The All Progressives Congress, APC, Caucus in the House of Representatives says it will not move against the Speaker, Aminu Tambuwal, in its quest to take over the leadership of the lower legislative chamber later this month.

It however said it was not certain about the fate of the deputy speaker, Emeka Ihedioha.

The leader of the Caucus, Femi Gbajabiamila, who disclosed this in a telephone interview with PREMIUM TIMES on Thursday, said the party had commenced moves to take over the leadership of the House upon resumption from the Christmas/New Year break.

APC, a merger of three parties, Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, Congress for Progressives Change, CPC, All Nigeria Peoples Party, ANPP, and a section of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, emerged the majority party in the 360-member House last month following the defection of 37 members of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to it.

With the defection, APC now has 172 members to PDP’s 171. There are speculations that more PDP members will decamp to the hitherto opposition party when the House resumes.

Both Messrs Tambuwal and Ihedioha, who were elected into the positions in June 2011, are still members of the PDP.

Mr. Gbajabiamila, who is also the Minority Leader of the House, said Mr. Tambuwal would remain as the Speaker because he was elected by the whole House.

“It is not a matter of planning to take over, that is what the rule of the House says, that the majority takes over the leadership of the House. We have no choice in the matter. You cannot be the majority and play the minority role,” Mr. Gbajabiamila said.

“Tambuwal will remain Speaker in all circumstances. He was elected by the whole House. Most of the APC members are comfortable with him. I cannot speak for the deputy, but I will rather have a situation where he remains.”

The lawmaker said he was not aware of any pressure by the APC on the Speaker to join the party.

He said, “I don’t know of such move, but if we need to, we will. We will be happy as a party to have him.
http://premiumtimesng.com/news/152644-wont-move-tambuwal-house-speaker-apc.html

A few hours to Christmas, unknown gunmen have kidnapped the retired primate of the Anglican Church, Peter Akinola, one of the most respected Christian leaders in Nigeria today.

Mr. Akinola, former President of Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, was seized alongside his driver in Ogun State.
http://premiumtimesng.com/news/152026-breaking-gunmen-kidnap-former-can-president-in-ogun.html

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, said on Monday he would not dignify President Goodluck Jonathan’s letter to him with a reply, stating that he had performed his duty to the president, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and Nigeria with his December 2 letter.

Mr. Obasanjo, who spoke through his aide, Tunde Oladunjoye, at a press conference at the former president’s Hilltop residence in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, said although had received several requests from local and international media, asking him to respond to the president’s letter, he would prefer to keep his promise in his letter to maintain silence.

The former president had in an 18-page letter to Mr. Jonathan accused the president of failing to deliver on his electoral promises, promote national unity, check corruption and strengthen national security.

He also accused the president of planning to renege on his promise to spend one term of four years in office and of training a killer squad ahead of the 2015 general elections.

Mr. Obasanjo added in the letter, which he also shared with some past leaders, that he was ready for whaterver backlash his letter would provoke from the Presidency.

In his reply to Mr. Obasanjo’s letter, the president, in a letter dated December 20, slammed the former president, describing his (Obasanjo) letter to him as “distinctly ominuous.”

Mr. Jonathan, who listed 10 reasons for replying Mr. Obasanjo, said the former president’s letter was an attempt to instigate people from other regions against him and cause disaffection within the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.
http://premiumtimesng.com/news/151939-breaking-wont-dignify-jonathan-response-obasanjo-says.html

Details Here http://premiumtimesng.com/news/151910-breaking-jonathan-replies-obasanjo.html

Vice President Namadi Sambo on Friday in Abuja enjoined Nigerians to inter-marry in order to foster greater national cohesion.
Mr. Sambo made the call at the wedding reception of Rakkiya, the daughter of Governor Idris Wada of Kogi, and Lateef Oseni from Lagos State.
Mr. Sambo, who represented President Goodluck Jonathan at the ceremony which took place at the Thisday Dome, Abuja, told the couple that the secrets of marriage were patience, fear of God and respect for each other.
According to him, marriage is significant as it symbolises harmony, peace and unity.
“Marriage complements what we have been doing through the National Youth Service Corps, (NYSC), to further achieve unity in this country’’, he added.
The vice president had witnessed the Wedding Fatiha of the couple presided over by the Chief Imam of Kogi State Government House Mosque, Junaid Mohammed.
http://premiumtimesng.com/news/national/151832-sambo-urges-nigerians-inter-marry.html

President Goodluck Jonathan brushed aside recommendations from the National Judicial Council and the Chief Justice of Nigeria to sack former Appeal Court president, Ayo Salami, ignoring firm arguments by the two authorities that Mr. Salami was innocent of allegations against him.

