Enugu Assembly declares state of emergency

The Enugu State House of Assembly has declared a State of Emergency on all federal roads in the Southeast zone.
The development is sequel to a motion in the House, which called the attention of the lawmakers to the deplorable state of all federal roads in the zone.
In the motion, which was sponsored by Hon. Chinedu Nwamba of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), representing Nsukka East constituency, the lawmakers called on the Federal Government to take urgent steps towards rehabilitating the roads.
Nwamba, in the motion, stated that “residents in Enugu State and its environs, for over a decade, are faced with myriads of problems as a result of the deplorable state of federal roads.

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“It seems the State is forgotten in the areas of construction of new roads, rehabilitation and maintenance of federal roads. Incidentally, this ugly trend has persisted despite promises made by the successive federal government regimes on the said roads. Among the roads in question are the Port-Harcourt-Enugu and Onitsha-Enugu highways.”
He added that “whereas, the Enugu to Onitsha road, which usually takes about 40 minutes in a journey when the road was in good condition now takes three hours. The road is so bad that almost every vehicle that applies it usually breaks down before completing a full journey. On the Enugu-Port-Harcourt highway the story is the same as the journey, which normally lasts for two hours is now five hours.
He argued that the bad condition of the roads is unsafe for Enugu inhabitants and has hampered economic, political and socio-cultural activities of the people, as countless accidents have been recorded on the roads.
He said, “There appears to be porous security on those roads since criminals use the opportunity of slow movement of vehicles to dispossess people of their valuables.”
Source: The Guardian
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National Assembly Crisis: House members Exchange Slaps

The crisis over composition of House Committees degenerated in a brawl on Tuesday as two members of the House Representative exchanged hot slaps
Report named Hon. Herman Hembe and Hon. Aliyu Sani Madaki who are both members of the House of Representatives as the lawmakers who slapped themselves within the National Assembly premises as the disagreement over juicy committees worsened.
The fight was said to have occurred prior to Tuesday’s session of the House.
The slapping brawl was brought to an end by the intervention of Yusuf Lasun, the deputy speaker,House of Reps.
Hembe is the new chairman of the Committee on the Federal Capital Territory which is views as a juicy one.It was not however immediately clear who started the slap incident
The slapping incident came a day after some loayalists of Femi Gbajabiamila boycotted the inauguration of the Committees by Speaker Yakubu Dogara.
Loyalists of Gbaja who are also APC members like the Speaker accused Dogara of sabotaging the APC by making opposition members share committee position almost 50-50 with the APC.
Defending his action, Dogara said there is nothing like juicy committee.He said every committee is important and there is the need to put national interest above every other consideration.
Former Deputy Speaker, Chibudom who addressed the Reps on Monday also dispelled insinuations about juicy committees.
The post House Committee Row: Two Reps Exchange Slaps appeared first on Newsdiaryonline.
Source:: newsdiaryonline
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Appeal Court throws out Saraki's case

The Court of Appeal has dismissed an appeal filed by the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, challenging his arraignment and trial by the Code of Conduct Tribunal, CCT.
At the resumed hearing on Friday, October 30, the court threw out all five issues raised by the Senate President before it.
The Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal delivered the judgment in the appeal seeking to dismiss the 13-count criminal charge pending against the Senate President, Olubukola Saraki, at the CCT.
Saraki had challenged the legal propriety of the 13-count charge that was preferred against him by the Federal Ministry of Justice.
The appellate court had earlier adjourned its verdict on the matter indefinitely, a situation that forced the Danladi Umar-led Tribunal to defer hearing on the case against Saraki till November 5, to await the outcome of the appeal.
The Tribunal took the decision to suspend full-blown hearing on the criminal case after the Moore Adumein panel of the Appeal Court, on October 21, postponed its judgment without adducing any reason.
More later…
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[Photos] MC Henz spotted in a club with Iyanya, Uti Nwachukwu, others

MC Henz on the dance floor

Omo see celebrity hang out...
MC Henz was spotted last week in a club with Iyanya, Uti Nwachukwu and other hot celebrities in an undisclosed club in lagos, eye witnesses said they spent hundreds of thousands on drinks.
below are some of the pics taken at the club

Iyanya and MC Henz

Uti Nwachukwu and MC Henz
 

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Supreme Court Dismisses Appeal By PDP Challenging Okorocha’s Election

The Supreme Court has dismissed appeal by the Peoples Democratic Party’s governorship candidate in the April 11, 2015 election in Imo State, Mister Emeka Ihedioha, challenging the election of Governor Rochas Okorocha.

The seven-man panel of the Supreme Court presided over by Justice John Fabiyi, held that Ihedioha’s appeal lacked merit.
The Apex Court affirmed the judgment of the Court of Appeal in Owerri to the effect that Ihedioha’s failure to properly serve Okorocha, his party, the All Progressives Congress, and other parties in the suit had robbed the Appeal Court’s jurisdiction to hear the case.
The Supreme Court also held that failure to indicate the addresses of other respondents on the processes of the appeal was injurious to the case.
The immediate past Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, had appealed against the ruling of the Imo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal which dismissed his petition ‎on the grounds that it was incompetence and contravenes the electoral act.
He appealed to the Court of Appeal which also on ‎September 3, 2015 dismissed the appeal against the ruling of the tribunal
The judgment of the Supreme Court lays to rest contention about the April 11, 2015 governorship election in the state.
Source: Channels TV
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Senate defers confirmation of Amaechi and others

