2023: Economist Intelligence Unit predicts Tinubu’s victory

Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu

The presidential candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu will win the 2023 presidential election, the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) has stated in a new country report.

The report stated the chances of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate Atiku Abubakar have been significantly reduced by the internal crisis in the party.

His chances, the report further stated, have been narrowed by the growing popularity of Peter Obi, the candidate of Labour Party (LP), in the South-East, which is traditionally the powerhouse of the PDP.

Tinubu, a former Lagos Governor, defeated several APC leaders to emerge the party’s presidential candidate in May.

Most of his opponents stepped down for him moments before the commencement of the primary election while other aspirants including Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo went ahead to test their popularity with Tinubu but lost.

His choice of Kashim Shettima, a former Borno Governor of and a fellow Muslim, as his running mate has continued to generate controversy in the APC and across the country ahead of next year’s election.

But the EIU said it does not appear that the same-faith ticket would affect the chances of Tinubu in the presidential election.

“We expect Tinubu to take the presidency, and recent developments have only reinforced our thinking. It does not appear that a Muslim-Muslim ticket will weigh significantly on Tinubu’s electoral chances,” it said.

Like the APC, PDP has been plagued by internal crisis since the presidential primary was concluded.

Rivers Governor Nyesom Wike expressed dissatisfaction with the manner the primary was conducted.

The issue was aggravated when Wike, who was Atiku’s closest opponent in the primary, was snubbed by Atiku as the former vice-president picked Governor Ifeanyi Okowa as his running mate.

The decision was contrary to the recommendation of Wike as running mate by the special PDP selection committee.

Wike has stated his demands for reconciliation, among which is the removal of the national chairman of the party, Iyorchia Ayu.

But Ayu has vowed not to resign his position, insisting that his mandate was for four years.

“Atiku has more cause to worry. Not only is Obi eating into the PDP’s South-eastern support base, but Governor Wike, who finished second in the primary, does not appear to be interested in endorsing him,” the EIU said.

The crisis rocking the PDP took a turn for the worse on Wednesday as Wike’s camp pulled out of the campaign council of Atiku.

The report said with the amendment of the Electoral Act to accommodate electronic transmission of result, the role of the establishment in influencing outcome of the presidential election would diminish significantly, leading to the most fairest and credible polls since the return to democratic rule in 1999.

The report added that despite the presence of three major political gladiators from the three major ethnic groups in the country in the presidential race, the amendment of the Electoral Act would bring less disputes about the presidential election result.

Atiku’s response to calls for Ayu’s removal disheartening, says Bode George

Chief Olabode George

A chieftain of opposition Peoples' Democratic Party (PDP) Chief Olabode George has described the response of the presidential candidate of the party, Abubakar Atiku to calls for the removal of Senator Iyorchia Ayu, as national chairman is disheartening. 

Chief George disclosed on Thursday while featuring on Arise Television’s News Day on Thursday.

The PDP stalwart said, “Let’s do what is right, let’s do what is just. All of us can not sleep and face the same direction. I am talking because we are deviating from the norm and the cause of our founding fathers.”

“It is not a personal thing for me and it will never be. This is not a personal emotional issue. This is about doing things right. Let’s follow the culture and the norms of our founding fathers so that  we can convince the people that we can build the country,” he added. 

Recall that Atiku had restated his position that he cannot force Ayu to resign as the party’s National Chairman 

This was after Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State and his team in the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the Ayu-must-go move pulled out of the campaign Council of Atiku.

The VANGUARD reported that George, who share in Wike’s vision, maintained that there would be no support for Atiku until Ayu vacated the number one office of the party to allow an acting Chairman from the South part of the country.

The aggrieved stalwarts which comprise the founding members of the party, sitting governors, former ministers and other leaders of the party made their position known in a resolution read by a former Deputy National Chairman of the party, Chief Olabode George.

George, who read the resolution of the group, said they were deeply concerned about the division in the PDP despite the party’s age-long internal mechanism designed to guarantee inclusiveness.

The PDP stalwart said, “We resolve that we are deeply concerned by the division in our party. We are aware that over the years our party has developed conflict resolution mechanisms that guarantee inclusiveness. The published presidential campaign council list translates to putting the cat before the horse.

The pertinent issue remains the resolution of the leadership which is a departure of “Senator Iyorchia Ayu must resign as the National Chairman of the party for an acting Chairman of the Southern Nigerian extraction to emerge and lead the party on the national campaign.

“Consequently, we resolve not to participate in the campaign council in whatever capacity until the resignation of Dr. Iyorchia Ayu.”

Also, A former Plateau State Governor, Senator Jonah Jang, claimed that Ayu was a bad referee, who assisted one side to score a goal during a football match and later blew the whistle.

He accused Ayu of compromising the May 28 and 29 presidential primaries of the party through his conduct.

Jang said: “For a National Chairman, Senator Iyorchia Ayu to go and embrace Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tanbuwal, calling him the hero of the convention meant that there was a private arrangement that was done with Tambuwal to shortchange other contestants including Governor Wike.

“Here was a referee, who helped one of his sides to score a goal and then blew the whistle. This is not what we formed the PDP to do for Nigerians. Therefore, we unequivocally ask that Ayu must step down.”

Furthermore, A former Minister of Information, Prof. Jerry Gana, said if the party intended to restructure Nigeria it should have the courage to restructure itself.

He noted that their support for Wike was for the sake of equity and justice in the party, not neither because he lost the presidential primary nor because he was not chosen as the Vice-presidential running mate.

Gana said, “You cannot build on a faulty foundation. This call for the chairman to step down or resign is not because any of us is aggrieved but because we believe it is important to ensure a just, fair, principled and constitutional structure for the party. If we want to restructure Nigeria, we should have the courage to restructure our party”.

The Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde added, “We hope that the powers that be listen to the voice of reason and do the needful.”

There won’t be ASUU strike if politicians' kids school in Nigerian varsities – Kate Henshaw

Kate Henshaw

Veteran Nollywood actress, Kate Henshaw has accused Nigerian leaders of ‘nonchalance’ towards the plight of the students.

She wondered whether universities would have been shut for even a single day if politicians’ children were schooling in the country.

She wrote: “If their children were schooling here, do you think the Universities will be shut for even one day??

“Instead they rub it in your faces that they don't care while they celebrate with glee the graduation of their children in the abroad. VOTE WISELY!!”

The seven-month-old strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has continued to attract concerns.

After several months of negotiation by ASUU and the Federal Government proves unyielding, the gym enthusiast took a swipe at the latter for the varsities still being shut.

Further irked by the recent public celebration accompanied with photos online of President Buhari’s daughter-in-law, Zahra Buhari’s emergence with a first class degree from a varsity overseas, the thespian empahsised the need for every youth to vote wisely in the forthcoming elections.

FG sets to inaugurate new equipment to ramp up power to 7,000Mw

All is set for the inauguration of new equipment for the Siemens power project which will intensify power supply to a minimum of 7,000 megawatts (Mw).

