It’s Costly To Trust Buhari with our Security — Jang

Senator Jonah  Jang

A former governor of Plateau state and senator representing Plateau North in the national assembly, Jonah Jang, has condemned the invasion of Rukuba road, Jos North Plateau state, by bandits.

In keeping with him, President Muhammdu Buhari and Governor Simon Lalong need to “resign with immediate effect having displayed unfathomable insensitivity and cluelessness in the aspects of security and value for human life.”

Jang advised the youths of Plateau state to guard themselves within the perimeters of the law, adding that it was risky to trust Buhari with their security.

He said the assault had revealed “the very short life expectation of our people who are no longer safe wherever they are in our towns, villages, and city.”

The former governor’s response was contained in a statement by his media consultant, Clinton Garuba, obtained by our correspondent on Saturday.

He said, “This recent surge of senseless killings in Plateau state is a damning appraisal to the Federal government under President Muhammadu Buhari and the Governor of Plateau state.

“Under the present administration, hardly a day passes without news of people getting killed by herdsmen or unknown gunmen with ancestral lands forcefully occupied and people rendered homeless and internally displaced on their personal land.

“Jang hereby calls at the United nations to intervene in Nigeria and act on behalf of the poor, innocent, and abandoned people of Plateau state and their endangered kinds in the middle Belt, to protect and guarantee them a future of longevity, pride, and prosperity.”

My goal was the most beautiful' - Ronaldo Questions Salah's Puskas Award

The Liverpool forward scooped the goal of the year prize for his effort in opposition to Everton last December but Ronaldo thought his goal was better

Cristiano Ronaldo believes he was wrongly overlooked for the Fifa goal of the year award and claims his overhead kick for real Madrid against Juventus last season was the "most stunning".

The Portugal international was shortlisted for the Puskas Award alongside Gareth Bale's own bicycle kick in the Champions League final against Liverpool and Mohamed Salah's curling effort against Everton.

Salah would eventually claim the award to much surprise during a ceremony in London wherein Ronaldo also missed out on the men's best player prize, which was given to Luka Modric.

Ronaldo did not attend the awards night but in an question and answer session via his Instagram account, he reacted to being snubbed by world football's governing body.

"Salah deserved to win the Puskas Prize, he scored a nice goal," the 33-year-old said.

"But let's be honest, do not deceive us, my goal was the most beautiful.

"I am not disappointed, it is life, sometimes we win and others lose.

"What interests me is that during fifteen years of career I managed to maintain the same level of performance."

On the way to real winning a report thirteenth Champions League identify, Ronaldo scored one of the finest dreams within the competition's records at some point of a three-0 achievement at Juventus.

After netting in the first half at the Juventus Stadium, Ronaldo produced the acrobatic effort which flew into the corner beyond Gianluigi Buffon.

But, the goal and Bale's fine finish in the final in Kiev missed out to Salah whose winning goal came in the 1-1 Merseyside derby draw with Everton in December 2017.

However despite being honoured via Fifa and winning a nomination for the best male player gong, Salah was not included in the FIFPro world XI in one of a string of bizarre decisions confirmed during proceedings on Monday.

Lady Accuses Cristiano Ronaldo of Rape

Cristiano Ronaldo 

Footballer Cristiano Ronaldo is being sued by an American woman, Kathryn Mayorga, after an alleged rape.

Deadspin reports that Ronaldo had in 2010 signed an out-of-court settlement with Mayorga, who was then anonymous and had accused him of raping her in a Las Vegas hotel room, according to German magazine, Der Spiegel

Mayorga has, but, come ahead and revealed her identity, while also recounting the entire tale of her stumble upon with the footballer. She was a 25-year old model at the time.

Mayorga, who now works as a teacher, has also filed a new civil suit against Ronaldo in court, seeking to have the settlement agreement voided.

Although Ronaldo’s lawyers, in a statement to Reuters, have described the report as “blatantly illegal,” a questionnaire responded by Ronaldo before the settlement has him appear to admit that Mayorga did not consent to their intercourse that night.

The document had answers from Ronaldo that read: “She said no and stop numerous times.” “She stated that she didn’t want to, however she made herself available.”  “however she kept saying ‘no.’ ‘Don’t do it.’ ‘I’m not just like the others.’ I apologized afterwards.”

Answering the question: “Did Ms. C. say anything afterwards about the intercourse being too brutal?” Ronaldo stated: “She didn’t complain about it being brutal. She complained that I compelled her. She didn’t say anything about trying to go to the police.”

The football star’s lawyers have additionally stated that he intends to sue the magazine.

Leslie Stovall, Mayorga’s lawyer, is trying to have the settlement voided due to the fact, according to Deadspin, “Mayorga was too mentally and emotionally traumatized at the time the settlement was agreed to,” and “because he claims the terms of the settlement illegally seek to impede a criminal investigation.”

