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The very misleading report by Urhokpota Reporters that Governor Obaseki walked out on the Chairman of the APC, Edo State, Barr. Anselm Ojezua at a meeting to address the recent misunderstanding in Edo State House of Assembly could not have been further from the truth.
Remarkably, the story had no byline and was not credited to anyone but if your reporter was at the APC Secretariat on Monday the 14th of August, he should have had the honesty and integrity to admit that the meeting with the honorable members was behind closed doors to which the press corps was not admitted. There is no way the reporter could have witnessed a walkout by the Governor.
The Governor of Edo State and the APC as the ruling party are working in synergy and are determined to run an open and responsive government. Your reporter had ample opportunity to clear his suspicion when the Chairman addressed the press corps at the end of the meeting. He chose instead, to go to town with the product of his own imagination in place of facts.
The press as the fourth estate of the realm, owes a fundamental duty to the reading public to publish the truth and nothing else. Falsehood and sensationalism do not conform to the ethics of your noble profession which is to inform and educate.
The facts are these. A majority of members of the Edo State House of Assembly effected a change in the leadership of the House in accordance with the House rules. Those who were in favor and those who were against the change thereafter proceeded to the State Secretariat of the APC to inform the party leadership of the development.
The Governor was duly informed and he chose to meet with the honorable members and the Party leadership on the same platform. Both sides to the misunderstanding presented their versions of the incident. At that juncture, it was decided that the signatures on the impeachment notice needed to be verified.
The other major issue that was of concern to the Party leadership was the balance of power in the State. The honorable members and in particular the new leadership were urged to be sensitive to this long standing tripod arrangement which ensures that the positions of Governor, his deputy and the Speaker of the House are shared equally to the three senatorial districts in the state.
This is what guarantees political stability in Edo State and the point was made that failure to adhere to it would surely generate needless and avoidable agitation from Edo Central Senatorial District. Recognizing that tension was high, and nerves were frayed, it was amicably agreed that all parties should meet with the Governor and the Party leadership the next day at 9.00am. The State Chairman Anselm Ojezua was mandated to brief the press and he said, and I quote, "We are talking. As soon as we finish talking, we will let you know the outcome. But know that we are all still talking".
That the Governor exited the conference room ahead of everyone present is standard protocol and did not in any way translate to storming out or walking out on the Chairman.
All the conspiracy theories are false and baseless. The immediate past Governor Comrade Adams Oshiomhole holds his successor Godwin Obaseki in high regard and their relationship is based on mutual respect. Comrade Oshiomhole left office a fulfilled man, knowing that Governor Obaseki would build on his legacies of development and good governance. Any and every attempt to drive a wedge into the cohesive leadership of the APC in Edo State is doomed to fail.
The Edo State House of Assembly is made up of loyal party men and women who are independent-minded in the discharge of their legislative functions and will not lend themselves to manipulation or blackmail by anyone, no matter how highly placed as insinuated in your article. Comrade Adams Oshiomhole served the good people of Edo State meritoriously for eight years and has honorably bowed out of the stage. He should be left to enjoy his life as a private citizen without intrigues and conspiracy theories.
Finally, we hope Urhokpota Reporters will give this rejoinder the same prominence and circulation that it gave their misleading article.
Azebamwan is the Edo State Publicity Secretary of the APC
The National Broadcasting Corporation, NBC, has banned five songs by Olamide, Davido and 9ice, having considered them offensive for broadcast, according to online portal, Premium Times.
The banned songs are Olamide's "Wo" and "Wavy Level"; Davido's "Fall" and "If (Remix)"; and 9ice's "Living Things."
The corporation released the list yesterday, saying it banned the five songs from being aired across the Nigerian airwaves.
The Federal Ministry of Health had in a tweet on Friday, said the video to Olamide's "Wo" violated the Tobacco Control Act 2015.
The 28-year-old rapper, who is signed to his own record label, YBNL, had returned to Ladi Lak in Bariga where he was raised to shoot the video of his latest single.
"This is our position: video contravenes the act. Innocently or otherwise, Tobacco Promotion Advertising Sponsorship is banned in all forms," the NBC said.
It could not immediately ascertain why the songs of the two other musicians were banned.
In June this year, the federal government, through the Ministry of Health, had launched a campaign to ban smoking in public places, including motor parks, shopping malls and health care centres.
Tweeting the information via its official Twitter page, the Ministry claimed that the video, which features ghetto scenes in which youth are seen smoking, encouraged second-hand smoking.
This is not the first time that an Olamide song will be banned by the regulatory agency. In 2016, just a few months after the ban of one of his songs, 'Shakiti Bobo', NBC also banned, 'Don't Stop' which is a track off Olamide's 5th studio album, Eyan Mayweather, for its vulgar lyrics.
Defending the decision at the time, the NBC said the song was banned from being played on the airwaves for its 'obscenity, being indecent, vulgar languages, lewd and profane expressions like 'wa gba ponron', 'I just want to hit you now', 'je kin wo be…"
Rapper Falz had also in June, criticized Nigerian musicians who glamourised fraud with their lyrics, a criticism fans took to be directed at 9ice for "Living Things."
The actor and rapper stated that the recent trend of hailing Internet fraudsters in music is not helping future generations as the young ones are beginning to see this as a normal way of life.
He recounted the personal experience of challenges faced by Nigerians in other countries as a result of cyber crime.
