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  • LG primaries: APC aspirants protest, reject alleged imposition

    The crisis rocking the All Progressive Congress(APC) in Ekiti on Wednesday deepened as some of its aggrieved local government chairmanship aspirants protested against alleged imposition of candidate.

    The protesters led by Mrs. Tosin Aluko and Tajudeen Gidado, who are chairmanship aspirants in the council for the December 7, 2019 elections in the state besieged the Secretariat at about 9.30 am to express their grievances.

    The party had earlier last week Saturday suspended primaries in Ado, Ikole and Ekiti East local governments over alleged security threat and rumour that some members were planning to disrupt the process in a violent manner.

    It was gathered that the Deputy Governor and leader of the party in Ado Ekiti council, Chief Bisi Egbeyemi and 35 others had picked Mrs Omotunde Fajuyi against the wishes of the two other aspirants.

    The two aspirants faulted and rejected the consensus process that produced Mrs Fajuyi as the candidate, saying such was a flagrant violation of party’s constitution, which stipulated that there must be indirect primary when consensus option fails.

    They said the decision doesn’t reflect the interest and free will of the party members, saying the principle of internal democracy should not be inhibited but rather strengthened.

    But the APC State Publicity Secretary, Hon Ade Ajayi, said the party was not interested in imposition of candidates.

    Ajayi also exonerated Governor Kayode Fayemi of complicity in the crises that dogged the primaries, warning that nobody should bring the governor into the controversial issue.

    “Some group of people came to protest here today and said they rejected the consensus option in Ado Ekiti. They were led by Mrs Tosin Aluko and Mr. Tajudeen Gidado.

    “They came with placards carrying inscription that they rejected imposition, that they wanted primaries. We have never contemplated imposition as a party.

    Read Also; APC loses Chief Security Officer

    “The party will look into their protest vis- a vis the letter signed by the Deputy Governor and 35 leaders . You know that the Deputy Governor is the leader of the party in Ado Ekiti and you know what it means for him to have signed for consensus. The state exco will meet on the issue and take a position.

    “We are not ready to impose anybody and nobody must bring the name of Governor Kayode Fayemi into this matter”.

    Ajayi said the party has set up intervention and reconciliation committees to interface with the aggrieved aspirants on how to resolve the crises trailing the conduct of the primaries in the three councils.

    He said the party took a proactive measures by postponing the primaries on Saturday in the three councils upon realising that some hoodlums wanted to hijack the process to allegedly burn down some marked houses .

    On efforts being made to pacify the aggrieved candidates, the APC spokesman said : “We are getting representations from various communities, because we recognise the right of every individual to contest in our party without being deprived.

    “We have invited leaders from Ikole, Ekiti East and Ado Ekiti , so all the issues are being attended to and it will be resolved amicably”, he assured.

  • Obaseki sacks SAs, SSAs

    Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has sacked all Special Assistants and Senior Special Assistants.

    Governor Obaseki had appointed 192 Special Assistants representing each ward in the state and 54 Senior Special Assistants comprising three persons from each local government areas

    Obaseki later appointed 18 Special Assistants (females) on Gender.

    In a letter signed by Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Osarodion Ogie, the sacking of the SAs and SSAs was with immediate effect.

    Ogie said the sacking was in line with efforts to reorganise governance structure to enhance efficient service delivery to Edo people.

    Read Also; Don’t sell Azura power plant, ex-aide tells Obaseki

    He said the sacked appointees should hand over government properties in their possession.

    The letter said fresh appointments would be announced within 30 days.

  • Stop linking APC candidate, Agip to terrorism, lawmaker tells Dickson

    A member of the House of Representatives, Isreal Sunny-Goli, has told Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson, to stop accusing the Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC) and the candidate All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief David Lyon, of funding terrorism.

    Dickson earlier accused NAOC of outsourcing terrorism in Bayelsa through pipeline security and surveillance contracts and named Lyon as one of the company’s contractors.

