APC Condemns Withdrawal Of Tambuwal Security Personnel:Says President Jonathan Lacks Better Understanding Of Democratic Ethos

The All Progressives Congress has called on President Goodluck Jonathan to show better understanding of democracy by immediately restoring the police security details withdrawn from the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal.

In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Lai Mohammed, the party described the announcement of the withdrawal of the Speaker's security details by the Inspector General of Police as a usurpation of the role of the Judiciary by the Police.

The APC argued that the interpretation of Section sixty eight of the Constitution on which the Inspector General of Police anchored his action was currently before the courts for resolution.

The party said it rejected the meddling in the affairs of the Legislature especially given the resolution of President Jonathan and his close advisers at their meeting to ask the Deputy Speaker Emeka Ihedioha to unlawfully reconvene the House before the adjourned date.

Legal Luminaries Condemns President Jonathan's Removal Of Tambuwal Security Personnel

Reactions have been trailing the withdrawal of security details of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal.

A legal practitioner Professor Itsay Sagay said there was no legal basis for the action.

Another lawyer Fred Agbaje is of the view that the action taken by the Federal Government is an indication that the opposition may be victimized in next year’s general elections.

President Procures PDP Nomination Form For 2015 Presidential Election

President Goodluck Jonathan has procured the PDP nomination form for the twenty fifteen presidential race.

The ceremony attracted top government functionaries and party big wigs.

President Jonathan thanked all those who contributed to the cost of purchasing the PDP nomination form, including the Transformation Ambassadors of Nigeria, TAN, the National Executive Council, PDP Governors’ Forum and others.

Withdrawal Of My Security Personnel Is A Ploy To Harm Me - Tambuwal

The Speaker House of Representatives, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, says he is shocked by the withdrawal of Police personnel attached to his security detail by the Acting Inspector General of Police.

In a statement by his media aide, Imam Imam, Aminu Tambuwal described the IGP’s action as an attempt to remove him from office as Speaker House of Representatives.

As the number four citizen in the hierarchy of protocol in the country, the Speaker says he is entitled to security protection by the security agencies; hence the action of the police was a ploy to bring harm to him.

The Speaker described the action of the Police as a brazen act of crass impunity, gross Constitutional breach and contempt of court.

President Jonathan Withdraws Tambuwal's Security Personnel 2 Days After He Defected To The APC

The Acting Inspector-General of Police has redeployed the police personnel attached to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal.

A statement by the Force Public Relations Officer Emmanuel Ojukwu said the action was in pursuant to section sixty eight of the constitution following the defection of the Speaker from the PDP to the APC.

Reports say none of the policemen assigned for the speaker’s personal security and other operatives reported for work this yesterday.

Govs Fashola, Amosun, Ajimobi, Party Chieftains, Others At Apc’s Extra Ordinary National Convention 2014

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, SAN (right), discussing with his Ogun State counterpart, Senator Ibikunle Amosun (left) during the All Progressives Congress’ Extra Ordinary National Convention 2014 at the Old Parade Ground, Abuja, on Wednesday, October 29, 2014.

 Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, SAN (left), discussing with his Zamfara State counterpart and Chairman, Convention Planning Committee, Alhaji Abdulaziz Yari (right) during the All Progressives Congress’ Extra Ordinary National Convention 2014 at the Old Parade Ground, Abuja,

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, SAN (left) discussing with Chairman, House Committee on Diaspora Affairs and Member, House of Representatives, Ikorodu Federal Constituency, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa (right) during the All Progressives Congress’ Extra Ordinary National Convention 2014 at the Old Parade Ground, Abuja

Chairman, House Committee on Diaspora Affairs and Member, House of Representatives, Ikorodu Federal Constituency, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa (right) and former Lagos State Deputy Governor, Princess Sarah Adebisi Sosan (left) during the All Progressives Congress’ Extra Ordinary National Convention 2014 at the Old Parade Ground, Abuja

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, SAN (left) discussing with the former Governor of Kwara State, Senator Bukola Saraki (right) during the All Progressives Congress’ Extra Ordinary National Convention 2014 at the Old Parade Ground, Abuja

Rabiu Kwankwaso Declares His Intention To Contest 2015 Presidential Election Under The APC

Kano state governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso has formally declared his intention to contest the twenty fifteen presidential election.

This declaration was made at a rally held in Abuja yesterday.