"No person shall engage or participate in any tobacco advertising, promotion or sponsorship as a media or event organizer, celebrity or other participant," it read.
According to the 2015 law, anyone who violates the law faces the risk of a fine and jail term of not more than one year.
Persons that produce or publish advertising, promotion or sponsorship content shall attract a fine of not less than N3,000,000 and a term of imprisonment of not more than one year.
If the tenets of the tobacco-control act are followed to the latter, then the rapper is at risk of N3 million fine, one-year jail term over 'Wo' video.
The Minister of Youths and Sports, Mr Solomon Dalung, has attributed Nigeria's poor performances in sports to aging professional athletes.
Dalung
Dalung said this on Tuesday in Abuja while receiving Nigeria gymnasts that participated at the 2017 Regional African Gymnastics Championship in South Africa.
The 11 gymnasts comprises a boy and 10 girls, particularly a five-year old.
Team Nigeria won two gold medals and nine bronze at levels 4-9 of the championship.
Dalung thanked Coach Anthony Asuquo for his determination in grassroots sports development.
"I thank the coach for his determination in grassroots sports development. I discover that we have depleted the profile of our national athletes.
"This has led us to recycle our professional athletes which has resulted to our poor podium performances.
"When I came on board, I came up with a policy of massive grassroots sports development. I have not pretended over this, it will remain the focus and policy in the ministry.
"We must encourage young athletes; we must discover young athletes, develop them so that they can realise their potential.
"I think the gymnastic federation, with others, have keyed into this policy.
"We must practically demonstrate this, and in demonstrating this, we must get younger people involved and much younger ages should be attracted into sports.
"They should be encouraged and supported so that they can develop,'' he said.
Dalung, who was very impressed with the performance of the five-year old gymnast, Lara Anot who won her first bronze medal, said more younger gymnasts should be trained.
"If we can get more five-year old gymnasts to win medals for the country, in the next five years, Nigeria will have athletes that will dominate the gymnastics space for the next 10 to 15 years before retiring.
"Therefore, I congratulate our great gymnasts for making us proud,'' he said.
Dalung directed the acting permanent secretary of the ministry to ensure that the financial assistance due to the team was released.
Earlier, Asuquo thanked the Minister and the President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) Habu Gumel, for their support for the championship.
He expressed happiness over the results recorded so far in the sport.
According to him, "we competed with over 500 gymnasts and won two gold and nine bronze medals.
"We trained tirelessly for this championship, an average of four hours a day in Nigeria.
"I promised the minister that I will do my best to ensure that gymnastics is well known in Nigeria and I thank God for this achievement.
" I also thank the NOC president for supporting the team with flight tickets for the championship''.
Asuquo thanked parents who assisted the team and promised to put in his best to get the gymnasts ready for the country.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has identified more football officials who must drop one of two or more hats in administration as the football body's Integrity Initiative Reforms juggernaut rumbles on.
This is contained in a letter on Tuesday by NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi.
"The Nigeria Football Federation, in furtherance to its Integrity Initiative Reforms, has identified key officials of football that are currently occupying offices that present a possible conflict of interest in the discharge of their duties.
"These officials are to forthwith comply with the earlier directive of the NFF to resign from one of the positions that they are currently occupying to give way for a system that is devoid of a possible conflict of interest.
The affected officials are as follows: All Executive Members of Nigeria Coaches Association at both the State and National level are to henceforth, ensure they are not members of another executive body of football within their state or at national level.
"Hence, no official is allowed to occupy a State Executive/National Executive position of Coaches Association and still be a member of a State Football Association Board or State Referees Association Executive.
"All executive members of Nigeria Players Union at both the state and national level are to henceforth ensure they are not members of another executive body of football within their state or at national level.
"Hence, no official is allowed to occupy a State Executive/National Executive position of Players Union and still be a member of a state football association board or State Referees Association Executive.
"All executive members of Nigeria Referees Association at both the state and national level are to henceforth ensure they are not members of another executive body of football within their state or at national level."
The letter also directed affected officials to immediately resign from either of the positions and send copies of their resignation letters to the National Integrity Officer via Christian.emeruwa77@gmail.com .
The President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki, has called on state governments to take proactive measures to minimize the risk of flooding in their areas.
Saraki made the call in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Yusuph Olaniyonu, on Tuesday in Abuja.
He said that recent reports showed that as many as 30 states out of the 36 in the country were at risk of being affected by flooding this year due to poor town-planning.
Saraki, therefore, urged the various governments to take responsibility of ensuring the safety of their communities, adding that the authorities must ensure that strict measures were taken to stop disruption of drainages.
"We have to take this issue of flooding very seriously. God has blessed Nigeria in so many ways. We are not like many other nations that experience cataclysmic natural disasters that leave considerable destruction.
"This issue of flooding is something that with proper planning and proactive steps, we can minimize to prevent the loss of lives and damage to property.
"What we need to do is for all stakeholders, including governments at all levels, town planning councils and our emergency management agencies to meet.
"They ought to meet and discuss how we can put in place long-term strategies to stop flooding so that we can end this fire-brigade approach of dealing with crisis situation,'' he said.
He said "our state governments need to work with town planners to identify areas that are at risk for flooding.
" Additionally, we need to immediately put in place sensitization and punitive measures to ensure that people are not blocking our drainages.
"When these drainages are blocked, especially in urban centres, the water begins to accumulate during heavy raining season.''
