The Presidential candidate of All Progressives Congress, Muhammadu has said, if he wins the March 28 poll, he will ensure strict adherence to the constitution, saying he is now “a converted democrat”.
Mr. Buhari made the pledge while addressing a media parley in Abuja today. “I want to assure you that Nigerian constitution will be adhered to,” he said. He reminded the audience of the controversial Decree 4 promulgated in 1984 while he was military Head of State. He said there will be no such controversy should he win the presidential election. “I cannot change the past but I can change the present and future. Dictatorship goes with military which made possible decree four. “I am a former military leader. Note the emphasis on former. But I am now a converted democrat. “I give full assurances to Nigeria media will be free under an APC government,” he said. Asked if he was prepared to apologise for jailing journalists as military ruler, the Director General of Mr. Buhari’s campaign and Governor of River State, Rotimi Amaechi, prevented the former general from responding, saying “the general has said he could not change the past”. Mr. Buhari said he was not ready to participate in the presidential debate with President Goodluck Jonathan, standing for re-election as the candidate of Peoples Democratic Party. He argued that there is no basis for debate since the record of the PDP and Mr. Jonathan in government is public knowledge. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar attended the media event. Source: http://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/178635-why-i-refused-to-debate-with-jonathan-buhari.html
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Tuesday, 17 March 2015
Why I Refused To Debate With Jonathan – Buhari
Lekki Robbery: 2,123 Policemen Were Securing Jonathan – Fashola
Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola has revealed that 2,123 policemen provided security for President Goodluck Jonathan while armed robbers raided a bank in Lekki, Lagos last week.
Fashola, who spoke at the Agricultural Food Value Chain held in Agege area of Lagos, Southwest Nigeria on Tuesday said when the president came to Lagos last Thursday, while citizens were being robbed, the president was protected by 2, 123 security personnel.
“Let me be very clear, the president is entitled to every protection, he’s our president, but the question to ask is that; when you were being traumatised yesterday, where were these 2,123 men? Because you are also entitled to be protected. The reason why the president gets all that protection is so that he can protect all of us,” he said.
The governor also decried Monday’s protest march for Jonathan in Lagos by members of the Oodua Peoples Congress, OPC and other pro-Jonathan groups in which the protesters terrorised Lagosians while brandishing dangerous weapons.
“Yesterday, they also showed the difference between us when the supporters of the PDP and President Jonathan came out. You know on 7th of March this year, just about a week ago, the APC held a solidarity rally in Lagos. Did anybody attack you on that day? So, yesterday, they held their own, but what I heard, because I received telephone calls and text messages from residents who explained to me, I received emails.
“I am sorry for the pain and trauma they put you through because residents continuously complained yesterday that they were traumatised by those people who supposedly were carrying out a rally in support of the president and in support of their gubernatorial candidate, just kidding.
“So instead of canvassing for your votes and showing you why their service record is better, they were showing you knives, cutlass and dangerous weapons. Some residents phoned to say that they were banging on their cars. Let me remind all of us, that the work of a party and a government is to protect citizens and not to terrorize them,” he stated.
Fashola said for those who still said that they did not know what the issues in these elections were, Monday’s event brought one issue sharply in focus, which he said was the issue of security.
He stated that the peace and safety that “all of you have enjoyed for eight years is now at risk. You have seen the kind of people who support the other party on Monday, you have seen the kind of people who support their presidential and gubernatorial candidate, those are the people that you will see around them. Monday’s experience, may God forbid it, would be what you would experience till 2019.
“Unless you come out massively on March 28 and on April 11, that is the only way that God would forbid that kind of thing from continuing in Lagos. It is your vote that would change it. A vote for General Buhari would put to end this kind of abuse of state power. A vote for Ambode will continue the security that we have built and protected you for the past eight years.
http://www.pmnewsnigeria.com/2015/03/17/lekki-robbery-2123-policemen-were-securing-jonathan-fashola/
Fashola, who spoke at the Agricultural Food Value Chain held in Agege area of Lagos, Southwest Nigeria on Tuesday said when the president came to Lagos last Thursday, while citizens were being robbed, the president was protected by 2, 123 security personnel.
“Let me be very clear, the president is entitled to every protection, he’s our president, but the question to ask is that; when you were being traumatised yesterday, where were these 2,123 men? Because you are also entitled to be protected. The reason why the president gets all that protection is so that he can protect all of us,” he said.
The governor also decried Monday’s protest march for Jonathan in Lagos by members of the Oodua Peoples Congress, OPC and other pro-Jonathan groups in which the protesters terrorised Lagosians while brandishing dangerous weapons.
“Yesterday, they also showed the difference between us when the supporters of the PDP and President Jonathan came out. You know on 7th of March this year, just about a week ago, the APC held a solidarity rally in Lagos. Did anybody attack you on that day? So, yesterday, they held their own, but what I heard, because I received telephone calls and text messages from residents who explained to me, I received emails.
“I am sorry for the pain and trauma they put you through because residents continuously complained yesterday that they were traumatised by those people who supposedly were carrying out a rally in support of the president and in support of their gubernatorial candidate, just kidding.
“So instead of canvassing for your votes and showing you why their service record is better, they were showing you knives, cutlass and dangerous weapons. Some residents phoned to say that they were banging on their cars. Let me remind all of us, that the work of a party and a government is to protect citizens and not to terrorize them,” he stated.
Fashola said for those who still said that they did not know what the issues in these elections were, Monday’s event brought one issue sharply in focus, which he said was the issue of security.
He stated that the peace and safety that “all of you have enjoyed for eight years is now at risk. You have seen the kind of people who support the other party on Monday, you have seen the kind of people who support their presidential and gubernatorial candidate, those are the people that you will see around them. Monday’s experience, may God forbid it, would be what you would experience till 2019.
“Unless you come out massively on March 28 and on April 11, that is the only way that God would forbid that kind of thing from continuing in Lagos. It is your vote that would change it. A vote for General Buhari would put to end this kind of abuse of state power. A vote for Ambode will continue the security that we have built and protected you for the past eight years.
http://www.pmnewsnigeria.com/2015/03/17/lekki-robbery-2123-policemen-were-securing-jonathan-fashola/
List Of Richest Pastors In The World, Nigeria Represents Well
http://mediatakeout.com/268826/these-black-church-is-big-business-meet-the-top-7-richest-black-pastors-in-the-entire-world.html
7. Temitope Joshua: Synagogue Church Of All Nations (SCOAN) has an estimated net worth: $10 million – $15 million. Nigeria’s most controversial clergyman is also one of its richest and most philanthropic. T.B Joshua heads the Synagogue Church of all Nations (SCOAN), a congregation he founded in 1987, which accommodates over 15,000 worshippers on Sundays.
6. Matthew Ashimolowo: Ashimolowo, the owner of Kingsway International Christian Centre (KICC) is estimated to be worth more than $20 million. Having his humble beginnings as a priest in Foursquare Gospel Church, a Nigerian church that sent Ashimolowo to open a satellite branch in London. Pastor Matthew had other ideas and decided to set up his own church instead. Today, his Kingsway International Christian Center is reportedly the largest Pentecostal church in the whole of the United Kingdom.
5. Creflo Dollar: American Bible teacher, pastor, and the founder of World Changers Church International, Creflo Dollar, has an estimated net worth of $27 million. As his name suggests, this preacher’s “manna” comes in form of the green buck.
4. Chris Oyakhilome: This is the man behind Believers’ Loveworld Ministries, a.k.a Christ Embassy.His church has an estimated net worth of $30 million – $50 million last year, the charismatic preacher was at the center of a $35 million money laundering case in which he was accused of siphoning funds from his church to foreign banks.
3. E A Adeboye: This messenger of God was listed in NEWSWEEK as the most powerful man in Africa and one of the top 50 global power elites in 2008/2009, among others such as President Barack Obama and Nicolas Sarkozy. Pastor Adeboye heads the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), something he has done for the last 28years. He has three private jets that he owns personally. Pastor Adeboye is worth an estimated $100 MILLION.