While appealing to APC members to give him the opportunity to fly the party’s flag in twenty fifteen, Rabiu Kwankwaso said he craves to serve and save Nigeria.

Nigerian Senate To Donate 20 Million Naira To Displaced Person In States Under Emergency Rule

The Senate has announced a donation of Twenty Million naira to procure relief material to displaced persons in the three states under emergency rule.

 The Senate also urged the Federal Government to involve the international community to address the plight of those displaced as a result of the activities of insurgents in the North East.

These followed the adoption of a motion on the plight of refugees in the states under emergency rule sponsored by Senator Abdul Ningi from Bauchi state.

In his contribution, Senator Ali Ndume lamented that there is no clear government arrangement to take care of the refugees adding that about nine local government councils are still being control by Boko Haram.

In his remarks, the President of the Senate, David Mark urged the Federal Government to give attention to displaced persons the same way the war against insurgents is being prosecuted.

The Senate later proceeded on a brief recess to reconvene on November four.

INEC To Start The Distribution Of Permanent Voter Cards In Lagos From November 7

The Independent National Electoral Commission is set to commence the distribution of Permanent Voter Cards to registered voters in Lagos state from November seven.

The exercise is expected to end on Sunday November nine, while the Continuous Voter Registration exercise will begin on November thirteen and end on November seventeen.

Speaking to newsmen ahead of the exercise, INEC’s Resident Electoral Commissioner in Lagos state, Doctor Adekunle Ogunmola said collection of voter cards by proxy will not be allowed.

Speaker Of House Of Representatives Aminu Tambuwal Dumps PDP, Defect To The APC

The Speaker of the House of Representatives Aminu Tambuwal has officially announced his defection to the All Progressive Congress APC from the ruling People’s Democratic Party PDP

Aminu Tambuwal who announced his defection at the end of plenary said his decision to leave the party was due to political developments in his home town.

The speaker thereafter adjourned plenary till December three.

Mob Burns Lecturer To Death In Taraba State For Killing 5 Primary School Pupils With His Car

A lecturer at the Taraba College of Education, Zing, Alhaji Kassimu Umar, has been burnt to death by a mob after he allegedly hit and killed five primary school pupils with a vehicle he was driving.

The spokesman of the state police command, Joseph Kwaji said the mob forcefully removed the lecturer from a police post, where he had gone to report the incident, and set him ablaze.

He said investigations revealed that the man was trying to dodge a trailer, when he ran over the pupils.

The spokesman said further investigations into the incident have begun, adding that no arrest has been made.

Okey Wali, Former NBA Boss Released After 13 Days In Kidnappers Den

The immediate past President of the Nigerian Bar Association Okey Wali, who was kidnapped thirteen days ago, has been released.

The NBA in a statement by its President, Augustine Alegeh said Okey Wali is hale, hearty and in good spirit.

The NBA while celebrating the release of its former president urged the government to take more seriously its constitutional duty of providing a safe and secure environment for all Nigerians.

Ceasefire With FG Is On Course - Boko Haram's Secretary General

The man who claims to be the Secretary General of Boko Haram, Mallam Danladi Ahmadu has said the ceasefire agreement with the Federal Government is still on course.

He told the Voice of America that a final meeting between the Federal Government and the group on the ceasefire would hold on Monday in Ndjamena, the Chadian capital.

Mallam Ahmadu said the abducted Chibok schoolgirls would be released to the Chadian President, Idriss Derby on Monday.

He admitted that some anti-social groups and criminals have infiltrated the Boko Haram sect.

Ambode Declares To Contest Lagos State Governorship Election

A former Accountant-General and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance in Lagos State, Akunwunmi Ambode has pledged to consolidate on the achievements of a former Governor Bola Tinubu and incumbent Governor Babatunde Fashola if elected in twenty fifteen.

Ambode who made the pledge when he formally declared his intention to seek the candidacy of the All Progressives Congress for the office of the Lagos State governor said his focus would be on job creation and the security of lives and property of Lagosians.

The Epe-born politician also promised to operate a government that would not discriminate against any tribe, religion and race if voted as governor.

Gunmen Kidnap Diezani Alison Madueke's Sister In Port Harcourt

The sister of the Minister of Petroleum, Diezani Alison-Madueke, has been kidnapped in Port Harcourt.

The Rivers State Police Command, Spokesman, Ahmed Muhammed said Osio Agama, was abducted as she approached her car.

