Bird fighter makes deputy governors’ list in North-West

Senatorial seat in 2003 and 2007 on the platform of the ANPP and lost. In 2011, he tried again on CPC platform. He also lost. Governor Aminu Masari settled for Yakubu after lot of political calculations. An in-law to President Buhari, Alhaji Yakubu is a grassroots politician who served in past committees constituted by the ANPP and the CPC. Those who had worked with him in the past said Alhaji Yakubu is a plus to Masari administration because he is a worthy person. His 25 years’ vast experience

Kebbi chose a quella bird fighter as its deputy governor
The deputy governor of Kebbi State is Mr Samaila Dabai Yombe, who is a retired colonel of the Nigerian Army. The job took him to the war front during the Nigerian Civil War.
After retirement, Mr Yombe has been channeling his energy into other ventures. He has taken up the challenge of fighting quella birds that have been wreaking havoc on farmers and farmlands in the State and many Northern states. 
Yombe, trained as a military pilot flew combat aircraft, never knew that he would later deploy the training to fighting quella birds.When he voluntarily retired from the military in 1990 after 23 years in service, the then late General Sani Abacha called for his redeployment to take charge of air transport in the Department of Aviation, now Ministry of Aviation.
In 2006, Mr Yombe decided to consider the self-employment option as he bought two aircraft auctioned by the Civil Aviation School, Zaria.
When he bought them, he never knew that his aircraft were equipment and tools that could be used for pest control. Later, he won a contract for quella bird control before his newly acquired aircraft could leave the maintenance hangar.
Experts in the Ministry of Agriculture taught him on the techniques of aerial battle of birds that could be in millions.
President Muhammadu Buhari, during his presidential campaign tour to Birnin Kebbi, described Yombe as a fine soldier.
Mr Yombe, who hails from Dabai/Rumu ward in Dabai Chiefdom of Zuru Local Government Area, was until his consideration as a running mate an unknown figure in the politics of Zuru, Kebbi and Nigeria.
However, he is among the elders of the Zuru Emirate who led the agitation for power shift. He was appointed Chairman, Publicity Committee of the Gen. Ishaya Bamaiyi led elders forum known as Zuru Consultative Initiative (ZUCI).
When ZUCI nominated governorship aspirants who were presented to former Governor Saidu Dakingari, Mr Yombe never indicated his aspiration for any political position. So, his nomination as running mate to Senator Atiku Bagudu of the APC came as a big surprise to Yombe and many politicians in the state.
His consideration was seen as a factor that gave the APC an edge over the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate Gen Sarkin-Yaki Bello, whose party chose to pick its running mate from Argungu Emirate in person of Sen. Abubakar Tafida.

Zamfara settled for son of an Islamic scholar
The deputy Governor of Zamfara State, Mallam Ibrahim Wakkala Muhammad, was born to the family of a renowned Islamic scholar, Muhammad Liman, on September 12, 1966 in Gusau city, Gusau Local Government Area.
Mallam Wakkala attended Danturai Primary School, Gusau from 1971 to 1978. He proceeded to Government Secondary School, Shinkafi and obtained his West African School Certificate Examination from 1978 to 1983.
He then went to Federal School of Arts and Science, Sokoto from 1985 to 1986. In 1986, he attended Islamic African Centre, Khartoum, Sudan and obtained Diploma in Education and Islamic Studies.
In 1988, he gained admission into the  International University of Africa, Khartoum, Sudan to study Islamic Sharia. He then returned to Islamic University Omdurman, Sudan for Masters degree in Islamic Sharia between 1992 and 1995.
Mallam Wakkala started his working career as a part-time hajj Operational Staff in 1988. He taught at Government Day Arabic Secondary School, Gusau from1995 to 1999.
His foray into politics started with the return to civilian administration in the country in 1999. Wakkala was appointed as Commissioner in the Ministry for Religious Affairs by the first civilian governor of Zamfara state, Alhaji Ahmad Sani Yarima, between 1999 and 2007. Yarima then appointed him as his senior legislative aide up to 2011. Wakkala was then nominated by Governor AbdulAziz Yari to be his running mate in the 2011 governorship election on the platform of the defunct ANPP. So, he became the deputy governor.
His hobbies include carrying out research in both western and Islamic education and preaching the path of Allah.

A former deputy governor’s aide takes over in Katsina
Alhaji Mannir Yakubu is the deputy governor of Katsina state. For the past 36 years, Alhaji Yakubu has been in the opposition parties. In 1979, young Mannir, who had two years before his graduation from Ahmadu Bello University, was appointed as Principal Secretary to the deputy governor of old Kaduna state, Alhaji Abba Musa Rimi. He served under the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) of Malam Balarabe Musa, who was the governor.
 Having worked briefly in the public service as the first chief quantity surveyor of Kaduna ministry of works, Alhaji Yakubu left the public service in September 1983 and set up his consulting firm Project-Cost-Consultant, which was involved in development projects.
With the return of democracy, he returned to politics. He contested the Katsina Central Senatorial seat in 2003 and 2007 on the platform of the ANPP and lost. In 2011, he tried again on CPC platform. He also lost.
Governor Aminu Masari settled for Yakubu after lot of political calculations. An in-law to President Buhari, Alhaji Yakubu is a grassroots politician who served in past committees constituted by the ANPP and the CPC.
Those who had worked with him in the past said Alhaji Yakubu is a plus to Masari administration because he is a worthy person.
His 25 years’ vast experience in the private sector is expected to work for him in the discharge of his responsibilities.

Jigawa:Badaru’s main challenger is his deputy
The deputy governor of Jigawa state is Barrister Ibrahim Hassan Hadeijia. Hadeijia, who is a lawyer and a former banker, is a household name in Jigawa.
Apart from being a former deputy governor of the state, he also hails from a family that is well-known in the north. His late father, Mr Hassan Hadeijia, was one of the famous elite in the north in his time as he was a onetime Minister of Petroleum under Shehu Shagari administration.
He was born on November 13, 1965. He attended Sacred Heart Primary School, Kaduna where he obtained his Primary School Certificate between 1971 and 1977. Between 1977 and 1982, he was at Barewa College, Zaria where he obtained his WAEC/GCE certificate. From there, he proceeded to the School of Basic Studies, ABU, Zaria, where he obtained his IJMB A Levels results and gained admission to the Faculty of Law, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. Between 1987 and 1988, he attended the Nigerian Law School in Lagos.
He worked in the banking sector for 10 years. He was dragged into politics when he was appointed as Attorney- General and Commissioner for Justice by former Governor Saminu Turaki from 1999 to 2001.
He was the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) between 2002 and 2003. He emerged as a running mate to former Governor Turaki and served with him between 2003 and 2007.
In 2011, he was the defunct All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) governorship candidate in Jigawa. He secured a third position at a time when his current boss, who flew the flag of the ACN, came second. The merger between the ANPP, the Congress for Progressives Change (CPC) and the ACN made it possible for him to initially emerge the consensus candidate of the APC. But the consensus arrangement collapsed less than two weeks after it was reached. He did not participate in the primary election that produced his current boss. The party caucus reached a consensus to pick him as deputy governor.

A council czar is Sokoto’s deputy governor
Alhaji Ahmed Aliyu is the deputy governor of Sokoto state. He was the immediate past Commissioner for Health under former Governor Aliyu Wamakko administration. During Wamakko’s first tenure, Alhaji Aliyu was Commissioner for Social Welfare and Culture.
The deputy governor has remained very close to his political mentor, Wamakko whom he addresses as “Daddy” because he shares the same name as that of the deputy governor’s father.
It is widely believed that his closeness to the former Governor was instrumental to his emergence as deputy governor.
He has been in politics since the days of the Sani Abacha transition programme. He participated actively in youth activities, making him very popular among them in Sokoto.
A Fellow of the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (FCNA), Alhaji Aliyu started as Finance Clerk at Jega Local Government Education Authority in old Sokoto state from 1989 to 1992.
Between 1992 and 1995, he was appointed Internal Auditor, Sokoto state House of Assembly. He was also Officer in Charge of Salary/ Accountant at Wamako Local Government between 1995 and 1997.
From 1996 to 1998, he held the position of Deputy Director Finance at Sabon Birni Local Government Area. He maintained the same position at Silame Local Government Area from 1998 to 1999.
He was appointed Director Finance at Silame Local Government Area from 1999 to 2002 and Director Finance and Supply, Kebbi Local Government from 2002 to 2004.
Alhaji Aliyu was Chief Accountant, Local Government Service Commission between 2004 and 2007. He joined Wamakko’s cabinet from that position. He was Commissioner for two terms under Wamakko administration.
An alumnus of Usman Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Alhaji Aliyu holds Masters in Business Administration (MBA) and Masters in International Affairs and Strategic Studies.
Born on January 1, 1970, Alhaji Aliyu is widely travelled. He is married with children.