From Fred Itua, Abuja
THE Senate yesterday concluded the three-week-old confirmation screening of the 36 min­isters-designate sent to it last month by President Muhammadu Buhari. Again, it failed to confirm nominees that were grilled last week, as well as the last 11 that were screened on Monday and yesterday.
Senate President Bukola Saraki did not give reasons for the repeated delay of the confirma­tion of the ministers-designate, but it is hoped that the Senate may confirm the nominees to­morrow, after which the names would be for­warded to Buhari.
Members of the opposition Peoples Demo­cratic Party (PDP) yesterday met after plenary at the Senate Hearing Room One.
Although there was no official statement from the Minority Leader, Godswill Akpabio, as at Press time, it was, however, gathered that the lawmakers met to restrategise on how to counter plans by All Progressives Congress (APC) Sena­tors to confirm former governor of Rivers State, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi as minister.
The PDP Senators had last week refused to participate in screening Amaechi. They had ob­jected to Saraki’s refusal to allow lawmakers debate the report of the Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions on Amaechi.
It is unclear whether APC Senators were also meeting.
Meanwhile, the last batch of nominees that were screened yesterday include Dr. Okechuk­wu Eyinna Enelamah (Abia), Prof. Anthony Gozie Anwuka (Imo), Mr. Mohammed Musa Bello (Adamawa), Mr. Adamu Adamu (Bauchi) and Ms Aisha Abubakar (Sokoto).
The exercise which commenced at about 11.40am, followed the submission of the report of the Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Pub­lic Petitions on a petition from Sokoto women against Ms Abubakar. The petition was, how­ever, withdrawn after which the nominee was given a nod to be screened alongside with other ministers-designate.
Thereafter, the Senate Leader, Ali Ndume, moved a motion that the chamber dissolved into a committee of the whole. He was seconded by Akpabio.
The Senate adjourned at about 3.23pm till to­day, October 29.
Meanwhile, the Senate yesterday queried the planned review of the contract for the con­struction of the second runway for the Nnam­di Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja. It is es­timated at N63.5 billion. The chamber described the plan to splend such amount as an attempt to ‘steal and rape Nigerians of the country’s com­mon patrimony.
It therefore, urged the Federal Government to ensure that due process and diligence are fol­lowed in the award of contracts for the planned construction.
Its resolution was sequel to a motion by Sena­tor Dino Melaye, (APC, Kogi West), entitled, “The Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja, Second Runway Contract.”
The Senate, while calling on the government to drastically reduce what it termed, the unreal­istic cost, said the government must monitor the contract award process, even as it stressed the need for the immediate construction of the sec­ond runway at the airport.
Earlier in his presentation of the motion, Sena­tor Melaye noted that the exercise was cancelled by the last administration after allegation of over-inflation of contracts was established.
Source: Sun News
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Petrol queues may soon reappear across the country

 

By Adewale Sanyaolu
Petrol queues may soon reappear across the country as 70 per cent of the oil marketers have suspended fuel importation over the inability of the Federal Government to settle about N291 billion subsidy arrears.
The development may have been responsible for the pockets of fuel queues that resurfaced in major parts of Lagos two weeks ago.
The latest move to suspend fuel imports was disclosed by the former Minister of Interior and Managing Director of Integrated Oil and Gas Limited, Mr. Emmanuel Iheanacho, at the opening of the 2015 Oil Trading and Logistics (OTL Africa) Downstream Expo in Lagos yesterday.
The Integrated Oil boss regretted that the inability of government to settle the subsidy claims when due leads to distortion in business plan, thus fuelling a regime of apathy and uncertainty.
He said despite an arrangement that subsidy would be settled within 45 days, payment lingered for as long as six months, a situation that has led to cut in credit line usually extended to importers by financial institutions.
Under the current situation, he said fuel scarcity would be a recurring decimal as long as government fails to meet the payment timeline of 45 days.
As a way out of the doldrum, the former minister canvassed deregulation of the downstream sector, for investors to see a profit incentive, to encourage massive investment.
“The subsidy we currently maintain in this country is for those who can afford it. Let government go ahead and remove the subsidy. There is a need to restructure the downstream sector,” he advised.
Recall that the Executive Secretary of Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN), Mr. Obafemi Olawore, had in June raised the alarm over the inability of the Federal Government to offset about N291 billion subsidy claims.
But the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), as part of measures to douse the tension occasioned by non-payment of subsidy claims, had two weeks ago assured that it would explore new financing mechanisms to offset outstanding debts on subsidy claims, which the Federal Government owes petroleum marketers in the country.
Its Managing Director, Mr. Emmanuel Kachikwu, had said this during a meeting with MOMAN and the Depot and Petroleum Products Association (DAPPMA), explaining that these are parts of the extant measures it was taking to ensure that supply of petroleum products in the country is sustained even into the forthcoming yuletide.
He equally promised to, in the interim, arrange a meeting with the relevant creditors (bankers) to ease off pressure on marketers and extend the credit lines.
The NNPC boss noted that several financing mechanisms were being explored to offset the commitment to oil marketers, hinting at the possibility of exploring a monthly payment option.
“In future, we may explore some creative means to prevent backlogs,” he said.
Source: Sun News

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Amaechi, others know fate today... Amaechi may face setback

From FRED ITUA, Abuja
After three weeks of drama and interplay, the Senate will today round off the much-publicised confirmation of the 36 ministerial nominees sent to it about a month ago by President Muhammadu Buhari.
Already, the Upper Legistative Chamber two weeks ago confirmed 18 of the 36 ministers-designate, barely one week after the commencement of the screening. Other nominees some of whose screening was delayed because of petitions against their nominations, will either get a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ verdict when the Senate considers them for confirmation today.
Former governor of Rivers State, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, who was screened last week after two weeks of delay, may face fresh setback today if members of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) decide to move against his confirmation.
The nominee from Sokoto State, Ms Aisha Abubakar, whose screening has repeatedly been deferred because of petitions written against her by some of her constituents, may be confirmed alongside other ministers-designate if the report of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions is considered.
Meanwhile, the Red Chamber, yesterday resumed the screening of more ministerial nominees. They include Prof. Isaac Folorunso Adewole (Osun), Hon. Bawa Bwari (Niger), Mr. Geoffrey Onyeama (Enugu), Zainab Ahmed (Kaduna), Mansur Mohammed Dan Ali (Zamfara), and Pastor Usani Usani Uguru (Cross River).
The screening commenced at about 11.38am, following a motion moved by the Senate Leader Ali Ndume. He moved: “That the Senate do resume screening of the following nominees for appointment as Ministers of the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, in accordance with Section 147 (2) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended.”
The Senate thereafter dissolved into committee of the whole. Prof. Adewole was the first to enter the chamber for the day’s screening.
The erstwhile Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan (UI), got the first shocker when Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu alleged that he was favourably disposed to abortions in the country. He was also bombarded with questions relating to his field of medicine.
Bwari, a former member of the House of Representatives, was the next nominee to take the stand. As a former lawmaker, he was not grilled, unlike Prof. Adewole, who almost spent two hours. He was only questioned by Senate President Bukola Saraki after which he took a bow and left the chamber.
Onyeama, who spent several years abroad before returning to Nigeria, promised to rely on his rich wealth of experience to salvage any sector that will be entrusted into his care by President Buhari.
Ahmed, who is a former staff of the defunct NITEL, was asked how she will tackle issues in the telecommunications sector. Like her counterparts, she promised to adopt modern approach in dealing with the issues.
Ali, a retired Major-General, was grilled on how he will tackle Boko Haram menace. He said as a former General, he will devise new techniques that would end the insurgency.
The Senate Minority Leader, Godswill Akpabio, raised a Point of Order. He interjected the nominee from Cross River State, Pastor Uguru, while making his opening remarks. Akpabio accused the nominee of hypocrisy, adding that as a former member of PDP, who served in various capacities, it was wrong for him to castigate the party.
Akpabio insisted that the nominee must apologize before he could address the Senate.
The Senate President, at this point, intervened. He politely told Akpabio to observe some decorum. The nominee who was apparently remorseful, tendered an apology. “I am sorry,” he said.
Lending his support to the nominee, Senate Leader Ndume said: “The issue of public declaration of assets is covered by the Constitution. The Constitution says that the person can declare his or her assets before confirmation or 30 days after such person assumes office.”
The remaining nominees expected to be screened today include Professor Anthony Anwuka (Imo), Aisha Abubakar (Sokoto), Adamu Adamu (Bauchi) and Okechuku Enelamah (Abia).
Sitting was adjourned at about 4.20 till today, October 28 for the final screening of the remaining nominees.
Source: Sun News

