constitutional institution and we will ensure it obeys its constitution.

“For the avoidance of doubt, Section 33 of the Electoral Act provides clearly that; ‘A political party shall not be allowed to change or substitute its candidate whose name has been submitted under Section 29 of this Act, except in the case of death or withdrawal by the candidate.’

“We are therefore unperturbed. Rather, we are being propelled to work harder to ensure victory in the elections while we explore appropriate means of handling the issues.

“Ultimately, it will be victory for us as candidates of the PDP.’’

Members as well as supporters of the party should keep up with this spirit as we continue with our campaign activities.”

9News Nigeria

From Princely Onyenwe

In recent times, All Progressives Congress APC party and their opposition People’s Democratic Party PDP have been canvassing for dominance in whose turn the 2023 senatorial seat will be best suitable and service delivery. Dr Alex Mbata and Rt. Hon Uche Onyeagocha are rivals in this contest.

The PDP Candidate for Imo East Senatorial District, Hon. Barr. Uche Onyeagocha strongly condemns Imo Lawmakers for voting against the proposed financial autonomy of legislature, judiciary and local Governments. legislative and local government financial autonomy.

In a release signed by Prince MacDonald Enwere, special sssistant on Media to Hon. Barr. Uche Onyeagocha, these lawmakers who voted against financial autonomy of legislature and judiciary acted in bad faith; Hon. Eddy Obinna,
Hon. Samuel Otuibe,
Hon. Emeka Nduka,
Hon. Arthur Egwim,
Hon. Johnson Duru,
Hon. Michael Onyemaechi, Hon. Uche Ogbuagu,
Hon. Chiji Collins-Isiala,
Hon. Ngozi Obiefule,
Hon. Uju Onwudiwe,
Hon. Obinna Okwara,
Hon. Chyna Iwuanyanwu,
Hon. Kennedy Ibe,
Hon. Hecleus Okoro,
Hon. Chigozie Ogbunikpa,
Hon. Paul Emeziem,
Hon. Ekene Nnodimele,
Hon. Chigozie Nwaneri,
Hon. Dominic Ezerioha, Hon. Kanayo Onyemachi.

“Hon. Onyeagocha described their action as disgusting, unacceptable and highly condemnable.

“Recall that Imolites were highly bewildered and thoroughly embarrassed for such despicable display of insensitivity by these lawmakers who boldly voted against the financial autonomy of legislature, judiciary and local Governments.

“It is unfortunate and ludicrous that the legislators who supposed to be the boldest brand of our representative democracy have turned themselves into proponents of anti-people policies, even against themselves.

“They should be ashamed of themselves for allowing the Governor to continue to use them as his string-puppets against the general interest of the people. For denying the judiciary financial independence, it confirms that Governor Uzodinma wants to continue to manipulate the course of justice in the state through the legislature.

“Hon. Onyeagocha urged the people to ensure that all the lawmakers who are opposed to financial autonomy of the legislature and the judiciary are voted out in the forthcoming general elections as they do not deserve to represent the people any more.

“We won’t fail to applaud and commend the dexterity and audacity of Hon. Philip Ejiogu, Hon. Anyadike Nwosu, Hon Frank Ugboma, Hon. Solomon Anukam, Hon. Pascal Okolie for bracing all odds and standing out in defending the yearnings and aspirations of the people by endorsing and voting for financial autonomy of legislature, judiciary and local Governments.

However it is really getting more interesting in the Political Atmosphere of Owerri zone particularly in Imo East senatorial zone where Alex Mbata PAM and Uche Onyeagocha will slug it out.

Voters in this area are getting ready to cast their vote to preferred candidates having tested the hard times that bedevilled their zonal representation in the present administration both at the senate and federal house..

Onyeagocha will battle with Dr Alex Mbata in the senate election for Owerri Imo East.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

The National Rescue Movement has dragged the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi to court over alleged possession of dual citizenship.

In the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1842/2022 at the Federal High Court, the plaintiff accused Obi of acquiring citizenship of Dallas in Texas, United States of America in contravention of Sections 1 and 137 of Nigeria’s Constitution.

Defendants in the suit are the Independent National Electoral Commission, Obi and Labour Party as first to third defendants respectively.

The plaintiff is praying the court for an order to disqualify Obi from the presidential race on the ground of breach of the 1999 Constitution and asked for an order of perpetual injunction restraining INEC from recognising, dealing or affording him any right or privilege to stand for the presidential election.

To establish its case, the party presented a picture and video recording of the presentation of the citizenship certificate to Obi.

Justice Inyang Ekwo berated the plaintiff for failure to serve the originating summons on the defendants and thereafter fixed February 10 for mention of the suit.

The judge threatened to strike out the case if the plaintiff failed to serve the court process on the defendant before the adjourned date.

In a 14-paragraph affidavit in support of the suit, Obi was said to have voluntarily acquired Dallas citizenship and the certificate of citizenship presented to him by the Mayor of Dallas, Mr Eric Johnson.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

“The implication of the SDP getting fund for the elections of its candidates from both PDP and APC is that our chances in our own elections will be in jeopardy.

Ekiti National, State Assembly Candidates Meet, Raise Concerns Over Atiku Campaign Council National and State Assembly candidates of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Ekiti State have again raised concern over the composition of the party’s Presidential Campaign Council in the State.

Rising from their meeting in Ado Ekiti on Tuesday, the National and State House of Assembly candidates called for dissolution of the campaign council, “to allow our input as the key stakeholders, to save the current situation in the State.

“The meeting was attended by seven out of the nine National Assembly candidates and 20 out of the 26 State House of Assembly candidates.

The letter titled;

“Ekiti: Before it is too late,” read; “While we wish you as well as ourselves success in the coming general elections, we wish to call your attention to the followings, regarding the party decisions, which are no doubt, inimical to our own elections.

“Recall that we raised the issue of inclusion of SDP members in the Presidential Campaign Council in Ekiti State and we asked how workable it will be for SDP member to campaign for PDP Senatorial and House of Reps Candidates when the party is also fielding candidates for the same positions.

‘This is bearing in mind that we, as candidates of the PDP are meant to serve as foot soldiers to ensure success for the party in the presidential election as well as our own elections.”Also, like your good self, the candidates are the strength of the party in this coming elections and as it is, the strength of your campaign is being entrusted in the hands of SDP.

“As at today, the Campaign Council in Ekiti State is populated by SDP and people who did not win their polling units in the last governorship election.

“Also, the SDP National Assembly candidates are relying on fund from the PDP to prosecute their elections.

“Part of the candidates of the same SDP are also in close alliance with the APC with a view to also getting fund and dividing PDP votes so as to ensure victory for the APC National Assembly candidates.

“Therefore, it will interest Your Excellency that we, the candidates in Ekiti State are not working with the Presidential Campaign Council.

Rather, we are doing our own things already, putting our destinies in our own hands because we know that majority of those in the Campaign Council are only interested in election resources.

“However, as committed party men and women, we don’t want your campaign visit to Ekiti State to be a flop.

“There are other fundamental issues, which we will not like to raise in this letter.

But it will be of great interest for the candidates to meet with your good self personally to avoid unnecessary embarrassment for all stakeholders in this issue.

‘Consequently, we demand that this campaign council be dissolved forthwith to allow our input as the key stakeholders, to save the current situation in the State.”

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

By the “Nigerian Dilemma”, I am referring to the ethno-sectarian divide that defines the perennial conflict, violence and nebulous between North and South – between Muslims and Christians in our country. It has virtually become Nigeria’s national curse; colouring every aspect of its political and human development.

Nigeria’s Political Dilemma And Economic Necessity

By Richard Odusanya.

Let me begin with the words of a leader with profound oratorical articulation, Giuseppe Maria Garibaldi an Italian general, patriot, revolutionary and republican.

He contributed to Italian unification and the creation of the Kingdom of Italy.

He is considered one of the greatest generals of modern times and one of Italy’s “fathers of the fatherland”, along with Camillo Benso, Count of Cavour, Victor Emmanuel II of Italy and Giuseppe Mazzini.

Garibaldi is also known as the “Hero of the Two Worlds” because of his military enterprises in South America and Europe.

Maria posited: “Necessity does not submit to debate”

Our beloved country Nigeria is facing various problems on political stability and economy.

The major problem is that of national unity in an atmosphere of the rising profile of ethnicity and religious bigotry.

‘True federalism and political system restructuring have been identified as the panacea to the current socio-economic challenges in Nigeria’.

In addition, it is important to note that crisis times require bold reforms and the incoming administration should be emboldened with the ability to take on one of the most difficult problems in his country in order to succeed, “Mind Restructuring” the new government that will emerge from the upcoming election will also need to take on another challenge – transparency in the use of resources.

The government must utilize these resources more efficiently to create social welfare and infrastructure improvement programs that will not only improve the quality of life for Nigeria’s poorest but also put the country on track to meet its development goals.

Furthermore, this article seeks to examines the complexities around fiscal federalism in our system within the framework of the resource curse dilemma.

Nigeria is an oil-rich country yet governments at all levels perform poorly.

Different level of governments continually experience fiscal gap and deficiency in service delivery.

Not only that, the vast majority of the citizens live under the twin burden of poverty and unemployment.

The inability of the Nigerian state to address these challenges, despite the huge oil revenue, contributes to the continuous debates over the value of the country’s fiscal system.

Bearing in mind the debt profile of 77 trillion Naira.

It is against this backdrop that the profound articulations of octogenarian Chief Emeka Anyaoku’s six zone structure comes to mind.

Chief Emeka Anyaoku, a Nigerian diplomat of Igbo descent.

He was the third Commonwealth Secretary-General.

Chief Anyaoku who believed in the political survival of our beloved country Nigeria advised a satisfactory reconstruction to allow for political and economic stability.

He prefers the six zone structure to the present amorphous 36 States. The position of the elder statesman validates my documented submission to the 2014 confab. I had argued that many of the states are insolvent.

Chief Emeka Anyaoku, the former Commonwealth Secretary-General further admonished on the type of leadership that can navigate us through the storm. He posited: “leader must, in my view, possess to a good degree inter alia the following attributes: the capacity to inspire and form affinity with the people that the leader is leading;

the capacity to have and articulate a vision of where he/she plans to take the country concerned;

the capacity to deliver electoral promises; and the capacity to identify with and be seen to be tackling the challenges facing the people he/she is leading.

Hence, leadership is primarily about service, and servant leadership enables the building of trust with bonding and continuing inspiration of the people.

A good leadership must be defined by discipline, resilience, perseverance, determination, unyielding devotion, and, above all, a strong political will to act without deference to sectionalism.

Conclusively, permit me to dedicate this article that focuses on Nigeria’s Political Dilemma And Economic Necessity to an accomplished personality, octogenarian Chief Emeka Anyaoku on his 90th birthday precisely on the 18th of January 23. Congratulations!

Happy birthday Chief Emeka Anyaoku.🎂🎉🎈🎈

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

When I see the hundreds of thousands of youths, you have to be jobless to be attending all these rallies.

Adeboye Accuses Political Parties Of Renting Crowds…says you have to be jobless to attend Rallies

He made this known in a sermon during the RCCG January Holy Ghost Service on Friday. “I watch it in the news.

If human beings promote you, oh, I don’t know whether I should say this.

I’m sure you have been watching the campaign rallies, I watch it on the news. I don’t know if you have noticed that two different people don’t hold their campaign simultaneously in a town. Have you noticed that? You don’t know why? Because majority of the crowd, majority are rented. So I come, I pay, you gather. After I’ve gone, another man comes, he pays, you gather.

”He added, “Somebody said ‘Daddy, you keep on saying that you haven’t heard from God about who will win or who will…’ Maybe because there are several things occupying my mind and one of it is; when I see the crowd gathering and if you look at the crowd majority of them crowd are young.

What is going to happen when the campaigns are over?”Credit: YouTube | RCCG–Follow us for more breaking news and videos

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Nigeria’s $26.5 billion maintenance cost enough to build three new refineries.

Some of the World’s fastest growing economies are in Africa and the opportunities are vast. In 2030 an estimated 50% of all 18-years old citizens of this world will be living in sub-sahara Africa.

By Richard Odusanya.

Angela Yvonne Davis, an American political activist, philosopher, academic, and author. She is a professor at the University of California, Santa Cruz.

Ideologically a Marxist and feminist, Davis was a longtime member of the Communist Party USA (CPUSA) and a founding member of the Committees of Correspondence for Democracy and Socialism (CCDS).

She is the author of more than ten books on class, gender, race, and the U.S. prison system.

Angela had famously posited:

“I am no longer accepting the things I cannot change. I am changing the things I cannot accept.” let me share with our readers the brilliant presentation on the resourcefulness and talents in Africa as exemplified by Mallence Bart-Williams a Sierra Leonean – German multi-facetted social entrepreneur: Publishing, film, fashion, Ayurveda, writing and philanthropy are among her professional repertoire.

My mind is made up on the desirability of Angela’s quote

“…I am changing the things I cannot accept.” “I am Mallence, and I come from the richest country in the world.

It is located in the richest continent in the world, in the West of the richest continent. My country is called Sierra Leone.

On the surface we are blessed with infinite beauty and abundance of flora and fauna, producing the most exquisite harvests of coffee, cocoa, fruits, vegetables and catechuic.

You name it, we’ve got it. We also have diverse wildlife and vast marine resources, and waterfalls, and rivers that run into the most beautiful beaches.

The land is golden; literally, a true paradise, which of course is inhabited by the most beautiful souls”

Mallence, the founder of Folorunsho Foundation, has said that the major reason Africa remains underdeveloped is because of poor leadership’s. Mallence posited: “history has never been made by rich people but by the most impactful The youths need to put more effort in demanding accountability from the leaders so that more effort can be put into developing the African nations and not their pockets”

She further alluded to the major reason why Africa remains underdeveloped which is because of poor leadership.

Thus, for example, humans acquire culture through the learning processes of enculturation and socialization, which is shown by the diversity of cultures across societies.

A cultural norm codifies acceptable conduct in society;

It serves as a guideline for :

• behavior,
• dress,
• language,
• and demeanor in a situation, which serves as a template for expectations in a social group.

Multiple perspectives are infused into a seamless narrative as historical events are presented without bias and with authentic voices. But of course, even that assumes that culture is an umbrella term which encompasses the social behavior, institutions, and norms found in human societies, as well as the knowledge, beliefs, arts, laws, customs, capabilities, and habits of the individuals in these groups Culture is often originated from or attributed to a specific region or location.

Some of the World’s fastest growing economies are in Africa and the opportunities are vast. In 2030 an estimated 50% of all 18-years old citizens of this world will be living in sub-sahara Africa.

To a greater extent. Africa is still a virgin ground and the only right thing to do is for Africa to reclaim it, nurture it and protect it.

It is against this backdrop that we need to situates and properly prioritized the culture of discovery and learning. What is more, Aristotle, profoundly posited: “Excellence is never an accident.

It is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, and intelligent execution; It represents the wise choice of many alternatives-choice, not chance, determines your destiny. ” In the meantime, I will like to conclude this article that focuses on culture of discovery and learning by identifying some of the critical components of industrialization that stunted our growth:

•ALSCON:

Nigeria’s case of self-inflicted economic sabotage?

The controversy that has surrounded and grounded the activities of this huge economic infrastructure is preposterous, unimaginable for an economy begging for investments and could at best be described as self-inflicted economic sabotage.

Nigeria goes cap in hand to china, IMF, World Bank, Paris Club, and any other institution or country that can spare a loan, while it continues to systemically and instrumentally destroy its money-generating infrastructures. How can this ever be rationalized?

• Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited (ASCL), located in Ajaokuta, Kogi State, Nigeria. Built on a 24,000 hectares (59,000 acres) site starting in 1979, it is the largest steel mill in Nigeria, and the coke oven and byproducts plant are larger than all the refineries in Nigeria combined.

However, the project was mismanaged and remains incomplete 40 years later – despite investment of over #4 trillion and salary of #29 billion. Ditto Katsina, Osogbo and Itakpe steel rolling mills.

• Nigeria’s $26.5 billion maintenance cost enough to build three new refineries.

The Port-Harcourt Refining and Petrochemical Company Limited (PHRC) has the capacity of producing 210,000 barrels per day, Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company Limited (KRPC) can produce 110,000 barrels per day while the Warri Refining Petrochemical Company Limited (WRPC) has a 125,000 barrels per day production capacity.

In June 2020, the corporation’s three refineries processed no crude and combined yield efficiency is 0.00% owing largely to on-going rehabilitation works at the refineries.

• Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) is the state-run defense corporation of Nigeria and operated by the Nigerian Armed Forces.

It is responsible for the production of defense equipment and civilian products.

(DICON) was primarily established to produce small Arms and Ammunition for the use of the Nigerian Army and other Security agencies. The Corporation also uses its excess capacity to produce machinery spare parts for industries and other products for civilian use.

Sadly, it is the same story of neglect and culture of impunity that is prevalent in all spheres of endeavor in the black continent of Africa. Finally, I like to share with us the golden words of an accomplished personality, Yetunde A. Odugbesan-Omede, Ph.D., is a Professor of Global Affairs and Politics. She is a Policy Advisor, Author, Global Speaker and Leadership Strategist.

Yetunde profoundly posited: “Share the Vision with Absolute Clarity Leaders in any institution need to share the vision of what they want their institution, university or company to achieve. To get others to see and understand your vision, you need to motivate and inspire with the same enthusiasm and positivity you have inside you. ” This is a clear testimony of culture of discovery and learning in the era of 4th Industrial Revolution.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

This was not the first time BNL would attack Cameroon Brigade d’Intervention Rapide, BIR in Bakassi.

Militants, suspected to Black Marine of Biafra Nations League (BNL), have reportedly killed two Cameroonian soldiers.The members of the militant group on Thursday were reportedly travelling toward Ikang near Nigeria’s borders when members of the Cameroon’s Rapid d’intervention Battalion (BIR) started shooting a short distance away.

According to a source, the militants retaliated by shooting one BIR and killing two BIR.

They returned to the Abana waterfront, where the Cameroon flag was flying, and fired randomly before lowering it and hoisting the Biafran flag around the voting booth.This was not the first time BNL would attack Cameroon Brigade d’Intervention Rapide, BIR in Bakassi.

In May 2021, they engaged in a fierce gun battle at Isangele, Bakassi Peninsula area.The gun battle reportedly left some members of the BIR dead.

The BNL Chief Head of Operations, Henry Edet, confirmed the attack in a brief statement saying, “Militant group loyal to BNL and Cameroon forces exchanged fire in Isangele, Bakassi Peninsula.

”He claimed the “Two Cameroon BIR dropped dead during an exchange of gunfire in Bakassi Peninsula.

”Recall that the BNL had recently revealed its plans to completely shut down the Gulf of Guinea, threatening to hoist the Biafran flag.

The group said it would carry out its threat of hoisting the Biafran flags in Bakassi Peninsula to mark the Biafra Day memorial.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

The founder of Champions Royal Assembly, Abuja, Prophet Joshua Iginla, has predicted that the G-5 governors faction of the Peoples Democratic Party, will fall apart.

Iginla said this on Monday in his ‘Prophetic Release’ for 2023.

He said while the group made up of Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike, Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, Benue State governor, Samuel Ortom, governor of Abia State, Okezie Ikpeazu and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, would make a difference in the 2023 polls, there will be a break up due to external pressure.

“The G5 governors especially those of them still contesting should pray well to pull through in their bid to serve this country politically.

I am particular about one of them.

Sadly, there will be a crack among the G5.

They will fall apart and it will be due to external forces.

“The political party this G5 will support will make a difference, don’t undermine it,” Iginla .

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

He assured people of the state that with APC’s Tinubu as the next President, the nation will witness overwhelming transformation, moving ahead from what has so far been achieved throughout the country in the last seven-plus years.

• The president, who was represented by the minister of communication and digital economy,
• Prof. Isa Ali Pantami, stated these when he visited the Tinubu/Shettima Presidential Campaign Office in Gusau and expressed confidence in APC’s win in Zamfara in the coming 2023 general elections.

This was contained in a statement signed by the APC publicity secretary in Zamfara state, Yusuf Idris Gusau, who said the president also used the opportunity of the visit to attend the closing ceremony of this year’s Musabaka Qur’anic recitation competition hosted in the state.

He was conducted round by the coordinator of Tinubu/Shettima Presidential Campaign Council in Zamfara state, Senator Kabiru Garba Marafa.

The statement said:

“He commended the arrangement put in place by the coordinator saying that the effort jointly put in place by Governor Bello Mohammed Matawalle, former governor Abdulaziz Yari Abubakar and Senator Kabiru Garba Marafa accounted for the rousing welcome his delegation received while in the state.

The president thanked the people of Zamfara and all Nigerians for the support he has been enjoying in his leadership and urged Nigerians to continue to support the APC by ensuring its victory at all levels in the coming elections.

” Governor Bello Matawalle had earlier informed the president and his delegation, “Zamfara is the home base of the APC whereby opposition parties seem non-existent.

” The governor, who is also the North West zonal coordinator of the APC, said that the choice of an experienced state campaign coordinator like Senator Marafa has added impetus to and eased his responsibilities as the zone’s coordinator in the state.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

The convener of Concerned Members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Ogenyi Okpoku has claimed Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s (LP) presidential candidate is patronizing failures, saying members of his campaign are failures.

Peter Obi surrounded by failures, dining with failed governors – APC chieftain, Ogenyi Okpoku

Convener of Concerned Members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Ogenyi Okpoku has claimed Peter Obi,

the Labour Party’s (LP) presidential candidate is patronizing failures, saying members of his campaign are failures.

Ogenyi made the claim while featuring as a panelist on the Channels Television Politics Today programme on Thursday evening.

He alleged that Obi is in communion with some governors who have failed their various states.

“The first point of call of Mr Peter Obi is failure. He is patronizing failures.

If you check the people that surround his campaign, they’re failures;

people that are not able to take responsibility for their actions.

“Yes, I will say that.

I don’t want even to go into aspect of his DG that was convicted.

“The governors that surround Peter Obi, they are all failures.“There are governors he goes to visit regularly; people that have failed their various states that Obi patronizes on daily basis,” he alleged.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

The presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has vowed to restructure Nigeria’s security architecture if voted into power in 2023.

This is as he said along with his running mate, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed will begin the process of reversing Nigeria’s misfortune.

Obi stated this when he paid a visit to the secretariat of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers in Port Harcourt on Thursday.

He said his administration will give priority attention to the security of all citizens, pointing out that no government can attain set goals and objectives without security.

“What we are doing today is not sustainable. I and our vice presidential candidate want to start reversing Nigeria.

That is all we are offering.“We want to start reversing Nigeria. How are we going to do it? We want a secure and united Nigeria. People will say it is difficult.

No. It is not.“We need a military that is properly manned. Restructuring our entire security architecture.

”The crowd,.some of who hired vehicles,.while many marched along resulted in gridlock from the Isaac Adaka Boro Park axis of the metropolis through Aba Road. While his convoy progressed to the venue, hundreds of Obi’s supporters were seen on both sides of the road singling and waving in his direction, as he acknowledged cheers from them.

He also wants to increase the personnel of security agencies in the country in order to ensure adequate security of lives and property. “Our system is not properly manned starting from the police that is in charge of internal security. Today, it is about 370,000 but the Inspection General of Police told me it is 320,000 which is too low for a country with 200 million people.

“It shouldn’t be.

We need to increase this number, equip them properly and we must have multi-level policing.

“There is no reason why we should not have a form of security, local government level,” he said.

In his remarks, the Chairman, Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers, Dandison Diuglas Jaja, appealed for an urgent revival of the nation’s economy.

Jaja stated that the high rate of inflation has increased the hardship being experienced by ordinary Nigerians.

Meanwhile, thousands of supporters of the Labour Party presidential candidate trooped out in solidarity, singing songs and followed his convoy all the way to the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, on the outskirt of the metropolis.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

• Nigeria’s domestic debt rose to N22.57tn as the Federal Government on Wednesday proposed a last-minute supplementary budget for the 2022 fiscal year.
• The President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), is seeking the approval of the National Assembly for N819.54bn supplementary budget,
• which it planned to finance through domestic borrowing.Buhari on Wednesday forwarded to the National Assembly for approval, N819.5bn supplementary budget for the 2022 fiscal year to fix various infrastructure destroyed by floods across the various states in the country a few months ago.

The supplementary budget as explained by the President in a letter read in plenary by the President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, is meant for the capital expenditure component of the 2022 budget with an attendant increase of deficit to N8.17tn.

The letter read, “The year 2022 has witnessed the worse flood incident in recent history which has caused massive destruction of farmlands at a point already closed to harvest season.“This may compound the situation of food security and nutrition in the country. The flood has also devastated road infrastructure across the 36 states and the FCT (Federal Capital Territory) as well as bridges nationwide that are critical for the movement of goods and services.“The water sector was equally affected by the flood and there is a need to complete some ongoing critical projects that have already achieved about 85 percentage completion. The nine critical projects proposed in the sector cut across water supply, dam projects, and irrigation projects nationwide.

The letter read,

“The year 2022 has witnessed the worse flood incident in recent history which has caused massive destruction of farmlands at a point already closed to harvest season.

“This may compound the situation of food security and nutrition in the country.

The flood has also devastated road infrastructure across the 36 states and the FCT (Federal Capital Territory) as well as bridges nationwide that are critical for the movement of goods and services.

“The water sector was equally affected by the flood and there is a need to complete some ongoing critical projects that have already achieved about 85 percentage completion. The nine critical projects proposed in the sector cut across water supply, dam projects, and irrigation projects nationwide.

“I have approved a supplementary budget of 2022 appropriation of N819.536bn, all of which are capital expenditures. The supplementary will be financed through additional domestic borrowings which will raise the budget deficit for 2022 to N8.17tn and deficit to GDP ratio to 4.43 per cent.

”Being a proposal coming 10 to the New Year, the President of the Senate hurriedly forwarded it to the Senate Committees on Appropriation, Finance, Works, Water Resources and Agriculture for expeditious consideration.

The Federal Government’s initial plan was to borrow N5.01tn (with domestic debt put at N2.51tn) to finance part of the N6.26tn budget deficit.

With the newly proposed N819.54bn domestic debt, the Federal Government’s domestic borrowing is expected to hit N3.33tn for 2022.Data from the Debt Management Office showed that the Federal Government’s domestic debt stock was N19.24tn as of December 2021.

By September 2022, the domestic debt stock had risen to N21.55tn, which means that the Federal Government had borrowed N2.31tn so far.

With the additional N819.54bn borrowing, the Federal Government can still accommodate N1.02tn more domestic debt in line with its plan.

The 9NewsNigeria also learnt that the Federal Government’s domestic debt rose from N8.4tn as of June 2015 to N21.55tn as of September 2022.

This showed an increase of N13.15tn or 156.55 per cent under Buhari.

The 9NEWSNIGERIA.

This is an increase of 243.51 per cent from the N1.31tn proposed allocation for interest charges on domestic debt in 2016.

In its latest Africa’s Pulse report, the World Bank said that public debt in Nigeria was concerning due to the rising debt service-to-revenue ratio.According to the bank, the debt service to revenue ratio could stand at 102.3 per cent by the end of 2022.

While presenting the 2023 appropriation bill to a joint session of the National Assembly recently, the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), noted that despite the revenue challenges in the country, the country still consistently met its debt service obligation.

“Despite our revenue challenges, we have consistently met our debt service commitments. Staff salaries and statutory transfers have also been paid as and when due,” Buhari added.

