Stop using tissue paper as sanitary pads, health expert warns Yoruba girls

Bamidele Iwalokun, a medical researcher, says the use of tissue paper as sanitary pads could lead to severe health complications.

Iwalokun, who is the head, Immunology and Vaccinology Research Department, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), Yaba, sounded this warning in an interview with NAN on Thursday.

“The habit of using tissue paper in form of sanitary pads is a poor hygiene practice on the part of any woman,” he said.

“Because no health policy has supported the use of tissue paper as sanitary pad, so it’s bad behaviour and should not be adopted health wise.

“It doesn’t have any credibility of use. This should be a way of informing women that it carries a serious public health risk.

“The practice places such women at risk of having an infection which may pass through the vagina cavity and enter the bloodstream, thereby having a serious health impact.

“Sometimes it may be chronic infections that may not give serious symptoms to warrant going to the hospital, but it is indirectly damaging the reproductive system or that pathway.

“One of them is the Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), many women do not know they have PID until when issues of infertility come up and untreated PID is a major cause of infertility.

“However, women should abstain from the practice of using tissue paper as sanitary pads, in order to avoid such health complications.

“Women should always adopt proper hygiene at all times, especially during the monthly menstrual period.”

TheCable

Tambuwal begs US to intervene in Nigeria's elections

Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State has appealed to United States Government to intervene in the prevention of alleged harassment of electorate in Saturday’s governorship and state assembly elections.

Mr Tambuwal made the appeal on Thursday when he received the US Ambassador to Nigeria, Stuart Symington, in Sokoto.

He told Mr Symington that the just-concluded Presidential and National Assembly Elections witnessed harassment of leaders and loyalists of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

According to him, many PDP members were hounded and arrested by security agents on the election day.

“Our appeal is to ensure the electorate in whatever political parties are not intimidated or terrorised.

” Because our people were intimidated to the extent of failing to discharge their civic duties in the remaining elections, scheduled for March 9.

“As such, I want appeal to the US Envoy to call on the Nigerian government to allow the will of the people be granted during the forthcoming Governorship and State House of Assembly elections.

“The opposition has engaged in post-election violence, with attacks on citizens and razing many properties and houses within and outside the metropolis in the state, in a show of terror against perceived opponents and non-partisan members of the public.” he said.

He thanked the envoy for the visit, describing such as important for the peace and development of democracy in the state.

Earlier, Mr Symington said he was in Sokoto to encourage more peaceful atmosphere throughout the electioneering period and beyond.

“There is no any development that can come without peace, so I appeal on all stakeholders and the good people of Sokoto to ensure peaceful polls,” he said.

(NAN)

15 persons died of Lassa fever, 102 infected in just 2 months in Ondo

No fewer than 15 persons have been confirmed killed by the deadly Lassa fever in Ondo State between January and February 2019.

It was also revealed that the disease had infected 102 persons in the state within the period under review.

The Ondo State Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association disclosed this to journalists in Akure, the state capital.

 According to him,  Owo, Ose, Akoko North, Akure South and Akure North local government areas  are the areas in the state where the cases were recorded.

He said, “As of Thursday February 21, 2019, 102 people have been positive to Lassa fever,  82 people in January and 20 people so far in February. About 15 people have died in January as a result of the fever but no death has been recorded so far in February.

“Most people that died either reported late or were already subjected to alternative treatment and doing self-medication before they eventually came to hospital. Their kidneys and livers had been affected as a result of the delay.”

Oke, who works at the Federal Medical Centre, Owo, urged residents of the state to report early to the medical centre if they experienced upsurge of temperature in their bodies.

Punch

Rivers guber race: Coast gets clearer for Wike as court sacks Dumo of Accord Party

Federal High Court sacks Dumo Lulu Briggs as Accord Party Rivers State Governorship Candidate

▪orders INEC to enlist  Precious  Baridoo as Rivers State Accord Party  Governorship Candidate

A Federal High Court in Port Harcourt on Thursday sacked Mr Dumo Lulu Briggs as the Governorship Candidate of Accord Party for the 2019 Governorship Election on Saturday,  23 February 23, 2019.

The Court declared that Mr Precious Baridoo who was duly nominated  during the October 4, 2018 Accord Party  Governorship is the authentic candidate of the party.

Justice Emmanuel Obile of the Federal High Court,  Port Harcourt  declared that Mr Dumo Lulu Briggs  cannot participate in the Governorship  Election  because he was not duly nominated at the party's primary.

Justice Obile stated Lulu Briggs did not participate in the party's October 4, 2018 Governorship primary,  hence he cannot be their candidate.

The Court stated that the defendants failed to challenge the affidavit  of the plaintiff to controvert the facts contained  therein.

Justice Obile ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to enlist the name of Precious Baridoo as the Rivers State Governorship Candidate of Accord Party.

The court directed INEC to remove the name of Dumo Lulu Briggs as the Rivers State Governorship Candidate  for Accord Party .

It will be recalled  Sir Precious Baridoo told the court that he was duly nominated during the party’s governorship primaries on October 4, 2018 before he was illegally substituted with the name of Chief Dumo Lulu Briggs who didn’t participate  in the party’s  governorship primaries.

He stated that Chief Dumo  Lulu Briggs cannot claim to be the governorship candidate of Accord Party when he was not even a member of the party.

Counsel to Precious Baridoo,  Mr Wori Wori described  the judgment  as victory for democracy.  He said that the rules of political engagement  must be respected.

Lawyer to Dumo Lulu Briggs stated  that they will challenge  the judgment  at the Court of Appeal.

Give us soldiers to use for election, Ogun APC begs Buhari who gave Amaechi soldiers in Rivers State

The Ogun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress on Wednesday appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to send soldiers to the state during the March 9 governorship election.

This, it said, was to avert the alleged plot to attack its governorship candidate, Dapo Abiodun.

It claimed that there were intelligence reports that Abiodun might be attacked on or before the day of the election.

The Publicity Secretary of the caretaker committee of the APC in the state, Tunde Oladunjoye, stated this while speaking with newsmen in Abeokuta, the state capital.

Oladunjoye said despite the deployment of three Commissioners of Police in the state for last week’s presidential and National Assembly elections, there were cases of violence which led to the killing of a policeman.

Punch

Davido nominated for Nickelodeon kids' choice awards in US

Nigerian celebrities, Adesua Etomi-Wellington, IK Osakioduwa, and David Adeleke (Davido), have bagged nominations at the Nickelodeon kids’ choice awards nominations.

The Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards is an annual American children’s awards ceremony show that is produced by Nickelodeon.

The show honours the year’s biggest television, movie, and music acts as voted by viewers worldwide of Nickelodeon networks.

Actress, Etomi-Wellington and media personality, Osakioduwa were nominated in the Favourite African Star category. Davido, on the other hand, was nominated in the Favourite Global Music Star category alongside American stars, David Guetta and Taylor Swift.

