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Monday, September 17, 2018

EPL: Lukaku reveals what Mourinho told Man United players at halftime of 2-1 win over Watford

Manchester United striker, Romelu Lukaku has revealed what Jose Mourinho told his team at half-time during the 2-1 victory over Watford.
Mourinho’s men scored two goals in three minutes in the first half to inflict a first defeat of the season on Watford.
Lukaku scored the first goal for United, diverting an Ashley Young cross home with his chest, before Chris Smalling’s impressive volley made it 2-0.
Andre Gray reduced Watford’s deficit with a crisp strike past David De Gea midway through the second half but United held on for the victory, despite Nemanja Matic’s late red card.
“The manager said to us we were playing well but not great, he made us humble at half time,’ Lukaku told BT Sport after the win.
“We ground the result out, that’s what we need to do, to catch the teams above us. Credit to Watford. We were too sloppy but it’s another win and we have to keep going.
“We had a few good runs from Lingard, Sanchez and myself, I scored, Chris [Smalling] scored, we had to try and score a third but we were sloppy, we have to look again at the images.”
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‘How Atiku saved Obasanjo from near bankruptcy before he emerged president’

A new book has revealed how former Vice-President, Atiku Abubakar, saved ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo from near bankruptcy before he emerged president in 1999.

According to the new book, entitled ‘’Too Good to Die: Third Term and the Myth of the Indispensable Man in Africa,’ Atiku made all his resources available for Obasanjo’s presidential campaign.
The book, written by former chairman of National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, Chidi Odinkalu, and Ayisha Osori, author of ‘’Love Does Not Win Elections,” also revealed how Obasanjo beat late Alex Ekwueme to the presidential ticket of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the 1999 election.
Quoting an account from Atiku, the authors said the trio of Ibrahim Babangida, Theophilus Danjuma and Abdulsalami Abubakar wanted PDP to adopt Obasanjo as their presidential candidate “because they considered him the best person for the job.”
Obasanjo and Atiku
“Implicit in their position was their belief that they knew how to manipulate Obasanjo and the fact that Obasanjo did their bidding in 1979. They felt secure that he could be managed again,” the authors wrote.
Atiku was reportedly asked to join a team to Ogun to inform Obasanjo that he was going to run for the highest office in the land.
“When Atiku and Obasanjo discussed the call to serve as president, Obasanjo said he could not be president because he was a nearly bankrupt ex-convict. Atiku, through General (Aliyu) Gusau, paid money into Obasanjo’s account to begin his financial rehabilitation.
“Head of State Abdulsalami Abubakar helped out by granting him an unconditional pardon. Atiku put everything he had at his disposal to support Obasanjo’s emergence as the PDP presidential candidate and, when he joined the ticket as the vice-presidential nominee, continued to make his assets available to Obasanjo and the campaign.
“During a campaign stop in Atiku’s village, Jada, Adamawa State, Obasanjo spent a night in Atiku’s home. When he woke up the next day, he reportedly asked Atiku when he built the house and, to Atiku’s response, reportedly retorted: “(I) will never be poor again,’’ the book recounted.
Atiku served as vice-president to Obasanjo from 1999 to 2007. He aspired to succeed Obasanjo in 2003 but the elder statesman went ahead to  complete another term.
By 2007 when Obasanjo’s second term ended, both men had fallen apart. Obasanjo’s plan to go for a third term was also said to have worsened their dispute.
Obasanjo recently kicked against Atiku’s presidential ambition, saying the former vice-president “can never enjoy” his support for a political office.
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Presidency reacts as EFCC tells Customs to watch, arrest Fayose

The Presidency has reacted to a letter by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), instructing the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, to monitor and arrest Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose anytime he wants to run away from the country.
DAILY POST had reported that the agency in a letter signed by its Acting Chairman, Ibrahim Magu, to the Comptroller-General of Customs, urged the service to place the outgoing Ekiti governor on the watch list and ensure he does not escape.
Reacting to the development, Buhari’s Aide on Social Media, Lauretta Onochie on her Twitter page called on Nigerians to join hands with the EFCC to ensure Fayose defends his integrity or lack of it.
She assured Nigerians that corruption under the Buhari administration will be defeated in high places.
Onochie wrote “It’s not just the customs; every Nigerian should stand by EFCC so Gov. Ayo Fayose is given the opportunity to defend his integrity or lack of it.
“Together, we will defeat corruption in high places.”
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Ambode battles Sanwo-Olu for Lagos APC guber ticket

