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  • Police confirm attack on Kwara APC senatorial candidate, others

    The Kwara State Police Command yesterday confirmed the attack on the campaign train of Kwara South senatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Lola Ashiru, by suspected Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) thugs loyal to its Kwara South senatorial candidate, Senator Rafiu Ibrahim in Ojoku, Oyun Local Government Area.

    Police spokesperson Ajayi Okasanmi, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), said: “We received with astonishment the reported attack unleashed on Lola Ashiru, the APC senatorial candidate for Kwara South and his campaign train in Ojoku, Oyun Local Government Area, on Tuesday evening.

    “Immediately the report was received, Police Commissioner Kayode Egbetokun dispatched to the scene of the attack at Ojoku a team of policemen, led by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) Ilemona and the Squadron Commander, 68 PMF, Offa.

    “The teams successfully brought the situation under control, rescued the candidate unhurt and arrested suspects, who were actively involved in the attack and restored peace.

    “A manhunt for the remaining fleeing suspects has since begun while discreet investigation of the incident is ongoing.

    “For the umpteenth time, the command is restating its commitment to the safety of lives and property of the people of Kwara State. It warns that hooliganism, thuggery, unlawful possession of firearms and other weapons will be met with superior forces and suspects arrested will be made to face the full wrath of the law.

    “Political party leaders are reminded of the peace accord they signed with respect to political campaigns in the state.

    “The command is appealing to the victims of this attack and their sympathisers not to resort to self-help but to have confidence in the command that justice will not only be done but will be seen to have been done in this case.”

  • Oil rises to $66 on U.S, China deal, others

    Oil prices rose yesterday, extending last week’s gains amid rekindled hopes that the United States (U.S.) and China could reach a trade deal. Also, there is growing signs of a tightening market, driven by the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC’s) production cuts and U.S. sanctions on Iran and Venezuela.

    WTI Crude  traded up 0.80 per cent at $56.43, while Brent Crude eased off earlier gains to trade down 0.02 per cent at $66.24.

    Economic analysts say this is a healthy devleopment for Nigeria’s budget 2019 currently under the consideration of the National Assembly. The budget has $60 as its benchmark. The extra cash will hopefully enable the Federal Government to fund the massive infrastructure propjects in Africa’s largest oil producing country with monolithic revenue base.

    Still, Brent Crude is currently on track for its best performance in a first quarter of a year since 2011. So far into 2019, oil prices have gained around 25 per cent.

    On Friday afternoon, oil prices reached their highest in three months and the highest so far this year, with Brent Crude exceeding $65 a barrel for the first time since November 2018. Bigger-than-expected cuts from OPEC and its de facto leader and largest producer Saudi Arabia helped push prices up. This bullish signal combined with renewed optimism coming from both the U.S. and China that they had made some progress in last week’s trade talks.

    Representatives of the world’s two largest economies will be meeting in Washington this week for another round of trade talks and the markets, including the oil market, are currently banking that the worst of a trade war could be averted

  • CDHR asks INEC to apologise to Nigerians, others

    REACTIONS continued yesterday to trail last Saturday’s postponement of the elections as the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) asked the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to apology to Nigerians and representatives of international communities observing the country’s elections.

    In a statement issued in Lagos yesterday and signed by its President, Malachy Ugwummadu, the CDHR demanded for a thorough inquiry by an independent panel to ascertain what happened that led to the postponement.

    It also demanded for a clear explanation from INEC as to the circumstance and exact reason why the election was postponed, appropriate sanction to relevant persons, who failed in their responsibility.

    The rights group said this would serve as a deterrent, adding that consideration for decentralisation and unbundling of INEC along the multifaceted responsibilities of that commission have now become imperative.

    Ugwummadu blamed INEC for allowing itself to be caught in the interplay of power when the National Assembly foot-dragged on the consideration and approval of INEC budgetary allocation, leaving them with serious time constraints in sourcing and procuring election materials.