The 26-year-old singer will represent Africa in the category that recognises one artiste from different continents.

The award ceremony, which will be hosted by DJ Khaled, is scheduled to hold on March 23 at the Galen Center in Los Angeles, California.

Dj Khaled bagged nomination for favourite male artist and favourite collaboration for “No Brainer,” featuring Justin Bieber, Quavo and Chance the Rapper.

The award organisers said a set of successful youth from various fields such as television, movies, music, and social media, would be recognised.

Artistes to represent other continents include BlackPink from Asia, Troye Sivan from Australia/New Zealand, Europe’s David Guetta, Taylor Swift from North America, J Balvin from Latin America and UK’s HKRVY.

Other nominees up for major awards include Cardi B, Ariana Grande, Maroon 5, Camila Cabello, Shawn Mendes.

The coveted favorite breakout artist category includes Billie Eilish, Cardi B, Dan + Shay, Juice WRLD, Kane Brown and Post Malone.

Premium Times

APGA Guber candidate in Zamfara throws IDPs out of his houses for voting Buhari

Sani Shinkafi, governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Zamfara state, has ejected all  the displaced persons in his houses for voting for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Saturday’s elections.

Zamfara is one of the states where President Muhammadu Buhari had a good outing in the election.

At a news conference in Gusau, the state capital, on Wednesday, Shinkafi explained that he took the action because he expected the IDPs to vote out a government that “could not provide for them or guarantee their security”.

“I have asked all the IDPs residing in my Shinkafi houses to immediately pack out because they are not serious in life,” he said.

“These are people who had to leave their villages due to insecurity caused by a government that could not provide such basic necessity to them, yet they went and sold their votes at the last elections trying to bring back the same gang.”

He said in spite of earlier advice to the displaced persons “to vote out those who failed them in the past years”, they did the exact opposite.

He claimed that the IDPS allowed themselves to be bought over during the election by “the people who failed them.”

TheCable

Killer herdsmen kill 32 in Kaduna, Sokoto

Fresh violence broke out in Kaduna yesterday as suspected Fulani herdsmen attacked Maro community in Kajuru Local Government Area, killing 16 residents.
This is coming after a crisis broke out a fortnight ago within the troubled area, leading to the death of many people. The yesterday’s attack by the armed herdsmen occurred around 4:00 a.m. when they invaded the Karamar village in Maro district of Kajuru. They set houses ablaze and engaged in sporadic shooting of the residents as they ran out of their homes.

In its reaction, the state government condemned the recourse to violence, and called on all communities to support the efforts to restore calm in the area.“Today, the Kaduna State government was briefed by security agencies of renewed attacks in Kajuru Local Government Area, and in parts of neighbouring Kachia Local Government Area.

“The state government has been assured that the security agencies are working assiduously to contain the situation.“The government is saddened by these attacks, condemns the perpetrators and urges all residents of the area to support the security agencies in their efforts to protect communities,” it said in a statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor (Media and Publicity), Samuel Aruwan.

Also, officials of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Kaduna chapter, condemned the incident, urging the youths in the troubled community to refrain from reprisal attack, the government. The state chairman of CAN, Reverend Joseph Hayap, confirmed that the gunmen who invaded the village set houses on fire when the residents were asleep and also burnt a worship place.

“The attackers fled later, they had already burnt houses and a church. The youths came out and guard the environment, with the intervention of security. Normalcy has been restored.“We have appealed to the youths in the area that there must never be any reprisal. We want to give the security operatives in the state the benefit of the doubt to go after the killers. We don’t want any reprisal attack because the circle of violence and killings will continue,” Hayab added.

At press time, the latest report from a dependable source in the crisis- ridden Kajuru revealed that the death toll had risen from 16 to 28, with more natives still missing.The source said one mobile policeman was killed while three others were missing in after the attack.Several efforts made through phone calls and SMS to the Kaduna Police Command Public Relations Officer, Yakubu Sabo, to clarify the claims failed.

Also yesterday, Governor Aminu Tambuwal confirmed the killing of 16 people in fresh attacks at Dalijan, Rakkoni and Kalhu communities in the Rabah Local Government Area of Sokoto State. Tambuwal, who made the announcement at a news conference in Sokoto said the incident occurred Monday night.According to a News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) report, the banditry, which started in Sokoto State on July 9 last year, has taken a total of 81 lives.

The governor called on security agencies to intensify efforts at safeguarding the people’s lives and property.He commiserated with the victims and their families, praying Allah to grant them fortitude to bear the loss.

NAN

I don't understand why a reasonable person will vote Buhari - actress Daniella Okeke

''I really don't understand how a reasonable person will vote Buhari?" - Daniella OkekeActress Daniella Okeke, has taken to social media to react to President Buhari’s re-election victory. According to the actress, she wonders why a reasonable person will still vote for Buhari.

She wrote;

I really dont understand how a reasonable person will vote Buhari ? I don’t get it? And if u ask dem the only thing dey will say is, he is fighting corruption. Yet corruption in Nigeria has gone worse in the Last 4yrs.. I guess datz why they removed the chief judge and replaced him with his person, so even if PDP go to court, they will still say APC won.. Wat a Country

NIGERIA WHICH WAY?

 #DANIELLAOKEKE

Gistreel

Atiku rejects presidential result, heads to court

Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has reacted to the victory of President Muhammadu Buhari at the February 23 presidential election.

The aggrieved former Vice President says the election was not free and fair.

He says there “were manifest and premeditated” malpractices in many states which negate the results announced.

Atiku said he will seek justice the democratic way by heading to court.

Below is his full statement.

“Democracy Will Not Be Emasculated in Nigeria

I thank the Nigerian people who trooped out in their millions to perform their civic duty this past Saturday. The patriotism of Nigerians is heartwarming and affirms my oft-repeated statement that we are brothers and sisters born from the womb of one mother Nigeria.

One obvious red flag is the statistical impossibility of states ravaged by the war on terror generating much higher voter turnouts than peaceful states. The suppressed votes in my strongholds are so apparent and amateurish, that I am ashamed as a Nigerian that such could be allowed to happen. How can total votes in Akwa-Ibom, for instance, be 50% less than what they were in 2015?

Another glaring anomaly is the disruption of voting in strongholds of the Peoples Democratic Party in Lagos, Akwa-Ibom, Rivers and diverse other states, with the authorities doing little or nothing and in some cases facilitating these unfortunate situations. (See attached links to documentary evidences).

The militarization of the electoral process is a disservice to our democracy and a throwback to the jackboot era of military dictatorship. In some areas of the country, such as, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Imo states, troops deployed for the elections turned their guns on the very citizens they were meant to protect. This is condemnable and should not be associated with our electoral process in the future.

I am a democrat and there are democratic avenues available to present the truth to the nation and the watching world. Already, many international observers have given their verdicts, which corroborate our observations. I am sure more will come in the coming hours and days.