Saraki also called for comprehensive re-evaluation of the nation's dams, explaining that such field study would allow the country to know the dams, specifically those located close to residential areas, channelling water into towns.
"Right now, we cannot leave any stone unturned. We must immediately look into our own man-made structures.
"We have to identify which of our dams and other infrastructure that are contributing to the frequency of flood and work out strategies to tone down their negative impact.
"The Senate, through our oversight powers, will continue to work to ensure that our town planning laws are updated.
"We will continue to support the executive in every way possible to enforce the codes and ensure that states that are at risk do not turn into disaster zones,'' he said.
The Judicial Commission of Inquiry set up by the Ekiti State government to investigate allegations of fraud against the administration of the Minister for Steel and Minerals Resources Development; Dr Kayode Fayemi will begin proceedings next week Monday at the State High Court premises in Ado Ekiti.
The setting up of the enquiry was in strict compliance with section two of the Ekiti State Law on the establishment of Judicial Commission of Enquiry. The law under which the commission was set up was signed into Law in 2012 by Dr. Kayode Fayemi, which means it is an extant Law, a Law of the state and not intended to witch-hunt anybody.
The Commission of Inquiry headed by retired Justice, Silas Oyewole, has summoned Dr Fayemi, who is a former governor of the State, former Commissioner for Finance; Mr Dapo Kolawole, Executive Secretary of the
Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Ado Ekiti Branch Manager of Access Bank, Director General of the Security, Managing Director of Coscharis Motors Limited, Tianjin-Yuyang Construction Eng. Ltd, CASA Nig Ltd and Exchange Commission and Managing Director of SCOA Nigeria Limited.
An Ado-Ekiti High Court had rejected an application filed by Dr Fayemi, seeking an interim order to restrain the judicial commission of inquiry from probe his administration.
Justice Lekan Ogunmoye in a ruling held that Fayemi's request for an interim order could not be granted because the defendants had filed a notice of preliminary injunction challenging the competence of the court to hear the substantive suit.
The Notice issued by Secretary to the Commission, Mr Gbenga Adaramola, read; "Consequent upon the inauguration of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the finances of Ekiti State between 2010 and 2014 by the
Ekiti State Government, the Commission will commence the public hearing and the following witnesses would be called, examined and/or cross-examined as indicated hereunder."
Those to be called on Monday, August 28, 2017 are witness from the
Accountant General's office and the Ministry of Finance while witnesses from the Ministry of Budget and Planning; General Administration and Department (GAD), Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and Managing Director of Coscharis Motors Ltd will be called on Wednesday, August 30, 2017.
On Wednesday, September 6, 2017, witnesses from the Ministry of Works and Transportation will be called as well as Dr Kayode Fayemi, Mr Dapo Kolawole, SCOA Nig. Ltd, Citadel Nominees Limited/Toyab Associates Joint Consultants, CASA Nig. Ltd, and Director General of the Security and Exchange Commission.
On Monday, September 11, 2017, witnesses from the State Universal
Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Ekiti State House of Assembly while Dr Fayemi, Mr Dapo Kolawole, UBEC Executive Secretary and Access Bank Branch Manager are to be cross-examined.
Officials of the Cabinet and Special Services (State Tenders Board) will be called to witness on Wednesday, September 13, 2017 while witnesses from the Ministry of Information, Youth and Sports
Development and Ministry of Agriculture will be called on Monday, September 18, 2017.
The Commission of Inquiry was set up following a resolution passed by the Ekiti State House Assembly few weeks ago, which directed the governor to pursue the investigations given that Fayemi failed to appear before the house when summoned the come and testify.
The assembly had accused Fayemi of diverting funds belonging to the state Universal Basic Education Board while serving as governor of the state.
It has as its terms of reference, to ascertain how much Ekiti State
Government received as statutory allocations during the period under review and how same were disbursed.
The commission is also to "look into the financial transactions of Ekiti State between 2010 and 2014; ascertain the amount received on behalf of the State from the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC); investigate the allegations of fraud/loss of funds, including the diversion and conversion of the UBEC funds; ascertain the amount that the Ekiti State Government took as loans during the period under review and how they were utilized."
It was also mandated to consider all other issues relating to the finances of the Ekiti State Government within the period under review, and to make appropriate recommendations to the Ekiti State Government.
Abuja – Nigeria's Minister of Finance, Mrs Kemi Adeosun, has been appointed the Chairperson, Board of Governors of ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID).
The announcement was made on Tuesday in Abuja at the end of the 15th Ordinary Session of the board of governors of the bank. Finance Minister, Mrs Kemi ADEOSUN She succeeds Hassoumi Massoudou from Republic of Niger.
Earlier, Adeosun had urged other finance ministers to speak about radical economic transformation, which would no doubt, take the sub-region to improved living standard for all citizens.
She advised them to prioritise industrialisation, especially through labour intensive manufacturing to promote job creation.
"In addition, conscious emphasis should be placed on agriculture to improve food security and deriving more value from the sea by boosting the ocean economy.
"Potentially, these areas also provide investors with profitable investment opportunities in our community.''
Adeosun said that critical work was being done to promote regional integration in the sub-region.
She said that on Nigeria's part, efforts were underway to radically transform its economy in a manner that would shift the age-old emphasis away from oil as the main source of revenue.
Adeosun said diversification and domestic resource mobilisation through improved tax revenue were ongoing in Nigeria.
