Turkey’s Erdogan Issues ‘Final Warning’ On Syria

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan on Friday issued what he said was a “final warning” to those who would endanger Turkey’s borders, saying Ankara was determined to focus its attention on Syrian Kurdish fighters east of the Euphrates.

Erdogan, who was speaking to a group of provincial leaders of his AK Party in Ankara, said Turkey would focus its attention east of the Euphrates in Syria, rather than the Manbij area, citing the presence of the Syrian Kurdish YPG militia. Turkey regards the YPG as a terrorist group.

Ekiti govt seals buildings linked to ex-Gov Fayose

Two buildings in Ado Ekiti linked to the immediate past Governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Ayo Fayose, have been sealed off by the state government for lack of approved plan and permit. The state government, through the Ministry of Housing and Physical Planning and Urban Development, said the erection of the buildings contravened the laws guiding urban renewal regulations of the state government. Fayose is currently being tried at the Federal High Court, Lagos, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged reception of a sum of N2.99 billion from the office of the former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki , to fund his reelection in 2014. He is presently being detained at the EFCC custody in Ikoyi, Lagos State despite that he had been granted bail since Wednesday. The sprawling twin duplexes with elevated fence, covering over six plots, were located at the Government Reservation Area (GRA) in Ado Ekiti and almost adjacent the new Deputy Governor’s lodge located within the Government house. When journalists visited the building on Friday, the gate to the building was under lock and key while contractors working on the buildings have deserted the place. A paper dated October 18, which was attached to the gate and signed by the Director of Urban and Regional Planning in the Ministry said: “It was discovered during inspection by the inspectorate staff of our Ministry that a residential building by you at GRA has no approved plan /permit for the site or bring same to our office to get certification for the erection. “You are hereby ordered to suspend the use of the building premises until approved plan is submitted for clearance”, it stated. The contractor handling the project began work about four months ago after the buildings erected on the plot were pulled down to give way for the new edifices. Before Fayose exited office, rumour had been rife that he was the owner of the magnificent buildings. In his response, Fayose accused Fayemi of embarking on vindictive action over issue that doesn’t worth government’s attention. In a statement by his Media Aide, Idowu Adelusi on Friday, Fayose said: “Governor Fayemi was only acting out of desperation and vengeance over the 2014 shameful electoral defeat. “The property in question does not belong to Fayose. Fayemi’s government should produce evidence linking the former government to the property. “Fayose has said he was ready for probe and that he will appear in person before any panel set up by Fayemi, so, why the desperation? “Our advice is that, Fayemi should place high premium on payment of the workers’ salary arrears since N30 billion is already in his custody released by the Federal Government and not embarking on witch hunting or disparaging his predecessor. The money should not be used to fund the election petition filed against him. “He should hurry up to do all he could for the benefit of common Ekiti people because time is not on his side”, Fayose advised.

Gen . TY Danjuma explodes

Gen . TY Danjuma explodes

Retired Lt. Gen. Theophilous Danjuma yesterday asked the people of Middle-Belt, South-West, South-South & South-East to forget all about 2019 Elections but to first fight back the Fulani murderous invaders and reclaim their lands which are now under Fulani occupation.

General Danjuma stated unambiguously that President Buhari is the direct founder and sponsor of Miyetti Allah and had concluded plans to provide safe heavens for all West African Fulanis in the entire SOUTH and the MIDDLE BELT. He made it clear that War had already been declared, going by the spate of relentless killings here and there, lamenting that helpless victims are predominantly Christians.

The retired General warned that Buhari has used Tinubu to divide South-West and that plans are underway to overrun Yoruba Kingdom and make them subordinate to Hausa-Fulani Oligarchy.

He equally lamented that from secrets file obtained, the conquest of Yoruba would commence as soon as they are through with Middle-Belt reqions. And that soonest they take hostage of Yoruba, their brothers from Sudan, Guinea, and other West African descent would combine to fight South-East and South-South.

Danjuma regretted that while the rest of Middle Belt and South are under invasion led by Army Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Buratai, our politicians are playing to the gallery, giving Buhari all necessary supports.

Danjuma opined that at present the Presidency has been taken over by Miyetti Allah and has vowed to retain Buhari in power even if it means shedding the blood of any opposition. Stating that should the people fail to rise now and put an end to this, either you are a moslem after 2019 or in Exile.

Note:
War has been going on in Taraba and parts of Jigawa States and hundreds are killed daily. In Kaduna few days ago more that 220 persons were killed by foreign mercinaries imported by Buhari's Fulanis.