If I had lost in a free and fair election, I would have called the victor within seconds of my being aware of his victory to offer not just my congratulations, but my services to help unite Nigeria by being a bridge between the North and the South.

However, in my democratic struggles for the past three decades, I have never seen our democracy so debased as it was on Saturday, February 23, 2019. 2007 was a challenge, but President Yar’Adua was remorseful. In 2019, it is sad to see those who trampled on democracy thumping their noses down on the Nigerian people.

Consequently, I hereby reject the result of the February 23, 2019 sham election and will be challenging it in court.

I hope and pray Nigerians will someday summon the courage to defend democracy. That is the only way we can move away from being the world headquarters for extreme poverty.

Signed:
Waziri Atiku Abubakar

Anger, quietness, Nigerians seem unhappy with Buhari's victory

There were widespread jubilation especially in the North, and South-West when Muhammadu Buhari was declared the winner of 2015 presidential election. Some people in the South-South jubilated too in spite of the fact that Goodluck Jonathan who lost is from that region.

But the story is different this time, everybody seems to be complaining about the irregularities and killings that characterised the just concluded presidential and national assembly elections.

Some people are already bracing themselves for for next level of hardship.

South African police arrest former dead man

The man that was resurrected by by Prophet Alph N Lukau, has allegedly been arrested according to his former employer.

The man has since been identified as Elliot or Brighton, following the viral “miracle” in Johannesburg, South Africa, which many believe was staged.

Now, one of Brighton’s former employers has revealed the extent of his deception and that he has been arrested.

@ThulaSiyo
 So Elliot/ Brighton the not so dead guy from Pastor Likau's church has been arrested according to his employer- 702

The Citizen reported that Azania Mosaka interviewed Vincent, who Brighton had worked for at a factory in Pretoria. According to Vincent, Brighton was arrested on the morning of Tuesday, February 26.

Speaking to Azania Mosaka during the Tuesday edition of her show on 702, the man named Vincent confirmed that he had been told by his other employees that Elliot had been arrested and that they had no further details at this stage.

“I got word from one of the guys that works for me that knows Elliot, I believe they arrested him today,” said Vincent.

He went on to confirm that Brighton was indeed an employee at his wood-working factory in Pretoria where he had worked until recently and looked completely healthy the last time he’d reported for duty.

According to Vincent, this was not the first stunt Brighton had been a part of as he’d previously allegedly pretended to be wheelchair-bound so that the pastor could “heal” him in front of the masses.

His employer went on to describe him as a very smart man who was unfortunately fond of lying.

Various social media users have also shared old photos featuring Brighton, and it seems he has previously worked with the pastor as his cameraman, among other things.

“Can you imagine what a life he’s had? He’s worked for me, he died, he was resurrected and now he’s been arrested,” joked Vincent.

YabaLeft

Rivers killings: Gov Wike drags Nigerian army to International Criminal Court

Asks the GOC 6 Division to explain his involvement in the snatching of Electoral Materials and abduction of INEC Staff

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has stated that the State Government has written to the International Criminal  Court to prosecute the General Officer Commanding ( GOC) 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Jamil Sarhem for prosecution for crimes against humanity.

Governor Wike said instead of running in circles, the killer GOC should explain to Nigerians the reasons why the 6 Division stormed Collation Centres  in Ikwerre,  Emohua and Okrika Local Government Areas  with INEC Electoral Officers,  accusing him of stealing electoral materials  and concocting results.

The Governor  stated that the General Officer Commanding 6 Division  has the blood of Rivers people on his hands, stating that issuing false statements  will not save the GOC from prosecution.

Speaking during a media briefing in response  to the false allegations  by the 6 Division  that he tried to compromise  soldiers of the 6 Division, Governor  Wike described the allegation as false,  malicious and  diversionary .

He said: "We are doing a petition to the International Criminal Court.  We are demanding  justice for all those killed by the GOC and his lieutenants.

"We will also send a petition to all the major embassies in the country  on the atrocities  committed  against  Rivers people by the GOC and his soldiers.  We have also ready sent a petition  to the Chief of Army Staff  on the criminal  actions of the GOC".

Governor Wike stated that he has credible intelligence  that the GOC has concluded plans to open fire on his convoy, with the objective of causing a deadly shoot-out.

"Nigerians watched in utter dismay as three Local Government  Electoral Officers of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC ) indicted soldiers of the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army  for orchestrating electoral violence, snatching election materials and criminally  colluding with APC leaders to concoct results during  the Presidential and National Assembly elections.  Rather  than respond to these allegations, the GOC  is making  diversionary allegations.
"These weighty indictments of the officers and men of the 6 Division  of the Nigerian Army by the INEC Officials confirm earlier intelligence that the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 6 Division, Major General Jamil Sarham is neck deep  in the killings of Rivers people and manipulation  of the elections. Mrs Mary Efeture Imawuya INEC  Electoral Officer of Ikwerre LGA, INEC  Electoral Officer for Emohua Local Government Area, Kenneth Etah and INEC Electoral Officer of Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State, Mr Leo Okon who addressed the Rivers East Senatorial District Collation Centre at Elekahia were unequivocal  in their indictments  of the soldiers and their criminal activities during the elections", he said.

"The major problem  they should defend is the INEC Officers who declared that the soldiers of the Nigerian Army abducted them , carted away materials and concocted results", he added.

The governor noted that it was the soldiers and the Minister of Transportation,  Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi who abducted the the Electoral Officer of Ikwerre LGA and compelled her to write results.

Governor Wike denied ever making an attempt to compromise  the electoral process . He denied ever offering money to the Soldiers to act illegally.

He noted that when the soldiers arrested  the Rivers State Commissioner of Urban Development and Physical Planning,  Dr Reason Onya for being among the approved PDP agents to escort materials,  the Commissioner called him.  He noted that he requested to speak with the Officer  to demand the release of Onya who was on legal electoral function for the PDP. He said the officer  who declined  talking called back later and he informed him that Onya was on a legal assignment.  He noted that no bribe was offered.

Governor Wike said in his capacity  as Governor,  he spoke with about 10 different officers when PDP official agents raised concerns.

The Governor said that the mischievous press briefing by the 6 Division  is tantamount  to a coup against a constituted authority.

"The Army cannot be a judge in their matter. You cannot parade officials on legal Electoral duties. You cannot change the narrative.  They have violated  all known laws."

Gunmen kill scores in Kaduna

Many people have been reportedly killed in a fresh attack in Kajuru local government area of Kaduna state.

A resident, who confirmed the attack to TheCable, said most of the people affected are from Karmai village in Maro ward of the local government area.

More to follow…

Chelsea fines Kepa

(CNN) — Chelsea has fined Kepa Arrizabalaga a week's wages following his refusal to be substituted in the Carabao Cup final.
Both the club's $92.8 million record signing and manager Maurizio Sarri have played down the "misunderstanding" over the Spaniard's protracted substitution that ended with Sarri tearing off his club jacket and threatening to walk down the tunnel after his goalkeeper refused to leave the field of play.

