Thursday, December 18, 2014
No be one way enter market! Yoruba Actress Iyabo Ojo Now Into Boobs Enlargement and V*ginal Tightening Business
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Nollywood actress and boss of Fespris World, Iyabo Ojo, has added Breast Enlargement and Vaginal Tightening to the services offered by her beauty outfit.
The beauty store owned by the actress and mother opened in August 2013 and is located at Omotayo Ojo Street, Off Majelodunmi Street, Allen Avenue in Ikeja, Lago and has offered regular beauty enhancing services to customers since then.
Iyabo made the announcement in a recent Blackberry broadcast which reads: 'New Effective Product: Sliming pills, Breast enlarging cream, Hip up butt enlarging cream, Tightening liquid 4 ladies. It xmas season, Visit FESPRISWORLD 2day and get a 20% on all our services n product, plus the best Royal treatment ever. We specialize in different type of Body Massage, Body treatment, Body polish &glow, Body wax, Body stream, Body Wrap, sauna, Manuel Facial or Electrical Facial using both Direct & Indirect High Frequency, we've great hair stylist that will give u a perfect finish Hair do or Hair Cut, Our Nail expert is one of d very best, get a feel of our spa Manicure & Pedicure using candle wax & essential oil 4 a Soft & perfect finish, we sell different kind of skin products, lighting cream, skin treatment cream, lighting body Scrub, body soap, facial cream, dark spot remover, dark knuckle remover, Acne soap, Acne cream & pills, sunburn remover & stretch mark oil & cream. We also sell different types of make-up kids, Powder, Foundation, lip stick, lip gloss, blush, eye shadows etc.'
The beauty store owned by the actress and mother opened in August 2013 and is located at Omotayo Ojo Street, Off Majelodunmi Street, Allen Avenue in Ikeja, Lago and has offered regular beauty enhancing services to customers since then.
Iyabo made the announcement in a recent Blackberry broadcast which reads: 'New Effective Product: Sliming pills, Breast enlarging cream, Hip up butt enlarging cream, Tightening liquid 4 ladies. It xmas season, Visit FESPRISWORLD 2day and get a 20% on all our services n product, plus the best Royal treatment ever. We specialize in different type of Body Massage, Body treatment, Body polish &glow, Body wax, Body stream, Body Wrap, sauna, Manuel Facial or Electrical Facial using both Direct & Indirect High Frequency, we've great hair stylist that will give u a perfect finish Hair do or Hair Cut, Our Nail expert is one of d very best, get a feel of our spa Manicure & Pedicure using candle wax & essential oil 4 a Soft & perfect finish, we sell different kind of skin products, lighting cream, skin treatment cream, lighting body Scrub, body soap, facial cream, dark spot remover, dark knuckle remover, Acne soap, Acne cream & pills, sunburn remover & stretch mark oil & cream. We also sell different types of make-up kids, Powder, Foundation, lip stick, lip gloss, blush, eye shadows etc.'
NET
Redeem Church Denies Buhari's Running-Mate; Osibajo...says message is fake
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The Redeemed Christian Church Of God has denied a purported tweet celebrating Buhari's running mate, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo. A parody twitter handle (@rccgworldwide) had celebrated the Redeemed Pastor on the fake twitter account, which made tongues wagging that the church had endorsed the candidature of General Buhari and the law professor.
The original account of the church has however refuted such claims disclosing on Pastor Adeboye's official Facebook page as seen above. Now we know better.
OMG...infidelity & adultery! Nigerian Women Are The Most Unfaithful In The World -Survey
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A worldwide survey held by Durex, the condom manufacturer on over 29,000 people from 36 nations revealed that the following Nations were the most culpable to infidelity and adultery.
Nigerian women
62% of Nigerian women are unfaithful. Recently Major Chitsiko, a soldier, committed suicide after his wife cheated on him. The couple was estranged. Also in November 20011, Erelu Tola Solomon, a social elite in Lagos and Abuja, decided to ruin her 25 year marriage after having sex with a Lagos businessman.
Thai women
59% of women living in Thailand admitted to cheating on their husbands. The rules seem more relaxed in Thailand than they are in the West. Many husbands even allow their wives to commit adultery.
British women
A UNLV article on infidelity and extramarital affairs noted that Britain have cases at a rate of 42%, The country experiences a high rate of women cheating.
Malaysian women
33% of Malaysians are known to cheat. 39% of the Malaysian women, in particular, are known to betray their marriage vows. It was also revealed that Malaysian men have on average 3 sex partners.
Russian women
33% of Russian women are known to be cheaters. Interestingly enough, the adulterer is not the one to blame in Russia. The finger points towards the person who kindles the affair. The fingers also point to women and that has been a century old tradition for 100s of years.
Singaporean women
Durex also established that 19% of women in Singapore are known to be unfaithful. Singapore men are known to have up to 16 sex partners, which explains why the country has 19% unfaithful women.
French women
Women in France are 16.3% likely to commit adultery. Men are 22% likely. A Huffington Post article believes that France makes adultery mandatory – 93% of the population is committing it.
American women
14% of married women in Italy admitted to having an affair once during their married life. 54% of the married men did not know about their spouses extramarital activities. This comes in a society where 50% believe that adultery is morally wrong. Interestingly enough 61% of Americans believe that adultery should not be a crime.
Italian women
The judicial system in Italy has decriminalized adultery for married women. Women now can lie about having an affair to protect their honor.
Indian women
Indian Women are also known to be adulterous. Adultery is considered as a crime and is placed under Chapter XX, which deals with offenses relating to the sacrament of marriage. As per the Indian jurisdiction, the law related to adultery is mentioned under Section 497 of the Indian penal code. Section 498 of the Indian penal code also states the law related to adultery.
All in all, 50-65% of husbands and 40-55% of wives have an affair before they are 40.
Nigerian women
62% of Nigerian women are unfaithful. Recently Major Chitsiko, a soldier, committed suicide after his wife cheated on him. The couple was estranged. Also in November 20011, Erelu Tola Solomon, a social elite in Lagos and Abuja, decided to ruin her 25 year marriage after having sex with a Lagos businessman.
Thai women
59% of women living in Thailand admitted to cheating on their husbands. The rules seem more relaxed in Thailand than they are in the West. Many husbands even allow their wives to commit adultery.
British women
A UNLV article on infidelity and extramarital affairs noted that Britain have cases at a rate of 42%, The country experiences a high rate of women cheating.
Malaysian women
33% of Malaysians are known to cheat. 39% of the Malaysian women, in particular, are known to betray their marriage vows. It was also revealed that Malaysian men have on average 3 sex partners.
Russian women
33% of Russian women are known to be cheaters. Interestingly enough, the adulterer is not the one to blame in Russia. The finger points towards the person who kindles the affair. The fingers also point to women and that has been a century old tradition for 100s of years.
