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I didn’t defect to APC over presidential ambition – Umahi reiterates

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I didn’t defect to APC over presidential ambition – Umahi reiterates
Gov. David Umahi of Ebonyi has reiterated that he did not defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC) to contest for presidency in 2023. 

Umahi made the declaration on Sunday during the first APC stakeholders meeting he was superintending over since his defection to the party.

According to him, who dash monkey Banana; I did not negotiate with the presidency or anyone to contest the position under the APC.

“My next line of action after my governorship is in God’s hands and there is nothing God cannot do.

“Anyone wishing to contest for the presidency or governorship of the state should meditate and pray that God should not send him if God’s spirit is not with such person.

“This is because it is going to be very tough and we are really in the end time,” he said.

He remarked that the leadership of the state would never come from outside its shores, stating that his meekness should not be mistaken for weakness.

“We will not allow the PDP to die in the state but still assist its executives to survive.

“I am still the father of the state and those fighting me for joining the APC should not cross the line.

“I will never confront a sitting governor but try being his friend because the powers of government are enormous,” he said.

Umahi announced the nomination of the immediate past APC state Chairman, Mr Nwachukwu Eze as a commissioner in conformity with the agreement reached before the dissolution of the party’s erstwhile state executive committee.

“We should set up committees at the wards and Local Government Areas to aggressively pursue our membership registration process and the disbursement of palliatives to our people in December,” he said.

Chief Mike Okoro, an industrialist and APC Stalwart in the state commended the governor for implementing an all-inclusive policy since joining the party and urged him not to derail in that regard.

Prof. Mike Awoke, another party Chieftain, read the communiqué after the meeting, highlighting that stakeholders had resolved to work towards strengthening the party in the state.

The communiqué condemned the maligning of the governor by some persons over the defection, insisting that it was in the interest of the state and southeast zone.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that political tension has heightened in Ebonyi since Umahi’s defection to the APC from the PDP with resentment and bickering pervading the environment.

NAN

Borno Farmers Didn’t Get Military Clearance, Says Presidency

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Borno Farmers Didn’t Get Military Clearance, Says Presidency

The Presidency has said the farmers slaughtered by the Boko Haram terrorists on a rice field in Zabarmari, Borno state over the weekend did not obtain military clearance before resuming farming activities in the area.

Spokesperson, Garba Shehu stated this while speaking to BBC Newsday.

He noted that by refusing to obtain military clearance the farmers exposed themselves to one of the strongholds of the insurgents yet to be taken over by the military.

He said the federal government was sad about the tragic incident, but added that the “people need to understand what it is like in the Lake Chad Basin area.”

Shehu claimed that though much of the area which used to be under Boko Haram control have been liberated, there are still a number of spaces that have not been cleared for the return of villagers who have been displaced.

“The truth has to be said. Was there any military clearance from the military who are in total control of the area?” Mr. Shehu queried. “Did anybody ask to resume activity?”

Shehu emphasised that he had been briefed by military authorities that the villagers did not seek military advice before exposing themselves to “a window that the terrorists have exploited.”

“So ideally, all of these places ought to probably be allowed to pass through proper military clearance before resettlement or even farmers resuming activities on those fields,” he said.

Contrary to the 43 announced by the Nigerian troops who visited the scene of the slaughter executed by the terrorists, the United Nations had reported that about 110 fatalities were recorded.

The Defence Headquarters had, however, faulted the UN claim, insisting that only 43 people were killed.

Borno farmers didn’t get military clearance, says Presidency

Toby
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Borno farmers didn’t get military clearance, says Presidency

The Presidency has said the farmers slaughtered by the Boko Haram terrorists on a rice field in Zabarmari, Borno state over the weekend did not obtain military clearance before resuming farming activities in the area.

Spokesperson, Garba Shehu stated this while speaking to BBC Newsday.

He noted that by refusing to obtain military clearance the farmers exposed themselves to one of the strongholds of the insurgents yet to be taken over by the military.

He said the federal government was sad about the tragic incident, but added that the “people need to understand what it is like in the Lake Chad Basin area.”

Shehu claimed that though much of the area which used to be under Boko Haram control have been liberated, there are still a number of spaces that have not been cleared for the return of villagers who have been displaced.

