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Juni 27, 2018

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"Ask Obasanjo To Refund $16bn Spent On Power" - Oshiomhole Tells Buhari

Posted: 26 Jun 2018 04:41 PM PDT


As published on the 26th of June by Premium Times:

The new National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to ask for the refund of the $16 billion allegedly expended on the power sector under the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

He said Mr Obasanjo should be asked to pay back the money.

Mr Oshiomhole said this on Tuesday after the former chairman of the party, John Odigie-Oyegun, handed over to him at a ceremony held at the party's national secretariat in Abuja.

He said Mr Buhari did well for calling out Mr Obasanjo over the alleged expenditure, but should go a step further to ensure the former president returns the money if there is no explanation for what it was used for.

"So, $16billion spent, the more dollars they spent, the more darkness the people suffered. Now the questions I had in my mind were, maybe because the president has not yet proceeded to now ask the follow-up questions.

Since we don't find the power, then, you must bring the $16billion that you spent. If he doesn't do that, then the accusations of limited anti-corruption may begin to have some currency.

"So, to assist PDP to overcome this their distinction, our president needs to do the needful. After all, it is already on record what other presidents didn't do, with regards to the issue of MKO Abiola, and the criminal manner by which the election was nullified, and people pretended that, that was never an issue, the president showed courage.

"That same courage should not fail him, so that he can proceed to recover the $16billion back into the treasury from the man who superintended over the spending of that money."

President Buhari in May criticised previous Nigerian administrations for "lack of imagination" and accused the government of Mr Obasanjo, who was president from 1999 to 2007, of spending over $16 billion on power without achieving much.

This was seen as a reprisal attack on Mr Obasanjo, a former supporter of the president. Mr Obasanjo is now one of the critics of the president and earlier this year wrote him a letter advising Mr Buhari not to seek re-election in 2019. He accused Mr Buhari of poor performance.

The former president also denied that his administration expended such money on power. He accused Mr Buhari of ignorance on the matter and said he had already been cleared of any wrongdoing on the matter by the anti-graft agency, EFCC.

Some civic groups, like SERAP and AFRICMIL, had earlier asked President Buhari to ask anti-corruption agencies to probe the power funds and prosecute anyone found culpable.

Mr Obasanjo, in June, also cried out his life was in danger and that there was a plan by the Buhari administration to send him to jail.

Reacting to this, Mr Oshiomole said "the man said they want to kill him. No! To kill is to prevent the investigation. He must be alive to account. That is a typical distraction, so, I think all of us should be ready to do anything we can to help Nigerians not to forget in a hurry."

The chairman denied the report that APC changed its slogan from 'change' to 'progress.'

He said the slogan remains 'change,' saying change is what goes in first to produce progress.

PREMIUM TIMES had earlier reported the denial of the slogan change by the spokesperson of the APC, Bolaji Abdullahi.

Speaking on the upcoming Ekiti State governorship election scheduled for July 14, Mr Oshiomhole expressed confidence that the APC will win it.

"Although we came on board at the eve of an upcoming election in Ekiti State, we won't resort to using their own tactics because we promised to be different.

I am very confident Ekiti State will be won on the basis of our own record."

In his speech, he also applauded the Odigie-Oyegun led administration of the party and promised to build on the foundation it laid.

He sought the permission of the former chairman to also seek advice and counsel whenever there was the need, saying Mr Odigie-Oyegun is an elder whose wisdom would help him move the party forward.

Noting some members of his NWC also served under Mr Odigie-Oyegun, the new chairman said his leadership is lucky to have them as it will ensure continuity. He also sought proper records and documents to ensure smooth takeover and better continuity.

Mr Oshiomhole said his leadership had come in to build on what they met and prepare the APC for the 2019 election.

"We are all very proud of what you have accomplished and we will try very hard to build on what you have put in place."

"We will do everything possible to support the federal legislature and executive."

Speaking about the staff of the secretariat, he promised to accord them priority and ensure fair treatment
"I will work with you to ensure the director doesn't oppress you. We will re-visit your compensation. In this dispensation, you would be the most visited dispensation."

He, therefore, announced he would be meeting with secretariat staff after the ceremony.

"I would want to have a meeting with the secretariat staff to deal with issues and matters arising."

Emphasising the need for regular policy review, he said it is "to avoid deficit between promise and reality, in a world where the manifesto you wrote in the morning can become obsolete in the evening".