Singaporean women
Durex also established that 19% of women in Singapore are known to be unfaithful. Singapore men are known to have up to 16 sex partners, which explains why the country has 19% unfaithful women.
French women
Women in France are 16.3% likely to commit adultery. Men are 22% likely. A Huffington Post article believes that France makes adultery mandatory – 93% of the population is committing it.
American women
14% of married women in Italy admitted to having an affair once during their married life. 54% of the married men did not know about their spouses extramarital activities. This comes in a society where 50% believe that adultery is morally wrong. Interestingly enough 61% of Americans believe that adultery should not be a crime.
Italian women
The judicial system in Italy has decriminalized adultery for married women. Women now can lie about having an affair to protect their honor.
Indian women
Indian Women are also known to be adulterous. Adultery is considered as a crime and is placed under Chapter XX, which deals with offenses relating to the sacrament of marriage. As per the Indian jurisdiction, the law related to adultery is mentioned under Section 497 of the Indian penal code. Section 498 of the Indian penal code also states the law related to adultery.
All in all, 50-65% of husbands and 40-55% of wives have an affair before they are 40.
...I wonder why Indian women didn't make the list!
Sad Thursday! Fire Guts OAU Female Hostel
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A fire outbreak earlier today engulfed Moreni Hall of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife but luckily no life has been reported lost even though properties were destroyed.
The fire reportedly started electric spark from a hotplate in one of the rooms in the hostel in Block A of the hostel.
A fire outbreak earlier today engulfed Moreni Hall of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife but luckily no life has been reported lost even though properties were destroyed.
The fire reportedly started electric spark from a hotplate in one of the rooms in the hostel in Block A of the hostel.
Well Deserved! Oga Bello Wins Federal Government Award
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Popular Thespian and one of the rallying point for the Nigeria film industry, Sir Adebayo Salami widely known as Oga Bello was yesterday evening awarded by Nigeria Council for Arts And Culture (NCAC) for his contributions towards the development of Nigeria's art and culture.
The Ilorin, Kwara born legendary actor bagged the award of Promoter of culture through Nollywood in a ceremony held at the Ladi Kwali hall, Sheraton hotels and Towers, Abuja.
Other Awardees for the night were other prominent Nigerians including Dr. Babagida Aliyu, Governor Niger state and Sir(Dr) Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion.
The presentation of the award was jointly done by the Honourable Minister of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, Chief Edem Duke and Director General of NCAC, Mrs Dayo Keshi.
This award and recognition by NCAC comes at a point in time when Oga Bello is celebrating his 50 years on stage. High point of the celebrations saw the Nollywood world troop out to celebrate the icon in an event which which took place at Muson Centre, Onikan-Lagos, last week Wednesday.
BlackBox Nigeria wishes Baba Onibaba more years to contribute to the entertainment industry.
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CDD, YIAGA, PER, Demand Voting Right For Internally Displaced Persons
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Civil Society Organizations comprising of Centre for Democracy and Development, CDD, Partner for Electoral Reform,PER and Youth Initiative for Advocacy, Growth & Advancement, YIAGA, yesterday, staged a peaceful march in Abuja, demanding for credible and all inclusive elections in 2015.
In a joint statement signed by the three groups, they noted that 2015 elections is a defining moment in Nigeria's democracy and the growing division instigated by the political class, hate speeches and rising threats of violence, and the likelihood of disenfranchising Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), are issues that needs to addressed by stakeholders to ensure credible 2015 elections and prevent reoccurrence of the 2011 post-election violence.
While speaking on behalf of the other participating organisations at the office of National Human Right Commission, Hassan Idayat, Director of CDD, highlighted the concerns of the citizenry as regards what NHRC would be doing to ensure Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, provides security for the ad-hoc staff, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members and students before, during and after the 2015 Elections.
The protesters demand, "The immediate resolution of all issues emanating from the Permanent Voters Card Distribution and the Continuous Voter Registration exercise to prevent against the disenfranchisement of eligible voters.
"That mechanisms should be put in place by INEC, National Assembly and other agencies to ensure the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) can vote in 2015 and level playing field for all political actors including equal access to media, security, campaign venues etc."
The group also demands that Politicians and state actors should be held accountable and penalised for the spread of hate speeches and inciting statements by relevant authorities.
Responding to the demands from the group, the Representative of NHRC and Director of Security and Investigation, NHRC, Abdulraman Yakub, noted that elections is everybody's business and that the commission is in support of the groups' protest and all Nigerian citizens interested in making sure Nigeria works.
"Coming to the issue of election, you should know that the right to public participation is a right guaranteed by the Nigerian constitution and also a right that is acknowledged and recognised by the international community and Nigeria is a party to all the relevant international human rights instruments which guarantee the rights of every citizen to take part in public life which include the rights to vote and be voted for."
He stated that NHRC has been working assiduously over the years to ensure that in Nigeria, we have open, transparent and credible election.
"The commission has been monitoring elections and the conduct of security personnel to ensure that they comply by the constitution and all well known human right instruments," he said.
He stated further that the commission is talking to necessary stakeholders particularly INEC and security personnel to ensure security for the electorates, the electoral personnels and the citizens in general.
"The governing council of the commission have mapped out strategies on how to go about this, so the commission is discussing with all relevant stakeholders, governmental and non-governmental to ensure we have an election that is devoid of violence. On the IDPS, we are talking to INEC to ensure that those who are displaced would also take part in the elections."
The peaceful march according to the organiser, would signal the launching of a sustained engagement on issued-based politics tagged #VotingForWhat. The campaign seeks that candidates seeking the votes of electorates must engage citizens based on issues not ethnicity or religion.
The awareness campaign that was done across Abuja and terminated at Bwari Area Council was led by Head of Research, Policy & Advocacy, YIAGA, Samson Itodo.
Civil Society Organizations comprising of Centre for Democracy and Development, CDD, Partner for Electoral Reform,PER and Youth Initiative for Advocacy, Growth & Advancement, YIAGA, yesterday, staged a peaceful march in Abuja, demanding for credible and all inclusive elections in 2015.
In a joint statement signed by the three groups, they noted that 2015 elections is a defining moment in Nigeria's democracy and the growing division instigated by the political class, hate speeches and rising threats of violence, and the likelihood of disenfranchising Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), are issues that needs to addressed by stakeholders to ensure credible 2015 elections and prevent reoccurrence of the 2011 post-election violence.
While speaking on behalf of the other participating organisations at the office of National Human Right Commission, Hassan Idayat, Director of CDD, highlighted the concerns of the citizenry as regards what NHRC would be doing to ensure Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, provides security for the ad-hoc staff, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members and students before, during and after the 2015 Elections.
The protesters demand, "The immediate resolution of all issues emanating from the Permanent Voters Card Distribution and the Continuous Voter Registration exercise to prevent against the disenfranchisement of eligible voters.