According to her, "the signaling effect coupled with positive externalities that would be generated will have significant impact on the regional economy."
"Infrastructure development remains top of the agenda to ease movement of goods, people and services across our community.
"Furthermore, power to light up Africa is an essential imperative for industrialisation and for us to succeed, we need to mobilise appropriate financing.
"Accordingly, we must support our Bank, EBID, to mobilise domestic and external resources to strengthen developmental partnerships and collaboration.''
She said the meeting was a key instrument in this regard as it brought the drivers of the economy in the sub-region together to discuss important matters.
"Our people yearn for prosperity and we must be determined not to fail them and that is why we have ECOWAS Vision 2020 as a clear roadmap towards a better life for all, ''she said.
President of the Bank, Mr Bashir Ifo, said the implementation of the 2016-2020 strategic plan of the bank was being constrained due to lack of resources.
He said a review of the key indicators of the plan showed that all of the projected targets for various quantitative indicators had fallen below expectations.
"Especially hard hit was the mobilization of resources which is the overarching pillar in the 2016-2020 Strategic Plan.
"However, we are hopeful that with the intensification of resource mobilization initiatives, the implementation of the 2016-2020 Strategic Plan would considerably improve.''
Ifo, therefore, called on all member states and other stakeholders to help the bank to fulfill its mandate to help ECOWAS countries reduce poverty.
He said payment of the remaining capital arrears owed by member states would not only help it fulfill its mandate in the sub-region.
He said it would also significantly contribute to positioning it as a viable financial entity that could mobilise adequate funds on the back of its shareholders' support.
"In short, additional equity infusion would strengthen the bank's balance sheet which would then permit it to mobilise funds at competitive rates, ''the bank president said.
Ifo said the bank was mandated to help member states create employment and build the necessary infrastructure to undergird economic growth and development.
He, however, said that that in spite of resource constraints, the bank had been making significant regional development and integration efforts.
He explained that in 2016, the bank's net cumulative commitments in member states stood at 1.34 billion dollars for 135 projects.
"We are pleased to report that in 2016, we were able to conclude negotiations with the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA).
"This culminated into the signing of two loan agreements in the amounts of 45 million dollars and 15 million dollars for trade finance and private sector financing.
"We are also in discussions with the Indian Government for another 500 million dollars line of credit to the bank.
"In addition, discussions are ongoing with the Islamic Development Bank, China Development Bank and OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID).
"This is for the purpose of mobilising adequate resources to finance development projects and programmes within the ECOWAS sub-region in conformity with our mandate.''
EBID was established by the 15 member states for economic development of West Africa through the financing of ECOWAS projects and programmes. (NAN)
The Catholic Bishops of Kaduna Ecclesiastical Province have urged the Federal Government to compensate Churches and other victims of attacks carried out by insurgents on places of worship.
Bishop Mathew Ndagoso, their spokesman, made the plea on Tuesday in Minna, in a briefing after a two-day Catholic Bishops of Kaduna Ecclesiastical Province plenary session, held at St. Michael Cathedral, Minna.
"In the past six years, insurgents have attacked Churches and other Christian places in the north, but the Federal Government is yet to compensate the victims. "We want to inform you that the Catholic Church has not received any support from the Federal Government for the Churches affected.
"In Niger, the first terrorist attack was on St. Theresa Catholic Church, Madalla, on Dec. 25, 2011.
"Last year, some youths attacked the St. Philips Catholic Church, Bakin Iku, near Suleja, destroying properties valued at several millions of Naira. No one has even sympathised with us," he said. The Bishop opined that the Federal Government was supposed to be responsible for giving assistance to the Churches and the victims.
Ndagoso explained that government ought to be responsible for giving assistance to the victims.
The Bishop said that he had personally suffered from such attacks.
"When I was in Maiduguri, my house was destroyed and burnt in my absence. Nothing was taken out of that house. The Church was equally destroyed. Nobody has compensated me or the Church," he said.
Ndagoso appealed to state governments to issue Certificates of Occupancy (C of O) for lands meant for the building of Churches, and urged the Federal Government to encourage the governors to do so to enable the Church to assist development needs of the nation.
The Lagos State Government on Tuesday underscored the importance of accurate data to adequate planning which is necessary to bring about inclusive development and growth in all sections and sectors.
Speaking while receiving a delegation from the Nigerian Statistical Association (NSA) on behalf of the State Government on a courtesy visit, Commissioner for Establishment, Training and Pension, Dr. Akintola Benson said adequate data remains critical to bringing about efficient planning and execution of policies and programmes that would help to enhance quality of life of the people.
The delegation led by NSA Second Vice President, Dr Olusanya Olubusoye and former Statistician General of the Federation, Chief Oladejo Ajayi had scheduled to visit to intimate the State Government about the forthcoming international conference of the association to be held in Lagos from September 6 to 8, 2017.
The conference, which is to be attended by statisticians from within and outside the country, is with the theme: "Positioning National Statistical Systems For Data Revolution And Inclusive Development."
Benson, who received members of the NSA delegation alongside the Special Adviser to the Governor on Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives, Hon Benjamin Olabinjo; Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget, Mr Abayomi Kadri; and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Mr Tunde Ogunleye, commended the association for putting the conference together, saying that aside Lagos State, all other States of the federation and the Federal Government would benefit tremendously from topics lined up for discussion.