The attempted replacement, which left second-choice goalkeeper Willy Caballero motionless on the touchline in full kit, came as a result of Kepa's cramp, which had already seen him go down with the injury twice in extra time.

In a statement on the club's official website, Kepa said: "I was very happy to play in my first cup final for Chelsea yesterday and very proud of the team performance.

I have thought a lot more about yesterday's events.
"Although there was a misunderstanding, on reflection, I made a big mistake with how I handled the situation. I wanted to take the time today to apologize fully and in person to the coach, to Willy [Caballero], my teammates and to the club.

"I have done this and now I want to offer the same apology to the fans. I will learn from this episode and will accept any punishment or discipline the club decides is appropriate."
Chelsea said Kepa's fine would be donated to the Chelsea Foundation.

Beautiful bride weds physically challenged man in Sapele

It just might be the happiest moment of her life and one couldn’t just unsee the elation that spread across her face as she tied the knots with her beau.

A lady was overwhelmed with joy as she said “I do” to her lovely physically challenged partner in Sapele area of Delta state.

According to reports, the couple, simply identified as Mr and Mrs. Oba, were overjoyed at the wedding ceremony because people never believed that the day would come considering the man’s condition.

YabaLeft

US Consul-General tells military to stop killing innocent people in Rivers State

The United  States  Consul-General to Nigeria, John Bray has called for an end to the violence and deaths associated  with the Presidential and National  Assembly elections in Rivers  State.

Addressing journalists  at  the Government House, Port Harcourt on Sunday after a meeting with Rivers State Governor,  Ezenwo Wike, the International Diplomat decried the violence  that greeted the polls in some parts of the state.

It will be recalled that soldiers  of the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army unleashed  violence  on Abonnema in Akuku-Toru Local Government Area where they killed 15 innocent PDP members.  The military  also killed two PDP Agents in Emohua Local  Government Area on Saturday. 

He said: "I am here as an international observer.  We have been watching  elections in Rivers State.

"I am not here to grade elections or anything  like  that . I am just here to say that there has been enough violence.

"Enough people have died. I am here today to speak with all the different candidates  and party leaders".

APC attempting to change results in Rivers, Edo, Cross River, others

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has said only results already delivered at the polling units for its Presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, will be acceptable to its members and supporters across the country.

Officials count votes in front of voters during the presidential and parliamentary elections on February 23, 2019, at a polling station in Port Harcourt, southern Nigeria. – Nigerians began voting for a new president on February 23, after a week-long delay that has raised political tempers, sparked conspiracy claims and stoked fears of violence. Some 120,000 polling stations began opening from 0700 GMT, although there were indications of a delay in the delivery of some materials and deployment of staff, AFP reporters said.


The party claimed that it is aware that the Presidency “has been mounting pressure on the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and dispatching officials to change results in Rivers, Kaduna, Nasarawa, Kogi, Bauchi, Cross River, Borno, Yobe and Edo states among others, in a frenzy to allocate fictitious figures for President Muhammadu Buhari.”

In a statement issued by the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Kola Ologbondiyan, the PDP alleged that the “Presidency is also threatening the South-East state governors to change results and carve a 25% for Mr. President, a scheme that has already failed.”

The statement further read: “In Bauchi state, we are aware of the plots to move thump-printed ballot papers and fabricated results from Bauchi to Dass Local Government Area to upturn PDP’s victory in the results already delivered and announced at the polling units in the area. “This is why the electoral officials have been delaying moving the results for final collation and announcement.

If this plot fails, the All Progressives Congress, APC, plans to void the results for Dass.” The party also said its agents and indeed, Nigerians, already have the results as delivered at the polling units and “are not ready to accept anything to the contrary.” It called on INEC to resist the pressure to go against the will of the people freely expressed on Saturday.

Vanguard

It's official, Saraki is out

Senate President Bukola Saraki lost in all of the local governments in his Kwara Central Senatorial District in Saturday’s National Assembly elections.

PREMIUM TIMES reported how Mr Saraki lost three of the four local governments in the state earlier.

The local governments are Asa, Ilorin South and Ilorin East. The fourth local government is Ilorin West, the Senate President own local government.

Result announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission Sunday evening showed that in Ilorin West,
APC polled 51, 531 while the PDP polled 30,075.

The number of registered voters were 224, 494.

While accredited voters were 91,130.

The commission will officially announce the winner of the Senate seat. But based on the announced results, Mr Saraki has effectively been removed.

Details later…

Premium Times

Buba Galadima arrested to prevent him from talking to the media while results are being collated

A spokesman for the Peoples Democratic Party Campaign Council, Buba Galadima, has been arrested on Sunday.

One of Mr Galadima’s daughters confirmed the arrest to DAILY NIGERIAN, saying her father was trailed in his car to an area around Wuse 2 area and whisked away by security agents in an unregistered vehicle.

Earlier in a statement on Sunday, spokesman for Buhari Campaign Council Festus Keyamo, has called for the arrest of Mr Galadima for allegedly announcing the PDP candidate winner while collation of results was ongoing.

“Our call is therefore to INEC, NIGERIA BROADCASTING COMMISSION and all law-enforcement agencies to continually warn the PDP and all their surrogates like the amorphous CUPP and their likes that anyone who flouts the law on announcement of official results will be made to face the law. Opposition does not confer immunity on anyone to flout the law.

Daily Nigerian

APC records zero vote at Ekweremadu's polling unit

The Deputy President of the Senate, Ike Ekweremadu, has convincingly delivered his polling unit to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) with the All Progressives Congress (APC) recording zero votes in the presidential, senatorial and House of Representatives elections.

Mr Ekweremadu, who voted at polling unit 003 at Amachala Primary School, Mpu Ward, Aninri Local Government Area of Enugu State, polled 490 votes while his main challenger, Juliet Ibekaku-Nwaugwu of the APC, scored zero.

The polling unit, which has a total of 1,287 registered voters, was divided by INEC into polling units 003A and 003B.

At the polling unit 003A where Mr Ekweremadu voted, he scored 265 votes and recorded 225 votes at the polling unit 003B, totalling 490.

In the presidential poll, while Mr Muhammadu Buhari of the APC scored zero, the candidate of the AAC and publisher of Sahara Reporters newspaper, Mr Omoyele Sowore, scored one vote.

PDP’s candidate for the House of Representatives in the constituency, Toby Okechukwu, scored more votes than other candidates at the polling unit including Mr Ekweremadu. Mr Okechukwu scored 492, two votes ahead of the senator.

R Kelly's bail is set at $1million but he is broke

R Kelly's bail set at $1 million as he's banned from contact with minors
Singer R Kelly' appeared in court in Chicago today following his arrest on sex abuse charges

R Kelly 's bail has been set at $1 million following his arrest on sex abuse charges.