Kano: Where deputy governor is Education Commissioner
Professor Hafiz Abubakar, who is the deputy governor of Kano state, was born on November 25, 1954 in Sabon-Sara quarters, Gwale Local Government Area. He attended Dandago Primary School, Gwale, between 1960 and 1967, before proceeding to Government Secondary School, Gwale. He then attended Kaduna Polytechnic, Kaduna, where he obtained his Higher National Diploma (HND) certificate in 1980. Having graduated as the best final student from Kaduna Polytechnic, Professor Abubakar got an automatic scholarship from the Kano state government to further his studies in any University in the world. Consequently, in 1983, Professor Abubakar joined Queen Elizabeth College (University of London) England for a one year Post-Graduate Diploma programme in Clinical Nutrition.
Following his outstanding performance at Queen Elizabeth College (University of London), his Head of Department, a world re-knowned Nutritionist, Professor D.J Naismith, recommended that University of Reading, England admitted him for M.Sc in Food Science (General option). In 1989, he went back to the same University for his PhD, a programme which he completed in 1992.
The Nutritionist worked as a Clerical Officer in the Military Governor’s office (Information Department) between 1973 and 1975 before he joined the Department of Biochemistry, Bayero University Kano as a Senior Lecturer. In realization of his potentials in Food Science and Nutrition, Prof. Abubakar was appointed National Coordinator to the FAO Assisted Food Security and Nutrition Intervention Project, a position he held for one year (1996-1997). He was also the pioneer Technical Coordinator to the Special Programme on Food Security (Pilot phase) for FAO/UN from 1998-1999.
As colleagues at Kaduna Polytechnic, the immediate past governor of Kano state, Dr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, during his first tenure, appointed him as Special Adviser on Politics in the year 2000. One year after, he was elevated to the status of Commissioner (Finance), a position he held till 2003.  He also served as Special Adviser to Dr. Kwankwaso from 2003-2006 when he (Kwankwaso) was Minister of Defence.
Despite his engagements between 2000 and 2006, Prof. Abubakar participated actively in both Post-Graduate teaching and supervision. In 2009, he was appointed Head of Department of Biochemistry, Bayero University, Kano, and a member of the Board of Trustee of the Tertiary Education Fund (TETFUND), where he represented the North-West zone.
Professor Abubakar was a member of various University committees before he became deputy governor.
Professor Abubakar was picked as a running mate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial candidate in Kano state, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje during the last general elections by the Kano state APC elders committee.
A loyalist of the immediate past governor of the state, Dr. Kwankwaso, Professor Abubakar is presently wearing two caps under the Ganduje-led administration; a deputy governor and commissioner for education. He is married with children.

Kaduna: Bantex is a grassroots politician
The deputy governor of Kaduna state, Architect Barnabas Yusuf Bala popularly known as Bantex has spent most of his political life in the opposition.
His preference for grassroots politics paid off in the run-off to the 2015 elections as he was picked as running mate to the APC governorship candidate, Malam Nasir El-rufai.
Though he has been playing politics for sometimes, his major breakthrough came in 1997 when he was elected chairman of Kaura local government area of Kaduna State.
He later won the House of Representatives election in 2007 when he represented Kaura Federal Constituency. He was the only member from the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in the entire North-West, where he was said to have utilized the opportunity to become a national figure.
He was born in 1956 to the family of Pastor Bala Shekari and Mallama Kako Bala Shekari in ECWA Theological College, Kagoro.
His father was the first Pastor to be ordained by Sudan Interior Mission (SIM) - now known as ECWA Church. It is known as the Moroa chiefdom in Kaduna State.
Bantex lost his father at the age of eight. So, he was under the care of a foster mother; his mother’s younger sister, known as Mrs. Rahap Ransom.
He attended Federal Government College (FGC) Warri after the completion of his primary education. He later gained admission to the University of Lagos and later Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria. Earlier, he visited Nairobi, Kenya, to under study the Country’s Jomo Kenyatta International Conference Centre in order to enable him produce his project on the Kaduna International Conference Centre.
Shortly after graduating at ABU Zaria, the University offered him appointment as graduate assistant in 1987. Instead of accepting the offer at ABU, Zaria, the young Architect jettisoned it for another offer at the University of Jos, where he lectured for six years.
In 1986, he established the Bantex Consortium, which earned him the alias, “Bantex”.
Senatorial seat in 2003 and 2007 on the platform of the ANPP and lost. In 2011, he tried again on CPC platform. He also lost.
Governor Aminu Masari settled for Yakubu after lot of political calculations. An in-law to President Buhari, Alhaji Yakubu is a grassroots politician who served in past committees constituted by the ANPP and the CPC.
Those who had worked with him in the past said Alhaji Yakubu is a plus to Masari administration because he is a worthy person.
His 25 years’ vast experience in the private sector is expected to work for him in the discharge of his responsibilities.

Jigawa:Badaru’s main challenger is his deputy
The deputy governor of Jigawa state is Barrister Ibrahim Hassan Hadeijia. Hadeijia, who is a lawyer and a former banker, is a household name in Jigawa.
Apart from being a former deputy governor of the state, he also hails from a family that is well-known in the north. His late father, Mr Hassan Hadeijia, was one of the famous elite in the north in his time as he was a onetime Minister of Petroleum under Shehu Shagari administration.
He was born on November 13, 1965. He attended Sacred Heart Primary School, Kaduna where he obtained his Primary School Certificate between 1971 and 1977. Between 1977 and 1982, he was at Barewa College, Zaria where he obtained his WAEC/GCE certificate. From there, he proceeded to the School of Basic Studies, ABU, Zaria, where he obtained his IJMB A Levels results and gained admission to the Faculty of Law, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. Between 1987 and 1988, he attended the Nigerian Law School in Lagos.
He worked in the banking sector for 10 years. He was dragged into politics when he was appointed as Attorney- General and Commissioner for Justice by former Governor Saminu Turaki from 1999 to 2001.
He was the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) between 2002 and 2003. He emerged as a running mate to former Governor Turaki and served with him between 2003 and 2007.
In 2011, he was the defunct All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) governorship candidate in Jigawa. He secured a third position at a time when his current boss, who flew the flag of the ACN, came second. The merger between the ANPP, the Congress for Progressives Change (CPC) and the ACN made it possible for him to initially emerge the consensus candidate of the APC. But the consensus arrangement collapsed less than two weeks after it was reached. He did not participate in the primary election that produced his current boss. The party caucus reached a consensus to pick him as deputy governor.

A council czar is Sokoto’s deputy governor
Alhaji Ahmed Aliyu is the deputy governor of Sokoto state. He was the immediate past Commissioner for Health under former Governor Aliyu Wamakko administration. During Wamakko’s first tenure, Alhaji Aliyu was Commissioner for Social Welfare and Culture.
The deputy governor has remained very close to his political mentor, Wamakko whom he addresses as “Daddy” because he shares the same name as that of the deputy governor’s father.
It is widely believed that his closeness to the former Governor was instrumental to his emergence as deputy governor.
He has been in politics since the days of the Sani Abacha transition programme. He participated actively in youth activities, making him very popular among them in Sokoto.
A Fellow of the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (FCNA), Alhaji Aliyu started as Finance Clerk at Jega Local Government Education Authority in old Sokoto state from 1989 to 1992.
Between 1992 and 1995, he was appointed Internal Auditor, Sokoto state House of Assembly. He was also Officer in Charge of Salary/ Accountant at Wamako Local Government between 1995 and 1997.
From 1996 to 1998, he held the position of Deputy Director Finance at Sabon Birni Local Government Area. He maintained the same position at Silame Local Government Area from 1998 to 1999.
He was appointed Director Finance at Silame Local Government Area from 1999 to 2002 and Director Finance and Supply, Kebbi Local Government from 2002 to 2004.
Alhaji Aliyu was Chief Accountant, Local Government Service Commission between 2004 and 2007. He joined Wamakko’s cabinet from that position. He was Commissioner for two terms under Wamakko administration.
An alumnus of Usman Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Alhaji Aliyu holds Masters in Business Administration (MBA) and Masters in International Affairs and Strategic Studies.
Born on January 1, 1970, Alhaji Aliyu is widely travelled. He is married with children.

