EPL: Luis Enrique May Take Over From Wenger As Arsenal Boss

​SPORTS NEWS

EPL: Luis Enrique May Take Over From Wenger As Arsenal Boss

Arsenal negotiator, Raul Sanllehi has held, advanced discussions with former Barcelona manager, Luis Enrique over the last few days.

L’Equipe reports that the Spaniard is interested in replacing 68-year-old manager because he appreciates the club’s philosophy and respects the values of the club.

If talks with Enrique fails to progress any further, the Gunners will approach their three alternative targets – Carlo Ancelotti, Patrick Vieira and Leonardo Jardim, the newspaper reports.

Reports in Spain earlier this week claimed that Enrique will look to bring veteran midfielder, Andres Iniesta with him to the Emirates if he is appointed Arsenal manager.

Wenger had earlier admitted that the timing of his decision to step down as Arsenal manager was forced upon him.

He said, “The timing was not really my decision. I do my job, keep my routine and focus on what I have to do every day. I prepare well for the game. I think it will be surreal for me when I don’t work. At the moment I work like ever.

“You’re never sure you do the right thing, but life is interesting because you have to deal with different kinds of situations. Until now, I had a life that was full of different experiences.

“Some were very difficult to deal with, but I always did it. That’s another one certainly I will face one day.”

                                                  

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Troops Arrest suspected Terrorists In Nasarawa, Recover Guns, Charms

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Troops Arrest suspected Terrorists In Nasarawa, Recover  Guns,  Charms

Troops of the 177 Guards Battalion in conjunction with the Nigeria Police have arrested suspected militias while on raid operation in Ugyi town, Toto Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.

The suspects are all from Gbassa tribe of the state, Texas Chukwu, Army Director of Information said in a statement.

He gave the names of the arrested suspects as, Mr James Job, Usman Unani, Samson Baba, Muhammad Sani, Dauda Gimba.

Items recovered included, one Daihatsu SUV, seven motorcycles, six dane guns, one locally made revolver pistol, four 9mm rounds of ammunition and a cartridge, twenty-six daggers with names and phone numbers written on each.

Others included, one sword, forty pieces of customized regalia, a cash of one thousand two hundred and five naira only as well as assorted charms.

Chukwu said, “Preliminary investigation is ongoing and the suspects will be handed over to the appropriate authority on completion of the investigation.

“The general public is once gain reminded to report any suspicious movements to the law enforcement agents for necessary action.”

                                                  

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A Muslim Group, MURIC Reveals Why They Won't Support Shittes

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A Muslim Group, MURIC Reveals Why They Won't Support Shittes

 

The Muslim Rights Concern, MURIC, has given reasons it has been silence over the protest by a sister Muslim group, the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, IMN.

In a statement signed by its Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, the group said it is being cautious.

Members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria have been staging daily protests in Abuja for more than a week now over the continued detention of their leader, Shaykh Ibrahim Al-Zakzaky, since the military clampdown on the group about two years ago.

The Secretary of the IMN media team, AbdulMumin Giwa, had accused other Islamic organizations of keeping mute over the group’s plight. He said other groups see the IMN as rivals.

MURIC’s statement reads, “While we would not like to drag issues with the IMN and we wish them well, we wish to state clearly and categorically that MURIC has not commented on the group’s recent protests because we are being cautious. We see the need for us to exercise caution because there is more to the matter than meets the eye. We do not see IMN as our rival.

“Whereas it is natural for us as a human rights organization to frown upon the continued detention of the IMN leader, responsible advocacy and love for our dear country Nigeria has compelled us to remain cautious. The embarrassment not withstanding, this issue is complicated particularly as it has serious security implication for Nigeria.

“Our solace lies in the fact that MURIC actually spoke out ab initio. We condemned the military’s attack on the Al-Zakzaky group when it first occurred two years ago or so. Then we went into investigations. We contacted our members and members of the public living in Zaria. That was when the narrative changed.