"That mechanisms should be put in place by INEC, National Assembly and other agencies to ensure the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) can vote in 2015 and level playing field for all political actors including equal access to media, security, campaign venues etc."
The group also demands that Politicians and state actors should be held accountable and penalised for the spread of hate speeches and inciting statements by relevant authorities.
Responding to the demands from the group, the Representative of NHRC and Director of Security and Investigation, NHRC, Abdulraman Yakub, noted that elections is everybody's business and that the commission is in support of the groups' protest and all Nigerian citizens interested in making sure Nigeria works.
"Coming to the issue of election, you should know that the right to public participation is a right guaranteed by the Nigerian constitution and also a right that is acknowledged and recognised by the international community and Nigeria is a party to all the relevant international human rights instruments which guarantee the rights of every citizen to take part in public life which include the rights to vote and be voted for."
He stated that NHRC has been working assiduously over the years to ensure that in Nigeria, we have open, transparent and credible election.
"The commission has been monitoring elections and the conduct of security personnel to ensure that they comply by the constitution and all well known human right instruments," he said.
He stated further that the commission is talking to necessary stakeholders particularly INEC and security personnel to ensure security for the electorates, the electoral personnels and the citizens in general.
"The governing council of the commission have mapped out strategies on how to go about this, so the commission is discussing with all relevant stakeholders, governmental and non-governmental to ensure we have an election that is devoid of violence. On the IDPS, we are talking to INEC to ensure that those who are displaced would also take part in the elections."
The peaceful march according to the organiser, would signal the launching of a sustained engagement on issued-based politics tagged #VotingForWhat. The campaign seeks that candidates seeking the votes of electorates must engage citizens based on issues not ethnicity or religion.
The awareness campaign that was done across Abuja and terminated at Bwari Area Council was led by Head of Research, Policy & Advocacy, YIAGA, Samson Itodo.
Super Eagles To Play Cote d'Ivoire, Mali
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Despite failing to qualify for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations to be hosted by Equatorial Guinea, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has secured Cote d'Ivoire and Mali friendlies for the Super Eagles.
NFF General Secretary, Musa Amadu, confirmed yesterday that the Nigerian senior football team will confront the two teams they battered on the way to winning a third Africa Cup of Nations title in South Africa early last year, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates in January next year.
The Super Eagles will confront 1992 African champions Cote d'Ivoire whom they edged 2-1 in the quarter finals in South Africa, on January 9, and take on fellow Eagles of Mali, who were overhauled 4-1 by the Nigerians in the semi finals in South Africa, four days later.
"We are working round the clock to make sure that the Super Eagles will have opponents for all the FIFA windows available in year 2015, and we are happy that the two games with the Ivorians and the Malians are sealed.
"The Elephants and the Les Aiglons are on their way to the 30th Africa Cup of Nations in Equatorial Guinea, so they are sure to give our team good games," observed the NFF scribe.
The Ivorians, Cameroun, Mali and Guinea have been put together in Group D, an almost all-West African affair and so, are seeking to prepare themselves up for the 2015 AFCON battles with friendlies.
The Elephants now led by the mercurial Herve Renard have recently been dubbed as underachievers especially at the continental level are seeking to shed that mantle and win AFCON for the second time in their history.
Already, Assistant Coach Daniel Amokachi has drawn a list of 24 players who will do battle for shirts for the two matches.
Gombe United goalkeeper Chigozie Agbim leads the invitees, with Azubuike Egwuekwe, Kwambe Solomon, Umar Zango, Rabiu Ali, Emem Eduok, Kingsley Sokari, Mfon Udoh, Gbolahan Salami and Gambo Muhammad also called.
Players are expected to report at the Bolton White Apartments, Abuja on Sunday, 28th December with their international passports and four passport photographs.
Goalkeepers: Chigozie Agbim (Gombe United); Daniel Akpeyi (Warri Wolves); Theophilus Afelokhai (Kano Pillars)
Defenders: Solomon Kwambe (Sunshine Stars); Idris Aloma (El-Kanemi FC); Chimma Akas (Sharks FC); Nelson Ogbonna (Heartland FC); Azubuike Egwuekwe (Warri Wolves); Erhun Obanor (Bendel Insurance); Bright Esieme (Enyimba FC); Umar Zango (Kano Pillars)
Midfielders: Ammel Angel Wilfred (Kogi United); Joseph Nathaniel (Sharks FC); Charles Henlong (Giwa FC); Stanley Dimgba (Warri Wolves); Rabiu Ali (Kano Pillars); Chinedu Udeaga (Enugu Rangers); Emem Eduok (Dolphins FC); Kingsley Sokari (Enyimba FC)
Forwards: Mfon Udoh (Enyimba FC); Gbolahan Salami (Warri Wolves); Osaguona Christian (Enugu Rangers); Gambo Muhammad (Kano Pillars); Christian Obiozor (Enugu Rangers)
NFF General Secretary, Musa Amadu, confirmed yesterday that the Nigerian senior football team will confront the two teams they battered on the way to winning a third Africa Cup of Nations title in South Africa early last year, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates in January next year.
The Super Eagles will confront 1992 African champions Cote d'Ivoire whom they edged 2-1 in the quarter finals in South Africa, on January 9, and take on fellow Eagles of Mali, who were overhauled 4-1 by the Nigerians in the semi finals in South Africa, four days later.
"We are working round the clock to make sure that the Super Eagles will have opponents for all the FIFA windows available in year 2015, and we are happy that the two games with the Ivorians and the Malians are sealed.
"The Elephants and the Les Aiglons are on their way to the 30th Africa Cup of Nations in Equatorial Guinea, so they are sure to give our team good games," observed the NFF scribe.
The Ivorians, Cameroun, Mali and Guinea have been put together in Group D, an almost all-West African affair and so, are seeking to prepare themselves up for the 2015 AFCON battles with friendlies.
The Elephants now led by the mercurial Herve Renard have recently been dubbed as underachievers especially at the continental level are seeking to shed that mantle and win AFCON for the second time in their history.
Already, Assistant Coach Daniel Amokachi has drawn a list of 24 players who will do battle for shirts for the two matches.
Gombe United goalkeeper Chigozie Agbim leads the invitees, with Azubuike Egwuekwe, Kwambe Solomon, Umar Zango, Rabiu Ali, Emem Eduok, Kingsley Sokari, Mfon Udoh, Gbolahan Salami and Gambo Muhammad also called.
Players are expected to report at the Bolton White Apartments, Abuja on Sunday, 28th December with their international passports and four passport photographs.
