2019: Atiku petitions Buhari over alleged threat to Life

…Demand Urgent Probe

By Dirisu Yakubu
ABUJA- Erstwhile Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has petitioned President Muhammadu Buhari over alleged threats to his life and those of his family members following his decision to contest the 2019 Presidential election.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, candidate in the forthcoming primaries of the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP)

Atiku, who is one of the aspirants on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) revealed this in a petition, he addressed to President Buhari, dated September 7, 2018.

The petition, enitled “Petition Over Criminal Intimidation And Threat To My Life, That Of Members Of My Family, And Cyber Stalking Using Mobile Phone Number 08148228704,” was copied to the PDP national chairman, Prince Uche Secondus.

In the Petition, Atiku requested additional police protection for his family and himself from the President stressing that his wife and daughters have received separate Short Message Service (SMS) from the mobile line warning that unless he backs out of the race, they would be raped and murdered.

Atiku said the author of the threat text message said his family was being closely monitored.

He called on President Buhari to order an urgent investigation into the matter pointing out that it could lead to serious breaches and may constitute real danger to national security, if not addressed.

He said “I present my highest compliments to the compliments to the president and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and have the honour to request Your Excellency kind review/investigation and urgent consideration of extra protection for my family and I against some criminal intimidation and threat to my life, that of my family, and the cyber stalking against my family and I, using telephone mobile number +2348148228704.”

Atiku in the petition, said the author threatened that if he doesn’t withdraw from the contest, “we will kill, rape your wife and daughters”, whom they identified as Mariam who worked at CBN and Fatima, the former commissioner in Adamawa State.

According to Atiku, the writer of the SMS also threatened: “We will blow your plane off the sky and we will poison you and your family. You are going to see what we will do with your family. We know where and where your children travel to.”

The petition further revealed that the author of the message also threatened to blow up all his property and those of his wives, saying, “We control the aviation towers in Nigeria and South Africa. We are in government and Buhari will win again. Your party members will never select you and if they do, we will assassinate you. We will kill you by blowing up your plane.”

In the separate text messages to the wife and daughter, the author, according to Atiku, asked them to ask him to shelve his Presidential intent.

The former Vice President however said “from the foregoing, Mr President can see that if adequate and urgent steps are not taken to identify and deal with these threats, it could lead to serious breaches and may constitute real danger to national security.

“Considering that this threats border on the right of my family and I to life as well as my freedom to aspire for and contest for the Presidency in Nigeria, I urge you to commence urgent investigation with a view to identifying the person (s) behind the threat, expose and prosecute the culprit (s) in accordance with the laws.

“I request that you ensure the continued protection of my rights to life, that of my family, my property and my rights and freedoms to associate and aspire to any political office as guaranteed under the 1999 Nigerian constitution (as amended),” he said.

Source:

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/09/2019-atiku-petitions-buhari-over-alleged-threat-to-life/

APC derailing from original principles, policies — Presidential aspirant

By Perez Brisibe

UGHELLI — A presidential aspirant on the platform of All Progressives Congress, APC, Alhaji Mumakai Unagha, has expressed worry that the party was fast derailing from its original principles and policies.

From left: Chairman of All Progressives Governors Forum, Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State; Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, President Muhammadu Buhari, Chairman of APC, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and others, during the APC National Executive Committee meeting at the party’s Secretariat in Abuja, yesterday. Photo: Gbemiga Olamikan.
The presidential hopeful also faulted the N45 million for the party’s presidential form, stressing that the amount was simply placing governance in the hands of the rich.
Alhaji Unagha, in a statement, yesterday, by his media aide, Issah Ahmed, noted that there was no justification for the increment, adding that it was a ploy to deny those with genuine interest to redeem downtrodden Nigerians from what they are passing through.

He also accused the National Working Committee, NWC, of the party of playing to the gallery and the presidency to undermine other aspirants, stressing that the position of the party has further confirmed speculations that President Muhammadu Buhari shall be the sole candidate of the party.

He said: “The NWC has contravened the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended, and 2011 Electoral Act as amended by unilaterally increasing the forms from its previous price during the 2015 general election to its current amount.

“It is based on this that we are calling for the urgent redress of the situation to avoid a collision course because we will not give up until justice is done as the APC is gradually derailing from its original principles and policies of a social political alignment and re alignment of the nation’s economy for which the party was formed.