“People who live in the same neighbourhood with members of the IMN volunteered information indicting the group. They accuse IMN members of excesses. They claimed IMN infringed on their rights particularly in Zaria.

“We have no reason to doubt them. The evidence is overwhelming. These complainants are the eye-witnesses. They see it everyday. Who feels it knows it.

“So why wont we believe them? What can we do as a Muslim rights organization when hundreds of Muslims express fears and reservations about a particular group? What can we do when fellow Muslims narrate their harrowing encounters with the same group?

“What can we do when Muslims who are very close neighbours of an Islamic group submit pictures and written testimonies of harassments, intimidation and outright attacks on their persons by another Islamic group?

“How can we now come out publicly to defend such a group? We realize that those complainants are also Muslims whose rights must be protected by us. We court the anger of Muslim complainants if we rise publicly in defense of an Islamic group which they see as a bully.

“That is why we have opted for tactical diplomacy. On one side are the Muslims and other members of the public who complain bitterly that they are being harassed. On the other side are the followers of Al-Zakzaky who have been accused of intimidating ordinary Nigerians including their fellow Muslims. Then you find the government in-between.

“The latter has a constitutional responsibility to secure lives and properties. It has a duty to ensure law and order and Nigerians will waste no time to condemn government for failing in this duty. This explains government’s crackdown on the group.

“It is not an easy task for us. Silence is not in our character. We have to critically examine the case at hand. Nigerians who are neighbours of the Al-Zakzaky group have the right to live in peace.

“The Muslims who complain against the Al-Zakzaky group have the right to live in peace. Government also has a duty to ensure peace, law and order. There is little choice in rotten apples. MURIC found itself between Chylla and Charibdis. This is a mess and noise will only make it messier.

“Nigerian Muslim leaders and other Islamic organizations are in the same situation. We are priviledged to know that Nigerian Muslim leaders are concerned about Al-Zakzaky’s well-being.

“They are worried about his health, his freedom. They are working quietly behind the scene and they have made a lot of progress in this regard.

“This is what Muslim leaders are working on and MURIC endorses this process: quiet, behind-the-scene moves. We have absolute confidence in the leadership of Nigerian Muslims.

“We cannot go into the nitty-gritties for security reasons but we can assure Nigerians that our leaders are not folding their hands. They are doing their best in the present circumstances. The issue is highly volatile and needs to be handled with extreme care in order not to create scenarios like we have in some other countries.

“MURIC is determined to continue playing the role of a responsible human rights organization. While we love to promote respect for Allah-given fundamental human rights of citizens, we will not encourage lawlessness or chaos.

“To turn a blind eye to the sufferings and complaints of a large number of people to cases of high-handedness and lawlessness on the part of the Al-Zakzaky group will be against the principles of natural justice, fairness and equity. We stand to gain nothing by playing to the gallery.

“We affirm that the continued detention of Shaykh Ibrahim Al-Zakzaky has been a difficult and painful experience for us but we also understand that national security may sometimes override fundamental human right and court pronouncements. Patriotic Nigerians will not want a situation whereby the country suddenly goes up in flames. That is the last thing MURIC wants.

“Nigeria has enough security challenges at the moment and we should not aggravate the situation. The example of the leader of an ethnic group who was granted bail but whose freedom became a catalyst for nationwide tupsy-turvy about a year ago is too didactic to forget. Nigeria is bigger than any single person.

“The way forward, therefore, is to adopt conflict resolution tactics. It is not a matter for the courts. Nigerian courts hardly consider security implications.

“That is why the law is an ass. MURIC advises government to bring leaders of the Al-Zakzaky group to a roundtable. The Nigerian Muslim leadership must be involved in the dialogue.

“The roundtable should aim at securing the release of Shaykh Al-Zakzaky, an assurance of respect for peace, law and order by the Al-Zakzaky group, a written commitment that members of the group will stop intimidating their neighbours and a halt to the group’s endless long-distance walks on express ways which cause hardship to innocent citizens.”