Goalkeepers: Chigozie Agbim (Gombe United); Daniel Akpeyi (Warri Wolves); Theophilus Afelokhai (Kano Pillars)
Defenders: Solomon Kwambe (Sunshine Stars); Idris Aloma (El-Kanemi FC); Chimma Akas (Sharks FC); Nelson Ogbonna (Heartland FC); Azubuike Egwuekwe (Warri Wolves); Erhun Obanor (Bendel Insurance); Bright Esieme (Enyimba FC); Umar Zango (Kano Pillars)
Midfielders: Ammel Angel Wilfred (Kogi United); Joseph Nathaniel (Sharks FC); Charles Henlong (Giwa FC); Stanley Dimgba (Warri Wolves); Rabiu Ali (Kano Pillars); Chinedu Udeaga (Enugu Rangers); Emem Eduok (Dolphins FC); Kingsley Sokari (Enyimba FC)
Forwards: Mfon Udoh (Enyimba FC); Gbolahan Salami (Warri Wolves); Osaguona Christian (Enugu Rangers); Gambo Muhammad (Kano Pillars); Christian Obiozor (Enugu Rangers)
Two "Armed" Robbers Disposes People Using Toy Gun
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The Ogun Police State Police Command has arrested two suspected armed robbers.
They were said to have dispossessed some residents of Heritage Estate, Akute, in the Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun State, of their valuables with a toy gun.
The police spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, said the suspects were embarking on another operation when the police caught them.
Adejobi, a Deputy Superintendent of Police, told The PUNCH on Wednesday that the police rounded up the suspects less than 24 hours after the robbery incident.
The suspects were identified as John David and Bassey James.
He said, "The Anti-Crime Police team attached to Ajuwon Division of the Ogun State Police Command arrested some suspected armed robbers 24 hours after they carried out robbery operations on Saturday December 13.
"The suspects were arrested on Sunday at about 10.30pm in the Akute area when they were trying to carry out another operation several hours after the previous robbery operation in the same area.
"In the course of police investigation, most of the victims of their robbery operations identified the suspected robbers as those who had been involved in several robbery operations and those who actually robbed them at the night of Saturday December 13."
He added that the state Commissioner of Police, Ikemefuna Okoye, had directed that the suspects be transferred to the Department of Criminal Investigation, Eleweran, Abeokuta, for a thorough investigation.
Adejobi said, "The command will not leave any stone unturned in providing adequate security for all and sundry in Ogun State."
They were said to have dispossessed some residents of Heritage Estate, Akute, in the Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun State, of their valuables with a toy gun.
The police spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, said the suspects were embarking on another operation when the police caught them.
Adejobi, a Deputy Superintendent of Police, told The PUNCH on Wednesday that the police rounded up the suspects less than 24 hours after the robbery incident.
The suspects were identified as John David and Bassey James.
He said, "The Anti-Crime Police team attached to Ajuwon Division of the Ogun State Police Command arrested some suspected armed robbers 24 hours after they carried out robbery operations on Saturday December 13.
"The suspects were arrested on Sunday at about 10.30pm in the Akute area when they were trying to carry out another operation several hours after the previous robbery operation in the same area.
"In the course of police investigation, most of the victims of their robbery operations identified the suspected robbers as those who had been involved in several robbery operations and those who actually robbed them at the night of Saturday December 13."
He added that the state Commissioner of Police, Ikemefuna Okoye, had directed that the suspects be transferred to the Department of Criminal Investigation, Eleweran, Abeokuta, for a thorough investigation.
Adejobi said, "The command will not leave any stone unturned in providing adequate security for all and sundry in Ogun State."
"Obasanjo is the most corrupt President Nigeria have seen"
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Senator Rowland Owie, former Chief whip of the senate, has described the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo as the most corrupt ever.
Owie called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate the administration of the former president following alleged recent revelations of fraudulent activities perpetrated during his term as president.
He said during an interview with vanguard news that most of the challenges bedeviling the nation were caused by the poor leadership style Obasanjo adopted during his tenure as president.
He stated that if Obasanjo had created jobs for the northern youths, the issue of Boko Haram would not have surfaced.
Owie called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate the administration of the former president following alleged recent revelations of fraudulent activities perpetrated during his term as president.
He said during an interview with vanguard news that most of the challenges bedeviling the nation were caused by the poor leadership style Obasanjo adopted during his tenure as president.
He stated that if Obasanjo had created jobs for the northern youths, the issue of Boko Haram would not have surfaced.
Drama in Federal House of Reps as Five Members Dump APC to SDP, then Five others from PDP to APC
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Five members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the House of Representatives from Ogun State have dumped the party to join the Social Democratic Party (SDP), reports disclosed.
The lawmakers are Tunde Ogundara, Adeyemi Adekunle, Olumide Osoba, Abiodun Balogun and Taofeek Braimoh.
Reading their letters of defection on the floor of the House on Tuesday, the Speaker, Aminu Tambuwal, said the lawmakers cited Section 68 (1g) of the 1999 Constitution as part of their reason for defecting.
The lawmakers are following the footsteps of the three senators from the state who dumped APC for the SDP.
The lawmakers are Tunde Ogundara, Adeyemi Adekunle, Olumide Osoba, Abiodun Balogun and Taofeek Braimoh.
Reading their letters of defection on the floor of the House on Tuesday, the Speaker, Aminu Tambuwal, said the lawmakers cited Section 68 (1g) of the 1999 Constitution as part of their reason for defecting.
The lawmakers are following the footsteps of the three senators from the state who dumped APC for the SDP.
In a swift reaction five members also announced their defection from the ruling PDP to APC. Four members have earlier defected on Tuesday but a rep from Kogi state Hon. Ina Usman made it five when he announced his defection Wednesday. He sited crises in the state chapter of the party as his reason for abandoning the PDP although many has attributed his defection to his recent loss at the primary election where he sought re-election.
As it stands, PDP still controls majority with 191 members while APC has 154.
We would kill Kano Emir; Sanusi Lamido, Obasanjo, Jonathan, Babangida, Obama, Bush, Clinton... -Boko Haram Leader Abubakar Shekau Reveals
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Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau has threatened to attack the Emir of Kano, Muhummadu Sanusi II, in retaliation for the Emir's call on Kano residents and other Nigerians to defend themselves against the terror organisation.
In a video released last weekend, Shekau said his group does not consider the emir a true Muslim.
The Emir had earlier issued a call to arms after a series of deadly attacks by suspected Boko Haram militants in Kano.
Boko Haram launched a deadly assault on the Kano Mosque near the Emir's palace on November 28, detonating multiple bombs and shooting worshippers.
Over 100 people died in the attack.
The Emir, who was abroad during the attack, returned to lead prayers at the site of the blast, the following day.
In a 19-minute new video first released Saturday, Shekau did not claim responsibility for the mosque attack. But he said his group remains prepared to kill anyone who challenges its ideology, and all non-Muslims and "fake" Muslims.