“The truth has to be said. Was there any military clearance from the military who are in total control of the area?” Mr. Shehu queried. “Did anybody ask to resume activity?”

Shehu emphasised that he had been briefed by military authorities that the villagers did not seek military advice before exposing themselves to “a window that the terrorists have exploited.”

“So ideally, all of these places ought to probably be allowed to pass through proper military clearance before resettlement or even farmers resuming activities on those fields,” he said.

Contrary to the 43 announced by the Nigerian troops who visited the scene of the slaughter executed by the terrorists, the United Nations had reported that about 110 fatalities were recorded.

The Defence Headquarters had, however, faulted the UN claim, insisting that only 43 people were killed.

 

 

Group Announces Rally in Support of President Buhari, Nigeria’s Unity

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Group Announces Rally in Support of President Buhari, Nigeria’s Unity

The National Rebirth Movement (NRM) has announced a mega rally to show solidarity with President Muhammadu Buhari and the unity of Nigeria.

The group, in a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Usman Abubakar, on Monday, said the rally is scheduled for Tuesday, December 1 at the Unity Fountain, Abuja.

According to Abubakar, the march is to set the records straight and garner support for the laudable efforts of President Buhari in addressing the myriads of challenges facing the country.

The group added that it also intends to send a strong message to those against the interest of the nation to have a rethink and retrace their steps in the overall interest of peace and stability of Nigeria.

The National Rebirth Movement, however, called on all well-meaning Nigerians to come out in their numbers to join the exercise.

Read the full statement below:

The National Rebirth Movement wishes to inform members of the general public of a mega rally in support of the Muhammadu Buhari Administration slated for 1st December 2020 at the Unity Fountain in FCT-Abuja.

The exigencies of time indeed require that a precise and unambiguous message be sent to those individuals and groups plotting to discredit the Muhammadu Buhari led administration in its quest for a better Nigeria that we would all be proud of.

The National Rebirth Movement sees this rally as highly imperative to set the records straight and garner support for the laudable efforts of President Muhammadu Buhari in addressing the myriads of challenges facing the country.

We are indeed aware that there is a grand conspiracy against the Muhammadu Buhari administration from both internal and external sources which has come in the form of propagation of fake news, undermining and discrediting efforts of our the security agencies and other acts of economic and socio-political sabotage.

The rally is also intended to send a strong message to those that have elected to be against the interest of the country to have a rethink and retrace their steps in the overall interest of peace and stability in the country.

The National Rebirth Movement wishes to inform those external forces as well as their internal collaborators that democracy shall continue to thrive in Nigeria, and the unity of Nigeria remains sacrosanct. It is thus our responsibility as discerning Nigerians to rally support for the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari in this critical point of our existence as a country, hence this rally.

The rally shall accommodate Nigerians from all walks of life and various regions in the country in solidarity not just for the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, but also for the unity of our great nation.

We shall be rolling out the drums to send a strong message to the international community, especially those that are acting against the interest of the country to jettison such ideas because Nigerians are solidly behind the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari in its quest to make Nigeria the country of our dreams.

We are also using this medium to call on all well-meaning Nigerians to come out in their numbers to join the rally for the unity and continued peace and stability in Nigeria under the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.

The National Rebirth Movement is also using this medium to reiterate that the Muhammadu Buhari administration is in the best interest of Nigeria and as such Nigerians would resist any move by individuals or groups, as well as external forces working for the downfall of the administration.

This rally is one out of a series of events lined up by the National Rebirth Movement in support of the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari and the Unity of Nigeria.

Amaechi berates Wike over ‘Buhari will set Nigeria on fire’ statement

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Amaechi berates Wike over ‘Buhari will set Nigeria on fire’ statement

Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has chided Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, for saying President Buhari will set the country on fire if he turns a deaf ear to the demands of the South-South people.

Amaechi noted that the governor’s statement, which he said sounded like a ‘threat’, was unbecoming of his position.

South-South leaders including Wike had recently met with the presidential delegation led by the Chief of Staff to the President, Ibrahim Gambari..

The South-South representatives, during the meeting, had demanded  the restructuring of the country.

According to them returning the country in line with  true federalism will guarantee peace, security and stability in the country.