He said the motive for the abduction was not known and that he was not aware if any ransom has been demanded.

Nigerian Military Authority Bars Journalists From Covering Mutiny Trial Of 59 Soldiers

The military authorities have stopped journalists from covering the trial of fifty nine soldiers for mutiny.

The Public Relations Officer of the Nigerian Army Headquarters, Garrison, Abuja, Colonel Aliyu Yusuf told newsmen that information released during the trial was crucial to national security.

He said the media men would be invited when other set of soldiers are to be arraigned.

Ebola Scare! Morocco Forfeits Nations Cup Hosting Right

Morocco has withdrawn from hosting next year’s African Cup of Nations due to fear of the Ebola virus.

Morocco decided to withdraw after the Confederation of African Football rejected its request to postpone the tournament.

CAF may likely as South Africa to be the next host.

I Have No Presidential Ambition - Adams Oshiomhole

The Governor of Edo State Adams Oshiomhole has denied planning to contest the presidential election on the platform of the APC.

He said the refutal became necessary following persistent inquiries from friends, political associates and well-meaning Nigerians.

Governor Oshiomhole said his focus for now is to continue with his efforts to accelerate the pace of development programmes in Edo state to the next level.

He however said he remains absolutely committed to the Nigerian project.

Buhari Picks APC's Presidential Nomination Form For 27.5 Million Naira

A former military Head of State, retired Major-General Muhammadu Buhari has obtained the APC presidential nomination form after paying 27.5 Million naira.

The cheque was handed over to the party’s National Organising Secretary, Osita Izunaso by a former Governor of Bayelsa state, Timipre Sylva.

The forms were handed to General BuharI by the National Chairman of APC, Chief John Oyegun.

General Buhari who had contested the presidential election thrice is the second person to pick the APC presidential nomination form after former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar.

Six APC Members In Ekiti Assembly Defect To PDP As Ayodele Fayose Is Sworn In As Governor.

Ayodele Fayose has been sworn in as the Governor of Ekiti State.

The ceremony was witnessed by the PDP national chairman Alhaji Adamu Muazu and several PDP governors.

The oath of office was administered on him by the Chief Judge of the State, Justice Ayodeji Daramola.

In his inaugural speech, Governor Fayose while describing his second coming as divinely ordained urged the people of Ekiti state to defend his administration.

Governor Fayose alleged that the immediate past governor, Kayode Fayemi left a debt profile of eighty four billion dollars.

The new governor vowed never to recognise the Local Government Development Areas recently created by his predecessor.

Governor Fayose used the occasion to announce the defection of six APC members of the Ekiti State House of Assembly to the PDP.

I Will Transform Nigerian Police Into A Scientific Force - IG

The Acting Inspector-General of police Suleiman Abba, says his target is to transform the police into a scientific force in line with global trend.

He said he also initiated campaign for attitudinal change in the force.

The IG said he is also doing a lot to strengthen intelligence-led policing activities.

He commended the Federal Government for introducing the Police Reform Programme, which had helped in restoring the past glory of the force.

Leave Ayo Oritsejafor Alone - Doyin Okupe Tells Critics

The Federal Government has exonerated the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor of involvement in the nine point three million dollars seized in South Africa.

Pastor Oritsejafor’s private jet was used to ferry the cash the Federal Government said was meant to purchase arms for the military.

The Senior Special Assistant to tar President on Public Affairs, Doctor Doyin Okupe told reporters in Abuja that the CAN President should be accorded respect as the leader of Christians in Nigeria.

Ibikunle Amosun Escapes Death In A Motor Accident

The convoy of the Governor of Ogun state, Ibikunle Amosun have been involved in an accident on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

One of the vehicles in the convoy carrying the governor’s aides was hit by commercial bus coming from Ibadan.

The Ogun State Commissioner for Information, Yusuf Olanoyonu said the governor is alive and that no one was injured in the attack.

I Will Resign My Position On October 20th - Labaran Maku

The Minister of Information, Labaran Maku, says he will resign his position on the twentieth of October to enable him pursue his governorship ambition in Nasarawa state on the platform of the PDP.

The Minister who announced this during a thanksgiving service at Saint Patrick’s Catholic Church in Akwanga said all ministers interested in contesting the twenty fifteen elections are expected to quit the Federal Executive Council on the twentieth of October.