Kano: Where deputy governor is Education Commissioner
Professor Hafiz Abubakar, who is the deputy governor of Kano state, was born on November 25, 1954 in Sabon-Sara quarters, Gwale Local Government Area. He attended Dandago Primary School, Gwale, between 1960 and 1967, before proceeding to Government Secondary School, Gwale. He then attended Kaduna Polytechnic, Kaduna, where he obtained his Higher National Diploma (HND) certificate in 1980. Having graduated as the best final student from Kaduna Polytechnic, Professor Abubakar got an automatic scholarship from the Kano state government to further his studies in any University in the world. Consequently, in 1983, Professor Abubakar joined Queen Elizabeth College (University of London) England for a one year Post-Graduate Diploma programme in Clinical Nutrition.
Following his outstanding performance at Queen Elizabeth College (University of London), his Head of Department, a world re-knowned Nutritionist, Professor D.J Naismith, recommended that University of Reading, England admitted him for M.Sc in Food Science (General option). In 1989, he went back to the same University for his PhD, a programme which he completed in 1992.
The Nutritionist worked as a Clerical Officer in the Military Governor’s office (Information Department) between 1973 and 1975 before he joined the Department of Biochemistry, Bayero University Kano as a Senior Lecturer. In realization of his potentials in Food Science and Nutrition, Prof. Abubakar was appointed National Coordinator to the FAO Assisted Food Security and Nutrition Intervention Project, a position he held for one year (1996-1997). He was also the pioneer Technical Coordinator to the Special Programme on Food Security (Pilot phase) for FAO/UN from 1998-1999.
As colleagues at Kaduna Polytechnic, the immediate past governor of Kano state, Dr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, during his first tenure, appointed him as Special Adviser on Politics in the year 2000. One year after, he was elevated to the status of Commissioner (Finance), a position he held till 2003.  He also served as Special Adviser to Dr. Kwankwaso from 2003-2006 when he (Kwankwaso) was Minister of Defence.
Despite his engagements between 2000 and 2006, Prof. Abubakar participated actively in both Post-Graduate teaching and supervision. In 2009, he was appointed Head of Department of Biochemistry, Bayero University, Kano, and a member of the Board of Trustee of the Tertiary Education Fund (TETFUND), where he represented the North-West zone.
Professor Abubakar was a member of various University committees before he became deputy governor.
Professor Abubakar was picked as a running mate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial candidate in Kano state, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje during the last general elections by the Kano state APC elders committee.
A loyalist of the immediate past governor of the state, Dr. Kwankwaso, Professor Abubakar is presently wearing two caps under the Ganduje-led administration; a deputy governor and commissioner for education. He is married with children.

Kaduna: Bantex is a grassroots politician
The deputy governor of Kaduna state, Architect Barnabas Yusuf Bala popularly known as Bantex has spent most of his political life in the opposition.
His preference for grassroots politics paid off in the run-off to the 2015 elections as he was picked as running mate to the APC governorship candidate, Malam Nasir El-rufai.
Though he has been playing politics for sometimes, his major breakthrough came in 1997 when he was elected chairman of Kaura local government area of Kaduna State.
He later won the House of Representatives election in 2007 when he represented Kaura Federal Constituency. He was the only member from the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in the entire North-West, where he was said to have utilized the opportunity to become a national figure.
He was born in 1956 to the family of Pastor Bala Shekari and Mallama Kako Bala Shekari in ECWA Theological College, Kagoro.
His father was the first Pastor to be ordained by Sudan Interior Mission (SIM) - now known as ECWA Church. It is known as the Moroa chiefdom in Kaduna State.
Bantex lost his father at the age of eight. So, he was under the care of a foster mother; his mother’s younger sister, known as Mrs. Rahap Ransom.
He attended Federal Government College (FGC) Warri after the completion of his primary education. He later gained admission to the University of Lagos and later Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria. Earlier, he visited Nairobi, Kenya, to under study the Country’s Jomo Kenyatta International Conference Centre in order to enable him produce his project on the Kaduna International Conference Centre.
Shortly after graduating at ABU Zaria, the University offered him appointment as graduate assistant in 1987. Instead of accepting the offer at ABU, Zaria, the young Architect jettisoned it for another offer at the University of Jos, where he lectured for six years.
In 1986, he established the Bantex Consortium, which earned him the alias, “Bantex”.

Dogara congratulates Bishop Idowu–Fearon

Speaker Dogara

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, has congratulated the- Most Reverend Josiah Idowu-Fearon, on his appointment as the Secretary-General of the Consultative Council of the Anglican Communion Worldwide.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Turaki Hassan, Dogara said he is highly elated with the emergence of Reverend Idowu-Fearon as the second highest in the Anglican Church word wide.
The Speaker said the appointment is a testimony of the Bishop’s stewardship as a committed man of God, lover of peace and a spiritual father.
He said over the years, Bishop Idowu-Fearon has helped in bridging the religious divide in Nigeria with his peace gospel and inter-faith missions between Christians and Muslims.
The Speaker charged him to use his new office to push for global peace, dialogue and religious harmony amongst the people of the world.
“More than ever before, the world is in dire need of angels like Idowu-Fearon at the helm of affairs of religious organizations to help bring about the much needed peace and stability,” he said.
He said war is gradually threatening the very existence of humanity and that the world is drifting towards violence occasioned by activities of terrorists groups like Boko Haram and ISIS.
“It is regrettable that in our world today, human life is becoming very cheap.  Religious leaders like Bishop Idowu-Fearon have a big task ahead and I have no doubt in my mind that he will succeed.”
This, he said, is the challenge facing the human race for which only men of faith like Bishop Idowu-Fearon can help preach peace and bring about religious harmony.
He expressed optimism that he will make Nigeria proud.
 

Tribunal upholds Jang’s election to Senate

Jonah Jang

The National and State Assemblies Elections Petitions Tribunal yesterday upheld the election of the Peoples Democratic Party’s Jonah Jang as the senator representing Plateau-North in the National Assembly.
  The judgment held that all prayers sought by the petitioners, either individually or collectively, lacked merit as they did not prove any violation of the Electoral Act 2010, and so struck out the petitions.
 The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in the last election, Mrs. Eunice Ayisa Sambo, had gone to the tribunal to seek redress over allegations that the conduct of the exercise in some local government areas of the senatorial zone fell short of the provisions of the Electoral Act, and prayed the court to either declare her as winner of the poll, or in the alternative, void Jang’s election.
 But Justice Lanre Akeredolu, chairperson of the tribunal, held that the petition lacked merit in every facet. “The petition fails in its entirety and it is hereby dismissed,” the judge said.
 Counsel to the PDP and Senator Jang, Barrister S. Oyawole, described the judgment as justice done to both parties and the society, explaining that the decision of the tribunal simply reaffirmed the mandate of the people of the zone.
 However, counsel to the APC candidate, Barrister Jim Gotom said the legal team would study the judgment before making any comments.
 