The singer, real name Robert Kelly, 52, appeared in court in Chicago today after being held by police overnight.

During the brief hearing, Judge John Fitzgerald Lyke, Jr. set the Ignition star's bail at $1 million.

It was the same judge who oversaw Jussie Smollett's bond hearing earlier this week when the actor - accused of filing a false police report - was released on £76,693 bail.

He faced the court wearing a black hoodie and kept his hands behind his back throughout the hearing.

The singer is described as showing "very little emotion" and kept his eyes fixed on the floor for the majority of his time in court.

The judge described the allegations against Kelly as "disturbing" and ordered him not to have contact with anyone under the age of 18.

R Kelly appeared in court in Chicago today for a bond hearing (Image: Chicago Police Department)
Kelly's attorney reportedly argued that the star is currently broke due to a number of financial setbacks.

Attorney Steven Greenberg is said to have told the judge Kelly has a child support judgement against him that he's unable to pay and he's not making any money.

Greenberg claimed Kelly's earning very little from his music and is not touring.

He also said his client was not a flight risk, telling the judge: "Contrary to the song, Mr Kelly doesn't like to fly."

He was referring to Kelly's huge hit single I Believe I Can Fly.

The entertainer faces a maximum sentence of 70 years in prison if convicted.

He was led away in handcuffs last night after turning himself into police.
Kelly's hearing came a day after he handed himself in to police to face 10 charges of aggravated criminal sexual abuse.

The Grammy-winning R&B star, whose legal name is Robert Sylvester Kelly, has faced allegations of sexual misconduct with underage girls for decades.


He has denied any wrongdoing.

R Kelly handed himself in to the authorities after being charged with aggravated sexual abuse against four alleged victims.

The singer left his apartment surrounded by members of his entourage and flanked by security guards.

He was driven to the station in a dark-coloured van with heavily-tinted rear windows.

The vehicle pulled up outside the precinct about 8.15pm and a security detail for Kelly kept reporters and cameramen at arms' length as he exited the side door.

R Kelly had previously said he was "shell-shocked" by the charges and was looking forward to clearing his name in court.

The 52-year-old star was charged in a 10-count Cook County Circuit Court indictment handed down two months after the debut of a six-hour documentary series on the Lifetime television network in which multiple women accused him of sexual misconduct and abuse.

READ MORE
The R&B superstar's attorney Steven Greenberg earlier in the evening tweeted that Kelly would be turning himself in to Chicago police before midnight.

Greenberg previously said the Lifetime series was a "complete fabrication" and that there was no evidence to support the allegations against his client.


The singer has been accused of 10 counts of aggravated sexual assault (Image: mirror.co.uk)
 Embedded video

Savannah Eadens
@SavannahEadens
 BREAKING NEWS: R. Kelly has turn himself into the District 1 police office. @Suntimes He’s seen in blue jacket in handcuffs.

At a news conference on Friday after the charges were detailed in a court filing, the Cook County state's attorney, Kimberly Foxx, said three of the four victims Kelly is accused of sexually abusing between 1998 and 2010 were under age 17 at the time of the assaults.

Later on Friday, attorney Michael Avenatti, who has represented porn star Stormy Daniels in a legal battle with President Donald Trump, told a separate news conference he has been retained by two people who he said were victims, as well as two parents and two "whistleblowers" from Kelly's inner circle.

Mirror

Accept the outcome of this election, Obasanjo warns Buhari who said he can't lose

Former President  Olusegun Obasanjo on Saturday advised winners of the presidential and the National Assembly elections to show magnanimity in victory, saying losers should also accept defeat.

The former President said,   “In any competition, there will always be winners and losers. That is what anybody in any competition must be prepared for as a good sportsman. Whoever that wins should show magnanimity. If I lose, I will also bow down graciously. That is what any competition is all about.

“If your purpose of going for any competition is that you must win at all costs, then that is no longer a competition. I know INEC will make amends for the shortcomings ahead of the next elections.”

Punch

Atiku defeats Buhari in Sanwo-Olu's polling unit

The Peoples Democratic Party defeated the ruling All Progressives Congress at the Femi Okunnu polling unit, Lateef Jakande, Ikoyi where the APC governorship candidate in Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, voted in the presidential poll.

The PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, polled 52 votes to defeat President Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress, who got 48 votes.
Details soon…

Punch

Again, Buhari says he can't lose the presidential election

At exactly 8:07am, President Muhammadu Buhari cast his ballot at Kofar Baru 003 polling unit, Sarkin Yara ward in Daura, his hometown in Katsina state.

The president was joined by Aisha, his wife, and some of his aides.

After voting, the president spoke with journalists who were at his polling unit. Asked if he would congratulate the winner if he ends up losing, the president said: “I will congratulate myself at the end of this election.”

Gov Wike berates Amaechi for justifying assassination attempt on his life

▪blasts GOC for false and watery defence

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has stated that the unsolicited defence of the killer General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division of the Nigerian Army by the Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi may not be unconnected to amorous links to the wives of officers.

Governor Wike also berated the GOC 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Jamil Sarham,  who hatched the assassination attempt,  for putting up a false and watery defence.

Speaking  on the attempt by the Minister of Transportation to trivialize the weighty assassination attempt against him by the  GOC 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, Governor Wike said it is unfortunate  that the Minister  appointed himself the spokesman  of the killer GOC.

Governor Wike said: "It is unfortunate that the Minister of Transportation has become  the spokesman  of the GOC 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Jamil Sarham. 

"I hope his defence of the GOC has no relationship  with the wives of the officers, because we know him. When he starts defending like this, we hope his eyes are not looking into the homes of the officers".

The governor said there was no need responding to a politician who lacks the capacity  to produce candidates for his political party because he is not at his level.

"Amaechi should defend himself on the weighty allegations  made against  him by Senator Magnus Abe.  Amaechi  should react to these issues raised by Senator Magnus Abe instead of defending  the Nigerian Army . It is unfortunate  that Amaechi has no shame."

The governor said that on February  12, 2019, the Minister of Transportation at the APC Presidential Campaign Rally claimed that the Former Brigade Commander  planned to arrest him in 2015 and thereafter sang Igbo war song in preparation for this unfortunate  unholy alliance  with the GOC 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, which is the premise of the shameful lies.

Governor Wike advised the Minister of Transportation to allow the Nigerian Army to defend themselves  on the issue  of failed assassination  attempt.

On the defence put up by the killer GOC of the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, Governor Wike  said it is false, watery and lacks substance.

He said: "Just look at the watery defence put by the GOC on the failed assassination attempt.  It is without substance and did not address the issues.

"The GOC 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Jamil Sarham is a blood thirsty illiterate who thinks that a Rivers man blood will earn him promotion to the position  of Chief of Army Staff.

"Since he has failed to assassinate  me, God will not allow him to kill any Rivers man during these elections . Let him deny that he did not send soldiers to cordon off  my private residence on 15th February, 2019.