    He noted with disappointment the postponement of the general elections on account of general poor logistics, saying that this development, few hours before the elections, raises so many questions as to the capacity of INEC to conveniently discharge on its mandate.

  • Buhari, Osinbajo, others for APC caucus meeting

    THE All Progressives Congress (APC) is hold an emergency national caucus meeting at the party’s national secretariat today, The Nation has learnt.

    The meeting is expected to be attended by President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, serving and former governors, members of the National Working Committee (NWC) and others.

    Although the agenda of the meeting scheduled to begin at 11a.m. is not known, it may not be unconnected with the preparations for the general elections.

    It was not immediately known why the caucus meeting, which usually hold at the Villa, was shifted to the National Secretariat.

  • Buhari, Atiku, others sign Peace Accord

    President Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and other parties’ standard bearers yesterday signed a National Peace Accord in Abuja

    This is the second time they have signed to ensure peace before, during and after Saturday’s presidential poll.

    The deal was brokered by the Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar-led National Peace Committee (NPC).

    Buhari, who is seeking re-election on the ticket of the APC and the former vice president, eyeing the seat on the PDP platform, urged for free, fair and non-violent election.

    Stressing that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the security agencies have given their words in readiness to conduct free and fair elections, Buhari urged youths not to allow themselves to be used by self-serving politicians.

    The President, who acknowledged palpable fear being expressed towards the election just like any other elections, urged Nigerians to pray as they go into the elections beginning from Saturday.

    Identifying Nigeria as the “only real party”, the President noted that elections are only important to the extent to which they make the country peaceful to guarantee development.

    He said: “Another election is upon us and not unexpectedly, there is anxiety in the air. This is typical of any form of competition and contest, no matter how well prepared all contestants and regulators are. The forthcoming elections are very special and significant for the growth of our democracy.

    “First, they come immediately after one of the most peaceful elections in the history of our country. I am not saying this because I was blessed to emerge as the winner.

    “I am saying there had been a lot of fears and anxieties from within and outside Nigeria about the future of the country.  We are hopeful that this is evidence that we are all maturing in our disposition towards electoral outcomes. We see this as an opportunity to grow our sense of political culture in Nigeria.

    “Secondly, we are witnessing an exciting development in the area of the engagement of our Youth and Women in the democratic process. Hitherto, these groups have often not been in the mainstream of our political competition.

    “It is in appreciation of their contribution that we passed the Not Too Young to Run Bill last year. The success of the act is illustrated by the unprecedented number of young men and women who have stepped forward to participate in this process as candidates at all levels. Significantly, we have witnessed also the emergence of women as candidates across the political space.

    “Thirdly, these elections are taking place against the backdrop of the emergence of an unprecedented number of political parties. As of now, we have 91 political parties, out of which over 70 fielded presidential candidates.

    “Although some candidates have dropped out of the race, there is no doubt in our minds that our country is moving forward and that our democracy is expanding and also deepening.”

    “I call on all Nigerians to contribute to the building of a viable polity by more active participation well beyond the mere casting of votes. Elections by themselves do not constitute democracy. It is the spirit of citizenship engagement that utilises the energy of citizens towards the attainment of good governance.

    “We have assembled here to mark the final phase of our campaigns, and we are now at the doorstep of our elections. The campaigns so far have gone well and we thank God for that. For the few incidents in which people lost their lives largely through accidents, we pray that God grants them eternal peace. Now campaigns are over and our next assignment is for us all, citizens and contestants alike, to go out and exercise our civic duties.

    “We, the presidential candidates are here to sign and commit ourselves to do all that is possible to ensure the success of the elections but most importantly to accept the final outcome. I appeal to my fellow contestants to commit to these ideals so as to keep our country and people safe.”

    On the preparedness for the elections, he said: “The INEC, our electoral umpire, has already assured us that they have done everything possible to ensure free and fair elections.

    “It was to ensure this that I made sure that INEC received all the resources they needed to perform their job. Our Security Agencies have been fully briefed and they know that their visible neutrality is key to the conduct, credibility and success of the elections.”