However, speaking at the launch of the World Bank’s Nigeria Development Update titled, ‘The urgency for business unusual,’ held recently in Abuja,

the Finance Minister, Zainab Ahmed, had admitted that Nigeria was struggling to service its debt.She said, “Already, we are struggling with being able to service debt because even though revenue is increasing, the expenditure has been increasing at a much higher rate, so it is a very difficult situation.”

Buhari restructures Debt

In the request titled ‘Restructuring of Ways and Means Advances,’ the President wrote,

“The Ways and Means Advances by the Central Bank of Nigeria to the Federal Government has been a funding option to the Federal Government to cater for short-term or emergency finance to fund delayed government expected cash receipt of fiscal deficit.

“The Ways and Means balances as of 19th December, 2022, is N23,719,703,774,306.90. I have approved the securitisation of the Ways and Means balances along the following terms: amount, N23.7tn; tenure, 40 years; moratorium on principal repayment, 3 years; pricing interest rate, 9 per cent.

Your concurrence and approval is sought to allow for the implementation of the same.”

Gbajabiamila referred the request to the House Committee on Aids, Loans and Debt Management, while Lawan sent it to the Senate Committee on Finance to report back on Thursday.

The Senate President noted that Buhari’s request for a N819.5bn supplementary budget for 2022 would be considered and passed on Thursday along with the 2023 Appropriation Bill.Lawan said,

“We are referring these letters to our committees on Appropriation, Finance, works, water resources, and Agriculture today.

“They have to work on it and ensure that we follow the due processes.

In that respect, the Minister of Finance, the CBN; Ministers of Agriculture, Water Resources and Works, are to be invited and make themselves available for this process and to ensure that we get the right information between today and tomorrow.

“Tomorrow (Thursday), by the grace of God, will be the last legislative day for the 9th Senate this year. It will be quite busy for us because we have to receive the report of the 2023 Appropriation Bill from our Committee on Appropriations.

A professor of Economics at the Olabisi Onabanjo University, Sheriffdeen Tella queried the transmission of the new supplementary budget and questioned what the recent supplementary budget was used for.Kindly share this story:

Experts React:

Reacting, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Cowry Asset Management Limited, Mr Johnson Chukwu, said budget implementation is allowed to be extended for three months.He however wondered why an emergency situation that happened over three months ago is receiving government attention.

He said, “The budget can be implemented up to the end of March as budget line can be extended up to three months.

In that case, the budget doesn’t terminate with the financial year. The government has the laxity to do so.

And is there is a compelling need for government to insure an expense in critical expenditure, the government always has the latitude to adjust budget timing.

“However, I wonder how the flood that happened three months ago has become critical at this stage.

Flood is an emergency situation that should be tackled immediately it happens unless they are saying the implication of the flood has just manifested now.

”In his expert opinion, a professor of Development Economics at Babcock University, Prof Adegbemi Onakoya, said the president had acted in line with the law that allows for supplementary budget.

I am a profound and multi-intellectual media presenter, iReporter, motivational speaker, P.A, Media Editor, online Advertiser, business and social consultant.

Chiemerie William Eziokwu

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

The chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, has berated the deployment of money in elections, stressing that election is not a business venture but rather an application to serve the people.

This was as the electoral umpire boss listed the negative role that money plays in elections and electioneering.

Yakubu stated these at a ‘Stakeholders’ summit on addressing the influence of money in the 2023 general election’ held in Abuja on Monday.He said money politics made the emergence of the right candidates for elective positions “extremely difficult”.

He added that it undermines fair electoral adjudication and impacts negatively on the conduct of INEC officials, among other things.

The INEC chair said, “It (money) renders the emergence of the right candidates for positions extremely difficult, undermines fair electoral adjudication, and destroys the professional and independent conduct of INEC officials and other public agencies involved in elections.“Even more worrisome is the high prospect that criminal money may find its way into our elections through money laundering.

Above all, the pernicious use of money tremendously increases the likelihood of election violence due to a ‘win at all costs’ mentality among contestants, who would have invested a fortune in election.

“Surely, election is not a business venture for profit. Instead, it is an application to serve the people with the understanding that they may prefer someone else on one occasion.

But then, there would be an opportunity to reapply after four years. Citizens’ choices must never be subverted by the negative use of money.”

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

President of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, MACBAN, Baba-Othman Ngelzarma, has revealed how President Muhammadu Buhari disappointed pastoralists despite publicly endorsing and supporting his reelection bid in 2019, saying he abandoned them after securing victory at the polls.

Ngelzarma, who briefed journalists in Abuja during the Weekend, also accused the Federal Government of neglecting livestock production in the disbursement of N500 billion spent on agronomy by the Federal Government in the past seven years.According to him, “On the eve of the last election that brought in Buhari for the second term, we endorsed him.

We showed the world that we are with him but thereafter, up till now as I speak to you, nothing has been done.

“Buhari has abandoned the pastoralists. This is very clear, whether Buhari or his lieutenants, the pastoralists have been abandoned by the government.

In the last eight years, nothing tangible was done for pastoralists. While over N500 billion was spent on agronomy, nothing was spent on livestock, almost nothing.

“Go and check all the state government’s budgetary provisions including the federal government’s budgetary provisions. If you see what is budgeted for livestock, you will be surprised.

Livestock is being neglected completely.“How can a multi-trillion Naira business be left in the hands of literate without any form of organization? The government is getting nothing instead of benefiting a lot. This is next to oil. Livestock is next to oil. It can sustain the economy of this country with very good harnessing and organization.

There’s nothing wasteful on the cow. Imagine the value chain – everything on the cow is money.

”Ngelzarma, a former secretary of MACBAN who was recently elected president, regretted that while the rest of the country perceived MACBAN members as criminals who enjoyed special support and protection from the government, they have been at the receiving end of extortion, kidnapping, farmer-herder conflict, cattle rustling and banditry.He also said that there has been a general loss of sense of belonging among the pastoralists in recent times; adding that many of them were seeking to leave the country for more peaceful and saner climes.

Consequently, he blamed the menace on urbanisation and the high demand for land, which he said is not growing, on the encroachment of grazing reserves, national and international cattle routes.

“Pastoralists deserve protection and protection as well against cattle rustlers, kidnappers, bandits and so on. So, we are also under threat, Our trade is also under threat, but for somebody because of crime perpetrated by a few among us, to put us in one basket and say all Fulani are criminals is not fair.

Cattle rearing is a business. We are a trade group doing our legitimate business. MACBAN is not a criminal group.“We are open to attack by all sorts of thieves. We are at the receiving end of these crises including farmers-herders clashes and cattle rustling because pastoralists are the sole owners of the cattle.

98 percent of the cattle in this country are owned by the Fulani and they are victims of kidnapping too. There has never been a time when the pastoralists were supported or assisted after losing their means of livelihood. We also need protection from the government,” Ngelzarma said.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Bola Ahmed Tinubu has revealed his source of wealth, saying he inherited large numbers of real estate in Lagos.

Tinubu spoke during an interview with BBC Africa, monitored by our correspondent on Tuesday, December 6, 2022.

The former Lagos state governor who described himself as the only qualified candidate for the country’s top seat in 2023, also said none of the top contenders has the track record to compete with him in the forthcoming polls.

He said: “Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar are not competent. They are not as competent as any other person out there. They’ve no track record; none of them are qualified except me.”

He expressed optimism that next year’s polls will be free and fair.

Tinubu Said:

“Things are going very well. I’m very, very confident that this election will be free and fair.
I’m the frontrunner and that’s why I’m getting many arrows.
“My top priorities are security, and economic recovery to get accelerated development to get Nigerians employed and get inflation down.
You know, monetary policy needs to be changed. Subsidy needs to be decided upon and then removed.
“Insecurity in Nigeria is actually reduced and I will defend him (Buhari) for that. Then, 17 local and about 4 states where we had flags of foreign jihadists in Nigeria.
That’s no more, that’s long gone.“To start chaos is easy, to bring normalcy and redecorate is more difficult. Here we are, Buhari has degraded but not completely eliminated ISWAP.
We need mass recruitment of individuals in a volunteer army to really clean up.

“I’m different. I am Bola Ahmed Tinubu. I have governed Lagos. I built a modern state that could be a country on its own.

I’ve led an administration that’s so prudent from N600million internally generated revenue to N5 billion a month.“That’s a record, nobody else can brag about that. I’ve treated and tamed the Atlantic Ocean surge in Nigeria that would have perished so many people in Lagos.

The infrastructural renewal of Lagos is excellent. I have continuity in Lagos. Buhari has done his best, he’s my leader in the party.’’Speaking on his source of wealth, he said:

“I have an example of Warren Buffett, one of the richest men in the world, he started from stock buying and brokerages. I inherited great real estate. I turned the values around. I’m not denying my wealth.

“I was the most investigated, the most accused Governor in opposition up to, you know, for eight years, and up till 2007, and since I’ve left the office. I’m still there, I’ve not taken any government appointments. No government contracts.“I’m not getting any share of revenue from Lagos. The World Bank, IMF have investigated the record in Lagos.”

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP),

has unveiled his manifesto.Obi unveiled the 72-page manifesto via his Twitter handle on Sunday.The manifesto is titled “It’s POssible: Our Pact with Nigerians”.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

President Muhammadu Buhari has accused governors of stealing the allocations of LGAs in their states.

The president on Thursday said the governors treat the local government level unfairly.Buhari made the remarks after delivering his speech at an event hosted for members of the senior executive course 44 (2022) of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) at the presidential villa in Abuja.The president made reference to “fraudulent acts” carried out by some governors in the distribution of funds intended for the management of local councils.

This is what is happening in Nigeria, it’s a terrible thing. You cannot say the person who is doing these was not educated, he was a qualified lawyer, he was experienced, yet he participated in this type of corruption.”Buhari attributed such behaviours to a lack of integrity, noting that it contributes to the pervasive corruption in the country.“So it’s a matter of conscience, whichever level we find ourselves. As a leader, you sit here with all the sacrifices the country is making by putting you through institutions and getting you ready to lead,” he added.“The fundamental thing is personal integrity. May God help us.”

He said it’s unfathomable that some state governors would collect money on behalf of council areas, and only remit half of such allotment to the council chairpersons.“If the monies from the federal government to state governments is N100 million, let’s put it at N100 million — N50 million will be sent to the chairman with a letter that he will sign that he received N100 million,” he said.“The governor will pocket the balance and share it with whoever he wanted to and then the chairman of the local government will say how much he must pay as salaries. To hell goes development. Monies for the salaries will be given and the balance he will put in his pocket.Advertisement

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From Princely Onyenwe

The People’s Democratic Party PDP Presidential flag bearer Alhaji Atiku Abubakar GCON is live on a breakfast meeting with stakeholders and party lovers in Abuja Nigeria this morning.

Recovery is important and a good slogan that has to be put to action but who among our Politicians, precisely the Presidential candidates can make NIGERIA recover?

Click to this link to watch and hear Atiku Abubakar speak.

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=800456824347301&id=100044152610571

Atiku Abubakar Political slogan “Recover” is trending because from the real facts on ground, NIGERIA has an emergency attention to recover from wholesome decadence and devaluation of Naira amongst Others.

The recovery we are expecting touches every sector of economy across the states of the federation.

Emergency attention to recover the country from all administrative setbacks of which include, recovery from bad governance, high prices of petroleum products, market commodities, building materials, food stuffs, Naira devaluation, Insecurity, killings, abuses, abduction, insurgency, harsh economy and the list is endless.

But NIGERIANs are asking this question put in place by 9News Nigeria political correspodents: https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=800456824347301&id=100044152610571

Recovery is important and a good slogan that has to be put to action but who among our Politicians, precisely the Presidential candidates can make NIGERIA recover?

Nigeria need a better PRESIDENT to change the ugly narrative to save the country from colossal damages.

The challenge is for the voting populace to choose the best Presidential Candidate between Atiku Abubakar, Bola Tinubu and Peter Obi to save NIGERIA.

Let us read your reactions as the broadcast continues to the political campaigns which is already flooding the Political Atmosphere.

9News Nigeria (Owerri)For inquiries on this news contact 9News Nigeria Imo State @08036856526

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9News Nigeria

In my weekly discourse about the suitability of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the Nigerian presidency, I won’t ignore the fact that the man is endowed with the Midas Touch that has seen him thrive and excel in anything he decides to put his hands to do.

Asiwaju is blessed with that touch of success that he excels where others fail. He leaves positive imprimaturs in any forte he deigns to forage into and always excels in trending. He is one of those few men that hardly strike failure in anything they invest in with the apt of succeeding excellently.

With Asiwaju, and for him, leadership should be a more brilliant plan of successful management rather than a more rigid approach to fruitlessness.
We all know the story of how Asiwaju was such a corporate success in multi-national, blue-chip companies like Deloitte and Mobil. The height of his success in the corporate world was when he became the Treasurer of Mobil and indeed oversaw the building of Mobil’s corporate head office in Lagos, thus making Mobil the first oil multinational to build its own corporate office in Nigeria. That was vintage Asiwaju, a man blessed with rare foresight to see opportunities where others don’t see such.

With Asiwaju, and for him, leadership is all about delivering timely positive results.
We knew that Mobil was so reluctant to leave Tinubu when he offered to resign to start his political career. The resignation was converted to a leave of absence in case he later changed his mind and decided to return to the corporate sector. What’s more, a leadership takeaway is that a service story becomes a reality and that you can be a unique person through your leadership methodology.

We knew how Asiwaju breathed life into the pro-democracy struggle when he took over its financing after the cruel annulment of the June 12, 1993, election. His financial muscle thrived the activities of NADECO in those days, and his financing of Radio Kudirat was a game changer that positively redirected the activities of that pro-democracy movement and tails that pinned into the eventual handover of power to civilians in 1999.

Asiwaju always sees leadership as professional selflessness, which must focus on the evergreen values for the coming generations to adopt as a constant paradigm, even when uncertainty speaks against authentic leadership.
Nigerians are aware of the history of The Nation.

The reputable national daily was a struggling Comet that was tottering on the brink of collapse before Asiwaju took it over. Even with the uncertainty and tempestuousness afflicting the newspaper business in Nigeria, The Nation has become a hugely successful, reputable and respected national daily with many publications in its stable and employing thousands of Nigerians. Asiwaju appropriated the leadership of separating performance from results, even when hope is not a proper leadership strategy, yet he won’t allow success to go wrong.

The story of TVC is another case that shows Asiwaju’s endowment with Midas Touch. He founded TVC as a leading national television at the time the television industry was stuffed. He was not deterred by the vast number of television stations then determined to establish a reputable station with broad niches in objectivity and non-partisan news dissemination. He achieved that, and in record time, TVC stamped its authority as one of the most reputable television stations in Nigeria, which is what it is today. Asiwaju knows how best to get the good out of the worst; better out of the good, best out of the better, and most incredible out of the best.

The story of Radio Continental and later Max Radio is equally similar. Thus, Asiwaju launched into the troublous Nigeria media industry, and today, his media empire is one of the most elaborate and successful in Nigeria today.

Contrast this with the case of the PDP presidential candidate and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who obtained a license to run a television Station, Gotel television, five years before Asiwaju got his TVC license. Today, Gotel has long gone extinct, while TVC has become a global brand and leader in the television sector.
Asiwaju leveraged his training as a first-grade accountant to make solid stock investments in leading international and local companies, even during his days as a corporate player.

He has a first-class business brain enhanced by reputable training in world-class institutions. He has a solid reputation for good, sound and impeccable business judgments that had benefitted the various concerns he worked for before he moved into politics. It was such a sound and priceless decision that made Mobil migrate from a tenant at Bookshop House Marina to a landlord in a choice part of Lekki today.

A veritable bean counter, Asiwaju brought his business acumen into governing a critical state like Lagos. Raising the internally generated revenue from N500 million monthly when he assumed office in 1999 to N10billion monthly when he left office in 2007 is a script that. could only be lifted from the most astute finance books. He set the modal that ensures the monthly revenue continued to rise and is presently at a whopping rate of N50 billion monthly and it is still rising.

Tinubu is endowed to turn opportunities into fortunes, to turn potentials into growth. He is invested with that acumen to squeeze water from the stone and create boundless fortunes from yearning chances. He neither inherited nor stumbled on his Midas Touch. He simply nurtured the knowledge and art of melding several possibilities and churning out fantastic results. He is a self-made man, one who pulled himself up by his bootstraps and did it so princely that success trails him like a recalcitrant shadow. Through honing, education and exposure, he acquired the requisite ability to turn the fortunes of men and entities around. He has, over the years, built up the courage and will to make impacts where others see no way. He has the demonstrable willpower to improve the situation he finds himself in; to the benefit of himself and others. He has the inbuilt desire to endow any situation and leave it better than he met it. His penchant for success knows no bound.

Asiwaju is a detailed, careful and meticulous manager of men and resources. With a combination of these rare attributes, he has scored strings of successes in any pie he puts his fingers on. His resounding success in Lagos stands out for so many reasons. First, this was in the area of governance. Lagos governorship was the first executive governance position Tinubu held. As an executive governor, he was in charge of things and took responsibility for the successes or failures of his government. He demonstrated, by the beautiful results he got, that he had the capacity and depth to do things that could positively change the lives of the fortunes of not only Lagosians but Nigerians. What’s more, he installed a lasting legacy that continues to enrich and thrive in Lagos today. Secondly, Lagos was a microcosm of Nigeria where Nigerians with their prospects and problems converge so that he positively impacted on Lagosians and their fortunes even when other governors of other states made no such impact, shows that he understands the larger Nigerian problems and has the magic wand to change the fortunes of the country for the better.
So, what Nigeria and Nigerians need badly today is the Asiwaju Midas touch.

They need Asiwaju in the country’s leadership position to provide an orderly, planned, meticulous and resourceful leadership needed to take the country up the scale of progress and enhance the fortunes of Nigerians. Having recorded great infrastructural lift in the seven years of Buhari ruler ship, Nigeria now needs a veteran human resources manager, the foremost talent hunter, the adroit financial engineer, and the proven goal-oriented leader gifted with the touch of Midas to translate our national resources and potentials to economic and developmental growth for Nigeria and Nigerians. That was what Tinubu did in Lagos, which no other candidate neared in the period of their own reign in various leadership positions.

Most importantly, Nigerians need Tinubu to establish the same culture of growth he established in Lagos, for which Lagos has become an impregnable success story with only one possibility: growing more substantial and expanding wider. This can only come through the same orderly, planned and meticulous template as contained in the Lagos master plan Tinubu produced and exemplarily executed in Lagos. This was what enhanced his Midas touch in governance. Nigeria needs it badly.

An essential factor that helped the Tinubu Midas Touch is his capability to come prepared for any task he embarks on. Tinubu studies any opportunity so well before venturing into it. He had never gone into any venture unprepared, setting him apart from other candidates now seeking the country’s presidency. Preparedness has been an attribute that has, over the years, honed his skills and given him the cutting edge in every sphere he has veered into. He is a good student of success, which shows in anything he has gone into; politics, business, work, leadership and governance.

In politics, Asiwaju is more than prepared and has come through a long history of tutelage that has seen him a senator, a fighter for democracy and governor of Nigeria’s most important and most influential state. Asiwaju is an expert leading in a volatile digital world. Asiwaju’s thematic approach to leadership will continue to win the way to escalating economic, technological and democratic development of Nigeria.

Asiwaju can always: make sense of the turbulent digital environment, implement a scorched Nigeria strategy review, excise the legacy structures and management thinking that stifle innovation, and break free from past cultural norms. Unleash the creative potential of his people and high-performing team; leverage the full potential of existing and emerging technologies; and reimagine leadership for a great Nigeria.
Pleasingly, Asiwaju wants to deploy his rich, enviable, illustrious leadership skills and of course, his mythical Midas Touch on Nigeria and Nigerians. He did this for Lagos and Lagos is today one of Africa’s best success stories and has grown to the fifth largest African economy that is growing at an astronomical rate after Tinubu’s Midas Touch. Nigerians have no option than to vote Tinubu if they desire a huge change in the fortunes of the country from 2023.

Professor Ojo Emmanuel Ademola

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Indeed the whole world is undoubtedly inundated and immersed in the mourning and celebration of a life well lived by the late British Monarch, her Imperial Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.

However, many around the world especially from defunct colonies who have been victims of the British imperial dominance are still nursing animosity and shedding tears, but that of joy following news of the Queen’s death.

A documentary by DW News on Muthoni Mathenge, a Kenyan great grandma who has demanded compensation from Queen Elizabeth for being tortured by the British colonial troops in 1952 has resurfaced thereby casting doubts on the genuineness of the praises attributed to the late monarch.

In an interview with Deutsche Welle, DW News in June 2022, Mathenge asked the monarch to compensate her for the harsh treatment she received from the colonial troops more than 50 years ago. The elderly ex-freedom fighter stated that she wanted the payment to be sent to her directly without involving middlemen.

While Britain was celebrating the Platinum Jubilee of its monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, the old Mau Mau freedom fighter wanted to send the queen a message that stated: “Let Elizabeth bring what belongs to me.”

Mathenge noted that she and her husband faced brutal torture during the struggle for Kenya’s independence. She recounted how she was tortured by the British colonial military in 1952 after they stormed her house in search of her husband, a former member Mau Mau rebel group.

“Let Elizabeth bring what belongs to me, no middlemen in between. Let the compensation come directly to me. Let her give me a just compensation because she is the ruler,” urged Muthoni.

Mathenge displayed marks on her right foot as proof that she was tortured with axes by the imperial soldiers during Kenya’s struggle for independence from British colonial rule.

She explained that she reunited with her husband in the forest with the help of her neighbours, but was later recaptured and detained without her husband who never came out of the forest.

Sadly, that was the last time she saw him. “He nursed my wounds, even the ones on my legs. If you take a look at this leg, you can see it had been cut using an axe twice,” she explained while displaying the marks.

In another story quaking the social media space, a Nigerian-born lecturer Uju Anya @UjuAnya has sparked global outrage after she took to her verified Twitter handle to mock late Queen Elizabeth II‘s health condition hours before her death.

Uju accused Queen Elizabeth II of sponsoring the “genocide” that led to her family being displaced.

In another tweet, she referenced the alleged role of the British empire in supplying the Nigerian government with arms and ammunition during the nation’s civil war which spanned 1967 – 1970.

Her post attracted a flurry of reactions including criticisms and backlash as well.

In a series of now-deleted tweets, the Professor fired several damning shots at the British empire and the influential role played by the late Queen of Elizabeth II, hoping that her death would be painfully “excruciating.”

Queen Elizabeth II, died on Thursday, September 8th 2022 at her Scottish estate, where she had spent much of the summer. She was born Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor, in Mayfair, London, on 21 April 1926.

She was aged 96 and had reigned for 70 years being the longest-serving monarch. The Queen came to the throne in 1952 and witnessed enormous social change.

In his public speech as the new king, her son King Charles III said the death of his beloved mother was a “moment of great sadness” for him and his family and that her loss would be “deeply felt” around the world.

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From Princely Onyenwe

As the general elections in Nigeria draw closer, i advise the electorate of Ndigbo and Nigeria in general to vote for individuals and not political parties which as we all know are mostly bereft of manifestos, vision and ideologies.

By embracing fanatic partisanship, we have become perfect examples of protagonists of the polarity of our political system. By voting blindly for party’s bereft of ideology, ethics and morality, we are not acting intelligently; rather we are brainwashed into blindly and gullibly following a personal prejudice and escalating and fuelling an increasingly corrupt, counter productive and fraudulent system.

The simplest way to send a message that enough is enough to our visionless parties that keep throwing up and foisting the wrong choices on us, is to vote for change by going outside your party to vote individual capable and competent candidates in whatever party they are running. What is important is that you vote en-masse for a candidate you trust that can deliver. A candidate who you know can serve and protect your interest.

Moreover, if the candidates in your party do not whet your political appetite, what else can you do but go outside your party to shop for the best?

The party political system has become a form of institutionalized zombie like cultism. We are encouraged by the media, by our friends and family, and more broadly by our society, to pick a party and to support it without question. We are encouraged to deride everything about the other parties and see candidates from those parties as electoral untouchables never to be considered.

At a primitive level, by showing our parties that we regard our democracy in the same way that we treat football or a religious war, we are encouraging our elected representatives to behave as members of their respective teams or religions rather than as individuals elected to represent their overall constituencies; we are encouraging them to polarize the political system along party lines in a vicious cycle that further encourages polarization in the electorate.

There are greedy, selfish and self-motivated egotists in all parties, but there are also smart, intelligent, purposeful, passionate and well motivated individuals in all parties. When we display blind zombie like allegiance to a political party, we are choosing not to seek competent and capable politicians, but rather to pick the most vocal, deep pocketed individual our party selective system throws up to ensure that we outdo the other camp, in a game where victory is determined purely by biomass.

With this way of selecting candidates, it becomes natural to overlook a politician’s weaknesses and elect our own partys bigot or idiot rather than the passionate, competent and intelligent individual who happens to be branded with another party’s logo.

Sadly this approach to voting perpetuates divisiveness and incompetence in a cycle that needs to be broken. And it needs to be broken by the electorate, for we cannot blame elected officials who are behaving exactly as we are incentivizing them to. As a public we need to recover our individual and collective responsibility and critical minds and vote for competent people in whichever party we can find them in and not strictly our accustomed parties.

This is not easy, but I am increasingly of a mindset that this is incredibly important and is how I must discuss and describe the political situation we find ourselves in as we approach the 2023 elections.

Partisanship bereft of ideology and manifesto is no longer suitable for us. Rather, i would advise that a more thoughtful and deliberate approach to casting your vote is required, one that looks at each candidate on the basis of their ability to deliver for the constituency and not on the basis of gullible zombie like loyalty to party.

leadership is about people, their feelings, their welfare, their security and economic freedom.
Dont be blinded by candidates seeking to insult your intelligence by trying to buy your support instead of comvincing you why they should be voted for.

I am asking you to open your eyes and make the right electoral choices. Don’t be blinded by loyalty to political parties even as i acknowledge, depending on which clime, defimitely not ours, that political parties are essential to the advancement of democracy and healthy political development focused competition.

Duruebube Ihiagwa Chimazuru “Oblong” Nnadi-Oforgu writes from United States.

9News Nigeria (Owerri)
For inquiries on this news contact 9News Nigeria Imo State @08036856526

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From Princely Onyenwe

As a member of Presidential Council on Digital Economy and e-Government, the Imo State Governor, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodinma was present at the Inaugural Meeting held at Nigeria Communication & Digital Economy Complex, Abuja.

The meeting was chaired by the Honourable Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, on behalf of President Muhammadu Buhari.

Imo State already positioned and aligned with the Federal Government under the Shared Prosperity Administration for responsive partnerships, will continue to leverage on available opportunities for the developmental drive across the State.

9News Nigeria (Owerri)For inquiries on this news contact 9News Nigeria Imo State @08036856526

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Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has spoken on alleged merger deal with the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Aljhaji Atiku Abubukar, 9news Nigeria learned.

9news Nigeria reports that the presidential candidate of the NNPP, Rabiu Kwankwaso, said his party will dislodge both the ruling APC and the main opposition PDP in 2023.

Kwankwaso who belong to both parties in the past said his new party is spreading fast, boasting that he will defeat both Tinubu and Atiku. The former governor of Kano state also said he won’t step down for Atiku or any other person in order for the ruling APC to be defeated.