But reacting last night, Amaechi, who was governor of Rivers State from 2007 to 2015 and former ally of Wike lambasted the Rivers State governor for trying to make the president accede to their demands under duress.

Amaechi said, “That is not something that should come out from the mouth of a governor. It shouldn’t come out from the mouth of a governor.”

According to minister, the South-South people had the opportunity of restructuring the country under the government of ex-President Goodluck Jonathan but nothing was done.

The former governor spoke last night on Channels Television’s ‘Sunday Politics’

He said, “Don’t forget that President Goodluck Jonathan ran under the auspices of South-South presidency. We talked about restructuring and resource control but he was there for six years and the resources were not controlled neither were they handed over to the South-South. It is much more than that.

“I am from the South-South and while I agree that we are not fairly treated, I don’t also agree anybody can set the country on fire; no president should act on such threat. A more matured person won’t make such comment.”

Continuing the minister added, “Why is it that it is only when the north is in power that we raise the issue of restructuring? Have we asked ourselves that we had the opportunity of been in government for six years and nothing changed?

“I’m not against the president addressing the demands but the president can’t address them under threats.”

Zabarmari Massacre: Targeting farmers is cowardly ploy to detract troops momentum, says group

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Zabarmari Massacre: Targeting farmers is cowardly ploy to detract troops momentum, says group

…demands more boots on ground, better equipment for military

Citizens’ Initiative for Security Awareness (CISA) has condemned the killing of 43 unarmed farmers in Zabarmari village, Borno State by Boko Haram terrorists describing it as very cowardly act and a weak ploy to detract and distract the military from their sustained bombardment.

In a statement jointly signed by the National Coordinator, Chidi Omeje and Coordinating Secretary, Aliyu Ibrahim, the group condoled with the families of the victims, people and government of Borno State on the horrific killing of the hapless villagers. The group stated that the dastardly act is a clear indication that the Boko Haram terrorists are desperate to register their waning presence and to distract the troops who are pounding them in various fronts.

“Denied of any respite or sanctuary, the dispersed terrorist groups are now after soft targets because that is the only way they can make any statement. When was the last time you heard that the terrorists got an upper hand in any direct confrontation with our troops?”

“The Nigerian military has for some time now been dealing heavy blows on the blood thirsty group with sustained bombardments from land and air, and of course the only way they can remain in the news is by targeting the most vulnerable folks like the unarmed farmers from Zabarmari village and killing them in such cold-blooded manner”.

The statement continued, “The terrible development has once again brought to the fore the concerns CISA has often raised about the proliferating internal security challenges across the country in which our military are deployed to assist the civil police. We are of the strong opinion that in order to effectively carryout the war against terrorists in the North East, battle bandits in North West and fight all manner of violent criminals across the country, there is the urgent need to increase the boots on the ground.

“There has to be aggressive recruitment to beef up the strength of our military and more funding for better equipment and training of our troops. We believe that in terms of number of troops and equipment that are required for our military to be able to give us the result we need, we are far from what is realistic”.

The group urged Nigerians not to lose hope in the capability or commitment of the military to successfully rout the terrorists as according to them, the isolated act of cowardice by the terror group will only spur our gallant troops into action. They urged Nigerians to continue support and pray for their military no matter the heartrending incident in Zabarmari.

Kanu mourns ex-teammate Diop

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Kanu mourns ex-teammate Diop
Just four days after the death of Argentine football legend Diego Maradona, the world of football is mourning another big loss.
Papa Bouba Diop, one of the heroes of Senegal’s 2002 World Cup team that reached the quarterfinals, passed away on Saturday after an illness aged only 42. 
Diop scored Senegal’s only goal in their opening match upset of defending champions France and was a colossus in the Teranga Lions midfield as they went on to reach the farthest stage an African team has ever reached at the World Cup.
World football governing body FIFA led the tributes to the late star.
“FIFA is saddened to learn of the passing of Senegal legend Papa Bouba Diop,” the body tweeted.
“Once a World Cup hero, always a World Cup hero.
“Among Diop’s many accomplishments, he will always be remembered for scoring the opening goal of the 2002 World Cup. RIP, Papa Bouba Diop.”
The Confederation of African Football simply wrote: “Papa Bouba Diop: 1978 – 2020. Rest In Peace lion.”
Portsmouth, the English club where Diop found success, honoured him with a full statement on their official website.
The club wrote: “Portsmouth Football Club are deeply saddened to learn that Papa Bouba Diop has passed away at the age of just 42.
“The Senegal international joined the club from Fulham in the summer of 2007 and made 72 appearances for the Blues.
 