2. Bishop David Oyedepo: Bishop David Oyedepo is a Nigerian Preacher, Christian Author, Founder and Presiding Bishop of Winners Chapel known as Living Faith Church World Wide. Has been hailed as the wealthiest preacher in Nigeria with a total net worth of $150 million and properties like 4 private jets and homes in the United States and England. After the foundation of the Living Faith Outreach Ministry in 1981, it has evolved to be one of the largest congregations in Africa and has a flourishing mission in Nairobi.
1. Bishop T. D Jakes: Bishop Jakes lives in a $1,700,000 mansion, he has been called America’s best preacher and has been featured on the cover of TIME magazine. He is a writer, preacher and movie producer. Thomas Dexter “T. D.” Jakes, Sr. is the bishop/chief pastor of The Potter’s House, a non-denominational American mega church, with 30,000 members, located in Dallas, Texas. T.D Jakes wears custom made suits and sports a diamond ring the size of a coin. This man of God has been endowed with a $150 million net worth.
7. Temitope Joshua: Synagogue Church Of All Nations (SCOAN) has an estimated net worth: $10 million – $15 million. Nigeria’s most controversial clergyman is also one of its richest and most philanthropic. T.B Joshua heads the Synagogue Church of all Nations (SCOAN), a congregation he founded in 1987, which accommodates over 15,000 worshippers on Sundays.
6. Matthew Ashimolowo: Ashimolowo, the owner of Kingsway International Christian Centre (KICC) is estimated to be worth more than $20 million. Having his humble beginnings as a priest in Foursquare Gospel Church, a Nigerian church that sent Ashimolowo to open a satellite branch in London. Pastor Matthew had other ideas and decided to set up his own church instead. Today, his Kingsway International Christian Center is reportedly the largest Pentecostal church in the whole of the United Kingdom.
5. Creflo Dollar: American Bible teacher, pastor, and the founder of World Changers Church International, Creflo Dollar, has an estimated net worth of $27 million. As his name suggests, this preacher’s “manna” comes in form of the green buck.
4. Chris Oyakhilome: This is the man behind Believers’ Loveworld Ministries, a.k.a Christ Embassy.His church has an estimated net worth of $30 million – $50 million last year, the charismatic preacher was at the center of a $35 million money laundering case in which he was accused of siphoning funds from his church to foreign banks.
3. E A Adeboye: This messenger of God was listed in NEWSWEEK as the most powerful man in Africa and one of the top 50 global power elites in 2008/2009, among others such as President Barack Obama and Nicolas Sarkozy. Pastor Adeboye heads the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), something he has done for the last 28years. He has three private jets that he owns personally. Pastor Adeboye is worth an estimated $100 MILLION.
2. Bishop David Oyedepo: Bishop David Oyedepo is a Nigerian Preacher, Christian Author, Founder and Presiding Bishop of Winners Chapel known as Living Faith Church World Wide. Has been hailed as the wealthiest preacher in Nigeria with a total net worth of $150 million and properties like 4 private jets and homes in the United States and England. After the foundation of the Living Faith Outreach Ministry in 1981, it has evolved to be one of the largest congregations in Africa and has a flourishing mission in Nairobi.
1. Bishop T. D Jakes: Bishop Jakes lives in a $1,700,000 mansion, he has been called America’s best preacher and has been featured on the cover of TIME magazine. He is a writer, preacher and movie producer. Thomas Dexter “T. D.” Jakes, Sr. is the bishop/chief pastor of The Potter’s House, a non-denominational American mega church, with 30,000 members, located in Dallas, Texas. T.D Jakes wears custom made suits and sports a diamond ring the size of a coin. This man of God has been endowed with a $150 million net worth.
Women Tortured Man For Dating Three Of Them At Once
Three women fell into fury after finding out that the man they were dating had relationships with three of them at once in Scarborough, England, UK.
Three women (Natalie Lilley, top right, Leah White, bottom right) attacked a man with a number of implements, including a pizza cutter and a lighter
The trio had developed devious plan of punishment, they lured their victim to a flat where they tied him to a chair and submitted to a prolonged attack. The gang of attackers included Lorraine Earles, 47, Natalie Lilley, 19, Leah White, 22, along with male defendant Brendan Teale, 27.
The poor man experienced the whole list of torture methods:
- He had curling tongs pressed to his genitals
- Was forced to drink cleaning fluid
- Was burned with a cigarette lighter
- Had a pizza cutter pressed to his cheek
- Was punched and slapped repeatedly
- Had his ear bitten
- Was threatened with being suffocated with a scarf
The man’s punishemnt only came to an end when White and Lilley untied him while Earles, the ringleader, was sleeping, and let him go from the flat. They all pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
Earles spent five months on remand and was given a two-year community order. Teale was jailed for 12 months. Lilley was given a community order and ordered to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work. White was given a community order.
Fayose To APC: Return Govt Vehicles Or Face The Police
The Ekiti state government has issued a warning to the All Progressives Congress (APC) political appointees who served under the Dr. Kayode Fayemi administration.
The government, in a release signed by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Ayo Fayose, Mr. Idowu Adelusi said the Fayemi appointees “should either pay the N109.4 million or return the vehicles without delay to avert using the police to recover the vehicles from them.”
According to Sahara Reporters, the affected political office holders are the former Deputy Governor, Prof Modupe Adelabu, former Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Ganiyu Owolabi, former Commissioner for Works, Mr Sola Adebayo, Fayemi’s Chief Press Secretary, Olayinka Oyebode, former Commissioner for Education and APC House of Representatives candidate for Ekiti CentraI, former Commissioner for Information, Tayo Ekundayo, former Commissioner for Finance, Dapo Kolawole, among others.
The government revealed that all entreaties to the APC chieftains to pay the N109. 4 million has remained abortive as letters written to them was never replied.
It is no secret that the Fayose administration has been having a running battle with the opposition party in the state since the inception of the barely one-year old government.
Meanwhile, the Kano state governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso recently berated Fayose, over what he called the latter’s unguarded utterances.
Fani-Kayode’s Might Be Re-Arrested
The Director of Media and Publicity of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential Campaign Organisation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode might be arrested if he fails to find a surety.
One of the sureties who applied to grant the statesman freedom has re applied to the court saying he can’t guarantee the defendant’s temporary freedom.
Fani Kayode
The surety, Wale Ajisebutu said the reason for his withdrawal was because he urgently has to make use of his Certificate of Occupancy (CofO). This was one of the items he deposited as a condition for Fani-Kayode bail.
READ ALSO: How Jonathan Is Helping APC Win
The judge will now consider his application and the defence team has requested for another date.
The hearing for hearing of the surety’s application and continuation of trial has been moved to March 26th.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which charged Fani-Kayode, accused his witness of lying to the court during the last hearing.
READ ALSO: Tinubu Explains Why Fani-Kayode Dumped APC
EFCC’s lawyer Mr. Festus Keyamo, while cross-examining the witness, Aderemi Ajidaun, accused him of being in court to “help” his friend and was not telling the truth.
This is because his evidence contradicted Agbaje’s earlier testimony that it was Fani-Kayode who personally gave him the cash to pay into his account.
“Agbaje never had direct access to Fani-Kayode and could not have collected cash from him. Every staff had to pass through me to reach the honourable minister,”Ajidaun said.
Keyamo asked on trial: “Will it surprise you that Mr Agbaje came to this court and never mentioned you?” Ajidaun replied: “I’ll be very surprised.”
Keyamo said: “Agbaje said the accused person (Fani-Kayode) gave him the money. It means that between the two of you, someone is telling, this court a lie.”
Keyamo said: “Agbaje said the accused person (Fani-Kayode) gave him the money. It means that between the two of you, someone is telling, this court a lie.”
Fani Kayode was accused of transacting over N500, 000 on September 20, 2006, which was not done through a financial institution, by accepting N2.1 million in cash.
