December 2018

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$5m bribe claim: Hamzat lied against me, says Jonathan Fix



Former President Goodluck Jonathan has denied offering Lagos State governorship running mate Obafemi Hamzat $5 million bribe in the run-up to the general elections in 2015.
Dr. Jonathan’s denial was contained in a statement in Abuja yesterday by his spokesman Ikechukwu Eze.
According to him, he and Hamzat, who slugged it out for the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket with Governor Akinwunmi Ambode at the primary, before, during and after the 2015 elections.
Hamzat was quoted as saying at the launch of the Sanwo-Olu – Amzat Advocates in Lagos that he rejected Jonathan’s $5 million offer in 2015, explaining that he took the decision for posterity.
But Jonathan said through his aide that no such thing transpired between him and and former Lagos State Commissioner for Works & Infrstructure.
The statement reads: “Our attention has been drawn to a claim by the running mate to the APC governorship candidate, Mr. Obafemi Hamzat, that he rejected a $5 million bribe from former President Goodluck Jonathan during the 2015 elections.
“There is no better way to respond to this frivolous claim than to quickly dismiss it as a blatant lie apparently concocted by a wannabe politician desperate for votes in a campaign season.
“In the first place, this character is an obscure individual who in 2015 had neither a recognisable name nor political clout.
“The point has to be clearly made that former President Jonathan has never met this man who was obviously not relevant in the national politics of 2015, let alone seek to offer him bribe.
“If the former President did not offer anyone bribe, having clearly acquitted himself as a man who does not believe in desperate politics, how on earth could he have sought to compromise an individual he didn’t even know and who obviously had no means of helping him politically?
“Assuming anybody had $5 million dollars to spend to better his political fortune as Mr. Hamzat claimed, why seek to waste it on man who was just a commissioner prior to 2015…?”
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 Adepoju disowns those soliciting fund for his eye treatment abroad


Renowned Ewi poet Chief Olanrewaju Adepoju yesterday spoke on his eye problem, saying he has not authorised anyone to solicit fund for his treatment abroad.
Reacting to an online statement on his need for financial assistance, Adepoju urged the public to disregard the statement.
A statement signed by him, reads: “This is to inform the public that there is information going viral on social media, soliciting financial assistance over Chief Olanrewaju Adepoju’s eye problem, posted by an unknown source.
“The information may have emerged based on either of the following: That it is either the person who posted it did it out of genuine intention to raise funds for Baba Adepoju to aid his medical trip to Saudi Arabia.
“Or the person sees it as a cheap means to blackmail and tarnish Chief Adepoju’s image and reputation built over the years, especially among his fans all over the world.
“The public is informed that Baba Adepoju did not authorise anybody to post the message on his behalf.
“He has accepted his fate concerning his vision, knowing that whatever Allah decides is binding on every individual, with or without human input.
“We use this medium to thank those who have assisted morally and financially as well as those who have shown concern by making efforts concerning Chief Adepoju’s health. May the Almighty Allah in His infinite mercy reward you abundantly.”
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 Offa, neighbour quarrel over court verdict on land dispute