“His debut arrived in a goalless draw with Liverpool and the midfielder came off the bench at Wembley when Pompey beat Cardiff to lift the FA Cup at the end of his first season with the club.
“Diop also played the full 90 minutes of the dramatic 2-2 draw with Italian giants AC Milan at Fratton Park in the UEFA Cup.
“He then returned to the national stadium with the Blues, as they were narrowly beaten by Chelsea in the 2010 FA Cup final.
“Diop failed to find the target in his three years on the south coast, but netted the most famous goal in his country’s history.
“His strike saw World Cup holders France stunned by Senegal in the opening game of the 2002 World Cup.
“Nicknamed ‘The Wardrobe’, he also turned out for Lens, West Ham and Birmingham, as well as having spells in Switzerland and Greece.
“The thoughts of everyone at Portsmouth Football Club are with Papa’s family and friends at this incredibly sad time.
Another former club of Diop’s, West Ham, wrote on Twitter: “Everyone at West Ham United is saddened to learn of the passing of Papa Bouba Diop at just 42.
“A part of our 2011/12 promotion-winning squad, he’ll always be a part of our Club. Our thoughts are with his family at this time. Rest in peace, Papa.”
Fulham, the third club Diop played for in
England, also expressed their condolences on Twitter.
“We are devastated to hear news reports this evening that Papa Bouba Diop has passed away, aged 42,” the London club wrote. “Rest well, Wardrobe 🖤 .”
Nigerian football great Nwankwo Kanu, who won the FA Cup alongside Diop with Portsmouth in 2008, paid an emotional tribute to the Senegal legend.
“Sad sad sad R I P PAPA BOUBA DIOP MY CONDOLENCES TO YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS,” Kanu wrote above a picture of himself and Diop with the FA Cup.

Drama as kidnapper arrested after mistakenly boarding a vehicle owned by one of his victims in Sokoto

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The Police in Sokoto State on Sunday, November 29, arrested a suspected kidnapper after he mistakenly boarded a commercial vehicle owned by one of his victims at the Kwannawa motor park in the Dange-Shuni LGA of the state.

According to Daily Trust, the suspect was arrested after he was identified by the victim, a driver, who was kidnapped along Kankara in Katsina State while returning from Kano about two months ago.

He reportedly spent three weeks in captivity and was released after paying an undisclosed amount of money as ransom.

“The driver was quick to identify him because the incident happened not too long ago. After identifying him, he alerted our leaders who in turn informed the nearest police outpost,” one of the National Union of Road Transport Workers’ members said.

While being interrogated, the suspect was said to have admitted belonging to a gang of kidnappers who fondly called him ‘Hadari’ and this was later corroborated by the driver when invited for questioning.

It was said that the suspect was later transferred to the Sokoto State Police Command headquarters for further investigation.

The spokesman for the Command, Muhammad Sadiq, while confirming the incident, said the investigation was still ongoing.

Group announces rally in support of President Buhari, Nigeria’s unity

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Group announces rally in support of President Buhari, Nigeria’s unity

 

The National Rebirth Movement (NRM) has announced a mega rally to show solidarity with President Muhammadu Buhari and the unity of Nigeria.

The group, in a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Usman Abubakar, on Monday, said the rally is scheduled for Tuesday, December 1 at the Unity Fountain, Abuja.

According to Abubakar, the march is to set the records straight and garner support for the laudable efforts of President Buhari in addressing the myriads of challenges facing the country.

The group added that it also intends to send a strong message to those against the interest of the nation to have a rethink and retrace their steps in the overall interest of peace and stability of Nigeria.

The National Rebirth Movement, however, called on all well-meaning Nigerians to come out in their numbers to join the exercise.