                                                  

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Herdsmen Killings: "This Is A Killer Government" - Fayose Slams Buhari

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Herdsmen Killings: "This Is A Killer Government" - Fayose Slams Buhari

Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State has described President Muhammadu Buhari as a captured president who has been reduced to offering condolences to Nigerians slaughtered by herdsmen.

He said the President has failure in firm action to stop the atrocities.

Fayose wondered why a retired Army General and a former military Head of State who contested and won election on the premises of providing security to the citizens have suddenly become lame duck.

The Governor said in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Idowu Adelusi.

He said, “This is a killer government”, the governor said, adding that it is shameful that Nigerians are dying daily with Buhari clueless and incompetent to handle the crisis.

“It is beyond dispute that the Buhari administration has lost the battle against insurgency and the Fulani herdsmen. Buhari is helpless as he is reduced to offering condolences on a daily basis.

“Nigerians are dying on a daily basis. Innocent souls are being wasted by herdsmen and the Buhari administration has lost all moral right to continue in office. Why is he still sitting in office? Doing what, if I may ask”, he added.

He wondered that this was a government that lambasted the PDP administration of ex-President Goodluck Jonathan for cluelessness.

He said, “ the same Jonathan administration era is now looking like the golden age of security of lives and properties in Nigeria”

“At no period since 1999 has life been this cheap. Life has become nasty, brutish, and short under the Buhari administration”, he said. Gov. Fayose also expressed misgivings about recent spate of controversial judgments by courts which he said gave the impression of collusion between unscrupulous judges and the Buhari administration to truncate democracy and lead the country into anarchy.

“The situation is getting so bad that we do not know whether the Constitution of the country has been unofficially suspended.

“Nigerians have been unlucky with Buhari as president. He is too old, too analogue, too incompetent, too clueless and is not ready to admit and yield for a competent leader. This country has never had it this bad. Gradually, Buhari is becoming a maximum ruler,” he added.

                                                  

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Man Arraigned To Court For Alleged Homosexuality

​CRIME NEWS

Man Arraigned To Court For Alleged Homosexuality

 

A Sokoto Magistrates’ Court on Thursday remanded a 36-year-old guard, Usman Mohammed, over alleged homosexual act with an underage boy.

Mohammed who resides in Tsingalawa Area of Gada Local Government Area is facing a one-count charge of unnatural offence.

The Prosecutor, Nasiru Auta, had told the court that the accused committed the offence on April 3.

Auta said that the accused lured the minor into a room where he worked as a guard and had canal knowledge of him against the order of nature.

The prosecutor said the offence contravened Section 284 of the Penal Code.

The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The Chief Magistrate, Abubakar Adamu, said the court lacked jurisdiction over the matter.

He, however, ordered that the accused be remanded in prison custody.

Adamu adjourned the case until May 17 for mention and possible transfer to a court of competent jurisdiction.

                                                  

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Senate Sets To Impeach Buhari Over $496m Aircraft

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Senate Sets To Impeach Buhari Over $496m Aircraft

Senate on Tuesday moved to impeach President Muhammadu Buhari over breach of various sections of the 1999 constitution as amended.

The move followed reports by the Senate Committee Chairman on Public Accounts, Senator Mathew Uroghide indicting President Muhammadu in the purchase of American Tucano Aircraft worth $496 million without the approval of the Senate.

Uroghide submitted that his committee grilled the Minister of defense to that effect in line with the mandate given to his committee. He also confirmed that the Minister of Defense, Mansur Dan-Ali had admitted wrongdoing in the purchase of the aircraft.

“Mr. President, the procedure of the purchase of that Aircraft was wrong procedurally. I wish to refer us to Section 80, 81, 82, 83, and 84.”

“Mr. President, distinguished colleagues, I rise through order 15 and 52 to explain my Committee report. Mr. President, as the head of executive arm has breached the provisions of the Constitution.”

“In our grilling of the Minister of Defense yesterday, he admitted wrongdoing over purchase of American Tucano Aircraft.”

“Obviously, President Buhari has committed an impeachable offence and I move that the Senate invoke Section 80, 81, 82, 83 and 84.”