Rabiu Kwankwaso, the presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), said he is certain of victory against Asiwaju Bola Tinubu of the APC and Atiku Abubakar of the PDP in 2023.

Kwankwaso said this in an interview with The Punch, boasting that he has the profile to bring down the APC and the PDP.

The NNPP presidential candidate noted that the signing of the Electoral Bill will make it difficult for anyone to defeat him by rigging.

His words: “The Kwankwasiya movement is very popular, and we’ll even win in the North-Eastern region.
I’m happy that the Electoral Bill was signed into law, and that would make it difficult for anyone to rig us as they’ve always done in the past. “Once there’s a free and fair election, it’ll be difficult for anyone to defeat us. Hence, I am certain of victory against Presidential candidates of the ruling All Progressives Congress, Bola Tinubu, and Atiku Abubakar of the major opposition, Peoples Democratic Party, at the polls in 2023.” I will not step down for anyone – Kwankwaso Meanwhile, Kwankwaso who is also a former governor of Kano state, stated that he will not be stepping down for anyone in order for the ruling APC to be defeated.

When asked if he will step down for Atiku, he said: “I won’t be stepping down for anyone, our party is popular across the country, and we’re sure of victory at the polls.

“Our candidacy is based on capacity and performance.

Nigerians will not vote for any experiment now, people are looking for those that have done it better in the past, and people who are trusted. Nigerians want someone that can unite Nigeria, improve the education system, and end the issue of incessant insecurity.

We’ve always cared for the people. And many, especially the poor masses, were happy that I got the presidential ticket of the NNPP.” Kwankwaso added that NNPP is fast-growing and he will not have any problem getting votes from the southwest and the southeast. “Our party has grown very fast. Months ago no one knew about the party, but in the last four months, the party has been popular across the country.

“The NNPP is now a household name, we have leadership and followership across the nation. Our ideology is different,” he said. Wike, Kwankwaso, Fayose meet in Port Harcourt Meanwhile, the presidential candidate of the NNPP, Rabiu Kwankwaso, has paid a private visit to Rivers Governor Nyesom Wike on Friday, June 24.

Kwankwaso, who led a delegation of his party leaders and friends, was said to have held crucial discussions with Wike behind closed doors.

It was learnt that the former Kano governor in the meeting, which was held on Friday at the Governor’s Port Harcourt country home, sought Wike’s support for his presidential ambition.

It was gathered that he used the occasion of the meeting to plead with Wike to forgive Atiku and work for the success of PDP in anticipation of NNPP collapsing structure for Atiku.

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9News Nigeria

Can Governor Lalong as VP secure Northen votes for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu come 2023?

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9News Nigeria

The 2023 Presidential Race has taken another dramatic turn in the All Progressives Congress party as the president of the African Development Bank AfDB, Akinwumi Adesina has reportedly joined the race, 9News Nigeria reports.

The former minister of Agriculture, Dr Akinwumi Adesina obtained copies of his Nomination and Expression of Interest forms on Saturday, May 7th 2022 to vie for the 2023 presidential election under the All Progressives Congress Party.

9News Nigeria learnt that a coalition of 28 groups consisting of Youth Arise Movement, Nigerians in Diaspora One Nigeria Group, Prudent Youth Association of Nigeria, women groups, farmers, people with disabilities and other civil society groups, raised the APC Party stipulated fee of N100 million in order to purchase the forms for the Dr Akinwumi.

According to a report, the coalition was led by Mohammed Saleh, the leader of One Nigeria Group who expressed the need for Dr Akiwumi Adesina to join the race at this time.

Recall that lately, implausible flocks of candidates have impromptu declared their interest to run in the 2023 presidential election under the All Progressives Congress party. Such candidates, to mention but a few include, Senator Godswill Akpabio, Pastor Tunde Bakari, former governor of Edo State, Adams Oshiomhole and Governor Abubakar Badaru of Jigawa State.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

The country is faced with hardship, citizens are lamenting daily about how hard it is to live in Nigeria, the dollar cannot be compared to the naira, students are at home and what seems to be the most pressing matter is our leaders purchasing the 100 million naira all progressive congress presidential form like it’s a jamb form.

The number of Presidential aspirants on the platform of the All Progressives Congress has continued to rise despite the mixed feelings trailing the N100million expression of interest and nomination forms.

So far 20 aspirants have declared interest in the All progressive congress presidential forum. The treasurer for the APC must be  smiling to the purse, in a time where there is a lot of hardship in the country.

Funnily enough, The Minister for Education is the first to purchase the form despite ASSU being on strike for several months now.

What a misplaced priority!

The following are those that have obtained the nomination form

1. Ashiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu
2. Yahaya Adoza Bello
3. Dave Umahi
4. Emeka Nwajiuba
5. Pastor Tunde Bakare.

Others that have indicated interest and expressed to purchase the form includes:

1. Pastor Yemi Osinbajo
2. Kayode Fayemi
3. God will Akpabio
4. Ibikunle Amosun
5. Rochas Okorocha
6. Ben Ayade
7. Rotimi Amaechi
8. Tein Jack Rich
9. Adamu Garba
10. Olawepo Hashim
11. Nicolas Felix
12. Chris Ngige
13. Adams Oshiomole
14. Timipre Sylva.

Nigerian politicians now purchase this N100 Million nomination form despite the Nation poverty and Economy down fall.

There is no doubt About it, one candidate will be qualified for this office.

Only God knows who will be representing them all.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Fears of Nigerians over the fate of the 2023 General Elections amidst insecurity scourge has apparently begun to surface with pointers of threats. Resounding notations of the 2023 General Elections projected to suffer disturbing glitches by insecurity menace have been taking course, as many fear the prevailing situations if left unchecked, would bastardise the processes.

Touches of these threats may seem not to be a facade as bellicose actions from illegal state actors have begun to take course. Imo state on Thursday, April 14, 2022, had a reflection of such fear as report revealed how hoodlums numbering over four stormed the Ihitte Uboma local government area, shooting dead a staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), named Okorie Anthony, at the venue of the ongoing Continuous Voters Registration (CVR) exercise. Report revealed from a viral video that the hoodlums said the actions were a signal message that there will be no 2023 election. The development has led to bringing to halt the exercise in the local government area, among others, in the State.

INEC, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and education committee, Mr Festus Okoye in a statement in Owerri confirming the sordid development, said the incident happened at Nkwo Ihitte (PU 004) in Amakohia ward (RA 02), adding that two other staff were still missing. “The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has suspended the continuous voter’s registration exercise in Ihette Uboma Local Government Area of Imo state. This is sequel to the report of the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Francis Ezeonu, to the effect that on the 14 April 2022, a staff of the commission Mr Anthony Okorie, involved in the ongoing CVR, exercise was shot dead by unknown gunmen at Nkwo Ihitte (PU 004) in Amakohia ward (RA 02) of Ihitte Uboma local government area of the state. The REC, further reported that the state office is making efforts to locate the whereabouts of two remaining staff involved in the registration. Before this incident, the commission has suspended the CVR, in Orsu and Njaba local government areas of the state, on account of insecurity while the exercise is taking place only in the INEC LGA office in Oru East, Oru West, Orlu, and Ohaji/Egbema local government areas of the state,” the Statement read.

Stakeholders have not ceased raising alarm over the threats that insecurity poses for the 2023 General Elections. It would be recalled that concerns over insecurity in the Country have been raised by INEC on the threats that the scourge could pose to the management of electoral processes. On Monday, 1st, February, 2022, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had expressed worries over the challenges that insecurity may pose to elections in 2023, if not addressed. The INEC National Commissioner, Information and Voter Education, Bar. Festus Okoye at the opening ceremony of a two-day workshop for the Commission’s staff of Voter Education and Publicity including the heads of Departments and Publicity Affairs Officers from the Northern States on Strategic Communications and Operationalization of the Communication Policy facilitated by the European Centre for Electoral Support (ECES-Nigeria), had said: “As we move closer to the 2023 general election, all the critical stakeholders and the security agencies must resolve to degrade and or neutralise the security threats across the federation. Our people must be assured that they can vote in a peaceful atmosphere. The Chairman of the Commission has pointed out and consistently emphasised that the current level of insecurity in the country remains the greatest and most potent threat to the conduct of free, fair, and transparent elections in the country.”

The Christian Association of Nigeria, (CAN) had in March lamented insecurity in the country, identifying it as the biggest threat to the 2023 General Elections. CAN President, Revd. Samson Ayokunle, had in March when a delegation of the European Union led by the EU Chief Election Observer, Ms. Maria Arena, met with the leadership of the apex Christian body in Abuja, said CAN was disturbed by the negative situation, whereby the security of lives and properties could no longer be guaranteed across the Country. The EU team had sought to know CAN’s position concerning the preparation of all the stakeholders – the Independent National Electoral Commission, the security agencies, and the political parties – towards the forthcoming elections next year. The CAN President had lamented that the security situation in the country might prevent a credible, free, and fair election, if voters were not allowed to go out to exercise their franchise, because of fear of being harmed, kidnapped, or killed.

“We call on the Federal Government and the security agencies to wake up to the security challenges in the Country where the terrorists, bandits and kidnappers are operating with impunity and nowhere is safe and secure again. If the trend continues, many voters may not participate and the outcome of the election may not be credible. We have been struggling with this situation now for the past 13 years, yet, we are still where we are,” the CAN President was quoted.

In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Arabambi Abayomi, the Labour Party, Abeokuta branch on Sunday, April 03, 2023, had feared that if the escalating wave of terrorism across parts of the Country be left unchecked, it has the potential to derail the 2023 General Elections. Worried by the spate of incessant attacks recently, the party condemned what it described as “very weak responses of government to terrorism.”

The statement had partly read: “Labour Party subscribes to the fact that the first and the very most important duty of government is to constitutionally provide and ably guarantee the safety and security of the citizens, but it is unfortunate that the APC led government had left Labour Party with no choice but to strongly condemn the level of its highly shocking and extremely nauseating incompetence shown against the continual killings of the citizens across the nation by the terrorists. It has now come to a stage that as a nation, this must not be condoned any more. The time has come for the government to do what is standard and needful immediately, as security is the main demand for a true democratic rule, but this is one area in which the federal government had been found highly wanting. The frightening impotence of the APC federal governments in the face of escalating terrorism may derail the 2023 elections.”

It is no doubt that insecurity is now threatening the running of democracy in the Country. Except issues are addressed to restore situation to normal across various parts of the Country before 2023, it no doubt that the exercise of franchise in the elections would be left at the mercy of insecurity, as many Nigerians who are depressed from the disarray of turbulence may have no choice than to stay away from polling boots. Such would no more be reflective than a system which have broken down to deny citizens perform their constitutional right as enshrined in a democracy.

The degeneration of insecurity in the Country is growing in concern with dynamic clamours, such as those demanding the possession of firearms for citizens for self help. Rising in full weight of response to arrest the heat is a demand the government must fulfill, as failure in same is failure to fulfill its mandate to protect lives and properties, a primary purpose for which it was elected.

It is indisputable that the prevailing scourge of insecurity across the Country with bellicose threats leave nothing but harsh conditions of hostilities, which in all its dimensions, portend no good omen for the conduct of elections. Both the safety of electoral officers and electorates appears not guaranteed. Where citizens are constrained from exercising their civic right of franchise due to fear of not being safe doing same, the definition of what makes up democracy has become incomplete and defeated. It behooves the government to rise beyond limit to restore sanity, reliable enough, for the conduct of elections and its management. The democratic requirements of elections would only be effectively feasible where all citizens, including the populace, the political stakeholders and the management officials, can reliably perform their duties and obligations without any sense of fear or panic over any mayhem or threat.

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9News Nigeria

We’re making progress!

~ A new college of agriculture (technical) underway for Ndi Anaocha, Njikoka & Dunukofia federal constituency.

Earlier Yesterday the House of Representatives committee on Agricultural colleges and institutions held a public hearing on a bill for an act To Establish the federal college of agriculture (technical), Enugwu-Ukwu, Anambra state to provide full-time courses, teaching instruction and training in agricultural technology, agriculture and to carry out its due administration and management; and for other related matters (HB. 1261).

After passing the second reading and now being reviewed in committee, Yesterday was set aside to hear from witnesses from diverse points of view on the issue. Members of the committee have returned to analyze the points of view expressed in greater depth, and we anticipate a positive report.

This bill was initiated by my people’s sincere desires for an institution that enhances the agricultural system, which is a major source of livelihood and a wise investment. I am especially grateful to stakeholders from my constituency who showed an interest, attended the public hearing, and contributed meaningfully to the bill’s public debate.

© Hon. Dozie Nwankwo Onye Ndozi MHR
Dunukofia, Njikoka and Anaocha Constituency

Daalunu!
Bia k’anyi #Soludozie Anambra.

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9News Nigeria

KHADIJAH Okunnu-Lamidi declared her interest in contesting for president of Nigeria in the 2023 general election in January 2022.
Speaking at a media conference held in Lagos, she disclosed that her motivation in vying for presidency stems from her desire to make Nigeria work for its diverse populace while also harnessing the undoubted power of its teeming youths.
“I was motivated to contest for presidency because of my desire to rekindle hope and make Nigeria work for all Nigerians” She said.

Background History
Khadija Okunnu-Lamidi, born to the former Federal Works Commissioner, Lateef Olufemi Okunnu is 38 years old and a native of Lagos State. She is married to Adeshola Lamidi and a media personality. She is the only child of her parents but has both maternal and paternal step-siblings. She is popularly known by her friends as ‘KOL Nigeria.’

Educational Background
Khadijah Okunnu-Lamidi attended the University Of Lagos Staff School & Childville School Yaba for her primary education (1986-1994) before proceeding to Atlantic Hall School Maryland for her secondary education (1994-2000).
She holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Management (Hons) from the University of Bolton RAK Campus in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and a Master’s degree in Strategic Project Management (SPM) from the prestigious Heriot-Watt University, Dubai.
She moved back to Lagos to undergo the mandatory NYSC program, where she taught Physics and Chemistry at a Lagos State Government School.

Political Aspiration
Khadija Okunnu-Lamidi has disclosed the 5-pillars she would use to tackle most of the prevailing issues in Nigeria. She highlighted Industrialization, Women Inclusion, Education and Innovation, Governance and Welfare, Law and Security, as her proposed solutions to Nigeria’s problems.

Industrialization
The media professional said she intends to merge all specific projects to create a product that can be easily evaluated in 10 years.
She said, “The way we intend to go about it is to create a vision for what we want the country to look like. There are specific projects, but rather than having them as projects we need to combine them to create products, whereby in 10 years, we want to have this amount of industrialization in this area.
“So we are creating jobs, employment, health services, everywhere you have an industrial path, and powering them with the energy sector. By this, we are also creating and enabling environment for investors, and a safe place for skill acquisition and transfer of knowledge.”

Women Inclusion
According to her, An Okunnu-Lamidi led government will advocate for a 50% inclusion rare for women in politics and governance.
In her words, “As a woman, I cannot but champion these policies for us to have a 50% women inclusion rate”.
She explained that this is what Nigeria needs if leaders must make good decisions. She also noted that women determine the wealth of the nation.
“It is definitely what we need if we are going to make good decisions. Women’s inclusion ensures that policies are able to carry along as many women as possible. There’s a woman in every household. If you do not enable these women, the poorer the women the poorer the nation,” She said.

Education and Innovation
KOL noted that Nigeria’s yet to meet world standards, and if elected, her government would bridge the knowledge and application gap between the nation and the rest of the world through technology.
“Our children here can learn the same things that their counterparts are learning across the world. This also helps us in the application of knowledge. What we do in Nigeria is to only teach, we do not actually teach to apply knowledge, or how to think indifferent scenarios and situations.
“We have put these two hand-in-hand because where we are at the moment is so far behind that we have to use technology to meet the standards of the world.”

Governance and Welfare
Mrs. Okunnu-Lamidi said that the Nigerian government has missed its essence of governance by competing with local businesses.
“We think governance is business that is why governments are competing with businesses but that is wrong”.
She further said her government, if elected, will ensure that the government agencies and parastatals will focus on their functions in order to elevate people living beneath the dignity average of human existence.”

Law and Security
“Without law, there is no order”, Okunnu-Lamidi said. She explained that the state of security in the country can be controlled by law and justice.
“So we put law and security hand-in-hand so that the justice system can work very closely with the security system and we can solve our security issues through legal means.”
Conclusively out of 469 legislative members we only have 14 females and 455 male. What is the problem?

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9News Nigeria

According to a memo dated February 28 and obtained by RUNAROUNDNEWS, the move is to mobilize support for members who are aspiring to occupy political offices.

The memo, which was issued by the Assistant General Overseer (Admin and Personnel) of the RCCG, Pastor J. F. Odesola, was directed to pastors in charge of regions and provinces of the RCCG across Nigeria.

The memo reads in part, “The essence of this directorate is to help coordinate the engagement of our people who are willing to be involved in politics, as well as mobilize support for them when required”.

Reports state that there are indications that the development was aimed at supporting the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo who was a top pastor in the church prior to his emergence as VP in 2015.

Osinbajo, who is yet to declare interest for the presidential race, may be one of those vying for the presidential ticket of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.

His supporters across the country have been calling on him to succeed his boss, President Muhammadu Buhari in a bid to rescue the country from the current economic crisis.

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9News Nigeria

Being kind not only has a direct effect on others, but it has a positive impact on yourself as well, and one of the greatest blessings we can bestow is kindness.

Hon. Chidi Ibemeka has proven that kindness is part of what he was born to do, remarkably due to how he graciously rose from nothing to something.

Ibemeka, has invested massively in the lives of the younger generation in his constituency, Njikoka and beyond, most especially in the educational and health sectors.

Recall that last week, he announced the procurement of SSCE (WAEC & NECO) examination forms for indigent students in his constituency. Just yesterday, in the spirit of the celebration of love and selflessness, he also announced the commencement of free holiday lessons for prospective students in his constituency, Enugwu ukwu and Nawfia respectively.

Analyzing his countless acts of kindness, most of which are aimed towards a sustainable future of the younger generation through education, I’m sure this inspired ‘The Save The Future Project’

I can still call-to-mind one of his treasured citation about kindness as his drive towards impacting more lives, especially the younger generation, “sometimes it takes only one act of kindness and love to change a person’s life” he said.

Chidiebere Ibemeka rose from a young poor village boy to a globally celebrated business leader, and the CEO of several multinational freight companies.

He has indeed done well for himself, and his style of leadership will continue to create ripple effects with no logical ends.

© Save The Future Media

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Ever Since the Masses begins to beckon on Hon. Dozie Nwankwo to Run for Senate Anambra Central cum 2021, Then the Nightmares of opposition enveloped because they are Afraid of the Young Politician and his Movements, he’s the Street General , Grassroots mobilizer and Game master in this Political Era.

It’s on Record That Hon. Dozie Nwankwo started performing Greatly to his Constituents with his fiscal before joining politics, let’s be Reminded he’s also among the Topmost working & qualified Rep Members in the Green Chamber , he has sponsored bills , projects And Moved Motions that yielded Veritable Results to the angles of DNA and beyond.
He has attracted Good Project’s, skills acquisition , Scholarship foundation schemes, Job slots / contracts, Human capital development, Free Education , Political Appointments to Youths as Reward, Building Of Healthcare Centres / Free Medical , Constructions of Good tarred Roads , Gully Erosions protections / channeling it to right part, Talents sponsorship , Helping the poor / less privileged, Funding the widows / building of houses for them across the Constituents And building of secondary schools as well.

Hon. Dozie Nwankwo has remained the lover of youths, most humble, Trusted, and Qualified Leader who understands the mindsets of the people and also acts according to God’s Directions.
He’s a Rep member who is accessible, accountable and also has best Records at the Government.
It’s Right time we Rethink deep and supports a youth to Represent us at the Red chamber Maka Odimma Ndi Anambra central.

Onye Ndozi deserves our Support , we believe in his capacity because he’s a vibrant Politician that will save the masses from the wrong hands and he will make sure the Shares will always reach to the grassroots.
If been elected as Senate Candidate cum 2023 which we know He’s always a Winner and victorious in the race , so we expected / hope that he will Do more in the Red chamber.

Soludozie Obodo anyi , It’s Youth o’clock.
Ife Chukwu Delu Odego Ya ( ” What Is Written , Is Written ” ). History shall be created again, Anticipate and join this massive Movements.

ONYE NDOZI NWACHINAEMELU IS COMING !!!

ONE WITH GOD IS MAJORITY

OnyeNdozi2023

Mmaduaburochukwu

— Comr. Odezugo ChukwuNonso
( Convener YOUNG ELITE’S SUPPORT ONYE-NDOZI ) :: [ YESO ] “

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9News Nigeria

Ndi Njikoka 1 Constituency Arise in One voice and support our own God’s chosen candidate Pharm Nwaneki Benedict Nonso for House Of Assembly 2023.

The Era of Old political system has come to an end, it’s Right time youth Take over the Leadership mantle for betterment of the poor masses & Electorates.
It’s Youth o’clock so we demand Equity, fairness and support from the good people of Njikoka 1, for her own Divine mandate, Pharm Nonso for a better Representation.

The masses need accountability, capability and a Youthful leader, who can speak up and fight for the people’s rights if elected into the HOA position and not Looters who use public funds for their selfish interests — We say Enough Is Enough — of bad Leadership.

Ugo Umunri Remains the Tested, trusted and qualified candidate who understands the mindsets and Leadership tenets expected of him by the constituents, he’s ready to restore sanity and to serve the Masses according God’s direction.

We need Leaders who will bring massive development, changing of Education system, Empowerment / skill Acquisition forum, Scholarship Schemes, Job Employments and Human Capital development. These and many more can be achieved if Pharm Nonso is elected because he would revoke the stolen mandate from the wrong hands.

Let’s support and vote for our Divine mandate Maka Odimma ndi Enugwu-ukwu, Nawfia and Enugwu-Agidi (Njikoka 1 constituency).

Think The Best Quality Representative and Think Ugo Umunri.

UgoUmunri 2023

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9News Nigeria

• REVEALS HIS INTENTION TO CONTEST FOR THE STATE ASSEMBLY ELECTION

The founder “Save the Future” movement, Hon. Chidiebere Ibemeka (Okwuluoka Enugwu-Ukwu na Umunri) has officially made known his intention to contest in the upcoming state assembly election under the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

Hon. Ibemeka made this revelation on Thursday 10th February 2022, when he played host to the eight (8) APGA ward chairmen in Njikoka 1 Constituency at his residence in Enugwu-Ukwu as part of his consultations towards his proposed contest.

According to him, his desire to contest the election is borne out of his passion for good governance, quality representation, initiation of impactful bills and motions and his determination to impact lives as exemplified by his numerous philanthropic gestures.

He stated that it was time to give the experienced youths in the party the opportunity to contribute their quota to the advancement of the constituency.

Hon. Ibemeka added that if given the mandate to fly the party’s flag in the election next year he would join hands with the stakeholders and other members of the party to make sure that the party triumphs in the general election.

“Lawmaking has taken a new dimension and only those with the requisite skills and knowledge should represent the Constituency. I’ve been an integral part of the system and I am well aware of the plight of our constituents. If i finally win the election, I’ll utilize my exposure in the public service over the years as well as my extensive networking to highlight these needs to the appropriate authorities and also propose bills that will add value to our people through creative policies”, he said.

Responding, the Ward Chairmen recognised his enormous contributions towards the political party especially in ensuring her resounding victory in the last gubernatorial election, and pledged to ensure that the best candidate emerges.

©️Save The Future Media

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9News Nigeria

Former Governor of Lagos State, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu has explained his reasons for visiting former Military President, Gen. Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, saying, he went to receive his blessings.

Tinubu stated this after a closed-door meeting with the elder statesman in his Hilltop country home in Minna, Niger State.

Responding to newsmen on the purpose of his visit to IBB, the former Governor of Lagos State said he was in Niger State to sympathize with the state over its security challenges and decided to visit the elder statesman to receive his blessings.

He stated, “if you restrict my visit to this house that is it. Generally, I came to Niger State to commiserate with the Governor and the people of Niger State. And so, I can’t stop by without paying a courtesy call to the enigma General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, Retired”.

On whether he got his blessings, the presidential candidate replied, ” he gave me his prayers. You want to know the outcome of the consultation? We are running a democracy”.

Speaking on his ambition, he stated,” I took my decision voluntarily and I am running for the Presidency of the country, we are running a democracy, thank you very much and God bless you”.

Senator Tinubu disclosed that having declared his intention, he has started consultations and is ready to consult widely with relevant stakeholders across the nation.

“When I made the declaration, I told you that I am still consulting and I will consult as widely as possible,” he further added.

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9News Nigeria

ANAMBRA CENTRAL BECKONING ONYE NDOZI FOR SENATE 2023 !

The Era Is Here , Nkwa Chukwu Kwelu Ndi Anambra Central Ga Emezu .

High Chief. Dozie Nwankwo Is Qualified, Tested And Trusted For The Task, We Now Believe In Gosi Anyi Nke Imegoro Ka Anyi Fuu .

Onye Ndozi Nwachinaemelu, Remains Gigantic , Grassroot Mobilizer , Strong And Youthful Politician Who Is Destined To Save The Masses And protect the Right Of Ndi Anambra Central from the Wrong Hands.
He Will Transform the Political System If Elected, We Strongly Support He Will Perform the Best More Than Expected at The NASS.

History Shall Be Created In Anambra Central 2023, as It is Done During The Figance DNA Rep battles Which Later Ended Up With Resounding Joy and Victory.

God Is Saying Something 2023, Whatever That Is Written Shall Come To Reality , Uche Chukwu Ga Emezu , Makana Mmadu Aburo Chukwu !

” He Said He Will Do It , And It’s Already Manifesting “
Join In This Youthful Political Era And Be Victorious, we Are Changing The Narratives because The God Ordained Candidate Remains The People’s Choice & He Is Unstoppable !

Hon. Dozie Ferdinand Nwankwo Remains our Divine Mandate because He Has The Utmost Qualifications For The Best Leadership , that Is Expected Of Him And The Masses Trust He Can Do Better At the Red Chamber.

Onye Ndozi Is Coming……

buildtheyouths

© Comr. Odezugo ChukwuNonso
( Reported )……

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

The National leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC, and former Governor of Lagos State, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has been told to shelve the idea of contesting the 2023 presidential election.

Prophet Bisi Olujobi of Wisdom Church International, Ketu, Lagos Nigeria, gave the warning in a statement he signed and made available to News Men on Monday.

In what he described as a fresh divine insight of what is to be expected in the year 2022/2023, allegedly revealed to him by God, the cleric said he believed that with much prayer the negative part of his prophecies can be averted.

The popular octogenarian prophet urged Nigerians and the world at large to be closer to God unlike before, believing this will endear the people more to their creator who has the power to do and undo.

Prophet Olujobi revealed that Nigeria will not break as being speculated by a lot of spiritualists and agitators, adding that it is in the mind of God to keep the country together.

The clergyman calls for more prayer for Chief Sunday Igboho and the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu as “they will be released any moment from now” according to what God has shown him, “though it will not be easy, that’s why prayer is needed on their behalf.”

On the issue of who to succeed President Buhari, the prophet declared that “Senator Ahmed Tinubu has no chances of becoming the number one citizen of the country but rather, a green light is being seen in the direction of the present Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo and if intense prayer is being rendered, he will eventually become the next President of Nigeria.”