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Enugu State governor commisions N2Billion Naira Dam project in Enugu

The over N2bn Adada River Dam embarked upon by the Federal Ministry of Water Resources in Enugu state would be completed and delivered for use in July next year and it would generate and hold some 1.3m cubic metre of water all year round.

       Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu state who inspected the dam project at the weekend also inaugurated a massive network of rural electrification project started early in June this year a few days after he assumed office and executed by the state’s Rural Electrification Board.

          Representative of the Water Resources Ministry, Robert Umezulike, a chief hydrologist who was at the site of the dam at the weekend when Governor Ugwuanyi inspected the mega project  and inaugurated a massive rural electrification project  assured that when completed, the facility would power the greater Nsukka water scheme which has been in the pipeline in the past decades.

         To strengthen the process of enhancing the project and boost economic activities in the vast rural communities that cut across Udi, Uzo-Uwani and Igbo- Etiti local council areas of the state, the governor inaugurated a completed massive rural electrification projected which would help in powering the dam on completion.

       Also the completion of the dam in 2016 and the present completion of the rural electrification project which would now ease up pressure from other electricity facilities around the Nsukka zone would further the resolve of the governor to upgrade the status of Nsukka to a befitting university town.

         The people of the three local council areas thronged Ezi-Nze, the site of the 2.5MVA injection substation opened for use by the governor who also cut the tape to inaugurate the civic centre in the community, and the joy of the people knew no bounds when the governor switched on the light.

          Umezulike assured the governor and the huge crowd that gathered during the inspection of the dam and explained that the construction was such that dam has the capacity to end water scarcity in the entire area.

Governor Ugwuanyi,during an inspection tour, expressed his administration’s  readiness to give it all the necessary support to facilitate its delivery on time with the specified job quality to actualize the aim of adding value to the lives of the various communities it is meant to serve.

While interacting with the governor, the site Engr of the project Justine Ihedioha hinted that the project would tentatively be completed by July 2016, adding that the first phase of the project has been completed while the entire project has assumed 30% completion status.

         They observed that when completed and full,  it would produce 1.3m cubic metre of water, all the year round.

         The governor who sought to know the capacity of the dam and its benefits to the people, urged the contractor handling it to deploy adequate materials for unceasing actions on it.

          The contractor, Justine Ihedioha, who lamented inadequate fund as the major setback to the progress of the work however assured the governor of quality job delivery, adding that all the preliminary work, including the dam foundation amounting to thirty percent had been completed.

Ihedioha explained that the dam has capacity of 1.3 million cubic meters of water supply all year round when completed and allayed fears of low strength of giving enough water needs of the target communities. 

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National PDP chairman, Mu'azu resigns

From TAIWO AMODU, Abuja
Former Bauchi State governor, Adamu Mu’azu, has finally succumbed to pres­sures on him to resign as Na­tional Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP).
Mu’azu’s letter of resigna­tion dated May 19, 2015 was addressed to the Deputy Na­tional Chairman of the party, Uche Secondus, who had since assumed office as acting national chairman of the party.
In a related development, Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the party, Chief Tony Anenih, has stepped down from the posi­tion, citing the current state of affairs in the party as reason.
In a one-page letter he signed and sent to President Goodluck Jonathan dated May 20, and entitled: Notice of my decision to step down as Chairman, Board of Trust­ees of the Peoples Democratic Party, Anenih said his decision would enable President Jona­than to effectively assume the chairmanship of the BoT.
The letter read in part: “Your Excellency will recall that in a conversation I had with you a few weeks ago, I had offered to step down from the office of the chairman of our party’s Board of Trustees and pro­posed to handover to you as its new chairman in a ceremony that would have taken place on May 23. I had also repeated this position in our subsequent meetings.
“As a follow up to the above proposal and in view of the current state of affairs in our party, I have decided to formally put my offer in writ­ing to enable you effectively assume the chairmanship of Board of Trustees or approve a process that will enable any other member of the BoT, who is considered competent, to as­sume the position.
“Kindly accept, therefore, this letter as notice of my deci­sion to step down from the po­sition of chairman of the BoT of our party with effect from today, May 20, 2015.
“I am happy to inform you that, I remain a loyal founda­tion member of our great party and will continue to pray for the prosperity of Nigeria, our party, and for you and your family.
“Your Excellency, kindly accept the expression of my highest regards.”
The national chairman and some aides of President Good­luck Jonathan and PDP gover­nors had been trading blames in the last three weeks over which organ of the party was responsible for its failure to win the presidential election as well as the routing of the party in its strongholds in the gover­norship elections.
In the past two weeks, Mu’azu had successfully staved off moves by those smarting to unseat him by travelling out of the country, thereby frustrating the agita­tion for an emergency meeting of the party’s national execu­tive committee meeting. But he lost out at the weekend as President Jonathan instructed him to resign from his posi­tion.
National Publicity Secre­tary of the party, Olisa Metuh, confirmed the resignation of Mu’azu, but gave indication that he threw in the towel due to health challenges.
He further disclosed that Deputy National Chairman of the party, Uche Secondus, had assumed office as acting national chairman, pending replacement from North-East zone.
Also briefing newsmen, National Secretary of the party, Prof. Wale Oladipo, acknowl­edged that the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) had received the resignation letter of Adamu Mu’azu. He was, however, silent on the fate of Chief Anenih.
“The NWC of the PDP at its 399th meeting today (yes­terday) received and accepted the voluntary resignation of the National Chairman of our great party Ahmadu Adamu Mu’azu.
“Consequently, in line with the provisions of sections 45 (2) of the PDP constitution, the Deputy National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus, acts in place of the national chairman pending a replacement from the North-East zone.
“On the correct position of the status of the Chairman of BoT of the party, Chief Tony Anenih, the NWC will make its position public today,” Ola­dipo said.
He further disclosed that the PDP NWC resolved to set up a seven-memeber disciplinary committee with Chief Michael Addul as chairman while Tony Okeke will serve as secretary.
Daily Sun checks revealed that the committee might axe former Aviation Minister, who was Director of Media and Publicity of the PDP Presiden­tial Campaign Organisation, Femi Fani-Kayode, for his sustained criticism of the party national leadership.

