Anambra erupts in jubilation as Atiku picks Peter Obi as running mate

Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar on Friday.

Jubilations erupted in various parts of Anambra State on Friday as a former governor of the state, Peter Obi, was named the Vice Presidential candidate to Abubakar Atiku of the Peoples Democratic Party for the 2019 general election.

Most pubs in Awka, the state capital, were agog as if the Super Eagles had won a major competition.

Speaking with our correspondent, a legal practitioner who was caught in the joyous mood said, “Peter Obi is a man who has a date with destiny.

“I’m not surprised that His Excellency Atiku Abubakar picked him to assist him to run the affairs of this country if he wins the presidency.

“That’s a confirmation of the good works Obi did here as governor. It’s a confirmation that Obi is ordained for greatness.

“It is a right choice. Nigeria will be great for it because Obi has a robust background of the private sector and tall achievements in governance.”

Also, speaking, a governorship candidate on the platform of PDP, Mr. Oseloka Obaze, said, “Atiku made the right choice in Peter Obi.

“Nigerians’ prayer is answered. His Excellency Atiku Abubakar has made the right choice in picking Peter Obi as his running make.

“Atiku has just exhibited the ability to make hard-headed decision required of purposeful leaders.

“Let’s get Nigeria working again. God bless Atiku. God bless Peter Obi and God bless Nigeria,” Obaze said.

A public affairs analyst, Aaron Muorah, expressed his joy thus, “With his solid educational and business background, he is second to none. Congratulations to Peter Obi.”

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BREAKING: Fayose presents handover note to Head of Service

Fayose presents handover documents to Head of Service, Dr. Gbenga Faseluka. Photo: Kamarudeen Ogundel

The Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has presented a handover note to the state’s Head of Service, Dr. Gbenga Faseluka.

The event took place during the special State Executive Council meeting at the new Governor’s Office in Ado Ekiti on Friday.

Speaking at the council’s meeting witnessed by some traditional rulers, the outgoing governor thanked the people of the state for the opportunity to serve.

He urged them to extend same cooperation to the incoming administration in the interest of the development of the state.

Fayose said, “What has a beginning must have an end. It is not the number of years spent but the quantity and quality of achievements.

“I thank the people of the state for their cooperation and urge them to extend same to the incoming administration.

“There should never be a vacuum; our priority must be Ekiti in the discharge of our duties.

“I’m a man who came, saw and conquered. I can’t finish all. I have done my best. History will be kind to me as a man who has given his best to the people.

“I will remember you all for your support. I bear no grudges against anyone.”

Fayose said he would be available to answer any question on his administration.

The Commissioner for Finance, Toyin Ojo; and that of Works, Mrs. Funmi Ogun, who spoke at the event, thanked Fayose for the opportunity to serve.

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Obasanjo lobbying US to lift Atiku’s travel ban – APC

The All Progressives Congress has said it has received credible reports that ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo has made moves to get the United States of America to lift an alleged travel ban on former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar.

Acting National Publicity Secretary of the APC, Yekini Nabena said this in a statement, in Abuja, on Friday.

According to him, the ex-President has made moves to secure United States entry visa for the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku, whose candidacy he endorsed on Thursday.

The APC said it learnt that Obasanjo who during and after leaving office as president insisted on Atiku’s unsuitability to govern Nigeria based on his knowledge of the latter’s extensive corrupt practices while he served as Vice President, is lobbying US authorities to withdraw the ban reportedly placed on Atiku from entering the US.

Nabena alleged that the ban was placed on the former Vice President following a 2005 $500,000 bribery scandal that involved Atiku, his fourth wife, Jennifer and former United States Congressman, William Jefferson.

He said, “Recall that the former president while in office had deployed enormous resources of the country on a global dragnet coordinated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in getting Atiku prosecuted for corrupt enrichment and money laundering.

“A report by the United States Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, chaired by Senator Carl Levin reported that Atiku used offshore companies to syphon millions of dollars to his fourth wife in the United States, Jennifer while still the vice president of Nigeria between 2000 and 2008.

“The report further stated that then President Bush had on the strength of his report, barred Atiku and other corrupt politically-exposed persons from being issued visa to the United States, a reason for which he has been unable to travel to the United States till date.