Prominent human rights lawyer Amal Clooney appeals to Suu Kyi for reporters' release

Amal Clooney 

Prominent human rights lawyer Amal Clooney appealed to Aung San Suu Kyi on Friday over a pardon for 2 Reuters journalists imprisoned in Myanmar, saying the Nobel laureate held the key to their release.

The two fathers, accused of breaching Myanmar's state secrets law while reporting on a massacre of Rohingya Muslims, have been jailed for seven years earlier this month, fueling international outrage.

Clooney stated the journalists' families had already submitted a request for their pardon, adding that the president can grant a pardon following consultation with Suu Kyi.

"The government can, if it desires to, end it today," the British-Lebanese attorney informed an event dedicated to press freedom on the sidelines of the United nations general assembly.

She held de facto leader Suu Kyi to her stated priority of releasing prisoners of conscience and of having spoken of the need for a loose press if the country is to transition to a complete democracy.

"She knows that mass homicide isn't a state secret and that exposing it doesn't turn a journalist into a spy," Clooney said.

Earlier this month, Suu Kyi defended the jailing of Wa Lone, 32, and Kyaw Soe Oo, 28, hitting back at worldwide criticism of a trial widely seen as an attempt to muzzle the free press.

"She holds the important thing, the key to their liberty, the key to reuniting them with their young children, the key to freedom of the press.

"The key to reality and responsibility, and the key to a more democratic and prosperous Myanmar," Clooney stated. "history will judge her on her response."

Clooney recalled that when she was a student at St Hugh's university, Oxford, the Nobel peace laureate, who studied at the same university 30 years earlier, had been "a hero to me."

"Aung Sang Suu Kyi knows better than every body what it is like to be a political prisoner in Myanmar. She has slept in a cell on the prison wherein Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo now sleep," she stated.

Suu Kyi, once garlanded as a global rights champion, has come under intense pressure to use her moral authority inside Myanmar to press for a presidential pardon for the reporters.

APC Narrowly wins governor vote in key region

Nigeria’s ruling party narrowly won a key governorship election in southwestern Osun state, officials said on Friday, suggesting the region that helped sweep President Muhammadu Buhari to power will be hotly contested in national polls early next year.

The poll was a re-run after the first vote, held on the weekend, was deemed by the election commission to be inconclusive because the result was within the margin of error when spoiled ballots were factored in to the count.

The vote had been seen as a test of the ruling party’s popularity in the southwest - a region that helped Buhari win the 2015 election. Its backing for Buhari’s All Progressives Congress (APC), a merger of 4 regional parties, proved to be vital in presidential and gubernatorial races.

The APC candidate, Adegboyega Oyetola, was declared the winner by the electoral commission with 255,505 votes in comparison with 255,023 for the candidate representing the main opposition, the people’s Democratic party (PDP). It meant the ruling party retains control of Osun.

PDP National Convention to be held at Port Harcourt

The National Executive Committee of the Peoples Democratic party on Friday resolved the lingering crisis over the choice of venue for its national convention.

The NEC meeting, which was held on the national headquarters of the party, agreed to keep the convention at Port Harcourt, Rivers state.

The presidential candidate of the party for the 2019 election is anticipated to emerge on the conference.

The conference will now hold in the state between October 6 and 7.

It was accrued that the Governor of Rivers state, Mr. Nyesom Wike, however apologised to the assembly over his outbursts and threat over the move by some people to ensure that the convention was taken out of the state.

The NEC meeting, which was presided over by the national Chairman of the party, Prince Uche Secondus, was also attended by a few presidential aspirants together with former vice president Atiku Abubakar; a former Governor of Kaduna state, Senator Ahmed Makarfi;  President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, and a former Minister of special duties, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN ).

Additionally on the meeting were a former member of the Senate, Datti Baba-Ahmed and the Governor of Sokoto state, Aminu Tambuwal.

Other than the issue of venue, it was accrued that the budget for the convention and number of delegates were additionally ratified.

The national publicity Secretary of the party, Mr. Kola Ologbondiyan, who briefed journalists after the meeting, stated that all the presidential aspirants had agreed to be at Port Harcourt for the convention.

He additionally said that the aspirants have been given assurance of a level-playing field by the party.

He said, “All our presidential aspirants were assured of a level-playing field, and that they were told that none of them could be accorded any form of preferential treatment.”

He added, “The NEC additionally accepted the budget for the 2018 national conference so that it will hold in Port Harcourt, Rivers state.

“NEC in addition resolved that we will be committing all our presidential aspirants to a bond on the outcome of the election.

“What this translates into is that all our aspirants will sign  an agreement with our party in order to make sure that the outcome of the national convention which the party has promised to be transparent, free, honest and acceptable to Nigerians,  must be accepted by all our aspirants.

“The aspirants had been assured of a transparent process at the national conference. The aspirants collectively assured the party also that their fears over the Port Harcourt conference has been allayed by the party.”

On why the party caved in to Wike’s threat, Ologbondiyan stated the party resolved the issue, using its internal conflict resolution mechanisms.