In December 2021, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved $1.9 million and 62.9 million Euros for phase one of the Presidential Power Initiative (PPI), that seeks to modernise, rehabilitate and expand the national grid. 

Speaking during the Nigeria Energy Conference and Exhibitions in Lagos, yesterday, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of FGN Power Company (FGNPC), Kenny Anuwe, said the ceremony would begin before the third week next month in Lagos, while the second set of equipment will be unveiled in Abuja later.

He said the company is set to inaugurate the first set of the power equipment with the aim of sustaining the tempo until power disruptions in the country become a thing of the past.

Anuwe revealed that the equipment include transformers and mobile substations procured in partnership with Siemens Energy.

He added that the equipment were purpose-designed to meet Nigeria’s power supply needs in a phased programme that will see to the generation and distribution of 25,000 megawatts of electricity by 2025, adding that with the new equipment, power supply will rise to a minimum of 7,000Mw, while he assured that the company is committed to executing its plans until all the targets are met.

The energy expert said: “The Federal Government is determined to make a difference in the lives and livelihood of Nigerians, and with the pace of work being put in the project so far, I think we would exceed 7,000Mw.

“But this is our first objective and we are not taking our eyes off that ball. We want to hit that target and to exceed it and that is a confirmation that improvement in electricity supply is absolutely doable.

“The FGN Power Company was set up as a special purpose company to implement the PPI. But its core mandate is in three broad categories; number one is to secure financing for the programme; number two, to engage with stakeholders right across the value chain, and number three, to coordinate the implementation of the Presidential Power Initiative.

It also includes engagement in engineering and procurement contracts (EPC) and master content management (MCM), all fashioned to deliver for Nigerians, all the objectives set in the PPI.

“The GenCos and the DisCos will continue to play their part in the value chain of delivering energy to consumers’ right across Nigeria. What will be different is that they will now have a partner in FGN Power Company that is enabled to actually implement a programme that supports their businesses in sustainable ways, while strengthening their capabilities to deliver value to their customers.”

Anuwe further noted that the partnership between Nigeria and FGNPC, on one hand, the German government and Siemens Energy, on the other, would bring long-term benefits to Nigeria and its people.

The Nation reported that, the Federal Government signed a power project deal (PPI) with Siemens AG in July 2019 to increase electricity generation to 25,000 megawatts (MW) in six years.

Tinubu extols wife at 62

Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his wife, Oluremi

The Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has extolled his wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu who clocked 62 years this Wednesday.

Tinubu, via his official Twitter account, appreciates his wife for standing by him unconditionally.

The political leader said at this time of the year nothing else matters, saying demands of politics can’t suppress emotions he feels when it’s her birthday.

Tinubu wrote, “To My Dearest Remi at 62 Birthdays are for celebration, Especially so for someone who has been the love of my life. At this time of the year, nothing else matters. Not even the demands of politics can suppress the rush of emotions I feel every time it’s your birthday.

“Dearest Oluremi, my Senator! I love and appreciate you each passing day. Recalling how we started fills me with gratitude: how you have stood by me, unconditionally, like the Rock of Gibraltar.

“Even when I had to be away owing to exigencies, you efficiently managed the homefront, nurturing the children with love and affection. Your love has always kept me going. Thank you for being a good mother. Our children and I thank you for your immense love.

“Happy birthday, Senator Oluremi Tinubu. Happy 62nd birthday to my wife, my love!”

Credit: Twitter |officialABAT

Obi reveals seven–point economic master plan

          Peter Obi

The Presidential candidate of Labour Party, Peter Obi on Tuesday in Lagos, unveiled seven economic master plans his administration will concentrate, if he emerges the winner of the 2023 election.

Obi in his engagement with the private sector under the aegis of the Lagos Chambers of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), said his administration will ensure creating the right environment and follow up on implementing those policies.

The LP candidate who vowed to engage in aggressive private sector driven economy and block leakages in government, added that his government will deal with insecurity issue decisively by overhauling the total security architecture and also encourage creation of state and local policing.

Obi said his government will not condone any government asset to remain idle, saying all will be put into productive use in partnership with the private sector.

He assured Nigerians that his government will encourage massive production centre growth for food security, ensure effective legal and institutional reforms and expand physical infrastructure

Others according to him include aggressive development of human capital, provide foreign policy to restore Nigeria’s relevance, stimulate industrial revolution, grow foreign reserves and security to lives and property.

He said the issue of oil subsidy was an organised crime, which his government won’t encourage.

“Most of challenges are institutional weaknesses and lack of political will to do the needful.

“We will streamline governance ensure that it is responsive that provides needed services to the populace.

“To move Nigeria forward requires a concerted efforts that seeks adherence to the rule of law.

“Experience shows that inclusiveness is an essential element in decision-making process.

“I will be fully responsible for actions and decisions taken by my government.

“For you to generate revenue, it is the job of government to encourage economic growth and create jobs, who will in turn invest in the economy and pay taxes.

“Start pulling the people out of poverty and encourage economic growth. China finances its budget majorly from taxes. You need to inject and support the economy.”

On power, he said the problem was the transmission sector, which he promised to liberalise.

“Yes, we have privatised the generation and distribution but the major link between the two, which is the transmission. For our government, we will liberalise this sector and support the existing companies in that sector. This can be done by aggressively involving the private sector.

“Government does not have to look for money to do this. The government can go ahead to provide guarantee like it was done in Egypt.”

He added that another challenge bedeviling the country was waste in government, which his administration would decisively deal.

“I have allergy for waste and the same thing will apply in my government.”

Earlier, the president LCCI, Dr. Michael Olawale-Cole said that the private sector in Nigeria contributes about 80 per cent of our GDP, hence, LCCI cannot afford to miss the opportunity to engage Obi on his economic plans for the country.

“While the chamber is non-partisan, we are however interested in the economic agenda of the candidates and their plans to make a better nigeria in the next dispensation.”

He added that the chamber was aware of the over-shadowing effect of politics over economics in managing the Nigerian economy and would therefore wish to contribute to the setting of a new economic order that can take our economy from the doldrums.

“New policy directions, institutional reforms, and sound governance are critical to creating a new economic order in nigeria. This is why we are gathered here today!

“For the past 16 years, LCCI has organized this session in every election cycle.

“This is a part of its public policy advocacy to provide a first-hand opportunity for presidential candidates of the leading political parties to speak to the organized private sector (ops) on their economic blueprint for Nigeria.

“All patriotic Nigerians would like to know the plans and intentions of a future president, and this will most likely enhance the choices people make at the polls.”

Seven reasons to avoid eating Ponmo

Animal hides, locally known as ponmo, in Yoruba and kanda in Igbo is a popular supplement in soups enjoyed by many Nigerians.

Many Nigerians are simply at home with ponmo consumption but the recent announcement by the Federal Government proposing legislation to ban the consumption of animal skin to revive the comatose leather industry has sparked mixed reactions.