He said: "In this kind of data gathering conference, Lagos State and indeed all the States of the federation including the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja will benefit tremendously. First of all, the conference will give us all the data that we need to plan. You will agree with me that without data, we cannot do anything. If we have accurate data, it will help all the 36 States and the Federal Government to plan.
"For instance, today, nobody can actually ascertain the exact population of Nigeria. Some people will say we are 180 million, some will say we are 150 million, some will say we are 250 million. The question is what is the exact figure of our population? In essence, this conference will give us insight on how to get the accurate data that will help us to plan properly.
"Though effective data tools, each of the State Government in Nigeria including the Federal Government will be able to know the methodologies, the action or the way and manner to go about their planning and from there, it will have a major positive impact on our people be it in the education sector, economy, health and so on. I believe this kind of conference will not only help the Lagos State Government, it will help other States and the entire diaspora."
While pledging to convey the message of the delegation to the State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, Benson assured that the State Government would partner with the NSA and support the conference to ensure its huge success.
According to Benson, "In the last 25 months, our Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode who is a thinker and a doer, has done a lot in all sectors and sections of the State. He has asked that a powerful delegation of State officials should receive the NSA team and we assure you of our support."
Earlier in his opening remarks, Olubusoye, who is the Chairman of the National Organising Committee of the conference, said the courtesy visit was basically to officially introduce the officials of the NSA and the members of the Organizing Committee, as well as to present the details of the conference to the State Government.
He said the meeting was also to provide the State Government with information about the Nigerian statistical community and dignitaries expected to attend the conference from within and outside the country.
Besides, Olubusoye thanked the State Government for supporting the conference, saying that in the 41 years history the association, this would be the first time a State Government would be doing such.
DELTA State Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa has said provision of infrastructure that will uplift the standard of living of the people cannot be compromised.
Speaking when he received on courtesy call, the General Manager of Nigeria Television Authority (NTA), Asaba, Governor Okowa disclosed that recession has affected a lot of sectors in the country but the provision of infrastructure must be sustained.
According to the Governor, "as a result of the country being in recession, a whole lot have been affected, but, as a government, we will continue to do the best to provide infrastructure."
"We appreciate your views about our programmes in the areas of infrastructure development, empowerment of our youths and fostering peace and unity in our state, we believe that we can do more in having a healthy people through the contributory health insurance scheme," Governor Okowa said, reiterating, "we want to showcase to Nigerians that the health insurance scheme can actually work effectively in our country."
The Governor who commended the NTA, Asaba for projecting the activities of his administration, observed that the state was peaceful because of effective collaboration between the federal government, the state and relevant stakeholder, assuring that the peace would be sustained for necessary development and investment to take place in the state and the Niger Delta region.
"Under a peaceful atmosphere, our resources will improve," he asserted.
Earlier, the General Manager of the NTA, Asaba, Mrs Omolara Olorode had lauded the giant strides Governor Okowa's administration has recorded in different sectors of the economy, noting that empowering the youths to be entrepreneurs by the administration has distinguished it as that which has the interest of the future of the youths at heart.
Judging by the Instagrams Drake posted last night, two things are clear.
First, he has no problem announcing his obsession with Drakkar Noir to the world.
He wore a T-shirt emblazoned with the logo of the classic drugstore men's cologne. (Fun fact: He also has a tattoo of the scent's bottle.) Drake and Rihanna Secondly, Drake is still not over Rihanna, at least not according to his socks.
The rapper sported a colorful pair from Rihanna's latest Fenty x Stance collection.
And don't think it was just a random top-drawer choice, either.
The socks were patterned with an image of Rihanna from the music video for "Work," in which they both starred last year.
So what to make of this not-so-subtle sartorial gesture?
Well, for one, Mercury is in retrograde, a time when people from one's past are said to resurface, and emotions tend to run high. Perhaps this is the rapper's way of extending an olive branch to his rumoured former love.
There might even be more tender Rihanna fashion tributes on the horizon—who knows!—or better still, a reciprocal selfie from the Bad Gal herself donning some OVO merch.
Celebration for the safe return of President Muhammadu Buhari was taken a notch higher yesterday as Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El-Rufai and his deputy, Yusuf Bala Bamtex joined hundreds of youths in the state to stage a match around the city.
The youths had hundreds gathered at the Murtala Square early in the morning, adorning branded T-shirts and face caps with the pictures of the
President and that of the Kaduna State governor before they proceeded to other parts of the town.
A convoy of several vehicles, blaring loud music tore through the popular Independent Way before making a detor into Yakubu Gown way before coming towards the Ahmadu Bello way and later moved to the government House.
Governor El Rufai thanked them for the match and expressed his solidarity with the group for their support.
He made it clear that he supports the President and called on all Nigerians to do same saying the current administration means well for the country and assured the youths that no amount of distraction and blackmail can derail the programme of the government
The governor and his deputy then mounted a convertible which moved with crowd and both of them stood waving at the crowd until the train moved back to the Murtala Square
The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has said that the All Progressives Congress party, APC, and its National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Bolaji Abdullahi, are clever by half in what it termed an attempt by APC to deceive Nigerians into believing that it supports restructuring.
PDP also accused APC of adulterating its manifesto to present itself as being a co-driver of the restructuring mantra when the party had initially stood against restructuring.