There is anxiety in Offa and Erin-Ile communities of Offa and Oyun local government areas of Kwara State.
Erin-Ile claimed it got a Supreme Court judgment on December 14, ceding some parcels of land in Offa to Erin-Ile, but Offa community has described its sister community’s claim as false.
Both communities had engaged in bloody clashes over ownership of some land.
Speaking on the judgment, the National President of Erin-Ile Progressive Union, Samuel Olu Alabi said: “In 1973, pursuant to administrative judicial panel, headed Justice Daramola, we got a Supreme Court judgment on December 10, that same year, confirming the boundary of Erin-Ile as far as NEPA office – the present Offa Descendants Union (ODU) and several other places – as belonging to Erin-Ile.Thereafter, there had been some administrative interventions to distort the Supreme Court confirmation.
“Few years after, the Offa community and some other individuals in Offa felt they should litigate the once resolved boundary. Like any other court case, it started from the High Court, and they lost. They appealed to the Court of Appeal and they lost. Finally, they went to the Supreme Court. On December 14, just a few days back, the Supreme Court not only dismissed the appeal, it (also) awarded a cost of N500,000 in favour of Erin-Ile.
“The court also classified the appeal as an abuse of court processes against known legal norms. It confirmed that the Erin-Ile land covers where we know now as the Federal Polytechnic, Offa, Avalon Hotel and many other places. That is the background and the summary of the judgment.”
Alabi added that the community would soon swing into action for the enforcement of the judgment.
He said: “We are running a community, not a one-man show. We have already set up a committee to review the judgment. The committee will advise the EPU national body and the Elerin of Erin-Ile on the way forward.
“It will be too hasty for us now to say the steps we will take. We are studying the judgment and, at the end of the day, the whole world will know where we are heading to.
“But, unlike the 1973, when we did not take steps, this time round, we will take necessary steps in accordance with the judgment. When and how we are going to do it is not yet determined. The steps we are going to take include the execution of judgment validly delivered by the highest court of justice in Nigeria.
“There are established procedures for executing a court judgment. This is what we are going to adopt. We will not do anything against the law. Any judgment that is not enforceable is a mere waste of time, and our judges would not deliver judgments that cannot be enforced.
“We must know that there is no appeal after the Supreme Court judgment. Like I said, it is not going to be like a military intervention; the whole world will be told. Our neighbours will be duly advised through newspaper adverts. We will not allow people to work on sentiment and allow least informed people to think Erin-Ile is troublesome and violent.”
The President of Offa Descendants Union (ODU), Alhaji Najim Yaasin, urged the state government to caution Erin-Ile not to cause unnecessary tension by spreading false claims and reports to unsuspecting members of the public.
In a latter to the state government, he said: “Contrary to the claim of Erin-Ile, the Supreme Court did not award any land to Erin-Ile. The land dispute between Offa and Erin-Ile dates back to the Adaramola’s boundary report, which awarded part of Offa land to Erin-Ile.
“That decision was challenged up to the Supreme Court and the court held that the decision could only be varied by the state government based on the law setting up the boundary commission.
“The present case arose from some families in Offa, who want their ancestral land that was wrongly given to some families in Erin-Ile.
“The Supreme Court’s recent ruling struck out the appeal on technical grounds of improper parties before the court and the matter has been settled by previous decision of the Supreme Court.”
The letter reads: “That the Dr Funsho Daramola’s report has been varied by different military governments of Kwara State. In 1975, Col. Ibrahim Taiwo amended the Bamgboye Edict to set aside the Dr Funsho Daramola report and, in its place, set up a committee of traditional rulers, headed by the late Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Zulu Karnaeni Gambari, which eventually fixed the boundary at the crest of the hill between the two community, called ‘Kere Ipinle’; a peace accord was then signed by both communities.
“In 1985, Group Captain Salaudeen Latinwo published an advertorial acquiring some 500 metres on both sides of Kere Ipinle boundary for buffer zone. In 1986, Wing Commander Ndatsu Umoru surveyed the buffer zone with register beacons and deposit, accordingly. In 1997, Col. P. A. M. Ogar (Military Administrator, or MILAD) signed the buffer zone into law and gazetted it accordingly.
“It is now crystal clear that various governments had varied severally the decision of Dr Funsho Daramola report and is no longer valid.
“Offa, therefore, rejects any claim to land by Erin-Ile beyond the present status quo. Offa will not concede any part of its land to Erin-Ile. Offa reiterates its position that the Supreme Court has not awarded any land to Erin-Ile.
“The Kwara State government is hereby called upon to caution Erin-Ile from creating problems where none exists.”
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 Tinubu, APC