Apologising for not resuming on Monday as promised, he said "the difference between Monday and Tuesday is in the details."

Mr Odigie-Oyegun in his handover speech apologised for the delay in handing over and prayed the tenure of Mr Oshiomhole will be successful and make the party the smartest in Africa.

Related Topics: #AdamsOshiomole, #Buhari, #Obasanjo,

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DSS Operatives Bars Journalists From Covering Atiku's Arrival At Asaba Airport

Posted: 26 Jun 2018 01:18 PM PDT

The Vanguard News has reported that operatives of the Department for State Security(DSS), has barred journalists from covering the arrival of former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, a Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) 2019 Presidential aspirant at the Asaba International Airport.

Alhaji Atiku is in Asaba to consult with Governor Ifeanyi Okowa on his ambition, and the head of DSS at the Airport whose identity was not ascertained at press time, said "we are under instruction not allow Journalists into the Airport to cover the arrival of Atiku.

"All Journalists should go to Government House to wait; they gave us directive to bar journalists so that they cannot give a counter directive without letting us know.

"If you guys don't respect yourselves I will order my men to force you out". He immediately ordered about five mobile policemen, three Civil Defense men and four DSS officials to push us out."

Related Topics; #Atiku, #DSS, #IfeanyiOkowa

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President Buhari Pays Condolence Visit To Plateau State Today Over Recent Killings

Posted: 26 Jun 2018 12:04 PM PDT

President Muhammmadu Buhari is in Plateau State today over the recent killings in the State.

Scores of people were killed in three local government areas of the state by armed herdsmen on Sunday.

Sources at the Presidency told Daily Trust that the president would stop over in Plateau on his way from Calabar, Cross River State, this afternoon.

The president left Abuja this morning for Calabar to commission projects, including the Navy Reference Hospital and the automated rice seeds and seedlings factory.

Buhari is to visit Plateau to condole with the government and people of the state over the incident.
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo had on Monday paid a similar visit to the troubled state.

Related Topics: #Buhari, #PlateauKillings

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Oni Ask Court To Nollify Fayemi’s APC Governorship Candidacy

Posted: 26 Jun 2018 05:02 AM PDT

A governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress(APC) in the July 14th Ekiti state governorship election, Segun Oni, has filed a suit at a Federal High Court in Abuja to challenge the emergence of Kayode Fayemi, former minister of mines and steel, as the party's flag-bearer for the July 14 governorship poll.

According to TheCable, Fayemi polled a total of 941 votes at the primary which held on May 12, to defeat Oni, his closest rival by a margin of over 460 votes.

In a new development Segun Oni has asked the court to determine if it was proper for his opponent in the primary to contest without resigning as a member of the Federal Cabinet.

In the court documents seen by TheCable, Oni asked the court to determine if Fayemi's action did not violate the Nigerian constitution and the guidelines of the ruling party primary.

The counsel to Oni, Mr. Gani Faniyi filled the suit on his behalf.

"Whether by virtue of All Progressives Congress constitution and particularly Articles 2 and 5 of All Progressive Congress 2014 Guidelines for the nomination of candidates for public office as applicable to the A.P.C Governorship primaries conducted on the 12th May, 2018, the 1st Defendant being a serving member of the Federal Executive and Federal Minister of Solid Minerals, Mines and Steel Development having not resigned his appointment as a member of Federal Executive and Minister of Solid Mineral, Mines and Steel Development, at all or at least 30 days to the said primaries election of 12th May, 2018 was qualified to contest and participate in the said All Progressive Congress Governorship primaries of 12th May, 2018 as an aspirant in that election," the document read.

"Whether by virtue of All Progressive Congress Constitution and particularly Articles 2 and 5 of All Progressive Congress 2014 Guidelines for the nomination of candidates for public office as applicable to the A.P.C Governorship primaries conducted on the 12th May, 2018, at Damilek Event Centre, Ado-Ekiti for the purpose of determining or nominating the 2nd Defendant candidate for the 12th July Ekiti State Governorship election, the 1st Defendant having being indicted by Rtd. Hon. Justice Oyewole Judicial Panel of Enquiry was qualified to contest and participate in the said All Progressives Congress Governorship primary of 12th May, 2018 as an aspirant in that election."