    The governor said that the oil firm was giving out surveillance contracts to outlaws in the oil-producing communities created and sustained by them.

    But Sunny- Goli, who represents Nembe/ Brass Federal Constituency, described governor’s allegations as hogwash saying the governor was afraid of Lyon’s popularity.

    He exonerated the oil multinational of the allegation saying the firm had nothing to do with the growing popularity and acceptability of the APC candidate in Bayelsa.

    He said the governor was in shock following his realisation that the APC and Lyon were more popular than the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and its governorship candidate, Senator Douye Diri.

    The lawmaker explained that it was widely known that Agip as an oil firm never mixed politics with its business of oil exploration since it commenced activities in Nigeria.

    He appealed to Dickson to stop blaming his political woes and the rejection of his party and its candidate on innocent oil firms and individuals.

    Sunny-Goli said the governor should rather concentrate on using his remaining months in office to improve the living conditions of Bayelsans

    He said: “First and foremost, Governor Dickson is in a confused state. He is confused in the sense that he is spreading lies.

    “Agip is not a party to the growing popularity of APC in Bayelsa State; Agip is not a party to our acceptability in this state as the only alternative to the PDP in Bayelsa.

    Read Also; I waited for 15 years after wedlock to give birth – Dickson’s wife

    “I want to ask Dickson some questions was it Agip that told him for the past seven and half years not to pay workers full salaries? Was it Agip that told him not to utilise the Paris Fund to pay gratuities and pensions to retirees? Was it Agip that told Dickson not to complete the construction of the 7km road Isaac Boro Express road?

    “He should go to Rivers State and see the roads his colleague Governor Nyesom Wike is constructing. The truth of the matter is that Dickson is a drowning man. Bayelsans have rejected him and the PDP completely because of the mismanagement of the affairs of the state.

    “So he is trying to come out to feed Bayelsans with lies. It has become obvious to Bayelsans that Dickson has been lying for the past seven years and there is no way to remedy it again so all he is trying to do is blame his woes on innocent firms and individuals but this cannot save him.

    “Agip is innocent of all the allegations levelled against it. The allegations are baseless and vague. There are issues of governance for him to tackle he should come home and tackle them instead of going around to deceive Nigerians.”

  • Court remands 2 friends for unlawful possession of Cannabis

    A Federal High Court in Osun on Wednesday ordered that two friends be remanded in a correctional facility for allegedly being in possession of Cannabis Sativa.

    Justice Peter Lifu, ordered that Akanni Kenny and Abidoye Obafemi, be remanded in a Nigerian Correctional Service centre in Ile Ife, due to the magnitude of the alleged offense committed.

    He overruled the bail application filed by defence counsel, Mr O.N. Benson.

    Justice Lifu adjourned the matter until Oct. 30.

    Earlier, the NDLEA Counsel, Mr O.F Azugo, told the court that the defendants committed the offence on Aug. 24 ,at Ipetu-Ijesa town ,Osun.

    Read Also: Senate to ensure prosecution of airport drug cartels

    Azugo alleged that the defendants were apprehended by the command when transporting the illicit drugs.

    He said the offence contravened the provisions of sections 19 and 20 (1)(a) of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act Cap 30, laws of the Federation ,2004.

    They pleaded not guilty to the charge.

    (NAN)

  • Osinbajo pledges ‘uncompromised loyalty’ to Buhari

    Despite recent reports of cracks in the Presidency, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has pledged his uncompromised loyalty to President Muhammadu Buhari and Nigeria.

    This was contained in a magazine entitled, ‘This is Nigeria’ and circulated at the 1st October 2019 Independence Day Dinner on Tuesday night at the old Banquet hall of the State House, Abuja.

    Osinbajo’s message with the title ‘Uncompromised Loyalty’ was contained in page 15 of the Brands International Special Edition of the magazine, which is the official magazine for Mr. President’s Next Level Agenda, 9th Assembly and One Nigeria, locally and internationally.