In a statement signed by Adm. Chinwe I. Nnorom , PDP's Head of Publicity Division on behalf of the party's National Publicity Secretary, it said APC's National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Abdullahi confirmed it his latest report what PDP and Nigerians have known APC for which, according to it, is lies and deceit.
APC & PDP
The statement read thus:
"The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), is once again constrained to react to a statement made by the National Publicity Secretary of the Ruling All Progressive Congress (APC), Mr. Bolaji Abdullahi in another failed attempt with the Mischief his Party is known for – manipulation – against Nigerians (this time) into believing that the APC is interested in 'restructuring'.
"Nigerians will recall that in our statement, we were categorical that the leaders of the APC had denied promising restructuring at different times but suddenly jumped at it as "the Latest in a series of deceitful ploys designed and being implemented by the Party to hoodwink Nigerians ahead of the 2019 General Elections".
"We were correct! Mr. Bolaji confirmed our hint of their ploy on Paragraph 4 of his statement thus, 'We understand that PDP needs desperately to return to reckoning; and realizing that restructuring is the new political currency in Nigeria, it is latching on…' Indeed, 'restructuring' is the APC's '…new political currency in Nigeria,…' to further delude and buy the votes of unsuspecting Nigerians ahead of the 2019 General Elections given that its original "Change" mantra has failed woefully.
"We wish to emphasize that the APC's response was another misadventure and inglorious efforts to further misinform Nigerians especially by just quoting a part of the sections of the PDP Constitution that was included in our statement – Preamble 2(b), which of course resonates with the PDP's endeavor towards economic and socio-political growths; and he referred to it as our misunderstanding of the Word – Restructuring.
"Let Mr. Bolaji recall that we also quoted other sections such as Preamble 2(e) which states, "to devolve powers equitably between the Federal, State and Local Governments in the spirit of federalism"; and 7(2b) which states that, "The Party shall strive to promote federalism and an equitable revenue sharing formula" PDP Constitution (As Amended in 2012).
"Mr. Bolaji should be informed that we did justice in our statement by explaining what the Word "Restructuring" means especially in Nigeria context of governance. But no, he has to argue and sadly after rolling around in his text, he came on the same page with us by quoting the APC Manifesto – Section 3(1) – on their so called restructuring thus, "We will devolve more revenues and powers,…" That means, both parties are referring to Nigeria restructuring in the Context of 'devolution (decentralization)' of power for equity and functional federalism.
"In the light of the above, we make bold to state that Mr. Bolaji is clever by half! It is therefore important at this point to state that personalities like Bolaji Abdullahi's disrespect to organization's norms and ideology contributed largely to the Delayed Restructuring of the Country since 1999, when he and most of his APC leaders where at the Driving Seat of the then Ruling Peoples Democratic Party.
"This character trait of lack of comprehension of ideas is equally being exhibited currently in the APC. After all, the Party leaders bluntly denied promising Nigerians restructuring only to re-track when the Euphoria on restructuring refused to wane.
"While we don't want to further dignify the APC Spokesman's ignorance and lack of comprehension on the matter under review, we wish to however inform him and unsuspecting members of the public that the PDP Constitution and Manifesto have ample provisions for effective restructuring of Nigeria. So, the PDP believes in restructuring!
"It is also important to remind the APC’s Spokesman and his Party, the APC, that all the Provisions of the PDP Constitution (As Amended in 2012) existed before the Emergence of his new Party, the All Progressive Congress (APC) in the Year 2013. It is therefore our understanding that the Manifesto of the APC that has a resemblance of 'restructuring' in it was coined from the PDP's Plans of Action. No wonder the APC did not quite understand what was copied from the PDP Constitution and Manifesto, hence their initial denial on the Issue and later total display of ignorance.
"For the umpteenth time, we wish to re-iterate that the PDP is not only interested in functional devolution and equitable distribution of powers between the Federal, States and Local Government levels in the Country but we are equally working hard with all our elected representatives across the Country to restructure Nigeria for our common good.
"Finally, let the APC know that Nigerians cannot be deceived again with their antics. A Party that cannot stand on its promises and accept responsibilities to deliver dividends of democracy to the people as it promised cannot be entrusted with the Governance of this Country in future."
China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) says the phase one of Abuja Rail Mass Transit Project will be commissioned by December.
The Project Manager, Mr Kong Tao, said this while addressing newsmen who were on tour of the site at Idu, Abuja, on Tuesday.
Tao said that the rail transit, which cost 823 million dollars (about N299 billion), consisted of lots 1A and 3, covering 45km with 12 designed passengers' stations.
"The rail linked the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, to the Central Business District.
"The line of the rail mass transit is double-track line of right side running, and standard-gauge is 1435mm.
"Work on the large scale project is going on smoothly," he said.
According to him, it will be test-run by November and will be commissioned for public usage in December.
He said that the project, after completion, would generate employment and boost the commercial activities of the host communities.
"Abuja rail mass transit project is bound to accelerate the growth of national economy.
"The realisation of this large scale project will definitely deliver much benefits to the general public, such as better investment environment.
"It will also enhance better living condition, more employment, land value enhancement, energy saving and greater social responsibility," he said.
Tao, however, expressed concern about the vandalism of the rail facilities of the company.
"Despite the presence of security personnel, thieves still operate on weekly basis," he said.
He said that host communities often destroyed the perimeter fencing built to prevent trespassing on the rail track.
"This endangers lives as operational trains move constantly on the rail track.