In July 2019, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) warned Nigerians to be careful when buying Ponmo.

NAFDAC DG Moji Adeyeye said their investigations revealed: “Unscrupulous businessmen and traders are now diverting animal hides meant for industrial use into the food chain for consumption”.

According to The Nation, different health experts have argued for and against the nutritional value of Ponmo, it has not stopped those who love it (Ponmo) to stop consuming it. In fact, it has become a daily staple delicacy for consumption.

But what are the hazards attached to eating Ponmo:

1. Most of these animal hides are meant for industrial use. The hides which are meant for industrial use, have found their way into the food market. It is therefore harmful, unsafe and unfit for human consumption.

2. Some of the animal hides are sometimes pre-treated with industrial chemicals, which are not of food grade and are toxic and injurious to human health.

3. The imported animal hides are meant for industrial use by leather industries for the manufacturing of items such as shoes, bags, belts and others.

4. Two likely causes of importing and buying the ponmo are that it is cheaper than the ones produced and sold locally. The importers therefore feed on the ignorance of Nigerians who are unable to distinguish between the one fit for consumption and the harmful one.

5. Livestock farmers are advised to note that industrial animal hides cannot and should not be used in the manufacture of animal feed.

6. Health hazards inherent in the consumption of such animal hides include risk of liver, kidney and heart damage, cancer threat, increased risk of aplastic anaemia, central nervous system toxicity and more.

7. The means of processing the ponmo in the market is dangerous to human health, even the importation alone poses as a serious threat to one's health.

BREAKING: Police teargas, disassemble Obidient movement in Ebonyi

The Police in Ebonyi State on Saturday violently dispersed residents who gathered in Abakaliki, capital to stage a one-million man match in support of Labour Party(LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

The Obidient movement, as the supporters are popularly called, had gathered at the Pastoral Centre, Abakaliki for the march when police stormed the area and dispersed them with teargas.

The incident caused human and vehicular traffic on the popular Old Enugu road in the capital city on Saturday morning.

The Nation reported that one of the supporters, Steve Ugama, alleged aside dispersing and tear-gassing the supporters, about five of his colleagues have been arrested by the police.

He said: “This is inhuman and undemocratic. We have gathered here this morning for our peaceful March, all of a sudden, the police came and started tear-gassing us and arresting our people.

“They said we can’t hold the march, because Governor David Umahi asked them to stop us, that we can’t hold it. About four or our colleague have been arrested. We need help here.”

However, the supporters later regrouped in another part of the town and continued the march on the Enugu-Abakaliki highway.

Gautam Adani briefly listed as World’s Second-Richest person

            Gautam Adani

Weeks after becoming the first Asian to break into the top three, Indian industrialist Gautam Adani on Friday, briefly became the world’s second- on the Forbes real-time billionaire tracker.

According to Forbes, the self-made billionaire’s net worth surged $4 billion overnight to $154 billion, ranking him ahead of LVMH’s Bernard Arnault and Amazon’s Jeff Bezos.

Tesla founder Elon Musk remained well out in front with a fortune of more than $270 billion.

Arnault — who at times held the top spot in May 2021 — and Adani traded the number two position during the day as the share prices of their companies fluctuated.

Adani, 60, made his fortune in ports and commodities trading and now operates India’s second-largest conglomerate with interests ranging from coal mining and edible oils to airports and news media.

His ballooning net worth reflects a stratospheric rise in the market capitalisation of his publicly listed companies, as investors back the Adani Group’s aggressive expansion of old and new businesses.

Shares in the flagship Adani Enterprises — of which the billionaire owns 75 percent — have soared more than 2,700 percent since March 2020, and doubled in value in the past six months.

Stock price surges in other group companies including Adani Transmission, Adani Power, Adani Ports and Adani Green Energy catapulted Adani past fellow Indian billionaire Mukesh Ambani this year.

Analyst estimates indicated the market capitalisation of Adani’s seven listed companies also briefly overtook those of the Tata group on Friday morning, making the Adani Group India’s largest conglomerate.

Born in the city of Ahmedabad in the western state of Gujarat to a middle-class family, Adani dropped out of college to work in the diamond industry before starting his export business in 1988.

In 1995, he won a contract to build and operate a commercial shipping port at Mundra in Gujarat, which has since grown to become India’s largest port.

At the same time, Adani expanded into thermal power generation and coal mining in India and overseas.

In recent years, the conglomerate has forayed into petrochemicals, cement, data centres and copper refining, in addition to establishing a renewable energy business with ambitious targets.

Recent investments in Indian news media and a bid for 5G airwaves this year have raised speculation that the billionaire’s empire could soon impinge on sectors dominated by Ambani’s Reliance Industries.

But Adani’s rapid expansion into capital-intensive businesses has also raised financial alarms, with Fitch Group’s CreditSights last week reiterating that they “remain concerned over the Adani Group’s leverage”.

PHOTOS: Mammoth crowd in support of APC presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Ibadan today.

Tinubu has courage, capacity to fix Nigeria, says cleric

            Pastor John Desmond

The leader of Young Professionals of Nigeria (YPN) Pastor John Desmond has solicited support for the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The cleric made the call in Umuahia, Abia State during a senstisation tour of young professionals who are members of the APC across the South East.

He said Tinubu has the courage, vision and capacity to transform Nigeria.

According to him: ” Tinubu is one rare personality with selfless features, strides and achievements. He is a politician, businessman and leader of thought that has earned a place in history as one of the most spectacular political gem who has effected monumental democratic change in the country’s political evolution.

“Jagaban understood the relevance of youths in the demographic segmentation of Nigeria. He foresaw the emergence of this sector of our demography and quickly exploited this.

“The consequence of that stride is the emergence of young political heavyweights, such as Raji Fashola, Yemi Osinbajo, Akinwumu Ambode, Muiz Banire, Musiliu Obanikoro, Dele Alake, Kayode Fayemi, Edun, Aregbesola, Akabueze, Igbokwe, Fowler, etc.

“Therefore, my SouthEast brothers, if you must vote, I urge you to look at the future and drop emotions and vote for Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and the APC during the general elections.”

TODAY IN HISTORY: 15 SEPTEMBER, 1935; Nuremberg race laws imposed

On this day in 1935, the Nuremberg Race Laws was promulgated and German Jews were stripped of their citizenship, reducing them to mere “subjects” of the state.

These laws informally became known as the Nuremberg Laws or Nuremberg Race Laws.

After Hitler’s accession to the offices of president and chancellor of Germany, he set about the task of remaking his adopted country into the dream state he imagined. But his dream was soon to become a nightmare for many. Early on in his reign, the lives of non-Jewish German citizens were barely disrupted. But not so for Hitler’s “enemies.” Hitler’s racist ideology, which elevated those of “pure-blooded” German stock to the level of “masters” of the earth, began working itself out in vicious ways.