How Buhari’s administration has fared so far

President Muhammadu Buhari

As the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari is 100 years old today, our correspondent chronicles  major steps it has taken so far.
In his inaugural address at the Eagle Square in Abuja on May 29, President Muhammadu Buhari directed that the nation’s military command and control centres be relocated to Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, with a view to fighting the Boko Haram insurgency that had ravaged the North-East since 2009. This led to the establishment of the Military Command and Control Centre MCCC in the state.
The announcement of the first set of Buhari’s appointments came on May 31 with Mr Femi Adesina as Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu as Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity as well as Malam Lawal Abdullahi Kazaure as State House Chief of Protocol (SCOP). On June 3, the president embarked on an official trip to Niger and proceeded to Chad on June 4. During both visits, he held bilateral talks with Presidents Mahamadou Issoufou (Niger) and Idriss Deby (Chad) on how to intensify the operations of the Multi-National Joint Task Force in the fight against Boko Haram. The following, while not exhaustive, list a bevy of items checked by the administration as done. 
The president headed for Germany on June 7 for a meeting with leaders of the G-7 industrialised nations of the United States, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United Kingdom to whom he presented a wish list covering issues of security, economy, anti-corruption fight, among others. Buhari secured the assurances of the G-7 leaders’ support to his government’s counter-terrorism efforts.
Buhari undertook his first continental assignment on June 13 with a trip to Johannesburg in South Africa where he chaired a meeting of the Peace and Security Council Committee of the African Union (AU) Summit. At the meeting, the president directed that within a week, $21 million be released to facilitate the establishment of the headquarters of the Multinational Joint Task Force in N’Djamena, the capital of Chad. This was out of the $100m Nigeria had pledged to the Force.
On June 29, the president inaugurated the National Economic Council (NEC) which has Vice President Yemi Osinbajo as chairman as well as the 36 state governors and the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) as members. The council is saddled with the responsibility of advising the president on economic affairs of the the nation.
The resident on July 6 approved a N700bn relief package to states for payment of workers’ salaries. The Presidency had said the intervention was aimed at alleviating the plight of many Nigerians and reducing poverty level.
On July 8, President Buhari granted an audience to the #BringBackOurGirls campaigners who were for the first time allowed access to the Aso Rock Presidential Villa in Abuja. The president reassured of his administration’s commitment to doing everything possible to rescue the over 200 Chibok schoolgirls kidnapped on April 14, 2015 by Boko Haram insurgents.
On July 9, the president turned down a proposal to purchase five new armoured Mercedes S-600 (V222) cars for his use for N400m. He explained that there was no need for such vehicles since the ones inherited from his predecessor, Goodluck Jonathan, were good enough for him. The president’s men described this as a demonstration of his commitment to prudent management of national resources.
Also on July 9, the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr Godwin Emefiele, disclosed that the country’s external reserves had risen from $29.1 billion to $31.89 billion as of July 7. This, he said, was due to efforts of Buhari’s government towards plugging all leakages as well as recent measures adopted by the apex bank to re-position the economy.
 President Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo directed on July 10 that only 50 percent of their salaries be paid to them, in what the Presidency described as a remarkable step in cutting cost of governance. President Buhari on July 13 restructured the nation’s security architecture with the appointment of a new National Security Adviser, Major-General Babagana Monguno (rtd) and those of Major-General Abayomi Gabriel Olonishakin as Chief of Defence Staff; Major-General T.Y. Buratai, Chief of Army Staff; Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, Chief of Naval Staff; Air Vice Marshal Sadique Abubakar, Chief of Air Staff and Air Vice Marshal Monday Riku Morgan, Chief of Defence Intelligence.
On July 19, the president embarked on a four-day official visit to Washington DC where he got President Barrack Obama’s assurance of the United States government’s support in the fight against terrorism. The United States specifically promised more support to Nigeria in the areas of military, technical and intelligence assistance. The US also promised to help Nigeria recover billions of funds allegedly stolen by past government officials and stashed into banks abroad. Buhari’s visit to Washington DC also attracted N2.7 trillion investments to Nigeria.
Buhari was in Cotonou on August 1 for the 55th Independence National Day anniversary of Benin Republic where he secured the support of additional 800 troops from President Boni Yayi to the Multinational Joint Task Force prosecuting the war against the Boko Haram insurgency. The president, on August 4, appointed Dr Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu as the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), in what the Presidency considered a major stride in the restructuring of the corporation. Buhari also cut the number of the NNPC directors from eight to four.
On August 5, President Buhari approved measures to fast-track the implementation of the United Nationals Environmental Programme (UNEP) report on the environmental restoration of Ogoniland.
Buhari, on August 9, stopped all the ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) from operating multiple accounts and directed them to start paying all revenues, incomes and other receipts into a Treasury Single Account (TSA) in order to ensure transparency and compliance with Sections 80 and 162 of the 1999 Constitution.
 Buhari, on August 10, inaugurated a Presidential Advisory Committee against Corruption headed by Professor Itse Sagay. The committee is to advise the incumbent administration on the prosecution of the war against corruption and the implementation of required reforms in the nation’s criminal justice system.
On August 10,President Buhari announced that there would be no Federal Government delegation for this year’s hajj in Saudi Arabia. This, according to the Presidency, is expected to save about $1 million and N30m in local expenses. He also decorated the new service chiefs on August 13 and gave the a three-month deadline to end Boko Haram insurgency.
On August 17, the president unveiled plans to recruit fresh 10,000 policemen. While speaking at the National Security Summit on Community Partnership Approach to Internal Security and Crime Management, organised by the police in Abuja, Buhari also disclosed plans to establish a well-trained and equipped anti-terrorism and multi-agency based task force aimed at tackling insurgency in a sustainable manner. On August 24, the president ordered an investigation into the procurement of hardware and ammunitions in the Armed Forces from 2007 till now.
 Buhari, on August 27, appointed Engr. Babachir David Lawal as Secretary to the Government  of the Federation, Alhaji Abba Kyari as  Chief of Staff to the President, Col. Hameed Ibrahim Ali (rtd.) as Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Customs Service, Mr. Kure Martin Abeshi as Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Senator Ita Enang as Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters (Senate) and Suleiman A. Kawu as Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters (House of Representatives).
On September 1, the president received members of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) at the Presidential Villa and demanded that their audit reports on ministries, departments and agencies be thoroughly, professionally and dispassionately done to ensure greater probity in the  management of national resources and sustainable development. Within the last 100 days, President Buhari, in the absence of ministers, has made do with permanent secretaries who had separately briefed him on the activities of their respective ministries. As the president forms his cabinet this month, Nigerians look forward to seeing further positive changes.
 

Hajj 2015: Pilgrims warned against drug, conmen

By Abbas Jimoh

Intending Muslim pilgrims to this year’s hajj in Saudi Arabia have been warned against carrying illicit drugs and also to be conscious of whom they associate with to avoid falling victims of dubious characters who may trick them into being drug mules.
Officials of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) gave the warning yesterday in Abuja at the 5th annual Hajj seminar of the Hajj Mabrur Ventures Limited for intending pilgrims of the organisation.
A total of 160 seats were allocated to the organisation for this year’s exercise by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).
A Principal Staff Officer with the NDLEA, Labbo Sulaiman, warned that any pilgrim caught with any illicit drug, irrespective of the quantity, would not only bring shame to himself or herself, such shame would be extended to the person’s family and the nation.
 “There is zero tolerance for drug in Saudi Arabia. Quantity does not matter; even a pinch of any illegal substance can lead to a life sentence or execution. So pilgrims must be very careful of whom they associate with and should not help anyone hold caps, bags or other items where an unscrupulous person,” Sulaiman cautioned.
 An Assistant Superintendent of Customs, A. T. Bello, listed prohibited substances and other materials that would not be allowed into Saudi Arabia.
 Bello, however, urged those on medication to get proper clarifications from the appropriate authorities before they depart so that they can be properly guided. He advised them it would be better for them to buy the prescribed drug in the holy land’s pharmacies to be on the safer side.
 Dr Abdulhameed Ridwan of the National Hospital, Abuja; Operation Manager of Hajj Mabrur, Alhaji Zulkifli Babatunde Adewumi and Operation Officer of Hajj Mabrur, Moshhod Lambo Alabi, among others, also admonished the pilgrims to be of good conduct and avoid acts capable of rendering their journey and money useless.

UBA Mid-year Earnings Hit N167 Billion

Pan-African financial services group, United Bank for Africa Plc, has announced its audited 2015 half year financial results.

The results showed strong growth in earnings and profits as the bank continue to benefit from its determination to provide value to its large customer base in Nigeria. Its increasingly important pan African network, now contributing over 23% of profit after tax.

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Phillips Oduoza, Group Managing Director/CEO, UBA

UBA’s earnings grew strongly by 21% to N166.9 billion during the period compared to N138.2 billion in the same period of June 2014. The Bank’s profit before tax (PBT) also rose 35.1% to N39.0 billion, while profit after tax (PAT) was up a significant 40% to N32 billion within the same period.

As a reward to shareholders, UBA has announced the payment of an interim dividend of 20 kobo per share.

READ ALSO: Top Three Leading Nigerian Banks In Digital Media Emerge

Speaking on the results, Phillips Oduoza, Group Managing Director/CEO said in spite of a challenging operating environment, the bank’s business strategy has proved to be resilient ” We’ve been able to balance prudence with an ability to significantly grow bottom line and continue to focus on operating effectiveness. We look forward to continuing to support our customers and working with them to achieve financial success for them and the wider Nigerian and African economies”. he said.

Further analysis of the UBA 2015 half year results showed significant improvement in operational efficiencies. The bank’s net operating income rose 21% to N108.7 billion in June 2015, compared to N90 billion in the comparable period of 2014. The bank has continued to focus on operational efficiency, with a cost to income ratio of 64%; as against 68% in the same period in 2014.

“We delivered strong growth of 21% in gross earnings and 40% in profit after tax, reflecting better extraction of value across all business segments and our ongoing process optimization. It was also satisfying to see our cost-to-income ratio decline further. We understand that many in Nigeria are facing difficult economic circumstances and we are very much shouldering our responsibility to support and grow wealth creation”. he enthused.