In a report published by online medium Premium Times, Shakau was quoted to have said: "Before I start talking to my brothers who believed in me and the religion of Allah, not the religion of democracy, not that of western education, those who believed in the religion of the Quran, not that of the constitution and not religion of the Emir of Kano Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, Jonathan, Obasanjo, Atiku, Babangida, Obama, Bush, Clinton, but the religion of Allah," he said.
Mr. Shekau said his group will fight local vigilantes and hunters, who have successfully crushed the advances of its fighters in some parts of the Northeast.
Shekau condemned all other Islamic sects in the country calling them pagans.
He said the Izala, Tijjaniyya, Qadiriyya and Shiite Islamic groups are pagans and his group will continue to kill their followers.
He also condemned the government Saudi Arabia.
"We will kill you people, we will capture hostages and keep selling some," he said.
In a video released last weekend, Shekau said his group does not consider the emir a true Muslim.
The Emir had earlier issued a call to arms after a series of deadly attacks by suspected Boko Haram militants in Kano.
Boko Haram launched a deadly assault on the Kano Mosque near the Emir's palace on November 28, detonating multiple bombs and shooting worshippers.
Over 100 people died in the attack.
The Emir, who was abroad during the attack, returned to lead prayers at the site of the blast, the following day.
In a 19-minute new video first released Saturday, Shekau did not claim responsibility for the mosque attack. But he said his group remains prepared to kill anyone who challenges its ideology, and all non-Muslims and "fake" Muslims.
In a report published by online medium Premium Times, Shakau was quoted to have said: "Before I start talking to my brothers who believed in me and the religion of Allah, not the religion of democracy, not that of western education, those who believed in the religion of the Quran, not that of the constitution and not religion of the Emir of Kano Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, Jonathan, Obasanjo, Atiku, Babangida, Obama, Bush, Clinton, but the religion of Allah," he said.
Mr. Shekau said his group will fight local vigilantes and hunters, who have successfully crushed the advances of its fighters in some parts of the Northeast.
Shekau condemned all other Islamic sects in the country calling them pagans.
He said the Izala, Tijjaniyya, Qadiriyya and Shiite Islamic groups are pagans and his group will continue to kill their followers.
He also condemned the government Saudi Arabia.
"We will kill you people, we will capture hostages and keep selling some," he said.
Another 54 Soldiers To Die By Firing Squad For Refusing To Fight Boko Haram, Falana Kicks...
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In another solemn end to a General Court Martial, the Nigeria military has sentenced 54 soldiers of the Nigerian Army to death, having found them guilty of mutiny and refusal to fight Boko Haram terrorists in Borno State, while five others were discharged and acquitted.
The soldiers were among the 97 military personnel including 15 officers whose trials were announced on October 15, for various offences.
THISDAY findings revealed that the final judgment, which lasted for two hours was made after 8 pm on Wednesday, although details were sketchy since journalists were barred from covering proceedings.
However, a military source confirmed that 54 of the soldiers were sentenced to death, which is the statutory punishment for their offences, while five others were discharged and acquitted.
"I cannot get you all the details now since the court martial was a closed one, but I can confirm 54 soldiers have been sentence to death, while five were acquitted for their offences," he said.
The court martial presided over by Brig-Gen Musa Yusuf at the army headquarters, garrisson, Abuja was initially open to the public until journalists were stopped from covering the proceedings in order not to jeopardise the operational details of the ongoing counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations in the North-east.
Yusuf had slapped Corporal Andrew Ogwulekwu and 59 others with two count charges including: criminal conspiracy to commit mutiny, and count two, refusal to carry out an order to face Boko Haram insurgents.
According to the charge sheet, the soldiers on trial had refused the orders of their commanding officer to advance on an operation to recapture Delwa, Bulabulin and Damboa in Borno State from Boko Haram terrorist.
The condemned soldiers are to die by firing squad.
Meanwhile, human rights lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN), has described the conviction of the soldiers as the height of injustice, adding that their conviction was an act of genocide that should not be allowed to stand.
"This is the height of injustice because there was no evidence linking the boys with mutiny. Apart from the fact that there were no weapons for the soldiers to fight, they fought gallantly because the prosecution said after the boys protested against the fact that they did not have weapons to fight, they went back to fight and they fought gallantly.
"Don't forget that even President Goodluck Jonathan acknowledged that there were no weapons for the soldiers to fight when he asked the National Assembly to approve $1 billion to buy weapons for the military to tackle the insurgency. So on what basis were the soldiers convicted?
"This is an act of genocide that we should not allow to stand. We shall report Nigeria to the International Criminal Court (ICC)," he said.
The soldiers were among the 97 military personnel including 15 officers whose trials were announced on October 15, for various offences.
THISDAY findings revealed that the final judgment, which lasted for two hours was made after 8 pm on Wednesday, although details were sketchy since journalists were barred from covering proceedings.
However, a military source confirmed that 54 of the soldiers were sentenced to death, which is the statutory punishment for their offences, while five others were discharged and acquitted.
"I cannot get you all the details now since the court martial was a closed one, but I can confirm 54 soldiers have been sentence to death, while five were acquitted for their offences," he said.
The court martial presided over by Brig-Gen Musa Yusuf at the army headquarters, garrisson, Abuja was initially open to the public until journalists were stopped from covering the proceedings in order not to jeopardise the operational details of the ongoing counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations in the North-east.
Yusuf had slapped Corporal Andrew Ogwulekwu and 59 others with two count charges including: criminal conspiracy to commit mutiny, and count two, refusal to carry out an order to face Boko Haram insurgents.
According to the charge sheet, the soldiers on trial had refused the orders of their commanding officer to advance on an operation to recapture Delwa, Bulabulin and Damboa in Borno State from Boko Haram terrorist.
The condemned soldiers are to die by firing squad.
Meanwhile, human rights lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN), has described the conviction of the soldiers as the height of injustice, adding that their conviction was an act of genocide that should not be allowed to stand.
"This is the height of injustice because there was no evidence linking the boys with mutiny. Apart from the fact that there were no weapons for the soldiers to fight, they fought gallantly because the prosecution said after the boys protested against the fact that they did not have weapons to fight, they went back to fight and they fought gallantly.
"Don't forget that even President Goodluck Jonathan acknowledged that there were no weapons for the soldiers to fight when he asked the National Assembly to approve $1 billion to buy weapons for the military to tackle the insurgency. So on what basis were the soldiers convicted?
"This is an act of genocide that we should not allow to stand. We shall report Nigeria to the International Criminal Court (ICC)," he said.
Bode George Rigged Lagos Primaries For Jimi Agbaje -Obanikoro Tells court...says NDLEA was involved
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Former Minister of State for Defence Musiliu Obanikoro has accused a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos State, Chief Olabode George and the winner of the party's governorship primary, Jimi Agbaje, of manipulating the election to favour Agbaje.
Obanikoro, in an affidavit in a suit contesting the election, alleged that George and Agabje deliberately disrupted proceedings at the election venue, using thugs and state security officers to achieve their aim.