"Let him deny that he did send soldiers after me yesterday. Let him deny the several meetings held by him to plot against Rivers people during the elections.  Let him deny that he did not at one of those illegal meetings instruct soldiers to rig for the President.

"The defence of the GOC is watery and feeble.  It holds no water".

Cross River APC has no candidate - INEC

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said it does not recognise all the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates in Cross Rivers States for the rescheduled general elections.

Resident Electoral Commission in Cross River State, Dr Frankland Briyai, declared the names of all candidates submitted by APC in the state would be removed.

Addressing reporters in an abrupt briefing in Calabar late Friday evening, he said this was pursuant to an order of court with suit number FHC/CA/CS/731/2018 between Godwin Etim John vs the APC and others.

He said the logo and names of the APC would be retained pending the submission of the list of candidates by the Godwin Etim John- led state executive by the national working committee in compliance with the order.

Reading a statement, he said was from the Secretary of the Commission, Rose Orianran-Anthony, Briyai said: “The commission pursuant to the order of court in the above matter has directed that the names of candidates submitted by the APC for Governorship, Senatorial, House of Representatives and State House of Assembly for Cross River State be removed from the list of candidates for the election in compliance with the said order.”

The Nation

Compromised EFCC goes after PDP leaders nationwide few hours to election

Security agencies have launched a nationwide operation against leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) less than 24 hours to the commencement of the general election, the main opposition party has alleged.

On Friday, operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) searched the home of Ayo Fayose, the south-west co-ordinator of the PDP presidential campaign.

TheCable understands that homes of more PDP leaders will be searched between Friday night and Saturday morning by the security agencies who said they are trying to stop “vote buying”.

In Kwara, the police have arrested Rafiu Ibrahim, the senator representing the south district.

In a statement issued on Friday, the PDP national chairman, Uche Secondus, said all the terms of the agreement for peace have been broken by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) “who has deployed military and the police operatives to arrest and detain PDP leaders across the country”.

Secondus listed the states affected as Kwara, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Kano and Kaduna.

“PDP leaders are being harassed with arrest and detention by security operatives on flimsy reasons,” he said.

He said private jets belonging to an APC leader in Lagos “have been stationed at the airports protected by government operatives as money is being moved from the Central bank of Nigeria (CBN) to states”.

In Ekiti, the PDP chapter condemned “the invasion of the Afao Ekiti residence” of Fayose, saying no amount of intimidation can break the will of Nigerians “to vote out the APC government of President Muhammadu Buhari”.

The party said armed operatives of the EFCC stormed Fayose’s residence to conduct a search, claiming he was in custody of funds meant for the PDP in the south-west.

TheCable

Igbo man is new defence spokesman

Onyema Nwachukwu, the new Acting Director, Defence Information (DDI), has appealed to the media to continue to support the military in the effort to defeat terrorism and criminality in the country.

Mr Nwachukwu made the appeal on Friday at the Defence Headquarters, Abuja, after John Agim, a Brig.-Gen., handed over to him.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mr Agim retires from the Nigerian Army on Friday after 35 years of service.

The new spokesperson acknowledged the contributions of the media in the quest to rid the North-East of insurgency and terrorism, noting that they had defied the dangers associated with it.

He also noted that the media remained firmly resolute in exposing the ills of terrorism, hardship and trauma to which the terrorists had subjected the citizenry.

“Coming from the theatre of operation in the North-East, I have observed that you, journalists, diligently go about your duties to promote justice, fairness and equity in your reportage in the face of the crisis.

“I implore you not to relent but rather redouble your efforts in supporting the Armed Forces of Nigeria, until we rid our society of the criminals,” he said.

He described terrorism as “a societal ill and an aberration’’, which threatens collective peace, unity and national development and must not be allowed to thrive.

“It is, therefore, pertinent to work hands in glove to deny our common adversary the oxygen of publicity and crush the grandiose ego of terrorism.’’

Until his appointment, Mr Nwachukwu was the spokesman of the Theatre Command, Operation Lafiya Dole, in Borno.

In his remarks, Mr Agim, the outgoing DDI, noted that the task of managing the image of the armed forces was challenging because of the nature of military operations and its implications on the nation and citizens.

He, however, said that he dedicated his years of service in managing the image of the armed forces to ensure it got the “much needed public support’’.

Mr Agim thanked the Chief of Defence Staff, Abayomi Olonisakin, and the Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai, for the opportunity given to him to serve, as well as the media for their support.

(NAN)

Anthony Joshua's forthcoming fight breaks record in US

Anthony Joshua is billed to fight American boxer, Jarrell Miller on June 1st — his first-ever fight outside the UK. And despite being confirmed just a few days ago, the fight has become the highest-grossing pre-sale boxing event in Madison Square Garden history.

Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn confirmed this on Twitter:

Well, given that Joshua is unarguably the biggest name in heavyweight boxing right now, this is expected. Moreover, since he started making exploits in the UK, some people have argued that he shouldn’t really be seen as a champion until he takes his fight outside the country.

So, this upcoming fight is a chance for him to prove the doubters wrong. Although it will be broadcast live in the US and the UK, who would want to give up the chance to be in the arena when the unified world heavyweight champion defends his WBA, IBF, WBO and IBO against “Big Baby” Miller?

General tickets for the fight went on sale yesterday and they’re bound to sell out before you know it.

Konbini

Killer herdsmen attack Plateau Poly's staff quarters, abduct chaplain's son

The Plateau State Police Command says it has deployed more of its personnel in the Plateau State Polytechnic and the surrounding communities after gunmen attacked the institution’s staff quarter located at Heipang in the Barki Ladi Local Government Area of the state

During the attack, which occurred on Wednesday night, the gunmen, suspected to be Fulani herdsmen, abducted the 12-year-old son of the polytechnic’s Chaplain, Kim Andrew, when they could not get money from his father, Reverend Dido Andrew.

The police said in a statement in Jos on Thursday that they were on the trail of the kidnappers.

The statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, Mathias Tyopev, said, “On receipt of the information, the Commissioner of Police, Plateau State Command, Isaac Akinmoyede, directed the DPO of the Barkin Ladi Division to beef up security in and around the institution.

Punch

Zamfara, Rivers APC remain banned - INEC

The Independent National Electoral Commission says the All Progressives Congress will not be allowed to participate in any elections except the Presidential poll in Rivers and Zamfara States.

The INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu, said this at a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday.

Yakubu’s position comes despite a letter written to INEC by the Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), asking the commission to recognise the APC in Zamfara.


The APC in Zamfara and Rivers states had threatened that they would not allow any elections to take place in their states if they were not allowed to participate in the governorship, National Assembly and state assembly elections.

Punch

Army withdraws military escorts for OBJ, IBB, others

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen Tukur Buratai, has ordered the immediate withdrawal of military escorts for retired army generals and others during the elections.