Again, the prophet declared that “the nation’s economy and security will not go better than this, as the incumbent president has no will and stamina to do better, rather Nigerians should hope on God, whom their help cometh from.”

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9News Nigeria

Presidential campaign posters of Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State have emerged.

Wike’s campaign posters were sighted in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja.

The posters were sighted on Monday at some traffic kiosks along Airports road, Asokoro and the Federal Secretariat.

The posters had the tag: “Here to serve 2023: Barr Ezenwo Nyesom Wike for president.”

The posters were sponsored by “Northerners For Change Group”.

However, the governor who is a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, is yet to declare his intentions to contest for the presidency.

Meanwhile, Bola Tinubu, Yahaya Bello of the All Progressives Congress, among others, have declared their intentions to run for the office of the president in 2023.

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9News Nigeria

The Vice Chairman of the South-West Zone of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya, aka MC Oluomo has called on the region to support the presidential ambition of Bola Tinubu, National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC.

MC Oluomo, in a short video, described Tinubu as an incoming President.

The Lagos State Chairman of NURTW made the call while reacting to Tinubu’s visit to the Governor of Zamfara State, Bello Matawalle.

Tinubu, who had visited Matawalle over the recent killing of some residents by bandits, donated N50m to victims.

During the visit, the former Lagos State Governor also declared that President Muhammadu Buhari has the capacity to defeat Boko Haram, bandits, and other criminal elements.

Sharing a video of Tinubu in Zamfara, on Facebook, Oluomo wrote: “My amiable APC national leader and incoming president (insha allah) visits Zamfara State Governor, Dr Bello Muhammad Matawalle, to sympathise with them over the senseless bloodletting occasioned by the nefarious activities of bandits.

“This is another call to our brothers and sisters in the South-West to support our father, son and friend, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, for the 2023 presidential election. A man with God is a majority.”

Meanwhile, Tinubu had informed Buhari of his presidential ambition.

The APC National Leader informed the President of his intention during a meeting on Monday at the State House.

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9News Nigeria

The national leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu on Monday said that he has informed President Muhammadu Buhari of his ambition to contest for the position of president in 2023.

Asiwaju Tinybu said it was a lifelong ambition and that he has the confidence, the vision and the capacity to build on the vision of President Buhari.

The APC national leader disclosed this to State House correspondents after meeting behind closed-doors with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

He said he was at the State House to see the President on general issues concerning Nigeria including some of the concerns in the APC as well as security issues.

Asked whether he has informed President Buhari of his ambition to contest for the President in 2023, he said, “I have informed the President of my ambition but I have not informed Nigerians yet, I am still consulting.”

On what was the response of President Buhari, Asiwaju Tinubu said that the President as a democrat did not ask him to stop from contesting.

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9News Nigeria

The National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has said he will not turn down the calls of those asking him to contest for president in 2023.

Tinubu stated this after a meeting with leaders of the Northern Alliance Committee in Abuja on Tuesday.

Speaking to journalists after the meeting, the former Governor of Lagos said he would, however, make consultations before officially announcing a decision on the matter.

“I’m not going to turn them down but I will still effectively and widely consult, particularly brainstorm with my friends and find a date to come out openly to tell Nigerians.

“But the president is still in office. I don’t want to distract him from all the challenges that he might face today.
“So, don’t muddle the political water. Consult, make our programme known to the people later,” Tinubu said.

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9News Nigeria

They have failed to meet up with the expectations of our people, and have continued to betray our trust, confidence, and respect for them.

The Arewa Concerned Civil Society Organisations of Nigeria has said that in the interest of fairness and equity, the Presidency in 2023 should go to the South-East region since the North had turned into a human abattoir under the incumbent administration.  

The ACCSON frowned at a statement purportedly credited to one Alhaji Yerima Shettima, President of Arewa Consultative Youth Forum, saying that “It is too late for the 2023 Presidency to be zoned to the South-East”.

In its own statement signed by Abdulsalam Mohammed Kazeem, ACCSON said, “It is indecorous and even outright provocative and inciting in nature. We strongly believe that no genuine democrat with sincere national interest and who cherishes the spirit of unity and corporate existence of Nigeria will utter such insensitive comments at this critical political time in our country.

“It is noteworthy to restate here, that the position of our group calling for the rotational presidency among the six geo political zones of the country was as a result of our peculiar regional experiences. Both past and present crop of elected and appointed leaders from within our region have failed us completely. They have failed to meet up with the expectations of our people, and have continued to betray our trust, confidence, and respect for them.

“For instance, from 1999 to date (which is 22 years now), the North-West and North-East zones have produced president, vice president, secretary to the government of the federation, senate presidents, and speakers of the House of Representatives. The North-Central Zone alone has produced two senate presidents in 12 years; a deputy senate president and a deputy speaker of the House of Representatives.

“Our three zones of the Northern region in total have produced more ministers, services chiefs and heads of governments agencies more than any other region, yet there is nothing on ground to show for it.

“They only leverage on our population advantage, which though is an added advantage in a democratic setting. The said population is only useful to our region during electioneering period. The major benefit of a population advantage in economics is that it remains attractive to both the multi- national and trans-national companies that would want to site industries in such location in other to maximise their market and get very cheap labour.

“Our Northern region today has been reduced to a human abattoir, to say the least, where all our communities have been converted to a mass grave due to the failure of government at all levels.

“For instance, between October 2021 till date, over 150 citizens of Northern extraction have been murdered by terrorists in Sokoto State alone, not to talk of Zamfara, Kebbi, Kaduna, Katsina, Niger, Benue, Borno and Yobe states. Despite the claims by government that terrorism and violent insurgency is aggressively being fought, the North has remained a killing field.

“Our country is about the highest importer of arms and ammunition in Africa and our region is seemingly the poverty capital of Nigeria, yet our people occupied and are still occupying the most sensitive positions in government from 1999 till date.

“We are not sycophants of government, but we are patriotic northerners too, with history of respect for constituted authority and for our elders.

“It is therefore the position of our Northern umbrella youths coalition, the Arewa Concerned Civil Society Organisations of Nigeria, that since our people in leadership positions in Nigeria cannot bring development, peace, progress, and prosperity to our region, let us try people of other regions, particularly the region or geo-political zone that has not produced a president or vice president of Nigeria in other to further promote fairness, equity, unity or oneness of the country.”

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9News Nigeria

Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, on Thursday said he doesn’t like celebrating birthdays, as he clocked 75 years.

Abubakar disclosed this in Bauchi State while commissioning a 4.2 kilometres Gombe Road-Maiduguri Bypass, named after him by the state governor, Bala Mohammed.

“Today, I read with emotion your birthday greetings to me. I don’t normally like celebrating birthdays, but here you are today, making me celebrate my birthday with a birthday cake and birthday bull.

“I never had it in my life like this. Your excellency, words alone are not enough for me to describe how I feel today.

“I want to appeal to the good people of Bauchi state to support their governor. Give him all the support that he needs as you can see that if you give him the support, he will also serve you very well.

“He is not a governor that is actually ruling or governing you, he is a governor who is serving you,” he said.

Abubakar also commended the state House of Assembly for its continued support to the executive, despite the fact that it’s being controlled by an opposition party, the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“It is a working opposition party. In other words, the development of the state is far more important to them than the differences in political beliefs.

“Mr Speaker, I want you to convey my appreciation to members of the state assembly for the cooperation you have been giving to the governor and I believe you will continue to give him,” Abubakar said.

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9News Nigeria

Governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have said Nigerians cannot survive four more years under the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Chairman of PDP Governors Forum and Governor of Sokoto State Aminu Tambuwal said this, yesterday, at the opening ceremony of a two-day PDP National Retreat 2021 themed ‘It’s Time to Rescue and Rebuild Nigeria’.

Tambuwal said the PDP must strategise to take over in 2023 as the President Muhammadu Buhari-led government has in the past six years failed to take the country to the heights expected by Nigerians.

He said the ruling APC had demonstrated gross incompetence in managing the fortunes of the country.

He called on PDP leaders to think outside the box rather than resort to criticisms and rescue Nigeria for good.

He also said Nigeria must embrace restructuring to survive.

“Can Nigeria survive another four years of APC? The answer is a resounding no. It is too frightening to contemplate. PDP remains the only credible alternative to APC and we cannot afford to fail Nigerians. We must keep hope alive. We can do it. Yes, we can, as Obama would say,” he said.

The National Chairman-elect of the PDP, Senator Iyorchia Ayu, said Nigeria has been badly brutalised, robbed and traumatised in the past six years plus.

He said the retreat of wider party leadership from across Nigeria became necessary because of the duty and expectations of Nigerians to them to rescue and rebuild the country already “in very deep trouble”.

A former minister of Information, Professor Jerry Gana, who gave an overview of the highs and lows of the PDP since its formation in 1998, called on party leaders and stakeholders to stay focused and forge a common front in the task of wresting power from the ruling APC in 2023.

Reacting, the APC Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Yekini Nabena, said PDP was crying for its political survival as a party and not the survival of Nigerians.

“PDP is crying for political survival that is why its members have become scavengers; that is why its members have been jumping ship to the APC. PDP can’t survive in the next four years because of their hunger for power. But Nigerians will survive,” he said.

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9News Nigeria

Henceforth fathers of new born babies in the employ of the Federal Government of Nigeria will be granted 14 day days leave.

The privilege was one of the resolutions reached on Wednesday at the Federal Executive Council meeting presided by the Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.

Briefing newsmen after Council’s meeting held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Folashade Yemi-Esan, explained that henceforth, male federal civil servants will be entitled to a 14-day paternity leave like their female counterparts.

She said, this is to enable for proper bonding between the father and a newborn baby especially at the early stage of the child’s life, which was hitherto enjoyed by only females civil servants.

Yemi -Esan further explained that adopted babies of less than four months will also enjoy this gesture.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Former United States of America (USA) diplomat, who served as ambassador to a number of countries, including Honduras and Iraq, John Dmitri Negroponte has supported the opinion of former President Ibrahim Babangida on the best candidate for the position of President of Nigeria in the 2023 general elections.

Recall, the former President had a few weeks ago in a well-circulated video interview,  mentioned the likes of former Governor of Abia State, Orji Kalu as a good presidential candidate for the 2023 general elections.

John Negroponte who also served as the U.S. representative to the United Nations (UN; 2001–04) called on Nigerians to support a Presidential candidate, not above 70 years old, with global business experience and a robust network of contacts of friends and associates across the nooks and crannies of the country.

Speaking on the sidelines of an event in Virginia, the USA, Negroponte who was one-time Director of National Intelligence under President George Bush of USA, stressed that Nigeria as the most populous country in Africa can attain giant heights through credible leadership.

The renowned diplomat stated that just as former President Babangida mentioned, the likes of Orji  Kalu, a highly detribalized Nigerian with robust accomplishments in the global business circle, who currently serves as chief whip of Senate in Nigeria, can champion a good course for Nigerians if given opportunity.

He called on Nigerians to embrace peace and dialogue as a tool for fostering national development.

The renowned diplomat used the opportunity to convey his greetings to former President Babaginda on the occasion of his 80th birthday.

As the 2023 general elections draw nearer, there are agitations for a candidate of South-East extraction to emerge as President.

Orji Kalu, who served as two-term Governor of Abia state was a one-time Presidential candidate under the platform of the Progressives Peoples Alliance (PPA) in the 2007 presidential election.

9News Nigeria

Nothing best defines suffering than when plying Ogun State roads Ifo Local Government Area (LGA) , Moving in and out of the area on a daily basis has become an unwarranted punishment and its best described as “HELL”

Everyday, Citizens of Ogun State groan under dilapidated roads littered with crater-sized potholes and gullies. Anybody who is just coming to the state for the first time would think that it just came out from a civil war. But this is not the case. For many, it is simply a case of bad governance or poor leadership or both. It does not matter how big and expensive your car or vehicle is, it can’t stand the road challenge.
The problem of bad roads in the state has become an embarrassing stigma. In many parts of this state, normal interaction has been frustrated by bad roads. Vehicle owners are in distress as their vehicles are not used optimally. Moreover, the very many potholes and detours mean that vehicles keep breaking down so that on many of Ogun State roads emergency mechanics have sprung up to assist stranded commuters sometimes with disastrous consequences.

The people have cried out, once again, that many of the major roads in the area have become completely deplorable. They insist that their communities have suffered many decades of sheer abandonment by successive governments at the federal and state levels. Community leaders and other residents protested in the past, calling on the authorities to come to their aid, but their afflictions appear to have continued unabated.

They are, therefore, appealing to Governor Dapo Abiodun to quickly look into the hardship they face daily.

Without exaggeration, the challenges occasioned by the deplorable condition of roads in these communities are enormous, and the hardship faced by the residents on a daily basis is pathetic. The decay stares all in the face.

The residents are lamenting that accessing areas such as Agbado, Ope-Ilu, Oluwo, Itoki, Lemode, Abule, Robiyan, Muta, Ibaragun, Orudu, OgbaIyo, Arepo, Gas Line, Lisa, Adiyan, Giwa, Oke-Aro, Matogun, Osere, Lambe, Abule-Ekun, Tipper, Oniyanrin, Akute, Ajuwon, Alagbole, Ojodu and Crossing are being done in tears. Abule-Iroko, Robiyan, Denro Ishasi, Ojodu-Abiodun and Ishaga residents are not left out in the unmitigated anguish.

According to the aggrieved residents, virtually all the major roads in the area have become death traps. Every now and then, car owners end up taking their broken down vehicles to the mechanics for repair. Precious man-hours are lost on the road, even as commuters pay through their noses to get to their workplaces.

In and out of the rainy season, it has been years of tears, sorrow and pain on the axis. Many lives have been dispatched to the world beyond owing to the gullies that have, over the years, dotted most parts of the busy road. Many residents of the area, as well as visitors, have been maimed and killed, leaving others with indelible scars.

The dilapidated roads are said to affect more than 400 communities with over a million people. At the moment, business operations have collapsed, residents are leaving their property to neighbouring state, students cannot go to schools, most markets are closed down and motorcycle riders have become kings of the road.

Everyone living in this area seems afflicted with the double trouble of the bad roads that daily have the traffic crawling at a snail’s pace, and the menace of men of the underworld that capitalize in the situation to terrorise the residents.
Government, both present and the past, is being accused of neglecting this critical infrastructure, for as far back as in the last 20 years, causing the people to bear the brunt.

Residents of the commuters listed above have been in agony and pains over the years because of the abandoned road which had caused alots of damages to the residence. For many years, the road had been in deteriorating state which remains in terrible condition. It get worse every rainy season

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Nigeria president, Muhammadu Buhari has sent his congratulatory message to the President-elect of Zambia, Hakainde Hichilema, on his victory in the just-concluded presidential election of August 12, 2021.

In a press statement released on Monday 16th August 2021 by the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, President Buhari applauded the people of Zambia for coming out in their numbers during the August 12, 2021, presidential election.

It said that President Buhari has commended the Zambian people for coming out to exercise their civic rights, voting candidates of their choice, signposting that the prospect of a united, stable and prosperous Africa lies in the power of the people to freely elect their leaders.

The statement said also that President Buhari commended President Edgar Lungu for accepting the outcome of the election and a peaceful transfer of power, noting that this patriotic disposition deserves the praise of all lovers of democracy.

Highlighting the close and historic relationship between Nigeria and Zambia, the Nigerian leader looks forward to working very closely with the Zambian President-elect for the peace, development and prosperity of both nations, and in the common commitment to promoting the goals and objectives of our African Union (AU).

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Several Nigerian civil society groups plan to hold a one-million-man march in New York during the United Nations General Assembly’s (UNGA) 76th session in September where they will demand the abolition of Nigeria’s constitution and the right to self-determination.

Since 2015 when President Muhammadu Buhari assumed office, calls for the Balkanisation of Nigeria have grown, mainly in response to the murderous attacks carried out by Fulani cattle herdsmen. Being an ethnic Fulani himself who keeps cattle, President Buhari is seen as being soft on the herdsmen, which has fuelled separatist movements.

In response, a coalition of separatist groups known as the Nigerian Indigenous Nationalities Alliance for Self-Determination (Ninas), has decided to organise this march to demand a referendum on self-determination and abolition of the 1999 constitution. Their march will be held in front of the UN headquarters in New York, during the UNGA session which takes place between September 14 and 21.

It will be led by the likes of Professor Banji Akintoye, Professor Yusuf Turaki, Tony Nnadi, and the national chairman of Ilana Omo Oodua, Professor Wale Adeniran. NINAS is the umbrella body of leading regional self-determination groups made up of the likes of Ilana Omo Oodua representing the southwest, the Lower Niger Congress representing the south-south and southeast and the Middle Belt Forum representing the north-central geo-political zone.

NINAS spokesman Maxwell Adeleye, called on all Nigerians to join the historic and epoch-making march, adding that they want the whole world to see the level of injustice, oppression and intimidation currently going on in Nigeria. He added that the coalition will be requesting that the UN send a peacekeeping force to Nigeria to demand a referendum to decide on the right to self-determination of the people who want an end to the currently unitary system which has been turned into an apartheid state.

By Ayo Akinfe

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

10 things I think we need to do to make a statement that we are the world’s largest black nation and use it as a basis to attract global investors into the Nigerian economy

By Ayo Akinfe

[1] Nigeria;’s president should insist that a memorial be erected on the Burma/India border to honour the men of the West African Frontier Force and the East African Frontier Force who died there during World War Two. It was African troops who prevented the Japanese from invading India at great personal cost. Nobody ever acknowledges this

[2] Nigeria’s president should also insist that the African Union chairman be invited to the annual wreath-laying ceremonies across Europe to honour the World War Two dead. For now, the African soldier has been airbrushed out of history as if they paid no part in the defeat of the Axis powers

[3] Every year, the Nigerian president should go for about six walkabouts in several world capitals like Washington, London, Paris, Berlin, Ottawa and Beijing. Such an annual ritual will drastically enhance the status of Africans who live there

[4] Nigeria should build six seaports along her coastline and accept responsibility for inward shipping for all of West Africa’s landlocked countries. With 853km of Atlantic coastline, Nigeria should be a maritime nation.

(5) Nigeria should expand her military to at least 5m standing men and assume responsibility for security on our continent. If we keep relying on the Americans and Europeans to provide us with security, such services will always come with insults and unpalatable conditions. Libyan arms flooded into Nigeria because we did not police the country when Gadaffi fell

[6] We need to build two huge religious sites that will serve as a place of pilgrimage for Muslims and Christians. We have over 1bn adherents of both faiths on our continent but have no Kaaba, Church of the Nativity or St Peters Cathedral. That is just not right. Nothing stops up building the tombs of Usman Dan Fodio and Samuel Ajayi Crowther into major tourist attractions of the scale of say the Taj Majal to pull in pilgrims

[7] Festac has got to become an annual event. Those of us who remember 1977 know the prestige it brought to our continent. Festac should be the biggest cultural and arts festival on the planet with every Motown legend performing there among others

[8] Nigeria should construct a purpose-built diaspora city. Kind of similar to the way Liberia was founded as a colony for freed African slaves in America, this our Diaspora City should be a haven for any black person wishing to relocate to Africa. Our aim should be to build it into a global financial centre that can rank alongside cities like Frankfurt, Hong Kong or Singapore

[9] To enhance our status as a player in the global economy, Nigeria needs to buy a multinational brand and incorporate it into a local company that will become a genuine economic giant. This should be kind of similar to the way India’s Tata Tea bought Britain’s Lipton Teabags. Just imagine the change of dynamics we would see if a privatised NNPC bought say Total or Shell or if Dangote Industries bought Nestle. I want to see the Nigerian government hold a minority stake of no more than 25% in such a venture

[10] Before any international meeting, Nigeria’s president should host all African leaders in Abuja and seek to get a consensus. On the international scene, we should be voting as a block. This would force the rest of the world to negotiate with us

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari has participated at the 59th Ordinary Session of Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS in Accra Ghana on 19th June 2021

Photos below:

Ecowas Photos 5: President Buhari with President Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana and President of AfDB Dr Akinwunmi Adesina at the 59th Ordinary Session of Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS in Accra Ghana on 19th June 2021

The president departed from Abuja earlier Saturday to join other Heads of State and Governments of ECOWAS for the mid-year statutory meeting of the regional bloc.

Absent at the meeting was the Head of State of Mali who was recently suspended from the ECOWAS bloc.

9News Nigeria learnt that former president, Goodluck Jonathan who is the ECOWAS Special Envoy and Mediator to Mali was at the meeting. Dr Goodluck is expected to present a report on his latest working visit to Mali to the Heads of State.

Buhari was accompanied by the ministers of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyema; State, Foreign Affairs, Zubairu Dada; Defence, Major General Bashir Magashi (Rtd); Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire; Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed; the National Security Adviser, Major General Babagana Monguno (rtd); Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele and the director-general of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ambassador Ahmed Rufa’i Abubakar.

PHOTO GALLERY

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria and other organisations and foundations have jointly signed a peace agreement in Western Africa.  The agreement is deemed to nurture peace through education and sharing accurate information.

It is an agreement that intends to build a culture of peace in the minds of the Western African youth and children through peace education.

Western Africa Peace Initiative Launching Ceremony was Held Online

On March 27, the “Western Africa Peace Initiative Launching Ceremony” was held online with 132 participants from various fields from Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, Malawi, Sweden and South Korea. Participants from international organizations, youth organizations, NGOs, and media had attended.

The launching ceremony was held by the HWPL Southern Seoul and Gyeonggi Branch, an international peace organization based in Korea. HWPL, an international peace organization headquartered in Korea, has associated with the UN DGC and the UN ECOSOC, and has been carrying out various peace activities with the aim of ceasing all wars, building a world of peace, and handing it over to future generations.

As one of those activities, at the launching ceremony, a total of 77 schools, organizations and institutions in West African countries signed a statement promising that they will achieve peace projects together through peace education, titled “Peace Educator Empowerment Training”.

Jenny La, the manager of HWPL Peace Education department of West Africa team, stated that as the purpose of the launching ceremony, “to promise in front of the local community to implement a continuous peace education project, and to keep this statement as a record so that it can become a legacy and model of peace.”

In addition, by holding this launching ceremony, she said, “By spreading the news to the West African countries through various media, we can enhance peace education projects and build public confidence for carrying out more peace educations in the local community.”

In the background of the release of this peace program statement, there are proposals for the 2021 peace initiative submitted by leaders and citizens of each field who have cooperated with HWPL so far. From December 2020, participants from around the world recognized the need for peace education in West Africa through about five continuous online meetings and established plans together. Through this, 20 organizations and institutions wishing to participate in the current peace education program, 24 MOU and MOA proposals, and 12 educational institutions promised to continue peace education after completion of the training program.

In addition, Ms. Opeyemi Marcellina Aderinto, the executive director of the African Centre for Human Advancement Social and Community Development stated, “HWPL’s peace education is an innovative education that pioneers the establishment and propagation of a culture of peace by cultivating talented individuals with the mindset of peace. We are ready to give 36 of our members to HWPL, to serve as ‘Teachers of Peace Education. And We will launch peace clubs in schools and continually hold annual peace conference every year in partnership with HWPL. We are willing to sign MOA with HWPL and also urge Nigerian government to include peace education curriculum into the education system especially from primary schools. With the name of ‘women for peace” for HWPL, we will develop it,” she added.

The peace educator empowerment training program aims to cultivate professional teachers who lead youth exposed to conflict, discrimination, poverty, and violence to become peaceful citizens. In addition, it has a purpose to provide teachers with peace textbooks reflecting each society’s educational goals and professional educational materials and systems together with educational experts from each country. The program will be operated from May to December 2021, and applicants in all fields that can provide peace education to the public can attend. Education expenses and educational materials are provided free of charge, and the progress will be carried out through ZOOM meeting.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, (NIDCOM), Honourable Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has appealed once again to all stakeholders, especially Nigerians living abroad to remain calm as the controversial issue of the presentation of a petition by Hon Mark Gbillah  from Benue State on behalf of  Mzough U Tiv Amerika (MUTA) which was rejected by the Deputy Speaker, Idris Ahmed,  who presided over the day’s plenary session.

The NiDCOM boss In a statement issued in Abuja said the Commission has informed the Speaker of the house, Honourable Femi Gbajabiamila , as well as the Chairman , House Committee on Diaspora, Honourable Tolu Akande Shadipe ,of the numerous petitions and concerns of Nigerians abroad on the issue.

She expressed optimism that the Leadership of the House of Representatives would resolve the issue amicably while stating that the role and contributions of the Nigerians in diaspora home and abroad is most appreciated and can never be ignored.

It will be recalled that there was a  viral video of the plenary session of the House, wherein the Deputy Speaker of the House, Ahmed Idris Wase presiding, turned down a presentation of a petition by Mark Gbillah, PDP, representing Gwer East-Gwer West constituency of Benue State filed by MUTAon insecurity in Benue.

But Dabiri-Erewa in a letter to the Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila, and copied to the House Committee Chairman  on Diaspora, said the commission received complaints from Nigerians in the Diaspora expressing their anger over the stand of the Deputy Speaker when the matter was presented at the House.

“The video has inflamed tension and caused a significant uproar amongst the Nigerian in Diaspora community. In view of this, we appeal to Mr speaker to intervene and use your good office to do all that can be done to mitigate the effect of this unfortunate incidence,” NIDCOM’s Head of MEDIA and Public Relations Unit, Abdur-Rahman Balogun quoted Dabiri-Erewa as saying.

ReplyForward

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

“A lie doesn’t become truth, wrong doesn’t become right, and evil doesn’t become good, just because it’s accepted by a majority.”- Booker T. Washington.

Doing the right thing isn’t easy-in fact, sometimes it’s real hard-but we just have to remember that doing the right thing is always right. No right is as fundamental as the right to vote and to have that vote counted.

Foundation issues are no minor things; however, in the majority of cases, the issue can be fixed (although the cost vary)….if this is the case, more extensive repairs need to be made. Psalms 11:3 “if the foundation be destroyed, what can the righteous do? This brings us to the real issue of foundation. Obafemi Awolowo “CURSE”

Awo in answer to a classic case of capitulation. “I have,” he said, “exhausted myself on Nigeria and I have nothing new to say.” Awo also said he was silent because he had trained himself to speak only if his words could make any difference. “in a situation where I cannot do that.” “I remain silent.” His insinuations were obvious; the new military junta that overthrew the democratic government of Shehu Shagari, lead by Major General Muhammad Buhari, were impervious of reason. He then went on to tell Dr Yemi Ogunbiyi, his interviewer, that Nigeria will not know DEMOCRACY again for a long time, if ever.” Since then Nigeria has lurched from one dictatorship to another, both in khaki and agbada.

The return of Olusegun Obasanjo in 1999 seemed to have lifted Awo’s “curse” that Nigeria will not know DEMOCRACY again at least one generation, the massive rigging of the 2003 and 2007 general elections, suggested the return of the “curse”, in one of those ironies of life, the same Obasanjo who opportunistically benefited from the June 12 debacle, now embarked upon his own version of sit tight syndrome. Worst of all, he emptied the treasury and criminally embarked upon an illegality called “third term” in an attempt to become a life president like Mugabe and co. God miraculously castrate him and his criminal gangs, on the 16, May 2006.

Although he has continuously, tried unsuccessfully, to distance himself from the inglorious activities of the “third term” gambit. Here him “throughout the period”, he said, “I resisted the invitation to be drawn on either side and I maintained studied silence. I was maligned, insulted and wrongly accused but I remained where I am and what I am.” This was the foundation of where we are today.