The All Progressives Congress, APC, has released the names of members of its Presidential Campaign Council for the 2019 elections. They are as follows:
CHAIRMAN
President Muhammadu Buhari
CO-CHAIRMAN
Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu
DEPUTY CHAIRMEN
1. The Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo.
2. The APC National Chairman Comrade Adams Oshiomole
VICE CHAIRMAN NORTH
Senator George Akume
VICE CHAIRMAN SOUTH
Senator Ken Nnamani
DIRECTOR GENERAL
His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi
DEPUTY DIRECTOR GENERAL (OPERATIONS)
Senator A.O. Mamora
DEPUTY DIRECTOR GENERAL (COORDINATION)
Arch. Waziri Bulama
SECRETARY
1. Adamu Adamu
2. Dele Alake
ZONAL DIRECTORS
a. North West: Senator Aliyu M. Wamakko
b. North East: Senator Muh’d Ali Ndume
c. North Central: Senator Abdullahi Adamu
d. South West: Sola Oke, SAN
e. South East: Sharon Ikeazor
f. South South: Senator Godswill Akpabio
DIRECTORATES
a. Director, Buhari Support Groups – Dr. Mahmoud Mohammed
b. Director, Strategic Communications – Festus Keyamo, SAN
a. Deputy Director- Abike Dabiri- Erewa
c. Director, Contact & Mobilization – Hadiza Bala Usman
a. Deputy Director South -Victor Eboigre
b. Deputy Director North- Senator Bashir Nalado
d. Director, Election Planning & Monitoring – Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN
a. Deputy Director I- Baba Kura Abba Jato
b. Deputy Director II-Chief Emani Ayiri
e. Director, Logistics – Dr. Pius Odubu
a. Deputy Director- Senator Umanah Umanah
b. Deputy Director II- Nasiru Danu
f. Director, Policy Research & Strategy- Prof Abdulrahman Oba
a. Deputy Director- Prof. A.K. Usman
g. Director, Youth Mobilization- Hon. Tony Nwoye assisted by the APC Youth Leader sadiq
a. Deputy Director North- Barrister Ismaeel Ahmed
b. Deputy Director South – Jasper Azuatalam
h. Director, Admin- Onari Brown
a. Deputy Director I- Chris Hassan
b. Deputy Director II- Abubakar Magaji Gasau
i. Director, Women Mobilization- Woman Leader Salamatu Baiwa
a. Deputy Director North – Binta Mu’azu
b. Deputy Director South – Adejoke Orelope Adefulire
j. Director Security – Gen. A. . Dambazzau
a. Deputy Directors – Brigadier General Gambo and Mr. U. Ukoma
k. Director Legal – Emeka Ngige, SAN
a. Deputy Director- Prof. Maman Lawan Yusufari
l. Director Field Opertaions- Mallam Nuhu Ribadu
M. Director Finance – Wale Edun
Deputy Director ….Alhaji Adamu Fadan
SPECIAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO MR. PRESIDENT
1. Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo.
2. Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu
3. Senator Ahmed Lawan (Senate Leader)
4. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila ( Leader of the House )
5. APC Party National Chairman Comrade Adams Oshiomole
6. Alhaji Aliko Dangote.
7. Mr. Femi Otedola
COUNCIL MEMBERS
1. Chief Bisi Akande
2. Chief John Oyegun
3. Senator Ita Enang
4. All APC serving Senators
5. All APC serving and former Governors
6. All APC Members of the House of Representatives
7. All members of the National Working Committee of the APC
8. All Zonal Women Leaders
STATE COORDINATORS
1. Governors are to serve as State Coordinators in their respective states
2. Gubernatorial Candidates in non- APC States will serve as State Coordinators in their respective states
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Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday assured his supporters that their handwork and loyalty would be adequately rewarded.
Buhari gave the assurance in Abuja while delivering a speech at the inauguration of his support group tagged, “ Together Nigeria’’.
The event was organised by the Buhari Support Organisation.
Buhari, who expressed gratitude to the organisation, said, “some individuals and organisations might be feeling disappointed because we have not been able to please everyone.
“I would like to assure you that this time, handwork and loyalty will be rewarded adequately.’’
According to the President, the event reminds him of the political struggle and support he has been enjoying from the group over the years.
He, therefore, endorsed the plan put in place by the Buhari Support Organisation to reposition the organisation and strategise towards success in the next election and beyond.
“This once again gives me further encouragement, hope and optimism in our political journey,” Buhari said.
While acknowledging the overwhelming nationwide support he has been enjoying over the years, Buhari said his administration was already celebrating the landmark achievements so far recorded.