The Army Chief also said that there will be no military escorts for politicians even as the army has been mandated to ensure that there is restriction of movement.

In his statement, he ordered the military commanders to ensure that anyone caught in doing anything inimical during the elections should be dealt with decisively.

COAS orders is not unconnected with the outcome of the meeting held with President Muhammadu Buhari and other security chiefs on Tuesday.

The Boss Newspapers

No cabal will run my government - Atiku

The former vice president of Nigeria and the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has vowed not to let cabals overtake his government if elected into power in the February 23 election.

Daily Trust reports that Atiku made this statement while interacting with stakeholders from the 23 local government areas of Kaduna state, at the Trade Fair complex.

The PDP presidential candidate who promised to sell the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), also claimed that President Muhammadu Buhari is not in control of his government and charged him to relinquish his power as the minister of petroleum.

He said: “If I get elected as president, 40 per cent of my cabinet will be youth and education will be provided for all regardless of any affiliation, and my government will not be run by cabals."

Karl Lagerfeld willed $3.4 million to his cat

Choupette, the cat of late fashion icon, Karl Lagerfeld, might inherit $3.4 million from his fortune.

The Paris-based millionaire, who died single at 85, is popular for the extravagant lifestyle he provides his pet which includes a bodyguard and two maids.

Before his death, Lagerfeld, who designed for Fendi and Chanel, had told French television that she would have her own fortune.

“Choupette is a rich girl, She has her own fortune,” he had said.

“If anything happens, the person who looks after her will not go without.”

The eight-year-old cat has appeared in various commercials including those for a German car firm and a Japanese cosmetic brand.

She is also the hero of a book titled “Choupette: The Private Life of a High-Flying Fashion Cat”, where she was photographed in arms of supermodel, Linda Evangalista and snuggling with actress, Laetitia Casta.

Lagerfeld didn’t allow the cat feature in cat food ads.

“She is too sophisticated for that, she has something unforgettable in the way she moves and I’m inspired by her elegance and attitude,” he said, referring to the cat that has 170,000 followers on Twitter.

While alive, Lagerfeld had sworn that he would have the cat’s ashes scattered over that of his mother if the cat died before him.

TheCable

Another postponement looms as Imo, Lagos, Kano result sheets found in Gombe, Kwara, Oyo

 Some result sheets for the presidential and National Assembly elections meant for Imo State had been found missing by the Independent National Electoral Commission.

The result sheets were subsequently discovered to be in Gombe and Ondo states. Similarly, some results sheets meant for Gombe State had been found in Imo State.

The missing results sheets, as well as the ones that were mixed up, came to the fore when stakeholders examined sensitive electoral materials that were retrieved from different registration area centres in the state in Owerri on Tuesday.

Those invited to verify the electoral materials in Owerri included political parties, civil society organisations, the Inter-Party Advisory Council, security agencies as well as election monitoring groups.

Our correspondent learnt that it was during the verification of the materials that some Gombe result sheets were found in the state while some materials for Imo State were discovered to be missing.

It was also learnt that when some materials were discovered to be missing, the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Prof Francis Ezeonu, made some telephone calls and discovered that the missing materials were in Gombe and Akure.

Necessary arrangements were said to have been put in place to retrieve the materials and also to send the Gombe result sheets to their appropriate location.

Punch

Body bags threat: ICC to prosecute El-Rufai

Human rights lawyer, Mr Femi Falana (SAN),  says Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, risks being prosecuted by the International Criminal Court over his “body bag” comment.

The lawyer said the only thing that could save El-Rufai from being picked up and prosecuted by the ICC was for none of the foreign election observers in the country to be killed.


He, however, challenged the United States and the United Kingdom, which had threatened visa ban against any politician who makes inciting comments, to begin with El-Rufai.

Falana made this call in a paper he delivered at a public lecture organised by the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights in honour of the late Dr Beko Ransome-Kuti, who passed on 13 years ago.


Falana said, “Last week (sic), Mr Nasir El-Rufai, the Governor of Kaduna State, threatened that foreign election observers and monitors who interfere in the 2019 general elections would ‘return to their countries in body bags because nobody will come to Nigeria and tell us how to run our country’.

“It is indisputable that the threat to attack and kill foreign election observers in Nigeria constitutes an infraction of the Electoral Act, 2010 and the Penal Code.  But because the governor, El-Rufai, currently enjoys immunity his trial and prosecution for the offence will have to await the end of his tenure.

“The western countries that have threatened to place travel restrictions on members of the ruling class who incite violence or interfere in the electoral process should not hesitate to make an example of the governor without any further delay.

“The Special Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, who has also warned against any form of electoral violence in the country, is urged to hold Governor El-Rufai responsible if foreign observers and monitors are killed during the 2019 general elections.”

The activist lawyer, however, accused the western nations of hypocrisy, noting that they kept mum when hundreds of Shi’ites were killed in the country.

He said, “They did not speak out when Governor El-Rufai publicly justified the massacre of 347 Shi’ites by the Nigerian Army in Zaria, Kaduna State on December 12, 2015.

“Did members of the international community protest when the governor authorised the mass burial of the bodies of the slain Shi’ites in an unmarked grave? Is the Special Prosecutor of the ICC not aware that the body bags of the massacred Shi’ites were not even sent to their bereaved family members?”

Falana said it was funny that the ruling All Progressives Congress would accuse the opposition Peoples Democratic Party of engaging lobbyists to meddle in Nigeria’s internal affairs, when the ruling party did the same in 2015.

He said, “It is interesting to note that the All Progressive Congress has accused western countries of supporting the Peoples Democratic Party in the 2019 general elections. Did former President Jonathan not accuse President (Barack) Obama of supporting the APC during the 2015 general elections? Have both the APC and the PDP not engaged the services of lobby groups to convince the governments of western countries to believe in their ability and competence to fix the problems of Nigeria? Have both political parties not sought the endorsement of the governments of western countries?

“Having regard to the commitment of both the APC and the PDP to guarantee unrestrained exploitation of the nation’s resources by imperialism it is naive to think that the governments of western countries are going to maintain neutrality in the politics of the country.”

Copyright PUNCH.

Obey Buhari's shoot at sight order or resign, Buratai tells soldiers

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Buratai, on Wednesday gave officers and men of the Nigerian Army with doubtful loyalty to the Federal Government Friday deadline to resign from the service.

Buratai gave the ultimatum at an expanded weekly meeting with Principal Staff Officers (PSOs), General Officers Commanding (GOCs) and some field commanders at the army headquarters in Abuja.

He said, “the foundation of military professionalism is discipline and without discipline an army cannot stand.

“One of our core values is loyalty to constituted authority. Loyalty must be hundred per cent.

“Should any officer or soldier have doubts as to his loyalty to the Nigerian State as presently constituted, such a person has up to Feb. 22, 2019 to resign.