    Urging Nigerians to pray, he said: “As we go into the elections in few days, please let us pray for our country. Let us use this opportunity to strengthen our beliefs in a united country.

    “Our elections are important only to the extent that they make our country peaceful and prepare us for development.”

    To the youths, the President said: “I am making a special appeal to our young people: Do not allow yourselves to be used to cause violence. Please eschew all forms of violence and cooperate with all the relevant agencies during these elections.

    “We will vote according to parties, but in the end, the only real party is Nigeria, our country. Our elections are important only to the extent that they make her strong. Let us do our best and ask God to bless us and our country.”

    The President thanked the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Secretariat, Patricia Scotland, members of the diplomatic corps, the international team of observers, for standing with Nigeria and showing commitment to the growth of democracy.

    He also thanked Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar and other NPC members for the hard work they have put to ensure peaceful elections.

    Atiku appealed to INEC and the security agencies to ensure free and fair elections.

    He recalled the words of former President Goodluck Jonathan where he said that his ambition was not worth the blood of any Nigerian.

    The former vice president said the Nigerian democracy should emerge stronger than the 2015 general elections that were adjudged the freest and fairest in the country.

    He said: “May I use this opportunity to renew my profound gratitude, firstly to my party, the PDP, and then to Gen. Abubakar and members of the NPC for their tireless enthusiasm, dedication, and passion towards ensuring the success of this peace accord process!

    “Our gathering here today clearly demonstrates the importance of the upcoming elections as well as how our democracy has matured, not only to our people, but also to the international community whose solidarity, Nigeria’s democracy has benefited from.

    “As we prepare to sign off on this Peace Accord, as representatives of our party and people, may I freely quote the words of former President Goodluck Jonathan, which remains a benchmark, for me, taking into account the deep feelings that prevail as February 16th, 2019, approaches.

    “My ambition is not worth the blood of any Nigerian. In this context, I appeal once again to every staff and the leadership of the INEC and the Police, to be fair arbiters in the upcoming elections while letting neutrality prevail.

    “For emphasis and in the spirit of fair play, I also urge our security agencies, not to embark on indiscriminate arrests of members of the opposition, 24 to 48 hours before elections, as has been the case in previous elections.

    “Hopefully, our democracy should emerge stronger from this process with the 2019 elections proving better managed than the 2015 process, which was adjudged free and fair with the then opposition’s victory unobstructed.

    “Consequently, I also appeal to the President, Gen. Buhari, to use his good office to ensure that every eligible person who casts his vote is confident in the process and in the belief that the vote will count.

    “Additionally, every candidate must remember that this election is about the future of Nigeria, therefore, we must abide by the will of the people as freely expressed through elections, under the terms of our constitution.

    “Once again, despite concerns expressed by my party leaders concerning likely electoral malpractices and the intimidation of voters and observers, I trust that our election officials and security services will do their duty in accordance with their oath and obligations.

    “In conclusion, I appeal once again, to our citizens, to go out and cast their votes for the candidates of their choice, to be peaceful at all times, and confident in our democracy, its institutions and processes.

    “So, please go out this Saturday to vote for your future and the future of our great nation,” he said.

    Gen. Abubakar explained why his committee decided to organise the peace accord signing in order to ensure a peaceful conduct for all elections in the country.

    According to him, elections will not hold in the absence of peaceful atmosphere, noting that even governance after election will not be peaceful without a peaceful environment.

    “Don’t do anything to make a bad situation worse,” he said.

    He said disharmony among political parties retards Nigeria’s development, adding: “Without cooperation among political parties, we are going nowhere.”

    He reminded the presidential candidates that by signing the peace accord, they had committed themselves to ensuring a peaceful election in Nigeria and that mere signing of the peace accord would not achieve the required objective “unless all other actors are forced to work with the same rules”.