“We believe that those who can now afford the forms are those who have been in the corridor of power in affluent with much worth to obtain the form.”

Source:

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/09/apc-derailing-from-original-principles-policies-presidential-aspirant/

BREAKING News: Court Dismisses Application Seeking To Stop Saraki's Removal As Senate President

 

File photo

According to Vanguard, the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, on Thursday, struck out a suit asking it to stop any attempt to reconvene the Senate for the purpose of removing Dr. Bukola Saraki as the Senate President.

Justice Nnamdi Dimgba terminated further hearing on the suit which was filed by two former All Progressive Congress, APC, Senators, Rafiu Adebayo and Isa Misau, following an application by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami, SAN.

At the resumed hearing of the case marked FHC/ABJ/CS/843/2018, no lawyer appeared on behalf of the plaintiffs.

Consequently, the AGF who was represented by Mr. T. D. Agbe, urged the court to strike out the case for want of deligent prosecution.

The AGF further prayed the court to award a cost of N10million against the plaintiffs who he accused of filing a frivolous suit.

He noted that the plaintiffs who were previously represented by a consortium of Senior Advocates of Nigeria led by Mr. Mahmud Magaji and Emeka Etiaba, were aware that the matter was slated for hearing.

“We apply for a substantial cost to be awarded against the plaintiffs to teach them a lesson. This court is not a play ground, it is a place for serious business”, the AGF submitted.

Counsel to both the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Kola Oluwole and that of the Department of State Service, Mr. Shimana Azeh, adopted the position of the AGF and requested that the case should be struck out.

In a short ruling, Justice Dimgba acceded to request of the Defendants and struck out the case for want of deligent prosecution.

The plaintiffs who are representing Kwara South and Bauchi Central, respectively, had alleged that some chieftains of their former party, APC, led by its National Chairman, Adams Oshiomohole and the AGF, had perfected plans to use security agencies to force Saraki to vacate his position as the Senate President.

They applied for an order of interlocutory injunction stopping any impeachment proceeding against Saraki, pending the determination of legal issues they posed before the court.

In a 13 paragraphed affidavit that was personally deposed to by Senator Misau, he told the court that the APC was collaborating with key security agencies and the AGF to ensure Saraki’s removal, notwithstanding the number of Senators in his support.

According to him, “Unless the Defendants and their agents are restrained by this Honourable Court from taking the law into their hands, the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria would not only be breached and violated by the Defendants but would also plunge the entire Country into a constitutional and social crisis of immense magnitude”.

The plaintiffs urged the court to among other things, determine whether, “In view of the combined reading of sections 50(1) (a), 53(1) (a) and 60 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and Rules 12 (2) of the Senate Standing Orders 2015 (as amended), the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, has the powers to regulate its proceedings including the power to adjourned its sitting to a date certain?

“Having regards to sections 50(1) (a), 53(1) (a) and 60 of the ‘ Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) read in coniunction with Rules 12 (2) of the Senate Standing Orders 2015 (as amended), whether any member of the Senate other than the President and Deputy President of the Senate can re-assemble the sitting of the Senate to an earlier or later date other than the adiourned date?

“Whether by virtue of the provision of the Rules 12(1), (2) and (3) of the Senate Standing Orders 2015 (as amended), it is the Senate President or in his absence the Deputy President of Senate that is vested with the exclusive powers to convene and give notice of the meeting of the Senate at any earlier date before or during the period of recess/break of the Senate, ending on the 25th September, 2018.

“Whether on a proper interpretation of Rule 12 paragraph 2 of the Senate Standing Order 2015 (as amended), the leaders of a single political party can validly direct the Senate President to reconvene the Senate sitting on an earlier date other than the date fixed for resumption of Plenary/ Sitting by the President of the Senate.

As well as, “Whether by virtue of the provisions of sections 4, 5 and 6 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria I999 (as amended), the Defendants other than the 2nd and 3rd (Saraki and Ike Ekweremadu) are statutorily empowered to issue directives to the lst, 2nd and 3rd Defendants to reconvene the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria after same was properly adiourned in accordance with the extant laws of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria”.

Aside praying the court to declare that only Saraki or in his absence, Ekweremadu that has the powers to give any notice for the purpose of reconvening the Senate before September 25, the Plaintiffs urged the court to abort any move by any other authority, to recall the Senate.