Source: Sun News

"Address oil subsidy in three months..."- Blare to Buhari

From IHEANACHO NWOSU, Abuja
Former British Prime Minister, Tony Blair, yesterday, advised the President-elect, Mu­hammadu Buhari, to take tough and sweeping deci­sions on key issues militating against Nigeria within three months of inauguration as President.
Specifically, he advised Bu­hari to re-organise the Nigeria National Petroleum Corpora­tion (NNPC) and address the oil subsidy controversy that has resulted in lingering fuel scarcity .
Blair spoke at the two-day Policy Dialogue on the Im­plementation of the Agenda for Change, organised by the Policy Research and Strategy Directorate of the All Progres­sives Congress (APC). The Prime Minister, who was rep­resented by the British former Secretary of State, Peter Man­delson, said the incoming ad­ministration must take tough decision on major issues at a time it enjoyed widespread goodwill.
Meanwhile, the Vice Pres­ident-elect, Prof Femi Osin­bajo, has declared that the nation’s economy was at its worst moment in history. He put the local and international debts of the nation at $60bil­lion even as he said the coun­try was using N953.6 billion, 21 per cent of the nation’s budget, to service debts.
Decrying the current situ­ation of the country, Blair said a quick and well-tailored policy, was needed and urged the incoming Buhari adminis­tration to move swiftly after inauguration to tackle key is­sues that made Nigerians lose confidence in the government.
He said: “A country like this has extraordinary resourc­es -oil-and has this amazing privilege of source of energy, yet, power generation is not a happy issue. People have to wait for hours queueing to get fuel and end up buying it else­where. I think it needs to be addressed.”
The former Prime minister called for more investment from oil revenues in areas that would have long term impact on the welfare of the people. He named such areas as edu­cation, healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure and power gen­eration. He emphasised the need to apply revenues from oil better, saying: “They can be invested in a long term good of the country- infra­structure, human capital, edu­cation system. This is where the money should be going to.”
Source: Sun News

PHOTO: Meet Mr. Bangs the killer producer

All work and no play makes jack a dull boy, maybe it makes Mr. Bangs a dull producer too...
When celebs need to chill, their choice of beaches and water falls are always beyond the expectation of fans.
The season is the best bet for relaxation and Mr. Bangs is not slacking in his seasonal chill outs  with members of his crew in water falls.
Mr. Bangs is a major stake holder in coalBelt entertainment, fastest growing entertainment company in eastern Nigeria. He has produced so many artist till date and is known for his magics in Hip Hop and RNB beats.
Below is a pic that leaked from his recent hangout in an undisclosed waterfall. The picture is unedited and the water body natural and a wonderful place to chill
 

PHOTOS (18+): Female Student shows off bare b*obs to mark Cultural day at Rivers State University of science and Technology

To mark the cultural day at the Rivers state University of Science and Technology, a female student from Kalabari ethnic nationality in Rivers state took the day to another dimension,as she exposed her boobs all day, celebrating her culture.
The female student whose full identity is still not known took students of the institution by surprise as she marched round the school campus accompanied by some friends,well-wishers and cheering crowds who took photos of her.

Fashola asks Lagos residents for forgiveness

From OLUWOLE FAROTIMI
Outgoing Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, has sought forgiveness of those he may have offended in the course of his eight-year stewardship.
The governor who appeared to be giving his valedictory speech during an event to mark his 2,900 days in office at the Blueroof Agidingbi in Ikeja yesterday said: “On a daily basis for 2,900 days, I was saddled with the responsibility of taking decisions on a lot of files, both in the afternoon, morning and night and there is no way I could have gotten all of them right. It is impossible. I took those decisions in the best interest of Lagosians based on the facts presented to me. To those we have not reached, I apologise to them. My successor, the new governor, will take over from me.”
Speaking on the achievements of his administration, the governor said he had delivered on the promises made to Lagosians on assumption of office on May 29, 2007.
“I make bold to say that there is no area of human endeavour that we have not touched. We have built modern hospitals across the state, constructed and upgraded roads, built affordable housing scheme (Lagos homs), created a new face of environment, provided employment and a new face of the economy, new face of transportation and perhaps provided an avenue for business to thrive through the introduction of the Security Trust Fund to secure the environment,’ he said.
Reacting to a question on the Apapa gridlock Fashola said: “It is a sad story of our nation. I apologise for the inconveniences the residents of Apapa go through daily due to the traffic caused by the tankers who come to that axis to lift fuel.
“And by extension, the traffic has spread to other parts of the state, especially Ikorodu Road. And if you can really avoid going to that axis, please do so. I urge you to listen to the Traffic Radio and get an update as you plan your journey. For me, if you can do that business on the phone rather than going to such a place, please do so.
“Specifically, Apapa is one of the many reasons people voted for change at the last elections. This was because it was an inappropriate way to transport petroleum products by road. They must move by rail. And the state government doesn’t control the importation and distribution of petrol in the country. It is a Federal Government responsibility. But the residents of Lagos are the victims of the circumstances that we don’t control. This is because the Federal Government is not doing its job effectively. I hope that we will be able to transport fuel properly over the next few years by rail and more importantly, I hope that we will stop the idea where the entire nation will depend on only one source for fuel.”
Source: Sun News
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I won’t discriminate against South-East, says Buhari