APC Asks President Jonathan To Explain Alleged Presence Of Asari Dokubo On A Plane That Ferried Seized 9.3 Million Dollars To South Africa.

The All Progressives Congress has asked President Goodluck Jonathan to explain to Nigerians what Asari Dokubo was doing on the plane that illegally ferried nine point three million dollars to South Africa.

The party in a statement by its spokesman, Alhaji Lai Mohammed said since the Federal Government has admitted ownership of the money, it stands to reason that the government will know those on board the plane.

The party said the arms purported to be ordered by the office of the National Security Adviser was a mere fabrication, raises serious questions about the motive for the purchase.

According to the APC, the NSA cannot purchase arms for the military.

The party said Nigerians would like to know on whose behalf Asari Dokubo was purchasing the arms because he has been threatening that Nigeria would not know peace if President Jonathan is not re elected in twenty fifteen.

President Jonathan Threatens To Sue Richestlifestyle.Com For Including Him On A List Of African Richest President

The Presidency has threatened to institute a libel case against a website RichestLifestyle.com which listed President Jonathan as the sixth richest President in Africa with a net worth of one hundred million dollars.

Presidential spokesman, Reuben Abati, who issued the threat in a statement in Abuja demanded an unreserved apology and a retraction from the website and the media houses that reproduced the report.

He described the publication as an attempt to portray President Jonathan as a corrupt leader and incite public against him.

Former Deputy Governor, Bala Ngilari Sworn In As Substantive Governor Of Adamawa State.

A Federal High Court in Abuja has sacked the Acting Governor of Adamawa State, Ahmadu Fintiri from office.

Justice Ademola Adeniyi also ordered the swearing of former Deputy Governor, Bala Ngilari as the substantive governor.

He also directed INEC to stop the conduct of this Saturday’s governorship bye-election in the state.

The judge held that the purported resignation of Bala Ngilari was null and void because he did not submit a letter to that effect to the then governor, Murtala Nyako.

Festus Keyamo said what the then Speaker of Adamawa State House of Assembly Ahmadu Fintiri did was tantamount to a civilian coup.

Vote Out PDP In 2015 - Rotimi Amaechi

Governor Rotimi Amaechi has urged the people of Rivers state to vote out the PDP in next year’s election in order to secure their future.

He said the current PDP-led Federal Government has done nothing for the state.

Governor Amaechi accused President Jonathan of taking sides in the Soku oil well dispute.

According to him the only way the Kalabari people can get back their oil wells is to vote out the PDP.

We Must Take Over Lagos In 2015 - President Jonathan

President Goodluck Jonathan has held a meeting with PDP leaders in Lagos State on the twenty fifteen elections.

The meeting was also attended by some governorship aspirants such as Jimi Agbaje, Ade Dosunmu and Musiliu Obanikoro.

The President reportedly told the PDP members to unite in order to take over Lagos from the APC in twenty fifteen.

APC Commends Pastor Adeboye For Dissociating Self, Church From Offensive Audio CD

The All Progressives Congress has commended the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, for dissociating himself and the church from an offensive and divisive audio CD that is being circulated by those it referred to as political Pastors.

The party in a statement by its spokesman, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, praised the leadership of Pastor Adeboye for asking the church pastors to ignore the content of the audio CD, especially the references to political parties, including APC.

It accused a particular pastor of being behind the production of the CD which the party said was meant to incite Christians against Muslims.

The APC appealed to Nigerians of all creed and ethnicity to reject politicians in religious garb who may be seeking to divide them on primordial basis, especially as the general elections are fast approaching.

Again! South Africa Seize 5.7 Million Dollars Allegedly Belonging To The Nigerian Government

South Africa has reportedly seized five point seven million dollars cash from an Israeli who claimed he was on a mission to purchase arms for the Nigerian government.

The seizure came three weeks after another nine point three million dollars cash was also seized from two Nigerians and an Israeli meant to purchase arms for Nigeria.

South Africa-based City Express reported today that the Israeli, Eyal Mesika, had the combination to open the plastic suitcases containing the cash.

Also found in his possession was a list of items to be purchased, including helicopters, unmanned aircrafts, rockets and ammunition.

The paper reported that the transaction was between Cerberus Risk Solutions, an arms broker based in Cape Town, and a company based in Abuja.

Governor Olusegun Mimiko Defects To The PDP

Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State has formally defected from the Labour Party to the Peoples Democratic Party.