Wike had, earlier in the week, threatened to deal with the PDP should it bow to pressure to move the conference away from his state.

A party official, who spoke with our correspondent on condition of anonymity, stated that Wike apologised for his outbursts and pleaded with party leaders to gloss over the threats.

Independence Tragedy: Abba Kyari Visits Pilot Who Survived Air Mishap in Abuja

Abba Kyari, chief of staff to President Muhammadu Buhari, visited the pilot who survived an air mishap in Abuja on Friday morning.

Garba Shehu, senior special assistant to the president on media and publicity, followed Kyari to Defence intelligent agency (DIA) hospital, Abuja.

Two air force jets crashed on Katampe hill in the nation’s capital.

While one of the pilots died at the scene of the crash, another died inside the hospital, leaving a lone survivor.

Ortom Rsises Alarm Over Disappearance of N4bn From The Paris Club Refunds

Governor Samuel Ortom

Benue state Governor, Samuel Ortom, on Friday raised the alarm over alleged disappearance of N4bn from the final tranche of the Paris club refund to the state.

Ortom had  weeks in the past announced the receipt of N14.9bn last tranche of the Paris club refund to the state by the Federal government.

However, barely 5 days after the receipt, officials of the state government announced that Federal government had withdrawn the money.

The development raised anger inside the state as workers and the government kicked against the recall.

Ortom, through his chief Press Secretary, Terver Akase, on Friday raised the alarm over the state of affairs.

He stated, “we've heard the rumour that N4bn disappeared from the N14.9bn final tranche of the Paris club refund to Benue state which the Federal government later withdrew from the state’s bank account.

“We hope that this remains a mere rumour. nothing should happen to the N14.9bn.

“If this is a ploy to promote a dummy to the people and later take away the said amount, those at the back of it had better changed methods because this has failed already.

“We will accept nothing less than the N14.9bn back to the state account.”

While contacted, the Commissioner for Finance in Benue state, David Olofu, said that he was not aware of the rumoured disappearance of the money.

Ahead of Madrid Derby

Atletico Madrid could have been dreading today’s derby with real Madrid  weeks ago following a bad start to the la Liga season but the momentum has  shifted Diego Simeone’s side’s way as they head to the Santiago Bernabeu.

After taking a measly 5 points from their opening 4 games, Atletico appear to have turned a corner with convincing wins over Getafe and Huesca, shifting to within  points of front-runners Barcelona and real Madrid.

Victory tonight would raise them above their bitter city rivals and real’s flying start under coach Julen Lopetegui was derailed by a humiliating 3-0 defeat by Sevilla.

Atletico have bragging rights from the last time the 2 teams met in August, winning a thrilling UEFA super Cup match 4-2 in extra-time to end their european hoodoo towards real, who beat them in the 2014 and 2016 Champions League finals.

They appeared to suffer a hangover from that win following draws in opposition to Valencia and Eibar and a defeat to Celta Vigo but appeared returned to their rugged best in their 2-0 win over Getafe and 3-0 win in opposition to Huesca.

“I’m happy due to the fact the group have began to appear like the Atletico we all want to be,” Atletico winger Angel Correa said after beating Huesca.

“It’s going to be an intense derby which I’m positive can be determined via the thinnest of margins.”

Liverpool Takes perfect record to Chelsea For biggest test

Unbeaten Chelsea and Liverpool face off this evening at Stamford Bridge in what's the biggest clash of the premier League season so far.

Juergen Klopp’s Liverpool have won all six league games in while Chelsea’s winning streak was ended by a goalless draw at West Ham on Sunday.

However, Chelsea have the psychological boost of a midweek victory over Liverpool in the League Cup, albeit in a game in which each sides made eight changes.

Klopp is aware of Chelsea winger Eden Hazard, who scored a terrific solo winner after coming on as a second-half substitute, represents the biggest threat to his team’s perfect start.

The Belgian has been one of the few players who enjoyed a successful world Cup to make an impressive start to the season and he believes the League Cup win will boost the Blues.

“This end result will give us more self assurance due to the fact we drew with West Ham some days ago,” hazard stated.

“But the game on Saturday is more essential. We have got to try and beat Liverpool.”

Liverpool have won only one of their last five premier League meetings with Chelsea, including the 1-0 defeat of their last game at Stamford Bridge in May.

Watching with interest on Saturday would be champions Manchester city who are also unbeaten with 5 wins and a draw.

Pep Guardiola’s side will expect to pick up 3 more points when they host Brighton & Hove Albion at the Etihad. Dale Stephens (hamstring) and Pascal Gross (ankle) are ruled out for Chris Hughton’s side.

United face a tricky trip to the capital to face West Ham United at London Stadium — the Hammers’ draw with Chelsea following their win at Everton has definitely given them the notion they can be the latest to add to Mourinho’s woes.

Mama Taraba Screened Out From Governorship Primaries

Aisha Alhassan (Mama Taraba) 

Aisha Alhassan, famously known as Mama Taraba has been disqualified from running for the governorship seat of the state by the national working Committee of the All Progressives Congress.