The prosecution said that the funds was then put into his personal bank account by his aide, Supo Agbaje, while he served as Minister of Culture and Tourism. He pleaded not guilty.
Lekki Robbery: Gov Fashola Attacks Reuben Abati
The recent Lekki bank robbery which took some lives is still generating some steam as the governor of Lagos state, Babatunde Fashola has taken a swipe at Reuben Abati.
After the robbery, Fashola had said the robbers succeeded because all security personnel in the state were deployed to protect President Goodluck Jonathan, who was on a visit to the state, making the state and its citizens vulnerable to attack.
Governor Babatunde Fashola.
In reaction, the Presidency through its spokesman, Reuben Abati had described Fashola’s statement as irresponsible and unintelligent.
Responding to Abati in a fresh statement, the governor defended his earlier statement, insisting that Jonathan is responsible for the success of the robbery, while adding that Abati was completely oblivious of the traffic and security situation in Lagos, going by his reaction.
The statement reads: “From the statement credited to the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity. Dr. Reuben Abatti over the comments of His Excellency, Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN, on the deployment of police during the visit of the president, it is obvious he is ignorant of the traffic and security menace, his principal constitutes whenever he visits any part of the country. It should also interest the ‘Vuvuzuela’ of President Jonathan that during these visits, which most of the times are for campaign hustles, the entire Police and other security network are put on high alert to pay attention to the presidential visits leaving the citizens vulnerable to the reckless gallivanting of the visitor.
“Abati must be sleeping or indulging in his usual pastimes not to understand ‘route lining’ where every available policeman on duty is deployed to man routes where the President would pass through. It is not the statement of the Governor that is unintelligent, the unintelligent thing here is the inability of the President to weigh public interest above personal ambition.
“The unintelligent thing here is not to know the importance of the Police as an institution that deserves adequate funding to carry out its function of protecting life and property. The unintelligent thing is the Federal Government dodging its constitutional responsibility of which the Police is one of them.
“Abati could not comprehend why Governor Fashola would be shocked at the death of three policemen; we have not had such an experience in the past two years here in Lagos where policemen are killed by armed robbers. This is a different situation where it took the death of almost 20,000 citizens before someone started to take action. When the ocean surge was going to wipe out a whole community within the Lekki area, Fashola was there.
“When Abati’s principal was holed up in Aso Rock Villa with his tails between his legs during the outbreak of the Ebola Virus in Nigeria, Fashola’s face was the succour and hope Nigerians saw. He was the only person the victims and survivors saw.
“So, this vuvuzuela should be courteous in his choice of words. We are, however, not surprised. Abatti is a serial reckless talker that likes listening to himself, and only thinks after talking. Latter converts like him acts up to become more Catholic than the Pope because of the fear to the past after the allure of office. His recent unguarded statement about General Muhammadu Buhari (Rtd) is still very fresh.
‘’If the retired General had not been a statesman, only God knows where Abati would be by now. It’s time someone close to this garrulous man tells him to start measuring his utterances.’’
Three policemen and a teenager had been killed in the afternoon of March 12 during a robbery at the First City Monument Bank in Lekki phase 1.
Some Nigerians had blamed the Lagos governor and the administration for the incident, while others were of the opinion that unemployment led people into robbery.
The Lagos state commissioner of police, Kayode Aderanti, has however disclosed that the command has clues to the identity of the robbers who stormed the bank.
"I Am A Former Military Ruler, Now A Converted Democrat" - GMB
Text of Address by His Excellency General Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR Presidential Candidate of All Progressive Congress, APC at an Interactive Session with the Nigerian Press Organisation, NPO in Abuja. Tuesday 17th March 2015
Thank you for honoring me with your presence here today. Thank you for heeding my invitation to this special meeting with key stakeholders in the Nigerian media. Our country is on the verge of something new. The tide has turned and the world can sense the wave of CHANGE that is about to flood this nation. In less than two weeks, the Nigerian electorate will head to the polls to make their voices heard.
Through the ballot, without a single shot fired, a CHANGE revolution will likely take place. There are two specific reasons why I have invited you here today. The first is to use the opportunity to say a special thank you to the Nigerian media for the role you have played in advancing our country’s democracy thus far, and especially for being a platform through which Nigerians’ cry for CHANGE was articulated all around the world.
On newspaper pages, TV screens and radio waves, the alarming depth of corruption and impunity in our country, the terrifying level of insecurity, and the grim state of our economy were kept constantly before the world’s eyes, making it impossible for the current government to doctor the truth, despite their meanest efforts.
I urge you to not relent in your role as watchdogs, to continue to be the voice of the people. The health of Nigeria’s democracy rests partly on you. Without a robust and thriving media, the masses would have no voice.
The electorate would also not have sufficient information to make sound decisions, such as deciding to vote out a clueless government and vote in CHANGE. Secondly, I want to give you my full assurances that in this democratic dispensation, I will ensure that the Nigerian constitution is upheld. This includes respect for the media, respect for the right to free expression and freedom of speech. Page 1 of 2 any of you are aware of Decree 4 of 1984, which was heavily criticised.
I have said elsewhere that I cannot change the past. But I can change the present and the future. Dictatorship goes with military rule as do edicts such as Decree 4. However, I am a former–former, note the emphasis on the word ‘former’–military ruler and now a converted democrat, who is ready to operate under democratic norms.
I am not only subjecting myself to the rigours of democratic elections for the fourth time, but even after being elected, I will continue to promote the consolidation of democracy in our great country, Nigeria, by guaranteeing that the media’s freedom is not compromised in any way.
I give you my full assurances that the Nigerian media will be free under our APC government. I also want to use this opportunity to appeal to you to use your media outlets in shaping positive public discourse and eschew hate speech mongering and slanderous political rhetorics which heat up the polity for the sake of peace and stability of our dear nation. Thank you, once again, for being here this afternoon.
I look forward to working with you in future, and to similar meetings which shall take place on a regular basis to keep the Nigerian people constantly informed about the activities of the government that they will have elected to serve them.
General Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR
APC Presidential Candidate
www.vanguardngr.com/2015/03/i-am-a-former-military-ruler-now-a-converted-democrat-says-buhari/
Thank you for honoring me with your presence here today. Thank you for heeding my invitation to this special meeting with key stakeholders in the Nigerian media. Our country is on the verge of something new. The tide has turned and the world can sense the wave of CHANGE that is about to flood this nation. In less than two weeks, the Nigerian electorate will head to the polls to make their voices heard.
Through the ballot, without a single shot fired, a CHANGE revolution will likely take place. There are two specific reasons why I have invited you here today. The first is to use the opportunity to say a special thank you to the Nigerian media for the role you have played in advancing our country’s democracy thus far, and especially for being a platform through which Nigerians’ cry for CHANGE was articulated all around the world.
On newspaper pages, TV screens and radio waves, the alarming depth of corruption and impunity in our country, the terrifying level of insecurity, and the grim state of our economy were kept constantly before the world’s eyes, making it impossible for the current government to doctor the truth, despite their meanest efforts.
I urge you to not relent in your role as watchdogs, to continue to be the voice of the people. The health of Nigeria’s democracy rests partly on you. Without a robust and thriving media, the masses would have no voice.
The electorate would also not have sufficient information to make sound decisions, such as deciding to vote out a clueless government and vote in CHANGE. Secondly, I want to give you my full assurances that in this democratic dispensation, I will ensure that the Nigerian constitution is upheld. This includes respect for the media, respect for the right to free expression and freedom of speech. Page 1 of 2 any of you are aware of Decree 4 of 1984, which was heavily criticised.
I have said elsewhere that I cannot change the past. But I can change the present and the future. Dictatorship goes with military rule as do edicts such as Decree 4. However, I am a former–former, note the emphasis on the word ‘former’–military ruler and now a converted democrat, who is ready to operate under democratic norms.
I am not only subjecting myself to the rigours of democratic elections for the fourth time, but even after being elected, I will continue to promote the consolidation of democracy in our great country, Nigeria, by guaranteeing that the media’s freedom is not compromised in any way.