READ ALSO: World Bank Is Planning To Invest $135bn In African Projects

UBA maintained a healthy loan book, a tribute to both its risk management and to the robustness of its clients’ businesses with non-performing ratio at just 1.8% of total loans granted, one of the lowest in the banking industry.

Speaking on the performance of the bank’s African subsidiaries Group Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Ugo Nwaghodoh said; “Our business in Africa (ex-Nigeria) is beginning to significantly impact our returns, contributing 23% of profit after tax, with an even stronger outlook”.

He also disclosed that recent initiatives taken by the bank to improve operational efficiencies are yielding positive results, thus reinforcing our optimism on the future of UBA’s African business.

The UBA Group is one of Africa’s leading financial institutions, operating in 19 African countries, as well as New York, London and Paris. The Group provides a sophisticated suite of banking services to over 8 million personnel and corporate clients across Africa, priding itself on bringing financial inclusion to the continent and supporting Africa’s next generation of entrepreneurs.

EFCC Freezes Accounts Of Kingsley Kuku's Foundation

The anti-corruption crusade of the Buhari administration continues. There are strong indications that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has frozen the bank accounts of another man from the team of the ex-president, Goodluck Jonathan.

The accounts of the Keketobou Foundation, owned by Kingsley Kuku, were ‘flagged’ by the anti-graft agency, the Sunday Punch learnt.

The move is aimed at preventing the transfer of allegedly looted funds to other accounts, including those outside Nigeria.

READ ALSO: EFCC Moves Against Tompolo And Former NIMASA DG

An undisclosed source in the presidency commented on the issue: “… apart from the angle of the impunity and financial recklessness, does it make any sense if any responsible government allows such individuals, who had threatened war in the event that Jonathan did not win to have such huge sums in bank vaults? Such accounts must be flagged, of course.”

Speaking on the development on Saturday, September 6, Olisa Metuh, the national publicity secretary of the PDP, asked President Buhari to ensure the adequate funding of the EFCC, adding:“If any of our members is found to be corrupt, let them face the law of the land. But no one should be tagged as being corrupt when the court has not said so.”

Kuku was summoned for questioning by the EFCC this September. The former Amnesty Programme boss failed to appear earlier as he was recovering after knee surgery in the USA.

With this development the number of Jonathan’s associates who have had their accounts frozen recently is four:

1. Government Ekpompolo, aka Tompolo – an owner of Global West Vessels Limited.

2. Dr Patrick Akpobolokemi – a former director general of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency.

3. Kime Engozi – a contractor of Maritime University, Gbaramatu area of Delta state.

4. Kingsley Kuku – a former special presidential adviser on the Niger Delta, and coordinator of the Amnesty Programme.

 

Lai Mohammed Names Six Major Changes In 100 Days

The national publicity secretary of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Lai Mohammed, in a interview with Vanguard speaks on the first milestone, 100 days, of the new administration.

 

The APC’s dignitary speaks on Buhari’s successful moves, appointments. He also commented on the accusations of ethno-religious bias to the address of the president.

Read the excerpts of the interview below:

Six things that changed in Buhari’s 100 days (by Lai Mohammed)

1. New leadership and attitude that can inspire Nigerians.

2. Nigeria is now more open to the world (visits to G-7 summit, the USA, welcoming the UN secretary general in Nigeria and many more).

3. Nigeria now fights corrupt people, instead of celebrating them.

4. Buhari unites the neighbours, Cameroon, Benin Republic, Chad and Niger, in the fight against Boko Haram.

5. Recruitment of 10,000 policemen to boost security.

6. The president adopted a bailout package for about 20 states of the federation. It prevented the industrial crisis of a magnitude never witnessed.

There is nothing selective in the fight against corruption

“When people say the fight against corruption is selective, it is corrupt people fighting back. Today, we have APC politicians being investigated, we have PDP members being investigated. We have northerners, Christians, Muslims being investigated; so what are we talking about?

“Before now, it was said that stealing is not corruption but, today, people know that stealing is corruption.

“… (people) know that there is a new sheriff in town and that the sheriff is a no-nonsense sheriff.”

READ ALSO: I Thank God Now That We Have Buhari In Power – Ajimobi

The hysteria greeting the administration’s 100 days is shocking

“The truth of the matter is that there is no document, no record, no proof that the president ever promised anybody, anything in 100 days. Whatever they are coming up with, is just forgery. The most conclusive evidence is what the president said in Chatham House.”

Controversial appointments: It is about time Nigerians start thinking as Nigerians

“We do not even believe we are a nation. We do not care whether the country survives or not, we must change this attitude.

“In the fullest of time, no part of Nigeria will be able to complain about northernisation when all the appointments are made. We know that there is no part of Nigeria where we do not have competent people with integrity.”

Those who say the president has been slow are eating their words now

“Like I have always said, you score a government at the end of its tenure. It is wrong for anybody to say that this government is slow. It is thorough and I believe that the outcome of the thoroughness is in the best interest of Nigerians.

“As to what Nigerians should expect in the next couple of months, I think they should expect governance. Three areas we are going to see improvement is good governance, which includes fight against corruption, cutting down the size of the bureaucracy, security and the economy. Already, the foundation has been laid.”

 

RWANDA 0-1 GHANA: WAKASO HANDS GHANA ALL THREE POINTS IN KIGALI

Sep 5, 2015 15:50:19

Mubarak Wakaso - Ghana and Espanyol

The Black Stars made it two wins out of two games in a highly-contested battle on a terrible pitch

Mubarak Wakaso was the hero of the day as Ghana picked a narrow 1-0 victory over Rwanda in the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on Saturday.

His 85^th minute effort proved the difference at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali.

With the Amavubi seeing the back of the Black Stars in their last encounter in a 2004 Afcon qualifier courtesy of a solitary Jimmy Gatete strike, Ghana were as much on a revenge mission.

Andre Ayew returned to the starting XI for the first time since March, as captain in the absence of injured Asamoah Gyan, whose place was taken up by Richmond Boakye-Yiadom, while Afriyie Acquah and Jordan Ayew both earned starting spots despite recent controversies surrounding the duo and the Torino man’s wife.

Rwanda coach Johnny McKinstry also kept faith in the likes of goalkeeper Olivier Kwizera, Quentin Rushenguziminega and Jean-Claude Iranzi after his side’s 3-1 win over Ethiopia in a warm-up fixture.

A pockmarked pitch became the undoubted challenge as both sides struggled to control the ball in the opening minutes.

In that, a harmless Daniel Amartey free header from a Wakaso corner kick after six minutes, and a coolly collected Christian Atsu effort from range remained the only attempts on goal in the first half hour as both sides resorted to ballooning the ball up and out  than to control.

Wakaso drove in a long cross from a free-kick on 31 minutes but Andre Ayew, under pressure from his marker, failed to direct his header on goal.

Back from recess after a boring first half, Rwanda appeared to have upped the ante, with Rushenguziminega seeing a penalty call ignored on the 49^th minute after a challenge in the Ghana box.

Rwanda’s push seemingly challenged the Ghanaians to respond, as Avram Grant sought to add more speed to his attack with the introduction of Solomom Asante for Boakye on 60 minutes.

It almost paid off two minutes later as Atsu beat his marker before firing a shot which Kwizera parried wide, after which Jordan Ayew saw a free-kick fly wide off target on 70 minutes.

Asante then had a beautiful chance, perhaps the best on the day, to put Ghana ahead after he was neatly set up by Jordan Ayew, but the substitute blasted his shot in the 18-yard box way off target.

But then, the decider was to come shortly, as Mubarak Wakaso curled in a neat free kick beyond the reach of Kwizera to give Ghana the lead on 85 minutes.

The Amavubi tried to launch a late challenge in the closing stages, but were not able to make use of a further four-minute injury time addition, as Grant led his men to a memorable revenge in Kigali.

Fayose condemns invasion of Akwa Ibom Govt House By DSS Men, calls for Daura’s sack

Below is the full text  of the press statement addressed on behalf of the governor of Ekiti state, Ayo Fayose by his special assistant on Public Communications and new media, Lere Olayinka yesterday.

I have called you here on behalf of His Excellency, Mr Ayodele Fayose, the governor of Ekiti State to address you on the strangeand anti-democracy conducts of the Department of State Security (DSS) since AlhajiLawal Daura took over as the Director General. Yesterday, the AkwaIbom State Government House in Uyowas invaded by armed men from the Special Squad of the DSS. 

They invaded the Presidential Wing of the Government House in a commando-liked manner, ransacked it, intimidated and harassed the occupants, claiming that they were searching for bomb and documents!