Her disqualification was made known today in a statement listing all the governorship aspirants taking part in the direct and indirect primaries of the party on Friday.

She was disqualified via the screening committee of the NWC. No reason was stated.

But last year, Aisha showed some disloyalty to the party and President Buhari when she stated she would assist former vice-president Atiku Abubakar in a leadership race against Buhari.

Additionally disqualified were chief Osiobe Eric Okotie in Delta state and Barr. Ejikeme Ugwu in Enugu state.

In Niger state, the only aspirant against in opposition to incumbent Governor Sani Bello was disqualified. He is Abubakar Maman Jiya Maaji. This also happened in Kebbi state, in which the aspirant against Governor Atiku Bagudu was also axed. He is Ibrahim Mohammed Mera.

Ebonyi, Imo states have nine candidates each. Imo’s aspirants include the deputy governor Eze Madumere and Senator Hope Uzodinma, in conjunction with Governor Rochas Okorocha’s in-law, Uche Nwosu.

Borno has the highest number of aspirants, 21 in all, jostling to succeed Governor Kashim Shettima.

A missing name in the list of aspirants in Rivers state was the 2015 candidate, Dakuku Peterside. He was no longer among the listed aspirants, that consist of oil mogul Tonye Cole and Senator Magnus Abe.

APC presidential primary today, governors’ on Sunday

The national working Committee of the All Progressives Congress has rescheduled the governorship primary to 30 September, simply because it asked state governors to serve as returning officers in the presidential primary scheduled for Friday.

The notice of the shift in the governorship primary was given by the party’s acting national publicity Secretary, Yekini Nabena, in Abuja, on Thursday.

He, however, stated the dates for subsequent elections remain unchanged and are as follows:

*2nd October, 2018 – Senate primary elections

*3rd October, 2018 – house of Representatives primary elections

*4th October, 2018 – state house of assembly primary elections

*6th October, 2018 – national convention (Presidential).

For the presidential primary on Friday, the national working Committee (NWC) has appointed respective state Governors to serve as Returning officers.

“In States wherein there are no Governors on the party’s platform, Senators along side the ministers are to function Returning officers for the exercise.

“National and state house of assembly members are to coordinate their various constituencies in the course of the exercise”, said Nabena..

APC to reward 57 steadfast senators – Oshiomhole

Adams Oshiomhole

Ahead the forthcoming party primaries, the national Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, has revealed that the party has determined to reward 57 Senators who refused to be mislead or manipulated but chose to remain steadfast with the party.


Oshiomhole, who was referring to the defection of the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, and Speaker of the house of Representatives, Hon Yakubu Dogara, to the Peoples Democratic party (PDP), said the party had learnt from the mistake of the past in which people he described as bread and butter politicians have been given tickets of the party, including that the party will not field candidates he defined as opportunists, who are seeking to use the platform of the party to achieve their selfish interest. Speaking whilst addressing members of the screening committee of the party on the party’s national secretariat in Abuja, Oshiomhole cited that “as we speak i am proud that we have 57 senators who've refused to be induced or misled or otherwise manipulated into moving to different parties or reward for juicy positions. They have determined to remain in our party inspite of all of the intimidation they have suffered.

“It'll be ungodly for us as a party not to praise those who believe in the party and the government of the day led via President Muhammadu Buhari. we are able to attempt as much as we can to have stability inside the national assembly”.

Lamenting that since assumption of office, the national working Committee (NWC) were tackling issues arising to the last congresses of the party which he defined as fraudulent, Oshiomhole asserted that the party will correct the errors of the past and confront the opposition come 2019.

“In many of the states we had challenges springing up from the way congresses have been carried out, many of them were quite fraudulent that has been the task we had been seeking to clear up since we came. Screening of aspirants is not a formality, which is why we tried to look for men and women of integrity who cannot be compromised.

We do not need to field opportunists who're honestly searching for a political vehicle for some egocentric functions. What had happened in recent past is sufficient for us to begin to examine the character of those who are searching for office under the APC platform.

“If before now we have taken for granted the powers of the national assembly, how those powers can be used for national goals and how it may also be misused to undermine national progress, the current situation we are dealing with right here, wherein  principal officers have chosen to place their personal interest over and above the national interest.

Refusing to consider budget meant for physical infrastructure. Budget meant to re-order the way our budget is executed, to move money away from consumption which recurrent expenditure represents to capital projects which will benefit our people.

“Refusing to approve money meant for the body charged with the responsibility of conducting elections in 2019. For us as a party, we have chosen to learn from the positive lessons from this development in order that we do not repeat those errors by means of selecting people who as far as human capacity is, we will assess and predict that if elected they will continue to be trustworthy not only to our party but more importantly to the Nigerian nation”.

The party chairman emphasised that “If we've got war of words, it will not be about juicy appointments. It will likely be about appropriate policies, it'll be about how governance is impacting positively on the lives of Nigerians. It will not be about who is getting what, politics of sharing”.