“There is no room for indiscipline or disobedience to lawful orders in the Nigeria army today.’’

Buratai also said that the expanded meeting was to review security strategies put in place for the Presidential and National Assembly elections on Saturday.

He recalled that two weeks ago, the strategies were planned in a similar meeting until the elections were rescheduled to Saturday and March 9, from Feb. 16 and March 2.

The army chief decried some politicians’ reaction to President Muhammadu Buhari directive to security agents to deal ruthlessly with ballot box- snatching.

“It is unfortunate to hear persons who are aspiring to rule this country again inciting the army to disobedience.

“We have consistently stated our position in the political dispensation to remain neutral and apolitical.

“However, direct and public incitement of the Nigerian military against democracy and constituted civil authority will not be tolerated.

“I request such persons to withdraw this inciting statement.

“Let me re-emphasize loud and clear, that the Nigerian Army is a professional army,’’ he stated.

He, therefore, ordered commanders to deal decisively with any electoral crime or action that could be inimical to national security.

Buratai further directed them to ensure that they and personnel under them did not hobnob with politicians.

“In this regard, there will be no military escort for any politician and all Nigerian army personnel are to stay clear of retired military officers, especially those who are now politicians until after the elections.

“Commanders are to conduct extensive patrols within their Area of Responsibilities (AORs).

“They must ensure that all flash points within the area are dominated.

“Commanders must, in conjunction with the Nigeria Police Force, enforce the restriction on movement within their Area of Responsibilities (AORs).

“All vehicles must be searched and suspicious persons or vehicles arrested/impounded and later handed over to the police,’’ he said.

According to Buratai, thuggery, snatching of ballot boxes, illegal possession of elections materials and similar crimes are intended to mar an election and create deliberate avenues for post-election violence and mayhem.

He said that such actions could also become more damaging when they are widespread, leading to destruction of lives and property.

Buratai noted that such incidents in past elections were often planned and orchestrated by politicians, but said that the army had hitherto been cautious in its approach.

“However, this time around the Nigerian army will adopt a proactive posture that ensures that similar incidents do not even arise.’’

He noted that Nigerians had generally expressed disappointment with the postponement of the elections, adding that it increased apprehension in the populace and international community.

He, however, assured that the army alongside other security agencies, would rise to the challenge of ensuring a peaceful outcome of the rescheduled elections.

Buratai said that there was need to give confidence to Nigerians and reassure the international community that all would go well in the electoral process.

He insisted that the unity of Nigeria was not negotiable, “hence those who seek to undermine its democracy by interfering in its electoral process must be seen as enemies and dealt with appropriately.

“Our role is aptly captured in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) and we must defend Nigeria’s territorial integrity as well as act in aid of civil authority when called upon to do so.

“Therefore, commanders must work with all stakeholders, interest groups and agencies to avert any act by any individual, groups or entities that seek to undermine our democratic process.’’

(NAN)

Fear of losing election: Buhari orders immediate payment of workers' February salary

The Federal Government of Nigeria has directed the immediate payment of February salaries to workers.

This, it said, is to financially enable workers wishing to travel to vote in Saturday’s Presidential and National Assembly election to do so.

The announcement was made by the Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed, while briefing journalists at the end of the meeting of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), presided over by the president, Muhammadu Buhari.

The minister said the payment of salaries to federal workers already commenced on Tuesday, which is “to ease the burden off civil servants planning to travel for the elections”.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), postponed the presidential election billed for February 16 to February 23.

Many who had travelled to their voting destinations were forced to return to their bases and there have been ruminations among the populace that many will not return to vote.

Mr Mohammed said the FEC, on Wednesday, discussed the issue and reviewed some of the palliatives put in place to help people return to cast their votes.

He said the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), with a membership of about 50,000, “(which) controls 80 per cent of the petroleum sector distribution has agreed to cushion the effect of the postponement by reducing the price of pump price of petrol from N145 to 140 from February 21 to 25th”.

The minister said the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), which has about 2 million members and operates motor parks in all the 774 local government areas across the country, has offered to provide discount to travellers using their motor parks.

“All these (are) aimed at encouraging voters who might have been disenfranchised by the postponement,” he said.

Mr Mohammed also said as part of the incentives, two airlines, Aero contractors and Arik Air, are offering discounted fares to passengers.

He said while Aero is offering a 50 per cent discount to all travellers who present their Permanent Voters Card (PVC), at point of purchase, Arik has slashed the price of their tickets to N16000 to all destinations across the country from February 18 to 11 March 11, 2019.

Premium Times

Olajumoke the bread seller photo bomber goes broke again

The fairy tale rise-to- fame of Olajumoke Orisaguna in 2016 inspired millions of Nigerians, captured the interest of international media and served as a prayer point for many who desired such overnight transformation.

Olajumoke became the modern-day Nigerian Cinderella when she accidentally strayed into a photo shoot helmed by TY Bello, a Nigerian singer/photographer, while hawking bread on Olonode Street, Yaba, Lagos.

Following her accidental encounter with the photo shoot, TY Bello and Azuka Ogujiuba, a former senior reporter with THISDAY Style, collaborated to make a model and celebrity out of Olajumoke.

Subsequently, companies rolled over themselves to favour the 30-year-old. At the end of the media blitz which included features on CNN and BBC, the bread seller got a five-year rent of a fully furnished apartment bankrolled by Sujimoto, a luxury apartment construction company. She also secured modelling contracts with e-commerce company, Payporte, and Zenith Bakery.

The interventions and series of accompanying developments saw the fortune of the bread seller take a leap – but three years down the line, things are not as rosy as expected in the life of the mother of two.

eelive can reveal that she is struggling economically and her relationship with Sunday Orisaguna, the lover for whom she has her two children, is on its way south as well.


At the moment, Olajumoke cannot boast of any concrete means of livelihood. At home, things are not easy. Sunday said life has been incredibly tough, and that help is farther from him because many people assume that Olajumoke has made it big, and that consequently, he’s also rich.

He lamented that Olajumoke and her family have refused to agree to the formalization of their relationship despite having two children together.

Although Olajumoke and her erstwhile manager, Azuka Ogujiuba, would not discuss the details of their parting of ways, both maintained that they remain friendly and accessible to one another.

Sources close to both parties, however, insist that the severance of their relationship has left the former bread seller at sea.

This suspicion was confirmed by Sunday who told eelive that “I think she was better when she was with Azuka because Azuka and TY Bello have great connections that paid Olajumoke more”.

Sunday also complained that he is often kept out of the loop of Olajumoke’s activities.

He said: “I just know her manager calls her, they go out and return late. Sometimes she returns as late as past 12am and without explanations. She doesn’t even tell me where they go and what happens.”

The former bread seller herself confirmed that things are not as promising as they were three years ago.

Although she has no job and savings, Olajumoke spoke of her desire to have a home of her own before the existing rent expires in two years and to establish a haircare business before the end of 2019.

 Source: Eelive