Uroghide added that it was not the first time, Mr. President was committing impeachable offence.

“Mr. President, the procedure of the purchase of that Aircraft was wrong procedurally. I wish to refer us to Section 80, 81, 82, 83, and 84.”

Senator Chukwuka Utazi, Enugu North Senatorial district seconded that Mr. President has committed an impeachable offence, hence, he should be impeached.

He was saddened that Buhari continued to dispense huge sums of money without regard to the Senate and the constitution, saying he clearly breached section 80.

He further explained that the purchased aircraft would be delivered in 2020.

Shehu Sani representing Kaduna Senatorial district admitted the high level of insecurity the nation is experiencing.

He suggested for the recall of the funds for due process to be followed instead of impeachment.

Senator Abu Ibrahim in his contributions took the Senate through national accountability, stating that APC led government has been very open.

He urged the Senate to focus on how to assist government to tackle insecurity.

“Mr. President, distinguished colleagues, as responsible Senate, I appeal that we should consider Mr. President’s request since he has written to us.”

“My appeal is, lets look at the request. Senators should do anything to tackle insecurity. Today, it is Benue, Zamfara, tomorrow it could be anywhere.”

Senator Samuel Anyanwu representing Imo East insisted that the breach of the constitution by President Buhari was beyond party and friendship, stating that the substance of Buhari’s action must be looked into.

He recalled that late Senate President, Dr. Chuba Okadigbo was removed from office based on anticipatory budget. He called on the Senate to invoke section 143 of the constitution, saying Buhari should be impeached.

Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki recalled the United States Congress meeting with Nigerian parliament over the purchase which President Donald Trump sought the American Congress’ approval.

“It was after our meeting in August last year, that they went back to approve Donald Trump’s request,” he said.

The Senate President added that there was ample time for the executive to write to the National Assembly for approval. He, therefore, referred the motion to the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal matters to weigh the legal implications and report back on Wednesday next week.

                                                  

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Herdsmen Killings: House Of Rep. Aspirant Tells Buhari To Resign

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Herdsmen Killings: House Of Rep. Aspirant Tells Buhari To Resign

Following the incessant killings of Nigerians by suspected killer herdsmen with no solution at hand, a House of Representatives hopeful for Ughelli and Udu Federal Constituency, Comrade Akpokona Omafuaire, has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to resign, stressing that,”He is incompetent.”

In a statement, Omafuaire said With the daily killings, it is obvious the President has failed in his primary duty.

Omafuaire noted that President Buhari swore to the Nigerian constitution which prescribed one of the key functions of the President as securing lives and property.

Omafuaire stated that, “Since his emergency, Buhari has shown enough course for every reasonable Nigerian to believe that his intent was to foster an ethnic agenda of whipping out other ethnic groups.

“The questionable manner he withdrew monies without recourse to the National Assembly and the use of state security apparatus to hound opposition is a great threat to our democracy.

“The President is enmeshed in his second term agenda bid and does not care what happens to the people he is leading, so it is time for him to resign and go home. ”

                                                  

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Benue Killings, Herdsmen Not Responsible - Doyin Okupe

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Benue Killings, Herdsmen Not Responsible - Doyin Okupe

Doyin Okupe, a former aide to former president Goodluck Jonathan has absolved herdsmen of any wrong doing in the gruesome and countless killings going on in some parts of the country.

Okupe, in a Facebook post declared that the terrorist group, Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) or Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), are responsible for the killings in Nigeria.

He also revealed that arming of local vigilante and backing of the police or Army is the only solution to end the killings.

Okupe wrote, “For God’s sake, Benue killings not by herdsmen. These are ISIS terrorists.

“Armed local vigilante backed by police or army is the solution.

Recall that Rev Fathers Gor Joseph and Felix were on Tuesday killed after suspected herdsmen attacked the village.

Again, no fewer than 20 persons were reportedly killed and several persons declared missing after herdsmen attacked Tse Agudu in Mbawa Council Ward, Guma LGA Area of Benue State.