Mr Segun Oni is asking for some reliefs among which are: "A declaration that the claimant (Oni) having scored 481 votes which is the majority of lawful and valid votes at the 2nd Defendant (APC) the 12th May, 2018 A.P.C Governorship primaries election for the purpose of determining the 2nd Defendant's candidate for the 14th July 2018 election for the office of Governor Ekiti State is the person that was validly nominated by the 2nd Defendant for the 14th July, 2018 election for the office of Governor, Ekiti state."

Related Topics: #SegunOni, #KayodeFayemi, #EkitiElection, #APCEkiti

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National Human Rights Commission, CAN, Falana, Others Demand Justice For Plateau Killings

Posted: 26 Jun 2018 04:03 AM PDT

The Plateau latest killings is attracting public outrage, as well meaning Nigerians and human rights groups has lent their voices to condemn the attacks and called on the government to wade into the matter to stop further massacre.

The Premium Times has published a story where the National Human Rights Commission(NHRC), Christian Association of Nigeria(CAN) and Femi Falana(SAN), human rights advocate, have demanded the arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators of Saturday's massacre in Plateau State.

Read full story below as published by the PREMIUM TIMES:

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and a human rights advocate, Femi Falana, have demanded the arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators of Saturday's killing in Plateau State.

About 86 persons were killed by suspected herdsmen, according to figures from the police in Barkin Ladi, Plateau State. The victims, including women and children ere hacked to death while they were reportedly returning from a funeral ceremony.

The killings, condemned by Nigeria's President Muhammadu Buhari, were also described as a  'possible retaliation' by a leader of the herders, via a statement on Monday.

"These attacks are retaliatory," Danladi Ciroma, the chairman of the North-central chapter of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), said.

President Buhari has pledged to ensure the prosecution of the killers.

In the statement from Mr Falana, he sympathised with the victims of the killings and called for the prosecution of persons whom he described as "taking responsibility for the killings".

"While appreciating the measures adopted by Your Excellency to restore law and order in the affected local government, it is high time that the brazen impunity of the serial murderers in Plateau State was challenged by the state government. Otherwise, the reckless killing of unarmed citizens by criminal gangs will continue unabated.

"Since a group has already claimed responsibility for the heinous crime, we are compelled to request Your Excellency to use your good offices to order the Police to arrest and investigate the suspects. At the end of the investigation the Attorney-General of Plateau State should be directed to prosecute the suspects for conspiracy and culpable homicide," Mr Falana said.

He added that failure of the government to arrest the perpetrators will attract an institution of a case against the Federal and state governments for condoning crimes against humanity and genocide.

"However, if Your Excellency does not take appropriate action to stop the killings in Plateau, we shall not hesitate to report the authorities of the Federal Government and the Plateau State Government to the Special Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court for condoning crimes against humanity and genocide."

Also, CAN called on the government to ensure the immediate arrest and prosecution of the killers, describing the attack as an unfortunate depiction of security failure in the country.

"The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) is disappointed and shocked at the spate of killings that was unleashed on three local government areas of Plateau State by herdsmen.

"We noted that the affected communities are yet to come out with the exact figure of the death toll, we are alarmed that no fewer than 86 lives, as confirmed by the police, have been lost, including defenceless women and children."

According to the association, the situation is a clear depiction of the fact that security operatives in Nigeria have been compromised.

"Of what relevance is the intelligence gathering by the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies? If communities can be attacked and hundreds slaughtered without security organisations providing rescue efforts, then, it becomes obvious that the Nigeria's security system has been compromised. From all indications, these attacks on the Plateau clearly show that the Federal Government needs to review its security machinery in a bid to make it effective.

"CAN and relations of victims of these attacks need more than assurances and promises of tracking down these criminals by the President. Much as these assurances are needed; they have become irrelevant in the face of incessant attacks that have claimed the lives of thousands of Christians."

Also speaking on the killings, the Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Anthony Ojukwu, said the incident is proof of government's inability to fully combat terrorism.

"This may be another Boko Haram in another guise. Because I am surprised to see that herdsmen can kill people like this. That people will just wake up and take joy in killing others. I think there is more to it than meets the eye, but because we want to believe that Boko Haram have been defeated, we don't want to consider that narrative."

He called on human right groups to carry out advocacies in a way, as to compel positive action from government.