    Gen. Yakubu Gowon, urged the candidate to tell their supporters to ensure peaceful conduct during the elections so that in the future, there may be no need for foreign observers because the right conduct would have been assured.

    “May the winner be as dictated from above,” the former Head of State said.

    The Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Patricia Scotland said that millions of people across the world were praying for Nigeria and its people hoping that the election will hold peacefully.

    She noted that Saturday’s election will be the sixth since 1999 when the country returned to democracy after military rule and expressed optimism that the election will entrench and build on the gains achieved since 1999.

    She said the world was holding their breath because Nigeria was the largest economy with the largest population and that what happens in Nigeria affects all.

    “It is a burden that Nigerian leaders gathered here today carry. We call on their party, supporters and public to follow their lead. Elections will come and go, but this great Nigeria will remain,” Scotland said.

    Speaking on behalf of the royal fathers, Diete Spiff, urged the politicians to place the interest of the nation above their personal ambitions.

    “We appeal to the people to keep the peace.” he stated.

    Convener of the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, Clement Nwankwo noted that Nigeria at this time has a great need for peace.

    He said: “It is an opportunity for us to advertise ourselves to the world and tell them we can do it and get it right. We will report whatever we see. We urge you to respect the will of the Nigerian people. We will work with INEC towards conducting free and fair elections.”

    The document signed by the candidates reads:

    • Reaffirming our commitment to taking proactive measures towards a conducive environment for the conduct of a credible electoral process.
    • Anxious about the maintenance of a peaceful environment before, during, and after the 2019 general elections.
    • Reaffirming our commitment to fully abide by the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, to respect the rules and regulations as laid down in the legal framework for elections in Nigeria, and to adhere to best international standards.
    • Desirous of sustaining and promoting the unity and corporate existence of Nigeria as an indivisible entity.
    • Determined to avoid any conduct or behavior that will endanger the political stability and national security of Nigeria.
    • Mindful of our responsibility towards the Nigerian citizens and their democratic rights, we are determined to place national interest above personal and partisan concerns.

    At the signing were INEC Chairman Prof Mahmood Yakubu, Catholic Bishop of the Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Hassan Kukah and Ebitu Ukiwe.

  • Ex-SGF Lawal, brother, others get N50m bail

    FORMER Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Babachir Lawal, his brother Hamidu Lawal and two others got bail at N50 million each yesterday before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Maitama, Abuja

    The ex-SGF, his brother, Suleiman Abubakar and Apeh Monday, including two firms – Rholavision Engineering Ltd and Josmon Technologies Ltd – were arraigned before Justice Jude Okeke on Tuesday on a 10-count charge of fraud.

    In a ruling yesterday, Justice Okeke granted them bail for N50 million, with one surety each in like sum.

    The judge said the surety must be resident within the court’s jurisdiction and must be a holder of landed properties within the jurisdiction of the court, with evidence of tax payments for the past three years.

    Justice Okeke added that the surety must deposit his international passports with the court.

    The judge, in granting them bail, noted: “The prosecution did not provide sufficient evidence in line with Section 162 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015 not to grant bail.

    “The court can grant bail except in situations where the defendants are likely to jump bail, interfere with investigation or attempt to conceal evidence.

    “The ACJA 2015 has made peculiar and extensive provisions regarding bail, and the court is guided by the provision, which states that a defendant shall be entitled to bail.

    “The prosecution has the right to object to the bail, but the bail application succeeds.”

    He ordered the defendants to remain in EFCC custody pending the fulfilment of their bail conditions.

    The judge adjourned to March 18, this year, for the beginning of trial.

    The alleged fraud committed by the defendants was said to be in relation to contracts awarded by the Presidential Initiative for North East (PINE) for the removal of grasses in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps.

  • Lagos to conduct integrity test on hospitals, others

    To ascertain their condition, the Lagos State Materials Testing Laboratory (LSMTL), is to conduct scientific test on general hospitals, bridges, shopping malls and other traffic infrastructure.