The only reason why public office holders and civil servants cannot be deterred from engaging in corrupt practice and abuse of office, is because the previous misadventures and mal-practices are not sanctioned. So, therefore, the foundation is destroyed, it will be unreasonable to expect anything different from what we’re seeing today, in terms of quality of service and the Atitude’s of public office holders and civil servants. Therefore, there is the need to reevaluate our present realities and revisit the faulty foundation.

Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC)..in the light of the above, it has become imperative to set up our own version of the “Truth and Reconciliation Commission”, this will help us reunite our nation and heal the wounds, similar to what happened in South Africa and very recent in Kenya. Documents to that effect has been officially presented by us to the presidency through the Secretary to Federal government (SGF), Chief of staff to the president (CoS) and the deputy chief of staff to the president (DCoS). All of which was done when AFRICA COVENANT RESCUE INITIATIVE ACRI midwife the return of democracy day to June 12.

NIGERIA IS BLEEDING AND UNDER SIEGE…

Odusanya is the convener of AFRICA COVENANT RESCUE INITIATIVE ACRI

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Today as always, men fall into two groups: slaves and free men. Those who will not reason are bigots, those who cannot are fools and those who dare not are slaves.

The Caucasian blood have succeeded in breeding these three categories of humans, to a very large extent in Africa, to keep us as perpetual slaves even to their generations to come. 

But for the fact that a very few of us, Africans, have escaped from the dungeon of these three categories, we will push and push till we make a headway in resetting the minds of our brothers and sisters already lost in a world that has never been ours.

The subjugation of the black race, the source of life to mankind, remains a hard pill to swallow; it is inexplicably bitter and too harsh to comfortably go down the throat. It was the desecration of the people we were, the rape of our mothers and motherland, the molestation and dehumanization of our ancestral heritage, the mesmerization of our spirituality, the  contamination of our serene environment and  shameless attempts to excommunicate us from the class of higher animals.

In their bid to make us non-persons; members of a race of nobodies, they continuously engage in frantic efforts to prove that we have never had significant histories as a people. A generation of mental dwarfs blackmailing the great generation of the people of the Nubia, Kemete , Kerma, Kush, Blemmyes, Numidia, Nekor, Alodia, Makuria, and Ife, to mention but a few. What an irony of life; the world isn’t truly balanced and a fair place! 

However, having stepped out free from a brainwashed mechanism, we have come to identify our land as the cradle of life to mankind, and will not trade away the truth for whatever value or worth.

The ancient Africa setting, before the Atlantic slave trade, was characterized by well organised societies around the family unit, and the strength of every society was determined by the amount of gold held. Leadership and followership were premised on mutual understanding and love.

The ancient Africa traded in tobacco, gold, copper, spices, ebony, ivory and skins. So, trade was and has been an integral part of the people from time immemorial. Religion was integrated into all aspects of life.The supernatural was involved in virtually everything, and the efficacy of the deities kept crime rate under check while peace reigned supreme. Crimes were punished to serve as deterrent to potential culprits of one crime or another.

Hospitality was embedded in the blood of our ancestors to accommodate others. They opened a trade path to the Caucasians believing they were a people of good intentions. Alas, the opposite was the case! They came in and destabilized our societal structure through their infiltration from the West African coastline. 

They drew people from the center of the continent and sold them into slavery. We were a people; content with life and opened to humanity. We were happy and wanted the same for others. It is, however, quite unfortunate that our ancestors were short of the knowledge that the “devil could come in white colour.”

The slave trade was brutal and horrific, and the enslavement of Africans was cruel, exploitative and dehumanizing. Nothing less than 11 million Africans were bought as slaves by Europeans between 1450 and 1870. The estimates for the total number of Africans lost to the slave trade ranges from 25m to 50m. 

In the middle of this evil to humanity and the land of the cradle of life stood ” Leopold the 2nd of Belgium.” He made the entire world believe that he was going to help Congo. But under his watch, over 500,000 died of diseases and many died of starvation as well. He murdered over 10m Congolese and earned himself a title of one of the most wicked souls that ever lived.

“So enormous, so dreadful, so irremediable did the slave trade’s wickedness appear that my own mind was completely made up for abolition. Let the consequences be what they would: “I from this time determined that I would never rest until I had effected its abolition” – William Wilberforce.

So much was the evil of slave trade that William Wilberforce, one of the main actors and beneficiaries of slave trade, became tired and haunted by the inhumane displays of man to humanity.The guilt was so heavy on his mind that he fervently fought for the abolition of slave trade.

Although slave trade was abolished, slavery was never abolished.The black race was immediately recolonized under “the mechanism of mental  slavery” as noted by Marcus Mosiah Garvey. Mental slavery is the worst form of slavery. It gives you the illusion of freedom, makes you trust, love and defend your oppressors while making an enemy of those who are trying to free you or open your mind and eyes.

The death sentence melted out to our ancestors, by the slave masters, for kicking against being enslaved has not stopped.This time, it is technically done using the black men with low mentality.

The elimination of Martin Luther King Junior, Malcolm X, Harry and Harriette Moore, Fred Hampton, Medgar Evers , George W. Lee, Leon Jordan, Sammy Younge Jr., James E. Chaney , Vernon Dahmer, all black activists to mention a few, were carried out by white supremacists and mentally enslaved black men and backed by racist authorities and the police.

“Imperialism as a system of exploitation occurs not only in brutal forms of those who come with guns to conquer territory. Imperialism often occurs in more subtle forms; a loan, food , aid and blackmail. We are fighting this system that allows a handful of men on earth to rule all of humanity”- these were the very words of Thomas Isidore Noel Sankara. He talked-the-talk and did the deed to liberate his people and set Africa on the path of total freedom and greatness.

A Marxist-Leninist and pan-Africanist to the core appointed as the Prime Minister of the Upper Volta in 1983. He was incarcerated  for having disputes with the sitting government. While under house arrest, a group of revolutionaries hijacked power on his behalf to become the President in a popularly-supported coup later that year.

He launched programmes for social, ecological and economic change and renamed the country from the French colonial name “Upper Volta” to “Burkina Faso (land of Incorruptible People)” his foreign policies were centred on anti-imperialism, with his government boycotting all foreign aids, pushing for debt reduction, nationalizing all land and mineral wealth and averting the power and influence of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank (IBRD) for he believed that “he who feeds you controls you.”

His domestic policies were focused on preventing famine with agrarian self-sufficiency and land reform, prioritizing  education with a nation wide literacy campaign and promoting public health by vaccinating 2.5m children against measles, yellow-fever and meningitis.

The policies of Sankara alienated and antagonised several groups, which included the small but powerful Burkinabe middle class; the tribal leaders who were stripped of their long-held traditional privileges of forced labour and tribute payments, and the governments of France and its ally,  the Ivory Coast, though Isidore was setting Africa on a path of total liberation and greatness.

On 15 October , 1987, our very own Noel- the voice of the voiceless Africans, was brutally murdered by an armed group with twelve other officials in a coup d’ etat organised by his former colleague, Blaise Compaore ( a man with a low mentality and a puppet in the hands of the French government). In his narratives for the reasons for his action. 

Judas Compaore alleged that Sankara jeopardized foreign relations with former colonial power France( the descendants of Leopold) and neighbouring Ivory Coast ( France’s puppet) and an unproven allegation of Isidore wanting to eliminate his opponents.

Having taken our hero ‘SANKARA’ out. Africa was reset to a backward mode of the 18th century of the “scramble for Africa.” Today, the continent of Africa remains at the mercy of the world power and even China; a bridge we would have crossed if our Wakanda Prince ‘Thomas Isidore Noel Sankara’ had lived longer..

 From time to time, our ancestors reincarnate in the chosen ones among us to see to our total liberation from foreign shackles, in Dr Arikana Chihombori- Quao I see one of the recent reincarnations of our ancestors. Dr Arikana, a doctor, activist, public speaker, educator, diplomat, entrepreneur and founder of medical clinics,  was appointed the AU Permanent Representative to the US in December, 2016.

Just like our darling and daring son “Isidore” she fearlessly hit hard on the French government for their atrocious neo-colonial exploitation nearly 50years after the Francophone countries under them were granted independence.

She revealed that the French government forced 14 Francophone countries to sign a pact for the continuation of colonization.These countries were to keep 85% of their bank reserve with French Central Bank under the watch of the French Finance Minister.

These countries are allowed to borrow up to 20% of their 85% reserve kept in the previous year as a loan with interest.” Over $500b goes out of Africa every year to France , yet France had the guts to call Africans poor” were her fervent submission. In her very words: “We are the original people and we have every reason to stand up on the tallest mountains to proclaim who we are……. we are beautiful, intelligent, sophisticated, highly adaptable and totally indestructible-the Africans.”

“Any other race that would have gone through what we have been subjected to would have been extinct and that’s the truth.”

“Consequences…… for Africa to take its rightful place on the world stage, the gutter of mind we have lived in for centuries must be cleared out.” Now or never.

“Everybody is talking about the monkeys and squirrels in the room (Africans), but no one wants to touch the 10000-pound gorilla in the room( the Leopoldic descendants),  and that is our thinking of the African people.”

Our Wakanda queen was too tough for them, she made the stage uncomfortable and unbearable for them. Her voice subdued that of hundreds of the slave masters.

She couldn’t be handled directly; and as usual, another African with a low mentality-the AU Commission Chairman for 2019, the Chad President Moussa Faki Mahama, was used to relieve Dr Arikana of her position through baseless allegations.

A great Wakanda Prince and Warrior-John Jerry RAWLINGS (MAY HIS SOUL CONTINUE TO REST IN POWER), tagged the action shameful.

 It is time to emancipate ourselves from “mental slavery.” There is no “Wilberforce” to lead on our behalf for none but ourselves can free our minds!

FIGHT ON DR ARIKANA, OUR DISTINGUISHED WAKANDA QUEEN!

HAPPY POSTHUMOUS BIRTHDAY, OUR KEMETIC KING , THOMAS ISIDORE NOEL SANKARA!! 

THE WAKANDA PRINCE! WE WILL FOREVER LOVE YOU; CONTINUE TO REST IN POWER!!!

Odusanya is the convener of AFRICA COVENANT RESCUE INITIATIVE ACRI

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

The Special Assistant to the Governor of Anambra State on protocol matters in Abuja, Barr. Nonso Henry Nwaebili has resigned from his appointment.

Nwaebili, in his resignation letter addressed to Governor Willie Obiano, said he resigned to enable him to embrace more impactful opportunities for self-development and to be of greater service to his people.
He said: “I have made the decision to relocate back to Anambra State where I shall through my pet project, Nonso Nwaebili Foundation (NNF), continue to engage my people effectively on our socio-economic concerns as a community and with one voice.
“I wish to thank Governor Willie Obiano for all the support he gave me in the time that I had the honour of serving in his government. I pray that the good Lord will bless you and grant you favour for the rest of your tenure and all your future endeavours, Amen.”

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Breaking News.

The governor of Anambra state, His Excellency, Chief Willie Obiano has just recalled the monarchs who were suspended for accompanying Prince Engr Arthur Eze to the Presidency about three months ago.

9news Nigeria gathered that the traditional rulers were at Awka some minutes earlier today where they signed some documents. AIF Media learned that the governor recalled only 5 of the suspended monarchs.

Out of the suspended 12 monarchs, 2 were replaced. The governor today lifted the suspension of 5 monarchs. Among the 5 monarchs who were reinstated today are Igwe Macanthony Chinedu Elibe Okonkwo of Alor, Igwe Ezira, Igwe Ezinifite, Igwe umumbo and Igwe Ikenga. While Igwe of Igbariam, HRH Igwe Okalakwu and two others are still suspended.

It is important to note that gov Obiano took the advice of Senator Dr. Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah who asked him to lift the suspension of these traditional rulers for the interest of ndi Anambra. In an open letter to the governor tagged, “Stop Desecrating Our Traditional Institutions In Anambra”, the YPP senator demanded the “Immediate Reinstatement of Deposed Traditional Rulers, Return Of Their Certificates And Unconditional Apology To Ndi Igwe.”

Today, the governor heeded the advice and recalled 5 of the suspended Monarchs.

What of note here is that the monarchs were suspended for 1 year. Their suspension was illegal. They had to secretly amend the Traditional Rulers Act to give legality to the aberration. But in about 4 months, they are being recalled. It shows that the governor has realised the consequences of his ill advised action.

We equally advise the governor to reinstate the remaining traditional rulers including the two Traditional Rulers from Aguleri, who were outrightly sacked.

With this, Engr Arthur Eze has been vindicated. Those who attacked the Ukpo Prince in support of gov Obiano should go and apologise to him.

©️AIF Media

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Orji uzo kalu, The former Abia state governor and chief whip of the senate who was sentenced for 12 years imprisonment in December 2019 on the basis of 7.2billion fraud by the federal high court and released from Kuje Correctional Center, Abuja by Justice Mohammed Liman on 3rd June 2020 following a supreme court judgement nullifying his trial and conviction has made a statement saying that going to prison made him a better person.

According to him, the prison experience was an eye-opener and something that revealed many secrets to him. he said this during a Thanksgiving session at the love world incorporated otherwise known as Christ embassy.

“I am happy I went to prison. I went to prison and I am out. I am happy because going to prison has made me refined, better and more forward looking man. I went to prison and discovered many secrets that I never believed could happen”. He said..

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Comrade Aremu Issac Pka, Gordon Affirmed to 9NewsNigeria correspondent that he is the right man for National Association of Science and Technology Students(NASTES) during an interview with him.

What makes me think that I’m best for the position of The President of dear Association NASTES??

First I like to reflect on the sayings of plato , he said and I quote “A portfolio does not make a leader, a leader makes the portfolio”. As a well tailored and cultured and oriented comrade who have been in the field of struggle for the past 8 years, i see myself wel experienced to steer the affairs of our Association. I’ve heard several positions In the students constituency before , Such as National Association of Polytechnic students students (NAPS), West African Polytechnic Students Union (WAPSU) among others.

Academically I’m gallant and only a few my equals can outshine me.( My G.p would prove that in due time) I read everyday to grow academically. Cos a leader said and I quote the brain of a non Learner will rust and grow metal cob web.

I understand students struggle and leadership so well that I’ve come to understand and agree that Leadership is not by gerullousity or wooligalism but by constructive and diplomatic handling of situations that gives the ability jaged in the mix of animalistic Orubebe.

How will I increase the awareness and significance of my position to a wide range of students and what do I bring to the table??

Well, I’m not aspiring to become popular among other students, I’m aspiring to lay a landmark, Cos a man who plants a tree does not plant it for today , he plants it for posterity.

I assure you that if I emerge as the President of our most prestigious constituency, I’ll ensure ACADEMIC excellence by focusing on the 3 point agenda in this regard

I’ll ensure the resuscitation of the social life of our dear Students constituency

I’ll ensure our welfarism is taken with no levity hand

To mention just a few of my already itemized agendas with already mapped out strategies coupled with many years experience

So help me God! Amen!!

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, has said that the proposed defection of David Umahi, his Ebonyi state counterpart, to the All Progressives Congress (APC), is a welcome develolpment

The governor while addressing journalists after meeting with Mai Mala Buni, Yobe state governor and chairman of the APC caretaker committee, in Abuja on Monday, said the party is looking forward to welcoming more governors from the south-east into its fold.

He said: “If you recall when I addressed you here a couple of months ago, I told you that the moment I resume office in Imo state as the governor, that the impression and the perception of our party in south-east will change and the resultant effect will be that more credible individuals and governors will even join the party.

“Today I am being vindicated because we are hearing it and I am sure a few hours from now we get a confirmation that one of our best will be joining the party and (he) is the governor of Ebonyi state.

“Of course, I will be very glad and it will be my joy to welcome a governor and more governors, not only him, we are still talking (to) more governors to join.

“APC is the ruling party and for the interest of national integration and cohesion, Imo and south-east, indeed, needs to become part and parcel of the ruling party to make the Nigerian project a complete project.”

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

By Favour Onoruese (9News Nigeria)

With a heavy heart, we at 9News Nigeria hereby announce the sudden death of one of 9News Nigeria’s Top Fans in Jos, Plateau State, Rev Dr Paul Monday Chom.

Rev Dr Paul Monday Chom was the Chaplain General and Nigerian Commander General Of Mission For Africa Chaplaincy Corps ( MAC-CORPS).

Till his death he was a committed Top Fan of 9News Nigeria.

He preached peace and love, and he was a man with a gold heart. He was always ready to accommodate all, no matter your racial, religious, ethnic or ethical background.

Sir.. we the team members of 9News Nigeria in South-South Nigeria, say “May Your Soul Rest in Peace.”

We Pray for his family and friends left behind that heaven may give them heart to bear this grievous loss.

Sign: Amb Emmanuel David Atseyinku
9News Nigeria Chief Editor South-South

9News Nigeria

Despite the increasing spread of coronavirus in Nigeria, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia state strongly believes the disease won’t get to his state.

In a video that surfaced on Twitter on Sunday, the governor said, God had promised the people of the state that no disease would touch them, adding that Abia is the only state mentioned in the Bible.

He said, “Abia is the only state that is mentioned in the Bible. We have been promised by God that none of these diseases will get to us. We saw Ebola and pox, even this one (coronvirus) it won’t get to us”.

Meanwhile, since the outbreak of coronavirus in Nigeria, the Federal Ministry of Health has confirmed cases of the disease in five states including the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

As at 11:00 am on the 22nd of March, there are 27 confirmed cases of the disease in Nigeria.

9News Nigeria

The Edo State Police command has arrested a 35-year-old man identified as Monday Clement Shola for reportedly impersonating Edo State Commissioner of Police, Jimeta Lawan to dupe rich residents of the state.  Upon being arrested, Shola claimed to be a former Senior Special Assistant to the Edo State Government during the administration of former Governor Adams Oshiomhole.  He disclosed that when he calls rich individuals in the state, he introduces himself as Edo Commissioner of Police and also tells them to give attention to one Clement (himself).  He said;  “Eventually the person called and invited me to his office. I explained to the person how I was arrested and stuff like that. I met with the person one on one. He asked me to drop my account number and I will hear from him.“Four days later. the account was credited with N2.5m. 40 minutes later I saw another alert of N10m making it N12.5m. I didn’t know the money was meant for two seperate account but mistakenly paid all into my account. He called me to asked if I had seen the money. He also called the other line I used to first call him.“Two days later I went to the bank and was told the account was blocked. They told me money was mistakenly credited to the account. I had to return the N10m.” The suspect who disclosed that he bought a Toyota Camry with the N2.5m, said he told the bank that Adams Oshiomhole sent him the money when pressed.  Edo Police Commissioner, Jimeta Lawan confirmed the arrest and further disclosed that an investigation was launched following several complaints from many victims who he defrauded. 

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Buhari described the incident as a clear case of ‘corruption fighting back .

He said : “ Nigeria and Ghana are leading partners in ECOWAS , and Transparency International, and Afrobarometer ’s Africa Index 2019 attested that both countries have recorded exceptional advances in fighting corruption .

” When you take on powerful and corrupt vested interests successfully , sometimes they seek to push back . As the saying goes , ‘ if you fight corruption , corruption will fight back ’.
“ The only acceptable form of governance in our region in this 21st century is through democratic elections. It is the only way to install – and the only way to change – an administration . The days of coups and government without votes are over. ”
According to the Nigerian leader, Africans hold the nation of Ghana in the highest esteem as the first post – colonial country to gain independence , and the first African country to hold multi – party elections by universal suffrage.

” Ghana is the first, true African democracy.

“ We in Nigeria hold out – as always – our hands in support and friendship to our brothers and sisters in Ghana , ” he added .

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has expressed sadness over the death of former President of Zimbabwe, Robert Mugabe .

Obasanjo , who said he received the news of the death of Mugabe with immense sadness , described the late nonagenarian as an indomitable fighter who he said had contributed in no small measure to the liberation of Zimbabwe from apartheid and oppressive radicalism .

The former president said this in a condolence letter to Zimbabwean President , Emmerson Mnangagwa, a copy of which was made available to newsmen through his Special Assistant (Media ), Kehinde Akinyemi.

Manangagwa had broken the news that Mugabe died in the early hours of Friday , in Singapore at the age of 95.
Obasanjo said he commiserated with his family and the people of the South African country .

The letter reads . “ News of President Robert G. Mugabe ’s death in Singapore , in the early hours of today,(Friday ) was received by me with immense sadness indeed .

“ It is, therefore, with a profound sense of sympathy that I write, on behalf of my family and on my own behalf, to commiserate with you and the entire good people of Zimbabwe over the painful transition of President Robert Mugabe , former President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, a frontline leader , an activist , an indomitable fighter for the liberation of Zimbabwe from apartheid and oppressive racialism .

“ Mugabe was a statesman per excellence and a tireless advocate of the preservation of the mystique of Africa’s moral and cultural values , who had selflessly dedicated himself to public service for most of his life , particularly as Prime Minister of Zimbabwe from 1980- 1987 and also as President from 1987- 2017.

“ Having followed with keen interest his heroic struggles to secure an independent Zimbabwe in 1980, President Mugabe had become much more than a leader of his people.

“ He had become the living symbol and embodiment of their long and valiant struggle for their rightful place in the comity of nations .

“ I recall with pride also Nigeria ’ s association with Zimbabwe’s struggles against racist minority rule and country ’ s eventual independence in 1980 and quite retaining is the memory of the honour of Nigeria being classified a frontline State in those years.

“ President Mugabe was , without doubt , one of the greatest African freedom fighters to have walked on the African soil .
Powered by RubiQube Ad “ This he did with his colleague and brother, Joshua Mqabuko Nyongolo Nkomo , leading to the formation of the Patriotic Front for which Nigeria took a vanguard position.

“ Under his administration as the President of Zimbabwe for well over three decades , the country witnessed significant efforts at placing the command of Zimbabwean economy in the hands of Zimbabweans .

“ The death of a leader of President Mugabe ’s stature is a big loss, not only to his immediate family and country but to the whole of Africa.

“ History will record his vital contributions to the realisation of the dream of regional unity in Southern Africa.

“ As we mourn the death of this great man and progenitor of contemporary Africa, I urge you all to take solace in the memory of his total dedication and commitment to the service of his people and for the cause of justice . We salute his achievements in laying the foundation of modern , independent and free Zimbabwe.

“ We pray that the Almighty God will give you , the entire Mugabe family and the good people of Zimbabwe the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss and grant President Mugabe eternal repose in His bosom .”

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Rwandan President, Paul Kagame, says President Muhammadu Buhari and other African leaders must refocus their efforts and passion on creating value, wealth and should stop fighting corruption endlessly.

Speaking at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) summit in Abuja, Kagame congratulated Buhari on his victory at the poll and said Nigeria must share resources equitably, so everyone can join the fight against corruption.

He also called on the president and other attendees to add value, create wealth, while fighting corruption, and not merely to fight corruption.

“There is one of your own [Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala], who wrote a book, titled, Fighting Corruption is Dangerous; so she gave me the book, and as I was looking at the title, I reminded her and said you need to be thinking of writing another book to state that not fighting corruption is even more dangerous.

“This is a fight that can be won; tolerating corruption is a choice, not an inevitability. It is within our power to end it. That is the most important starting point, otherwise, it will be a waste of time to keep talking about it.

“Corruptions does not take decades to eradicate once we decide to break the habit.

“We have to set our sights high, it is not enough to fight corruption just as merely fighting poverty, it is too small an ambition for Africa. We want to create value, we want to create wealth, not merely fighting corruption.”

Kagame said Buhari is AU anti-corruption champion, appreciating the president for his drive against corruption.

“President Buhari, I wish to give you our very warm congratulations on your re-election and best wishes for the entire Nigerian people, on the road ahead,” Kagame said.

“I also want to mention here, that President Buhari is AU (African Union) champion in the fight against corruption, and we thank you.”

Kagame said corruption must be fought from top to bottom, using four key principles, “culture, responsibility, accountability, and effectiveness”.

“We must discard the myth that corruption is endemic to particular cultures. corruption is a universal weakness, not an African one, and it is not part of our destiny as a continent.

He said research has shown that “the biggest sources and beneficiaries of corruptions are outside of Africa”.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

The spirit is high. The tension is up. The embers are stirred. A crescendo is reached. The momentum is built. The moment is here. Tomorrow is the D-day!

Nigerians are heading to the polls tomorrow, Saturday, February 16, 2019 to elect a President and members of the National Assembly for another four-year term in office. The elections for Governors and members of the State Houses of Assembly are to happen on Saturday, March 2, 2019.

The approaching general election in Nigeria is the sixth since the return of democracy to Africa’s most populous nation in 1999. It also heralds a major milestone as this year marks Nigeria’s 20th anniversary of uninterrupted democracy.

Facts and Figures

Before I forge to analyse the chances of the two leading candidates in the presidential elections, may I avail you of some basic facts and figures worthy of notice.

*According to a release by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), a total of 91 political parties are participating in the 2019 general elections.

*There are 84,004,084 registered voters for this 2019 elections. This represents an increase of about 20% over last years’ number of registered voters which stood at 67,422,005.

*Across Nigeria’s 774 Local Government Areas in its 31 states and FCT, there will be 119, 973 polling units and the results will be collated in 8,809 wards.

*Of the six geo-political zones in Nigeria, the highest number of registered votes is in North West, 20,158,100; the lowest is in South East, 10,057,130.

*The total number of registered voters in South West is 16,292,212; the number for South South is 12,841,279; the figure for North Central is 13,366,070; while the figure stands at 11,289,293 for North East.

*Lagos State has 6,048,156 registered voters while Kano State comes second with 5,149,070.

*Bayelsa State has the lowest number of registered voters, 754,394, while the FCT comes next with a voting strength of 952,815.

*The 109 Senate seats will be contested by 1,904 candidates; the 360 House of Representatives seats will be contested by 4,680 candidates; while the 991 State Assembly seats will have a total of 14,583 contenders.

*INEC has accredited 116 local observer groups and there are 28 foreign observer groups for the elections.

*While 2,412 governorship and deputy governorship candidates will square up on March 2, a total of 72 presidential candidates are standing election tomorrow. February 16.

*Also important to note: a total sum of N189, 207,544,893 had since been approved by Nigeria’s Senate for the conduct of the 2019 general election.

Factors and Factorials

For tomorrow’s presidential election, though there are a total of 72 candidates, the contest appears a two horse race. It appears a contest between incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari who is seeking a re-election on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Nigeria’s erstwhile Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar who is the candidate of the lead opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

There are some factors which could conspire to determine who becomes Nigeria’s President in the next stretch of four years.

In the bill up to 2015 presidential election, then contender and now incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari enjoyed a cult-like following. He was mouthed and trumpeted as the G-All to Nigeria’s problems, past, present and future. Three years ten months later, he is generally adjudged to have underperformed in two of the three trunk areas of his party’s campaign agenda.

Similarly, Nigeria is today not better in terms of security. Insecurity has ballooned from being a Boko Haram thing to including ISIS, Fulani Herdsmen, and pockets of killer groups. Though Nigeria has never fared better on the Global Corruption Index, methinks the proclivities of corruption have generally reduced considerably. It is generally assumed Nigeria under Atiku would be more corrupt than Nigeria under Buhari.