By Emmanuel Aziken, Political Editor, Dapo Akinrefon, Olasunkanmi Akoni & Monsuru Olowoopejo

LAGOS — Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, was last night fighting the odds for a second term ticket in the All Progressives Congress, APC, after his subordinate, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, angling to unseat him gathered the Lagos political establishment to hear his political manifesto.
Ambode and Sanwo-Olu
Sanwo-Olu is currently an appointee of Governor Ambode, having been appointed by the embattled governor as Managing Director of Lagos State Property Development Corporation, LSDPC.
Sanwo-Olu’s declaration was witnessed by an intimidating cross-section of the Lagos political establishment, including Senator Gbenga Ashafa, who remarkably, had earlier endorsed Ambode alongside two other Lagos senators.
Ashafa, who is fighting a political battle of sorts for his senatorial seat was joined by members of the House of Representatives, state legislators and the 57 local government chairmen at the declaration where he vowed complete loyalty to the people and the party leadership.
Among other prominent personalities at the brief ceremony, held at City Hall, Lagos Island were Mr. James Faleke, representing Ikeja Federal Constituency, in the House of Representatives; Chief Demola Seriki, former Minister of State, Defence; Wale Edun, former Commissioner for Finance; Chief Sunday Ajose, former Head of Service and Vice-Chairman, Lagos West APC; Wahab Alawiye, former Lagos Island council boss and former member, Lagos State House of Assembly; Cardinal James Odunmbaku, Chief Sunny Ajose, Alhaji Abdulai Enilolobo, Chief Kaoli Olusanya, APC Vice-Chairman, Dr. Tola Kasali, Mr. Tayo Ayinde, Director General, campaign organisation for Sanwo-Olu, who was also Chief Detail to former Governor Bola Tinubu; Lola Essen who is the Chairman of Conference 57, comprising all the council chairmen, Kayode Omiyale, and Rotimi Agunsoye.
Reaching out for survival
Supporters of Governor Ambode, who are yet to give up the battle, were also making their way towards appeasing their foes with a subtle warning that the crisis could open the state to the forays of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.
The Ambode camp, it also emerged yesterday, was also desperately trying to reach out to Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State who is said to have a strong influence on the Mandate Group, the grassroots machinery of the party that is stoking the revulsion against Ambode.
The Ambode camp, while claiming that their problems originated from Aregbesola apparently because of what they claimed as the Lagos governor’s refusal to support a bid by Aregbesola for the Lagos West senatorial seat, were nevertheless still reaching out to the Osun governor.
“Yes, people are talking to Aregbesola because if he can talk to his people this whole problem will settle,” one source said.
The perception in the Ambode camp, Vanguard gathered, flowed from the reported opposition of the Lagos governor to the alleged senatorial bid of Aregbesola for the Lagos West Senate ticket.
Following his shuttle to Abuja, Ambode, Vanguard gathered yesterday, had returned to Lagos after bringing President Muhammadu Buhari to cause Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo and APC National Chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole to plead his case to Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The pleas, Vanguard gathered, did little to change the situation on the ground where the issues against the governor had sufficiently mobilised the party grassroots against him.
“Everything has been done to save the man but the foot soldiers are determined against the return of the man, and they are unyielding,” a source privy to the talks between Tinubu, Osinbajo and Comrade Oshiomhole on the issue said yesterday.
The source added that the grassroots had firmly given Tinubu the choice of choosing between it and the embattled governor.
Other options
An alternative for the Ambode Camp which was yet to be exploited was the option of teaming up with the Babatunde Fashola Camp in Abuja, but the prospect of that was still very remote given the reported distance between Ambode and his predecessor.
A source, who confided in Vanguard, said: “The governor is not resting on his oars as he is making attempts to reach out to the likes of Raji Fashola and Dr. Muiz Banire, who he feels can assist him in actualising his ambition. The governor knows that Fashola, Banire and some aggrieved leaders of the party are not pleased with Asiwaju Tinubu and that is why he is reaching out to them because as the saying goes, the enemy of my enemy is my friend.”
Tribute to Tinubu, others
Sanwo-Olu, who had the wind in his sails yesterday, spoke with confidence as he lauded earlier leaders of the state like Herbert Macaulay, Kitoye Ajasa, Dr. Adeniyi Jones, Mobolaji Johnson, Lateef Jakande among others. He also paid his tribute to the man he said laid the foundation for the modernisation of the state, Tinubu.
“Modern Lagos, since the inception of this administration, is blessed with innovators and visionary leaders. That is why I must recognise the man that led in the modernisation of Lagos and a celebrated tactician, our National Leader of APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.
“I feel privileged to be part of that process that made it happen. I assure you that it shall continue to be the road map when I become the next civilian governor of the state.
“I wish to commend Governor Babatunde Fashola for his contributions and his glorious path. I am inspired by the courage and achievements of all the leaders who have charted the path and development of Lagos State.”
“When I look back at my experience in the public service, I realised that God had prepared me for this moment. I served the state government in many capacities.”
While declaring that God had prepared him for the moment, he promised to tackle the particular challenges that had lately confronted Lagosians, notably environmental waste, bad roads and the disconnect between the people and the government that had particularly frayed nerves among the grassroots.
The manifesto
He said: “The manifesto of our party promises a welfare programme by building the capacity of our economy so that we can provide jobs for the youths and make the country stable and secure.
“These values are the things that I believe in, and I am ready to defend it. I will ensure its propagation. If elected as the next Governor of Lagos State, I shall immediately embark on the full restoration of the glory of the state and make the people the cornerstone of government.
“I will restore the environment that has become the source of serious anxiety to Lagosians. I will relieve residents of Lagos State of the persistent gridlocks and hiccups that have made life brutish and nasty for all of us.
“Our government’s focal point shall be to provide the greatest good for the greatest number of the people of Lagos State. I have invited you all here to join me on this journey to take Lagos to a new dimension by transforming the manifesto of our party to the programme of action.
“I am sending a clarion call to all our members that there is a lot to be done to achieve a Lagos of our dream. I present myself as a capable and competent and tested hand to make Lagos greater.
Declaring his loyalty to the people and party leadership, he said: “Loyalty in my view is the currency of politics. I shall be loyal to the people of the state and leadership of the party.
“I urge my party members to join me in elevating the state in all facets of human endeavours through improvement and enlightenment.”
Amid chanting of “Change for Progress,” from the crowd, Seriki, former Minister of State (Defence) gave the vote of thanks and stressed that the declaration by Sanwo-Olu would help change the history of the state.
He, however, urged party members and his loyalists not to rest on their oars, saying, “we must start the campaign vigorously for him (Sanwo-Olu), and this must start from here, Lagos central.”
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FIRS freezes 6,772 accounts, generates N3.5 trillion in eight months