    The exercise is in continuation of the Non-Destructive Test (NDT) the agency did on some structures at the state secretariat in Alausa and the old secretariat in Ikeja GRA.

    During a visit to some general hospitals and the inspection of the agency’s five divisional offices, LSMTL Acting General Manager Olalekan Ajani said the government would explore all avenues to  guarantee safety of lives and property.

    On the outcome of the NDT,  Ajani said: “After the test conducted at Alausa in September 2018, we made our recommendations to the maintenance agencies of the government for action.”

    The government, he said, used its own buildings to show the public that it meant well as the exercise is not to victimise or inflict hardship on people.

    “What we are saying is that buildings, just like the human body, must be periodically tested to know the type of maintenance needed as when due. While we hail some individuals that are now approaching the agency to have their buildings tested, we want to appeal to Lagosians to willingly submit their buildings for testing without being prompted,” Ajani said.

    The agency, he said, had certified some independent material testing laboratories in the state to complement its efforts  in stopping building collapse.

     

  • How to get Nigeria working again, by Kolade, Asiodu, others

    Former High Commissioner to the United Kingdom Dr. Christopher Kolade and a former Super Permanent Secretary, Chief Philip Asiodu, yesterday called on Nigerians to place national interests above personal considerations.

    They spoke under the aegis of burdened elders, a group of concerned elder statesmen committed to good governance and prosperous nation, during a parley with reporters in Lagos.

    Other members of the elders group include Prof. Anya Anya, Elder Syngle Wiwge, Chief Folake Solanke, Prof. Akin Mabogunje and others.

    They said Nigeria will work again when Nigerians begin to pursue collective interests capable of meeting individual yearnings.

    Kolade pointed out Nigeria has been held down by years of pursuing individual and sectional interests at the expense of national goals.

    According to him: “This country will work when we stop looking at how to get personal gains at the expense of national interests. We have to stop considering how to get the best benefits for my family, group and sections.

    “When Nigeria’s interests are pursued, we can rooms for all groups and sections to be at their best.

    “We must stop playing on our differences and work towards common goals and grounds.

    “That is when we can be sure this country with the best human and natural resources can become one of the most advanced in the world.”

    Asiodu called for conception and implementation of national development plans without deviation by successive governments.

    He lamented national progress has been stunted by distorted plans of successive governments as against sticking to holistic implementation regardless of change in government.

    He said: “We have to stick to whatever long and short plans we come up. It doesn’t matter what party wins or comes to power.

    “These plans must be sacrosanct. We can make adjustments after clearing with the masses. But we must plan well before no nation develops without planning.”

    Wigwe said the elders are committed to working for a new Nigeria until their last breath.

    “We need to retake Nigeria. We should operate with systems instead of running personal plans and visions,’’ he stressed.

    Anya said the elders have an obligation to redirect nation “before we meet our makers for the sake of unborn generations and accountability before Him.”

    He called on Nigerians to jettison tribal and sectional causes to make the nation work.

  • Physically-challenged rally for Buhari, Tinubu, others

    The Amalgamation of Physically-Challenged People in Lagos Mainland Local Government and Yaba Local Council Development Area of Lagos State yesterday staged a walk across major roads in the area.

    It was to sensitise residents to vote for the candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the House of Assembly, House of Representatives, Senate, governorship and presidential elections.

    The group comprising the hearing-impaired, visually-impaired, cripple, dumb, down syndrome and others with various deformities, well-wishers, party faithful and supporters trooped out to participate in the walk.

    They gathered at the APC secretariat on Borno Way, by Coates junction in Ebute-Meta, from where they moved with drum sets, singing and dancing through Herbert Macaulay Way, Adekunle, Alagomeji en route to Sabo.

    Read also: Lagos to conduct integrity test on hospitals, others

    The Chairman, Elders’ Forum of the People Living with Disabilities, Mr. Adisa Adeniyi, said it was important for people living with disabilities to appreciate members of APC, especially Senator Oluremi Tinubu and others for assisting them, adding: “This is payback time for us to express our gratitude to them.”