Buhari resumes unofficial duties, writes NASS

President Muhammadu has written a letter to the Senate and the House of Representatives, informing them that he has resumed his duties as President and Commander-in- Chief, upon the completion of his 10-day working leave.

A presidency statement issued on Saturday night said he wrote to the lawmakers via a letter titled “RESUMPTION OF OFFICE” personally signed by him on Saturday 18th August.

President Buhari wrote: “In compliance with Section 145 of the 1999 constitution (as amended), I write to intimate the Senate (House of Representatives) that I have resumed my functions as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria with effect from today, Saturday 18th August, 2018,after my vacation.

“Please accept, Distinguished Senate President, (Hon.Speaker, House of Representatives)the assurances of my highest consideration.”

Buhari returns to Nigeria today after vacation in London

President Muhammadu Buhari is expected to return to Nigeria today after his latest vacation.

His Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, confirmed this in an interview with SATURDAY PUNCH on Friday

BREAKING NEWS:The Nigeria Armed forces are now shooting IPOB women now HAPPENING NOW IN OWERRI, IMO STATE...

The Nigeria Armed forces are now shooting IPOB women now, who were protesting peaceful for the Release of the leader of the indigenous people of Biafra (IPOB) Mazi Nnamdi Kanu

INEC Presents Certificates To 23 New Political Parties

Presenting the certificates to Chairmen of the political parties on Thursday, the INEC Chairman said the commission would restrategise with security agencies for more robust response regarding the arrest and prosecution of vote buyers.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has presented certificates of registration to the 23 newly registered political parties in Abuja.

Presenting the certificates to Chairmen of the political parties on Thursday, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, Chairman of the commission, said the commission would restrategise with security agencies for more robust response regarding the arrest and prosecution of vote buyers.

He added that vote buying is a cancer to the electoral process, and there is need to work together to address it.

"The commission is deeply worried about our elections, particularly the way it has become increasingly monetised. Vote buying is a cancer to our electoral process and we must work together collectively to stamp it out," he stated.

He said there would be no room for voters to expose their marked  ballot papers between the voting cubicles and ballot boxes, adding that the commission will engage all well-meaning groups for more effective voter education.

Mahmood said the commission received 144 applications from the associations seeking registration as political parties.

He said: "I wish to congratulate the chairmen of the new political parties for meeting the criteria enshrined in the Constitution for registration as political parties. As from today, you are recognised as political parties under the law. From today, you also have equal status with any political party in Nigeria. This means that you can sponsor candidates for elections, including the 2019 general election."

He told the parties that they have an obligation to respect their Constitution, as well as abide by INEC guidelines and regulations.  He urged them to make a difference in politics with elective representation by conducting open, transparent, inclusive and peaceful primaries for the nomination of credible candidates for the elections.

"By doing so, you will give Nigerians better choice, thereby adding value to our democracy, in strengthening the quality of elective representation,” he stated.

Yakubu pointed out that activities for the 2019 elections would commence on Friday August 17, 2018 with the publication of a notice of call, adding that the commission had concluded arrangements in all INEC offices nationwide for the exercise.

The conduct of party primaries will begin from Saturday, August 18, 2018 and will end on October 7, 2018.

Responding on behalf of the chairmen of the new political parties, Omoyele Sowore, Presidential Aspirant under the African Action Congress (AAC), commended INEC for the registration, and stated that Nigerians needed their cooperation most at this time to defeat the old order in the politics of the country.

Kwankwaso Visits Alaafin Of Oyo Ahead Of 2019 Election

HOMEPHOTOS: Kwankwaso Visits Alaafin of Oyo Ahead of 2019 ElectionsPublished 4 hours agoon August 17, 2018By Jamaz 

Former governor of Kano state and a presidential aspirant under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso yesterday, visited the imperial majesty, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Atanda.

Kwankwaso and members of the Kwankwaso Presidential Campaign Organization (KPCO) visited the Alafin as part of his nationwide consultation for his presidential ambition.

A release on one of his social media accounts reads, “KwankwasoRM and members of the Kwankwaso Presidential Campaign Organization (KPCO), visit the imperial majesty, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi Alafin of Oyo Kingdom for the yearly Ogun festival and part his nationwide consultation.”

Recall that insideOYO.com had earlier reported that Rabiu Kwankwaso visited notable politicians in Oyo state including Former Governor Rasheed Adewolu Ladoja.

He also visited leaders and stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) in Oyo state recently.

We’re Monitoring Situation In Nigeria, Says UK Government

The United Kingdom has said it is “monitoring the situation and other political development in Nigeria,” following the blockage of the National Assembly by officers of the Department of State Services (DSS).

In a statement issued by Joe Abuku, spokesperson for the UK Embassy, on Tuesday, the UK government said it would only support democratic process in Nigeria.