I give you my full assurances that the Nigerian media will be free under our APC government. I also want to use this opportunity to appeal to you to use your media outlets in shaping positive public discourse and eschew hate speech mongering and slanderous political rhetorics which heat up the polity for the sake of peace and stability of our dear nation. Thank you, once again, for being here this afternoon.
I look forward to working with you in future, and to similar meetings which shall take place on a regular basis to keep the Nigerian people constantly informed about the activities of the government that they will have elected to serve them.
General Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR
APC Presidential Candidate
www.vanguardngr.com/2015/03/i-am-a-former-military-ruler-now-a-converted-democrat-says-buhari/
POLLS: Ijaws Table Jonathan’s Re-election Before Amasiekumor Deity
AMASIEKUMOR festival is a fiesta that the Ijaw of Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South-West Local Government Area, Delta State and their kinsmen from other parts of the Niger Delta region hold fire for at Oporoza, the traditional headquarters of the kingdom, annually. Amasiekumor is a female deity whose origin dates back to over 400 years. Its devoted worshipers believe that the goddess protects and blesses the faithful, irrespective of circumstances and even in times of battle.
In fact, some of them, perhaps blasphemously, describe the deity as Jesus Christ. Ex-militant leader and top-ranking figure in the kingdom, High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, said, “Amasiekumor is just like Jesus Christ to us.” This year’s celebration of the deity was not different.
It was a five-day event that kicked off March 10 and ended March 15 with cleansing and purification exercise for all sons and daughters, who were involved in blood covenant and other related sins.
The goddess, who is housed at a bravura temple in a small forest adjacent the Oporoza Guest house of Tompolo is reverently treated. Soldiers of the Joint Task Force on Niger-Delta were amazed at the people’s uncommon belief in the goddess when they bombarded the community in 2009 and did everything to destroy the shrine.
Arrival/commencement
It started with making of various sacrifices ranging from sin to purification offerings, as Amasiekumor forbids uncleanliness. Everywhere on the Oporoza canal, last Thursday, was littered with assorted foods and live chickens for the deity. Every participant or visitor was subjected to a compulsory sanctification ritual; a mixture in a native pot is compulsorily splashed on your head, as you dismounted the speedboat with the aid of leaves.
It is said that any man or woman who had sexual intercourse (probably on the day of the festival) will not be allowed entry into the arena and there is no ransom to redeem it.
Not even journalists, irrespective of their religious belief, were spared of the purification exercise. The zealots said it was to avoid polluting the ceremony. Last Thursday was the grand finale and merrily dressed men and women from all walks of life trooped to the arena. Aged women were dressed in branded white T-shirts with white head gears, while some youths in similar fashion, also had white pieces of cloth tied round their head.
Tompolo’s patented appearance
Tompolo, who is rarely seen, could not hide on that day. Decked in a branded Amasiekumor T-shirt atop a branded PDP wrapper with a white cloth piece tied around his neck and head, he was the cynosure of all eyes. A special song was rendered in his honour and visitors, who barely saw him, had the opportunity of snapping him with their phones and cameras, as he walked to and fro from the adrenaline-charged rhythms of the drummers. Women, led by Chief Vero Tangbowei swayed their bodies and wriggled their waists in a fashionable manner likened to Owigiri dance steps in a high spirit.
Enter the deity
Ear-plitting canon shots burst out, following an announcement that the arena be cleared for the materialization of Amasiekumor. A broom-wielding black masquerade, led Amasiekumor and its chief priest flanked by Tompolo and other high ranking officials of Amasiekumor into the arena. The black masquerade swept the ground as it swaggered with the parrot feather capped deity in a special cavalcade. Shouts of joy rent the air as people struggled to behold Amasiekumor.
Distinct songs in its praise were sung until it sublimely took its seat in front of a covered white tent with the chief priest. The black masquerade swept round the arena followed with great dancing by aged women in a single file with youths in the middle of the circle dancing.
Mint Naira notes for the goddess
Food and drinks were in surplus supply, scores of goat skulls obviously offered for sacrifices plagued the place. Meanwhile, twirling continued as Tompolo and other wealthy Ijaw sons and daughters threw mint Naira notes in the air in front of the deity. This year’s festival culminated in the endorsement of President Goodluck Jonathan and special prayers for the success of the March 28 and April 11 elections.
For Jonathan
Clutching a photograph of President Goodluck Jonathan, the female spiritual head of Gbaramatu kingdom, Mama Ebolomorbo-Ere, joined by all white dressed aged women, stood in front of the Ijaw deity to pray for his victory. The chief priest thereafter sanctified the prayers with a native chalk. It was declared shortly after that Jonathan’s electoral victory was secured and rumbles of celebration and dances followed, as Amasiekumor, the chief priest, Tompolo and others entered into the white tent for a special session. Canon shots were later released and the departure of Amasiekumor was announced.
Tompolo speaks
Speaking shortly, Tompolo said, “Amasiekumor is celebrated to protect the unity and integrity of the Ijaw nation. Amasiekumor means, no matter what happens a mother will protect her child, we want Jonathan to return again and by the grace of God, he is victorious already.” Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Mr. Ziakede Akpobolokemi, said, “Amasiekumor is one of the greatest festivals we have, it shows who we are and how united we are. Everyone requires prayers, which is why we have come to pray for the president, he needs all over prayers and support.”
Beginning of good things —Pudie
Public Relations Officer, PRO, Gbaramatu Kingdom, Chief Matthew Pudie, asserted, “It started very long time ago, it means there will be no more evil, calamity, defeat and failure and it marks the beginning of good things, blessings and promotion. “It is cleansing the land for prosperity to come; it is done for the good we are expecting in the coming election. The celebration will climax with the declaration of everybody for Jonathan’s re-election,” he declared.
Amasiekumor protected us during the struggle— Bounanawei
Ex-militant leader, “General” Godday Smith, aka Bounanawei (Owner of the forest) of Niger Delta said: “Amasiekumor is very important and unique to us, we succeeded in the struggle because of the special protection we enjoyed. It is a deity of prosperity; our struggle was for prosperity of our land. “We are here today to renew and revive our spiritual standings, the land has been cleansed and victory and prosperity are here. It has nothing to do with religion; it is the way of our life.”
http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/03/polls-ijaws-table-jonathans-re-election-before-amasiekumor-deity/#sthash.3RtgD8Z1.dpuf
In fact, some of them, perhaps blasphemously, describe the deity as Jesus Christ. Ex-militant leader and top-ranking figure in the kingdom, High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, said, “Amasiekumor is just like Jesus Christ to us.” This year’s celebration of the deity was not different.
It was a five-day event that kicked off March 10 and ended March 15 with cleansing and purification exercise for all sons and daughters, who were involved in blood covenant and other related sins.
The goddess, who is housed at a bravura temple in a small forest adjacent the Oporoza Guest house of Tompolo is reverently treated. Soldiers of the Joint Task Force on Niger-Delta were amazed at the people’s uncommon belief in the goddess when they bombarded the community in 2009 and did everything to destroy the shrine.
Arrival/commencement
It started with making of various sacrifices ranging from sin to purification offerings, as Amasiekumor forbids uncleanliness. Everywhere on the Oporoza canal, last Thursday, was littered with assorted foods and live chickens for the deity. Every participant or visitor was subjected to a compulsory sanctification ritual; a mixture in a native pot is compulsorily splashed on your head, as you dismounted the speedboat with the aid of leaves.
It is said that any man or woman who had sexual intercourse (probably on the day of the festival) will not be allowed entry into the arena and there is no ransom to redeem it.
Not even journalists, irrespective of their religious belief, were spared of the purification exercise. The zealots said it was to avoid polluting the ceremony. Last Thursday was the grand finale and merrily dressed men and women from all walks of life trooped to the arena. Aged women were dressed in branded white T-shirts with white head gears, while some youths in similar fashion, also had white pieces of cloth tied round their head.