Obanikoro is seeking, among others, the nullification of the election on the grounds that it violated the party's electoral guidelines, including the production of result in excess of accredited voters.
Defendants are the PDP and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
"Sometime at 11am, Chief Bode George and Jimi Agbaje, a co-contestant, arrived at the venue with armed thugs, who kept a menacing vigil at the gate.
"Sometime at 1pm, George, a chieftain of the first defendant, returned to the venue of the election with armed mobile policemen and armed officers of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) where his wife is the chairman, making the atmosphere charged.
"The thugs earlier brought by George and Agbaje, at this point, began to disrupt the venue by throwing bottles, stones and firing gun shots in the direction of the delegates loyal to me and preventing other delegates loyal to me from entering the venue.
"The gun shots attracted another detachment of policemen, who engaged the thugs in a gun and tear gas battle, during which many of the delegates loyal to me ran to avoid being caught in the crossfire.
"Many of the delegates, who fled in the ensuing violence and gun battle never returned and were consequently disenfranchised as it took the police several hours to restore some semblance of normalcy.
"The police recovered five guns and rounds of ammunitions and live cartridges from the thugs brought by George and Agbaje. Thereafter, the delegates loyal to and brought by George and Agbaje started arriving the venue of the election and accreditation which ought to have started since 8am started at 6.30 pm
"At this late hour, having noticed that many of my delegates had run for their dear lives, many non-party members, miscreants and unaccredited persons were allowed by the state Electoral Panel to be used to replace the delegates loyal to me.
"The above notwithstanding, the remaining delegates loyal to me were openly threatened with physical injury not to vote for me. Even the voting papers given to my delegates were later snatched from them and the name of my opponent, Agbaje forcefully written on their papers in the presence of the electoral officers manning the election," he said
He argued that but for the manipulation by George and Agbaje, he would have won the election.
Justice Ahmed Mohammed, after listening to Obanikoro's lawyer, Chris Uche, argue his motion ex-parte for interim injunctions, refused to grant the applicant's prayers.
Justice Mohammed, who adjourned till December 23, directed the two defendants to appear in court on the next adjourned date.
Obanikoro, in an affidavit in a suit contesting the election, alleged that George and Agabje deliberately disrupted proceedings at the election venue, using thugs and state security officers to achieve their aim.
Obanikoro is seeking, among others, the nullification of the election on the grounds that it violated the party's electoral guidelines, including the production of result in excess of accredited voters.
Defendants are the PDP and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
"Sometime at 11am, Chief Bode George and Jimi Agbaje, a co-contestant, arrived at the venue with armed thugs, who kept a menacing vigil at the gate.
"Sometime at 1pm, George, a chieftain of the first defendant, returned to the venue of the election with armed mobile policemen and armed officers of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) where his wife is the chairman, making the atmosphere charged.
"The thugs earlier brought by George and Agbaje, at this point, began to disrupt the venue by throwing bottles, stones and firing gun shots in the direction of the delegates loyal to me and preventing other delegates loyal to me from entering the venue.
"The gun shots attracted another detachment of policemen, who engaged the thugs in a gun and tear gas battle, during which many of the delegates loyal to me ran to avoid being caught in the crossfire.
"Many of the delegates, who fled in the ensuing violence and gun battle never returned and were consequently disenfranchised as it took the police several hours to restore some semblance of normalcy.
"The police recovered five guns and rounds of ammunitions and live cartridges from the thugs brought by George and Agbaje. Thereafter, the delegates loyal to and brought by George and Agbaje started arriving the venue of the election and accreditation which ought to have started since 8am started at 6.30 pm
"At this late hour, having noticed that many of my delegates had run for their dear lives, many non-party members, miscreants and unaccredited persons were allowed by the state Electoral Panel to be used to replace the delegates loyal to me.
"The above notwithstanding, the remaining delegates loyal to me were openly threatened with physical injury not to vote for me. Even the voting papers given to my delegates were later snatched from them and the name of my opponent, Agbaje forcefully written on their papers in the presence of the electoral officers manning the election," he said
He argued that but for the manipulation by George and Agbaje, he would have won the election.
Justice Ahmed Mohammed, after listening to Obanikoro's lawyer, Chris Uche, argue his motion ex-parte for interim injunctions, refused to grant the applicant's prayers.
Justice Mohammed, who adjourned till December 23, directed the two defendants to appear in court on the next adjourned date.
"He is a friend of the less privileged, compassionate and zealous in service" -Buhari Reveals Why He Picked Yemi Osibajo As Running Mate
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The leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Wednesday formally presented the former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Lagos State, Prof. Yemi Osibajo, who is also the son-in-law of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, as the running mate to Major-General Muhammadu Buhari.
THISDAY was the first newspaper (print or online) to break the news yesterday that after a week of intrigues and jostling among other contenders for the post, Osibajo had been picked as the vice-presidential candidate of the APC.
Wednesday's climax of a journey that began after the presidential primary of the party, however, saw the absence of key stakeholders of the party, including its governors, former Lagos State Governor, Senator Bola Tinubu, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and other presidential aspirants.
Despite his absence from Osibajo's presentation, Tinubu, in a statement he personally signed, said he was compelled to turn down the offer by Buhari to run as his deputy due to "national sacrifice and patriotism".
In an anxiety-soaked short ceremony held at the party's national secretariat in Abuja, the National Chairman of the APC, Chief John Odigie, who was flanked by other party officials, asked Buhari to introduce his running mate to an expectant audience.
Buhari, who had the professor of law foisted on him, said his decision to choose Osibajo as his running mate was based on his uncommon humility, loyalty, dependability and selfless patriotic zeal.
Buhari said the method employed in arriving at the choice of his running mate had been very meticulous and described Osibajo as a friend of the less privileged, compassionate and zealous in service.
"To assist me in this great task of securing Nigeria's future, I have chosen a man of unimpeachable integrity, an excellent professional, a man of faith, a devoted family man and a role model to our fellow countrymen and women.
"He is a professor of law and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria. An alumnus of the University of Lagos and the London School of Economics. He is a prodigious author who has to his credit several books on civil procedure in Nigerian superior courts.
"The vice-presidential candidate is a friend of the less privileged, compassionate and zealous in service, a man of uncommon humility, a loyal, dependable and selfless patriot," he said.
Buhari noted that with the issue of his running mate settled, the challenging process of rescuing the country and changing it for good has commenced.
Lending further insight into the methodology employed in this choice of his running mate, he said the process was quite meticulous and rigorous, adding, "It involved the establishment of objective criteria, broad consultations with party leaders and a few opinion leaders outside the party and interactions with a number of nominees."
Buhari also used the occasion to thank all Nigerians and friends who have continued to send messages of goodwill to him and the party since his emergence as the presidential flag bearer of the APC.