From Iheanacho Nwosu,Abuja
The President-elect, Gen Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday assured that he will not discriminate against the South-East or any other section of the country, saying Nigeria is his constituency.
He also promised to look into the demands of the South-East caucus of the All Progressives Congress(APC) handed to him recently .
Gen Buhari spoke when he met with the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Caretaker Committee led by its Chairman, Chief Ralph  Obioha. Other members of the delegation include former Anambra State governor, Sen. Chris Ngige, former Managing Director of Nigerian Breweries, Eze Festus Odimegwu, Chief Onwuka Ukwa, Osita Okechukwu and Anike Nwoga .
Dismissing fears that his incoming administration may work against sections of the country that didn’t vote for him in the last polls, the President-elect said he will fulfil the promise he made during the campaigns to treat every Nigerian equally.
He commended some South-East leaders who, he said, stood for the truth and ensured that residents of the area were fed with the truth.
In his address, Obioha thanked Gen. Buhari for his promise to run  a competent and corruption-free government.
He described as false claims that South-East did not vote for Buhari. According to him, if the Card Reader was allowed to work in the zone, Nigerians would have known that the zone was for APC .
The Ohanaeze caretaker committee boss singled out Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, Sen Ngige and Governor Rochas Okorocha for praise, describing the trio as wise men. Apart from the three, Obioha listed prominent Igbo leaders like former Abia State governor, Dr Orji Uzor Kalu, Odimegwu as those who worked for the APC candidate.
He said: “We are only a representative delegation and on behalf of the whole house, we wish to mention the outstanding, extra efforts and contributions of H.E Orji Uzor Kalu, Sen Jen Nnamani, Chief Emeka Okwosa, Eze Festus Odimegwu, Chief Enechi Onyia, Sen Offia Nwali and Chief Onwuka Ukwa .
“The three wise men from the South-East, Governor Rochas Okorocha, Ogbonnaya Onu and Chris Ngige are our illustrious sons.
“Your Excellency, as the head of the APC leadership, you are aware that the South-East was a target by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) rigging machine which produced an election result that denied the zone of even a single senator and only three non-ranking members of the House. Ndigbo request that you adopt the principle of necessity to give the zone the position of Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF)which is your prerogative and in addition, a position of one presiding officer in the House of Representatives “.
Also speaking, Eze Odimegwu thanked Gen Buhari for nominating him into the Transition Committee even when he had not met him before. He said it was a sign that the incoming government will pay attention to merit than other considerations.
Meanwhile, Ngige has dismissed insinuation that the South-East APC caucus was fighting over the SGF slot that is likely to be zoned to the region. He said the zone is working together, disclosing that the caucus’ decision on that will be made known soon.
He said: “We have a caucus, we have a position, when we get to the bridge, we cross it.”
Source: Sun News
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Diezani Allison-Madueke is a trap set for Buhari - Boyloaf

A former militant leader in the Niger Delta, Ebikabowei Victor Ben, a.k.a General Boyloaf has described Petroleum minister, Diezani Allison-Madueke as a trap set for the in coming government , also said she made so many enemies because she in concert with Jonathan tried to stop the graft in the oil industry with the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), which is yet to be passed into law.

She maintained that any attempt to “deal with” Allison-Madueke by the Buhari government would be resisted. Adding that the oil importation and subsidy cabal are one of the groups that ensured President Goodluck Jonathan did not return.

He also warned that General Muhammadu Buhari should  not attempt to outlaw or scrap the Amnesty Programme, which he said was the original idea of late President Umaru Ya’Adua.

In an interview with Premium Times, Boyloaf who said Jonathan tried to please the north at the detriment of the Niger Delta said ” We know about the importation; we know how they killed the refinery system just for them to be importing products. Government should be subsidizing for them. All those types of bad deals we know. We are not kids; they are just telling people they are increasing fuel price. That is rubbish. We know what is going on. I am a full mariner. We know what is going on. They know what they were doing. When Jonathan stopped all these things, that was when they were mad. Look, these people import 30 per cent of fuel into the country and they know their landing costs. As soon as they get to the country they will queue. Sometimes, they don’t come with the 50, 000 metric tonnes. They will come with 30,000 metric tonnes and sign for the 50,000 metric tonnes. They will look for a tank farm pump into it and take 10,000 aside to the neighbouring country and sell.

That is what is done. So, the masses don’t know because they are not in the river. We know the deals they are doing. So, when Jonathan came and saw these things and stopped them they were mad. They are ready to throw Jonathan. We know everything going on. So, that’s the deal they’ve been doing. Even Diezani (Petroleum Resources Minister) that you are talking about saw all the rubbish they are doing and she sacked some people and stopped so many things they were doing. That is why they are accusing Diezani. She didn’t do anything. She is from my region. They thought we are fools. Who are the major beneficiaries of the oil blocks? It is the northerners and a few from East and West. The northerners are the major owners of oil blocks. Is it their region? What are you telling us? Are we fools? Were we born to be a second class citizen in this our country”

“No matter her stand she is from Niger Delta. Even if she didn’t take care of her people we don’t care but sometimes Niger Delta people unite and I believe Diezani is a trap set for the Nigerian Government. They believe the Buhari Administration would want to deal with her and so she is like a trap, and that is my own belief. I have heard people talk about it and if you are a northerner in that position if he leaves they will not touch him. What about that man Diezani took over from? What is his name again? I think he is dead now. They did a lot of deals, oil blocks and all the rest. People are aware of it and even the northerners. When Yar’Adua was even sick, even dead, they forged his signatures and did all those things, nothing happen. So, Niger Delta people are not fools.”

Boyloaf who warned that any attempt by Buhari to outlaw the Amnesty Programme would resisted said “There is one thing you need to know. Let me tell you something – the production this time around compared to some years back is increasing and the amnesty is something that has come to stay. And if the government wants to scrap the amnesty it means the government doesn’t mean well for the nation. That’s my own belief. Let me tell you something – people were also inciting others that the government wants to scrap the amnesty. I have been in the Niger Delta trying to pacify them and telling them that it is a lie and that the government will work with them. They wanted to start destruction. There is no way that you will come out and say you will scrap the amnesty. How many people can you kill? How many? The Niger Delta terrain is very different and our struggle is very sacrosanct. That is one thing you get. So you cannot kill everybody. Look at Boko Haram – their area is a desert and it is easy for vehicles to move.