Tompolo’s patented appearance
Tompolo, who is rarely seen, could not hide on that day. Decked in a branded Amasiekumor T-shirt atop a branded PDP wrapper with a white cloth piece tied around his neck and head, he was the cynosure of all eyes. A special song was rendered in his honour and visitors, who barely saw him, had the opportunity of snapping him with their phones and cameras, as he walked to and fro from the adrenaline-charged rhythms of the drummers. Women, led by Chief Vero Tangbowei swayed their bodies and wriggled their waists in a fashionable manner likened to Owigiri dance steps in a high spirit.
Enter the deity
Ear-plitting canon shots burst out, following an announcement that the arena be cleared for the materialization of Amasiekumor. A broom-wielding black masquerade, led Amasiekumor and its chief priest flanked by Tompolo and other high ranking officials of Amasiekumor into the arena. The black masquerade swept the ground as it swaggered with the parrot feather capped deity in a special cavalcade. Shouts of joy rent the air as people struggled to behold Amasiekumor.
Distinct songs in its praise were sung until it sublimely took its seat in front of a covered white tent with the chief priest. The black masquerade swept round the arena followed with great dancing by aged women in a single file with youths in the middle of the circle dancing.
Mint Naira notes for the goddess
Food and drinks were in surplus supply, scores of goat skulls obviously offered for sacrifices plagued the place. Meanwhile, twirling continued as Tompolo and other wealthy Ijaw sons and daughters threw mint Naira notes in the air in front of the deity. This year’s festival culminated in the endorsement of President Goodluck Jonathan and special prayers for the success of the March 28 and April 11 elections.
For Jonathan
Clutching a photograph of President Goodluck Jonathan, the female spiritual head of Gbaramatu kingdom, Mama Ebolomorbo-Ere, joined by all white dressed aged women, stood in front of the Ijaw deity to pray for his victory. The chief priest thereafter sanctified the prayers with a native chalk. It was declared shortly after that Jonathan’s electoral victory was secured and rumbles of celebration and dances followed, as Amasiekumor, the chief priest, Tompolo and others entered into the white tent for a special session. Canon shots were later released and the departure of Amasiekumor was announced.
Tompolo speaks
Speaking shortly, Tompolo said, “Amasiekumor is celebrated to protect the unity and integrity of the Ijaw nation. Amasiekumor means, no matter what happens a mother will protect her child, we want Jonathan to return again and by the grace of God, he is victorious already.” Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Mr. Ziakede Akpobolokemi, said, “Amasiekumor is one of the greatest festivals we have, it shows who we are and how united we are. Everyone requires prayers, which is why we have come to pray for the president, he needs all over prayers and support.”
Beginning of good things —Pudie
Public Relations Officer, PRO, Gbaramatu Kingdom, Chief Matthew Pudie, asserted, “It started very long time ago, it means there will be no more evil, calamity, defeat and failure and it marks the beginning of good things, blessings and promotion. “It is cleansing the land for prosperity to come; it is done for the good we are expecting in the coming election. The celebration will climax with the declaration of everybody for Jonathan’s re-election,” he declared.
Amasiekumor protected us during the struggle— Bounanawei
Ex-militant leader, “General” Godday Smith, aka Bounanawei (Owner of the forest) of Niger Delta said: “Amasiekumor is very important and unique to us, we succeeded in the struggle because of the special protection we enjoyed. It is a deity of prosperity; our struggle was for prosperity of our land. “We are here today to renew and revive our spiritual standings, the land has been cleansed and victory and prosperity are here. It has nothing to do with religion; it is the way of our life.”
http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/03/polls-ijaws-table-jonathans-re-election-before-amasiekumor-deity/#sthash.3RtgD8Z1.dpuf
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Ashes And Death: What Boko Haram Left Behind In Baga - BBC
The Nigerian military took us to towns taken back from Boko Haram in the north-east.
Some are almost impossible to reach by road because the insurgents have blown up bridges. From one town to another, Boko Haram fighters have left their imprint of destruction - the charred remains of market places, homes, government buildings and farms. Signboards have been painted over in black and replaced with Boko Haram insignia and inscriptions in Arabic. "Thank you! Thank you!" a group of women chant as they praise the soldiers who reclaimed their town, Doron Baga, from Boko Haram. They are the few people we found in the area. Most others fled after possibly the worst insurgent attack yet in the region. It has been suggested that during the January attack, Boko Haram killed hundreds, possibly more - and then set fire to dozens of buildings. 'Those bastards kill men' Now the town is deserted. At the main market area, blackened-out shells have replaced what would have been busy shops. Mangled motorcycles litter the streets, their tyres blown out. Decomposing bodies lie by the roadside and fill the air with the stench of death. A group of women take shade under a tree away from the scorching heat. "Boko Haram fighters killed my sister," one tells me. "We attempted to leave three times for Maiduguri but the militants threatened to shoot us. They hardly fed us and we were very hungry. But when the soldiers liberated us, they gave us some food." Despite the successes of the military, many of the reclaimed towns are empty. Only small groups of women, children and the elderly can be found. Abubakar Ali is one of the few young men around. He had a fractured leg and could not run away when insurgents attacked Monguno town. "My grandmother hid me under the bed," he says. "They don't touch women, especially old women, but those bastards kill men. They came searching but they didn't find any man in the house so they left." Even Mubi town, a major commercial centre in Adamawa State, is largely deserted, except for the troops on patrol. "I would plead with the people of Mubi," says the town's traditional Muslim leader, Emir Abubakar Ahmadu. "Come back home so that we develop Mubi more than ever before." With widespread destruction, the region is in need of massive rehabilitation - far more than what the residents can do on their own if they return. There are murmurings within the military that soldiers have been left to do the work other government agencies should be taking on. There is also the question of whether the people should return to restore a semblance of normality or whether they should remain displaced until the military completes its operations. There are regular reports of troops getting killed or maimed by mines planted by the insurgents. Boko Haram fighters are known to surround their locations with hidden bombs. Some soldiers showed me a stretch of about 20m (60ft) where they say they detected 29 improvised explosive devices. The army says such dirty tactics complicate the fight. This has not dampened the spirits of the troops. They have recorded major successes recently, reclaiming many of the towns taken by the militants. This has elicited as much praise as it has criticism over why it took so long to act. The military's gains were achieved in just a few weeks, while Boko Haram has been tormenting the region for the past six years. The successes also came when Chad, Niger and Cameroon joined in the fight against the Islamist insurgents. The subsequent plaudits these neighbours received proved embarrassing for Nigeria, the outshined regional powerhouse. Nigeria's military spokesman, Maj Gen Chris Olukolade, denied reports of tension between members of the anti-Boko Haram coalition. "Many of the opinions out there that seem not to be complimentary about participating colleagues are definitely not the positions of the countries," he said. "They are positions of individual officials. We don't expect it to affect the co-ordination within the force." At the Multinational Joint Task Force base in Baga near Lake Chad, only Nigerian troops are present. They seem motivated, regardless of the problems at the diplomatic level. The soldiers promise not to let Nigeria lose its territory under their watch. With new supplies of equipment, as well as fresh combat strategies from their superiors, morale is high on the frontline. Source : http://m.bbc.com/news/world-africa-31902549 Pics: 1 The main market in Baga is now empty and scarred by fire 2 A view of Mubi from above reveals a town without residents 3 Signs - such as this one in the town of Michika - were painted over by Boko Haram fighters 4 The militants left behind a makeshift camp in Buni Yadi |
We’ll gladly receive Gbemi Saraki, says APC
The All Progressives Congress in Kwara State on Monday said it would gladly receive one of the governorship aspirants of the Peoples Democratic Party, Senator Gbemi Saraki, if she finally decides to defect from the PDP to the APC.
The Kwara APC Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Sulyman Buhari, in an interview with journalists, said Saraki’s defection would be a welcome development to APC.
He, however, said she had yet to officially inform the APC that she wants to defect.