The APC spokesperson also said, “Former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s intervention in Alhaji Abubakar Atiku’s ban from the United States of America is evidence of Obasanjo’s legendary hypocrisy and self-serving interest in national affairs.

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Rescue Leah Sharibu before Boko Haram’s deadline expires, NCAN begs Buhari

•Leah (left) and mother

The Chairman of the Northern Christian Association of Nigeria, Rev. Yakubu Pam, has appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to do everything within his powers to rescue Leah Sharibu before the deadline that was given by the Boko Haram insurgents for negotiations expires.

He also appealed to the insurgents to release Sharibu and other captives, stating that their families are in agony.

Speaking in an interview with journalists in Abuja on Friday, in company with other NCAN members, Pam expressed the fear that the abducted Dapchi schoolgirl might be executed as threatened by Boko Haram.

“We have heard what the abductors have said, we are here together as religious leaders and traditional rulers to appeal to the conscience of the abductors of these innocent girls.

“We heard next week is the deadline to execute the girls but we don’t know, but we are here to make an appeal to them and we pray that God speaks to their heart so that they can release these innocent girls,” Pam pleaded.

The NCAN expressed hope that the federal government would negotiate with the insurgents for the release of all victims in Boko Haram captivity.

“We are hoping that government will do everything in her powers to release her(Sharibu) because she is still being held only on account of her refusal to renounce her faith,” Pam added.

The Imam, Apo legislative quarters mosque, Sheik Mohammed Khalid, wondered why Sharibu was being held on account of her faith, describing the situation as unfortunate.

He said, “We are appealing to them to release those in their captivity especially, Leah Sharibu, We are worried about her in particular because she was abducted with other children, but why should she be left behind, that’s our problem.”

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FG redeploys 32 directors, 127 other top officials

Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Winifred Oyo-Ita

The Federal Government on Thursday ordered the redeployment of 159 top government officials across different ministries. 

The circular containing the redeployment indicated that those affected in the exercise approved by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Winnifred Oyo-Ita, are those in the directorate level and other officers under the pool of the Office of the HOCSF.

The circular dated October 10 was signed by a Permanent Secretary, Mustapha Sulaiman, on behalf of the HOCSF.

“All handing and taking over processes should be completed on or before Friday, October 19, 2018.

“Any disregard of this deployment shall be treated in accordance with the provisions of PSR 030301 (b),” Sulaiman wrote.

A total of 32 directors were affected by the exercise.

Also affected were 34 deputy directors and 37 assistant directors among others. 

Apart from a few of the officials who were said to be filling vacancies or being moved to serve as deputies to some officials, no particular reason was given for the movement

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Pay Omo-Agege his entitlements or appear in court, judge warns Saraki

Senate President Bukola Saraki and Senator Ovie Omo-Agege

The Federal High Court on Thursday warned the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, over the imprisonment proceedings initiated against him by the Delta-Central senator, Ovie Omo-Agege.

Omo-Agege had initiated the committal proceedings praying that Saraki be sent to prison as punishment for flouting the May 10 judgment of the court which ordered him (Omo-Agege) to be reinstated from illegal suspension and be paid all his accrued benefits for the period of the voided suspension.

The hearing of the committal proceedings was scheduled for Thursday, but the alleged contemnor and his lawyers were absent from court.

Ruling on a request by Omo-Agege’s lawyer, Dr. Alex Izinyon (SAN), to have the committal application heard despite the absence of the defence, Justice Nnamdi Dimgba said he was more inclined to giving the Senate President another chance to “remedy the alleged wrong” or appear in court to defend himself.

Justice Dimgba noted that the application was truly “ripe for hearing,” as argued by Izinyon, as the court’s records showed that Saraki had been served with the motion on notice and hearing notice for the Thursday’s proceedings via a newspaper publication of September 25, 2018 as earlier ordered by the court.

The judge, however, said he would give Saraki another chance to remedy the alleged wrong or appear in court to defend himself.

He also directed Izinyon to write the Senate President and the legal department of the Senate, informing them of the adjournment of the proceedings till October 18.

Gateway News

METRO NEWS See The Real Reasons Pastor Chris’ Ex-Wife Was Absent At Daughter’s Wedding

See The Real Reasons Pastor Chris’ Ex-Wife Was Absent At Daughter’s Wedding

There has been speculations over the absence of the ex-wife of Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, Anita at her daughter, Sharon’s wedding over the weekend.