When you talk about our area it is not a desert. It is not passable by vehicle but strictly on water and by the time you use your chopper in the night and come and finish and go, what will happen in the night? All these are just sycophants that don’t mean well for this nation. With what I have seen in Buhari, he will want peace. That is my belief

Niger Delta ex-militants threaten war over unpaid benefits

From ROMANUS UGWU, Abuja
Members of Niger Delta ISAC Israel Trained Agricultural Group of Nigeria (NDITAGON) have issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to direct the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs to fulfill its promise to empower them financially after their one-year training in Israel or be ready to face their wrath.
President of the group, Azubuike Chiemeka Emmanuel, who issued the threat on behalf of 98 members of NDITAGON in Abuja, regretted  that they had been sleeping on the streets of Abuja for more than two weeks now due to the failure of the Minister of State for Niger Delta Affairs, Darius Ishaku  to attend to them.
The group warned that since their appeals to President Goodluck Jonathan, the National Assembly and other well-meaning Nigerians had failed to produce any result, it would resort to both legal and non-legal actions, including returning to the creeks to seek redress.
The ex-militants said the ministry gave them $300 each for a training in advanced agriculture in Israel  on May 24, 2013 and promised to financially empower them after their programme.
They, however, said since their return, several attempts they made to get the ministry to fulfill its promise failed to yield any result.
“On the eve of our departure to Israel, the Honourable Minister of State for Niger Delta Affairs, Abuja, Arch. Darius Ishaku openly told us that on arrival from Israel, we would be empowered for immediate establishment of our farm(s) while the Israel partners would arrive as well to provide more technical assistance in our different farms.
“This was supported by the Permanent Secretary, Directors, and even the staff that were present, as they said we should count urns elves lucky that we are all made are we return from Israel. It is empowerment for life and a millions naira projects for each of us,” he explained.
Speaking further, he said: “On return to Nigeria in June 21, 2014, nobody from the ministry came to receive us at the airport. We lost our cloths, olive oil, money and luggage by Ethiopia airline. The ministry however paid for our accommodations for three days and received us at the ministry.
“However, behind closed doors, the Minister told us that federal government has not released funds to the ministry to pay us. Since then, we have been running up and down appealing to everyone to intervene on our matter without getting any result.
“We have exercised enough patience including sleeping on the road in Abuja and we cannot no longer continue like this. We don’t want them to push us to the wall again because we can still return to the cricks. Since our demonstration has not yielded any concrete result, we want to give them seven days ultimatum to attend to us or be ready for legal action.
Source: Sun News
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Bar. Chime Obieze's grand attitude of gratitude

By: Abah Joe Idenyi
"Gratitude they say is the least of all virtues but when omitted becomes the worse vice." 
After the just concluded 2015 general elections, only few elected officers has considered it worthwhile to appreciate the electorate. 
 This is not a thing of surprise anyways, same happened in Luke 17 with the ten lepers healed by Jesus  "...And one of them (just one), when he saw that he was healed, returned, and with a loud voice glorified God,  and fell down on his face at His feet, giving Him thanks." Luke 17:15-16.
Hon. Chima Obieze who was elected into the Enugu State House of Assembly in the just concluded 2015 general election took the part of the grateful leper in thanksgiving to his people for giving him the opportunity to serve them; he is indeed a man moved by passion for service...
He took to his facebook page shortly after the election in touching words, thanking his friends, well wishers and constituency members and prayed God to bless Senator Ike Ekweremadu (GCFR).
This were the words of the young comrade:

"Many of my friends have wondered why I have not come out to celebrate or announce my victory to my Facebook family since my triumphant outing on 11th of April 2015 that saw me as the honorable Member-elect, Enugu State House of Assembly, to represent the good people of Ezeagu constituency. The truth is that I didn't know what to write. Overwhelmed with Joy & silenced by Happiness.

In this picture, with tear drops in my eyes I read my result in the election as handed over to me by the INEC returning officer for Ezeagu.

Bar. Chima Obieze going through the INEC result sheet in tears

I just have to say; to you all my friends, comrades, family members, political allies, party faithfuls, stakeholders, classmates, in a special way...d good people of Ezeagu and all of u my Facebook pals...I thank u for ur confidence in me, ur prayers, calls, care, concern, contributions and ur support.

The mandate I have is the mandate to serve the Ezeagu people but I will by God's grace be a good ambassador of the youths of Nigeria, a picture of what an ESUT ex-comrade should be and a reflection of d life & teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ.

I ask for ur continued support, friendship and solidarity. My numbers will remain my numbers and my Facebook account will remain same. It's an all inclusive project. Together we can do this.

The result of this election and my emergence is just so incontestable, but for anyone or persons who may wish to try I have just one statement....

It's not by my power, might, intelligence or making. It's been God God God.

So "make them try their best my God go win o, my God go win o, my God go win o!!!!"

Sing along with me jare!- Hon. Chima. E. Obieze

The Igbo adage rightly says "when you appreciate a doer for doing good, he does more..." we look up to the people of Ezeagu to give the young comrade greater platforms to serve the people he so much cherish. 

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PDP heading for self-destruction –Mark

From ADETUTU FOLASADE-KOYI, Abuja
Senate President, David Mark, yes­terday, warned the Peoples Demo­cratic Party (PDP) to curb the raging in-fighting in the party or head for final de­struction.
A worried Senator Mark, gave the advice when the Senator Ike Ekweremadu-led Post-Election Assessment Committee visited him .
He noted that with the con­tinued acrimony between fac­tions in the party, “the PDP is already hemorrhaging,” pointing out that, “unless we halt the bleeding and find the necessary therapy, we may be heading for the final burial of the party.
Mark added: “The PDP is already in a comatose status and we should do all we can to resuscitate the party, rather than this unnecessary rancour and bulk passing.
“The emerging factions are absolutely unnecessary. The combatants must sheathe their swords and embrace dia­logue. My appeal is that we should not do anything further that would damage the already fragmented house.
“Everybody should come together and rebuild the par­ty. We have gotten enough bruises. We need not inflict further pains on ourselves, with continuous bickering.
“Enough of this blame-game. We should return to the drawing board and need not wash our dirty linen in the public anymore.
“I believe a useful lesson has been learnt from the PDP electoral misfortune. As for me, it is time to put on our thinking caps and chart a new course.
“I trust Senator Ekwerema­du that he and his team will do a good job and unearth the remote and immediate causes of our misfortune and make recommendations that will en­hance the future of the party.
“I have worked closely with the Deputy President of the Senate over the years and I know his capability and ca­pacity to handle issues.”
Senator Mark urged all stakeholders to rise above the present circumstances and work hard to rejuvenate the party.
He said the new status of the PDP, as an opposition is, “a challenge which we must face with all honesty, sincer­ity of purpose and dedication to duty.”
Senator Mark reasoned that democracy and the nation would be better for it, “if we play credible opposition to ensure good governance and delivery of dividends of de­mocracy to Nigerians.”
Source: Sunnews
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soldiers overrun seven terrorists' camps