In his acceptance speech, Osibajo pledged to serve with Buhari diligently and with commitment to restore the country's lost glory.
"I am deeply honoured and grateful to have been nominated as the vice- presidential candidate of our party, APC, and especially by the presidential candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari.
"I also thank the leaders and elders of our great party, APC for the trust reposed in me. The task of rebuilding this nation is one to which I am fully committed.
"There can be no other president, leader and commander that can lead that common sense revolution Nigeria urgently needs than General Muhammadu Buhari. I will proudly serve this country with him.
"Buhari's uprightness and fierce commitment to good governance is well known. It will be a privilege to work with him. I come to this assignment with lots of hope and a resolve to be a part of this movement to bring Nigeria back to its lost glory.
"With the support of all Nigerians and the help of God, we shall make Nigeria work again.
"I will work with him and the party to restore hope and confidence in millions of our youth and provide comfort and security for millions of our country men and women," he said.
THISDAY was the first newspaper (print or online) to break the news yesterday that after a week of intrigues and jostling among other contenders for the post, Osibajo had been picked as the vice-presidential candidate of the APC.
Wednesday's climax of a journey that began after the presidential primary of the party, however, saw the absence of key stakeholders of the party, including its governors, former Lagos State Governor, Senator Bola Tinubu, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and other presidential aspirants.
Despite his absence from Osibajo's presentation, Tinubu, in a statement he personally signed, said he was compelled to turn down the offer by Buhari to run as his deputy due to "national sacrifice and patriotism".
In an anxiety-soaked short ceremony held at the party's national secretariat in Abuja, the National Chairman of the APC, Chief John Odigie, who was flanked by other party officials, asked Buhari to introduce his running mate to an expectant audience.
Buhari, who had the professor of law foisted on him, said his decision to choose Osibajo as his running mate was based on his uncommon humility, loyalty, dependability and selfless patriotic zeal.
Buhari said the method employed in arriving at the choice of his running mate had been very meticulous and described Osibajo as a friend of the less privileged, compassionate and zealous in service.
"To assist me in this great task of securing Nigeria's future, I have chosen a man of unimpeachable integrity, an excellent professional, a man of faith, a devoted family man and a role model to our fellow countrymen and women.
"He is a professor of law and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria. An alumnus of the University of Lagos and the London School of Economics. He is a prodigious author who has to his credit several books on civil procedure in Nigerian superior courts.
"The vice-presidential candidate is a friend of the less privileged, compassionate and zealous in service, a man of uncommon humility, a loyal, dependable and selfless patriot," he said.
Buhari noted that with the issue of his running mate settled, the challenging process of rescuing the country and changing it for good has commenced.
Lending further insight into the methodology employed in this choice of his running mate, he said the process was quite meticulous and rigorous, adding, "It involved the establishment of objective criteria, broad consultations with party leaders and a few opinion leaders outside the party and interactions with a number of nominees."
Buhari also used the occasion to thank all Nigerians and friends who have continued to send messages of goodwill to him and the party since his emergence as the presidential flag bearer of the APC.
In his acceptance speech, Osibajo pledged to serve with Buhari diligently and with commitment to restore the country's lost glory.
"I am deeply honoured and grateful to have been nominated as the vice- presidential candidate of our party, APC, and especially by the presidential candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari.
"I also thank the leaders and elders of our great party, APC for the trust reposed in me. The task of rebuilding this nation is one to which I am fully committed.
"There can be no other president, leader and commander that can lead that common sense revolution Nigeria urgently needs than General Muhammadu Buhari. I will proudly serve this country with him.
"Buhari's uprightness and fierce commitment to good governance is well known. It will be a privilege to work with him. I come to this assignment with lots of hope and a resolve to be a part of this movement to bring Nigeria back to its lost glory.
"With the support of all Nigerians and the help of God, we shall make Nigeria work again.
"I will work with him and the party to restore hope and confidence in millions of our youth and provide comfort and security for millions of our country men and women," he said.
PDP made me lose the VP slot -Tinubu is vexed...
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As Buhari and Osibajo prepares for the big contest against the Jonahan/Sambo ticket from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Tinubu, in a statement certain to set tongues wagging, claims that he turned down Buhari's offer for the vice-presidential slot owing to "national sacrifice and patriotism".
Tinubu, who in reality was forced to yield the ground to his protégé, Osibajo, after his candidacy was rejected by other stakeholders of the party, said he remained committed to working in the best interest of APC and the nation.
In the statement issued, the former Lagos governor, however called for the excision of religion from the electoral equation now that the tickets of both parties are mixed.
"For me, political ambition will never triumph over patriotic conviction. This delicate moment affords no space for emotion to intrude to blind us from what is best.
"The APC is the best and only vehicle to enact the progressive and broad change this nation cries for. I eagerly lend myself to this fine cause without me having to be on the ticket," he said.
Explaining his contributions to building the party, Tinubu said he never gave any thought to seeking elective office, insisting that his "contributions to the party were never based on the expectations of a later political handout but on the conviction that Nigeria is in trouble and that we have passed the moment for such narrow, selfish games".
Tinubu also explained how Buhari offered him the vice-presidential ticket as a mark of honour for his efforts at forging the APC merger.
But he said when his name was raised, the political hatchet men, especially those in the PDP tried to chop it down with rumour and lies, "relying on religion as their only viable weapon of attack".
However, Tinubu said this was a time for cohesion and an overriding sense of mission, while calling on Nigerians to join hands to defeat a common foe and resist all temptations intended to entice them to fight among ourselves.
"There came a time during the course of the events when our presidential candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari offered the vice-presidential slot to me. Being a normal human being, I was deeply moved and honored that he would consider me for the position. Being a patriot, I had to weigh my potential candidacy in all of its dimensions.
"I sincerely commit myself to the rescue agenda of General Buhari and Professor Osibajo. I declare to you, I will work and dedicate myself so that our ticket succeeds and wins the 2015 election -- not for his good, not for my good, not even for the party's good but for the good of the nation we inhabit.
"Some may call what I have done a sacrifice. I call it otherwise. It is my patriotic contribution and duty. I do so with a happy and uplifted heart and clear conscience because I have committed myself to seeking the best for this nation before seeking what is good for myself.
"This is the creed of statesmanship I chose to follow. May this be the creed of our party as General Buhari leads us to historic victory in the 2015 elections.
"I have removed myself from consideration so what I now say cannot be seen as self-serving. I plead with the people of this nation to never allow the power lust of cynical politicians to set brother against brother, neighbor against neighbor.
"If you look at those politicians who raise this issue the most, they are the least devout and faithful to any religion other their self-interests.
"I have concluded that the interest of the party, our campaign and of the nation are better served if I retain my position as the national leader of the APC, allowing me to be a bridge builder across all divides.