    The Coordinator, Movement for Disable Right Forum, Comrade Kehinde Oshilaja, hailed his members for trooping out for the rally.

    He said: “We are doing the walkthrough rally to express our support and solidarity to those contesting on the platform of APC in Lagos State, as well as President Muhammadu Buhari. We implore Lagosians to vote for our candidates, including the governorship candidate, Babajide Olushola Sanwo-Olu, Senator Oluremi Tinubu and President Muhammadu Buhari on Saturday and March 2.”

  • Onnoghen: EFCC detectives, others may appear before NJC

    Some Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) detectives may appear before the National Judicial Council (NJC) on their findings on suspended Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Walter Onnoghen and other issues. The Nation has learnt.

    Also to appear before the NJC are officials of some other intelligence agencies.

    All relevant desks and detectives were placed on standby yesterday pending the invitation of the NJC.

    Also, those who petitioned the NJC, such as the Anti-corruption and Research Based Data Initiative, Mr. Olisa Agbakoba (SAN) and others are expected to defend their claims and present evidence to the NJC.

    Justice Onnoghen is being investigated for alleged suspicious payment of about $3million into some of his accounts.

    The NJC, which has received petitions from some individuals, has queried Justice Onnoghen and the acting CJN, Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad,

    The NJC may reconvene today following the expiration of the seven-day ultimatum given to Justice Onnoghen and the Acting CJN to defend themselves on the allegations against them.

    It was learnt that some of the allegations border on findings by some agencies, including the EFCC, the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) and other security institutions.

    A source, who spoke in confidence, said the NJC had received responses from Onnoghen and the Acting CJN.

    The source said: “Members of the council will now review the allegations and the defence of those affected.

    “The onus is now on those who alleged infractions or abuse of office by the CJN to prove their allegations beyond reasonable doubt. The Anti-corruption and Research Based Data Initiative and Agbakoba will have to prove their claims.

    “The NJC is already  in receipt of responses from Onnoghen and Muhammad but they cannot be divulged to the public.

    “Going by the tradition of the NJC, Onnoghen and Muhammed can appear with their counsel to strengthen their case.”

    The source also added that some agencies like the EFCC and other intelligence organizations might be asked to clarify a few things by the NJC.

    “Based on the petitions by some groups and individuals before the NJC on Onnoghen, the acting CJN, Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, and the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) Chairman Danladi Y. Umar some detectives from the EFCC, NFIU and other secret agencies may appear before the NJC.

    “In suspending Onnoghen, President Muhammadu Buhari had relied on the fact that the security agencies had since then traced other suspicious transactions running into millions of dollars to the CJN’s personal accounts, all undeclared or improperly declared as required by law.”

    The security agencies have put their detectives on standby for the NJC’s invitation.

    “Our teams are ready with heaps of evidence. It is left to the discretion of NJC to invite the agencies concerned on their findings on the CJN,” a security chief said.

    But a source said the real battle in NJC might be on the propriety or otherwise of Justice Onnoghen’s suspension by President Buhari on January 25.

    Another source said: “Those backing the CJN have alleged that Buhari acted illegally and the NJC must reverse the suspension before looking into the merits or otherwise of the allegations against him.

    “But those who supported the suspension have continued to rely on Section 231 (4) and (5) of the constitution.

    Section 231(4) says: “If the office of Chief Justice of Nigeria is vacant or if the person holding the office is for any reason unable to perform the functions of the office, then until a person has been appointed to and has assumed the functions of that office, or until the person holding the office has resumed those functions, the President shall appoint the most senior Justice of the Supreme Court to perform those functions.”

    Section 231 (5) says: “Except on the recommendation of the National Judicial Council, appointment pursuant to the provisions of subsection (4) of this section shall cease to have effect after the expiration of three months from the date of such appointment, and the President shall not reappoint a person whose appointment has relapsed.”