Within the first year of Hitler’s rule, German Jews were excluded from a host of high-profile vocations, from public office to journalism, radio, theater, film, and teaching, and even farming. The professions of law and medicine were also withdrawn slowly as opportunities. “Jews Not Welcome” signs could be seen on shop and hotel windows, beer gardens, and other public arenas. With the Nuremberg Laws, these discriminatory acts became embedded in the culture by fiat, making them even more far-reaching. Jews were forbidden to marry “Aryans” or engage in extramarital relations with them. Jews could not employ female Aryan servants if they were less than 35 years of age. Jews found it difficult even to buy food, as groceries, bakeries, and dairies would not admit Jewish customers. Even pharmacies refused to sell them medicines or drugs.

What was the outside world’s reaction? Because unemployment had dropped precipitously under Hitler’s early commandeering of the economy, the face of Germany seemed brighter. While some foreign visitors, even some political opponents within Germany itself, decried these racist laws and practices, most were beguiled into thinking it was merely a phase, and that Hitler, in the words of former British Prime Minister Lloyd George, was “a great man.”

Author:

History.com Editors

TODAY IN HISTORY: 15 SEPTEMBER, 1978; Muhammad Ali defeats Leon Spinks to emerge world heavyweight championship third time

                      Muhammad Ali

On this day in 1978, an American professional boxer, Muhammad Ali defeated Leon Spinks at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans to win the world heavyweight boxing title for the third time in his career, the first fighter ever to do so. Following his victory, Ali retired from boxing, only to make a brief comeback two years later. Ali, who once claimed he could “float like a butterfly, sting like a bee,” left the sport permanently in 1981.

Born Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr. in Louisville, Kentucky, on January 17, 1942, the future world champ changed his name to Muhammad Ali in 1964 after converting to Islam. He earned a gold medal at the 1960 Olympic Games in Rome and made his professional boxing debut against Tunney Hunsaker in October 1960, winning the bout in six rounds. On February 25, 1964, Ali defeated the heavily favored Sonny Liston in six rounds to become heavyweight champ, after which he famously declared, “I am the greatest!”

During the Vietnam War, Ali who was also an activist, refused to be inducted into the U.S. armed forces and in 1967 was convicted of draft evasion and banned from boxing for three years. He stayed out of prison as his case was appealed and returned to the ring in October 1970, knocking out Jerry Quarry in Atlanta in the third round. On March 8, 1971, Ali fought Joe Frazier in the “Fight of the Century” and lost after 15 rounds, the first loss of his professional boxing career. In June 1971, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Ali’s conviction for evading the draft.

Regarded as one of the most significant sports figures, Ali defeated Frazier in 12 rounds at a January 1974 rematch at New York City’s Madison Square Garden. In October of that same year, an underdog Ali bested George Foreman and reclaimed his heavyweight champion belt at the heavily hyped “Rumble in the Jungle” in Kinshasa, Zaire, with a knockout in the eighth round. On February 15, 1978, in Las Vegas, an aging Ali lost the title to Leon Spinks in a 15-round split decision. For Spinks, who was born in 1953 and won a gold medal in boxing at the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal, the fight was just the eighth of his professional career. However, seven months later, on September 15, Ali won the title back, in a unanimous 15-round decision.

In June 1979, Ali announced he was retiring from boxing. On October 2, 1980, he returned to the ring and fought heavyweight champ Larry Holmes, who knocked him out in the 11th round. After losing to Trevor Berbick on December 11, 1981, Ali left the ring for the last time, with a record of 56 wins, five losses and 37 knockouts. In 1984, he was revealed to have Parkinson’s disease. Ali died on June 3, 2016.

Oyetola, PDP clash over Osun guber poll report

        Gboyega Oyetola and Ademola Adeleke

The Chief Press Secretary to Osun State governor, Ismail Omipidan and Osun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), have disagreed on the report of an election observer group, Yiaga Africa, on the July 16 governorship poll.

Relying on the report presented by Yiaga’s Executive Director, Samson Itodo, at a stakeholders’ conference the group organised in Abuja, where it launched the election result analysis, Omipidan insisted that the poll was marred by irregularities.

Omipidan had referred to the complaint of blurred results sheets uploaded to INEC server.

The CPS also referred to the analysis on the Osun PVC collection data which revealed that the total number of PVCs collected for 30 polling units was greater than the total number of registered voters in those polling units, arguing that governor Oyetola, only lost vote count, not the election.

Omipidan further said, “For the purpose of Osun election, INEC had prescribed the BVAS (Bimodal Voters Accreditation System) as the only credible means of accreditation. But from the report we got from the field, in many of the polling units, BVAS was not used appropriately. It didn’t capture the number of accredited voters.

“But we did not rely mainly on the report we got from our poling agents. We also demanded by law for a CTC of the report of BVAS from INEC, and we got it.

“The CTC of the report of BVAS across 10 Local Governments in 749 polling units showed that accreditation through BVAS was less than the number of votes cast in those units,” Omipidan submitted.

But countering the Omipidan's claim, Deputy Director General Adeleke Campaign Organisation, Mr.Kolapo Alimi, on Wednesday said Yiaga’s report should be disregarded.

According to him, YIAGA had previously commended the election after the poll, noting that the election was free and fair, adding that it raised suspicion that the same organisation that had earlier commended the poll could raised issues against the election two months after.

Alimi said, “Their report complained about 30 polling units across 12 LGA. They complained of discrepancies between the number of PVCs collected and several people who voted. They are not even talking about over-voting. Yiaga has forgotten that people are still collecting PVC until Thursday which preceded the election. Their report doesn’t affect the petition before the Tribunal.

“The issue is that there are some units which did not synchronise on the server of INEC. The numbers of accredited voters were sent to the server but there are some units which did not synchronise on the server because two or more BVAS are used. They want to capitalise on that one because the records have not been synchronized on the server. This occurred in about 1,700 units and it occurred more where APC won, numbering about 1000 polling units.

“This is not as a result of any manipulation but because of network issue that the multiple BVAS used on Election Day failed to be uploaded on the server,” Alimi disclosed.

TODAY IN HISTORY: 14 SEPTEMBER, 1999; Millions evacuated homes from Hurricane Floyd

On this day in 1999, about three Million people were displaced as Hurricane Floyd moves across the Atlantic Ocean. For several days, deaths were recorded from the Bahamas to New England due to the powerful storm.

Began as a tropical storm on 07 September, Floyd attained hurricane status three days later and 12 September, its winds had reached 140 miles per hour as the storm approached the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. Floyd skirted past these islands, though, leaving relatively minor damage in its wake.

On this day in 1999, Hurricane Floyd approached the Bahamas and looked to be on a collision course with central Florida. Walt Disney World closed its doors in preparation for the first time in its history and NASA operations at Cape Canaveral were shut down to get ready for the coming storm. In all, approximately 3 million people evacuated their homes and millions of dollars in damages were incurred.