The governor led two members of the National Assembly from the state, all the twenty six members of the state House of Assembly, all members of the State Executive Council and his supporters to the PDP.

He said his decision to return to the PDP arose after a period of consultation with major stakeholders in the state.

Shekau Is Dead - Army Insists

The Nigerian military dismissed the new video purportedly released by Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau where he debunked his killing during a battle in Konduga on September seventeen.

The Defence Headquarters in statement posted on its blog insists that the Shekau impostor Bashir Mohammed was as a matter of fact killed last month, an evidence that as corroborated by still photographs, video, the surrendering and captured terrorists.

The DHQ in a report titled: "The Purported Shekau Video in Circulation, said that its " studying the claims made in the video purportedly released by the terrorists showing their leader Abubakar Shekau as dismissing his death.

According to the military authorities, the video did not indicate when it was shot neither did it show any proof of life or currency such as screen time or date.

EFCC Files Appeal Against Acquital Of Speaker Of Lagos State House Of Assembly, Adeyemi Ikuforiji

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC, has appealed against the judgement of the Federal High Court in Lagos which discharged the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Adeyemi Ikuforiji and his aide Oyebode Atoyebi of money laundering charges.

Justice Ibrahim Buba had on September twenty six discharged the accused after upholding a no-case submission filed on their behalf by their lawyers

The EFCC in its notice of appeal want the appellate court to set aside the decision of the lower court on grounds that it was erroneous and perverse.

No date has been fixed to hear the appeal.

INEC Release 2015 Election Notice

The Independent National Electoral Commission has issued notice of elections slated to take place in February twenty fifteen.

The notice, as contained in the INEC guidelines, is in line with Section thirty of the Electoral Act.

According to the timetable which also released, political parties have between October two and December thirty one to conduct primaries to choose their candidates for the general election.

The commission also officially released the guidelines for the conduct of the twenty fifteen general election to the twenty five registered political parties in the country.

Obasanjo, David Mark, Governor Fashola And Others Mourn Remi Oyo

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has ‎commiserate with the family of Oluremi Oyo describing the late journalist as a thorough-bred professional

Olusegun Obasanjo said the death of Oluremi Oyo left a very sour taste in the mouth Nigerians.

On his part Senate President, David Mark said the frontline Journalist was a great asset to the Nigerian media and a worthy daughter of the nation.

For Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State, the late Oluremi Oyo was a forthright journalist who practiced journalism driven by values and comported herself as a worthy role model in the profession throughout her life time. 

Court Acquits Former PDP National Chairman, Vincent Ogbulafor Of Fraud

A Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama has discharged and acquitted a former National Chairman of the PDP, Vincent Ogbulafor of the entire seventeen counts of fraud relating to contract verification exercise in two thousand and one.

The second accused person, Emeka Ebila who was, then Secretary of the National Economic Intelligence Committee, the body tasked with the verification exercise was convicted and sentenced to prison for the offences

Justice Ishaq Bello in his judgement held that there was no nexus between Vincent Ogbulafor who was the Minister of Special Duties when the offences were committed and the crimes.

Justice Bello said Emeka Ebila’s confessional statement tendered before the court without any objection was a corroboration of the allegations levelled against him.

Army Inaugurates General Court Martial To Try Ninety Seven Soldiers For Mutiny On October 15

The Nigerian army has inaugurated a General Court Martial to try ninety seven soldiers including fifteen senior officers for mutiny related offences.

The General Court Martial which is to be presided over by Brigadier General Musa Yusuf and Lieutenant Colonel Ukpe as Judge Advocate would be held on October fifteen.

Before the adjournment of the trial, General Yusuf read out the charges to affected soldiers.

I Am Still Alive - Abubakar Shekau

The leader of Boko Haram sect, Abubakar Shekau has debunked claims by Nigeria Defence Headquarters that he was killed last month in Kodunga, Borno State.

Shekau said in a new video obtained by AFP in which he was seen firing weapons that the militants had implemented strict Islamic law in captured towns.

You may recall that the Director of Defence Information, Major General Chris Olukolade said Last week, during a news conference in Abuja that the corpse of the insurgents’ leader was identified by the people of Kodunga.

Major General Olukolade said that Shekau whose real name was Mohammed Bashir  had used other names like Abacha Abdullahi Geidam and Damasack.

The military said Shekau was dead and that a man who had been posing as the group’s leader in videos had been killed after fighting with troops in the far northeast.