Aside low performance, another key factorial is the North-South sentiment. In 2015, Buhari’s opponent was a Southerner, so it was easy to stir up the embers of Northernism. Now, both Buhari and Atiku are Northerners, both of them are Fulanis and both of them are Muslims. While Atiku is perceived as being more accepted in Southern Nigeria, Buhari is perceived as being the most clannish President Nigeria has ever produced. An appraisal of Buhari’s appointments and budgetary allocations across Nigeria in the last three plus years speak eloquently of such clannish propensity.

The power of incumbency is yet another factor. Unfortunately, incumbent President Buhari is not as democratic as erstwhile President Goodluck Jonathan. While it is our collective wishes and prayers that the elections go peaceful, free and fair, the incumbency factor is one that run in favour of Mr. Buhari.

Finals

Between the duo of Muhammadu Buhari and Atiku Abubakar, one will sure emerge victorious. From my personal review of available figures, facts, factors and factorials, methinks Buhari is likely to have an edge over Abubakar in 3 of Nigeria’s 6 regions – North West, South West and North East. Conversely, Alhaji Abubakar is likely to obliterate Mr. Buhari in the other three regions – South South, South East and North Central. What will make the difference therefore will be the margin by which each of the duo will inch on the edge over the other in their respective 3 favorite regions.

A tight race with a slim victory hangs in the balance. But the question is: Victory for Who? Time will tell.

************************************************************

By Umoh Joshua

Umoh Joshua is a Media Relations Specialist and writes from Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State Capital Metropolis.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

By Emmanuel Ebimoh

In any game or battle, there comes a time when the need for physical strength becomes secondary, when it becomes a battle of wits and skill, when it boils down to strategy. Yes, strategy. As they say in life, the strongest doesn’t always win the battle, and the fastest might get outsmarted. Most often than not, at such times, the only vital ingredient that comes to play is strategy – that is, who has the best strategy to win?

Let’s bring this ideology into the ongoing contest for the position of the highest office in next month’s general elections.

The past 24 hours have been filled with mixed feelings especially in the Nigerian political stream as pictures and videos of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, People’s Democratic Party presidential candidate arriving the United States of America flooded the internet. After 12 years of ban from the U.S, the ‘Eagle’, as he is fondly called by his supporters, defied the taunts and slurs thrown at him by the main opposition party and gained himself a strong ground going into the elections next month. So, the question is, how will his sudden entry into the U.S support his course for victory in the coming presidential elections? Why are his supporters celebrating this new feat?

Let’s take a look at how the scenario started. In 2006, during Atiku Abubakar’s stint as Vice President, the US government made some investigations and found Atiku guilty of corrupt practices. In a later report by the United States Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations in 2010, Atiku, with the help of his fourth wife, Jennifer Abubakar, was alleged to have transferred over $40 million in suspect funds from 2000 to 2008 through wire transfers sent by offshore corporations into U.S accounts.

Of the $40 million in suspect funds, $25 million was wire transferred by offshore corporations into more than 30 U.S. bank accounts opened by Ms. Jennifer, primarily by Guernsey Trust Company Nigeria Ltd., LetsGo Ltd. Inc., and Sima Holding Ltd. As each bank began to question the offshore wire transfers, Ms. Jennifer indicated that all of the funds came from her husband and professed little familiarity with the offshore corporations actually sending her money.

In addition, two of the offshore corporations wire transferred about $14 million over five years to American University in Washington, D.C., to pay for consulting services related to the development of a Nigerian university founded by Atiku Abubakar.

Prior to this report, the U.S government had written the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in June 2006 requesting that Atiku, alongside twenty-two other Nigerians be investigated in connection with corruption, fraud, and money laundering allegations. As a result, the EFCC, under the leadership of Nuhu Ribadu, investigated Atiku Abubakar and issued a report which found that he had used his influence over Nigeria’s Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) to disburse money from the Fund to promote business ventures for himself and his friends, and that he had engaged in fraudulent conversion of funds, corrupt practices, and money laundering.

Subsequently, Atiku Abubakar’s mansion in the US was searched by the US Bureau of Investigations (FBI), and his fourth wife, Jennifer was arrested and detained. During that period, for reasons believed to be unconnected to the allegations, perhaps for fear of being arrested, Atiku Abubakar refused to travel to the US. He later sold his mansion at Potomac, Maryland, United States.

For 12 years after his stint as Vice President in 2007, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar did not step foot on the ground of the United States. With the ambition to become president of Nigeria, and after continuous taunting by opposition party on his inability to travel to the U.S for fear of being arrested, Atiku Abubakar landed in the U.S yesterday, 17^th January, amidst celebrations from his supporters.

So far, the All Progressive Congress (APC), which is arguably the only competitive hurdle for Atiku and his party, have had their main campaign against Atiku on his supposed indictment by the US. They have argued that Atiku, having been found guilty of corrupt charges, faces a possible arrest if he decides to travel to the States. However, it is important to note that because of diplomatic terms, the United States cannot arrest a candidate contesting for the presidential position in another country. This political immunity gives Atiku access to the States as long as he has been granted visa. Apparently, Atiku gained some grounds in the battle when the US granted him visa in December 2018.

Looking at the character reference of Atiku, one may still have to look at the whole scenario critically before deciding on whose side to follow. In the book ‘My Watch’; Volume 2, page 32, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who worked closely with Atiku Abubakar had this to say about the man Atiku:

“What I did not know, which came out glaringly later, was his parental background which was somewhat shadowy, his propensity to corruption, his tendency to disloyalty, his inability to say and stick to the truth all the time, a propensity for poor judgements, his belief and reliance in marabouts, his lack of transparency, his trust in money to buy his way out on all issues and his readiness to sacrifice morality, integrity, propriety, truth and national interest for self and selfish interest.”

Going by this disheartening description of character by his former boss, could it be that Atiku had lobbied his way with money into getting a visa to the US, having strategized that it would give him a major leap to winning the hearts of the people? Could it be that, just as Obasanjo had said in his book, his readiness to sacrifice national interest for self and self-interest is the main reason why Atiku has decided to pull this deft stunt, barely one month to the elections?

Well, no doubt the race for the presidency is not a battle of physical strength, but of careful manipulated strategy. The APC and the PDP have both displayed wits and skill in their campaigns. But who will eventually outsmart the other in this closely contested race for the highest seat in the land? Only time will tell.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

The Reformed All Progressives Congress (R-APC) has expressed shock over President Muhammadu Buhari’s silence, on the “illegal” attempt to impeach Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom.

Eight lawmakers of the State House of Assembly, on Monday commenced impeachment proceeding against Ortom, while some 22 others were reportedly blocked from attending plenary by the police.

In a statement, spokesman of the R-APC, Kazeem Afegbua, said Buhari’s silence suggests he is the “chief promoter of undemocratic illegalities that have consistently undermined our democratic engagements in the last three years”.

Afegbua alleged that there is an attempt to force down the “bitter pills” of Buhari’s second term agenda down the throat of Nigerians.

“On the one hand, the APC party leadership declared that they aren’t losing sleep over our members activities ostensibly to present a fake personae but it has consistently mounted pressure on our members to capitulate under the influence of mouth-watering promises.

“Now that our member Governor Ortom has given the APC red card, and deservedly so, heaven has been let loose and President Buhari has maintained a conspiratorial silence and deliberately feigning ignorance over the democratic gangsterism that has dominated Benue assembly at present.

The group said the Monday incident and similar ones in Benue show Nigeria’s democracy is “seriously under threat” by those trying to “armtwist the Benue people against their will,” he said.

According to the statement, “this desperation is getting too much and it must be arrested forthwith without equivocation before this democracy is reduced to a mindless rubble.”

“We cannot afford to feign ignorance over this heinous crime against humanity under an atmosphere of threat, tension and harassment that has assumed the second nature of this government,” the group added.

“It is becoming petty that this government has descended to a level of irredeemable dictatorship and outright desperation in the name of forcing the bitter pills of second term down the throat of Nigerians.

“We cannot continue to pretend that all is well when our country is gradually descending to the abyss of maximum rulership orchestrated by the president’s foot soldiers.

“We are therefore raising alarm that this democracy must be saved from the indecent grip of APC agents of suppression and oppression under the clear supervision of the president.”

©Daily Post

9News Nigeria

Eight out of 30 lawmakers in Benue State House of Assembly have served an impeachment notice on Governor Samuel Ortom.

The eight lawmakers have also taken over the premises of the state parliament with the support of the police, Tahav Agerzua, a spokesperson for Mr Ortom told PREMIUM TIMES at 10:00 a.m. Monday.

“They have taken over the House of Assembly and served the governor an impeachment notice despite a court order forbidding them from doing so,” Mr Agerzua said by telephone.

Mr Agerzua said George Akume, a former governor and an APC senator from Benue State, was the one who brought police officers from Abuja to attempt to use eight lawmakers to impeach a governor in a House of 30 lawmakers.
The crisis comes a few days after Mr Orton defected from the APC to the PDP.
It also came days after 23 PDP lawmakers impeached the House Speaker, Terkimbi Ikyange, on allegations that he was not carrying other members along in legislative activities.

Mr Ikyange, who remained in the APC despite recent mass defection of his colleagues to the PDP, was said to have been impeached because he was no longer in the majority party.

Some of the majority House members who impeached the Speaker insisted it had nothing to do with his status as a minority lawmaker.

Last week, PDP lawmakers said they were compelled to use the Government House in Makurdi to conduct legislative businesses after security agencies locked the parliament.

The state’s police commissioner was changed last week.

The mass defection of APC lawmakers in the House was in ancitipation of Mr Ortom’s planned defection to the PDP from APC, which eventually came last week.

Mr Akume did not immediately return requests for comments.
Details soon…

©Premium times

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, yesterday reminded the governor-elect, Kayode Fayemi that he is still in charge of the state until October 16, 2018.
He was responding to Fayemi’s statement, warning the management of College of Education, Ikere- Ekiti against alleged recruitment.

Fayemi had asked the school authority to stop conniving with Fayose to embark on illegal mass employment in exclusive favour of the governor’s supporters.

But media aide to Fayose, Lere Olayinka, said the governor would carry out all the functions of his office until October 16.

He added that if there was the need to employ workers, he would do so legally and no one could prevent him from doing so.

He said: “This is more so as the process of employing 2,000 workers had commenced even before the July 14 election. Therefore, Fayemi and his ignorant team should wait till October 16 before starting their usual anti-people policies.”

The governor also asked Fayemi and his men to rather concentrate on how to defend the false electoral victory awarded them by the powers that be in Abuja, instead of his daily display of idiocy.

©Daily Post

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Father Ejike Mbaka has reportedly launched attacked President Muhammadu Buhari in a Sunday message titled ‘Disaster is Coming’.

Mbaka allegedly lamented over the President’s performance adding that a Supernatural disaster was coming. Below are a few things he said;

1. President Buhari, a former coup plotter has no reason not to stop the ongoing killings in the country. He has no reason to not have identified the killers.

2. According to him, had it been that it was Imams that were killed in Benue or Plateau, he would have attended the burials. He has no reason not to have attended the burials of those killed in Benue. Supernatural disaster is coming. Angels are already warming up. Nigerians should not worry. One day there will be vacancy from Abuja. The jet will park and nobody will use it unless they repent.

3. He said that Buhari has declared 2019 presidential ambition as if he knows what will happen between now and Christmas. He said he is just a microphone, speaking as directed by God. Anybody who plans to attack him because of his message will fail.

4. He also said that when Buhari was ill, he spent months abroad. When his son had accident, he traveled outside. But when a mere Nigerian is ill,he gets treatment from our poorly equipped hospitals. The senators who would have intervened were silent because they need favour from Buhari.

5. He said when the disaster comes, President Buhari will cry. According to him, Buhari is like an egg. The sheep are crying while the shepherd is doing nothing. A shepherd is meant to empathic

6. He urged all the people closer to Buhari and senators to pass the information to them.

7. He also said that PDP wants to come back after 16yrs of misrule. He told them to bury their head in shame, kneel down and beg Nigerians. They have no reasons to come back.

8. He also said that the amount of looting ongoing in Buhari’s administration as revealed spiritually is too much.

Via Politics Ngr

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

“The CVR exercise will take place between 9am and 5pm (instead of 9am-3pm as obtains presently). There will also be registration on Saturdays and Sundays, as well as public holidays (if any) within the period. The exercise will be suspended at 5pm on Friday 17th August until after the 2019 General Election.”

The Independent National Electoral Commission has said that the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise would now take place during public holidays starting from 1st of August 2018.
The commission made this known on Wednesday during its regular meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners (REC) from all the states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
A statement signed by Mallam Mohammed Haruna, the National Commissioner and Member, Information & Voter Education Committee, said: “The CVR exercise will take place between 9am and 5pm (instead of 9am-3pm as obtains presently).
“There will also be registration on Saturdays and Sundays, as well as public holidays (if any) within the period. The exercise will be suspended at 5pm on Friday 17th August until after the 2019 General Election.”
According to INEC, the just concluded Ekiti election was a “satisfactory conduct”.
The commission also noted “with deep concern, the rising phenomenon of vote buying during elections” and restated its “commitment and determination to continue to work with all stakeholders, especially the security agencies, to stem the ugly trend”.
The electoral body reassured Nigerians of its promise of free, fair and credible elections in 2019.

~Sahara Reporters

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9News Nigeria

EX-MILITANTS, under the aegis of Justice Group, yesterday, urged President Muhammadu Buhari to prevail on the Coordinator of the Presidential Amnesty Program, Prof. Charles Dokubo, to integrate them into the programme.

The 3,000 undocumented ex-agitators alleged that they were marginalised by past leaderships of the amnesty office and the Federal Government.

In the letter written on their behalf by their solicitor, Mr. R. Inabowa, they said: “Recently, few executive members of the Justice Group met with the Special Assistant to the President on Niger Delta with assurance that in a few weeks, he will ensure that we are included in the scheme.

“As requested after our meeting with Prof. Charles Dokubo, we sent documents, publications and some JTF reports for his perusal. In the meeting, the ex-agitators pledged their loyalty and readiness to work with his office for mobilization and intensive campaign in the Niger Delta region for the All Progressives Congress, APC, ahead of the 2019 general election if given a sense of belonging.”

~Vanguard

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

The member representing Munya/Rafi/Shiroro constituency of Niger state in the House of Rpresentative, Hon. Abubakar Chika Adamu, has stated that he won’t be seeking to retain the seat in the 2019 election because Nigerians perceive National Assembly members as “thieves and looters”.

Speaking with DAILY POST at the House Press Corps centre on Wednesday, the first-term lawmaker, who came into the House in 2015, said he voluntarily decided to quit and would not seek re-election because of the stereotype of “thieves and looters” as well as “lack of public trust” trailing members of the National Assembly.

He said, “There is lack of public trust, which make the people call us thieves. I have a daughter who told me one day, Daddy, I don’t want to tell people that you are a politician because they say all politicians are thieves.”

The Niger state Reps member said he was going back to his first love as an academic, stating that politics in Nigeria has acquired a negative connotation that often scares men of sound character and integrity from participating.
He added that he did not come to National Assembly to provide tricycles (Keke) or motorcycles to his constituent but to build institutional structures that will eradicate poverty once and for all from the society.

“I did not come here to provide keke or motorcycles. Governors and Local Government Chairmen can do that. I am here to create institutional structures that will lift people out of poverty,” he noted.

According to Adamu, he had been both a Special Assistant and a Commissioner under Gov. Babangida Aliyu of Niger State, and had never collected any money from anybody, either as a politician or public servant, to influence any decision.

“I am not saying this as a campaign or whatever but facts. My salary is about N600,000.00 monthly plus N300,000 car loan. I don’t take bribes and has not taken any gift or monetary inducement from anyone, for whatever reasons except N400,000 donated to my campaign by two persons in 2015,” he claimed.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

President Muhammadu Buhari Tuesday at The Hague called on the States Parties to support an International Criminal Court (ICC) with jurisdiction over serious cases of corruption and illicit financial flows by state actors.

The President also assured the international community of a free, fair and peaceful 2019 general elections in Nigeria, contrary to the tragic incidents that characterized the 2011 general elections, necessitating preliminary investigations by the ICC.

The Nigerian leader delivered the keynote address at the Solemn Hearing to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Rome Statute of the ICC.

His words: ‘‘A strong and effective ICC has the potential to send a powerful message about the international community’s commitment to accountability, a message that will be heard by both victims and perpetrators. Equally, a strong and effective ICC demonstrates the international community’s commitment to the rule of law.

‘‘A strong and effective ICC can also act as a catalyst for other justice efforts, expanding the reach of accountability. These could include serious cases of corruption by state actors that severely compromise the development efforts of countries and throw citizens into greater poverty.

‘‘These could also include cases of illicit financial flows where countries are complicit and obstruct repatriation of stolen assets. As the African Union Champion on Anti-corruption, these are issues dear to my heart.’’

Referring to the tragic events in Nigeria in the aftermath of the 2011 general elections, which necessitated preliminary investigation by the Court, the President said: ‘‘Nigeria is preparing to conduct general elections in 2019…I assure you that all hands are on deck to prevent any recurrence of such tragic incidents. We shall do everything possible to ensure that Nigeria witnesses the conduct of free, fair and peaceful elections in 2019.’’

The President had commenced his address by thanking the judges of the Court for electing ‘‘a cherished son of Nigeria’’ as President.

‘‘Let me start by congratulating you, Judge Chile Eboe-Osuji, on your election as President of the International Criminal Court, and also thank the judges of the Court for electing you, a cherished son of Nigeria. Nigeria is very proud of you, Mr. President,’’ he said.

The Nigerian leader is the only President invited to grace the 20th anniversary of the adoption of the ICC Rome Statute.

Over 25 high-level state officials, the President of the Assembly of States Parties to the Rome Statute, O-Gon Kwon, ICC Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda, ICC Registrar Peter Lewis, UN Legal Counsel Miguel de Serpa Soares, and other special guests, attended the event.

Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
July 17, 2018

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

An Egyptian Court on Monday sentenced four Islamists to 25 years in prison on terrorism charges that included an attack on a courthouse in Cairo and the killing of a police detective.

The Supreme Military Court also sentenced five others to between three and 15 years in prison in the case that dates back to 2016.

All of the defendants were also convicted of blasting ATMs at three Cairo banks; attacking a restaurant and several mobile company stores; joining a terrorist group; and possessing weapons and explosives.

The case involved Muslim Brotherhood leader Mohamed Kamal, who was wanted by authorities and at large when he was killed in a fire of exchange with police in the southern Cairo district of Basatin.

The verdicts can be still appealed.

Thousands of Muslim Brotherhood members and followers have been rounded up and tried in different cases since the 2013 overthrow of Mohamed Morsi, Egypt’s first democratically elected but divisive president.

The Egyptian government has accused the Islamist group of involvement in a wave of militant violence in the country following Morsi’s ouster and designated it a terrorist organisation.

The group has denied the charge and accused authorities of oppression.

(NAN)

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Outgoing French Ambassador to Nigeria, Denys Gauer, has spoken on the insinuations that the international community was involved in the continuous attacks by Boko Haram and herdsmen.

He said he did not share the view that there were international interests who do not want the conflict to come to an end.

Of his country’s intervention in Africa, the envoy: “We began in Mali. What happened in Mali? Mali was attacked by terrorist group and my armed forces were able to fight against that.

“So, Mali was threatened to be completely overcome by terrorist movements and everybody imagined what would have been the consequences for all, including the neighbours for all of Western Africa if Mali would have been overcome by terrorist group.

“That was why we intervened then at the demand of the Malian authorities.
“Of course, we knew that the terrorist groups were not only in Mali. They are in anywhere. They don’t know any borders. So, they travel across all Sahelian areas.

“That is why we expanded our presence and our effort to the whole Sahelian area.

“And then came this problem with Boko Haram. In 2014, Boko Haram had presence in the northeast of Nigeria. I mean, they controlled a territory the size of Belgium in the northeast of Nigeria in 2014. And at that time in 2014, there was absolutely no foreign presence and no western presence.

“In 2014, there was no European or no western NGO in the whole of the northeast of Nigeria. But the only ones that were there were International Red Cross and MSF (Doctors without Borders).

“Nobody was there. No cooperation activities were there. And the United Nations (UN) was not there in 2014. At worst, the worst point for Boko Haram.”

Gauer added that it was as a result of the appeal made by former President Goodluck Jonathan to ex-French President Francoise Hollandè to build a synergy with neighbouring countries that France intervened.

On the herdsmen killings across the country, Gauer said he had no “indication that foreigners were involved in it”.

©Daily Post

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Voting has started in most of the towns in Saturday’s governorship election in Ekiti State.

As early as 6.30 am, voters were already at their polling units awaiting election materials.

In places monitored in Ado Ekiti, Ifaki Ekiti, Ayegbaju, Oye and Iworoko, voting had started in those places.

Security arrangements were also good in those towns as the policemen were civil.

At Ayegbaju Ward 4, unit 002, the European Union Ambassador in Nigeria, Mr Keti Karlsen, hailed the peaceful manner the election commenced.

“This election is going to be a litmus test for 2019 elections. This election is a precursor to the 2019 elections and its success is very crucial to us.”

“The EU have been supporting INEC voter education, how to encourage people with disabilities among others.

“We have seen large turnout of people and the enthusiasm for people to elect a governor that can represent them well.
“I believe this election will be credible if it ends like this”, he said.

©Thisday

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Here, we we’ll give you a blow-by-blow account of how proceedings are unfolding in all 2,195 polling units where voting will take place.

9:40am. Dear readers, you’re welcome to SaharaReporters’ coverage of the 2018 Ekiti State governorship election.

9:45am. Here, we we’ll give you a blow-by-blow account of how proceedings are unfoldig in all 2,195 polling units where voting will take place.

9:55am. Ekiti has 913,334 voters, but 250,000 Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) were uncollected, meaning the maximum votes exepected will be roughly 646,000. So says the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

9:58am. There are 35 candidates in all, but this is clearly a two-way race between Kolapo Olusola Eleka of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Kayode Fayemi of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

10:02am. While Fayemi was the penultimate Governor of the state and was also Minsiter of Solid Minerals Development until he resigned at the end of May to pursue his governorship re-election ambition, Eleka is currently Deputy Governor of the state and the anointed candidate of outgoing Governor Ayodele Fayose.

©Sahara Reporters

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

If the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) wants to get back to power, only the former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar can make the opposition party realise that dream. The above is the conclusion of the Chairman of the Atiku Support Groups, Oladimeji Fabiyi. He spoke to WILLY EYA on various issues including Atiku’s chances against President Muhammadu Buhari in 2019.

With the tension in the country ahead of next year’s general elections, how do you feel?

First and foremost, I will say that it is quite unfortunate that today in the history of our country, we are faced with a lot of daunting challenges. One of such is the issue of security challenges that we have in the country today; the economy is not also growing especially since the present government came on board. The insecurity challenge for instance has taken a new dimension.

The feelings of Nigerians when the APC government came on board was that maybe they would do something different but unfortunately we have not been able to get it right. It is quite painful and unfortunate. Everyday we hear about killings; even in Kaduna yesterday(Monday, April 2), I heard that some people were killed and some were kidnapped. All these call for a serious concern and somebody would tell you that the security agencies are trying their best. If they are trying their best, then what is wrong?

Why doesn’t the killings stop? We are grappling with the Fulani herdsmen issue; you know the number of people that were killed in Benue, Taraba and so many other parts of the country.

That is not acceptable at all. Generally, the country is in a downturn. The government says Nigeria is out of recession but I do not think that is true because if you are out of recession and it is not reflecting on the lives of the people, then what kind of thing is that?

A lot of things are not working and we are hoping that come 2019, we will have someone who can make Nigeria work again. At this point in time, honestly and frankly, Nigeria is not working. The APC promised quite a number of things but unfortunately, they could not fulfill them. They told us they would create more jobs but today we have lost more jobs than ever in this country.

One of their promises was that every year, they would build one refinery. Today, we are not seeing anyone. A lot of all those promises have not been fulfilled. In 2019, Nigerians must rise up and take the right decisions so that this change that we were promised and are not forthcoming could be realised for a better and progressive Nigeria. We have never been so divided in this country. We are now divided along so many lines. It has never been this bad. So, the remaining time that this government has, they should just do the much they can do and Nigerians should rise up and do the needful by bringing in a new face, government and fresh person with great ideas.

Your boss, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has made his intention to contest for the 2019 presidential election known, what do you think informed his decision to do so even so early?

Personally, I am amazed at the huge expectation of Nigerians waiting for Atiku to declare. He was recently invited by the Rivers State governor who is also a member of his party, the PDP; the young man is doing a great job in Rivers State and Atiku is one man that is always associated with anything that is progressive and developmental. So, he visited Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State and on getting there, the governor arranged so many of his state executive party members to come and welcome him. And in addressing them, he said okay, I am interested and a lot of Nigerians expect me to come out.

So, I think the proper declaration has not really taken place.

The Rivers thing was just an expression of interest. He said I am interested in running for the presidency of this country; I am passionate about this country and if I am given the chance, I will not disappoint Nigerians.

I am ready, capable, prepared and I have the requisite capacity and all it takes to lead this country out of the woods. He could not have come out in there to say I am declaring for the presidency but we are quite happy and confident that Atiku would be the choice of Nigerians in 2019.

~The Sun

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Senators Othman Hunkuyi and Shehu Sani, prominent members of the Restoration and Akida factions of the All Progressive Congress in Kaduna state Friday morning announced their departure from the party.

Addressing a press conference in Kaduna, leader of the Restoration faction of the party, Tom Maiyashi said consultations are on going with other political parties and a decision on where members will pitch their tents will be announced ‘in the next one or two weeks”

Maiyashi said the two senators did not attend the press conference because of security concerns “since they were attacked by thugs at the last two press conferences that they addressed in Kaduna”.

He said the party was bereft of internal democracy and has failed to meet the expectations of Nigerians.

Details shortly

Vanguard!!!

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

By Umoh Joshua

I am lost in the wilderness of bewilderment as to how stoutly fortified the fence of Aso Rock’s cabalism (the one the President’s wife, Mrs. Aisha Buhari had lamented about the other day and got chased back to the kitchen, the sitting room and the other room) hedged around President Muhammadu Buhari is, that even his Minister of State for Petroleum, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu could not access the President (who ornamentally doubles as Nigeria’s Petroleum Minister de jure) ever since his (the President’s) return from London after about 104 days of ‘medical absence’.

It is even more disturbing and tears-inducing to note that the ‘junior’ minister has just got an appointment to meet his ‘senior’ colleague and President this Friday, October 6, 2017 at 11 a.m., few days after his letter dated (SINCE) August 30, 2017, alleging a whooping $25 Billion (N9 Trillion) financial impropriety in the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and requesting a meeting appointment, embarrassingly sneaked out and got virally spiralled on multiple media outlets.

Wait a minute! You mean even when President Buhari’s Federal Government is largely perceived to be sitting tight on the SFGate (Grass-cutting Contract Theft), the Lagos Estate Raid Multi-billion Naira Theft, the Gen. Buratai Housing Scandal, the Police IG Scandal and several other ‘in-house’ corruption allegations of uncommon magnitude, another humongous case is about to be swept under the carpet? In broad day light? A case of $25 Billion (N9 Trillion)? Mbanu! This could spell doom, a parable of the last straw that breaks the camel’s back! And this seems a common concern among Nigeria’s citizens and denizens.