“We are aware of media reports of a situation at the National Assembly this morning. We are closely monitoring the situation and other political developments in Nigeria.

“The United Kingdom supports a process whereby the people of Nigeria can exercise their democratic right to vote and be voted for. We favour a free, fair, credible and peaceful process and the independence of institutions, which allow for that.”

Some DSS officials on Tuesday barricaded entrance into the National Assembly.

The operatives, according to Rafiu Ibrahim, a Senator representing Kwara South senatorial district, said the order to restrict lawmakers into their offices came “from the above.”

However, Acting President Yemi Osinbajo said the siege at the National Assembly was unauthorised shortly after he sacked the Director General of the DSS, Lawal Daura.

Daura is from the same Local Government Area as President Muhammadu Buhari, who was reported to have approved his (Daura) sack.

Meeting Of National Assembly Leadership Called Off 'Due To Tense Atmosphere'

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Lasun Yusuf, has said the meeting of the National Assembly leadership earlier scheduled has been called off due to the tense atmosphere at National Assembly. 

He disclosed this to the journalists on his way out of the complex.

Yusuf, said he was not aware of the impeachment plot by the All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmakers, especially as there must be two-third majority before the impeachment could sail through. 

Speaking on the lawmakers who vowed to stay put at the entrance of the chamber, Lasun said they were entitled to their decision.

It was gathered that the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Ibrahim Idris, had directed his men not to be involved in the siege, noting that there was no threat to security at the National Assembly.

NASS Invasion: I Was Shocked To Hear Sacked DSS Boss Acted On His Own - Sagay

Prof. Itse Sagay (SAN), Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption (PACAC) on Tuesday said he was shocked to hear that Lawal Daura, the sacked Director- General of the Department of State Service (DSS) acted on his own by barricading the National Assembly without authorisation from the Presidency.

Sagay, who said Acting President, Yemi Osinbajo had no choice than to fire the ex-DSS boss, added that there was no way the government could defend or justify Daura’s actions since it didn’t order him to carry out the invasion.

Speaking in a chat with Daily Independent, he said: “When I started hearing about the invasion, I was wondering whether the sacked DSS boss has authority to do that because I couldn’t imagine him doing that without being authorised by the presidency.

“Later, when it emerged that he was doing it without authority, I was aghast and very shocked. So, it is a very major step. It is not that it cannot be done but there are circumstances where it may become necessary but if that is to be done, such order must come from the Presidency, not the man doing it on his own because we are talking of one arm of government.

“So, I was very shocked and honestly, given the gravity of what has happened, the Acting President had no choice than sacking him because it can bring down the name of the government.

Campaign Posters Of Reverend King Flood The Streets Ahead Of 2019 Election

Campaign posters of Reverend King who is currently incarcerated in prison after being sentenced to death by hanging – have began to flood the streets.

The convicted prisoner is said to be running for the presidency in the 2109 election under the platform of the Advanced Peoples Democratic Alliance (APDA).

The General Overseer of Christian Praying Assembly (CPA), was was arraigned on September 26, 2006 on a six-count charge of attempted murder and murder.

He was sentenced to death by hanging in 2007 by Justice Joseph Oyewole at a Lagos High Court tried for murder of a church member, Ann Uzoh.

The judgement was upheld by the Court of Appeal, Lagos Division and finally affirmed by Justice Sylvester Ngwuta of the Supreme Court in 2016.

But according to a Brazil-based church leader, Rt Rev Ernest King, many Nigerians have been going to the prison in Sokoto to mount pressure on Rev King to come and contest and deliver the country.

According to a report by Newsmakers in February (during Rev. King’s birthday celebration), Ernest King said:

“This is the man that has solution for Nigeria. He prophesied about Nigeria’s case 18 years ago, that the country will come to a stage where there will be no solution. He said that he would be somewhere resting and they would bring the issue of Nigeria to him for him to solve for them.

“That was how they went to the prison about two months ago pleading that he should come and take over Nigeria. He had prophesied this 18 years ago.

“If Rev King should be allowed to handle Nigeria under 5 years, Nigeria will be one of the best countries in the world.”

He added:

“This is the man that has solution to every problem on Earth, but Nigerians don’t know what God gave them. The wicked and occult people want to kill him, but it’s impossible. As he told them in the Court on that day, there’s no rope on Earth that can enter Rev King’s head.”