The two authorities are mandated by law to advise the president on such judiciary matters.

The government accused Mr. Salami of professional misconduct, but he is widely believed to have been punished for political reasons.

A letter to the president by former Chief Justice of the Federation, CJN, Dahiru Musdapher, obtained by PREMIUM TIMES, shows how the top echelon of the nation’s judiciary laboured to have President Jonathan realize Mr. Salami’s innocence in his dispute with Mr. Musdapher’s predecessor, Aloysius Katsina-Alu; and how they advised that punishing Mr. Salami would terribly dent an already integrity-deficient judiciary.

In the four-page letter, dated January 27, 2012, Mr. Musdapher informed the president how a committee he named to review Mr. Salami’s suspension in 2011 absolved him, and made it extensively clear why ensuring justice on the case- by reinstating Mr. Salami- was crucial for a judiciary bereft of public confidence.

“Your Excellency, this report is not only before the National Judicial Council, it is also at the court of public opinion,” Mr. Musdapher said of the findings of the review committee. “And Mr. President will agree with me that this recommendation no doubt should challenge our commitment to the redemption of the image and credibility of the judiciary.”

Mr. Musdapher told the president that the committee, led by another former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Mohammed Uwais, found Mr. Salami not guilty of any of the misconducts he was accused of, and recommended his immediate reinstatement.

“There was no evidence before any of the National Judicial Council panels or in any of the petitions to justify any findings that Salami PCA contravened the code of conduct for judicial officers by talking to the mass media,” he said in his etter to the president. “…On the whole, there was no evidence to show any form of misconduct on the part of Salami PCA to justify any sanction or punishment.”

The committee, Mr. Musdapher informed Mr. Jonathan, also recommended that “…in order to maintain the integrity of the judiciary and to assuage public feeling and restore confidence in both the bar and bench, this committee strongly advises the Chief Justice of Nigeria and National Judicial Council to reconsider its earlier decision on the suspension of Justice Salami PCA and reinstate him back to his position as soon as possible and in that way assure the public that the suspension of Justice Salami as the President of the Court of Appeal is not ill motivated.”

The former Chief Justice’s letter to the president came ahead of an official recommendation by the National Judicial Council, that Mr. Salami be recalled.

Both calls were rejected by the president.

Mr. Jonathan’s firm refusal to reinstate the judge, who finally retired October 2013, spurred widespread allegations that the president’s decision was politically-motivated beyond the professional breach the government claimed as its reason for suspending him. Mr. Musdapher’s letter appears to back that claim.

Justice Salami’s suspension in 2011 was linked partially to his refusal to be elevated to the Supreme Court. More specifically, he was punished for speaking to the media and accusing Mr. Katsina-Alu, who was CJN at the time, of attempting to interfere in the Sokoto state’s governorship election case that was before the Appeal court.

He was suspended by the NJC for refusing to apologize to Mr. Katsina-Alu.

Mr. Salami’s case became a sore point for political outfoxing between the governing Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and the defunct opposition Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN (now All Peoples Congress, APC).
http://premiumtimesng.com/news/151762-exclusive-ex-cjn-writes-jonathan-accuses-president-unjustly-treating-justice-salami.html

“It brings me no joy to have to write this but since you started this trend of open letters I thought I would follow suit since you don’t listen to anyone anyway. The only way to reach you may be to make the public aware of some things. As a child well brought up by my long-suffering mother in Yoruba tradition, I have been reluctant to tell the truth about you but as it seems you still continue to delude yourself about the kind of person you are and I think for posterity’s sake it is time to set the records straight.

“I will return to the issue of my long-suffering mother later in this letter.

“Like most Nigerians, I believe there are very enormous issues currently plaguing the country but I was surely surprised that you will be the one to publish such a treatise. I remember clearly as if it was yesterday the day I came over to Abuja from Abeokuta when I was Commissioner of Health in Ogun State, specifically to ask you not to continue to pursue the third term issue.