He expressed gratitude to the group for sensitising Nigerians to the successes recorded by the governing All Progressive Congress (APC).
He also expressed appreciation to the Nigerian celebrities for their contributions to the growth of the country’s entertainment industry as well as projecting the good image of Nigeria abroad.
“I would like to thank our celebrities for projecting the image of Nigeria globally and your contributions to our entertainment industry,’’ he said.
‘Together Nigeria’, which is made up of Nigerian celebrities, is an advocacy group supporting the re-election of President Muhammadu Buhari in 2019. (NAN)
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Saraki

A fresh battle is brewing in the National Assembly between supporters and opponents of President Muhammadu Buhari following his rejection of the   Electoral (Amendment) Bill 2018.
Some Senators and members of the House of Representatives are plotting to override the President’s veto.
The plot was said to have been mooted after some of the anti-Buhari legislators got wind of the President’s decision on Thursday.
Buhari’s letter on his decision to reject the bill reached the leadership of the National Assembly on Friday.
A former Senate Leader Ali Ndume and a supporter of the president believes those plotting to override Buhari  cannot muster the two- thirds majority to carry out their threat.
He said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is behind the plot and will fail.
Investigation by our correspondent showed that some pro and anti-Electoral (Amendment) Bill 2018 held separate meetings in Abuja on Friday and yesterday on the way forward.
While those in PDP opted to override the President’s veto, those in APC are backing Buhari because the bill might ‘distort’ preparations for the 2019 poll.
Some members of the National Assembly, especially those from the North are angry that the opposition is politicizing the bill.
They alleged that some of their colleagues have been insinuating that the bill was meant to check rigging in the North. At  a meeting of the anti-Buhari legislators  held in Maitama District Abuja ,participants  agreed to override the President’s assent.
They also plotted to “make a political capital of the presidential decline by putting Buhari on the spot and portraying him as not ready to conduct   free and fair polls.”
They also reached a consensus to mobilize civil society organizations to mount pressure on the international community against Buhari.
Another drastic option is a suggestion by some Senators and Representatives to make the signing of the bill a condition for the presentation of 2019 Budget by Buhari.
A ranking Senator said: “We have resolved to override the President’s assent because his reasons are really untenable. No one is out to derail the 2019 polls. Instead, the bill contains some amendments that will ensure a free and fair process.
“Although we had anticipated it, we got to know of the decline by the President on Thursday. The President cannot have his cake and eat it this time around.”
A second term member of the House of Representatives, who attended a separate stock-taking session in Asokoro District, said: “Some of us are backing the President because certain provisions are difficult to implement due to time constraint.
“For instance, Section  44 of the bill states that parties must be invited to inspect their identities and  show whether they approve or otherwise of how they are represented on electoral materials.
“This amounts to interference in INEC’s work. Why should parties be privy to how ballot paper is designed?
“Having awarded the contract for ballot papers, the National Assembly cannot draw back the electoral commission.”
A Senator from North-Central admitted that Senators and Representatives have been holding consultations along what he described as ‘our fault lines.’ “The truth is that the nation needs more time to adopt the Electoral (Amendment) Bill 2018. We have met and our position is that the bill should take effect after the 2019 poll.”
A member of the House of Representatives from Sokoto State said: “I do not see those in support of the bill getting two-thirds to override the President’s veto.” A former Senate Leader, Senator Ali Ndume told our correspondent it is impossible for those anti-Buhari Senators and Representatives to secure two-thirds to override the veto on Electoral Bill.
Ndume said: “The President has his reasons but there is Article 2 of ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance that prohibits passing of a law within a period shorter than six months to the election.
“The President has the right to withhold his assent. I am standing with Mr. President on his decision.
“The threat by PDP that they would override Mr. President is just their usual dream because they don’t have the number and they will not have the number.
Responding to a question, Ndume said:  “Did Mr. President threaten to rig the 2019 poll? Anybody threatening or raising alarm about rigging is the rigger. Buhari by his personality and character is not somebody that will rig election or encourage rigging.
“Let me add that the same Buhari went into election because PDP rigged three times. They think everyone is in the same position like PDP or would take advantage to rig election.
“We assure them that APC will not rig elections because it is not in our character.”
There were indications at press time  that the National Assembly had a legal hurdle to cross in overriding the President because of a case in court.
Three political parties have filed an action at the Federal High Court, Abuja seeking an order of the court to stop President Muhammadu Buhari from assenting to the Electoral Amendment Bill 2018.
The parties are Advanced Peoples Democratic Alliance, (APDA), Allied Peoples Movement, (APM) and Movement for Restoration and Defence of Democracy (MRDD).
They also asked the court to declare that signing the bill into law would truncate the 2019 general election.
The respondents in the suit are the Senate President, the Speaker, House of Representatives, the INEC Chairman and the Attorney-General of the Federation
It was learnt that until this matter is disposed of by the court, any action taken by the National Assembly on the bill will be subjudice.”
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