Source : https://lailasnews.com/campaign-posters-of-reverend-king-flood-the-streets-ahead-of-2019-election/

Honorable Boma Goodhead Fearless Confronts Masked DSS

Honorable Boma Goodhead from Rivers state confronts the masked DSS men blocking the National Assembly, a fearless woman, that stand tall for her freedom and entrance to the National Assembly

Senator Rafiu Ibrahim Was Denied Access To The National Assembly

A serving senator, Senator Rafiu Ibrahim who was being denied access into his office by DSS was amazed and asked the DSS official "Has the military taken over"

I Will Not Defect If I Don’t Get PDP Ticket – Makarfi

I cannot contemplate defecting from PDP to another party; I will rather resign from politics because I don’t believe in defecting”, the former Chairman, Senate Committee on Appropriation stated.

A presidential aspirant on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and former governor of Kaduna State, Senator Ahmed Makarfi, has said that he would not defect if he fails to clinch the party’s ticket.

Addressing journalists yesterday at the PDP secretariat in Minna, Makarfi said rather than defect, he would retire from politics.

“I cannot contemplate defecting from PDP to another party; I will rather resign from politics because I don’t believe in defecting”, the former Chairman, Senate Committee on Appropriation stated.

He, however, said there was nothing wrong in politicians defecting to another political party as was witnessed recently when some stakeholders re-joined the PDP from the ruling All Progressives
Congress (APC).

He also denied media reports quoting him as warning his party executive on defectors, saying his statement was misinterpreted.

“I made a statement in Lokoja, which was somehow twisted; I’m 100 per cent in support of those who defected; in fact, I predicted that after the APC convention, there will be a lot of defections. We are still expecting more people to join our party but the challenge is how to manage this success. If we manage it well, it will be to our advantage, but if we fail to do so there will be backlash and that is what I said,” he said.

He said there is enough room in the party to accommodate everybody, adding that what the leadership needs to do is to work out an enduring system that would take care of contending interests of those who are coming in and those already within the system.

“All of us should be prepared to make sacrifices for the collective interest of the party and Nigeria as a whole,” he advised.

On calls by the APC leadership on the Senate President, Bukola Saraki to resign his position, he said, “the Senate President and his deputy as well as the Speaker and his deputy were elected by all irrespective of the political parties they belong to based on the stipulation of the constitution. So the call on them by APC leadership to step aside is misplaced, unlawful and  unconstitutional”.

Apapa Congestion: Ambode Flags Off Expansion Of ABAT Truck Terminal In Orile

While others are resting at home, the Lagos state governor is busy at work inspecting works across the state.

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Sunday flagged off the expansion of the ABAT Truck Terminal in Orile Iganmu, assuring that work would be accelerated on the 1000-capacity terminal to take trucks parked indiscriminately on the roads and bridges.

Governor Ambode, who led an extensive inspection of ongoing projects across the State that last for about six hours, said the expansion of the Terminal was one of the resolutions reached at the recent meeting with stakeholders, especially in the Maritime sector on finding lasting solutions to take containerized trucks permanently off the roads, a development that is majorly responsible for the gridlock in the Apapa area.

The Governor said: "One of the resolutions is that we should have authorised truck Terminal Park and so my visit to this place today is to flag off the reconstruction of this terminal so that we can accommodate 1000 trucks.

"We would do this in collaboration with the Nigeria Ports Authority so that the call-up system can work efficiently. The expansion we are adding to this particular terminal in which we have decided to acquire the adjoining land, we would use that primarily for non-petroleum trucks so that we can sectionalized these trucks and allow the call-up system to work.

"This is just part of the efforts that the State Government is making to make sure this Apapa gridlock and the truck menace becomes a thing of the past permanently."

Governor Ambode also disclosed that the State Government has concluded plans to utilise an expanse of land in Ijanikin area with a capacity to accommodate at least 5,000 trucks.

"I have just been briefed that we have an additional land space in Ijanikin that can accommodate 5000 trucks. We will explore that possibility immediately; all that we are doing is just to make sure that there is a permanent solution to this whole idea of trucks destroying our bridges and roads," he said.

Pressure Mounts On Governor Tambuwal To Resign

A Group of ‘Concerned Citizens of Sokoto State’ has called on Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal to resign his position as governor following his defection to Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Addressing a press conference on Sunday, the group Coordinator, Alhaji Abubakar Abdullahi, described Tambuwal’s exit from APC as betrayal of people’s mandate as given him in the 2015 election.

Abdullahi said Tambuwal’s emergence as Governor was not that he was popularly accepted by people of Sokoto, but because of the circumstances that PDP led Nigeria into then, as well as, contribution of Senator Aliyu Wamakko and President Muhammad Buhari.

“We are speaking on behalf of Sokoto people that we are totally against Tambuwal’s decision to join PDP and we want him to immediately return our mandate by resigning his position as governor,’’ Abdullahi said.