                                                  

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Benue Herdsmen Killings: Nigerian Slam Buhari, APC, Nigerian Police

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Benue Herdsmen Killings: Nigerian Slam Buhari, APC, Nigerian Police

Nigerians have called out President Muhammadu Buhari and the Nigeria Police over the continuous killings in Benue state.

Recall that Rev Fathers Gor Joseph and Felix were on Tuesday killed after suspected herdsmen attacked Ayar Mbalom village in Gwer East local Government Area of Benue State.

Again, no fewer than 20 persons were on Wednesday reportedly killed and several persons declared missing after herdsmen attacked Tse Agudu in Mbawa Council Ward, Guma LGA Area of Benue State.

Buhari in response had on Tuesday described the killings of the Catholic priests as a plot to stoke up religious conflict and plunge communities in the country into endless bloodletting.

However, some Nigerians in reaction to the killings took to social media expressing their grief over the incapability of Buhari’s government to act swiftly rather than issue condolence statements.

Here are some comments on Twitter:

@Jackdre02 “People, human beings are dying like rats in Benue and parts of the north, but we are quiet, we used to have one united voice of outrage pre-2015, a lot of people’s empathy died after the elections and only a few of us are now left expressing outrage on these killings.”

@Dipoawojide “Over 1, 000 Nigerians have been killed in the Middle Belt in the last one year and Buhari went to London to say he has done excellently security-wise. What has he done? Every single life matters. This is failure of governance.”

@Bayulivelife “APC was never a genuine empathy, it was all propaganda. They never loved us, it was all for the money.” “Hardly does a day pass without a horror tale of these Fulani herdsmen killings.They keep on telling us it’s herders/farmers crisis. So church too has now turn to Farms right.”

@Ademyiwa “All those Policemen wasting time and efforts stopping the #BringBackOurGirls sit-outs should be in Benue and other places where people no longer sleep with their two eyes closed. Ceteris paribus.”

@Simebricks “With all due respect Mr. President,dz assurances of urs has become a cliche. Until one of ur own is a victim, all u pledge is lip service.

@Benuetivboy “Benue is a killing field. @MBuhari you promised to keep us safe. Did you lie or is the situation more than you can handle? You are failing the people everyday.”

@Ogbenidipo “Please pay attention to the killings in Benue. This is more important than anything happening to Dino right now.”The senseless killings haven’t stopped. The Federal Government has failed.”

@Hoolarlah “I struggle to understand exactly what buhari and his government want to achieve by allowing this crisis escalate further.I just can’t reconcile how we allowed such a man become president in the first place.”

@NNamdi0gbogbo “Benue killings has turned political. The security apparatuses has to look beyond their present scope.”

@donfelix2 “Police and other security agencies can use all the resources to go after @OfficialAPCN enemies but cannot pull those same resources to stop the maiming and senseless killings in Zamfara, Benue, Taraba.”

@Oladayoferguson “We don’t need words, actions speaks better. What a president !! Worthy of note is that he was a general. A retired general who is fathomless and devoid of solutions to ethnic and senseless killings. You have failed Mr President. You have !!

@Rebroadcast02 “This is ethnic cleansing in other to Islamise this nation, firstly is to gain territory and boundaries which is what they’re doing now, don’t misunderstand it Buhari know what he’s doing, it’s a shame a President that meant ro protect people is fighting jihad against his people.”

@Kelvinodanz ” Million defenseless Nigerians will die in Benue, Zamfara, Kaduna, Taraba and it won’t even move Buhari.” Buhari is preoccupied with defeating PDP, Dino Melaye and other Saraki Allies. Those are the real enemies of Nigeria, not herdsmen and Militia groups.”

                                                  

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Imo Pensioners Label Gov. Okorocha As Wicked And Insensitive

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Imo Pensioners Label Gov. Okorocha As Wicked And Insensitive

The Imo State chapter of the Nigerian Union of Pensioners, NUP, has described the state Governor, Rochas Okorocha as wicked and insensitive for planning to recalculate or reduce the pensions of retirees.