    The message reads “Vice President Yemi Osibanjo Commemorates With Nigerians On The 59th Anniversary Celebration, While Pledging His Loyalty To President Muhammadu Buhari

    “This day means everything to us as a people, because it is our day of freedom. Let me first congratulate my Boss,
    President, Muhammadu Buhari, His Excellency, Ahmed Bola Tinubu our National Leader, Dr. Aisha Muhammadu Buhari, First Lady and mother of the nation.

    “Also, I celebrate every Nigerian out there on the street trying to make ends meet, not forgetting those who stand out in different areas of human endeavours, home and abroad.”

    He went on “Fellow Nigerians, be rest assured that President Muhammadu Buhari is totally committed to his promises and the Next Level Agenda. He is he best Boss and I find it thrilling to serve Nigeria under him. It is only responsible of me to give my unwavering loyalty to President Buhari and Nigeria as I promise to stand by him, while contributing my quota at all times to the growth of Nigeria.

    Read Also: Osinbajo, Ortom meet over Benue, Ebonyi land crisis

    “I call on all well-meaning Nigerians to queue behind President Buhari as he leads us to build a stronger bigger and greater Nigeria.” he stated

    But speculations about the division in the Presidency was fueled by the recent replacement of the Economic Management Team headed by Osinbanjo with the Economic Advisory Council mandated to report directly to Buhari.

    The reported removal of government agencies from under Osinbajo, which he had been the board chairman, had also supported the reports of hostilities in the Presidency.

    The agencies included National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Border Communities Development Agency (BCDA), the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), National Boundary Commission (NBC), Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), and National Council on Privatisation (NCP).

    Also, the announcement on 1st October national broadcast of movement of the Social Investments Programmes (SIP) from under the Vice President to the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development also fueled the rumour of crack in the Villa.

  • Obaseki calls for dialogue in resolving ethnic, communal conflicts

    The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has harped on the need for dialogue and tolerance in resolving religious, ethnic, communal and political conflicts, noting that such approach would engender peace and sustainable development.

    The governor said this in commemoration of the International Day of Non-Violence, marked on October 2, every year by the United Nations and its sister organs.

    Obaseki noted that dialogue and tolerance are necessary in resolving and preventing conflicts, urging governments at all levels to be fair to all citizens irrespective of religious, economic or political differences so as to suppress feelings of marginalisation, which may lead to conflict.

    According to him, “When everything else fails, non-violent approach has proven to be reliable in resolving myriad of conflicts. It allows for continuous dialogue, realignment of interests, open and frank conversations, endurance and forgiveness of human mistakes and the conviction that our perceived enemies could become dependable allies and partners after compromise is reached.

    “It is important for leaders of thought in the society to look at past attempts in conflict resolution in order to consider ideas for the future. To maintain peaceful coexistence and socio-economic development, governments must adopt strategies for inclusion, and harmonious living in dealing with conflicts.

    Obaseki stressed that “the non-violence approach remains a viable and potent conflict resolution model even today, and should be explored by mediators and opinion moulders instead of the rush to unconventional tactics that leave in their wake sorrow, regrets, debts or deaths.”

    The United Nations General Assembly commenced commemoration of the International Day of Non-violence by the resolution in 2007, promoting it as a platform to disseminate the message of non-violence, including through education and public awareness.

    According to the UN, “the resolution reaffirms the universal relevance of the principle of non-violence and the desire to secure a culture of peace, tolerance, understanding and non-violence.”

  • ‘Southwest governors, proactive to new security challenges’

    Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu on Wednesday said his colleagues in the Southwest geo-political zone were responding comprehensively to various security challenges facing the zone.

    Akeredolu, who is also the Chairman, Southwest Governors Forum, disclosed this in Akure during at a church service for the state’s covenant renewal day 2019.

    The Governor who was represented by his deputy, Agboola Ajayi said the state was working in collaboration with sister states to re-jig the security architecture of the zone to respond adequately to new challenges.