By DORIS OBINNA
The clock appears ticking for Boko Ha­ram, as the military continues to record successes in its operations in Sambisa Forest, the last stronghold of insurgents.
In another major success yesterday, soldiers overran seven terrorists’ camps, kill­ing more insurgents in the final push against Boko Ha­ram.
According to Director of Defence Information, Major General Chris Olukolade, the military also rescued addi­tional 25 women and children in the operation.
He revealed that soldiers scaled series of land mines, as they advanced in Sambisa Forest bases, capturing insur­gents’ camps in Alafa, Rogo Fulani, Laraga and other lo­cated, including those used as training camps.
Olukolade revealed that rocket propelled grenades, anti-aircraft guns were among weapons captured. Also, a number of vehicles, he stated, were either cap­tured or destroyed during the operation.
Four soldiers were wound­ed and have been evacuated for treatment, he revealed, while stating that the opera­tions continue with “troops demonstrating high morale and fighting spirit, as they search the forests for terror­ists, arms and hostages.”
In the last couple of weeks, the military has been record­ing successes in the onslaught against Boko Haram, as in­surgents’ camps have been destroyed and captives res­cued.
In one of the operations, 200 girls and 93 women were rescued.
While confirming the res­cue of the first set of women and girls from Sambisa For­est, Olukolade, said, three major terrorists’ camps were destroyed, including the no­torious Tokumbere camp in the Sambisa Forest.
He stated however, that he could not confirm the identity of the freed victims and their origins and, therefore, could not state if any of them were from Chibok, where more than 200 schoolgirls were ab­ducted one year ago.
He said: “I can only con­firm the rescue this afternoon of 200 girls and 93 women in different camps in the forest. We are yet to determine their origin as all the freed persons are now being screened and profiled.
“Please, don’t misquote me on their origin. We will provide more details later.”
The military has hit the bull’s eye with the killing of one of the most notorious terrorist commanders, Abu Mojahid, in a gun battle on the outskirts of Alagarno on Tuesday morning. Many oth­er insurgents were also killed.
A statement by Major Gen­eral Chris Olukolade, Direc­tor of Defence Information yesterday, said Boko Haram launched a daring attack on troops on patrol of the area and met their Waterloo.
He revealed that in the en­suing gun duel, a number of insurgents were killed.
“Some rocket propelled grenades as well as vehicle mounted anti-aircraft guns were either captured or de­stroyed in the encounter,” he stated.
Before this successful operation, the military con­tinued attacks on identified terrorists’ camps, with ag­gressive patrols in affected areas. Also, mop up opera­tions, involving cordon and search is also continuing in other locations, as the mili­tary goes in search of weap­ons and terrorists, the De­fence spokesman stated.
He revealed that impro­vised explosive devices planted by the terrorists to frustrate and or abort the offensive by soldiers were being cleared, while troops were advancing into Boko Haram controlled areas.
“The operations, espe­cially in forest locations are progressing in defiance of obstacles and land mines em­placed by the terrorists,” Olu­kolade said.
The National Security Adviser (NSA), Col. Sambo Dasuki, had promised that the military would totally liberate Sambisa Forest, the dreaded base of Boko Haram before handover date.
 Source: Sun News
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"Anyone who believes what I am alleged to have said must be a moron..."- Soyinka

By WILLY EYA
Nobel Laureate, Prof Wole Soyinka, has refuted a state­ment on The Cable, where he was quoted to have given a damning verdict on the Igbo at a lecture he deliv­ered at the Hutchins Centre, Havard University, U.S.A.
He said it was “demeaning, sickening and boring” to have to deal with those he described as cowards, who cannot fight their own battles but must fas­ten their pronouncements on others.
His words: “I have just read a statement attributed to me on something called The Cable, a news outlet, evidently one of the Internet infestations. My lecture at the Hutchins Cen­tre, Harvard University, was video recorded. Anyone who believes what I am alleged to have said must be a moron-repeat, a moron.
“It is demeaning, sicken­ing and boring to have to deal with these cowards who can­not fight their own battles but must fasten their imbecilic pronouncements on others.
“Only the mentally retarded will credit this comment at­tributed to me regarding the Ndigbo voting pattern in the last elections. I strongly sus­pect the author of this despica­ble concoction, and may make a further statement, once the source is verified.”
Meanwhile, former gov­ernor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, has said that since Soyinka denied making the statement, he should be given the benefit of the doubt.
“Let us believe Prof. Wole Soyinka’s rebuttal of the ear­lier statements credited to him about the Igbo nation, unless there is incontrovertible proof indicating otherwise. But the Nobel Laureate is a man of honour. He will not say one thing and turn round to deny it. “I believe the statement he has issued. Let us allow sleep­ing dogs to lie,” Kalu said.
In the Cable story on the pattern of voting by Igbo in the recent election, the Nobel laureate was quoted to have said: “Igbo remained unre­pentant and resolute towards their strategic objective of se­cession at worst or a Nigerian president of Igbo extraction at best,” adding: “The climax of MASSOB’s war against the Nigerian state was the call for sit-ins and civil disobedi­ence that shut down markets and public services, as Igbo stayed at home in a symbolic gesture to assert Biafran inde­pendence. The call was hon­oured by governors in the two principal Igbo states, though without fanfare.”
He was also quoted to have said that the Igbo have become predictable “with great accu­racy, whom they will vote for in an election, because they tend to put their votes, where their stomachs take them; suf­fering, as it were, from incur­able money-mindedness, as they would stop at nothing in their quest for personal finan­cial gain.”
Source: Sun News