"Safety is the most important thing in our operation. Even though we built fence to prevent trespass, they break it to cross the rail rack," he said.
Mr Femi Adesina, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, has said that those groups calling for the disintegration of Nigeria are only wasting their time as "Nigeria remains one.''
Adesina stated this on Tuesday in Abuja while receiving a coalition of South East youths group who stormed the Aso Rock Villa gate to declare support for President Muhammadu Buhari.
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Movement for Actualisation of Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) have been agitating for the creation of Biafra over alleged marginalisation of the south east zone of the country.
The Presidential aide described as untrue and false the insinuation by some mischief makers that the south east region was not in support of President Buhari's administration.
"The fact that a coalition from the south east region has come to mount this solidarity rally for him is very significant because some mischief makers always say that the south east region is not with the President. That is not true.
"It was in the south east region that he was given the name Okechukwu during the campaign. It was in the south east, Abia precisely that Eze Ikot Nne gave him a traditional title.
"So we know that every part of this country approves the leadership of President Muhammadu Okechukwu Buhari.
Adesina recalled that some youth groups from the south south region also embarked on similar solidarity rally in support of President Buhari.
He said: "This gives us confidence that no matter what anybody does, no matter the antics of people who plot mischief, Nigeria will remain one.
"You must have heard our President yesterday in his nationwide address when he said whatever it takes Nigeria will be kept together. And I tell you, whatever it takes this President he will keep the country together.
"Therefore, anybody who is planning something else should know that it's just a mere waste of time, is like beating a dead horse which is share waste of energy. Nigeria will remain one; President Muhammadu Buhari will keep the country together.
Adesina reassured that the Buhari administration would continue to ensure fair and equitable distribution of infrastructural facilities across the six geo-political zones of the country.
"And I also want to promise on his behalf that the south east will get its due during the President Muhammadu Okechukwu Buhari's Presidency.
"The roads in the region will be fixed, the second Niger Bridge will be done, everything, infrastructure, positions, offices, all that the centre needs to do for the region, the south east region will get its own fair share,'' he added.
He thanked the group for their support and promised to present their letter to the President.
The leader of the group, Steve Anyata, said they embarked on the solidarity rally to demonstrate their support for Buhari's administration.
Anyata called on the Federal Government not to ignore the quit notice slammed on the Igbos residing in the north by some youth groups.
He thanked God for the successful return of the President after his medical vacation in London.
Former acting governor of Taraba, Alhaji Garba Umar, on Tuesday dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC).Umar said in Jalingo at a meeting of APC Integrity Group on Tuesday, that he took the decision after consultations with political stakeholders in and outside the state.
Umar said that he had decided to join hands with like minded politicians to save the state from alleged bad governance.
''I can see future in APC, and if we work together as a team, the party will wrestle power from PDP in the state come 2019.
''I want to assure you that this is the APC and I am part of it one hundred per cent.
''I have decided to join my brothers of like minds to see how we can salvage the state come 2019.
''I assure you of my unwavering loyalty and willingness to make all necessary contribution for the success of this party and our mission,'' Umar said.
The former acting governor stated that he had made an arrangement to officially decamp along with hundreds of his supporters to the APC.
The Chairman of the APC Integrity Group, Alhaji Uba Maigari, said that the party was honoured to have the former acting governor and political appointees that served under him joining the party.
Maigari said Umar's goodwill and political connection would enhance APC's chances in the 2019 general elections.
Umar, fondly known as UTC, was chosen by the late Governor Danbaba Suntai as his deputy after the impeachment of the then Deputy Governor, Sani Abubakar.
He became the state's acting governor after Suntai's plane crash in 2012.
He was later sacked by the Supreme Court in 2014 when the apex court ruled that Abubakar 's impeachment was illegal and ordered his reintatement.
KANO- Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje of Kano state Tuesday distributed drugs, malaria test kits and treated mosquito nets worth over N350m to 748 healthcare facilities across the 44 local government areas of the state.
Ganduje
Similarly, no fewer than 11 motorized fumigation machines were also distributed for regular fumigation of the environment against mosquitoes.
Consequently, the state government has engaged the Services of 3000 health workers that included over a thousand workers.
Speaking during the distribution of the materials at the government house, Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje charged members of the general public on cleanliness saying it is the only way to guard against infection.
Ganduje reiterated the commitment of the state government in ensuring that the people of the state stay safe from menace of malaria.
''Already we have introduced one programme, ''keeping our drainages clean''. We are reconstructing our drainages, we're rehabilitating our drainages, we are making our drainages covered so that we can control the menace of mosquitoes, cockroaches and other infectious insects''.
Earlier in his speech the state's commissioner for health Dr Kabiru Ibrahim Getso described malaria as the common health problem in Kano accounting for over a million outpatient visits and consultations at the health facilities across the state every year.
According to him "In Kano malaria is the single most common reason for outpatient consultation and visits, it is estimated that in 2016 alone more than one million hospital visits are due to this preventable disease(malaria). In economic terms, malaria morbidity and mortality has led to loss of billions of naira in cost of drugs."
"Since the inception of this administration in 2015, Kano state government has consistently demonstrated its support and commitment to significantly reduce morbidity and mortality resulting from malaria.
ENUGU-A Chieftain of the All Progressive Congress, APC, in Enugu, Chief Gbazuoagu Nweke, has stated that the healing and return of the President, Muhammad Buhari, is for Nigerians to know that “God still has a good plan for them and for the President to continue his good leadership in the country”.