A source at Christ Embassy revealed that she was not stopped from attending the occasion by Pastor Chris Oyakhilome.

Gateway News had reported that Sharon, got wedded to her lover, Phillip Frimpong, over the weekend with her mother absent at the event.

A source has opened up on the reason behind Anita’s decision, after rumours were making rounds that she was hindered by the clergyman.

“She must have felt left out of everything since Sharon lived with her dad,” the source told Kemiashefonlovehaven.

“The wedding was more of a Christ Embassy ‘event’ and everyone was present. Maybe she would have felt uncomfortable with the members and pastors around.

“Not only that, the Oyakhilome family were all present and she might have felt funny what with the drama she pulled before and after the divorce.”

Speaking further, the source dismissed reports that she (Anita) was stopped from attending the wedding by her former lover.

“It’s not possible for the man of God to have done that,” the source added.

“He is a peace-loving person and even if such happened, Anita, who is known to have been vocal since the divorce took place, must have taken to social media to express herself.

“I think she just didn’t feel up to handling what would have happened at the event.”

Gateway News

Atiku Abubakar To Meet Chief Obasanjo Today

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar will be visiting his erstwhile principal, President Olusegun Obasanjo today, Gateway news understands.

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The visit to Obasanjo would be the first time the former president would meet with his former deputy since the later emerged as presidential candidate of the PDP.

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The two men had an on-again-off-again relationship since the two fell out towards the end of the Obasanjo presidency when the former president allegedly mounted schemes to block Atiku from succeeding him as president.

Atiku had on his part actively played a role in stopping the third term agenda reportedly schemed by Obasanjo.

Though Chief Obasanjo had in the past vowed not to ever support Atiku’s long nurtured presidential aspiration, there is expectation that the former president may unbend upon his even more harsh assessment of the incumbent president, Muhammadu Buhari.

Today’s meeting between the two men, Vanguard gathered was packaged by Afenifere leaders who had on Tuesday visited Dr. Obasanjo ahead of the visit.

Gateway News recalls Atiku in his acceptance speech after emerging the PDP presidential candidate, thanked Obasanjo for giving him the platform to build and exhibit his leadership abilities.

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Nigerian lady runs mad after reportedly sleeping with a married man (photos) Read more: https://www.naija.ng/1197454-nigerian-lady-runs-mad-reportedly-sleeping-a-married-man-photos.

A young Nigerian lady has fallen to the streets to display visible acts of insanity. In a flimsy yellow cloth, ruffled hair and bare feet, the woman has been roaming the streets of her community. While many do not know the reason for this show of madness, a woman called Chinomso Ohaeri has taken to social media to allege that the unidentified lady has turned mad because of intimate involvement with a married man. Chinomso who also shared photos of the woman running wild on the road made this strong accusation against her on a Facebook group called Firm stance community. Nigerian lady said to run mad after reportedly sleeping with a married man Photo: Chinomso Ohaeri Source: Facebook Source: Facebook According to the woman, the woman who is now mad has been infamous for sleeping with married men. Chinomso is of the opinion that her present state is due to a particular intimate relationship she had with another married man. Rather than feel sorry for her, Chinomso is happy that the unidentified young lady has been caught up in the web of her sins. Nigerian lady accused of running mad after sleeping with a married man Photo: Chinomso Ohaeri Source: Facebook Source: Facebook PAY ATTENTION: More Nigerian News on NAIJ.com News App She expressed her joy and satisfaction at seeing the lady get what she deserved in a caption that reads thus: “Yes ooo. GOD of Justice is at work. a lady runs mad after sleeping with a married man. according to a source very close to her. she said that the lady is fund of sleeping with married men. PAY ATTENTION: Daily relationship gist on Africa Love Aid That she had warn her to stop following married men but the lady told her that it is her life that whatever she does with her life is nobody’s business. now God has heard the cry of the wife of a particular married man she is going out with.” Nigerian lady runs mad after reportedly sleeping with a married man Photo

NEWS: NLC Fault Claims By FG, Insists Tripartite Committee Has Concluded Work On New Minimum Wage

The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), has faulted the claims of the Federal Government that it had not reached an agreement on the national minimum wage with the labour leaders.