There are insinuations that she may soon defect to APC because of the alleged unfair treatment from PDP to her.
Buhari said, “We will gladly receive her. It will be a good development for her to defect. However, she has yet to consult us at the party level. Everything is still in the realms of rumour.
“If the politician decides to come to APC she is welcomed. APC is a larger house that can accommodate everybody. It is good for her to make up her mind at the appropriate time. It is clear to all in the state and the entire country that APC is the party to beat in the forthcoming elections. Nobody wants to belong to a sinking party like the PDP.”
But the state PDP Secretary, Alhaji Hassan Razaq, said the party is still urging Saraki not to defect to APC.
He stated that it might not be a good political decision for her to defect to APC, having invested significantly in PDP.
Razaq said, “At this critical time in the life of our party in the state, we believe that all hands must be on deck to sustain the party and lead it to victory in the forthcoming polls.
“As a party, we believe Senator Gbemi Saraki has made invaluable contributions and sacrifices for the PDP in the state and beyond. We particularly noted her maturity and sportsmanship before, during and after the party primaries which produced distinguished Senator Simeon
Ajibola as the party’s governorship candidate for the April 11 governorship election in the state.
“It would therefore be sad if such an individual, who has immensely uplifted the party in the state, abandons the house she has built at its time of need. This is Kwara PDP’s time of need and we urge Senator Saraki to remain in the party and see through the struggle for the liberation of the masses.”
Woman Dies After Spending First Night With Married Man She Met On Facebook -
Another Facebook lover has died in Lagos a few years after Cynthia Osokogwu, the daughter of a retired miliitary officer, was allegedly lured to Lagos by her Facebook lover, drugged, raped and murdered in Festac Town.
The latest victim, identfied as Adekemi Faboro, who teaches at a private nursery and primary school, in Ojota,died in Ogba area of Lagos last weekend while on a date with her married Facebook lover, Christopher Ezekiel, for the first time.
Sources told P.M.NEWS that Ezekiel, a father of two, came from Ibadan, Oyo State, southwest Nigeria, to visit Adekemi in Lagos State, for the first time on the fateful day, after he met her on Facebook.
Investigation by PM.NEWS revealed that trouble started for Ezekiel, an engineering staff of an electrical company based in Shagamu and who resides at 8, Orelope Street, Ibadan, when Adekemi started coughing severely at mid night in her home, at 5, Folorunsho Street, off Ajayi Road, Ogba.
And when the situation was getting out of hand, tenants who suspected foul play, rushed her to Ifako General Hospital where she died.
Ezekiel was subsequently arrested by the police at Pen Cinema Police Station while the corpse of Adekemi was deposited at the mortuary for autopsy.
The cause of her sudden death could not be ascertained at the time of this report.
P.M.NEWS findings also revealed that Ezekiel’s wife works with Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, in Ibadan.
When P.M.NEWS visited Pen Cinema Police Station, the Divisional Police Officer, DPO in charge of the station, Mr. Achinyan Z. Fera, a Chief Superintendent of Police was said to have gone to Area ‘G’ Police Command, Ogba to meet with the Area Commander
However, a source who craved for anonymity at the station confirmed the arrest of Ezekiel, adding that investigations are ongoing.
Meanwhile, some of Adekemi’s friends on Facebook have been mourning her, with some expressing shock over her sudden death.
Joyce Ante said: “May the Lord comfort your aged parents, the entire family and Calvary church.”
Olatimehin Ebenezer said: “I was shocked about your death RIP (ORE), while Olu Blues said: “My best friend ever, it’s come as a surprise for me to believe this. Can someone tell me this is not true, or am I dreaming? R.I.P.”
Omosunle Mary mourned: “My sister, it is unbelivable. We love you sister Kemi omo Faboro ‘Iya Ido’ but God loves you more.”
“Your demise is so incredible, I can’t believe it, but I believe you are resting in the bosom of the Lord,” said Ayandeji Opeyemi.
Soyode Famuwagun Elizabeth said: “I will miss you my beautiful sister. Rest in God’s bosom because he loves you very much.”
Ante Ruth wrote on her Facebook wall: “Oh my God!!!! why did Aunty Kemi have to leave so soon? This is unbelievable and so sad. My only comfort is that you knew Christ and served him to the end. Hope you are enjoying your new home right there with the Father. Continue to rest in His bosom because he loves you more than we do. RIP Aunty Kemooo.”
http://www.pmnewsnigeria.com/2015/03/16/another-facebook-lover-dies-in-lagos/
Nigerian Government Cuts Electricity Tariff By 50%
The Nigerian government has announced a reduction in electricity tariffs by half.
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission on Wednesday announced the immediate review of electricity tariffs by about 50 per cent.
The Chairman of the Commission, Sam Amadi, who announced the review in Abuja, said the reduction, which takes effect from the end of March, followed the regulatory agency’s decision to remove collection losses from customer tariff under the multi-year tariff order.
Mr. Amadi said following the approval of the multi-year tariff order, MYTO 2.1 in January 1, 2015, the Commission had received several complaints and petitions against the decision, which resulted in astronomical increases in tariff across the different consumer categories.
He noted particularly the petition by industrial and commercial consumers under the auspices of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, which demanded a drastic reduction of their tariffs.
The two categories of consumers had cited the negative impact of their increased tariffs, which they said were threatening their businesses, leading to massive job losses.
Following the review of the petitions, Mr. Amadi said the Commission conducted public hearings to gather evidence from all consumer classes on the affordability of the new tariff.
Again, he said the Commission had
consulted with the Chief Executive Officers of the Distribution Companies before deciding to intervene by reviewing the tariffs.
Besides, the Chairman said the Commission also decided to review the technical and financial assumptions of multi-year tariff order 2.1.
The reviews, he noted, were in line with the provisions of the Electricity Power Sector Reform Act 2005 and the Business Rules of the Commission’s mandate, which allow such a decision on a petition by an interested party within 60 days.
He said findings from the various reviews showed that the major cause of the spiralling consumer tariffs was the huge aggregate technical commercial and collection losses.
Some distribution companies have
complained that the collection losses, which are passed to consumers, raised the final tariffs by as much as an average of 80 and 103 per cent.
“The Commission has been listening to consumers’ complaints and taking full account of the impact of the high tariff on consumers and the Nigerian economy,”
Mr. Amadi said.
“Therefore, the Commission has reviewed the basis of the MYTO 2.1 assumptions and has determined that it is inappropriate to transfer to consumers collection losses that are controllable by the DISCOs (distribution companies),” he announced.
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission on Wednesday announced the immediate review of electricity tariffs by about 50 per cent.
The Chairman of the Commission, Sam Amadi, who announced the review in Abuja, said the reduction, which takes effect from the end of March, followed the regulatory agency’s decision to remove collection losses from customer tariff under the multi-year tariff order.
Mr. Amadi said following the approval of the multi-year tariff order, MYTO 2.1 in January 1, 2015, the Commission had received several complaints and petitions against the decision, which resulted in astronomical increases in tariff across the different consumer categories.
He noted particularly the petition by industrial and commercial consumers under the auspices of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, which demanded a drastic reduction of their tariffs.
The two categories of consumers had cited the negative impact of their increased tariffs, which they said were threatening their businesses, leading to massive job losses.
Following the review of the petitions, Mr. Amadi said the Commission conducted public hearings to gather evidence from all consumer classes on the affordability of the new tariff.
Again, he said the Commission had
consulted with the Chief Executive Officers of the Distribution Companies before deciding to intervene by reviewing the tariffs.
Besides, the Chairman said the Commission also decided to review the technical and financial assumptions of multi-year tariff order 2.1.
The reviews, he noted, were in line with the provisions of the Electricity Power Sector Reform Act 2005 and the Business Rules of the Commission’s mandate, which allow such a decision on a petition by an interested party within 60 days.
He said findings from the various reviews showed that the major cause of the spiralling consumer tariffs was the huge aggregate technical commercial and collection losses.