    He said “It is no longer news that our country is going through security challenges. Therefore, all hands must be on deck to salvage it together.

    “We are doing our best to respond comprehensively to the new challenges. Ondo State is working in collaboration with sister states in Southwestern zone to re-jig the security architecture of the zone to make it respond adequately to the new challenges.

    ” Government has never relented on its efforts yo curb crime and criminalities within our boundaries. We will continue this until our people can sleep with their two eyes closed.

    “Nigeria must survive its challenges and it is possible if we all agree and pray together in unison,” he said.

    The Governor described the church service as an opportunity to renew strength and pray to God for future life the state, said no government or organisation could achieve craved height.

    He recommended that other states of the Federation and the Federal Government should renew their covenant with God on yearly basis.

    According to him “There is, therefore, a compelling need for collaboration of all stakeholders in the task of building a virile and egalitarian society.

    “It is indeed heartening to be in the presence of several eminent spiritual leaders of Christian body for 2019 edition of this special programme.

    “It will be recalled that I gladly participated in the last edition, because we know that our dear state and indeed Nigeria needs continuous prayers.

    “Our administration since inception has partnered the Ondo State chapters of PFN,CAN and other groups, in almost all their programmes and events.”

  • Khashoggi memorial to be held outside Saudi consulate

    Jamal Khashoggi’s friends, rights activists and press freedom groups will hold a memorial in Istanbul on Wednesday outside Riyadh’s consulate, where the Saudi journalist was murdered.

    The event on the first anniversary of his death will begin at 1:14 pm (1014 GMT), the exact time Khashoggi walked into his country’s diplomatic mission to get documents to marry his Turkish fiancee Hatice Cengiz.

    Cengiz, 37, will return to the building where she waited outside for him for several hours a year ago, before raising the alarm of his disappearance.

    Turkey says Khashoggi was murdered and dismembered by a Saudi hit squad after he entered the consulate.

    The scheduled attendees at the service include UN special rapporteur on extrajudicial killings Agnes Callamard, who investigated the murder, and Yemeni Nobel peace laureate Tawakkol Karman.

    Read Also: ‘Military derailed Nigeria’s journey to greatness’

    No one has been held accountable for Khashoggi’s death; although Turkish and Western intelligence agencies say the order to kill him could only have come “from the highest levels of the Saudi government.”

    The kingdom’s de facto ruler, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, told U.S broadcaster CBS that he did not order the murder, but took “full responsibility as a leader in Saudi Arabia.”

    Callamard responded on Twitter: “There is in this statement an implicit recognition that the killing of [Khashoggi] was a State killing.

    ”It happened under his watch as quasi head of state. The State is therefore implicated as he is.”
    Cengiz said that although Khashoggi disagreed with the crown prince and the kingdom, by killing him “they are now faced with much greater problems.

    ”They’re going to pay the price for this.” Khashoggi’s remains were never found.

  • Navy begins recruitment for graduates, HND holders

    The Nigerian Navy on Wednesday said it has commenced the enlistment of graduates and Higher National Diploma (HND) holders through the Direct Short Service Commission (DSSC).

    According to a statement signed by Director of Information Nigerian Navy, Commodore Suleman Dahun, interested applicants, who must be Nigerians by birth, should possess a minimum of Second Class Upper Division for first Degree Holders and Upper Credit for HND holders.

    Male applicants must not be less than 1.68 metres tall, while female applicants must not be less than 1.65 metres in height. Applicants must possess NYSC Discharge/Exemption Certificate and should be between 22 and 28 years by 20 February 2020, except for Imams/ Chaplains and medical consultants who should not exceed 30 years and 40 years respectively by 20 February 2020.

    Read Also; Navy nabs six rice ‘smugglers’ in A’Ibom

    The guidelines for the enlistment according to the statement can be accessed on the Nigerian Navy Enlistment Portal www.joinnigeriannavy.com which is currently opened till 14 November 2019 for interested candidates to apply online.