Gaining strength over the warm waters of the Caribbean, Floyd was a Category 4 storm when it hit the Florida coast the next day. It turned out to be North Carolina that bore the brunt of Floyd, however, as it landed a direct hit on the state’s Cape Fear region. Torrential rains caused flooding that ended in the drowning deaths of 56 people and 6,000 houses were lost to the storm. Floyd brought rain and flooding with it all the way up the Eastern seaboard to Connecticut. In all, 68 people died from Hurricane Floyd. Out of deference to the destruction it caused, the National Hurricane Center retired the name “Floyd” in the spring of 2000.

Mamu is a terror sponsor, DSS tells court

Tukur Mamu

The Department of State Services (DSS) on Tuesday told a Federal High Court (FHC) in Abuja that its preliminary investigation showed that hostage  negotiator, Tukur Mamu, is a terror financier.

In an affidavit in support of its ex-parte motion marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1617/2022 and  filed before the court, the DSS also described  Mamu  as a logistic supplier to both local and foreign terror groups.

The security agency added that Mamu, who had been leading  negotiations with the abductors of the  Kaduna-bound  train passengers  March 28,  was on his way to a meeting with foreign terrorist leaders before his interception last week.

He was arrested in Cairo, Egypt on September 6 with his two wives  and deported. They were picked up on arrival at the Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano by operatives of the DSS.

The two wives were later released by the operatives, who after ransacking his home and office,  announced the recovery of incriminating materials, including military accoutrements.

Presiding Justice Evelyn Maha yesterday granted the motion ex-parte  by counsel for the DSS, Ahmed Magaji. The motion   sought an order to detain Mamu, who is the publisher of Desert Herald,  for 60 days in the first instance, pending the conclusion of the investigation.

The motion,  dated September 12,  was filed  by U.N. Dauda, a lawyer with the security outfit.

‘Farmers are ready to tap into Tinubu’s proposed cassava, maize economy’

Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu

Farmers across the 36 states, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), have expressed their readiness to tap the opportunities in cassava and maize value chain as proposed by the presidential candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu.

The farmers, under the aegis of  Asiwaju Farmers Forum, stated this yesterday in Abuja.

The Nation reported that the group said their resolve to tap from the abundant opportunities in staples such as cassava and maize followed Tinubu’s assurance to invest massively in the entire agriculture value chain if elected president next year.

Leader of the group and National Coordinator, Nigerian Farmers Group and Cooperative Society (NFGCS), Mr. Retson Tedheke, said there must be a different approach to tackle the economic challenge for Nigeria to work.

Tedheke said localisation, industrialisation and sustainable economic strategy will be central to this.

He noted that the focus must be on productivity, processing, warehousing, rural stability and vocation manpower development that is focused on maize, cassava, yam, soy beans, palm trees, sesame, date palm, coconut, cattle, goats, sheep, fish, pigs among others.

According to him: “Our population is mostly not employable except in the art of farming. When a population is as uneducated as we are, we look for the low hanging fruits to get us rolling and working in large numbers even with machines. Our people, particularly in rural Nigeria, need to be engaged in large numbers before they engage us violently with devastating consequences.

“Our imports must be on how to add value to what we can produce locally, it must be on extra jobs; it must be focused on nothing but managing the evolving rural Nigeria quagmire and turning what is currently becoming a curse to blessing.

“The problem of Nigeria is Nigerians. Our failure as a country is our fault as a people. The USD is not coming down soon. Our hunger is not going away. We cannot import everything and expect our people to be free from the challenging economic mess we face.

“There are no immediate solutions outside agbado (maize) and cassava. No place will be safe if we continue to play with a hungry and angry uneducated population. Lagos is working even if slowly and steadily. Nigeria will work.

“Holland makes about $5billion annually from exporting flowers and $100billion annually from agriculture and agribusiness. Those who ridicule agriculture as the only foundation for national development are naive and ignorant about real national economic growth,” he submitted.

Obi plans to fake assassination attempt - Keyamo

Festus Keyamo

The Director of Media and Public Affairs, All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council, Festus Keyamo, on Monday, raised the alarm that the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, is planning to fake an assassination attempt and hire some supporters dressed in the APC caps and t-shirts to attack some of his party offices.

The Minister of State for Labour and Employment also accused the former Anambra State governor of allegedly circulating a hate-filled video online to disparage and spread the rumour that the APC presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, is withdrawing from the 2023 general elections due to ill health.

Keyamo made the claim in a statement issued in Abuja on Monday.

The PUNCH reported that, while challenging Obi to reveal the source and name(s) of the culprits behind the nebulous WhatsApp message, Keyamo noted that it was obvious the LP candidate deliberately concocted the message and circulated the offensive video himself as a campaign strategy.

The statement read in part, “Our attention has been drawn to an offensive, hate-filled video made and circulated by Obi in which he accused an amorphous and non-existent ‘Tinubu’s Group’ of spreading a Whatsapp message calling on the Yoruba not to vote for him. The purported message, according to Obi, forewarned the Yoruba that a vote for Peter Obi would be a vote for a seaport in the South-South and South-East regions.

“We are also aware that plans are afoot by Obi to fake an assassination attempt on himself and hire LP boys dressed in APC caps and t-shirts to attack some LP offices. It is all part of the ‘US Plan.’ It is the first in a series of incendiary actions planned by this ill-prepared but desperate candidate.”

Reacting to Keyamo’s allegation, Obi’s media aide, Emeka Obasi, described it as fallacious.

Obasi said, “It is a fallacy. You media people should also know when you see something fallacious. Does Peter look like someone who pretends or fakes things? What do we gain by faking an assassination attempt? Are they in any way trying to carry out such an attempt and seeking to blame Obi for it? The public deserves to know and that’s what we should put up in the press.

“Does Keyamo know more than we know and just use this opportunity to cry wolf? What is his plan for uttering this kind of stupid statement? Does he think Obi is part of the old order always desperate for power? Whenever he says ‘Go and verify’, does it look like scheming?”

Anglican priest resigns to form polygamous movement

Rev. Ogbuchukwu Lotanna

Against widespread belief of one man, one wife among Christians, an Anglican priest of the Nnewi Diocese in Anambra State, Rev. Ogbuchukwu Lotanna, has opined that polygamy is not a sin.

The cleric who resigned his position as an Anglican priest to form a polygamous movement known as “Gideonites”, stated in his resignation letter that he received a divine mandate to float a movement in support of polygamy.

Lotanna who is also a lawyer from Mbanagu Otolo, Nnewi claimed that “Gideonites” was aimed at encouraging polygamy, with a vision to reducing the rate of sexual sins in society, adding that the place of worship would be called “Gideonites Temple.”

Lotanna also noted that God hates divorce and sleeping with another man’s wife  and not polygamy that many preach against among Christians.

He insisted that God desired men to even marry more than one wife, instead of going for someone’s wife or ladies they were not married to.

He said he had taken his time to discover the truth the church had hidden from members for a long time, adding that it was high time people were told the truth.