Some distribution companies have
complained that the collection losses, which are passed to consumers, raised the final tariffs by as much as an average of 80 and 103 per cent.
“The Commission has been listening to consumers’ complaints and taking full account of the impact of the high tariff on consumers and the Nigerian economy,”
Mr. Amadi said.
“Therefore, the Commission has reviewed the basis of the MYTO 2.1 assumptions and has determined that it is inappropriate to transfer to consumers collection losses that are controllable by the DISCOs (distribution companies),” he announced.
Tinubu Warns Jonathan Against Fani-kayode
Former Lagos State governor and national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has advised President Goodluck Jonathan to be wary of former Aviation Minister and the Director of Media and Publicity, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential Campaign Organisation, Mr. Femi Fani-Kayode.
Speaking on Monday in a statement signed by his Special Adviser, Media, Mr. Sunday Dare and titled: ‘Femi Fani-Kayode is an Epistle of Deceit as he Continues to Battle the Truth,’ Tinubu said Fani-Kayode could say anything against anybody for as long as he gets power.
The APC leader was reacting to claim by Fani-Kayode that government is not misusing the vehicles of state power to oppress the opposition, backing his claims with quotes from the Bible and claiming that APC leaders are wicked.
“The things that FFK (Fani-Kayode) said to us about Jonathan in private will remain private. But Jonathan would be wise to watch his back whenever he is dealing with this bugle for hire. The man has changed position so many times that he must feel like a tired chameleon on a spinning wheel of many colors. He is confused what colour he should be. The only thing he knows is that he will soon change hue again.
According to Tinubu: “Those of us in the APC know him for what he is. It was roughly a year ago that FFK tried to join the APC. In attempting to integrate himself, he spewed endless venom against his current boss. Because we knew him, we held him at arm’s length.
“The man is willing to say anything for a taste of power and to wiggle his way into some office or another. When he saw the door closed to him, he predictably bolted. His exit remains our gain. History will mark it as a key point in the development of the APC.
“If you doubt what I say, review carefully FFK’s statement on why he returned to the PDP, it is an epistle of deceit. Examine its allegations. He lists several purported statements made by APC figures that allegedly soured him on the party.
“His allegations against the party members are inaccurate. Here, the dates of the alleged statements are more than the purported content that are important. By his own admission, every alleged statement he attributed to an APC figure took place before FFK tried to join the party. A consummate media hound, he must have been aware of the so-called offensive statements prior to seeking space under the APC banner.
“The statements did not deter him from joining. They also were not the reason he departed. He left because, although a fledging party, we were wise enough not to give him a position of importance. He did not leave because he feared the APC would lead him astray. He left because we did not give him the chance to lead us astray.
“Soon enough, Fani-Kayode will discover that in the new Nigeria and in the responsible government to come, his tawdry skills will not be required. He can then go home and look in the mirror to see what he has made of himself.”
He claimed that Fani-Kayode’s antics of deceit is aimed at deflecting public attention away from the dirty tricks and tactics the government is set to deploy in order to oppress and intimidate key APC figures during these final days before the March 28 election.
“FFK should proceed carefully with the use to which he puts his tongue. Not every word a person speaks is a lark that evaporates the moment after its expression. FFK ropes his tongue in danger when he, of all people, uses the Bible to ridicule others. He must be careful for he does not mock man. He mocks a Higher Power and should be wary of his excesses in this regard.
“When FFK looks in the mirror he thinks he sees a man who should be Pope. Instead, what he should see is a man guilty of more public lies than any Nigerian of his generation. Perhaps FFK can delude himself because his memory is short while his ambition is long. His hope is that our memories are even shorter. Here he is wrong again.”
Speaking on Monday in a statement signed by his Special Adviser, Media, Mr. Sunday Dare and titled: ‘Femi Fani-Kayode is an Epistle of Deceit as he Continues to Battle the Truth,’ Tinubu said Fani-Kayode could say anything against anybody for as long as he gets power.
The APC leader was reacting to claim by Fani-Kayode that government is not misusing the vehicles of state power to oppress the opposition, backing his claims with quotes from the Bible and claiming that APC leaders are wicked.
“The things that FFK (Fani-Kayode) said to us about Jonathan in private will remain private. But Jonathan would be wise to watch his back whenever he is dealing with this bugle for hire. The man has changed position so many times that he must feel like a tired chameleon on a spinning wheel of many colors. He is confused what colour he should be. The only thing he knows is that he will soon change hue again.
According to Tinubu: “Those of us in the APC know him for what he is. It was roughly a year ago that FFK tried to join the APC. In attempting to integrate himself, he spewed endless venom against his current boss. Because we knew him, we held him at arm’s length.
“The man is willing to say anything for a taste of power and to wiggle his way into some office or another. When he saw the door closed to him, he predictably bolted. His exit remains our gain. History will mark it as a key point in the development of the APC.
“If you doubt what I say, review carefully FFK’s statement on why he returned to the PDP, it is an epistle of deceit. Examine its allegations. He lists several purported statements made by APC figures that allegedly soured him on the party.
“His allegations against the party members are inaccurate. Here, the dates of the alleged statements are more than the purported content that are important. By his own admission, every alleged statement he attributed to an APC figure took place before FFK tried to join the party. A consummate media hound, he must have been aware of the so-called offensive statements prior to seeking space under the APC banner.
“The statements did not deter him from joining. They also were not the reason he departed. He left because, although a fledging party, we were wise enough not to give him a position of importance. He did not leave because he feared the APC would lead him astray. He left because we did not give him the chance to lead us astray.
“Soon enough, Fani-Kayode will discover that in the new Nigeria and in the responsible government to come, his tawdry skills will not be required. He can then go home and look in the mirror to see what he has made of himself.”
He claimed that Fani-Kayode’s antics of deceit is aimed at deflecting public attention away from the dirty tricks and tactics the government is set to deploy in order to oppress and intimidate key APC figures during these final days before the March 28 election.
“FFK should proceed carefully with the use to which he puts his tongue. Not every word a person speaks is a lark that evaporates the moment after its expression. FFK ropes his tongue in danger when he, of all people, uses the Bible to ridicule others. He must be careful for he does not mock man. He mocks a Higher Power and should be wary of his excesses in this regard.
“When FFK looks in the mirror he thinks he sees a man who should be Pope. Instead, what he should see is a man guilty of more public lies than any Nigerian of his generation. Perhaps FFK can delude himself because his memory is short while his ambition is long. His hope is that our memories are even shorter. Here he is wrong again.”
Nigerians Should Appreciate Nation’s Armed Forces – GEJ
President Goodluck Jonathan has stated that any leader in the country who involves the military in the nation’s political activities is reckless. He stressed that the nation’s armed forces must be appreciated by all Nigerians and be insulated from politics.
Jonathan made his statement while receiving a cheque of N1m from Dotun Oyetunde in support of the nation’s armed forces, The Punch reports. The presentation was made before a meeting of the Security Council presided over by the president.
Jonathan confessed that he always feels bad when he hears people making insulting statements about the nation’s military.
“We must continue to commend men of the Nigerian armed forces. A nation must honour men of its armed forces.
“All the nations that we emulate and build our democracy after do not insult their military.
“They must be appreciated and insulated from politics. I feel bad when leaders robe military into our day to day political activities. That is reckless.
“These men stay in the rain while we are under roofs. They stay awake for us to sleep well” , he said.
Continuing his statement, Jonathan acknowledged the support the military is currently receiving from Nigerians. But he also called on other Nigerians to follow the example of those who have been donating money and helping the Nigerian army. According to the president, the assistance could be channeled through the chief of defence staff, the national security adviser on the minister of defence.
Speaking on his decision to donate money, Oyetunde said that he and his wife were moved by the plight of troops in the hands of the Boko Haram sect. The donor also expressed his surprise that everybody seemed to be criticising the military and their actions.
Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh, the chief of defence staff, while introducing the donor, told the president that the military had received various donations such as drugs, bags of rice and cartons of instant noodles among other things.