The group said the move was being embarked upon by the state government despite recent judgement of the National Industrial court.

The court had ruled that, “There is no law permitting the Imo State Government to alter or withhold any part of the pension of pensioners in the public service of Imo State. The Imo State Government or any of the defendants do not have the authority or power to alter or withhold any part of the pension of any retired civil servant.”

As a means of substantiating their allegation, the NUP recalled that, “government has failed, refused or neglected to pay the six per cent increase of 2003, 15 per cent of 2003 and 33 per cent of 2010, approved by the Federal Government and long implemented by our neighbouring states.

“It is embarrassing that Imo State Government has continued to claim falsely that it has cleared all pension arrears and gratuities owed Imo pensioners,” the union noted.

Going into specifics, the union leaders said that, “Imo Broadcasting Corporation retirees are owed between 47-59 months, civil service pensioners, 33 months, retired primary school teachers, 43-63 months and Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education, 50-90.

“It must be said that the government’s announcement, purporting to remove allowances in pension, amounts to contempt of court and breach of the verdict of the National Industrial Court,” Imo NUP maintained.

                                                  

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Buhari In Bauchi On Two-Day Working Visit

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Buhari In Bauchi On Two-Day Working Visit

President Muhammadu Buhari has arrived Bauchi State on a two-day working visit.

The presidential plane touched down at the Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa International Airport, Bauchi at about 10:2am on Thursday.

Buhari is expected to commission some projects especially roads and flag off the distribution of 500 tractors to farmers in the state during his visit.

Governor Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar had declared Thursday a public holiday due to Buhari’s visit in an attempt to give Bauchi residents a chance to welcome the president.

                                                  

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Omokri Reveals Why Ali Modu Is Dumping PDP For APC

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Omokri Reveals Why Ali Modu Is Dumping PDP For APC

Reno Omokri, former aide to ex-president Goodluck Jonathan has revealed why the former caretaker committee Chairman of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party is defecting to the All Progressives Congress,APC.

Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, is expected to rejoin the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) today.

Omokri in reaction on his Twitter page said Sheriff is defecting to APC in order not to be added to the looter’s list.

The former presidential spokesman wrote, “I congratulate former unwanted factional chairman of PDP, Ali Modu Sheriff, on his return to his natural habitat, APC. Sheriff is wise.

“With allegations against him and as soon to be released looters list round the corner, he has carried the broom so his problems will passover!

Recall that the Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed had said the federal government is compiling fresh names of people alleged to have looted the nation’s treasury.

The Nigerian Government had already released two lists comprising mostly members of main opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

                                                  

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APC Cannot Win In Bayelsa, They Are Killers And Terrorists - Dickson

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APC Cannot Win In Bayelsa, They Are Killers And Terrorists - Dickson

The Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson, has boasted that the All Progressives Congress (APC) can’t win elections in the state.

Dickson said APC can’t be entrusted with the people’s mandate because the party was harbouring, protecting and arming criminals to kill innocent citizens.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Francis Ottah Agbo, the governor insisted that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was doing well in the state.

He said PDP through the restoration government under his watch had transformed the landscape of Bayelsa and provided credible leadership to the people.

Dickson said, “I’ve said it again and again, that the APC cannot win any elections in this state. Bayelsa remains a stronghold of the PDP. The people of Bayelsa know what the PDP is doing well for them in terms of leadership and development.

“So, they will not allow themselves to be deceived by the other parties that have clearly shown Nigerians they do not have anything to offer the country. APC in Bayelsa harbours, protects and arms criminals to maim and kill innocent Bayelsans. It is the same criminals who move about freely with police protection and Bayelsans know them.

“Election is not about terrorising people; it is not about using security to threaten and hound the electorate. Duba, you were deceived, but, now, that you have seen the difference and returned home to PDP, I expect you to join hands with government in bringing about more development, which only the PDP has the capacity to provide for our people.

“I also urge you to tell the few others, who are still in the APC, to cross over to the PDP fold, as our umbrella is big enough to accommodate every good Bayelsan.”