This development has generated a lots of criticism from his colleagues who were amazed at Lotanna’s new belief.

Lotanna ordained an Anglican priest on December 22, 2019, at Cathedral Church of St. Mary’s Uruagu, Nnewi, is married to Chinyere Abigail, who hails from Umuogbu village Achara in Awka North of Anambra State.

No official reaction yet from the Anglican Diocese of Nnewi about the development, as the diocese is busy with the activities of its 2022 synod.

INSIDE THE 10-DAY PLAN OF ROYAL EVENTS IN HONOUR OF QUEEN ELIZABETH II

Queen Elizabeth II

With the death of Queen Elizabeth II, who ruled for more than 70 years, the United Kingdom and the entire world, has been thrown into mourning and at least 10 days of solemn ceremony had been carefully orchestrated and detailed in her honour.

Not many people alive anywhere in the world will have witnessed anything like the carefully orchestrated and detailed plan, including gun salutes, bells pealing across the land and millions gathering to pay tribute for the revered Queen. A national mourning has been proclaimed in Britain which will last until after the Queen’s funeral.

Code-named London Bridge, the plan for the queen’s death, which has been years in the making, will stage-manage an otherwise uncertain few weeks for the nation, from the succession to a new king to a period of national mourning, the queen’s funeral and the eventual coronation of her eldest son, King Charles III, 73, according to advance briefings with Buckingham Palace officials.

Friday (9th September)

The queen's coffin will be moved to the ballroom at Balmoral Castle in Scotland, covered in the royal standard of Scotland and a wreath of flowers that is changed daily. The many staff members at Balmoral and its vast estate will be able to pay their respects.

From the moment of Elizabeth’s death in Balmoral Castle, Charles officially proclaimed the monarch of the United Kingdom of Britain and Northern Ireland, as well as the head of state of Commonwealth countries.

Saturday (10th Sept.)

The coffin will be carried from the Balmoral ballroom by a party of bearers consisting of the Balmoral estate head keep and six other keepers. The queen's official bagpipe player, the Piper to the Sovereign, will walk ahead of the coffin as it leaves by hearse.

The queen’s body will then be moved to Holyrood, her residence in Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh, where a military guard of honor will meet it.

In London, members of the Privy Council, a committee of senior current and former politicians and judges who advise the monarch, will hear the new king say an oath and give a speech. For the first time, the meeting — a constitutional formality known as the Accession Council — will be televised.

Also in attendance will be the Archbishop of Canterbury, the most senior clergyman in the Church of England, which the new king now heads.

Sunday (11th Sept.)

King Charles III and the Queen Consort will go to Holyrood, where he will be met with a 21-gun salute.

Members of the royal family, including Elizabeth's children and grandchildren, will join a procession from Holyrood to Edinburgh's St. Giles’ Cathedral, with the guns of Edinburgh Castle firing every minute throughout.

A service will be held at the cathedral, where the queen's coffin will rest for 24 hours, allowing members of the public to file past and pay their respects.

Towns and cities across the U.K. will make their own proclamations to the new king, with fanfares at Cardiff Castle, Wales; Mercat Cross, a ceremonial monument on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh; and Hillsborough Castle in Belfast, Northern Ireland.

Monday (12th Sept.)

The queen’s coffin will leave St. Giles’ Cathedral by car before it is moved to London.

The new king and his wife, Camilla, will receive messages of condolence in Westminster Hall, between the Houses of Parliament in Westminster, London.

Tuesday (13th Sept.)

As the coffin arrives at London's St. Pancras Station, it will be greeted by senior royals, the prime minister and other dignitaries before it is transferred to Buckingham Palace by car.

The thousands, if not millions, of people expected to line up to pay their respects to the late Queen when her body is taken to Westminster Hall will be invited to wait in line in Victoria Tower Gardens, a small green space next to the Houses of Parliament alongside the River Thames.

Wednesday (14th Sept.)

Elizabeth’s body will be taken from Buckingham Palace to the Palace of Westminster in a gun carriage procession, a symbolic and momentous moment. The coffin will be draped in the royal standard, on which the Imperial State Crown will be placed on a velvet cushion, followed by the new king. Princes William and Harry, alongside Elizabeth’s other children and members of the royal family, will follow on foot.

Big Ben, the colossal bell in the Elizabeth Tower in the Houses of Parliament (the name of the tower and the bell are commonly confused), will toll at one-minute intervals for the duration of the procession, along with gun salutes in Hyde Park.

Prince Charles and his wife, Camila.

The coffin will be taken to Westminster Hall, where, after a short service, Elizabeth will lie in state under armed guard for the next five days. A continuous vigil will begin by the Yeoman of the Guard and other military personnel. 

Thursday (15th Sept.)

On this day, world leaders begin to arrive to pay their respects at Westminster Hall. Meanwhile, the new king meets members of the royal family at Buckingham Palace.

Friday (16th Sept.)

The new king meets the prime minister at noon for his first official weekly audience, a constitutional custom in which the head of the political executive informs the head of state about parliamentary business, as dramatized in “The Crown” and many other TV and film scenes.

Saturday (17th Sept.)

Not until 10 days after her death will Elizabeth be given her official send-off at Westminster Abbey, with members of her family, British establishment figures and heads of state from around the world in attendance.

During the morning, Westminster Abbey will fill up with British and foreign dignitaries, including all surviving former British prime ministers.

The final well-wishers will be admitted to Westminster Hall to pay their respects at 6:30 a.m. (1:30 a.m. ET) before the coffin makes its short journey with the Imperial State Crown, the Orb and the Scepter all on it.

At 11 a.m. (6 a.m. ET) exactly, the pallbearers will stop at the Grave of the Unknown Warrior and Big Ben will strike just once to mark a national two-minute silence.

The Last Post, Reveille and the national anthem will end the hour-long funeral service before a procession that could be as long as 1.5 miles then carries the coffin past Buckingham Palace to Wellington Arch and on to Elizabeth’s final resting place at Windsor.

Courtesy of;

Patrick Smith

A London-based editor and reporter for NBC News Digital.

Mercy Johnson engages Jim Iyke, Zubby Michael in new movie ‘Passport’

Mercy Johnson-Okojie’s exceptional and brilliant role in ‘Passport’, a new comic move, has further portrayed her as a Nollywood queen.

The Okene born mother of four returns to the trenches , delivering a stellar performance that will rattle movie buffs as she pitches tent with two rugged actors, Jim Iyke and Zubby Michael to do justice to the storyline of the movie.

As a street girl, MJ strives to rub shoulders with her male counterparts, vying for the chairmanship of a motor park , where Zubby Michael is the king of the jungle. In between, Jim Iyke becomes their victim by circumstances. But the drama queen must have her way either by crook or omission.

The movie, shot in Lagos, centres around a rich brat(Jim Iyke) who’s forced to work together with a ‘ghetto’ girl (Mercy Johnson) to recover his stolen passport or miss a live-changing interview back in the United Kingdom.