List of APC governorship aspirants cleared for Sunday’s primaries

Below is the least of all the All Progressives Congress APC governorship aspirants released today via the national working Committee.

The NWC has additionally rescheduled the party’s governorship primaries till 30th September 2018.

The party’s acting national publicity Secretary, Yekini Nabena, said this in Abuja, on Thursday.

SOUTH SOUTH

Akwa Ibom State . S/N . NAME . DECISION

1. H.E.Obong Nsima Ekere . Cleared

2. Sen. John Akpan Udoedeghe, Phd . Cleared

3. Dan Abia, Esq. Cleared

4. Dr. Edet Okon Efretui . Cleared

Delta State S/N . NAME . DECISION

1. Prof. Pat Utomi . Cleared

2. Dr. (Hon). Cairo Ojugbo . Cleared

3. Rt. (Hon.) Victor Ochei, Esq Cleared

4. Chief Great Ovdje Ogboru Cleared

5. Chief Osiobe Eric Okotie Not Cleared

Cross River State . S/N NAME DECISION

1. Pastor Usani Uguru Usani . Cleared

2. Sen. John Owan Enoh Cleared

3. High Chief Edem Duke Cleared

4. John Upan Odey Cleared

5. Prof. Nyong Eyo Cleared

Rivers State S/N . NAME DECISION

1.Tonye Cole Cleared

2. Sen. Magnus Ngei Abe Cleared

3. Dumo Lulu Briggs Cleared

4. Dr. Dawari George Cleared

SOUTH EAST

Abia State . S/N . NAME DECISION

1. Dr. Uche Ogah, OON Cleared

2. High Chief Ikechi Emenike Cleared

3. H.E. Comrade Chris Akomas Cleared

4. Rt. Hon. Martins Azubuike, Esq. Cleared

5. Barr. Friday Nwosu, Esq. Cleared

6. Prince Amb. Okey Emuchay Cleared

7. Prince Paul Ikonne Cleared

Ebonyi State . S/N . NAME . DECISION

1. Sen. Sunny Ogbuoji Cleared

2. Arc. Dr. Edward Nkweagu Cleared

3. Sen. Emmanuel Agboti Cleared

4. Obasi Ogbonnaya Obasi Cleared

5. Hon. Kelechi Chima Cleared

6. Engr. Paul Okorie Cleared

7. Comrade Christian Cleared

8. Chief Austine Igwe Edeze Cleared

9. Prof. Benard Odoh Cleared

Enugu State . S/N . NAME . DECISION

1. Sen. Ayogu Eze Cleared

2. Barr. Ifeanyi Nwaoga, Esq. Cleared

3. Akubue Augustine Cleared

4. Ben Eche Cleared

5. Barr. George Ogara, Esq. Cleared

6. Barr. Ejikeme Ugwu, Esq Not Cleared

Imo State S/N NAME DECISION

1. Sen. Hope Uzodinma Cleared

2. Hon. Uche Nwosu Cleared

3. H.E. Prince Eze Madumere Cleared

4. Sir Jude Ejiogu Cleared

5. Barr. Chima Anozie Cleared

6. Dr. Chris Emenike Nlemoha Cleared

7. Sir Eche George Ezenna Cleared

8. Chukwudi Celestine Ololo Cleared

9. Air Commodore Peter Gbujie Cleared

SOUTH WEST

Lagos State . S/N . NAME DECISION

1. H.E. Akinwunmi Ambode Cleared

2. Dr. Kadir Obafemi Hamzat Cleared

3. Jide Sanya-Olu Cleared

Oyo State . S/N NAME DECISION

1. Niyi Akintola, SAN Cleared

2. H.E. Christopher Alao Akala Cleared

3. Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe Cleared

4. Dr. Olusola Ayandele, PhD Cleared

5. Dr. Owolabi Babalola Cleared

6. Dr. Azeez Popoola Adeduntun Cleared

7. Adebayo Adekola Adelabu Cleared

8. Hon. Barr. Adebayo Shittu, Esq . Not Cleared (No NYSC Certificate)

Ogun State . S/N . NAME DECISION

1. Jimi Lawal Cleared

2. Dapo Abiodun Cleared

3. Hon. Bimbo Abiodun Cleared

4. H.E. Sen. Adegbenga Kaka Cleared

5. Hon. Kunle Akinlade Cleared

6. Abayomi Semako Koroto Hunye Cleared

NORTH WEST

Jigawa State . S/N NAME DECISION

1. H.E. Alh. Abubakar Badaru Cleared

2. Alh. Hashim Ubale Cleared

Katsina State . S/N . NAME DECISION

1. H.E. Rt.Hon. Aminu Masari Cleared

2. Abubakar Ismaila Isa Cleared

3. Garba Sani Dankani Cleared

Kebbi State . S/N NAME DECISION

1. H.E. Alh. Atiku Bagudu Cleared

2. Ibrahim Mohammed Mera, OON Not Cleared

Sokoto State S/N . NAME DECISION

1. Abubakar Abdullahi Gumbi Cleared