FIRS

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has said it generated N3.5 trillion for Federal Government between the months of January and September 2018.The Executive Chairman, FIRS, Tunde Fowler, who disclosed this in Lagos, during a stakeholders meeting, said the amount generated was N1trillion higher than the revenue it recorded in the corresponding period of 2017.
 
While reeling out the statistics that showed how the agency has fared since 2016, Fowler stated that FIRS had a bank turnover of more than N5 billion from those who have not paid taxes.He said the 23 banks the agency has so far analysed, there were about “31,395 records, out of which, effectively, minus duplications, we have 18,602” that attracted attention.
 
“We broke these into three categories- those that have Taxpayer Identification Numbers (TIN); those that have no TIN and of course, no TIN, no payment; and those that have TINs and are not even paying anything.”According to him, the total number of “TINs and no pay,” and “no TIN and no pay” is 6,772, which would soon have their accounts frozen or put under substitution, pending when they come forward.
 
“First of all, they refused to come forward in 2016; they also refused to come forward under the Voluntary Assets and Income Declaration Scheme (VAIDS) and now, we are putting them on notice that it is their civic responsibility to pay taxes and to file all audit accounts.”He said that government would sell properties built and developed in corporate names across the country on which taxes were not being paid. He however, admitted that some have paid when contacted, but warned that FIRS “will go to court to get approval or court order to sell those properties”, whose owners are irresponsive. We are not only doing that in Abuja, but also in Lagos. We are currently going to Osun, Oyo, Kaduna and eventually, we will cover the whole federation.”
 