‘Passport’ which premiered amid resounding ovation last Sunday at IMAX cinema on Lagos island remains one of its kind.

Screaming, cheering and excitement rented the air throughout the duration of the premiere.

Directed by Dimeji Ajibola and produced by Vincent Okonkwo, Passport is definitely another laughter therapy that will sit well with the movie goers.

The movie also stars Adedimeji Lateef, Lina Idoko, Emem Ufot, NasBoi Nasiru, Jide Kosoko, Caroline Igben, Emeka Nwagbaraocha among others.

Okonkwo, whose other two projects including ‘PONZI’ was a box office success said “Passport” hitches on perseverance, and explores ghetto lifestyle through the medium of the tube. The movie hits the cinemas nationwide and in Accra, Ghana from yesterday.

“Passport is about the biggest project we have done so far. The movie hitches on perseverance, and explores ghetto lifestyle through the medium of the tube,” he stressed.

Source;

The VANGUARD.

Things to know about Nigerian-born Professor Uju Anya

Professor Uju Anya

A Nigerian-born lecturer Uju Anya sparked global outrage after she took to her verified Twitter handle to mock late Queen Elizabeth II‘s health condition hours before her death.

In a series of now-deleted tweets, the Professor fired several damning shots at the British empire and the influential role played by the late Queen of Elizabeth II, hoping that her death would be painfully “excruciating.”

Uju accused Queen Elizabeth II of sponsoring the “genocide” that led to her family being displaced.

In another tweet, she referenced the alleged role of the British empire in supplying the Nigerian government with arms and ammunition during the nation’s civil war which spanned 1967 – 1970.

Her post attracted a flurry of reactions including criticisms and backlash.

Below are five things to know about Professor Uju Anya;

1, Dr, Uju Anya is a university professor at the Carnegie Mellon University, Department of Modern Languages who currently teaches and researches in applied linguistics, critical sociolinguistics, and critical discourse studies primarily examining race, gender, sexual, and social class identities in new language learning through the experiences of African American students.

2, Before working at Carnegie Mellon University, Anya served in other prestigious institutions like Penn State University, University of Southern California and Dartmouth College.

3, She graduated from Dartmouth College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Roman languages. Uju Anya earned her Masters degree in Brazilian studies from Brown University and did her Ph.D in applied linguistics from UCLA.

4, In 2021, the Nigerian Professor who had legally separated from her husband in 2017, announced on Twitter that she had just finalised her divorce with her husband, thus openly revealing that she is lesbian. In a statement released on Twitter, the Professor wrote that her ex-husband knew of her sexuality before they got married, but she only thought at the time she was bisexual.

5, She is from both Nigerian/Trinidadian origin. Her parents met at the University in England. They got married and moved to Enugu Nigeria. However, after her father took in another wife, her mother took her young children and fled to America.

Source;

The Nation.

Fayose throws weight behind Wike on PDP crisis

Dr. Ayodele Fayose

A former governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Ayodele Fayose, has declared support for Rivers Governor, Nyesom Wike, in his fight for justice, equity and fairness in the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Fayose noted that those asking the PDP’s Presidential Candidate, Atiku Abubakar, to call the bluff of Wike and his group were the real enemies of the party.

Fayose called on those hanging around Atiku to allow him to win the forthcoming election advising Atiku not to allow people without substance to destroy the party.

Speaking on Friday during an inauguration of a world-class Community Secondary School, Obuama, Harry’s Town in Degema Local Government Area, built by Wike told Atiku that it was not too late to make amends and bring everybody together to win the election.

The former governor disclosed that Wike’s group would meet in due course and take a decision on the way forward describing the Rivers governor as the soul and lifeline of the party.

Addressing Wike, he said: “Whatever anybody says about you, posterity will be on your side. It is a matter of time. When I was a Governor of Ekiti, I honoured people when they were alive not when they were dead. You have honoured yourself by your handwork.

“Forget whatever anybody says about you. I said it before Wike, a man with a fierce look but with a good heart, a heart of will to accomplish, to love and to support. Majority of your enemies today are not against you because of anything. They are against you because they know you have capacity.

“I want to believe that Atiku Abubakar is not against you. A lot of people surrounding the throne are enemies of the throne. A lot of people surrounding the throne have one axe to grind with somebody and they take it to where they are not supposed to take it.

“There is no living being in this party or outside that will not acknowledge your contributions to this party. You are the soul of this party. Even till now what you do how many people do it?

“There was a time in this party when I was a sitting governor, I was a nightmare to the APC and the Buhari’s government. That time when you woke up you would see Fayose. But today when you open television, you will see Wike. As your senior brother I was a lion that time. Your good works will never go unrewarded.

“The people that had benefitted from you are the people that pull you down. When sitting governors were defecting, we stood the test of time. We never for one day looked at the eyes of the APC. The good man in the history of the Bible is always the enemy of the people who don’t like the truth. Continue to do your best. Don’t give up”.

Fayose expressed optimism that the party would do the needful and bring everybody together insisting that the ultimate objective should be to win the next election

He recalled their encounter with Atiku when he visited Wike after winning the party’s ticket saying he advised him on fairness and inclusiveness.

Fayose said: “I believe this party will come together. I believe the needful will be done because winning an election is all that matters. Wike hasn’t come out to say Atiku Abubakar is not the presidential candidate. He is.

“I was there the second day after the election when our candidate visited the residence of Wike. We had mutual conversation. We were all happy and everything was in place to move forward. I spoke at that meeting. We don’t want to aggravate the situation. I am only appealing to people that matter. In every political party there will be groupings, same family with different interests.

“We can do better than we are doing. People around the corridor of power, allow this candidate to win election. They say Fayose is now Tinubu’s man. When people were defecting, I never did. Loosing Ekiti election, if I go into that now you will know the source but it is not important because we must put things behind us and move forward.

“Some people believe that they have to destroy their leader before they can rise. If you are destroying any leader, you can’t rise. Wike is not a saint neither am I one. Don’t expect perfection from me. We will not want to come to Rivers here and tell Wike what he wants to hear. We will speak our mind.

“I remember I say something the day the candidate visited Governor Wike. I told him the knife is in your hand, the yam is in your hand. Cut it in a way that it will be edible. It is still not late. We can still achieve cohesion. We can still stay together and win this election. Use the knife to cut the yam and make it edible.

“Don’t let people come to you and tell you that ‘these do not matter, leave them with their local politics’. You are the man that wants to lead us. God will give you wisdom to rally everybody. My own son is a candidate in the party. He is a PDP candidate. Do I wish my son to fail? No. George Fayose is my son. With the last drop of my blood, I will stand by him.

“I came out to say it is the turn of the south, that is the position of that group at the time. I want to say to you that everybody has a way to ventilate their anger. It is not enough to allow people who do not have substance to come and destroy the party that God has given you as a candidate.

“Wike is not saying he is the vice-presidential candidate and he is not looking for it. It is important that winning this election is the ultimate, let us win together. I believe in due course, this group will meet and all their intention is let us win together.