Personally, I believe President Buhari had (and still has) some genuine intentions to tackle one of Nigeria’s age-long, hydra-headed problems – corruption. But the dramas that play out daily tend to suggest such intentions were largely hijacked, propagandized and merchandized by some members of the moneyed oligarchy for two reasons. 1. Ride on the back of anti-corruption to displace the then incumbent government and ascend the throne of power. 2. Perpetuate the anti-corruption pseudo fight, mainly to sustain the throne of power by crushing opposing politicians, parties, civil organizations, institutions and every dissenting voice. So far, these seem to have worked.

The rules of engagement for fighting corruption seem to be different depending on who you are – an insider or an outsider. If you’re an outsider (and especially share some cord of affinity and consanguinity with ONLY the immediate past Federal Government Administration or are perceived to be a critic of this present Federal Government Administration), your case is simple. You are arrested in a commando style either by the EFCC, the DSS, the Police, or even the Military (they sometimes don’t care who does the job, provided you are hacked down before it is too late), slammed ‘ex-facie curie’ with corruption charges and prosecuted fiercely on the pages of newspapers, even before the case is heard in court. Here, the accused person is presumed guilty until proven innocent.

Conversely, if you are an insider, this Government, for the most part, seems to look the other way, the volume of allegation, petition and public outcry notwithstanding. Where the noise becomes too loud so as to disturb the strategic sleep of Government, an executive committee is set up to either declare you spotless or to submit a report that may never be acted upon. Here, the accused is considered innocent and may never be proven guilty. This is certainly not how to fight corruption. My fattest worry about this skewed methodology is the institutionalization of negative precedent.

But Nigerians are becoming wiser. That’s why they are now asking for the probe of the immediate past Secretary to the Federal Government, a man allegedly accused of taking a multi-billion naira bribe from MTN as a decoy to shielding the telecommunications giant from government fines and for corruptly awarding a huge value grass cutting contract at the Internally Displaced Persons’ camp to his own company. That’s why they are now asking that the President lives up to his anti-corruption campaign promises by squarely tackling all possible cases of corruption and stop being selective and vindictive.

For instance, last week’s arrest of Governor Ayo Fayose’s Finance Commissioner and Accountant General (over yet-to-be-determined corruption allegations) in Abuja while attending Fayose’s declaration of interest to run for President in 2019, was regarded more as another fight to trim the ‘belligerent’ Fayose to seize than as a fight against corruption. The many attacks on Ekiti State’s incumbent Gov. Fayose, Femi Fani-Kayode, Uche Secondus and their many ‘troublesome’ counterparts are also viewed via such spectrum. It is now commonplace to have politicians accused of corruption hastily switch-camp to Nigeria’s ruling party and have their ‘sins’ forgiven instantaneously.

I am still wondering why Rivers State Government would since submit a very weighty yet detailed Executive Petition to the President alleging that the huge unaccounted sum scooped from the Lagos House raid belong(s)ed to Rivers State’ treasury and was/is part of the money allegedly looted by their erstwhile Gov. Rotimi Amaechi; yet the President has since maintained calculated silence. If you ask me, this allegation against Amaechi may or may not be true after. But does it not deserve to be investigated? Methinks it does.

There are too many occasions of sweeping allegations of in-house corruption under the carpet under our President’s very nose. In some cases, it is even those that struggle to uncarpet such allegations that get their fingers burnt in the ensuing conflagration. Remember Hon. Jibril and the 2016 budget padding saga? After all attempts to get him keep quiet and politically settle the matter as an in-house party affair went sour, the man was chased outside the House and remains an outsider till date. Nigerians would also not forget that the corruption prosecution against still serving Senate President Bukola Saraki began after he was elected the helmsman of Nigeria’s Legislature in defiance to ‘in-house’ interests and ended when he eventually succumbed and agreed to politically settle some of such interests and play low on the Legislature’s oversight scrutiny of the Executive. Nigerians may quickly forgive these things, but they would hardly forget them.

Verily verily, I say unto you; if President Muhammadu Buhari again defies the voice of reasoning and public outcry and fails to probe this latest N9 TRILLION scandal levelled against the Group General Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Maikanti Baru, the President may finally go down low in history as one who came when the ovation was high with no serious intention to fight corruption, but to fight opposition and completely annihilate every dissenting voice (be it political, tribal, religious and otherwise) on the pretext of a tough fight against corruption and insurrection.

Dear President, it’s time you proved to Nigerians that you are not one President of two Nigerias, where different rules apply for different folks and some folks’ ‘sins’ are treated with insecticide while others’ are perfumed with deodorant. This you need to exhibit in your further allocations of opportunities, appointments, projects, developments. And in your fight against insecurity and corruption.

God bless Nigeria!

Umoh Joshua is a Former Broadcast Journalist/Presenter at AKBC Radio Services

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

JOHANNESBURG – South Africa’s President Jacob Zuma wants the African National Congress to identify and punish party members who voted against him in a no-confidence motion in parliament last week.

Some 30 ANC lawmakers supported the opposition motion in a secret ballot on Aug. 8, not enough for it to pass but the defection exposed rifts within the ANC that could weaken Zuma’s ability to influence the choice of next party leader at elections in December.

Addressing an ANC meeting late on Sunday, Zuma called the defectors “people who have double hearts, one for the ANC and one for other parties,” and said they “must be taken to the (ANC) disciplinary committee,” South African media reported.

“What our enemies (opposition members of parliament) were doing was to say: ‘How can we destroy the ANC and weaken it, so that we can take control of the country?’ … We should never do it again,” Zuma was quoted as saying.

It was unclear how the party would be able to determine who had voted against Zuma or what action could be taken against them. The president said he would discuss the issue of dissenters at a meeting of the ANC on Monday.

ANC communications officials were unavailable to comment.

Critics say Zuma’s priority is to ensure he retains sufficient control over the party to ensure that his chosen candidate succeeds him as leader so he can avoid scrutiny over corruption allegations that have dogged his eight years in power. Zuma has denied wrongdoing.

The opposition sought to oust Zuma after he removed finance minister Pravin Gordhan in March, a move that hit the financial markets and prompted two credit ratings agencies to downgrade South Africa’s debt rating to junk status.

Following the failure of the no-confidence motion, the main opposition Democratic Alliance party said it would bring a motion to dissolve parliament and call a general election. The ANC, which has a strong majority in the assembly, dismissed the DA’s call as “dreams and hallucinations”.

Source – Reuters

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Morocco’s King Mohammed VI has ousted Prime Minister Abdelilah Benkirane because of his failure to form a government five months after elections.

A surprise palace statement late Wednesday said the king is expected to name another member of the Party for Justice and Development to replace Benkirane.

The PJD won the October election, but didn’t garner enough of a majority to govern alone.

But the PJD’s relations with a former coalition partner, the conservative Istiqlal party, soured over economic reforms, and talks over formation of a government with the center-right National Rally of Independence have stalled.

The royal statement said the king made the decision “in the absence of signs that suggest an imminent formation” of a government and due to “his concern about overcoming the current blockage” in political negotiations.

Benkirane told Reuters he accepts the king’s decision.

“This is our king and he came to a decision under the framework of the constitution, which I’ve always expressed support of,” he said.

Source – VOA

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9News Nigeria

HARARE – Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe was quoted as saying on Sunday that his ZANU-PF party and the people saw no viable successor to him for general elections in 2018.

“They want me to stand for elections, they want me to stand for elections everywhere in the party … The majority of the people feel that there is no replacement, successor who to them is acceptable, as acceptable as I am,” he said in comments to state media ahead of his 93rd birthday this coming week.

Mugabe has been in power since 1980 and in December his party confirmed him as its candidate for the next presidential election expected in mid-2018, when he will be 94.

Source – Reuters

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9News Nigeria

By Isaac Aregbesola

Nigeria will do everything possible to help The Gambia have a peaceful resolution to its political crisis, Foreign Affairs Minister Geofrey Onyeama says.

Onyeama told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja that Gambian President Yahya Jammeh would listen to the voice of his people to resolve the political impasse in his country.

Gambian leader had accused West African regional body, ECOWAS, of declaring war against his country, when he was asked to step down for a democratically elected president.

Jammeh, who accused ECOWAS of putting forces on alert in case he refused to step down, has vowed to stay in power despite losing a Dec. 1, 2016 election to rival Adama Barrow.

He also promised to defend Gambia against any outside aggression, in a New Year speech broadcast on state TV.

The veteran leader initially conceded defeat in the vote, then changed his mind days later – raising fears that regional powers might have to intervene to oust him.

Onyeama, in spite of The Gambian leader’s stance, expressed the belief that Jammeh would honour the call of the ECOWAS leaders to bow out of office at the end of his mandate on Jan. 19.

“We would like to believe that he would listen to the voice of his peers in the
sub-region ECOWAS.

“And that he will also listen to the voice of his people, but above all he will follow the democratic path. So we will do everything possible to bring that about.
“Essentially, we want a peaceful resolution to the issue’’ and explained that conflict could draw back development in country.

“So we would do everything possible to help Gambia have a peaceful resolution to this political crisis,” the minister said.

President Muhammadu Buhari, who is heading a mediation committee on The Gambia political impasse, had led other West African leaders to meet with Jammeh and Barrow on the issue.

Other leaders in the ECOWAS delegation were Presidents Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf of Liberia, Ernest Koroma of Sierra Leone, and John Mahama of Ghana.

The leaders appealed to Jammeh to leave office and also reportedly sought a ‘honourable exit’ for him.

The exit would ensure that he is not tried for various human rights crimes he is alleged to have committed while in office. Despite the visit, Jammeh remained defiant.

Marcel de Souza, the ECOWAS Commission President, said last week that the body had put standby forces on alert.

In his speech on New Year Day, Jammeh decried “the resolution of ECOWAS on the current situation to implement the results of December 1, 2016 presidential election by whatever means possible.”

“It is in effect a declaration of war and an insult to our constitution.

“Let me make it very clear that we are ready to defend this country against any aggression,” he said. (NAN)

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9News Nigeria

By Ismaila Chafe

President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya  has begun lobbying fellow African leaders to back Kenya’s Ambassador Amina Mohamed’s quest to succeed South Africa’s Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma as chairperson  of the African Union Commission.

Kenyatta’s deputy, William Ruto came to Abuja Friday to deliver a message  to President Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria.

But Buhari did not give an outright endorsement of the Kenyan foreign minister.

Rather President Buhari said Nigeria will hold robust consultations with other African leaders on the need for strong and capable leadership that will respond to the current challenges facing the continent.

The Nigerian leader  said Africa needs a very strong leadership at the AUC that will encourage member states to refocus their resources and energy toward human and national development.

The present chairperson of the AU Commission, 67 year-old  Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma was elected into the post in July 2012. She  was the first woman to occupy the post and assumed office in October 2012, replacing Congolese Jean Ping.

Her four year term has expired and she is not seeking re-election, while being rumoured to be interested in the presidency of South Africa, as a member of the ruling African National Congress.

But African leaders at a meeting in Kigali in July extended her tenure by six months after they failed to elect her successor by two thirds majority.

In the race were Uganda’s former vice-president, Speciosa Wandira Kazibwe, who was eliminated in  the first round of voting,  Botswana foreign minister Pelonomi Venson-Moitoi – officially supported by South Africa – and the foreign minister of Equatorial Guinea, Agapito Mba Mokuy,

The election will now hold in January.

The Commission of the African Union acts as the executive/administrative branch or secretariat of the AU and is similar to the  European Commission. It consists of a number of Commissioners dealing with different areas of policy and has its headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

In other talks with Vice president William Ruto, President Muhammadu called on African leaders to form a strong united front to defeat terrorism and violent extremism, which is inhibiting development in Africa.

President Buhari expressed concern that the continent is still grappling with acts and effects of terrorism after a successful de-colonisation campaign.

Acknowledging the valued cooperation between Nigeria and Kenya in the fight against terrorism, the President commended the East African country for the recent successes recorded in tackling terrorism in the region.

“A situation in which insecurity continues to obstruct the process of national development should not be allowed to continue”, the President told Mr Ruto, a special envoy to President Uhuru Kenyatta.

 Ruto commended President Buhari for his leadership, particularly on regional security and the fight against corruption.

Ruto said President Buhari’s effort to eradicate terrorism and violent extremism had emboldened the continent’s resolve to achieve lasting peace and security.

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Geneva — African countries are boosting intra-regional trade and deepening economic integration at a time when politicians in the global North are raising doubts about the benefits of trade, says the head of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development.

UNCTAD Secretary-General Mukhisa Kituyi told the World Trade Organization’s annual public forum in Geneva: “Africa is widely noted for its low levels of intra-regional trade, but in fact the levels are much higher when North Africa is removed from the analysis.”

Speaking at a session on inclusive trade at the recent forum, he said economic integration will be key to Africa’s long-term success and African nations must integrate more.

“Africa has to know that there is no part of the world which has been successful in trading globally without learning first to trade with its neighbors,” Dr. Kituyi said.

UNCTAD says that in East Africa, intra-regional trade is closer to 26 percent, the same level as in Latin America.

At the opening of the forum, Nigeria’s Trade and Investment Minister, Okechukwu E. Enelamah, presented remarks for President Muhammadu Buhari which underlined the importance of an inclusive trade agenda.

“This is a key question, particularly at this moment, when leaders are grappling with the challenge and consequences of inequality which has emerged as a major risk to peace and security,” Enelamah said.

‘Inclusive Trade’

“Nigeria believes that a meaningful approach to inclusive trade will combine action by multilateral institutions for updated and more flexible rules, on the one hand, with acceptance of responsibility for serious and sustained domestic policy reforms by member states, on the other hand.”

The minister highlighted efforts the Nigerian government has made to create an enabling environment for business, including the recent ratification of the Trade Facilitation Agreement.

The TFA will significantly reduce trade costs for businesses in developing countries, particularly for SMEs (small and medium enterprises) and is also expected to help unblock logjams in intraregional trading.

Enelamah said Nigeria has also established itself as an African start-up center for high-tech firms and the WTO can be supportive on this point by developing an “unfettered” platform for the internet economy.

Meanwhile, preparations continue for the Continental Free Trade Area, bringing together more than one billion people in 54 African countries with a combined gross domestic product of more than $3.4 trillion.

Kituyi said the CFTA was unlikely to be launched in 2017 as originally planned, but the target had helped to move the project forward.

“I had the privilege to visit 16 African presidents to talk to them about the CFTA and I am satisfied that a large number of the political leadership believes in the future and the need for African integration.”

Change is already happening. In the space of a year, the time required to move a container from Mombasa in Kenya to Kampala in Uganda has dropped from 48 days to four. “That is progress.”

Africa’s largest economic sector, its extractive industries, has not created enough jobs on the continent. More intra-African trade will lead to fairer, more equitable, growth, and the creation of more and better jobs.

Dr. Kituyi said there are limits to regional integration, however. He noted Switzerland has prospered without joining the European Union.

And although a single African currency is politically attractive, it cannot be effective without an effective mechanism to discipline public deficits.

Despite the reservations of some politicians, trade is a powerful driver of jobs, economic growth, and achievement of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

“Trade is not just about statistics on goods and services. It is also about people,” Kituyi said. “And for me, trade integration is most exciting whenever it creates more jobs.”

At the forum the WTO launched a new publication entitled “African Perspectives on Trade and the WTO.”

The book – co-published by the WTO and Cambridge University Press – examines how enhanced participation in world trade could help Africa achieve further growth and emphasizes the need for the continent to undertake structural reforms to underpin its economic transformation.

Source: AllAfrica News 

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Maputo — Unidentified gunmen have assassinated Jeremias Pondeca, a former member of parliament from the rebel movement Renamo, and a member of the Joint Commission set up between the government and Renamo to prepare a face-to-face meeting between President Filipe Nyusi and Renamo leader Afonso Dhlakama.

Renamo national spokesperson Antonio Muchanga told AIM on Sunday that Pondeca was shot dead on Maputo’s Costa do Sol beach on Saturday morning.

Pondeca habitually exercised on the beach, and he was assassinated during this daily exercise routine. He was not carrying any identification documents, and his body was not immediately identified.

Muchanga said Pondeca’s family informed Renamo on Sunday morning that he was missing. A check revealed that a murder had occurred on the beach, and the body had been taken to the Maputo morgue. Renamo confirmed that it was indeed Pondeca.

Pondeca was a prominent Renamo parliamentary deputy between 1995 and 2004. He was a member of the Council of State, an advisory body to the President of the Republic, and earlier this year Renamo appointed him as one of its members on the government/Renamo Joint Commission. Pondeca headed the Renamo team on the sub-commission tasked with drafting new or amended legislation in the area of decentralization.

Pondeca’s murder comes just before the Joint Commission is due to resume its work. The last meeting of the Commission was on 30 September, and the coordinator of the international mediating team, the Italian Mario Raffaelli, then announced that the talks were being suspended until 10 October in order to allow the government and Renamo delegations time to establish the methodology to be used in future discussions, in an attempt to achieve consensus as quickly as possible.

Despite holding 20 meetings, the Joint Commission has so far reached no definitive agreement on any of the matters on its agenda, which includes Renamo’s demand for six provincial governors, a cessation of hostilities, the inclusion of members of the Renamo militia in the army and police, and the disarming of Renamo.

Although the whole rationale for setting up the Commission was to prepare the way for a meeting between Nyusi and Dhlakama, there has been no advance towards such a meeting, and in an interview in the latest issue of the weekly paper “Savana”, Dhlakama said he had no interest in meeting Nyusi before signing a final agreement.

Raffaelli had hoped that “When we resume the discussion, on 10 October, it could be more constructive and rapid”. But the assassination of Pondeca now casts a long shadow over such hopes.

Source: Reuters 

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A dozen political parties in Liberia are joining forces to take on the ruling Liberty Party in the 2017 presidential election, Senator Prince Johnson told VOA Daybreak Africa.

“We want continue our peace that we celebrated some time ago. We do not want to see violence. So we all met to discuss the issue how to collaborate and move our country forward.

A technical team or committee was set up by the convention to draw up the modalities for the collaboration,” Johnson said.

The Constitution bars President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf from seeking a third term, but her vice president — Joseph Boakai — is expected to run.

FILE – Liberian President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf (seated R) and Liberian Vice President Joseph N. Boakai (L) attend Sirleaf’s second presidential inauguration at the Capitol in Monrovia, Jan. 16, 2012.

It is not clear who this new opposition coalition would put forward for president. So far, the signatories of the deal have agreed to not “badmouth each other,” Johnson said. More details on how the coalition will work are expected in sixty days.

Other leading members include politician Charles Brumskine, Senator George Weah and businessmen Benoni Urey and Alexander Cummings.
Johnson said Sirleaf’s government has not done enough to fight corruption.

“Vice President Boakai is part and parcel of the regime that has the corruption…so when Madame Sirleaf is going, he has to go. If he remains, we will vote him out,” Johnson said.

Addressing lawmakers last year, President Sirleaf said the government has made progress, including creating several anti-grant agencies. She called for “speedier trials” from the judiciary.

– VOA

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By Wendell Roelf and Mfuneko Toyana

CAPE TOWN/JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) – South African leader Jacob Zuma attempted on Tuesday to brush aside market fears of a power struggle with Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan, declaring: “There is no war between the Presidency and the Treasury.”

Zuma twice repeated the phrase in response to a question in parliament. “I am clarifying that point. It must be as clear as anything,” he told lawmakers.

An elite police unit is investigating Gordhan over a so-called “rogue spy” unit at the tax agency, set up when he was at its helm. Some analysts say Zuma’s allies are driving the probe in a bid to oust Gordhan, something the president denied.

The affair has rattled markets in Africa’s most industrialised economy, which faces the risk of ratings downgrades later this year. Divisions within the African National Congress have widened since the ruling party suffered its worst-ever local election results last month, with analysts blaming the rifts on a conflict between Zuma and Gordhan.

Gordhan declined last month to obey a police summons linked to the inquiry into whether he had used a tax service unit to spy on politicians, including Zuma. He said he had done nothing wrong, and the opposition has called the investigation a witch hunt.

Deputy Finance Minister Mcebisi Jonas earlier said that the probe into Gordhan was causing economic uncertainty.

“It does destabilise, not only Treasury, it creates uncertainties across the economy,” Jonas told 702 Talk Radio. “We feel confident there is no basis for the allegation. We are not worried about that.”

Jonas also said he had met Public Protector Thuli Madonsela, an anti-corruption watchdog, as part of her inquiry into whether the wealthy Gupta family, who are close to Zuma, have been influencing high-level political appointments.

Jonas dropped a political bombshell earlier this year when he said the Gupta family offered to secure him his boss’s job. Nhlanhla Nene was the finance minister at the time.

Zuma has said that the Guptas are his friends but denies doing anything improper. The Guptas have also denied making job offers to anyone in government.

HECKLING COMPLAINT

A frustrated Zuma also complained about the constant heckling he faces from opposition parties when he tries to address parliament. The ultra-left Economic Freedom Fighters party earlier walked out of parliament after initially disrupting Zuma’s answers to the national assembly.

“Each time when I come here, I am abused by members of your parliament, because instead of answering questions I sit here being called a criminal, a thief. I think this house must do something about it,” he said.

In a rebuke that hit Zuma financially and politically, the Constitutional Court ordered him in March to return some of the $16 million of state money spent on enhancing his private residence, triggering claims by opposition parties that he should resign.

Zuma denied he had acted dishonestly over the upgrade. On Monday, the Presidency said he had repaid 7.8 million rand ($542,000) – the sum determined by the Treasury in June as the “reasonable cost” he should bear.

Amid the political rumblings, there was a glimmer of good news on the economic front. The current account deficit narrowed more than expected in the second quarter, supporting Gordhan’s view that the economy was not in “recession territory”..

South Africa has a better than 50 percent chance of avoiding a downgrade of its credit rating to “junk” status this year, Gordhan told business leaders in Johannesburg on Tuesday. He also pledged to stick to deficit targets set out in his budget in February, despite weak economic growth.

He warned, however, that surprising economic growth of 3.3 percent in the second quarter could not be sustained, and pledged continued fiscal prudence, a key recommendation by ratings agencies.

“The next year or so is quite critical, not just for ratings but for ourselves as an economy and as a country as well,” Gordhan told business leaders.

($1 = 14.4000 rand)

(Additional reporting by Olivia Kumwenda-Mtambo; Writing by Joe Brock and Ed Stoddard; Editing by James Macharia and Mark Trevelyan)

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A human rights group says it has found evidence of huge war profiteering by some of South Sudan’s top political leaders, including the heads of the two sides in the country’s civil war.

The rights group’s co-founders, Hollywood star George Clooney and activist John Prendergast, shared the findings Monday at a news conference at Washington’s National Press Club.

The report from their group, called The Sentry, accused South Sudanese President Salva Kiir, former first vice president Riek Machar and South Sudanese generals of stealing millions of dollars from state coffers since 2005, when a peace agreement that paved the way for the south’s independence from Sudan was signed.

“The simple fact is, they’re stealing the money to fund their militias to attack and kill one another. The evidence is thorough, it is detailed and it is irrefutable,” said Clooney.

“It involves arms dealers, international lawyers, international banks, international real estate. And it is because of these international actors that we are also able to provide solutions to help end this criminal behavior to protect innocent civilians,” he said.

Prendergast urged the United States and other governments around the world to stop the stolen money from moving through the international financial system. He said The Sentry is proposing a new approach which would use “precision guided financial policy tools normally reserved for countering terrorism, for fighting organized crime, for halting the proliferation of nuclear weapons. But this time we want to use these policy tools in the service of human rights and peace and good governance in South Sudan.”

The 65-page report, entitled “War Crimes Shouldn’t Pay,” says South Sudan’s nearly three-year-old conflict has been fueled by battles over control of state assets and the country’s natural resources.

President Kiir earns about $60,000 per year, according to The Sentry’s investigation. But the president and his family are accused of spending millions of dollars on real estate outside of South Sudan, including a two-story, 460-square meter villa in the gated community of Lavington, an upscale neighborhood in Nairobi.

South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir, left, accompanied by army chief of staff Paul Malong, right, waves during an independence day ceremony in the capital Juba, South Sudan.

The Sentry also reports that former first vice president Riek Machar has a home in the same neighborhood.

It says four of President Kiir’s children attend a private school outside Nairobi where tuition is about $10,000 per year.

The Sentry says General Reuben Riak who oversees logistics and weapons procurement in the army, has moved over $3 million through his personal bank account at Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) since 2012.

Documents also reveal that General Jok Riak, who is under a U.N.-backed travel ban and asset freeze, had more than $360,000 deposited in his personal bank account at KGB during 2014. The Sentry says money was transferred to the account from Dalbit International, which deals with the trade, transport and management of petroleum products in Africa.

Army chief of staff General Paul Malong, who the Sentry calls the “architect of immense human suffering in South Sudan” reportedly has a government salary of $45,000 per year but somehow owns two homes in Uganda, along with a $2 million mansion in Nairobi, according to the report.

The Sentry describes itself as a collaborative effort between three other rights groups, including the Enough Project. It says its goal is to dismantle the financing of Africa’s deadliest conflicts.

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NAIROBI, KENYA — Kenya’s president on Saturday launched a new political party that he intends to use for a second and last term in office in the 2017 election.

The launch of the Jubilee Party followed days of political haggling in Nairobi as 12 parties dissolved and united under the new organization.

Tens of thousands of people dressed in party colors thronged to a stadium in Kasarani, a residential area of Nairobi, to witness the launch of the Jubilee Party. The ruling party and the current government took the opportunity to show how people had benefited under their rule.

President Uhuru Kenyatta told the crowd that the new party affirmed togetherness and peace.

“We are here as a Jubilee family to proclaim the meaning of our party,” he said. “The party we launch here today is an expression of our unity. … In launching it, we renew and strengthen our ties that bind Kenyans together. We rise from the ashes of conflict to express the beauty of reconciliation and collective purpose.”

Party merger

In 1966, three years after Kenya gained independence, the biggest two political parties, the Kenya African National Union and the Kenya African Democratic Union, merged. The unity, political commentators said, followed years of ethnic nationalization.

Twenty-five years after that agreement, some politicians and activists took to the streets, demanding multiparty democracy. Then in late 2007, political violence erupted after incumbent President Mwai Kibaki won elections and was sworn into office. A power-sharing agreement in early 2008 ended the crisis.

Tens of thousands of supporters of President Uhuru Kenyatta thronged to Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi to witness the launch of Jubilee Party, Sept. 10, 2016. (M. Yusuf/VOA)

On Friday, Deputy President William Ruto told party delegates that multiparty democracy had contributed to intercommunal fighting in Kenya during elections. He said he was confident the new party would bring some normalcy to the country.

“We are laying a firm new foundation for the politics and leadership and the management of public affairs of our country going forward, because for much of the multiparty era, our practice of politics has given democracy a very bad name,” he said. “To many people, much of the time, multiparty democracy is a tower of burden. Democracy is seen to be chaotic, noisy, unreliable, dangerous and sometimes very divisive.”

Ethnic violence

Kenyatta and Ruto were accused of being behind the 2007-08 violence and were charged at the International Criminal Court at The Hague. In the ethnic fighting, more than 1,000 people were killed, and at least 250,000 were uprooted from their homes.

Ruto said he and the president had a desire to bring different parties together and form one party with a national agenda.

Kenyatta said the new party would respect the different views of its members.

“We know the unity of the past, the unity of our fathers and mothers, was lost because we succumbed to personality cults and because we did not protect internal democracy in our parties,” the president said. “Jubilee will not make the mistakes of the party that came before us. Every shred of opinion will have its say in this party, every member will get a fair hearing, and we will embrace internal party democracy.”