Read the full statement below:

The National Rebirth Movement wishes to inform members of the general public of a mega rally in support of the Muhammadu Buhari Administration slated for 1st December 2020 at the Unity Fountain in FCT-Abuja.

The exigencies of time indeed require that a precise and unambiguous message be sent to those individuals and groups plotting to discredit the Muhammadu Buhari led administration in its quest for a better Nigeria that we would all be proud of.

The National Rebirth Movement sees this rally as highly imperative to set the records straight and garner support for the laudable efforts of President Muhammadu Buhari in addressing the myriads of challenges facing the country.

We are indeed aware that there is a grand conspiracy against the Muhammadu Buhari administration from both internal and external sources which has come in the form of propagation of fake news, undermining and discrediting efforts of our the security agencies and other acts of economic and socio-political sabotage.

The rally is also intended to send a strong message to those that have elected to be against the interest of the country to have a rethink and retrace their steps in the overall interest of peace and stability in the country.

The National Rebirth Movement wishes to inform those external forces as well as their internal collaborators that democracy shall continue to thrive in Nigeria, and the unity of Nigeria remains sacrosanct. It is thus our responsibility as discerning Nigerians to rally support for the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari in this critical point of our existence as a country, hence this rally.

The rally shall accommodate Nigerians from all walks of life and various regions in the country in solidarity not just for the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, but also for the unity of our great nation.

We shall be rolling out the drums to send a strong message to the international community, especially those that are acting against the interest of the country to jettison such ideas because Nigerians are solidly behind the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari in its quest to make Nigeria the country of our dreams.

We are also using this medium to call on all well-meaning Nigerians to come out in their numbers to join the rally for the unity and continued peace and stability in Nigeria under the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.

The National Rebirth Movement is also using this medium to reiterate that the Muhammadu Buhari administration is in the best interest of Nigeria and as such Nigerians would resist any move by individuals or groups, as well as external forces working for the downfall of the administration.

This rally is one out of a series of events lined up by the National Rebirth Movement in support of the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari and the Unity of Nigeria.

Solar system will cost Nigerians N4,000 monthly, says Presidency

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Solar system will cost Nigerians N4,000 monthly, says Presidency

The presidency has said the estimated 25 million Nigerians that will benefit from the Federal Government’s Solar Home Systems should be ready to pay about N4,000 monthly.

The Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President on Media and Publicity, Laolu Akande, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday titled “25m Nigerians to own 5m solar systems at N4,000 monthly

The solar installation, which is to commence next week, is in continuation of the implementation of the government’s Economic Sustainability Plan.

According to the statement from the presidency the installation will target five million home in underserved and off-grid communities across the country.

The statement is a response to the questions from Nigerians who wanted to know the cost of owning the solar system.

Akande explained that beneficiaries will be expected to pay about N4,000 monthly over a period of three years.
He said the solar programme nicknamed Solar Power Naija, for which installations starts in December, is being implemented by the Rural Electrification Agency.

“An important aspect of the scheme is the option of outright ownership by beneficiaries at a cost ranging from N1, 500 per week to N4, 000 monthly depending on the capacities, for a period of three years,” Akande said.

He added that as indicated in the Economic Sustainability Plan, the five million connections initiative is a private sector-led electricity access acceleration scheme to be facilitated by a low-cost loan facility from the Central Bank of Nigeria and implemented by REA.

The presidential aide said, “The programme will include the assembly or manufacturing of components of off-grid solutions to facilitate the growth of the local manufacturing industry.

“In view of the scale of materials required, solar equipment manufacturers/assemblers will be incentivised to set up facilities in Nigeria, thereby offering additional job opportunities to Nigerians.

“In addition, installation, servicing and payment collections are expected to provide thousands of other jobs. In all, at least 250, 000 jobs will be created.”

It was further learnt that the World Bank which is also participating in the plan, is providing a grant to finance 20 percent of the retail cost of the solar system across the country.

The REA which is the lead implementing agencies of the Solar Home System had through its off-grid solar programme connected the people of Olooji community (Ijebu East) in Ogun State to electricity, for the first time in 200 years.

Olooji solar hybrid has a total capacity of 100KW completed with 304 solar panels, 72 batteries and over 30KM of distribution network cables, serving over 4,000 people.

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