He further added that when he received Oyetunde’s message, he discussed it with the national security adviser, Sambo Dasuki, who suggested that the donor should personally present the cheque to the president during the meeting.
Meanwile, the Nigerian army has carried out a number of successful operations against the Boko Haram terrorist group. On Monday, March 16, it recaptured the northeastern city of Bama in Borno state from members of the sect.
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OPC's Armed Protest: Jonathan Wants To Set Nigeria On Fire If He Loses
Nigeria President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan has been accused of being hell bent on returning for a second term in office by any means necessary thus massively bribing militant groups across the country to cause chaos, before, during and after the rescheduled elections, so that if he loses, Nigeria will not know peace.
This allegation was contained in a press release by the Coalition of Oodua Self Determination Groups (COSEG ) signed by its Chairman, Ifedayo Ogunlana; and Secretary, Rasaq Olokoba; after an emergency meeting of the group in Lagos on Tuesday, 17th March, 2015 where issues bothering on the 2015 elections and the recent walk carried out by militia groups in Lagos on Monday, 16th March, 2015 were discussed.
The group disclosed that from its intelligence gathering, many groups are mobilised by the presidency through the office of the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta, stressing that insisting on the removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) boss few days to the rescheduled general elections is unnecessary, diversionary and invitation to chaos.
According to COSEG, “the desperation of President Jonathan is taking a dangerous dimension with the massive mobilisation of militia groups across the country to cause trouble before, during and after the rescheduled general elections. Let it be known to Jonathan and his handlers that Nigeria is bigger than any individual, no matter how highly placed. The call for the sack of the INEC chairman some few days to the 2015 general elections is uncalled for, reckless and diversionary which may lead to anarchy”
Continuing, the group stated that, “though we recognize their rights to freely assemble and protest, we however view the show of shame displayed by members of the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC) on Monday, 16th March, 2015 in Lagos as an insult on the people of Yoruba land and the security agencies as militia boys were seen brazenly shooting sporadically to scare innocent citizens going to their various places of work.
“Many of them could hardly make it to their offices due to traffic snarl caused by the open display of guns, machetes, charms and other dangerous ammunition. While we will not blame them for their partisanship, but the open brigandage is uncalled for, inciting and irresponsible, especially under the cover of the security agencies,” the group averred.
The group however stated that the entire world should hold President Jonathan responsible for any break down of law and order before, during and after the general elections as he is seeking a second term in office by all means necessary and that from the cover given the gun wielding militia on Monday, 16th March, 2015 in Lagos, it’s just a signal that our security agencies are compromised“.
The group however posited that the people of Yorubaland will determine where to vote irrespective of the antics of these anti democracy elements masquerading as democrats, maintaining that a day a reckoning is around the corner.
“We want to make it clear to the dollar sharing and desperate presidency that responsible and peace loving as well progressive Yoruba people who are in the majority do not have guns to wield round, but have permanent voters card (PVCs) to wield so as to vote out this tyrannical government that is desperate to rule over us again even without our consent. The show of shame going in Nigeria clearly show that President Jonathan lack the requisite ability to lead a nation like ours again, however, anyone who feels otherwise is either unpatriotic or corrupt who does not wish Nigeria well,” the group concluded.
The Coalition of Oodua Self-Determination Groups (COSEG) is a pan-Yoruba socio-political pressure organization.
It is one of the umbrella organization for Yoruba self-determination groups. The COSEG has not only brought together the various Yoruba organizations, but has also made overtures to self-determination groups of other ethnicities and regions of Nigeria which, while representing different interests, are united in their opposition to the current federal structure, and hence the federal government, of Nigeria.
They have been known to express their views on issues ranging from politics to other Yoruba-related problems. They express concern and advice on topics that might, in the long run, affect Yoruba welfare via press statements and releases.
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Israeli Producing Card Reader Jammers – APC
The opposition party said the Israeli was hired specifically to develop three prototype card reader jammers, and had already developed three of such jammers (25 metres, 50 metres and 100 metres range) to be carried in the pockets of trusted PDP stalwarts on Election Day with a view to disabling the card readers within the state radius.
It also alleged that apart from disabling the card readers, the jammers would also disable all telephones, iPads, etc, within the state radius of those carrying them on their persons.
“An order has been placed for 75,000 pieces of the jammers at a cost of $200 per piece, bringing the total cost to $15 million.
The jammers will be air-freighted to Nigeria next week,” it added.
“The plan is to deploy the card jammers to the areas deemed to be the strongholds of the APC, such as the North-west, North-east, North-central and the South-west.
“It is the planned procurement of the jammers that have given the confidence to the Administration and party officials to continuously boast that Buhari will never rule Nigeria, and also the reason why a chieftain of the PDP boasted last week that the card readers won’t work, thus advising INEC to make alternative arrangements.”
The party said the Israeli, who had agreed to do the dirty job for a desperate Jonathan Administration and the PDP, was an enemy of Nigeria and Nigerians.
It said he “does not mind if the nation burns, as long as he has collected his pay for the dirty job for which he has been hired.”
The APC said because it had become a movement being propelled by the people themselves, “it is difficult, if not impossible, for the Jonathan Administration and the PDP to succeed in their devilish intentions of rigging, sabotaging or scuttling the forthcoming polls.”
“We have consistently said power resides in the people, irrespective of what the government of the day might think. When the people are determined to vote out any government, no amount of money, evil plots and shenanigans can save that government, as the Jonathan Administration will find out in two weeks.”
But the Director of Media and Publicity of the Peoples Democratic Party Presidential Campaign Organisation (PDPPCO), Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, has described the APC’s allegation as wild and baseless.
In a statement yesterday, Fani-Kayode said the federal government and the PDP did not have any plans to sabotage the card readers and did not need to indulge in such shady, sinister and tardy practices.
“We view this wild and baseless allegation with amusement,” he said. “Frankly, the APC deserves to be pitied. So desperate are they for power that their latest strategy is to come up with a different lie for every day of the week.
“They have lost control of their senses; their imagination has gone wild and they see things that are simply not there.
“This latest allegation is absurd; it is not rooted in truth; it is irrational and it is illogical. It is clear that the opposition are already preparing the grounds and making excuses for their own defeat.
“They are running scared and they are already preparing the minds of their supporters for their imminent failure at the polls.
“Instead of saying something tangible and attempting to ginger up and encourage their supporters, all they indulge in is giving them a daily dose of sub-standard fairy tales and dirty lies.
“They should stop all this nonsense and desist from making these wild and baseless allegations.
“President Goodluck Jonathan and the PDP do not have any plans to sabotage the card readers and neither do we need to indulge in such shady, sinister and tardy practices.
“We look forward to the elections, which will commence in two weeks time, and we have no doubt that the overwhelming number of the Nigerian people will vote for our candidates and support our party.”
The opposition party said the Israeli was hired specifically to develop three prototype card reader jammers, and had already developed three of such jammers (25 metres, 50 metres and 100 metres range) to be carried in the pockets of trusted PDP stalwarts on Election Day with a view to disabling the card readers within the state radius.
“An order has been placed for 75,000 pieces of the jammers at a cost of $200 per piece, bringing the total cost to $15 million.
“The plan is to deploy the card jammers to the areas deemed to be the strongholds of the APC, such as the North-west, North-east, North-central and the South-west.
It said he “does not mind if the nation burns, as long as he has collected his pay for the dirty job for which he has been hired.”
But the Director of Media and Publicity of the Peoples Democratic Party Presidential Campaign Organisation (PDPPCO), Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, has described the APC’s allegation as wild and baseless.
“This latest allegation is absurd; it is not rooted in truth; it is irrational and it is illogical. It is clear that the opposition are already preparing the grounds and making excuses for their own defeat.
“They are running scared and they are already preparing the minds of their supporters for their imminent failure at the polls.
“President Goodluck Jonathan and the PDP do not have any plans to sabotage the card readers and neither do we need to indulge in such shady, sinister and tardy practices.
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