AIT ban dangerous for democracy – PDP

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has described as unacceptable Monday’s directive by the President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari, to bar a television house, Africa Independent Television, AIT, from covering his activities, saying the suppression of the media under any guise portends danger for the nation’s democracy.
Mr. Buhari’s party, the All Progressives Congress, APC, has already announced the reversal of the directive.
The PDP National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh, in a statement on Tuesday said after carefully studying the defence by Mr. Buhari’s campaign spokesperson, Garba Shehu, as well as the statement by the APC, it is persuaded that the action was not only unjustifiable, but also unconstitutional and completely against the spirit of liberty and the rule of law in a democracy.
“The PDP as a party that have nurtured the nation’s democracy in the past 16 years cannot afford to fold its hands and watch the constitutional rights, media freedom and personal liberty of Nigerians, the basic tenets of democracy being demolished.
“We ask, is this a beginning of the feared erosion of the freedom and personal liberty the media and Nigerian citizens have been enjoying in the last 16 years under the PDP led-administration? Has our dear nation finally fallen into the clutches of totalitarianism and impunity where government actions will based on egocentric decisions and impulses of individuals rather than the rule of law?
“While we assure the President-elect of our resolve to run a mature and responsible opposition based on issues, we are disturbed by this emerging development and reassure the Nigerian people that we will continue to stand with them on issues of democracy and freedom at all times.
“Perhaps, we need to remind General Buhari that part of the challenge of his new position, even as President-elect is that he has lost his private life which is now subject to public scrutiny and media interrogation, as required of the custodian of the mandate of the Nigerian people.
“The PDP is not oblivious of the background of the President-elect especially as it relates to the freedom of the media, but we had thought that having declared to be a converted democrat, he would make himself amenable to the basic principles of democracy by following the due process of the law on any circumstance.
“General Buhari may also wish to be reminded that the Nigerian constitution upon which provisions he emerged President-elect, also gave the media powers to cover activities of public office holders while at the same time providing legal avenues for redress in the event of any violation. If the right of the President-elect was in anyway violated by the AIT or any media house for that matter, he is expected to act within the law and seek redress in the courts otherwise one would have no option than to conclude that he is out for personal vendetta.
“The APC and the President-elect may have one or two lessons to pick from President Goodluck Jonathan, who though the most maligned and abused President in the history of our nation, even by the APC, allowed his actions to be sufficiently guided by humility, tolerance and the rule of law”, the PDP said.
The party called on Nigerians not to despair but remain steadfast and unite in resisting any anti-democratic tendencies intended to instil fear in them and set the stage for a dictatorial order and the erosion of their personal freedom and liberty as citizens, which they have been enjoying in the last 16 years under the PDP.

APC reverses Buhari on AIT, says all accredited media free to cover President-elect’s activities

The All Progressives Congress, APC, has reversed the controversial decision taken by President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari, to bar the Africa Independent Television, AIT, from covering his activities.
The party said all accredited media organizations in the country, including the AIT, are free to cover the activities of the president elect.
AIT journalists were on Monday denied access to Mr. Buhari’s temporary office when they showed up to cover his official engagements.
His spokesperson, Garba Shehu, cited family and security concerns for the decision.
“AIT has been asked to stay aside based on security and family concerns. In addition, Buhari has decided that they will have to resolve some issues relating to issues of standard and ethics.
“We will be talking with them to try and resolve the matter, but for now the station has been asked to stay aside, because like I said there are some family and security concerns. They have been asked to step down their coverage until we resolve the matter with them on ethics and standard,” Mr. Shehu said.
However, the party in a statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Lai Mohammed, said the incoming Buhari Administration would not discriminate against any media organization, irrespective of its role during the electioneering campaign leading up to the recent polls.
The statement however enjoined all media organizations to observe the highest level of professional standards in carrying out their duties.
”There is a Code of Ethics guiding the practice of journalism in Nigeria, and this demands every journalist to ensure a strict adherence to the highest levels of ethics and professionalism in carrying out their duties.
”There must be repercussions, within the realms of the law, for media organizations which have wantonly breached the Code of Ethics of the journalism profession and turned themselves to partisans instead of professionals. But such repercussions will not include barring any accredited media organization from covering the activities of the President-elect,” the APC said.
A lot of Nigerians had condemned Mr. Buhari’s decision to bar the AIT from his activities.
Majority of those who spoke to PREMIUM TIMES on the matter considered it an infringement on press freedom.
Some however view the decision as payback to AIT after they ran a series of documentaries maligning Mr. Buhari during the electioneering campaign prior to the election.
A UK-based activist and strong supporter of Mr. Buhari, Kayode Ogundamisi, described the decision as a “disappointing”.
Writing on his Facebook page, Mr. Ogundamisi said although it is understandable for the President-elect to feel aggrieved about the activities of AIT, there was no basis for Mr. Buhari to ostracize the television station.
“News of General Buhari barring AIT is disappointing, the decision should be reversed, whoever advised the General to bar the organisation does not wish him well,” Mr. Ogundamisi said.
Also, an Abuja based lawyer, Abdul Mahmud, in a telephone interview, told PREMIUM TIMES that the decision to bar AIT was strange.
He said Mr. Buhari promised Nigerians change and that if he felt his fundamental rights were infringed upon, there were a lot of channels open for him to seek redress.
He said Buhari should have approached the Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria, the Nigeria Broadcasting Commission or even a competent court of law.
Mr. Mahmud also said Mr. Buhari would be taking off on a wrong footing by declaring a media war.
“I have not seen anywhere in the world where the government wins the war against a big media outfit. In the short term, the government will be successful, but once the government starts making mistakes, other media houses will be drawn into the war to support the media group being ostracised by the government,” he said.
Mr. Mahmud also faulted the decision of Mr. Buhari on the grounds of privacy, as the place of his present abode, the Defence House, is an official building that is owned by Nigerian taxpayers.
However, some Nigerians also said Mr. Buhari acted within his right to stop the AIT from covering his activities.
The Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Movement, PDM, Bashir Yusuf said the change Nigerians voted for is a change from having things done on the basis of “business as usual”.
Writing on his twitter page, Mr, Yusuf said right to free speech stops where one’s right to privacy and safety starts.
“When people voted for change, were they told AIT and the media will be exempt? That business as usual can proceed in the name of free speech?
“In the US they have barred media organisations from covering the White House on ethical grounds. Now AIT is involved, the heavens is about to fall.
“I am of the view that AIT and NTA’s licences should have been revoked a long time ago. They have serially violated the Broadcasting Code.
“It’s a fallacy that because you have the money to set up a private TV station, you are a defender of free speech and can invade my privacy,” he said.
Source:  Premium Times