                                                  

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Akwa Ibom Govt Set To Demolish Buhari's 2019 Campaign Office In The State

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Akwa Ibom Govt Set To Demolish Buhari's 2019 Campaign Office In The State

Barely three days after the campaign office of President Muhammadu Buhari was opened in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom state capital, the state government has marked the building housing the office for demolition, triggering political tension in the state.

The four-storeyed edifice on Wellington Bassey Way, not far from the Government House, is christened, “Hilltop Mansion” by the National Committee of Buhari’s Support Groups, NCBSG, which vowed to win the state in both the presidential and governorship polls.

Recall that Buhari had at NEC meeting of the All Progressives Congress, APC, last Monday before heading to London announced his intention to seek re-election in the 2019 presidential election, stating that he was responding to the clamour by Nigerians to seek a second term.

Following the launch of the campaign office in Uyo on Monday, Vanguard reports that the state government has been uncomfortable with the proximity of the campaign office to the Government House which informed the decision to pull it down with the allegation that the structure does not have the necessary papers.

The report has it that the office building is the only structure designated on the road for demolition by the Uyo Capital City Development Agency, UCCDA, an agency of the state government.

The government was saying to be also planning to revoke the building’s Certificate of Occupancy before proceeding on the demolition.

A source was reported as saying, “The plan is first to revoke the Certificate of Occupancy by the government before demolition. But the question is why would the government condescend so low as to do that? Recall that in 1999, 2003 and 2015, many politicians had their campaign offices on the same Barrack Road and the heavens did not fall. Is it because they were all PDP members and this is APC?”

The report stated that the state government had approached the owner of the building to take over the premises, but the owner was said to have told the state government that NCBSG had already acquired it for use.

Speaking on the development, Chairman, Uyo City Capital Development Agency, Enobong Uwah, told the newspaper that the building was not the only one in Uyo capital city marked, urging owners of such buildings to present their papers, or start the process of acquiring the relevant papers for their buildings.

He said, “Does it mean that any building marked is for demolition? The announcement has been on radio that anybody who does not have the necessary papers should come and do their papers. It is not just that building. It is an on-going exercise. We should not politicize everything.

“I asked my staff about the building and they said that the building was marked early April. So, go to other buildings and they are also marked. If you have papers, you come to the office and present them and if you don’t have, you start the process to obtain the relevant papers.”

                                                  

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APC Senator Slams Buhari, FG Over Dino Melaye Ordeal With Police

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APC Senator Slams Buhari, FG Over Dino Melaye Ordeal With Police

Senator on the platform of the All Progressives Congress Congress, APC, Muhammed Shittu, has lambasted the Federal Government over the alleged manhandling of Senator from Kogi West, Dino Melaye by police operatives.

Shittu, a Jigawa State lawmaker said under the current administration, people can be killed for saying the truth.

Speaking on the face-off between Melaye and the police, on the floor of the senate, Shittu said Nigerians did not vote in APC government to be mistreated.

He said, “The law now works against people who are perceived to be enemies. You fight for change and this is the kind of change we are experiencing today. There are proofs and I know because of what I’ve said, I can be killed. I don’t mind being killed.

“It is good for one to speak the truth and be killed. What is happening to us today is not fair and we have the rights to our opinions. Everybody is against the national assembly as if we are the enemies of this nation.

“We are not enemies. We are representatives of the people and as such, we must speak the truth. We should condemn, in totality, what is happening. What is happening is not the change.

“If this is change, I doubt if I can continue under this kind of environment. And I know a lot of people share a similar opinion with me.

“This is no change. We didn’t vote this government to be mistreated. We didn’t vote this government to abuse court processes and procedures. It’s not fair, we advise the government to change before it is late.”

Melaye was alleged to have jumped off a police van in Abuja while being transported to Kogi State to face criminal charges.

Following the incident, the lawmaker sustained injuries and is currently at the intensive care unit of the National Hospital in Abuja.

                                                  

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