One wonders when the Government House of Akwa-Ibom State turned to a factory where bombs are made. Also, we wonder why men of the DSS were overzealously looking for bomb in AkwaIbom State Government House, instead of the Boko Haram ravaged North Eastern part of Nigeria. Recall that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in AkwaIbom State, Mr. Austin Okojie was picked up by men of the DSS in July.

The REC was detained and later asked to report daily to their office for interrogation. Interestingly, the DSS under Alhaji Lawal Daura that has turned Akwa Ibom State and other States into centre of its draconian operations has not deemed it necessary to invite for questioning, the Yobe State INEC REC, Mr. Abu Zarma in whose bank account N15 million alleged to be a bribe was found. From the barbaric act of the DSS yesterday and other actions of Security Service under Alhaji Lawal Daura in the last few weeks, one can conclude that Daura is taking Nigeriaback to the 1984 era of General MohammaduBuhari and this is unfortunate.

No doubt, the Director General (DG)DSS, Lawal Daura is acting out a sinister script of taking over Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) controlled States in the South-South and South East by whatever means. Obviously, Thursday invasion of the AkwaIbom Government House by men of the DSS and arrest of the State INEC REC are part of this sinister plotby the All Progressives Congress (APC) to circumvent the will of the people of the South-South and South-East States controlled by the PDP, using the DSS, but it will fail ultimately.

To say the least, invasion of the AkwaIbomState Government House on Thursday ordered by Daura, is a rape of democracy and invitation to chaos and anarchy. It is authoritarian, dictatorial and I condemn it strongly. It is unfortunate that this is happening under President Buhari’s watch, and painful that AlhajiLawal Daura is drawing Nigeria back to the Military era. If a GovernmentHouse occupied by a Governor who enjoys the same immunity enjoys by the President as provided by the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria could be invaded by a Special Squad of the DSS, it means Lawal Daura is moving this country towards dictatorship and it must be said clearly that Daura and his DSS menwill definitely have Nigerians to contend with.

As for me, I will continue to talk because Nigeria belongs to all of us. Nigeria is not a banana republic that can be ruled anyhow by anyone and Mr Lawal Daura and those urging him on should know that this reign of brute force over constitutional democracy will fail. This is because we have seen them operate before and here they are now, trying to take us back to that inglorious era of dictatorship and barbarism where Nigerians were treated with contempt.

This time around, it is a democracy that can never accommodate that 1984 era of draconian rule. Most importantly, Lawal Daura and his desperate men should know that here in Nigeria of today, the power of the people is greater than the power of those in power and the people will always rise in defence of their government no matter how strong the aggression.

It is on this note that I call on President Buhari to call Alhaji Lawal Daura to order. He should be made to know that his activities since he assumed office as the DG DSS are of growing concern to Nigerians and that he is becoming extremely controversial. His actions as the DG DSS are regrettable, unfortunate, condemnable and unacceptable because he has come to symbolise dictatorship, which democracy abhors. Alhaji Lawal Daura should know that he is holding the office of DG DSS that he presently occupies in trust for all Nigerians and such office is not one that can be turned into instrument of political witch-hunt.

If Alhaji Daura continues with his use of the DSS to harass, intimidate and assault the constitution of Nigeria, President Buhari may have to show to Nigerians that he is not a party to the use of the
security agency to witch-hunt his political opponents by sacking the DG DSS.

Added on September 4, 2015 Mahama is ready for internal contest-Veep

President Kwesi Amissah-Arthur has stated that President John Dramani Mahama is ready for any internal contest with the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

He said the president would beat any contender to retain the NDC’s presidential candidacy in next year’s polls.

Vice President Amissah-Arthur made this known after picking the NDC Presidential nomination forms on behalf of President Mahama at the party’s headquarters at Adabraka in Accra.

Vice President Amissah-Arthur who wore white local design shirt with NDC colours was accompanied by Alhaji Mahama Iddrisu, Dr Christine Amoako Nuamah and Mr Linus Mobila who are all respected elders of the party.

Vice President Amissah Arthur said the reason for bringing such esteemed personalities along was to show that the party is united and that they still have elders whose experience and knowledge could be combined with that of the youth for national development.

He said President Mahama is seeking the nomination with a deep sense of humility and responsibility as well as the renewal of his mandate as the leader of the NDC and also the President of Ghana.

He expressed confidence that the people of Ghana would renew the mandate of the President.

Vice President Amissah Arthur said the President is confident that he would be victorious in the party’s selection process.

He said even though some people may have ambitions to contest him he does not begrudge them.

Mr Johnson Asiedu Nketia, General Secretary of the party stated that the party has dismissed some officials who issued presidential nomination forms to one presidential aspirant, George Boateng.

He announced the party’s decision when he presented President Mahama’s nomination forms to the Vice-President, Paa Kwesi Amissah Arthur.

He said the accountant at the party’s headquarters who has worked there for 20-years now, and who issued the forms to Mr. Boateng, ought to have known better.

He said according to the party’s rules, it is only the General Secretary of the party or his assigns, who could endorse and issue presidential nomination forms.

He said it was therefore unacceptable for the accountant and the other officials to facilitate the process for the polling station youth organiser of the party at Oyarifa in Accra, George Boateng to pick up the forms. GNA

Police Service Commission Cancels Zakari Biu's Dismissal

Zakari Biu, the commissioner of police who was dismissed over his alleged complicity in the escape of a Boko Haram leader, Kabiru Sokoto, has been declared not guilty by the Police Service Commission (PSC), Leadership reports.

Biu faced a military trial in 2012 at which he was found guilty and dismissed from the police force, because he led police officers from whom Sokoto escaped when they took the suspect to his house for a house search.

READ ALSO: Police Officers Detained For Assaulting LASTMA Officials

In a statement by the PSC’s public relations officer, Ikechukwu Ani, yesterday, September 4, the commission said the decision to reinstate Biu was taken during the commission’s 13th plenary meeting held in Abuja where he was exonerated of any complicity in Sokoto’s escape.

“The Police Service Commission has approved the promotion of two commissioners of Police to the rank of Assistant Inspectors General of Police. The commission also reviewed the CP Zakari Biu’s appeal against his dismissal, exonerating him and retiring him statutorily.

“These decisions were the high points of the 13th plenary meeting of the commission held in Abuja. The meeting was presided over by the commission’s chairman, Dr Mike Mbama Okiro. It promoted CP Danladi Adi Yirama Mshielbwala and CP Ibrahim Idris to the next rank of AIG.

“It also exonerated CP Biu from the issues surrounding the escape of Kabiru Sokoto, an arrested Boko Haram kingpin in Abuja,” the statement read.

Sokoto has since been sentenced  to life imprisonment for masterminding the 2010 bombing of St Theresa Catholic Church in Madalla, Niger state, in which 44 worshippers were killed and 70 others sustained injuries.

READ ALSO: How The Nigerian Police Lost 12,000 Officers In 2 Years

Meanwhile, after the report by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commissiondemanding the return of N133 million from the chairman of the PSC, Mike Okiro, to the federal government, a civil group has asked him to tender his resignation.

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Ministerial List: Buhari Confers With APC Leaders

As Nigerians await the ministerial list of President Muhammadu Buhari this month, indications are rife that the president is conferring with leaders of his party, the All Progressives Congress regarding his proposed cabinet. 

One of the leaders of the party told The Nation that Buhari met with some leaders of the party on the issue and gave hints on those who he may bring on board and what he intends to do.

READ ALSO: SGF: I Never Complained About Buhari’s Choice – Amaechi

In the past two weeks, the president has reportedly  met with key leaders of the APC to feel their pulse and rub minds with them on the choice of his ministers.

In one of the meetings, the president was said to have restated his pledge to Nigerians to submit the list of his cabinet to the national assembly this month.

The source said: “The President is on the last lap of consultations on his cabinet. I am aware that the President met with some leaders of the party and those in his think-tank. I think he is almost set with his team to meet the September deadline.”

A member of the national working committee of the APC also commented that and said: “As far as the list of ministers is concerned, the President is working with the party. Most people do not know that Buhari is a party man to the core. He believes in the supremacy of the party.

“I am aware that the president has met with some leaders of the APC to discuss his plans, the shape of his cabinet and his targets.

“To avoid speculations, Buhari has kept the list of his team under wraps, but his body language provided some inkling.

“I think going by his style, the President has not disclosed his list to anyone.”

Also commenting on the issue, one of the president’s aides said: “The ministerial list can be released any time. After all, there are 30 days in September. Going by constitutional provision, I don’t see the President appointing less than 36 ministers.