Similarly, a human rights advocate, Agbo Madaki, condemned the decision of the Miyetti Allah Cattle breeders association to explain the possible reasons for the attack.

Reacting to the explanation that the attacks could have been a retaliation to previous killings of cattle and some herdsmen, Mr Madaki said the herdsmen have not been prosecuted after making similar claims in the past.

He cited previous cases where the association allegedly took responsibilities for mass murders.

"In all the discussions relating to human rights, the mother of them all is the right to life. In Nigeria, I won't say that we are at a cross road. Lives of domestic animals are more valuable than human lives in my country.

"In any case in law, it said that facts admitted need no further proof. If any group is taking responsibility and government fails to do anything; it would appear that the killers enjoy some measures of protection from the government of the day. It behoves on government as the custodian of security in Nigeria to arrest the perpetrators of this dastardly act, so that those who have been killed can rest in peace."

Also speaking on the matter, another lawyer, Priska Obika said the problem has escalated because of government's inaction.

"The main problem is that the perpetrators have not been investigated. Proper investigation needs to be carried out to even identify the real nature of the culprits. They are been referred to as bandits. Bandits are people who go to steal and end up killing one or two persons. But these people kill hundreds. They are not thieves, they don't go there to steal, but to kill," said Ms Obika, who insisted that government must act fast to prevent a genocide.

Meanwhile, the Arewa Youth Assembly has also said President Buhari is tacitly supporting the ongoing killings in Nigeria by his refusal to sack his service chiefs.

In a statement sent to PREMIUM TIMES, Monday, the group's spokesperson, Mohammed Salihu, urged Mr Buhari to change his service chiefs as the calls for their sack heightens.

"The question we always ask yourselves is, what are our security agencies doing? Certainly, all the security service chiefs have failed, because when the head is rotten, the body cannot perform" he said.

"Again, why did our President Muhammdu Buhari refuse to relieve them of their responsibilities? These and many more questions daily beg for answers and unless an accurate and convincing answer is given, then many of us will be made to believe or take sides with critics of this Government: that our President, Commander-in-Chief, the Chief Security Officer of the country and indeed the father of ALL Nigerians, is very much in support of the Killings," Mr Salihu said.

Related Topics: #CAN, #Falana, #PlateauKillings, #Buhari

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Reno Omokri Slams President Buhari Over Speech On Plateau Killings

Posted: 26 Jun 2018 02:38 AM PDT


Reno Omokri, Aide to former President Goodluck Jonathan has taken to his Twitter handle to slam President Buhari over his comments on over 150 people that were massacred in Plateau.

Reno Omokri wrote:

"It is so shameful that President Buhari's statement blames the killings of 150 Plateau Christians on "one hundred cattle that were rustled by a community in Plateau". Even if this were true (doubtful) does it justify killing 150 people? Is that the type of talk a President talks?"


Related Topics: #RenoOmokri, #Buhari, #PlateauKillings

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President Muhammadu Buhari Speaks On Fresh Plateau Killings

Posted: 26 Jun 2018 12:30 AM PDT

President Muhammadu Buhari has spoken in reaction to the fresh killing of about 86 people in Plateau State.

As earlier reported, that Plateau State Police Command confirmed on Sunday the killing of 86 persons in attacks on Razat, Ruku, Nyarr, Kura and Gana-Ropp villages of Gashish District in Barkin Ladi Local Government, and also Daffo and Kuba communities in Bokkos Local Government.

President Buhari has reacted to unfortunate incident, in a statement on his verified Twitter page, appealed for calm, even as he assured Nigerians of justice to perpetrators of the dastardly act.

The statement read "President Buhari has been briefed on the deeply unfortunate killings across a number of communities in Plateau State, today.

"The Nigerian Army and police are supporting the determined efforts of Governor Simon Lalong to end the attacks and bring relief to affected communities.

"President Buhari appeals for calm and assures that no efforts will be spared to bring the perpetrators to justice, and prevent a recurrence/reprisal attacks.

"The President and the entire Federal Government stand with the Government and people of Plateau at this sad time.

"The grievous loss of lives & property arising from the killings in Plateau today is painful and regrettable. My deepest condolences to the affected communities.

"We will not rest until all murderers and criminal elements and their sponsors are incapacitated and brought to justice."

Related Topics: #Buhari, #PlateauKillings, #SimonLalong

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