Hundreds of kilometers away from Nairobi in the coastal city of Mombasa, the biggest opposition party, the Orange Democratic Movement, was celebrating 10 years since its formation.

– VOA

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LUSAKA (Reuters) – Zambia’s incumbent President Edgar Lungu will be sworn into office for a new five-year term on Tuesday next week, a government official said on Monday.

The government said it would proceed with the inauguration as the Constitutional Court has missed a 14-day deadline to rule on the opposition’s legal challenge to the presidential vote, Secretary to the Cabinet, Roland Msiska, said in a statement.

(Reporting Chris Mfula; Writing by Mfuneko Toyana; Editing by James Macharia)

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HARARE (Reuters) – Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe has accused court judges of being reckless in allowing anti-government demonstrations that later turned violent, state media reported on Sunday, a day before a legal challenge to last week’s official ban on protests.

The southern African nation on Thursday outlawed all demonstrations for two weeks in the capital Harare, which has witnessed protests against Mugabe’s handling of the economy, cash shortages and high unemployment.

Some political activists have approached the High Court to challenge the ban which they say is unconstitutional. The hearing is set for Monday.

Mugabe told a conference of the ruling ZANU-PF’s youth wing on Saturday that “enough is enough” and he would not allow violent protests to continue, the Sunday Mail newspaper reported.

Violence erupted more than a week ago when police used teargas and water cannon to disperse marchers.

“Our courts, our justice system, our judges should be the ones who understand even better than ordinary citizens. They dare not be negligent in their decisions when requests are made by people who want to demonstrate,” the Sunday Mail quoted Mugabe as saying.

“To give permission again when they are to the full knowledge that it is going to be violent or (there is)probability that there is going to be violence is to pay reckless disregard to the peace of this country.”

Police routinely cite lack of manpower and a threat to security as a reason for barring opposition protests, but the decisions have often been overturned by the High Court.

Tendai Biti, leader of the People’s Democratic Party and the lawyer behind the legal challenge to the latest ban, accused Mugabe of intimidating the judiciary and violating the constitution.

“What Mugabe is trying to do is breaching the constitution by assaulting the judiciary and by trying to cause direct and indirect fear into judges,” Biti said.

(Reporting by MacDonald Dzirutwe; Editing by Stella Mapenzauswa and Mark Potter)

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HARARE/JOHANNESBURG — The grievances of the opposition protesters who marched in Zimbabwe’s capital Friday can be summed up in one word: In the Shona language, zvakwana, in Ndebele, sokwanele, and in English, enough.

“The people’s desperation is very deep,’ said former prime minister Morgan Tsvangirai, once considered the nation’s strongest opposition figure.

“It must not relent,” he added. “It must continue to express itself, the level of desperation Zimbabweans are facing so that we are able to solve this problem …But I am very glad that Zimbabweans are beginning to say: enough is enough.”

On Friday, that word drove hundreds of people to converge on the wide avenues of central Harare, where some stopped to tear down a street sign bearing the name of the man who is the target of their ire: President Robert Mugabe.

FILE – Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe attends a meeting with the country’s war veterans in Harare, April, 7, 2016.

Reporters from VOA’s Zimbabwe service were on the scene and reported that protesters blocked roads, burned tires and hurled stones at police, ruling party supporters and buildings in central Harare. The chaos led vendors in the commercial district to shutter their shops.

Despite a court order allowing Friday’s opposition-led protest to proceed, police fired water cannon and tear gas in an attempt to stop it.

Reporters also saw police fire weapons into the air and beat protesters.

A lawyer representing the Zimbabwe People First party, led by former Vice President Joyce Mujuru, Gift Nyandoro, said the police ignored a court order.

“Police are refusing to recognize it,” said Gift Nyandoro. “We inquired them about who’s in charge, they are refusing their name, neither their identity. It’s a bad day for Zimbabwe.”

It was not immediately clear how many people were wounded in the protest.

Police did not answer VOA’s requests for comment Friday, but Zimbabwe’s home affairs minister, Ignatius Chombo, said the night before that police “would not watch foreign-funded protesters destroy Zimbabwe.” The government has long accused Western nations of backing an anti-government plot.

The opposition has called on Southern African leaders meeting in Swaziland to look at the situation in Zimbabwe.

Protesters disperse in Harare, after Zimbabwe police fired tear gas, water cannon and gunshots to stop hundreds of youths rallying against the government of President Robert Mugabe, Aug. 24, 2016.

Protesters in this march and in previous ones say they’re tired of poverty, tired of repression and crackdowns on dissent, and tired of corruption. Most of all, more and more Zimbabweans are saying they’re tired of the man who got them to this place, the man who has ruled the country for more than 35 years: President Mugabe.

For months now, Zimbabwe has experienced a growing wave of protests.

In April, some 3,000 opposition supporters marched in the capital over the failing economy. Other protests sprang up in other locations – including the virtual universe of social media – and around other topical issues.

So far, the demonstrations have been in urban areas. It remains to be seen whether the dissatisfaction has spread to the countryside which has traditionally been a stronghold of the government.

Zimbabwean riot police clash with protesters during a demonstration against the introduction of bond notes by the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe, in Harare, Aug. 17, 2016.

But Ciara Aucoin, a researcher for the Institute for Security Studies in Pretoria, says although Friday’s demonstration was unusual for its high degree of opposition collaboration, it may not be enough to change anything.

“It isn’t necessarily a tipping point, because it remains to be seen how the pushback from the government is going to affect the protest movement,” she said. “In one way, if it deters protesters, that could be a possible outcome. The other is that if it causes further mobilization – that remains to be seen.”

Instead of looking for the last straw, she said, protesters should be looking for the government’s last penny.

“Because of the budget deficits at the national level, there [are] questions around the ability of the state to maintain the payments to police and to ensure a kind of steady public order maintenance,” she said. “And so, if the protests were to grow, there are questions around the capacity of the state response to pay police who protect public order.”

Human rights groups have long denounced Zimbabwe’s pattern of repression.

Dewa Mavhinga of Human Rights Watch says this year’s protests may have started over basic human and civil rights and the economy, but have escalated because the government’s reaction was to further impede on their basic rights.

“Really this is because of bad governance, poor management by the state and also rampant corruption,” he said. ”So this is what has driven people on to the streets. Unfortunately, the government has not reacted by dealing with the root causes of these protests, but it has chosen to violently crush these demonstrations, further violating people’s rights.”

Opposition party supporters clash with police in Harare, Zimbabwe, Aug. 26, 2016.

But protesters say confrontation doesn’t scare them. On Friday, the opposition group behind the latest protest swore: “beat us all you want, but we shall not yield.”

They plan to hold another protest next Friday.

Reporters with VOA’s Zimbabwe Service contributed to this report from Harare.

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By MacDonald Dzirutwe

HARARE (Reuters) – Zimbabwean police on Friday fired tear gas at opposition leaders and hundreds of demonstrators as a protest against President Robert Mugabe descended into one of the worst outbreaks of violence in two decades.

Opposition head Morgan Tsvangirai and former vice president Joice Mujuru fled the rally in their cars while protesters ran for cover as police firing tear gas and water cannons broke-up the core of the demonstration. However, anti-Mugabe leaders warned that this would be the first of a series of protests.

Mugabe’s opponents have become emboldened by rising public anger and protests over an economic meltdown, cash shortages and high unemployment. Mugabe, 92, has led Zimbabwe since independence from Britain in 1980.

Clashes spread through the streets of the capital Harare as riot police fought running battles with protesters who hurled rocks at officers, set tyres ablaze and burned a popular market to the ground, in some of the worst unrest since food riots in 1998.

Didymus Mutasa, a senior official from Mujuru’s party and convener of Friday’s protest, vowed to repeat the demonstration a week from now and blamed police for the violence and disobeying a court order allowing the march to proceed.

“If that was intended to cow us from demonstrating, I want to say the opposite has been the case. We are going next Friday to do exactly the same as we have done today,” Mutasa told reporters.

Most businesses shut down early on Friday fearing looting by protesters. Mujuru said 50 people were injured and hospitalised.

“Mugabe’s rule must end now, that old man has failed us,” said one protester before throwing a rock at a taxi.

More than a hundred police officers in riot gear, backed up by water cannons and armoured trucks, occupied the venue that opposition parties planned to use for their demonstration.

As opposition supporters arrived for the march, they were told by the police to leave. The officers then fired teargas and a water cannon when parts of the crowd refused to comply.

Police spokeswoman Charity Charamba said the force was still assessing the day’s events.

“We will let you know once we are done,” she said.

Officials from Mugabe’s ruling ZANU-PF party were unavailable for comment.

POLICE DEFY COURT

“Demonstrating is the only solution left to force the dictator out of office,” said Tapfuma Make, an unemployed 24-year-old from Chitungwiza town, south of Harare.

Zimbabwe’s High Court earlier ruled that police should allow the protest to proceed between 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. (1000-1400 GMT) in what Tsvangirai’s Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) called a “victory for democracy”.

“Today has been for me the worst day that I have lived in this country, where I have observed with my own eyes, the state breaking its own laws and the state starting violence by attacking people who were just gathered together,” Mutasa said.

Opposition parties leading the protests say the electoral agency is biased in favour of the ruling ZANU-PF and is run by security agents loyal to Mugabe, charges the commission denies.

The protesters want the next vote in 2018 to be supervised by international observers, including the United Nations. They are also calling for Mugabe to fire corrupt ministers, scrap plans to introduce local bank notes and end cash shortages.

The latest demonstrations come nearly two months after the biggest large scale ‘stay at home’ strike in Zimbabwe since 2007, inspired by social media movements such as #ThisFlag led by pastor Evan Mawarire.

Home Affairs Minister Ignatius Chombo on Thursday called opposition leaders “foreign agents” using protests to cause chaos in order to justify international intervention.

(Writing by Joe Brock; Editing by James Macharia and Toby Chopra)

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LUANDA (Reuters) – Angola’s ruling People’s Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) on Friday confirmed the election of Jose Eduardo dos Santos for another term as leader of the party.

Dos Santos, the sole nominee, won 2,543 votes, or 99.6 percent, MPLA spokesman Manuel Rabelais said after its electoral convention in the capital, Luanda.

There had been speculation before the congress that Dos Santos, 73, who has ruled the oil-rich southern African nation since 1979, might not make himself available for re-election.

He had said in March he intended to step down as party leader in 2018, without naming a preferred successor.

Angola holds its next parliamentary election in 2017 and the leader of the winning party will become president.

Dos Santos was appointed to a new five-year term as president in 2012 after a landslide election win by the MPLA.

(Reporting Herculan Coroado; Writing by Mfuneko Toyana; editing by John Stonestreet and Grant McCool)

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By Denis Dumo and Michelle Nichols

JUBA/NEW YORK (Reuters) – South Sudan’s opposition leader, Riek Machar, is in the neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo, the United Nations said on Thursday, several weeks after he withdrew from the capital, Juba, during fierce fighting with government troops.

The world body said its peacekeeping mission in the DRC became aware of Machar’s presence in the country on Monday and contacted the Congolese government, which then asked the mission to pick up Machar. That operation took place on Wednesday, U.N. spokesman Farhan Haq told reporters in New York.

“Riek Machar has been handed over to the authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. We’re not in a position to confirm his location,” Haq said.

A spokesman for the DRC government, Lambert Mende, denied it had been in touch with any party on helping the former South Sudanese vice president, but Haq said Machar was removed from an area close to the border with South Sudan.

“We can confirm that an operation was undertaken by MONUSCO (U.N. mission) on humanitarian grounds to facilitate the extraction of Riek Machar, his wife and 10 others from a location in the DRC in support of the DRC authorities,” Haq said, adding MONUSCO was considered the best-suited party to move Machar safely.

A statement issued by the leadership of the SPLA In Opposition (SPLA-IO) said he had left on Wednesday to a “safe country within the region”.

Machar led a two-year rebellion against forces loyal to his longtime rival, President Salva Kiir, before the two sides reached a peace deal in August 2015. Under the deal, Machar returned to Juba in April to resume his role as vice president.

But fighting flared last month, leading Machar to withdraw with his forces from Juba around mid-July.

Opposition spokesman James Gatdek Dak, writing on his Facebook page, said opposition fighters had “successfully relocated our leader to a neighbouring country where he will now have unhindered access to the rest of the world and the media.”

Machar had sustained a leg injury from weeks of walking in the bush but not serious enough to require medical attention, Gatdek Dak said.

Since the July fighting, Kiir has sacked Machar from his post and appointed Taban Deng Gai, a former opposition negotiator who broke ranks with Machar, as vice president.

The United Nations told Kiir any political changes must be consistent with the peace deal, which stated that the vice president must be chosen by the South Sudan Armed Opposition.

(Additional reporting by Michelle Nichols in New York and Aaron Ross in Kinshasa; Writing by Edmund Blair and Duncan Miriri; Editing by Toby Chopra and Peter Cooney)

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KHARTOUM (Reuters) – Talks to secure a lasting ceasefire in Sudan’s three warring regions under a road map for peace have collapsed less than a week after they began, the government’s chief negotiator said on Monday.

Rebels have been fighting the Sudanese army in the southern regions of Kordofan and Blue Nile since 2011, when South Sudan declared independence. Conflict in Darfur, in the west, began in 2003 when mainly non-Arab tribes took up arms against the Arab-led government based in the capital Khartoum.

Last week, rebel and opposition groups agreed to a road map for ceasefire talks and political reconciliation brokered by the African Union and already accepted by the government – the first such agreement since the fighting began in the south of Sudan. Ceasefire talks began immediately after.

“Peace talks failed because of the lack of seriousness of the armed movements to reach a ceasefire agreement … they are warlords invested in war,” Ibrahim Mahmoud, the government’s lead negotiator, said at Khartoum airport after returning from the peace talks in Addis Ababa.

“The main reason the negotiations broke down was the rebels’ deal-breaking request that, following the ceasefire, humanitarian aid be delivered by airlift to rebel areas in South Kordofan and the Blue Nile from Ethiopia, South Sudan and Kenya. This was wholly rejected by the government delegation.”

A spokesman for the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-North) said the talks had failed because “the government didn’t want peace … we put forward major concessions but the government remained set on its positions and was unwilling to concede anything”.

He said the rebels had requested that some of the aid come from outside of Sudan to deny the government the ability to cut it off as it had on previous occasions in Darfur.

The road map sets out a process for reaching a permanent ceasefire and provides for a national dialogue between the government and both political and armed opposition groups. It also included provisions for immediate humanitarian assistance.

The signatories included two of the most prominent rebel groups — the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) and the SPLM-North — as well as the largest political opposition group, the Umma Party.

The Sudan Liberation Movement, a major rebel force in Darfur, and the Sudanese Communist Party refused to sign.

(Reporting by Khalid Abdelaziz; Writing by Lila Hassan; Editing by Eric Knecht)

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USAKA (Reuters) – Zambian police have arrested 133 people protesting against the re-election of President Edgar Lungu after his main opponent Hakainde Hichilema said the vote was rigged, a senior officer said on Tuesday.

Lungu scraped home on Monday in a tight contest to rule over Africa’s second-largest copper producer which has suffered an economic slump due to depressed commodity prices.

“They targeted perceived supporters of the ruling party, destroying their property,” Southern province police chief Godwin Phiri told Reuters.

“It is like this was well planned and they were just waiting for the winner to be declared. Calm has now returned following the arrests,” he added.

(Reporting by Chris Mfula; Writing by Joe Brock; Editing by James Macharia)

______________________________________________________________

EARLIER ELECTION RESULT

Zambian President Edgar Lungu narrowly won re-election on Monday in a vote his main rival said was rigged.

Hakainde Hichilema’s United Party for National Development (UPND) said it would appeal the result at the Constitutional Court, accusing election officials of fraud during the count which began after voting ended on Thursday.

Lungu faced a tough challenge from Hichilema in a campaign to rule over Africa’s second-largest copper producer which has suffered an economic slump due to depressed commodity prices.

Lungu, who narrowly beat Hichilema in a vote last year to replace late president Michael Sata, won 50.35 percent of the vote against 47.63 for his opponent, the Election Commission of Zambia (ECZ) said on Monday.

Hundreds of Lungu’s supporters, most of them young men draped in the regalia of the ruling Patriotic Front (PF), took to the streets, chanting slogans and singing, while drivers hooted their car horns in celebration.

“I’m happy that Edgar Lungu can continue to be president because I see a good future with him. I want him to create jobs for young people,” said 15-year-old Zegu Kaunda who said he wanted to study law like Lungu.

But student Harrison Simenda, 24, who supports Hichilema, popularly known as HH, said: “They have stolen this election from HH but they will not enjoy it because I see very tough times ahead for our economy.”

UPND party lawyer Jack Mwiimbu told reporters: “We have evidence to the effect that the votes for Hakainde Hichilema have been deliberately reduced in collusion with the Election Commission of Zambia.”

ECONOMY

He said the party was confident the Constitutional Court would declare the election result invalid.

The ruling party and the electoral commission have rejected the UPND’s charge.

Police said officers were sent to quell rioting by Hichilema’s supporters in the south of the country after the result was announced.

The election was fought around the issues of rising unemployment, mine closures, power shortages and soaring food prices which Hichilema, an economist and businessman, blamed on Lungu’s mismanagement.

But Lungu, whose government has been talking to the International Monetary Fund about financial aid to help plug its budget deficit, said he was doing his best to wean the economy off its over-reliance on copper.

“You can trust the government of President Edgar Lungu. We mean well and we shall not betray the people’s trust,” PF secretary-general Davis Chama said.

The election dispute, which could blight Zambia’s reputation as one of the most stable democracies in Africa, could damage negotiations with the IMF, Capital Economics Africa analyst John Ashbourne said.

“The re-election of President Lungu, who had promised to drive a hard bargain with the IMF, could slow negotiations on a deal with the fund,” he said.

The UPND said on Saturday data from its own parallel count showed Hichilema beating Lungu “with a clear margin” with about 80 percent of votes counted. Monday’s result means Hichilema has now lost five presidential elections.

All parties had access to the raw voting data, in which Zambians also chose members of parliament, mayors and local councillors, faster than the national commission.

(Editing by Joe Brock and Janet Lawrence)

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The head of Zambia’s electoral commission has been responding to reports of violence in the run up to Thursday’s presidential and parliamentary elections.

We posted earlier about an attack on an opposition United Party for National Development (UPND) campaign bus by what appeared to be supporters of the governing Patriotic Front (PF).

Electoral Commission of Zambia Chairperson Esau Chulu told journalists:

The acts of violence that have charectised the 2016 election campaigns is unprecedented and have marred Zambia’s historic and peaceful elections.”

Mr Chulu called on the party leaders to keep their supporters under control.

The BBC’s Meluse Kapatamoyo in the capital, Lusaka, says that election violence does not appear to have gone away despite last month’s 10-day ban on campaigning in Lusaka, which was supposed to have brought the violence to an end.

( AFP ) Incumbent President Edgar Lungu is being challenged by eight candidates including the UPND’s Hakainde Hichilema

Nigeria’s former President Goodluck Jonathan, in his twitter updates had urged  that Africa should try and organise free and fair elections:

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JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) – South Africa’s ruling African National Congress (ANC) failed to take control of President Jacob Zuma’s hometown of Nkandla, local election results showed on Thursday, a symbolic blow to the scandal-tinged Zuma.

Zuma survived an impeachment vote in April after the Constitutional Court said he breached the law by ignoring an order to repay some of the $16 million in state funds spent on renovating his private home in Nkandla, located in a poverty-stricken rural area of Kwa-Zulu Natal province.

“Nkandla” has become a household word in South Africa that is almost synonymous with graft.

The loss, in local polls that are the sternest test the ANC has faced since the end of apartheid in 1994, will also smart because it was at the hands of the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), a Zulu nationalist party, which widened its tally in the area to 54 percent from 46 percent in 2011.

The ruling party garnered 44 percent.

Zuma, a traditional Zulu with four wives and an earthy style, has helped deliver the Zulu vote in the province for the ANC in elections, and cast his own vote in the area on Wednesday.

But the IFP, which mostly appeals to Zulus, had almost 5 percent of the national vote with most of the tally completed compared to 3.6 percent in the last local elections in 2011.

(Reporting by Ed Stoddard; Editing by James Macharia)

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By MacDonald Dzirutwe

HARARE (Reuters) – Anti-riot police used batons to break up a peaceful march in Zimbabwe’s capital on Wednesday, the latest public protest against President Robert Mugabe’s government’s handling of the economy.

Mugabe, 92, and in power since independence from Britain in 1980, is increasingly under pressure from angry Zimbabweans, as well as his war veterans allies, who last month rebuked him as a manipulative dictator, calling on him to step down.

Zimbabwe has witnessed several anti-government protests in recent months, including the biggest stay at home demonstration by activist pastor Evan Mawarire’s #ThisFlag movement in July.

Hundreds of people marched on the streets of Harare on Wednesday against the government’s plans to introduce local bank notes, as authorities grapple with a serious shortage of dollars.

Police kept watch and the marchers presented a petition at ministry of finance offices in central Harare. But baton-wielding police charged at the protesters as they approached Parliament building, beating them until they dispersed.

The police beat a BBC journalist and broke his camera. Some protesters responded by throwing rocks at the police, who also had water cannons, but did not use them.

“We don’t want bond notes because they will wipe out the few U.S. dollars left. They have come to destroy the country. We do not want them,” said protester Wesley Chawada, who was waving the old Zimbabwean dollar currency, which was dumped in 2009.

Former vice president Joice Mujuru on Tuesday launched a Constitutional Court challenge against the planned introduction of the bond notes saying it was unconstitutional.

Demonstrators denounced Mugabe, accusing his ruling ZANU-PF party of failing to create up to 2.2 million jobs that it had promised when campaigning during the 2013 presidential vote, which Mugabe won amid opposition charges of rigging.

“Mugabe just quit, I will forgive you”, read one placard, while another said “No to police state, you have failed Mr Mugabe.”

Mugabe was on Wednesday chairing a meeting of his ruling ZANU-PF’s top decision-making organ, politburo in downtown Harare, which was expected to discuss problems in the party and the state of an economy also hit by the effects of the worst drought in a quarter of a century.

Mugabe plans to contest the next election in 2018, his last under a new constitution. This has deepened divisions in ZANU-PF, with veterans of Zimbabwe’s independence war opposing his bid and supporting vice president Emmerson Mnangagwa to take over from the ageing leader.

Three war veteran leaders appeared were charged with undermining and insulting the office of the president by a Harare magistrates court, as Mugabe continues a crackdown on his former allies. The three veterans were freed on $300 bail.

(Editing by Richard Balmforth)

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[Channels Television]  Nigeria and South Africa are stepping cooperation in the area of defence, as part of measures to tackle the security challenges in both countries and Africa, especially regarding terrorism.

To this end, Nigeria is seeking the support of South Africa for the establishment of Defence Complex for the production of arms.

This came to the fore on Monday at a forum in Abuja, where the permanent secretary in Nigeria’s Ministry of Defence and the Minister of Defence of South Africa spoke on efforts to ensure confidence building.

They said the renewed cooperation will revolve around military training, equipment support and communication.

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[BBC]  Morocco has sent a special envoy to lobby African leaders to rejoin the African Union 32 years after it left in a row over Western Sahara.

Taib Fassi Fihri met Kenya’s President Uhuru Kenyatta in Nairobi and said Morocco wants to re-join the AU without any preconditions.

Morocco claims Western Sahara as part of its territory, much of which it has occupied since 1975.

But the AU recognises Western Sahara as an independent state.

Morocco is the only African country not to be an AU member.

The AU, however, says it will continue pushing for the rights of Western Sahara to hold a referendum on its self-determination.

Brahim Ghali, the new leader of the North African territory is expected to attend the African Union summit in the Rwandan capital, Kigali, according to the AU’s deputy chairperson Erastus Mwencha.

Mr Ghali was elected the Western Sahara president and secretary-general of the independence movement Polisario Front on 9 July.

He replaced long-time leader Mohamed Abdelaziz who died in May.

How did we get here?

• 1975-76: Morocco annexes two-thirds of Western Sahara after colonial power Spain withdraws.
• 1975-76: Polisario Front declares the Saharan Arab Democratic Republic (SADR), with a government-in-exile in Algeria. Thousands of Sahrawi refugees flee to western Algeria to set up camps.
• 1984: Morocco leaves the Organisation of African Unity (which later became the African Union) in protest at the SADR’s admission to the body.
• 1991: UN-monitored ceasefire begins in Western Sahara, but the territory’s status remains undecided and ceasefire violations are reported. The following decade sees much wrangling over a proposed referendum on the future of the territory but the deadlock is not broken.
• March 2016: Morocco threatens to pull its soldiers out of UN global peacekeeping missions in Western Sahara, after UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon uses the term “occupation” when referring to the territory.
• May 2016: Long-time Polisario Front leader Mohamed Abdelaziz dies aged 68

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[BBC]  The streets of Zimbabwe’s main cities are deserted during a nationwide stay away to protest at the lack of jobs and unpaid wages.

The protests were organised through the messaging site WhatsApp but it is not clear which group is behind it.

The internet was often unavailable on Wednesday morning but the government has denied blocking it.

The BBC’s Brian Hungwe in the capital Harare says it is one of the biggest protests in many years.

Protesters also set up burning barricades in Harare.

Some of the messages calling for a stay away also urged President Robert Mugabe to step down.

The 92 year old has governed the country since independence in 1980.

On Twitter, activists have been using the hashtag #ShutDownZimbabwe2016 to mobilise support.

Many civil servants have not been paid in more than a month – they went on strike on Tuesday.

On Monday, taxi drivers complaining about police extortion clashed with the security forces in parts of Harare.

The economy has also been hit by currency shortages and a severe drought.

“I can’t go to work when the rest of the country is not going to work,” Sybert Marumo, who works for an electrical shop, told the AFP news agency.

“Life is tough and we need to show the government that we have been stretched to the limit.”

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NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — Police killed two people in the western Kenyan town of Kisumu on Monday during protests calling for the disbandment of the national electoral commission over allegations of bias and corruption, witnesses said.

The weekly protests resumed Monday after attempts to start negotiations between the government and the opposition on how to reform the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission failed. Police initially barred the demonstrations, but a court ruled that the constitution allows picketing and ordered police to provide protesters with security.

Opposition leader and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga led peaceful demonstrations in the capital, Nairobi, but police in Kisumu tear-gassed demonstrators who responded by throwing stones.

 

A witness, Gerald Owino, said police shot dead two protesters. Another witness, Edwin Opiyo, said the body of one person shot dead was still on the road.

Police said the protesters had attacked them.

Two weeks ago, police killed one protester in Kisumu, an opposition stronghold, and two in neighboring Siaya county in similar protests.

The electoral commission’s chairman, Issack Hassan, said the commission will not be disbanded and challenged the opposition to provide evidence of the alleged corruption and bias.

Some commission members have been named in a case in which two executives of British printing firm Smith and Ouzman Ltd. were convicted in the U.K. for making corrupt payments to individuals in various countries, including Kenya, to win business for the company.

Odinga, who lost the 2013 presidential election to Uhuru Kenyatta, said the protests will continue until the commission is disbanded.

Kenyatta has said he does not have the power to disband the commission and all negotiations should be done in parliament. The opposition says the government has a majority in parliament and will ensure the motion does not go through.

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