“I had tried to bring it up when your sycophantic aides were present and they brushed my comments aside and as usual you listened to their self-serving counsel. For you to accuse someone else of what you so obviously practiced yourself tells of your narcissistic megalomaniac personality. Everyone around for even a few minutes knows that the only thing you respond to is praise and worship of you. People have learnt how to manipulate you by giving you what you crave. The only ones that can’t and will not stroke your ego are family members who you universally treat like shit (sic) apart from the few who have learned to manipulate you like others.
http://premiumtimesng.com/news/151765-record-iyabo-obasanjos-open-letter-father-published-vanguard.html

The CBN governor’s claim in a letter to President Goodluck Jonathan a week ago, stirred outrage and prompted calls for immediate investigation. In the letter, Mr. Sanusi said the NNPC had failed to remit 76 percent of oil sales revenue for several months.

Details Here http://premiumtimesng.com/news/151676-breaking-news-sanusi-backtracks-says-n1-9-trillion-n8-trillion-oil-money-missing.html

The near-death hunger striker, Isa Muazu, whose deportation from the United Kingdom was foiled by the Nigerian government earlier in December, was quietly deported to Nigerian on Tuesday, the BBC is reporting.

The British government tried to deport Mr. Muazu from the Harmondsworth detention centre, where he was being held, in a private jet after he lost his suit to remain in the UK at an immigration tribunal and the British Appeal Court; but the Nigerian authorities denied the plane the right to land.

Mr. Muazu claimed he is likely to be killed by the dreaded Islamist group Boko Haram if returned to Nigeria. He then embarked on a three-month hunger strike saying he would rather die than be returned to Nigeria.

Mr. Muazu who is suffering from severe mental illness alongside hepatitis B, kidney problem and stomach ulcer was flown to the Lagos airport and has been checked into a hospital for “appropriate” medical attention at the cost of the British government.

British Immigration Minister, Mark Harper, said Mr. Muazu has “no right” to be in the U.K. and has been “successfully removed,” reported the BBC.

“Halting the removal of Mr. Muazu because of his protest would undermine our asylum and immigration system – and provide a dangerous incentive for others to follow suit,” Mr. Harper said.

Mr. Muazu entered the U.K. on a valid visa but stayed back five years after his visa expired claiming his life was under threat by the Boko Haram militia.

Previous attempts to deport Mr. Muazu sparked controversy in the U.K. with over a hundred rights groups, actors and lawyers starting a campaign to prevent his deportation on humanitarian ground.

http://premiumtimesng.com/news/151675-near-death-nigerian-asylum-seeker-isa-muazu-finally-deported-u-k.html

At least 37 members of the House of Representatives who were elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, have decamped to the major opposition party, the All Progressives Congress, APC.
http://premiumtimesng.com/news/151665-breaking-news-37-pdp-reps-decamp-apc.html

President Goodluck Jonathan on Tuesday in Kaduna unveiled the country’s first indigenous unmanned aerial vehicle (drone), GULMA, designed and constructed by the Nigerian Air Force.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Jonathan said that the unveiling of the vehicle marked another landmark moment in the nation’s history.

He said that besides its diverse military application, the vessel would provide a range of benefits in disaster management, power line surveys and law enforcement.

Mr. Jonathan said that the vehicle would also be useful in aerial imaging/mapping, telecommunications and weather monitoring.

“It is also rapidly becoming an important tool in news coverage, environmental monitoring, and oil and gas exploration.

“Considering the potential impact of its benefit and versatility, I cannot but say how proud I am of the men and women of our Armed Forces,” the president said.

“Apart from their commitment to the protection of our sovereignty, they are helping to keep our nation ahead in military science and technology and to keep their civilian counterparts on their toes.

“Today, as we stand in appreciation of the gallant men and women of our Air Force, we are reminded that hard work and diligence can break many barriers,’’ he said.

Mr. Jonathan commended the Chief of Air Staff and all officers and men of the Nigerian Air Force for the achievement, noting that it would strengthen the country. He said it would also enhance the nation’s role in peace keeping and conflict prevention.

The president said he was optimistic that this stride by the Nigerian Air Force would mark a turning point for indigenous technology in every sector of the nation’s life.

“Let me assure the Air Force of the Federal Government’s support for this and all other research projects. We will encourage and assist private sector concerns to key into mass production of the project to achieve the highest and best commercial use of this prototype Unmanned Aerial Vehicle. http://premiumtimesng.com/news/151624-jonathan-launches-first-nigerian-built-drone.html?utm_source=&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=jonathan-launches-first-nigerian-built-drone

Corruption is the glue that holds the fabric of the country together. It ensures that, one way or another, we get paid.