2. Hon. Farouk Malami Yabo Cleared

3. Ahmed Aliyu Cleared

4. Sen. Abubakar Umar Gada Cleared

Zamfara State . S/N NAME DECISION

1. Dauda Lawal Cleared

2. Mukhtar Idris Shehu Cleared

3. Nrig. Gen. Mansur Ali Cleared

4. H.E. Hon. Ustaz Ibrahim Mohammed Wakala Cleared

5. Sen. Kabiru Marafa Cleared

6. H.E. Mahmuda Aliyu Shinkafi Cleared

7. Hon. Aminu Sani Jaji Cleared

8. Engr. Abubakar Magaji Cleared

9. Mohammed Sagir Hamidu Cleared

NORTH CENTRAL

Benue State S/N NAME DECISION

1. Dr. Hon. Emmanuel Jime Cleared

2. Titus T. Zam Cleared

3. Akange Audu Cleared

4. Arc. Aema Achado Cleared

5. Benjamin Tilley Adanyi Cleared

6. Micheal Iordye, mni Cleared

Nasarawa State . S/n NAME DECISION

1. Sule Audu Cleared

2. H.E. Silas Agara Cleared

3. Hon Aliyu Wadada Cleared

4. Zakari Idde Cleared

5. Hassan M. Liman, SAN Cleared

6. Mohammed Musa Maikaya Cleared

7. Arc. Shehu Tukur Cleared

8. Dauda Shuaibu Kigbu Cleared

9. Dr. James Angbazo Cleared

10. Hon. Jafar Mohammed Ibrahim Cleared

11. Danladi Envulu-Anza Halilu Not Cleared

Niger State S/N NAME DECISION

1. H.E. Alh. Sani Bello Cleared

2. Abubakar Mamma Jiya Maaji Not Cleared

Plateau State . S/N . NAME DECISION

1. H.E. Rt. Hon. Simon Lalong, Esq. Cleared

NORTH EAST

Adamawa State S/N NAME DECISION

1. H.E. Sen. Mohammed Jibrilla Cleared

2. Nuhu Ribadu Cleared

3. Mahmood Halilu Ahmed Cleared

Bauchi State S/N NAME DECISION

1. H.E. Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar Cleared

2. Dr. Ali Pate . Cleared

3. Captain Bala Jibrin Cleared

4. Dr. Yakubu Lame Cleared

Borno State . S/N . NAME . DECISION

1. Kashim Imam Cleared

2. Prof. Babagana Umaru Cleared

3. Gsmbo Lawan Cleared

4. Mustapha Baba Shehu Cleared

5. Hon. Umaru Kumalia Cleared

6. Muhammad Aba Lima Cleared

7. Barr. Kaka Shehu Lawan, Esq. Cleared

8. H.E. Adamu Dibal Cleared

9. Mustapha Fannarambe Cleared

10. Mohammed Jafaru Cleared

11.Sen. Baba Kaka Bashir Garba Cleared

12. QS Mohammed Makinta Cleared

13. Hon. Babagana Tijjani Cleared

14. Adamu Alhaji Lawan Cleared

15. Mai Sherrif Cleared

16. Hon. Abba Jato Cleared

17. Attom Magira Tom Cleared

18. Umar Alkali Cleared

19. H.E. Baba Ahmed Jidda Cleared

20. Idris Mamman Gatumbwa Cleared

21. Sen. Abubakar Kyari Cleared

Gombe State S/N . NAME . DECISION

1. Mohammed Jibrin Barde Cleared

2. Hon. Ibrahim Dasuki Jalo Cleared

3. Mohammadu Inuwa Yahaya Cleared

4. Kamisu Ahmed Mailan Cleared

5. Umaru Kwairanga Cleared

6. Sbubakar Muazu Hassan Cleared

7. Umar Farouk Musa Cleared

8. Sen. Idris Audu Umar Cleared

9. Aliyu Haidar Abubakar Cleared

Taraba State . S/N . NAME DECISION

1. H.E. Sani Abubakar Danladi . Cleared

2. Sen. Joel Danlami Ikenya Cleared

3. Garba Umar-UTC Cleared

4. Prof. Mohammed Sanni Yahaya Cleared

5. Comrade Bobboi Bala Kaigama Cleared

6. Aliyu Omar, MON Cleared

7. Chief Ezekiel Afunkuyo Cleared

8. Chief David Sabo Kente Cleared

9. Mohammed Tumba Ibrahim Cleared

10. Barr. Kabiru Umaru, Esq. Cleared

11. Aliyu Omar, MON Cleared

12. Sen. Hajia Aisha Alhassan Not Cleared

Yobe . S/N . NAME . DECISION

1. Hon. Mai Mala Buni Cleared

2. Umar Ali Kromchi Cleared

3. Hon. Sidi Yakubu Cleared

4. Ali Kolomi Cleared

5. Ibrahim Mohammed Bomai Withdrew

2019 Elections: 'If I Win The Subsequent Election and I Survive The Next Four Years, I Will Do Better'-Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari 

President Muhammadu Buhari has told Nigerians in the diaspora that his administration has done well in the areas of security, economy and anti-corruption.