"Although I declined the position, I want to thank General Buhari for extending the honour to me. Despite all the noise and opposition around my possible selection, he stood firm and steadfast.
"He showed the traits of a leader in holding to a decision he believed was right despite the errant plots against it," he said.
According to Tinubu, collapse, poverty, corruption and bad governance have allowed inept people to use religion to keep Nigeria from solving these challenges for the benefit of all.
An apparently disenchanted Tinubu with the role of religion in Nigeria's politics, said: "Those who exploit religion should be wary. For there really is a God and he does not like it when you play with his people or use His name to do the opposite of what He intends.
"I ask the people to remove religion from the electoral equation now that the tickets of both parties are mixed. I ask you to select the ticket best able to end the downward slide that Nigeria has endured since this government took over.
"I ask you to remember that too many Christians and Muslims are poor. Most of all, I ask you to remember that the true religion of the PDP is poverty, APC comes to bring prosperity to the people. Please vote for that."
Tinubu, who in reality was forced to yield the ground to his protégé, Osibajo, after his candidacy was rejected by other stakeholders of the party, said he remained committed to working in the best interest of APC and the nation.
In the statement issued, the former Lagos governor, however called for the excision of religion from the electoral equation now that the tickets of both parties are mixed.
"For me, political ambition will never triumph over patriotic conviction. This delicate moment affords no space for emotion to intrude to blind us from what is best.
"The APC is the best and only vehicle to enact the progressive and broad change this nation cries for. I eagerly lend myself to this fine cause without me having to be on the ticket," he said.
Explaining his contributions to building the party, Tinubu said he never gave any thought to seeking elective office, insisting that his "contributions to the party were never based on the expectations of a later political handout but on the conviction that Nigeria is in trouble and that we have passed the moment for such narrow, selfish games".
Tinubu also explained how Buhari offered him the vice-presidential ticket as a mark of honour for his efforts at forging the APC merger.
But he said when his name was raised, the political hatchet men, especially those in the PDP tried to chop it down with rumour and lies, "relying on religion as their only viable weapon of attack".
However, Tinubu said this was a time for cohesion and an overriding sense of mission, while calling on Nigerians to join hands to defeat a common foe and resist all temptations intended to entice them to fight among ourselves.
"There came a time during the course of the events when our presidential candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari offered the vice-presidential slot to me. Being a normal human being, I was deeply moved and honored that he would consider me for the position. Being a patriot, I had to weigh my potential candidacy in all of its dimensions.
"I sincerely commit myself to the rescue agenda of General Buhari and Professor Osibajo. I declare to you, I will work and dedicate myself so that our ticket succeeds and wins the 2015 election -- not for his good, not for my good, not even for the party's good but for the good of the nation we inhabit.
"Some may call what I have done a sacrifice. I call it otherwise. It is my patriotic contribution and duty. I do so with a happy and uplifted heart and clear conscience because I have committed myself to seeking the best for this nation before seeking what is good for myself.
"This is the creed of statesmanship I chose to follow. May this be the creed of our party as General Buhari leads us to historic victory in the 2015 elections.
"I have removed myself from consideration so what I now say cannot be seen as self-serving. I plead with the people of this nation to never allow the power lust of cynical politicians to set brother against brother, neighbor against neighbor.
"If you look at those politicians who raise this issue the most, they are the least devout and faithful to any religion other their self-interests.
"I have concluded that the interest of the party, our campaign and of the nation are better served if I retain my position as the national leader of the APC, allowing me to be a bridge builder across all divides.
"Although I declined the position, I want to thank General Buhari for extending the honour to me. Despite all the noise and opposition around my possible selection, he stood firm and steadfast.
"He showed the traits of a leader in holding to a decision he believed was right despite the errant plots against it," he said.
According to Tinubu, collapse, poverty, corruption and bad governance have allowed inept people to use religion to keep Nigeria from solving these challenges for the benefit of all.
An apparently disenchanted Tinubu with the role of religion in Nigeria's politics, said: "Those who exploit religion should be wary. For there really is a God and he does not like it when you play with his people or use His name to do the opposite of what He intends.
"I ask the people to remove religion from the electoral equation now that the tickets of both parties are mixed. I ask you to select the ticket best able to end the downward slide that Nigeria has endured since this government took over.
"I ask you to remember that too many Christians and Muslims are poor. Most of all, I ask you to remember that the true religion of the PDP is poverty, APC comes to bring prosperity to the people. Please vote for that."
Nigeria is winning war againt Boko Haram -Army Chief claims
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The Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshall Alex Badeh, on Wednesday said the county was winning the war against terrorism, despite the continued violent activities of members of the Boko Haram sect.
The CDS urged Nigerians to have faith in the military because it was capable of successfully executing the war against the insurgents.
Badeh spoke with State House correspondents shortly after leading some security chiefs to a breakfast session with President Goodluck Jonathan.
"We are certainly not losing it (terrorism war). We are winning the war. Nigerians should have faith in their military. The nation will win this war," the military chief said.
When asked about the fate of residents of troubled parts of the country ahead of the 2015 general elections, Badeh said, "Elections will hold there. Don't worry."
He said the military had been dealing with the issues of fifth communists in its own way.
He refused to speak on the latest revelation that the Federal Government had been negotiating with fake Boko Haram members, leading to the CDS announcement of ceasefire.
"It is better not to discuss those things. SSS is on it, they are doing their own investigation. They did a briefing yesterday (Tuesday) and they have told you exactly what they are doing. It is better we leave the SSS to handle that one," he said.
Badeh said the early morning session was summoned by the President to enable them brief him on the current security situation in the country.
"We have told the President exactly where we are and our future plans. As you know, we can't talk about our future plans here, that will mean us telling the enemy what we are doing," he said.
The CDS urged Nigerians to have faith in the military because it was capable of successfully executing the war against the insurgents.
Badeh spoke with State House correspondents shortly after leading some security chiefs to a breakfast session with President Goodluck Jonathan.
"We are certainly not losing it (terrorism war). We are winning the war. Nigerians should have faith in their military. The nation will win this war," the military chief said.
When asked about the fate of residents of troubled parts of the country ahead of the 2015 general elections, Badeh said, "Elections will hold there. Don't worry."
He said the military had been dealing with the issues of fifth communists in its own way.
He refused to speak on the latest revelation that the Federal Government had been negotiating with fake Boko Haram members, leading to the CDS announcement of ceasefire.
"It is better not to discuss those things. SSS is on it, they are doing their own investigation. They did a briefing yesterday (Tuesday) and they have told you exactly what they are doing. It is better we leave the SSS to handle that one," he said.
Badeh said the early morning session was summoned by the President to enable them brief him on the current security situation in the country.
"We have told the President exactly where we are and our future plans. As you know, we can't talk about our future plans here, that will mean us telling the enemy what we are doing," he said.
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