Two weeks ago, I paid a visit to Dubai for the very first time. Dubai is everything Lagos is not. Dubai works: Lagos does not. Dubai is spotlessly clean: Lagos is filthy. Dubai is bathed in gleaming electricity. Lagos is shrouded in darkness. Dubai is organized. Lagos is disorganized. After a few days in Dubai, I longed to be back in Lagos.

What is the attraction of Lagos relative to a city like Dubai? The answer is actually very simple. Lagos is the very best city in Nigeria; the very best country in the world. I have traveled all over the world. I have been to the Far East, to the Middle East, to North and Latin America and to Europe. I have been to over 30 African countries. This qualifies me to make this assessment. Nigeria is the very best country in the whole wide world.

Made-in-Nigeria

There are too many things that make Nigeria exceptional and without equal. If Nigeria were not so wonderful, there would not have been 170 million Nigerians. Because Nigeria is such a great country, we are determined to give birth to as many children as possible so that even more people can partake of the pleasures of living here. We manufacture babies by the thousands and the millions because we are in love with the country. Nigerians don’t commit suicide. Neither do Nigerians ever desert Nigeria. The very worst thing that can happen to a Nigerian is to be exiled from the country.

Remember this: Nigeria is nobody’s colony. We refuse to be subject to nobody. We are not under the thumb of the British, the Americans or anyone else. Nigeria is the one African country that can be said to be truly independent. We have nationalized all the nationalize-ables. We own the land. There is no foreign settler-community in Nigeria that holds us captive. We are the kings of our castles. Our very best products are made in Nigeria. We make our own mistakes; make our own choices and make our own beds.

We rig our own elections. We forge our own passports. We buy our own lies. We deceive our own people. We choose to live in the middle ages and not in the 21st century. We choose to eat in “bukas” and not in restaurants. We choose to eat with our hands and not with forks and knives. We choose to walk rather than fly.

Organised chaos

Nigerians are natural-born revolutionaries. We like to struggle. We are always fighting something or someone. We don’t like the easy life. That is way too boring. We thrive when there is chaos. We make a profit, where there is confusion. We rise up to the challenge, where everything is upside down. If something is well-organised, our first assignment is to scatter it. That gives us room to maneuver. We can handle chaos, but order is another problem entirely.
More On this Here http://premiumtimesng.com/opinion/150411-nigeria-best-country-whole-wide-world-femi-aribisala.html

EXCLUSIVE: Elbit Systems officials arrive; begin installation of $40 million Internet Spy facility for Nigeria [color=#990000][/color]

http://premiumtimesng.com/news/150333-exclusive-elbit-systems-officials-arrive-begin-installation-40-million-internet-spy-facility-nigeria.html

Goddex: Jona Jang remains the authentic NGF chairman.

And how is 16 more than 19. My fellow brother maybe you never did Maths at school.

All is now set for the commencement of the second retreat for Nigerian governors organised by the secretariat of the Nigeria Governors Forum, NGF. The retreat is holding at the five-star Giginya Coral Hotel in Sokoto metropolis.

Some of the respurce persons billed to present papers were already around and seated. They are Chidi Odinkalu, chairman of the National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, Bishop Mathew Kukah, and human right lawyer,Ayo Obe. The former chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission will also be making presentation here.

A PREMIUM TIMES reporter is attending the event and will provide live updates from the venue.

———————————————————-

UPDATE 1: Some of the governors briefly walked into the venue for a live interview on Channel TVs Sunrise programme. First to be interviewed were host governor Aliyu Wamakko and NGF Chair, Rotimi Amaechi.

Governors Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti and Babatunde Fashola of Lagos were also interviewed.
Live Updates Here: http://premiumtimesng.com/news/149701-governors-forum-holds-retreat-for-36-governors-in-sokoto-live-updates.html

jo-an:
Voters in Anambra State will, today, decide their next governor, out of the 23 candidates contesting for the seat. The election is tightly contested.

A PREMIUM TIMES crew is in the state to give you live, minute-by-minute updates of the election as it unfolds in the 21 local government areas of the state.