    “Candidates are to note that all the processes ranging from online registration, aptitude test and the selection interview are free of charge. Candidates are advised to be wary of scammers and refrain from giving money to any individual under any guise”, the statement added.

  • 10 must-have android apps in 2019

    There are a ton of amazing Android apps out there. However, their usefulness is usually limited to the habits of the people using them. So we have checked through and found these ten (10) amazing applications. These apps can be used by everybody. Without further delay, here are the best Android apps currently available!

    1. Curator

    Curator is for anyone who wants to better organize their photo library. The app allows you to tag photos and search through photos based on those tags — making it much easier to search through the thousands of photos that you probably have on your device. The app can also intelligently tag photos itself based on the composition of the image, which is a handy feature.

    2. Canva

    Canva is a quick, user-friendly photo editing app that’s designed with social media use in mind. The app comes with a variety of ready to use templates, filters, fonts, and other tools that you can apply to images in your device’s gallery or in Canva’s selection of free and premium images, which you can then easily share to your favorite social network or media platform. You can use Canva to quickly set up a cover photo or account avatar for Facebook or create crisp and clean Instagram stories, Twitter banners or the perfect Youtube thumbnails.

    3. Otter Voice Notes

    Otter Voice Notes is a transcription app that makes taking voice notes a breeze. Otter can record from your phone’s internal mic or through a Bluetooth device; it then automatically transcribes your work nearly in real-time, complete with punctuation, speaker ID, and searchable playback of your recordings. Users can edit transcripts to fix any errors, and transcripts can be exported to text or to other apps, or shared with a group or through public, view-only links.

    4. Microsoft To-Do

    Microsoft To-Do is a smart, no-nonsense to-do list app that presents a sleek and distraction-free interface, while intelligently suggesting tasks based on long-term patterns, upcoming deadlines, or stuff that you weren’t able to see to in the past days. Users can keep task descriptions simple, or add detailed descriptions, color codes, categories, and more.

    5. CamScanner

    CamScanner turns your phone camera into a portable document scanner and OCR tool, allowing you to quickly turn photos of your paper documents into JPG or PDF electronic formats, which you can then save into your cloud storage or share through social media or email. Scan quality optimization and smart cropping let you handle everything from receipts to contracts and even office whiteboards with ease.

    6. LastPass

    LastPass is one of those must-have Android apps. It’s a password manager that lets you save your login credentials in a safe, secure way. On top of that, it can help generate nearly impossible passwords for you to use on your accounts. It’s all controlled with a master password. It has cross-platform support so you can use it on computers, mobile devices, tablets, or whatever. There are others, but LastPass always feels like it’s one step ahead.

    7. Alarmy

    If you have a hard time getting up, even if you have set an alarm or use an extra loud alarm clock, then you are probably in need of Alarmy. At its core, it asks you to take a photo using the camera of the phone. That photo cannot be just any snapshot however as you have to take a snapshot of a location in your house (garden or front, or even somewhere else) that you have selected previously.

    This means that the alarm continues until you get up, move to the location you need to take a photo of and take that photo. Since you need to get up, there is a high chance of you staying up.

    8. Contacts+

    Contacts+ is an address book replacement that helps organize your contacts and integrates with your social media accounts and communications. The app automatically imports information from linked social networks such as Facebook, Google+, Twitter and LinkedIn contacts, allowing you to access them all in one place. Contacts+ allows you keep conversation histories from your friends, family and colleagues.

    9. Evernote

    Evernote is one of the premier cross-platform note-taking services, allowing users take and upload notes, pictures, audio and video snippets and organize them into cloud notebooks that can be synced across different devices. The free version lets users upload 60MB worth of content monthly.

    10. Trello

    Trello is an easy to use, flexible and fun project management tool. It includes a handy drag and drop feature when working on your boards. You can manage your team and their tasks through each board you create. Everything is displayed neatly and coherently, and you will have no problem following your project’s progress through this platform.