The Nation reported that the former Ekiti governor hailed Wike for his generosity, called on the leaders of the PDP to do more to unify the party.

He said: “Many people have resources they can’t spend it because they are not givers. It is not because you (Wike) has the resources but because you have the spirit to give, the spirit to support.

“You have been the lifeline of this party and anybody wishing you away is an enemy of this party. I appeal to Atiku and those in the corridor of power, let us do more to unify the party. I am with Wike. Wike is in PDP, I am in PDP,” Fayose concluded.

2023: APC will emerge victorious in South-East – Uzodinma

Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State

The governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma has boasted that his party, All Progressives Congress will emerge victorious in South-East in the 2023 general election because it is the only party with structures in all the 774 Local Government Areas of Nigeria.

The governor who is also South-East Chairman of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, expressed this optimism at a seminar organised by the party for its candidates in Owerri.

He said the seminar was aimed at planning for successful electioneering campaigns for the 2023 poll.

The governor noted that the South-East has every cause to appreciate what President Muhammadu Buhari has done for the zone in his almost eight years as the President of Nigeria.

Governor Uzodinma who listed Buhari's achievements in the region including the second Niger Bridge and the rehabilitation of the Federal Highways in the zone, cautioned members of the party against deceit by groups who often claim to support the South-East Presidency. 

“APC is already winning and will win in the South-East because APC is the only political party that has party structure at the polling units and booths in all 774 LGAs of the country,”

“The participants must carry others along as they cannot lead or win elections in isolation,”

“The Igbo people have been a victim of mistaken identity. There is the need for the South-East to take their destiny in their own hands because if you don’t say I am, nobody will say you are,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria, reports that the seminar was attended by executives and members of the APC across the South-East as well as present and former political office holders of the party. (NAN)

Trump, Buhari, Tinubu mourn Queen Elizabeth II

Queen Elizabeth II

The United Kingdom’s longest reigning monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, who died peaceful at Balmoral Castle, her estate in the Scottish Highlands on Thursday afternoon, has marked the end of an era in the United Kingdom.

However, tributes from world leaders and leading personalities across the globe poured in for the late Queen Elizabeth II, who died at age of 96.

The immediate past president of America, Donald Trump on his social media post, said he would cherish his time together with the Queen, recalling her generosity and sense of humour.

The 45th American president wrote, “Melania and I will always cherish our time together with the Queen, and never forget Her Majesty’s generous friendship, great wisdom, and wonderful sense of humour. What a grand and beautiful lady she was —there was nobody like her.” 

In his own tribute, Nigerian president Muhammadu Buhari expressed sadness over the monarch’s demise.

In a statement by his spokesman, Garba Shehu, Buhari stated that, “My family and I, and the more than 200 million Nigerians have learned with immense sadness of the passing of the Queen and the end of her unique and wonderful 70 year reign. Her late Majesty was the only British Sovereign known to 90 percent of our population.

“Our thoughts and sincere condolences are with the Royal Family and the people of the United Kingdom and the entire Commonwealth as we join the entire world in mourning her loss.”

In his own condolence message, the presidential candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress in Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, noted that the “United Kingdom has lost one of its greatest ever monarch and the world has lost a much cherished, revered and admired Icon.

“Her Energy, dedication, deep sense of duty and firm belief in the glory of the United Kingdom, particularly in the most troubling and troubled times of her long and distinguished reign, are the lasting legacies for which she shall always be remembered.

“As the first British monarch to reach seven decades on the throne, her patriotic role birthed and sustained warm and enduring friendship between the United Kingdom and Nigeria.

“Her visits to these shores were always beautiful occasions and the respect and esteem with which she was always held by the Nigerian people helped to maintain the strong bond of friendship that subsists between our two nations.

“My family’s thoughts and prayers are with the new King, Charles III, the entire Royal Family and all commonwealth nations at this time of mourning and sadness. May she rest in eternal peace.”

TODAY IN HISTORY: 09 SEPTEMBER, 1919; Boston police department embarks on strike

When country was lawless following the Boston Police Strike in 1919.

On this day, 09 September, 1919, the infamous Boston Police Strike, that generated uproar around the nation, commenced. The strike also confirmed the growing influence of unions on American life. 

As society changed in the 20th century, police were expected to act more professionally. Some of their previous practices were no longer countenanced. Explanations such as that later given by the Dallas chief of police in defense of their unorthodox tactics; “Illegality is necessary to preserve legality", was no longer acceptable to the public. Police forces were brought within the civil service framework and even received training for the first time. Soon, the American Federation of Labor (AFL) began to create local police unions.

When the Boston Police embarked on strike on September 9, the country’s leading newspapers sounded the alarm bells. Some falsely reported that gangs were running wild and attacking women throughout the city. Others saw it as evidence of the spread of communism. In actuality, the strike prompted a lot of property damage but did not seriously endanger the safety of the community-partly due to the timely response of the government.

Calvin Coolidge, governor of Massachusetts at the time, called out the militia to assist Harvard students and faculty who were acting as a volunteer force. While the Boston Police Strike proved disastrous for unions in the short term, police were eventually allowed to form unions. However, it is illegal for police to go on strike, and even informal work actions such as the “Blue Flu,” whereby large numbers of police officers call in sick at the same time, are seriously discouraged.

Author:

History.com Editors

BREAKING: Graham Potter announced as Chelsea new coach

Graham Potter

Chelsea FC on Thursday named Graham Potter a new manager after leaving Brighton to replace the sacked Thomas Tuchel at Stamford Bridge.

Potter, 47, who earned widespread admiration for his work at Brighton, has agreed a five-year contract to take charge of the Premier League club, who praised his “progressive football and innovative coaching”.

He led Brighton to a ninth-place finish last season and took them up to fourth in the table this term, while demanding entertaining and tactically astute performances from his players.

Potter’s first game as Chelsea boss will be a derby at west London neighbours Fulham on Saturday.

“I am incredibly proud and excited to represent Chelsea FC, this fantastic football club,” said the Englishman.

“I am very excited to partner with Chelsea’s new ownership group and look forward to meeting and working with the exciting group of players and to develop a team and culture that our amazing fans can be proud of.

“I would also like to place my sincere thanks to Brighton and Hove Albion for allowing me this opportunity.”

Chelsea chairman Todd Boehly, who axed Tuchel just seven games into the new season, believes Potter will fit perfectly with his vision for the future at Stamford Bridge.

“We are thrilled to bring Graham to Chelsea. He is a proven coach and an innovator in the Premier League who fits our vision for the club,” Boehly said.

“Not only is he extremely talented on the pitch, he has skills and capabilities that extend beyond the pitch which will make Chelsea a more successful club.

“He has had a major impact at his previous clubs and we look forward to his positive impact at Chelsea.”

A Boehly-led consortium completed its takeover of the club earlier this year, bringing to an end Roman Abramovich’s reign.

AFP