“Section 147(1-3) directs the President to appoint at least 36 ministers unless the constitution is amended,” he added.

READ ALSO: The Miracle Working President

Just yesterday, some leaders of the APC raised an alarm that the party leaders are in the dark over the president’s current ministerial appointment process.

Meanwhile, the Imo state chairman of the APC, Chief Hilary Ekeh, has said the president would be fair in his willpower to run an all-inclusive government at the federal level.

In a related development, a non-governmental organisation calledPublic Youth Dialogue Forum, recently advised  Buhari to ensure the inclusion of youths in public leadership. 

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Akwa Ibom Raid: DSS Found Stockpiles Of Dollars

A top official of the State Security Service has said the service found stockpiles of US dollars rather than the expected arms and ammunition during its raid on the Akwa Ibom government house.

The notes were found locked in a room in one of the guest houses within the expansive complex, a source told Premium Times.

On Thursday, September 4, the SSS had raided the hilltop mansion in a joint operation carried out by operatives from the agency’s headquarters in Abuja and a detachment from the Akwa Ibom state command of the service.

Some of the operatives had said earlier said they found arms and ammunition in one of the rooms in the complex but a top source denied this on Friday night, saying it was an exaggeration.

The top official, who pleaded anonymity said: “Our men went there expecting weaponry but we didn’t find arms. Instead, we stumbled on a room filled with stockpiles of dollars.”

He said that the service did not touch the dollars for fear of a political backlash as they had no instructions to do so.

READ ALSO: PDP Reveals DSS Plan To Kidnap A’Ibom Gov

Another source disclosed that the SSS initially wanted to evacuate the dollar notes but their superiors in Abuja instructed them to let the hard currency be.

The security service was said to have raided the Akwa Ibom government house, which is yet to be occupied by the serving governor, Udom Emmanuel, based on a tip off that arms and ammunition were stored in a room there.

The raid has attracted harsh criticism from the likes of Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti state and other leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party.

The acting chairman of the party, Uche Secondus, while hosting the Bayelsa state governor, Seriake Dickson, in his office Friday, described the raid as a civilian coup d’état.

For his part, Fayose described the invasion as “regrettable, unfortunate, condemnable”, adding that the actions of the DSS boss have come to symbolize dictatorship which “democracy abhors.”

He therefore demanded the immediate sacking of the DSS boss, Lawal Daura, who he accused of being behind the operation.

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EFCC Moves Against Tompolo And Former NIMASA DG

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has frozen the accounts of two companies reportedly owned by the ex-Niger Delta militant leader, Chief Government Ekpompolo, otherwise known as Tompolo.

The companies, named Mieka Divers Limited and Global West Vessels Limited, are allegedly linked with fraudulent activity in the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) under its ex-director general, Dr. Patrick Akpobolokemi, The Nation reports.

READ ALSO: Jonathan Fails To Protect Ex-Ministers From Buhari’s Hammer

The head of the media unit of the EFCC, Wilson Uwujaren, did not confirm any details, but said that investigations are ongoing as regards Akpobolokemi’s tenure at NIMASA.

He said: “I can’t confirm that to you immediately, but what I know is that the matter has been under investigation.”

The report revealed that a number of private bank accounts, allegedly linked to Akpobolokemi, had also been frozen on the orders of the EFCC.

A source said freezing the bank accounts was aimed at checking the illegal movement of large sums of foreign and local currency across the nation’s borders.

The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, further stated that there was ongoing security surveillance on a number of private and corporate accounts suspected of being linked to slush funds.

READ ALSO: PMB’s Administration – Government Of Change That Listens To Us!

Money said to be a part payment for construction work on Maritime University and NIMASA Techincal College in Delta state, under a N30 billion contract agreed by the former administration of the agency, is reportedly trapped at a Yenagoa, Bayelsa state, branch of an old generation bank.

The source said the move by the EFCC was to verify and keep a close watch on the outflow of funds from the accounts, with a view to ensuring that such funds were used for the projects they were meant for.

The source said: “For instance, just one individual got about N13 billion from a single transaction with NIMASA. The same individual also collected about $57 million from similar deals from the agency without proper documentation.

“No serious administration would attempt to sweep this type of thing under the carpet. So there must be proper explanations, bearing in mind the security implications of movement of such large sums within the system.”

READ ALSO: REPORT: How Jonathan’s Aides, Ministers Shared Federal Government Houses

Meanwhile, the presidency has issued a statement ordering every federal government ministry, parastatal and agency to begin remitting its earnings into a Treasury Single Account (TSA).

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100 Days: Buhari Gets Five F9s, One A1 And C

The Nigerian singer cum columnist, Pascal Uche Ejikeme, popularly known as Etcetera, has released a score sheet for President Muhammadu Buhari’s 100 days in office.

Etcetera, a columnist with The Punch, who is known for his controversial opinion articles on various trending topics in the country, has graded Buhari with 5 F9’s, an A1 and a C, saying he expects the president to do more than he is currently doing.

Below is Etcetera’s report card of Buhari’s 100 days in office.

Confidence – A1

Etcetera gave Buhari an A1 in confidence, saying: “Buhari has brought back confidence in governance. Especially in tough times, the confident presence of a leader begets confidence in those that he or she leads. With his steady demeanour, optimistic outlook and command, Buhari embodies confidence. The number of incompetent heads of parastatals he has sacked so far reflects that sentiment. The percentage of Nigerians who think the country is on the right track is up.”

READ ALSO: Can Fashola Really Go to Jail? – Etcetera

Accountability and responsibility – C

According to Etcetera, the president had done fairly well in his campaign for government officials to be held accountable for their actions or inactions.

“He has brought a sense of transparency and has taken some interesting first steps in promoting government accountability. I think this is an area where there is a lot more to do however. For instant, there hasn’t really been a clear explanation yet as to how he is going to tackle corruption and how the country will avoid being ripped apart by government officials in the years to come,” he said.

Pace of Governance – F9

Etcetera explained that the president was handling so many things all by himself which sometimes makes it hard to keep track of all of them. He advised Buhari to let other people do the job where he can’t.

He said: “It won’t be a surprise to discover that the president is in charge of his travel itinerary, meeting schedule and other range of issues on his plate. He runs the risk of edging toward a burn out. Well, some argue that the president is keeping a pace that works for him.”

Communications – F9

The columnist noted that Buhari was clearly not an articulate communicator and doesn’t do much to shape his message to the audience. “Hearing Mr. President pronounce APC leaves you lost and wondering if you heard him correctly. Maybe his media aides should have used this as an excuse to exonerate him from the hundred things he promised to have achieved before his first 100 days in office that has now capped him as a liar. Buhari’s tone of voice usually stays within a fairly narrow range. He could do better here,” he pointed out.

READ ALSO: After 100 Days: NANS List Buhari’s Achievements

Team Player – F9

“There are two major factors on this distinction. The first is to get a great team in place. The second is to get your ego out of the way and allow the team to do their job. Buhari has stumbled here and most people will agree that his failure to appoint ministers in his first 100 days in office has been a setback to governance. Whether you agree with me or not, Buhari can’t be president and ministers all by himself. We need competent hands to man the various ministries. You cannot achieve a lot in three and half months without the support of a team. Good leaders are the keepers of the what, not the masters of the how. Assembling a strong team also helps in establishing an agenda. Buhari needs to realise that he’ll likely never have more momentum than he has now if he doesn’t put a team on the ground,” Etcetera explained.

Economy – F9

In Etcetera’s opinion, the president may be making a grave mistake focusing all his attention on getting back looted funds instead of providing the basic needs of the people. According to him, this might lead to more inflation and the continuous drop of the nation’s currency is a reminder that we are still in the worst slump.

READ ALSO: Nigerians Have Been Fooled Yet Again! – Etcetera

National Security: F9

According to Etcetera, Nigerians are yet to experience any sense of security. “People are dying and getting maimed everyday on the streets by hoodlums and touts. Boko Haram insurgents are still using the yet to be found Chibok girls for their bombings. Armed robbers are having a field day carting away properties. The country is still not safe,” he explained.

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100 Days: A New Sheriff In Town - Buhari's Spokesman

As today marks President Muhammadu Buhari’s 100 days in office, Femi Adesina, the special adviser on media and publicity to the President has assessed the performance of his boss so far.

In the article titled, “A new Sheriff in town“, Adeshina said since Buhari was sworn in on May 29, things have changed in the country, pointing to the fact that a new sheriff has truly come to town.

The presidential spokesman talked about the intangible achievements of the president as he marks 100 days in office.