Refresh your browser to get latest updates.
——————————-

Update 1:

At Ezi Umuogbu Square Ward 005, Awka, accreditation has commenced. INEC adhoc staff, a youth corps member, Kenneth Nwobu said the exercise started at exactly 8.10 a.m. He said there are 674 registered voters but the ward was given 675 sheet in case of error.
Get More Updates Here: http://premiumtimesng.com/news/149693-anambra-governorship-election-live-updates.html

Update 8:

At Ekwulobia, some voters driving to their polling units were stopped security officials. They were made to alight from their vehicles and walk to the polling unit.

Update 7:

Residents at Nnewi have largely complied with the movement restriction, save for the commercial motorcyclists. At the Polling Unit 007, Okwuezemewi Obiagbo, in Nnewi North, the INEC officials have arrived and commenced identification of party agents.

Update 6:

Voters at Polling unit 002, Enem hall, Otolo in Nnewi north.

20131116_093743

Update 5:

Accreditation has begun at Nnewi ichi, Nnewi. At polling unit 007, there is visible police presence. The officials are calling in voters in batches of 10 to be accredited.

20131116_091309

Update 4:

Awka roads and streets are virtually empty. However, some shops are open. Pockets of People moving apparently going to their polling units. PREMIUM TIMES is on the busy Onitsha-Enugu Express Way. The security is tight everywhere. Security personnel are patrolling. Soldiers have just apprehended two motorcyclists who are carrying their wares apparently going to trade.



Update 3:


Voters at polling unit 007 in Nnewi-ichi

Voters at polling unit 007 in Nnewi-ichi

Update 2:

Rowdiness at Ezi Umunagu Square 1 Ward as some APGA supporters argue among themselves. As a result, accreditation is yet to commence. Some members of the community are helping to set up the table waiting for INEC staff who are yet to arrive.

Update 1:

At Ezi Umuogbu Square Ward 005, Awka, accreditation has commenced. INEC adhoc staff, a youth corps member, Kenneth Nwobu said the exercise started at exactly 8.10 a.m. He said there are 674 registered voters but the ward was given 675 sheet in case of error.

Live Updates Here http://premiumtimesng.com/news/149693-anambra-governorship-election-live-updates.html

Voters in Anambra State will, today, decide their next governor, out of the 23 candidates contesting for the seat. The election is tightly contested.

A PREMIUM TIMES crew is in the state to give you live, minute-by-minute updates of the election as it unfolds in the 21 local government areas of the state.

Refresh your browser to get latest updates.
——————————-

Update 1:

At Ezi Umuogbu Square Ward 005, Awka, accreditation has commenced. INEC adhoc staff, a youth corps member, Kenneth Nwobu said the exercise started at exactly 8.10 a.m. He said there are 674 registered voters but the ward was given 675 sheet in case of error.
Get More Updates Here: http://premiumtimesng.com/news/149693-anambra-governorship-election-live-updates.html

The Afenifere Renewal Group, ARG, has called on President Goodluck Jonathan to urgently set up a judicial panel of inquiry that will investigate the cost of governance since 2009 when late President Umar Yar’Adua took ill.

The Yoruba socio-political group, in a statement signed by its National Chairman, Olawale Oshun, argued that the ongoing investigation into procurement of armoured vehicles by the aviation ministry ought to be extended to other ministries, departments, and agencies of government, including the presidency and legislature.

“We are convinced that the revelations coming out of our aviation ministry represent only a tip of the iceberg, a fraction of the widespread disregard for probity and budget-based administration in our public service,” Mr. Oshun said in the statement.

“Undue focus on this particular malfeasance would only serve to cover up similar abuses in other Federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies, and also the legislative house in Abuja. Our suspicion is that many other ministers and top government officials are beneficiaries of similar unusual gifts.”

“Just recently, the House Committee Chairman on Public Accounts cried out that budgetary performance of capital expenditure stands currently at 28 per cent; that of recurrent expenditure stands at 72 per cent; while that of the N1.6tn Service Wide Vote, a nebulously defined allocation spent at the President’s discretion, stands at 90 per cent.
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Majority of people living with HIV in Nigeria are women, the National Agency for the Control of Aids, NACA, has said.

The Director-General of NACA, John Idoko, said 60 percent of the about 3.5 million Nigerians living with the virus, are women, meaning men account for the remaining 40 percent.

He said the government was directing greater effort at involving women in the fight against the virus, since they constitute a higher proportion of those affected.