The president made the comment on Thursday during an interactive session with Nigerian professionals based in the US and Canada.

Buhari, however, said his administration was making progress however had to go by the law assuring that “if I win the next election and i survive the subsequent 4 years, i will do better”.

Buhari stated he is not as sluggish as assumed, noting that he’s trying to follow the law, specially as democracy is different from military rule.

He said his administration has delivered in the available resources.

Buhari declared that “Boko Haram is not about religion however a pure terrorist group”, adding that “is why we're dealing with them”.

He said that Boko Haram has been decimated, however regretted that the terrorist group was still targeting soft spots and using girls for suicide bombing.

Buhari also stated his experience in politics, saying he suffered electoral corruption from 2013 whilst he began contesting for the presidency but “everyday Nigerians” form the core of his support base, maintaining that “they usually vote for me”.

“I’m always conscious of the ordinary people due to the fact they're those that continually vote for me. a whole lot of big men have no time to go and queue on the line for hours,” he said.

“There had been even pregnant ladies who have been on the line for hours and they delivered. they are my constituencies; they always vote for me.”

The president explained that he had warned the independent national Electoral commission and the security groups to make sure that every vote counts via allowing Nigerians to pick whoever they want without harassment.

Melania Trump to visit Ghana, Malawi, Kenya and Egypt

Melania Trump 

The US First lady Melania Trump has said that she will be visiting Ghana, Malawi, Kenya and Egypt on her solo tour of the continent in October.

She called them "4 beautiful and very different countries" whilst speaking about the details at a meeting on the sidelines of the UN general assembly.

Mrs Trump stated the trip could be organised with the united states government's international aid agency and would be part of her Be best campaign, which targets to improve child welfare, specially in terms of online behaviour and addiction to opioids.

"Each of us hails from a country with its own unique challenges, but I know in my heart we're united by our dedication to raising the next generation to be happy, healthy and morally accountable adults,

Buhari will do anything to remain in power – Fani-Kayode

He said “this is nothing but a reprehensible act and i'm not amazed. It shows the level of desperation of the APC and its government. APC is determined to win the Saturday’s election in Osun state.”

“I’ve never heard of any governorship candidate being invited by the Police in less than  days to his election. This act of the Police is condemnable and that i want all Nigerians to condemn it.

“Buhari will do anything to remain in power and he's going to intimidate people that stand on his ways, however i'm positive God will deliver us and we shall be free from him in the future,” he delivered.

Also reacting, the state secretary of the PDP, Hon Bola Ajao said the action of the Police was politically encouraged, adding that it will not have negative results on the chances of the party in the Saturday’s election.

He stated the party’s governorship candidate will honour the Police invitation as he has nothing to cover.

But the All Progressives Congress (APC) distant itself from the issue, saying it was not involved in the travails of Adeleke.

The party’s director of publicity in Osun state, Mr Kunle Oyatomi stated “the APC isn't always related with the troubles of Adeleke. Or did the APC initiate the invitation? If he had not committed any offence, would police have invited him?”

“The Police said he has questions to answer, hence the invitation. Is he the best governorship candidate? Out of 48 candidates, he was the only one invited by the Police. He have to clear himself first of the criminal charges against him from the Police,” he delivered

It is worth noting that it was President Buhari that stopped the invitation by the police to allow a peaceful election.

PDP Ask Buhari to probe First Lady

The Peoples Democratic party (PDP) has challenged President Muhammadu Buhari to show his zero tolerance for corruption by allowing for an open inquest into the N2.5 billion scandal, concerning the first lady, Aisha Buhari.

The management of the principle opposition party has additionally accused the independent national Electoral commission (INEC) of double standards, pronouncing the commission takes different decisions on electoral results, regardless of constitutional provisions.

PDP stated it was more scandalous that while President Buhari was in the United Nations (UN) general assembly in New York mouthing his war against corruption, a big broth of corruption, wherein his spouse was stated, was simmering under his own roof.

The national publicity Secretary of the party, Mr. Kola Ologbondiyan who disclosed this yesterday in a statement in Abuja, stated that the scandal had further vindicated the stand of the PDP that President Buhari presides over a government of corruption, wherein his close relatives, officials and a cabal of friends are enmeshed in sleazy offers but parading as saints.

The party said it was instructive to note that the first lady had already admitted that her detained security aide defrauded “unsuspecting associates and officials”, a position which inadvertently exposes the strive by the Police to conceal the matter.

Ologbondiyan said Nigerians ought to note that the Presidency had unexpectedly gone dumb on a N2.5 billion fraud under its roof, pronouncing, “does this not amount to admittance of complicity by the Buhari Presidency, that's becoming notorious as a den of certificates forgers and individuals of questionable character.”