Cited as Defendants in the suit were the Senate, Saraki, Ekweremadu, Senator Ahmed Lawal (Senate Leader), Senator Bala Ibn Nallah (Deputy Senate Leader), Senator Emma Buacha (Deputy Minority Leader), Clerk of the Senate and Deputy Clerk of the Senate.

Others were the AGF, the IGP and the DSS.

The AGF had earlier challenged the jurisdiction of the high court to entertain the suit, even as he discribed the two lawmakers who recently defected to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, as “mischief makers”.

The AGF maintained that the plaintiffs failed to show how Saraki’s removal would affect their personal rights.

He further contended that the fact that Police summoned Saraki for interrogation with respect to the Offa robbery incident, was not sufficient ground for either the plaintiffs or Saraki himself to file action to consolidate his position in the Senate.

“My lord, I do not think this court is so free to allow itself to be used by mischief makers like the plaintiffs in this matter. The present suit as constituted has not shown any wrong done to the plaintiffs.

“We submit that the directives of the invitation of Dr Bukola Saraki to appear before the IGP for further investigation in line with paragraph 5(f) of the DPPF’s advice cannot create a cause of action in favour of either Saraki himself or the Applicants herein.

“It is pertinent to state that if there is a threat to powers of the Senate President as conferred on him by the constitution and the Standing Rules of the Senate, the first person to complain should be the Senate President and not the plaintiffs herein”, the AGF stated in his preliminary objection dated August 27.

Source:

https://www.tori.ng/news/106133/breaking-news-court-dismisses-application-seeking.html

Breaking: Buhari appoints Bichi as new DSS DG

By Johnbosco Agbakwuru

ABUJA – PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has approved with effect from the 14th of September, the appointment of Yusuf Magaji Bichi (fwc), as new Director-General of the Department of State Service (DSS).

Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari
A statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and publicity, Garba Shehu, said that the appointee is a core Secret Service operative.

He attended Danbatta Secondary School, the Kano State College of Advanced Studies and the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria where he graduated with a degree in Political Science.

The new Director-General began his career in the security division of the Cabinet Office in Kano, from where he joined the defunct Nigerian Security Organization (NSO), the precursor of the present DSS.

Mr. Bichi has undergone training in intelligence processing analysis, agent handling recruitment and intelligence processing in the UK, as well as strategic training at the National Defence College.

It added “The new DSS boss comes to the job with skills in intelligence gathering, research analysis, conflict management, general investigation, risk and vulnerability operations, counter intelligence and protective operation and human resources management.

“In the course of his career, Mr. Bichi has worked as the State Director of Security in Jigawa, Niger, Sokoto and Abia States.

“He was at various times the Director, National Assembly Liaison, (National War College), Director at National Headquarters in the Directorate of Security Enforcement, Directorate of Operations, Directorate of Intelligence, Directorate of Inspection and Directorate of Administration and Finance.” it stated

The new appointee also served as Director at State Service Academy.

“Mr Bichi is married and with children.” the statement said

Source:

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/09/breaking-buhari-appoints-bichi-as-new-dss-dg/

Fayose’s aide claims Ambode’s fight with Tinubu could be political gimmick

Lere Olayinka, the Special Assistant on New Media to Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State has claimed that the purported rift between Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode and the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, could be a “political marketing strategy”.

Olayinka wrote on his verified Twitter handle: “What if this Ambode/Tinubu matter is a Political Marketing Strategy?

“Just using my brain ni o. #Hissssssssh.”

Ambode’s quest to be re-elected for a second term may have run into troubled waters as 50 council chairmen loyal to Tinubu, his estranged godfather, have met and pledged their support for Jide Sanyaolu Sanwonolu, who is believed to be Tinubu’s preferred choice.

The council chairmen are the most influential grassroots mobilisers under the direct primary system adopted by APC, to pick governorship candidates.

In a video obtained by DAILY POST, all 57 local government chairmen signed up to support Sanwonolu. 

Source:

http://dailypost.ng/2018/09/13/fayoses-aide-claims-ambodes-fight-tinubu-political-gimmick/

Saraki meets Obasanjo, Abulsalami Abubakar [PHOTOS]

The Senate President, Bukola Saraki on Thursday met with former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Saraki, a Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Presidential aspirant met with Obasanjo in Ghana, during the burial ceremony of deceased former United Nations Secretary General, Koffi Annan.