“NACA gives a special and unique attention to women because nearly 60 per cent of the 3.5 million people living with HIV in the country are women,” he said weekend, according to the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN.

He spoke at the graduation of 78 women trained on various skills at Anawim Skills Acquisition Centre, FCT.

Mr Idoko said NACA was convinced that empowering women would help to reduce the prevalence rate of HIV and AIDS in the country.

“Empowering women will help us to drive down the prevalence of HIV and ensure the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals, MDGs.

“We need to take women as a vulnerable group to address their challenges,” he said.

The ratio aligns with the World Health Organization, WHO’s, statistics that shows women in sub-Saharan Africa ahead of men in the number of those living with HIV.

Globally, the percentage stands at 50 apiece for women and men.

But in Sub Saharan Africa, WHO said several factors are responsible for the variation.

For instance, gender norms related to masculinity can encourage men to have more sexual partners and older men to have sexual relations with much younger women, raising the risk of more infection against women.

“Violence against women (physical, sexual and emotional), which is experienced by 10 to 60% of women (ages 15-49 years) worldwide, increases their vulnerability to HIV,” WHO said in one of its reports.

Forced sex can also contribute to HIV transmission due to tears and lacerations resulting from the use of force, it added.

Mr Idoko said NACA would focus more on prevention by training and empowering women so that they could avoid risky behaviour.

“We believe that any one, for instance, that learns how to make soap will make enough money to take care of her needs.

“This will make her to be self-sufficient and prevent her from engaging in any behaviour that will expose her to HIV,” he said.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on MDGs, Dr Precious Gbeneol, said the programme was a step in the right direction to end poverty among vulnerable women.

Represented by Mai Yakubu, Deputy Director, Health Desk, Gbeneol reiterated the commitment of the office to support women and youth empowerment through Conditional Grants Scheme (CGS).

The training was jointly organised by NACA and MGDs Fund under the Socio-economic Empowerment for Vulnerable Women 2013 project.
http://premiumtimesng.com/news/149357-majority-nigerians-hiv-women-naca.html

UPDATE!!!

Less than 12 hours after their meeting was disrupted by police officers in Abuja, five of the seven aggrieved governors of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, were, on Monday, in a closed door meeting with former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

The governors travelled from Abuja to Abeokuta through Lagos to meet with the former president at his Presidential Boulevard home in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.

The governors at the meting include Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers), Musa Kwankwaso (Kano), Babangida Aliyu (Niger), Sule Lamido (Jigawa) and Murtala Nyako (Adamawa). They were the same governors who, alongside other leaders of the PDP faction, were prevented from meeting in Abuja on Sunday night by policemen whose leader allegedly said they acted on the orders from above.

The governors arrived at Mr. Obasanjo’s home in an unmarked SUV driven by Mr. Amaechi.

PREMIUM TIMES observed that the governors were escorted by a limited number of security personnel, believed to have been provided by a the governor of a neighbouring state.

It was earlier circulated that the flight of the governors to Lagos had been cancelled, and therefore, the proposed meeting with Mr. Obasanjo was no longer feasible.

However, the governors were said to have re-strategised and found an alternative means to the former president’s home.

The governors, on arrival, were welcomed by Mr. Obasanjo who ushered them into the closed door meeting that lasted hours.

All parties later came out smiling to address waiting journalists with the Niger governor appointed to address reporters.

Responding to questions from the journalists, Mr. Babangida said the visit was part of consultations embarked on by the governors after the crisis in the PDP started and the formation of their faction tagged the New PDP.

“We are here as part of our consultation. If you recall, when the issue started, we consulted with some of our elders and this is part of the consultation. More so, we are coming to the resolution of the matters. We believe that very soon, we will be discussing with the president,” he said.

The five governors, as well as those of Kwara and Sokoto, are members of the Abubakar Baraje-led faction of the PDP that is opposed to Bamanga Tukur as the national chairman of the ruling party. The faction is also opposed to the re-election plan of President Goodluck Jonathan.
Source: http://premiumtimesng.com/news/147779-breaking-obasanjo-closed-door-meeting-amaechi-g7-pdp-governors.html

The aggrieved governors of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, are currently in a closed-door meeting with former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

The meeting is being held at Mr. Obasanjo’s residence in Abeokuta, Ogun State, and is attended by five of the governors.

The aggrieved governors were led to Monday’s meeting by Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State who also drove the vehicle that conveyed his colleagues.