The PDP stressed that President Buhari, by now, need to have learnt that Nigerians are not shopping for the lame denial by the first lady, who had rushed to town to disown her detained security aide, Sani Baba Inna, simply due to the fact the lid is off the can of worms.

Ologbondiyan stated, “The PDP and indeed Nigerians have constantly pointed to the very expensive lifestyle and personal effects, including posh jewelries, each day paraded by close relatives of Mr. President, for this reason belying gimmicks and stunts of the first family being saintly and pro-poor.

“Also, there had been allegations of acquisitions of sprawling and choice property in Nigeria and different nations by persons close to the President.”

The opposition party noted that it is common knowledge that aides of former Presidents and those of former First ladies are presently facing trial in open court over similar allegations, including that this should not be an exception.

The PDP said it was hoping that the detained aide will not be ‘escorted’ out of the country to prevent him from opening up, as was the case of disgraced former Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun.

Unicef praises Margaret Kenyatta for promoting healthcare

Margaret Kenyatta 

Kenya's First lady Margaret Kenyatta was on Monday praised for advocating higher healthcare for women and children in the country.

United Nations Children’s Fund Global Executive Director Henrietta Fore said she merits commendation for her work.

Ms Fore stated her agency is ready to associate with the first lady in galvanising help for maternal, newborn and child healthcare through the beyond zero initiative, a rallying call for policy prioritisation and formulation in the health sector released in 2014.

"You are a great role model with the right spirit and we would really like you to consider being our global champion for maternal and newborn health through the Organization of African First Ladies Against HIV/AIDS (OAFLA)," Ms Fore stated.

14 killed, many injured in fresh Plateau Attack

Tragedy struck again on Sunday night with over 14 individuals feared dead in  separate fresh attacks by suspected Fulani herdsmen in Jos South and Bassa local government areas of Plateau state.

The killings came on the time while the governor of the state, Simon Lalong, was in Beijing, China, with President Muhammadu Buhari for the seventh Summit of the forum on China-Africa Cooperation scheduled to hold from September 3rd to 4th.

The latest killings came barely 24 hours after the alarm raised by the executive Director of Stephanos foundation, a civil rights’ organisation, Mark Lipdo, of fresh plots by the herdsmen to attack some villages within the state.

He said, “it is rumoured that the Fulani will sweep over Berom Land on (Sunday) September 2nd. This was how all of the past attacks were rumoured and the security operatives took it for granted till hundreds were wiped out, some in their sleep. Right here once more is another hearsay.

“What will the security operatives do? sit down do nothing until blood is spilled!! God, arise and protect the cause of the defenseless in the land. It is another rumour, however today rumours appear to be more authentic than government information. So sad!!!.”

We learnt that during one of the attacks which occurred at a community known as Rati around Du village, close to Dogo Nahawa, the herdsmen came on motorbikes and shot indiscriminately on the villagers killing twelve individuals immediately.

During the second incident, the assailants had been said to have laid an ambush on their victims in Adu village in Kwall District, Bassa LGA around 11pm and shot at their targets.

While one was killed on the spot, the second victim was stated to have died on Monday morning in the hospital.

Death toll hits 48 in Boko Haram attack on Nigeria troops

The death toll from a Boko Haram attack on a Nigerian army post on the border with Niger has risen to 48, military sources said on Monday.

Scores of Boko Haram warring parties in trucks stormed the base on Thursday in Zari village in northern Borno state and in brief seized it after a fierce battle.

Boko Haram, which has been waging a deadly insurgency in Nigeria since 2009, has intensified attacks on military targets in recent months.

At the least 30 Nigerian soldiers were intially stated to have been killed in Thursday's raid.

"The casualty toll now stands at 48 with the recovery of 17 more bodies of soldiers in surrounding bushes in Zari by search and rescue teams," a military source who did not want to be named informed AFP.

"Search operations are nonetheless ongoing and more bodies are probably to be recovered."

Another military source confirmed the new death toll.

"Thus far (the) bodies of 48 troops had been recovered. yesterday rescue groups found 17 bodies of fallen soldiers," he said, adding that they included  two officers and 46 soldiers.

"When the troops were overwhelmed by the terrorists they withdrew in different directions."

Watford fight back to keep up ideal start

Watford maintained their 100 per cent start as they came from behind to conquer Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 at Vicarage road.

Spurs' Dele Alli headed over the best chance of the first half of on 13 mins.

However the visiting side took the lead on 53 mins when Lucas Moura's cutback hit Abdoulaye Doucoure and went into the Watford midfielder's goal.

On 69 minutes, Watford were deservedly level when Troy Deeney headed in a Jose Holebas free-kick.

Holebas had his second assist of the game  seven minutes later when Craig Cathcart nodded in the winner from his corner.

The win moves Watford third, level on 12 points with Liverpool and Chelsea. Spurs drop to fifth