Chief Nweke, who made this known during a welcome cum solidarity rally for President Muhammad Buhari in Enugu, said that eighty percent (80%) of Nigerians are still doubtful of Buhari’s miraculous recovery.
The party stalwart said that both life and leadership are in God’s hands, and further warned Nigerians who wished the President dead on social media to desist from such act as God is the sole determinant of who should live and who should not.
“Today is a remarkable day in the history of this country as we celebrate the good health of our president and his coming back from London. The sickness and recovery of Mr President was just for him to appreciate that God still has a good plan for his good governance in Nigeria.
“80% of Nigerians are still in doubt as to what is happening but all I know is that life and leadership quality is in the hands of God”, he pointed out.
Also speaking at the rally, former APC, governorship aspirant in Enugu State, Chief Okey Ezea, urged Ndigbo to be strategic in their actions and embrace the Federal government to get a chance at the 2023 presidency.
He equally condemned the actions of some people in the South East during the 2015 general election who campaigned against the President on the basis that he was going to Islamize the country once he became president.
“Those of us supporting Buhari were called Boko Haram. They said that Buhari was coming to Islamize Nigeria. I did not agree with them because Nigeria was a secular country and since 2015, we have seen that there is no effort to do that”
Chief Ezea said that President Buhari will remain the President of Nigeria whether people like it or not, until the constitution demands him to step aside.
He promised that Enugu Chapter of All Progressive Congress, APC, would remain steadfast and gives maximum support to Buhari and APC administration.
“Ndigbo are fighting the Federal Government in the name of agitation and same time looking for presidency. We will only get the presidency in 2023 if we work together with the federal government.”
“Buhari will remain our president as the constitution demands whether anyone likes it or not. We want him to run for another tenure”, he concluded.
ENUGU-ENUGU State Police Command and sister security agencies have vowed to swing into action to mop-up all illegal firearms circulating in the state.
Commissioner of police, Muhammadu Danmallam, addressing the stakeholders during a one day security meeting held at Senior Officers Mess, Agbani Road, Enugu on Tuesday, said that police would not relent in stopping the circulation of illegal firearms.
He said that the security meeting had become necessary given some recent emerging security threat, the up-coming Ember months as well as the forthcoming councils election in the state in November.
Enugu State Commissioner of Police Mr. Danmallam Mohammed (3rd Left) with relevant security stakeholders after their meeting held at senior Police Officers Mess, Agbani Road Enugu.
The commissioner noted that a lot of illegal firearms and dangerous weapons were in the hands of many youths and even adults in the state.
“This ugly development has resulted to unfortunate incidents causing death of many promising young men and women.
“As we draw closer to the conduct of the local government elections in the state, I am of the opinion that all of us should think outside the box to see how this ugly monster can be checkmated,'' he said.
He said that the state police command was investigating alleged nefarious activities involving some members of neighbourhood watch groups; which included: kidnapping, armed robbery, rape, murder amongst others.
“The essence of this meeting is to re-awaken our consciousness on the reason why these neighbourhood watch groups are set up in the first place and proffer solutions that will ensure that their activities are always within the ambit of the law,'' he noted.
Danmallam said that Chief Security Officers (CSO) of tertiary institutions should retrace the step of giving pump action guns to their security personnel; adding: “My question is; for what reason? Has our tertiary institutions become theatre of war?''.
The commissioner, however, said that “Enugu State is relatively peaceful and we (police) are poised to continue to maintain the tempo and to improve, where necessary''.
According to him, we shall continue to appreciate the support of our dear governor, Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and the Inspector General of Police, Mr Ibrahim Idris, for providing the enabling environment and necessary logistics for us to perform.
“You will agree with me that the population of the state is increasing on a daily basis and as such both business and criminal activities are also increasing; therefore, there is need for us to re-strategies and synergies with relevant stakeholders to make sure that Enugu remains safe and secured,'' he said.
The meeting was attended by traditional rulers; leaders of Hausa, Fulani and Yoruba communities; top officers of state niegbourhood watch groups, retired military officers as well as top officers of sister security agencies in the state.
The state Commissioner for Poverty Reduction and Human Capital Development, Mr Obinna Mbaeke and retired Brig.-Gen. Fred Ezeh, the Special Adviser to Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi on Security Matters also attended the meeting.
The National Coalition of Niger Delta Ex-Agitators (NCNDE-A), has reiterated its support and solidarity for the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government.
National President of the coalition, Mr Eshanekpe Israel, said in a statement, that members of the coalition were elated after listening to Buhari's broadcast to the nation on Monday.
The statement was made available to newsmen on Tuesday in Abuja.
Israel noted that though the President's medical trip abroad elicited criticisms and negative comments from the opposition, his speech could not have been better delivered especially on hate speech.
Israel urged the Federal Government to ensure that those propagating hate speech in the country were arrested and brought to justice.
He said that Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) had flouted his bail conditions.
He said, "to let him off the hook could set a bad precedent in the nation.´´
The ex-militant said that Kanu should not be allowed to plunge the country into civil war.
He said that the silence of human right activists on Kanu's comments was becoming worrisome.
He called on human right activists and other well meaning Nigerians to support the Buhari-led administration in its fight against corruption.
Israel said that the fight against corruption was critical to enable the administration succeed in delivering democratic dividends to the people.