The other four governors at the meeting are Rabiu Kwankwaso of Kano, Babangida Aliyu of Niger, Sule Lamido of Jigawa and Murtala Nyako of Adamawa.

The governors are members of the Abubakar Baraje-led faction of the PDP that is opposed to Bamanga Tukur as the chairman of the ruling party.

The governors were on Sunday prevented from holding their meeting in Abuja by the police who reportedly said they acted on orders from above.

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For the second time in one week, the police, on Sunday night, disrupted the meeting of the Kawu Baraje faction of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Abuja.

Governors of the faction, also called the “New PDP” had converged on the Kano State Governor’s Lodge, Asokoro District of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, for a meeting, but were prevented from doing so by policemen, who stormed the venue to dislodge them.

The governors dislodged were Musa Kwankwaso (Kano), Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers), Sule Lamido (Jigawa), Murtala Nyako (Adamawa) and Babangida Aliyu (Niger).

Two members of the G7 governors were absent. They were Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto) and Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara).

Five of the governors, alongside some former governors, namely Bukola Saraki (Kwara), Danjuma Goje (Gombe), Adamu Abdullahi (Nasarawa) and Adamu Aliero (Kebbi), were last Sunday stopped from meeting at the Sokoto State Governor’s Lodge, forcing them to shift the venue to the Kano State Governor’s Lodge. Messrs Goje and Adamu, serving senators, were also at Sunday’s disrupted meeting.

Some groups, including the opposition All Progressives Congress, APC, condemned the action of the police, which they accused of working in concert with the Federal Government to deny the governors the freedom of association as enshrined in the nation’s constitution. It also said the action was a threat to democracy.

Prior to that, an Abuja High court had declared the new PDP illegal. The court asked the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognize the National Working Committee, NWC, led by Bamanga Tukur.

The splinter group has since indicated its plan to appeal the judgement.

The latest abortion of the governor’s meeting was confirmed by a member of the faction, who spoke on the condition of anonymity with journalists in Abuja.

The member, who was present at the meeting, said that the armed policemen stormed the Kano State Governor’s Lodge and ordered those in attendance, including the five governors, to leave the premises.

It was further gathered that the operation was led by Nnnanna Ana, a Superintendent of Police, who reportedly told the attendees that they (policemen) had order from above to flush them out of the venue.

The spokesperson of the faction, Chikwuemeka Eze, in a chat with journalists, condemned the action, stating that it was an infringement on the rights of the state governors and party chieftains who were in attendance.

“This is the impunity we have been complaining about. When is the impunity going to stop,” he said.

“Where is the government dragging Nigeria to, when they cannot control the security organs, because we have been complaining about what the Police is doing, infringing on human rights of governors. Is this normal?

“We once again plead with President Jonathan to call these people to order before they plunge this country into confusion.”

Mr. Eze later released a statement late on Sunday night about the police’s action. Read statement here: http://premiumtimesng.com/news/147754-police-chase-five-governors-senators-others-new-pdp-meeting.html

President Goodluck Jonathan on Sunday said that the Federal Government would ensure that the new investors in the power sector would not rip off Nigerians.

The president gave the assurance in his message at the Third Session of the sixth Synod of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion in Ihiagwa, Owerri, in Imo.

He restated the Federal Government’s commitment to improve infrastructure as well as ensure that the power sector performed better than the telecommunications industry.

Represented by Chukwuemeka Nwogu, the Minister of Labour, Mr Jonathan said the privatisation of the power sector would make electricity sufficient for the nation.

“There will be power all over the country; all we need is for everybody to support the government to achieve our goals,” he said.

The president also said government was working hard to reposition the railway sub-sector, adding that that trains were already operating on the North-South routes.

“The eastern corridor would soon be resuscitated. We are taking bold steps to tackle the problems of the country and by the grace of God, we will succeed,” he said.

On the proposed national conference, he said he was convening it to enable Nigerians to discuss the issues in the country.

“Let us talk and settle the issue of church burning, bombing, ethnicity and various other problems bedevilling the country. Everyone must be involved,’’ he said.