He called on the authorities to investigate the alleged bribery of 18 lawmakers to join PDP along with Tambuwal and sponsoring of people from the 23 Local Government Areas to attend Aug. 1, decamping event at Sokoto Government House.

The group Coordinator called on Tambuwal to either confirm or deny the allegations stressing that it was said that N5 million was spent on each of the Local Government to transport people to the event.

He added that the group would begin educating people to recall any lawmaker that followed Tambuwal’s actions, while suggesting that Nigeria’s Constitution should accommodate recall process of elected governor.

Abdullahi described Tambuwal’s comments on Federal Government not executing any project in Sokoto as misleading.

He listed establishment of 8 Division of Nigerian Army, N8.7 billion FGN/CBN Intervention programnme in agriculture among others as Buhari’s good work to Sokoto people.

Abdullahi also urged Governor Tambuwal to account for N18.3 billion Paris Club refunds and N10.09 billion Salary/Pension arrears settlement facilities given by the Federal Government.

He traced the history of Tambuwal’s emergence as Speaker House of Representatives, his governorship contest with his brother Sen. Umaru Dahiru-Tambuwal and the support he enjoyed from Sen. Aliyu Wamakko.

Others in attendance at the conference were Retired Sqd. Leader, Aminu Bala-Sokoto, Alhaji Abubakar Gidan-Bango, Alhaji Usman Hassan and Alhaji Mu’azu Maigwanjo.

Dankwambo Declares His Intention To Contest For President Under PDP

Governor Dankwambo has finally declared his intention to contest for 2019 president under the platform of PDP.Sharing the news,he wrote...

'‪After wide consultations with party members, Stakeholders and Nigerians of diverse backgrounds! I, Dr. Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo will be running for office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria under the platform of our great party, the People’s Democratic Party. #GoingBeyondPromises‬'

Ike Ekweremadu On His Knees As Clergymen Pray For Him (photo)

Below are photos of Deputy Senate President Ekweremadu receiving prayers from clergymen.

EXCLUSIVE: God will never forgive me if I support Atiku for president — Obasanjo

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo said on Friday that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar should not count on him for support in his latest bid to actualise his life-long ambition of being elected the president of Nigeria.

The former president, one of the most influential of his living peers, hinged his blistering position on the unsavoury corruption perception of Mr Atiku while speaking with PREMIUM TIMES shortly after his arrival from Kigali on Friday afternoon.

“How can I be on the same side with Atiku?” Mr Obasanjo asked. “To do what?”

“If I support Atiku for anything, God will not forgive me. If I do not know, yes. But once I know, Atiku can never enjoy my support,” he added.

Mr Obasanjo rejected all notions that his remarks could be deemed too personal, coming as 2019 presidential campaign gathers steam with Mr Abubakar amongst the front-runners.

The pronouncement comes barely two weeks after Mr Abubakar declared his intention to run for president, touting his pro-business credentials and lambasting President Muhammadu Buhari for his handling of the country’s security situation.

Before then, the former vice president, who has unsuccessfully run for the top office multiple times, spent the past few months criss-crossing the country as part of a strategy aimed at broadening his appeal amongst politicians and the electorate.

It also comes a little over a month after the two met at an event in Abuja and shook each other’s hands before photographers, days after reports said Mr Obasanjo was under pressure to back Mr Abubakar.

“I do not have personal grudges with anyone,” Mr Obasanjo said. “If you do not do well for Nigeria, you do not do well for all of us.”

“It is not a question of working with or not working with an individual,” he said. “If you are working for the good of Nigeria, I am working with you. If you are not working for the good of Nigeria it does not matter who you are I am not working with you.”

In making his position clear on Mr Abubakar ahead of the presidential primaries in October, Mr Obasanjo has put to rest several months of speculation about whether he would soften his borderline disposition to his former vice president of eight years.

Settling old scores

The disclosure also exposed a fundamental fracture between Mr Obasanjo, who seems hell-bent at ensuring that the alleged transgressions of the past were not forgotten, and Mr Abubakar, who now appears in high spirit for reconciliation.

The former vice president is locked in a fierce contest for the Peoples Democratic Party’s presidential ticket with several political bigwigs on the platform of the major opposition party.

The ever-broadening field already includes Rabiu Kwankwaso, Sule Lamido, Ahmed Makarfi and Taminu Turaki. While some of these politicians are already capable of challenging Mr Abubakar for the ticket, the recent addition of Senate President Bukola Saraki and Governor Aminu Tambuwal, both of whom are being rumoured as equally running for president, could further complicate Mr Abubakar’s chances.