The Senate President also met with former Military Head of State, Abdulsalami Abubakar.

Disclosing this in a tweet, Saraki’s spokesperson, Olu Enemola wrote:
“PHOTO NEWS: Senate President, Dr. Abubakar @BukolaSaraki and his wife, H.E. @ToyinSaraki, pay their last respects to the former United Nations Secretary-General, Kofi Annan. Today in Ghana.”

Real Madrid president not happy with Zidane’s intention to manage Manchester United

Zinedine Zidane’s ambition of returning to management with Manchester United, is not going down well with Real Madrid president Florentio Perez.

Spanish newspaper, El Confidencial, reports that Perez is “disturbed” by reports that the Zidane, who guided the club to three successive Champions League trophies, has set his sights on succeeding Jose Mourinho at Old Trafford.

Mourinho eased the pressure on himself with a 2-0 win at Burnley before the international break, but it is believed he is walking a tightrope.

Zidane is said to be “preparing himself” to take charge at Old Trafford and is said to be “expecting the call” from the club.

The Frenchman cited exhaustion as his reason for leaving the Bernabeu, despite Perez’s wishes that he stay on.

Source:

http://dailypost.ng/2018/09/13/real-madrid-president-not-happy-zidanes-intention-manage-manchester-united/

Cloud over PDP's offer to Otedola

There is a cloud of uncertainty over the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Lagos State.

Reports had indicated, yesterday that the PDP had offered the ticket to oil magnate, Femi Otedola, and that he had accepted to be the PDP flag-bearer in next year’s governorship poll in Lagos.

Otedola is son of a former governor of the state and is from the same Epe axis as the incumbent, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode.

The billionaire businessman has, however, dismissed the offer.

His media aide, who declined to be named, told Daily Sun, yesterday evening that “although an offer was made, he has not accepted it. He’s still consulting…”

Regardless, social media was awash with news that Otedola, had ‘accepted’ to run for governorship on PDP’s ticket.

Foremost journalist, Chief Dele Momodu, had also tweeted earlier yesterday that Otedola, who is on vacation abroad, would be running for the Lagos governorship ticket on PDP platform.

He wrote: “Breaking news: Lagos 2019 promises to be interesting. PDP offers Femi Otedola governorship ticket. He’s accepted and personally confirmed to The Boss newspaper.”

On his Instagram page, same day, Otedola shared a video of himself enjoying a ride in a miniature vehicle. He captioned the video: “Never too old to catch some fun … F.Ote.”

On Monday, Ambode declared his intention to seek re-election in 2019 on the platform of the All Progressives Congress. The governor told party faithful in Alausa, the seat of power in the state,after he picked his nomination form in Abuja, to join him to build a prosperous state driven by a vibrant economy, equity and justice.

But, the PDP has washed its hands of any offer of a governorship ticket to Otedola.

PDP National Publicity Secretary Kola Ologbondiyan told Daily Sun, in a telephone interview, that the party does not have the tradition of offering a governorship to anyone.

Ologbondiyan explained that PDP aspirants for various positions are expected to obtain nomination forms after which they will participate in a credible primary; to produce the party’s candidate, in any election.

He, however, said if Otedola is interested in the PDP governorship ticket in Lagos, he should buy the nomination forms to enable him participate in the primary election.

“Does the PDP offer ticket? If he wants to contest, he should come and collect a nomination form. PDP does not offer tickets. Aspirants on the platform of the PDP buy forms, go through credible primary election. There are people in Lagos who have bought forms for the primaries. We don’t offer tickets. We offer forms; if you interested, you come and buy and contest,” the PDP spokesman stated.

Reacting to the development, Lagos state chapter of the party, said it was unaware of the ticket being offered to Otedola or his acceptance of such.The state chapter, however, said it would be happy to see him aspire for the exalted position on the party’s platform.

A leader of the party and former Works minister, Senator Adeseye Ogunlewe, who spoke on the development said he was unaware of the latest development.

“I cannot confirm to you, yet whether he (Otedola) would be running on PDP ticket or not. I can assure you things will be clearer by tomorrow (today),” he said.

Source:

https://www.tori.ng/news/105976/cloud-over-pdps-offer-to-otedola.html