The Bishop of Egbu Diocese, Rt. Rev. Geoffrey Okorafor, prayed for the president and the nation, and sued for support of peace and development processes in the country.
Source: http://premiumtimesng.com/news/147747-jonathan-says-new-electricity-investors-will-defraud-nigerians.html

President Goodluck Jonathan on Friday called on
leaders to leave good legacies behind while in office,
saying he would like to be remembered as a leader
who played his part and quit the stage after leaving
something for future generations to cherish.
Mr. Jonathan spoke in Okrika, Rivers state, on Friday
at the burial of his mother-in-law, Charity Oba.
He said the most important thing for leaders was to
be remembered for the good things they left behind
after leaving office.
“The key thing is that whether you are being buried
silently or you have the privilege of being honoured
by so many people, is what did you leave behind?
“And to me as a political leader and to most of my
friends here who are politicians, politics or holding
political office is almost like death.
“While you are there, you are on the stage . The day
you leave, what will people remember you for?.
“That has always been my guiding principle, no
matter the comments, whether the comments are to
the left, right or at the centre.
“What challenges me every day is that the day I step
out of the State House, what will the present and
future generations of Nigerians remember me for?.
“I believe that is what will guide most of us who are
holding political offices.’’
Mr. Jonathan described Mrs Oba as a generous
mother and a wonderful woman worthy of emulation.
He said that although Mrs Oba stayed shortly, his
family would remember her for all she did for them.
In her speech, the First Lady, Patience
Jonathan, described her mother as hardworking,
generous and caring for her children.
“Mama never failed to amaze us. When she was alive,
she continued to show the same affection even as
grown up adults.
“She provided for us even as wife of Deputy
Governor, wife of Governor, wife of Vice-President,
and as wife of President until she breathe her last.
The First Lady said that her mother continued to
provide food for her family even as wife of the
President.
“Mama Sisi never demanded for anything from you
and never thought of your status in life, no matter
who you were , instead, she continued playing the
role of a mother and was a very generous woman,
who took delight in feeding many people all the
time,’’ she said.
Earlier, Prof. Samuel Nwora, Head of Sabbath Church
in Rivers, described death as a submission to the will
of God.
He reminded Christians of the need to be obedient to
the will of God, saying that it was unchristian to show
rebellion to authority.
He condemned rebellion and insubordination of all
kinds, which he explained, was the sin of Satan in
heaven.
Mr. Nwora urged Christians to always respect
constituted authority which, he said, had a blessing
from God.
Mrs Oba died in a ghastly auto accident along the
East-West Road in Rivers State, on July 22 at the age
of 67.
Here is Mrs. Oba’s brief biography, written by Isiaka
Aliagan, a principal officer in the Office of the First
Lady .
http://premiumtimesng.com/news/147695-how-i-like-to-be-remembered-jonathan.html

Mr. Nyako said “the PDP is very, very sick”, adding, “If APC means making Nigeria a key player in Africa, or saving Nigeria, securing Nigeria, I don’t mind being in any political party.”

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is about to suffer a major setback as leaders of the New Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) appeared to have convinced Governor Murtala Nyako of Adamawa to cross to the opposition party.

The opposition politicians held a closed-door meeting with Mr. Nyako in Yola, the Adamawa state capital, on Friday as part of efforts to strengthen their ranks ahead of the 2015 general election.

The APC chieftains, including former Governor of Lagos , Bola Tinubu, and ex-Head of State, Muhammadu Buhari, and APC National Chairman, Bisi Akande , said they were in the state to hold talks with Mr. Nyako and his teeming supporters.

During the meeting, held at the Banquet Hall of the Government House, Yola, Mr. Akande said their recruitment mission to the state was part of their drive to salvage the country from its present dilapidated state.

‘’Nigerians are now tired with the injustice and impunity across the land; hence their resolve to bring about change,” Mr. Akande said. “I can assure you that in APC, internal democracy will be enshrined. Please let’s not make mistake this time around. The time is ripe for change. Our discussions with other governors are very fruitful ahead of the proposed merger.’’

In the same vein, General Buhari reiterated Mr. Akande’s statement on their mission to Yola which is to persuade Mr. Nyako to join the APC.

“All what we are trying to do is to get this country out of the current mess,” he said. “In our bid to that, Adamawa state must join us to deliver this country. That is why we are here. We need peace and prosperity in this country.
http://premiumtimesng.com/news/147665-breaking-apc-recruitment-train-arrives-adamawa-buhari-tinubu-others-woo-nyako.html?utm_source=&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=breaking-apc-recruitment-train-arrives-adamawa-buhari-tinubu-others-woo-nyako