“When a new sheriff comes into town, disorder gives way to order. Chaos flees. Impunity is swept away. Laxity gives way to diligence, and people change their old, unedifying ways. When you have a Wild, Wild West situation prevailing, the new sheriff comes, and stamps his authority. Old things then pass away, behold, everything becomes new,” he said.

Adeshina listed some of Buhari’s achievements to include, improved power supply, working refineries and no more fuel queues.

READ ALSO: 100 Days: Buhari Has Reinforced My Confidence In Him- Atiku

“Another imperceptible but momentous achievement is the faith that Nigerians now have in their leader. A great deal of Nigerians, a vast majority, believe in the new sheriff. And that is great achievement,” he added.

Read the full article below.

Some call it the Buhari bounce. Others describe it as the Buhari effect. Yet some others say it is the Buhari aura. One thing is however crystal clear. Things have not been the same in the past 100 days in Nigeria, since Muhammadu Buhari assumed the presidency. A new sheriff has truly come to town.

Exactly 100 days ago, he climbed the podium at Eagle Square in Abuja and got inaugurated as president, 30 years after he had been toppled from power as military head of state. He promised to belong to nobody, and to belong to everybody. It is a pledge that still resonates loudly today, and will surely echo for a long time to come.

On a day like this, you would expect a presidential spokesman to chronicle the achievements of his principal in office. He has turned stone to bread, slain the dragon, and climbed Mount Olympus in ten seconds. But that is not what I want to do. There are some intangible, almost imperceptible achievements, but which run very deep, and are quite fundamental. Those are the ones I’ll rather talk of, while we leave the tangibles till some other day.

Oh, he’s escaping. There are no concrete achievements, some wailing wailers would cry. True? Not true. I could have decided to focus on the bloody nose being given to Boko Haram in the North-east, which would see the country rid of insurgency soon, the rallying of leaders of other neighboring countries to deploy a Joint Multinational Task Force, the openness displayed about government finances and the welfare package instituted for states that couldn’t pay salaries, the Treasury Single Account, which would promote transparency and accountability in governance, the disappeared fuel queues, fast-tracking of the cleanup of Ogoni land, reduction in the cost of governance, and many others. But I will not focus on all those. The day cometh!

READ ALSO: After 100 Days: NANS List Buhari’s Achievements

When a new sheriff comes into town, disorder gives way to order. Chaos flees. Impunity is swept away. Laxity gives way to diligence, and people change their old, unedifying ways. When you have a Wild, Wild West situation prevailing, the new sheriff comes, and stamps his authority. Old things then pass away, behold, everything becomes new.

Nigeria had always needed attitudinal change. That was why the Buhari regime launched War Against Indiscipline in the 1980s. And the war was succeeding, till a spanner was thrown in the works through regime change. Buhari was called all sorts of names then: despot, tyrant, iron fist ruler etc But the discerning knew. They understood that it was a change we needed. And that change was postponed for 30 years.

But what is bred in the bones never goes out through the flesh. Immediately Buhari returned on May 29, Nigerians knew that discipline was back. The bird of the homestead told the ones in the bush, and they all sat up. No unnecessary chirping. Stealing is now corruption, they whispered to themselves. God help you if you get caught.

Now, consider the situation with electricity and with our refineries. Electricity has climbed to about 5,000 Megawatts. Some refineries, which had not produced a drop of fuel for years, have cracked into life. Even the perennial queues in our petrol stations have disappeared, vanished. Is it because Buhari threw billions of dollars at the problems? No. Those things simply responded to the presence of the new sheriff in town. Those who manned those schedules could afford to be laid back in the past. But not anymore! The music has changed, and the dance steps must follow suit. And would Buhari take credit for the newfound zeal and efficiency? Not the plain and honest man from Daura.

The broadcaster Omotayo Omotoso had come to the presidential villa to interview him sometime in July. And she had asked what the magic wand he waved was, that refineries, long comatose, had sprang back to life. The President responded that it would be dishonest of him to have claimed he did anything. He had not touched refineries at all. But unknown to the President, he did something. He had swept into town with his reputation for efficiency, and for achieving results. And the refineries, fuel supply, electricity supply, responded to the new sheriff. May things continue to get better till the change becomes enduring and irreversible. Amen somebody!

READ ALSO: First 100 Days: Obama Was Also Criticized Over Broken Promises

Another imperceptible but momentous achievement is the faith that Nigerians now have in their leader. Yes, the opposition numbers in millions, and naturally so. A political party had held power at the centre for 16 years, and its loyalists would not simply disappear, or get converted overnight. About 12 million Nigerians had voted for the presidential candidate of that party in the March 2015 general elections. Would they just cross over to the winning side? It often takes awhile. But despite all that, a great deal of Nigerians, a vast majority, believe in the new sheriff. And that is great achievement. A big deal. When the citizenry believe in their leader, and almost can swear by him, it is no mean feat. The NOI polls, in a survey in July, revealed that over 70% of Nigerians were happy with the Buhari administration. And I can bet that the percentage would rise, as the months and years roll by. Faith in leadership is something that does not come cheap.

And this one! Even our foreign reserve knows that a new sheriff is in town, and has responded appropriately. In June, just one month into office, and with the plugging of some leakages and loopholes, foreign reserve surged from $29 billion to $31.89. Holy Moses! Just in one month. Well, that is what a new sheriff can do. He brings sanity, confidence and probity to the system. And you would agree that Nigeria needs such shot in the arm, if we consider recent past experiences, when our treasury was like a bag filled with holes.

An evidence of the believability of the new sheriff, and the confidence reposed in him, is the disclosure that came this week from Ambassador Godknows Igali, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Power. He said since Buhari came to office, not a single sabotage of the power infrastructure has been recorded, and it is one of the reasons that electricity supply keeps improving. But did Buhari line up soldiers across the power infrastructure? Did he hire a combination of OPC, Egbesu, MASSOB, MEND and Arewa youths to keep vigil? No. Just believability. Those who are so angry with the country, and would go to any extent to sabotage development, have decided to give the sheriff a chance. They have heard of his reputation. A man that believes in fairness and justice. He would do right to all parts of the country.

Can you imagine the respect our sheriff commands on the international scene, and how it redounds to the glory of the average Nigerian? American President, Barack Obama said Buhari came onto his job with reputation of integrity and a clearcut agenda. Ambassador Johnny Carson, also during the U.S trip in July, said the Nigerian President was a man of honour and integrity. Everywhere he goes, the Nigerian President is lauded and garlanded for his virtues. And the image of the country is burnished and repositioned in the process. Surely, greater days are ahead.

READ ALSO: Buhari Has Made Me A Proud APC Member – Legislator

Some people say the sheriff did not hit the ground running, as he is yet to constitute his cabinet in 100 days. And I usually ask such people: when you hit the ground, and you land in mud, how do you begin to run immediately? You can only sink deeper, if you attempt to run. The thing to do is to first clear the mud, till you get to terra firma, and then you can begin to run.

President Buhari has spent time trying to clean the Augean stable he inherited. And he is succeeding. Sheriffs can either come in with guns blazing, shooting malefactors to kingdom come, or simply stamp their authority on the situation by sheer force of personality and presence. The Nigerian sheriff seems to have opted for the second option for now. But we should never forget that sheriffs are licensed to shoot. And those shots can be lethal for lawbreakers. In a matter of months, you can ask those who had bled our treasury to the point of death. They’ll have stories to tell.

Meanwhile, Nigerian singer cum columnist, Pascal Uche Ejikeme, popularly known as Etcetera, has released a score sheet for President  Buhari’s 100 days in office. He graded Buhari with 5 F9’s, an A1 and a C, saying he expects the president to do more than he is currently doing.

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President Buhari Arrives Homestate, Katsina (See Photos)

President Muhammadu Buhari arrived in his home state Katsina yesterday, September 4.

Buhari, who arrived at the Umaru Musa Yar’adua International Airport in the evening, was welcomed by the governor of the state, Aminu Bello Masari and a large entourage.

The photos were shared on Facebook by Femi Adesina, the special adviser on media and publicity to the president.

READ ALSO: Buhari’s Asset Declaration Is Inconsequential – Adegboruwa

Two days ago Buhari was in Kaduna state where he was received by the deputy governor of the state, Bala Bantex, and members of the State Executive Council and other top government functionaries.

Buhari owns a modest apartment in his hometown Daura, Katsina state. His residence is located in the Government Reserved Area, a few metres off Daura-Kwangolam road, nestling the Daura Shagari Low Cost Housing Estate.

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