In a statement on Wednesday, jointly signed by the union leaders, Comrade Ayuba Wabba, Comrade Bala Bobboi Kaigama and Comrade Joe Ajaero, they insisted that the tripartite committee had concluded its work, contrary to the claims of the Federal Government.

The labour leaders also stated that that the committee had adopted a figure through a formal motion moved, seconded and adopted in the absence of any counter motion.

“Our attention has been drawn to a statement credited to the Honourable Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige claiming that no amount has been agreed by the Tripartite Committee as recommendation to government.

“The report further claimed that the Minister said that government was still negotiating with Labour. “It is rather unfortunate and sad if, indeed, the Honourable Minister made those statements.

“For the avoidance of doubt, Organised Labour representatives wish to state unequivocally that the Tripartite Committee concluded its work, adopted a figure through a formal motion moved, seconded and adopted in the absence of any counter motion.

“This was after a thorough debate of a report from the sub-committee figure, chaired by Senator Ngige himself, which presented four scenarios for consideration,” the statement read in part.

The labour leaders further explained that the “sub-committee worked on the basis of a figure proposed by the Federal Government, figures proposed by a number of state governments as well as proposals submitted by the Organised Private Sector and Organised Labour”.

Also, according to them, the committee formally adjourned its sitting with a decision that a date will be communicated to members for the signing of the report and submission of same to President Buhari.

The labour leaders said they were displeased with what they described as an attempt to delay the processes needed to promulgate a new National Minimum Wage.

They, therefore, called on the government to take immediate necessary steps to ensure the enactment of a new National Minimum Wage, adding that if immediate action is not taken, they “cannot guarantee industrial peace and harmony”.

Gateway News

2019: Court summons APC, INEC over Uzodinma's candidacy in Imo Read more: https://www.naija.ng/1197510-2019-court-summons-apc-inec-uzodinmas-candidacy-imo.html#1197510

- The crisis in the Imo state chapter of the APC regarding the governorship primary is still on - An Abuja high court has into the controversial issue followed an exparte motion - The court has summoned INEC and APC to explain its action within 48 hours An Abuja high court has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the All Progressive Congress (APC) to show cause within 48 hours why Senator Hope Uzodinma should not be the governorship candidate of APC in Imo state having won the initial primary election conducted by the party. The order followed an exparte motion filed by Senator Uzodinma asking the court to restrain both the APC and INEC from processing or forwarding any other name as the Imo state governorship candidate of the party except that of himself, Leadership reports. Senator Uzodinma in the suit sought five reliefs from the court presided over by Justice A.O. Musa among which is an injunction restraining APC from conducting fresh primary in Imo state pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice. READ ALSO: APC is confident about 2019 - Governor Okorocha The senator who was earlier declared the winner of the APC governorship primary by the Alhaji Ahmad Gulak committee also sought an order restraining INEC from monitoring another primary in Imo state for governorship election. He also sought an order of the court directing APC as the first defendant to forward his name to INEC (second defendant) as the duly elected candidate of APC for the governorship election in Imo state. The senator equally sought an order restraining INEC from accepting or processing any other name except that of himself (Uzodimma) as the APC candidate in Imo state pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice. Finally, he sought the court’s order for INEC to continue to process his name (Uzodimma) as the duly elected governorship candidate of APC in Imo state until the matter is determined. After hearing the prayers, Justice A.O. Musa of the high court in Bwari gave both APC and INEC 48 hours within which to show cause why the reliefs sought by Senator Uzodimma should not be granted. He also ordered the defendants to make appearance in court within five days. The judge then ordered that the matter should be given an accelerated hearing. PAY ATTENTION: Install our latest app for Android, read best news on Nigeria’s #1 news app The APC had gone ahead to organise another primary election despite Senator Uzodinma's protests, where Uche Nwosu won the party's governorship primary. Nwosu, who is the son-in-law of Governor Rochas Okorocha, polled 269,524 votes to emerge winner, while Chuks Ololo and Peter Gbujie followed with 6,428 and 4,855 respectively. The chairman of the electoral panel, Ibrahim Agbabiaka, who announced Nwosu's victory, gave the names of those who participated in the governorship primaries as Chuks Ololo, George Eche, Uche Nwosu, Deputy Governor Eze Madumere, Senator Uzodimma, Air Commodore Peter Gbujie(rtd), Chima Anozie, Jude Ejiogu and Chris Nlemoha. What is cooking in Imo state? 

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