While calling on banks to support the service, the FIRS chief announced that the service has come up with a consolidated data base for all tax payers in Nigeria, which he said would be ready before the end of the month of September.
 
Meanwhile, Fowler stated that the service would commence audit of taxpayers across the country, to ensure increased tax revenue collection, improved service delivery to tax payers and enhanced voluntary compliance.Some of the stakeholders, who commended the service for the efforts made to deepen tax administration in the country, urged that taxes collected by relevant government agencies be appropriately remitted, while the issue of multiple taxation across tiers of government be adequately addressed.
The Head of Tax at KPMG, Wole Abayomi, explained the need for tax reforms and bemoaned the  10-year period it took after the previous tax reforms was done, saying it should now be a yearly affair.He also expressed worry that three months after VAIDS’ deadline, no action has been taken by government, “so that those paying their tax accurately would not feel shortchanged.”
A representative of Andersen Tax, Chinedu Ezomike, canvassed guidelines on how small businesses in the informal sector can be helped to pay taxes without affecting their operations negatively.

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EFCC places Fayose on watch list, customs alerts commands

Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose

strong>• Action irresponsible, says Ekiti State gov
• Denies committing state to N117b debt
• Asks DMO, banks to publish indebtedness
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday said it had placed Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Ayodele Fayose, on the watch-list.This was contained in a letter written and signed by Chairman of the Commission, Mr. Ibrahim Magu, to the Comptroller-General of Customs dated September 12, 2018 titled: “Request for watch-listing of person, case of conspiracy, abuse of office, official corruption, theft and money laundering.
The letter read in part: “The under-listed suspect is under investigation in connection with the above mentioned offences and there is reasonable suspicion suggesting that he may likely leave the country either through the land border, airports or seaports to evade investigation. Hence, you are kindly requested to watch-list and arrest him.
The Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) has also directed its offices, including zonal, area and other levels to monitor Fayose and report to the EFCC if seen.But Special Adviser to Governor Ayodele Fayose on Communication and New Media, Lere Olayinka, said: “That would be irresponsible of the EFCC and the APC-led Federal Government. Meanwhile, Fayose has denied committing the state to any debt either by taking bond or borrowing from any financial institution since he assumed office for the second term on October 16, 2014 till date.
He, therefore, challenged anyone, financial institution or the Debt Management Office (DMO) and his accuser, the All Progressives Congress (APC), to publish any debt he owed on behalf of the state since he assumed office. Fayose, who stated this at the weekend during a press briefing in the new governor’s office while reacting to allegation by the transition committee set up by the APC’s governor-elect, John Kayode Fayemi, that the state’s debt profile according to the data they allegedly obtained from the DMO currently stands at N117 billion, dismissed such claims as “cheap blackmail and lies from the pit of hell.”
Besides, the governor also justified the purchase of a new vehicle for himself and approval of severance packages for his deputy and himself.He said: “In my first tenure, I left N10.4 billion in the covers of government, but I started this administration on October 16, 2014 with huge debt incurred by my predecessor, John Kayode Fayemi.
“The last administration of Fayemi took N25 billion bond and N32 billion commercial loan and the state will pay the bond until year 2022. The commercial loan was restructured like it was done for other states.“When Fayemi was leaving as governor in 2014, he left with a car and so did other governors before him. So, you can’t expect me not to have a befitting car when I leave office.”
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115 Ogun indigent students get Dangote’s N25m scholarship

By Mod - 3 hours ago - [ Update Vanguard ]

By Daud Olatunji
ABEOKUTA—NO fewer than 115 indigent students in Ogun State have benefited from N25 million scholarship from Dangote Cement PLC.
The 115 students were drawn from host communities of the Dangote Ibese plant in Ewekoro and Yewa North Local Government areas of the state.
The Plant Manager of the Ibese Plant, Amando Martinez while speaking with newsmen, said the gesture was part of the efforts to contribute to the educational development of the state.
Alhaji Aliko Dangote
Martinez explained that the beneficiaries were 100 students from tertiary institutions from across the country and 15 secondary school students in the 15 host communities.
He said: “We cherish education and one of the ways through which we can impact our society is to give unfettered access to education which is why we are giving them scholarship.
“This is an opportunity that every beneficiary should make use of.   We have decided to award scholarships to a total of 115   students from 15 host communities. They include 100 tertiary institution students and 15 secondary school pupils.
General Manager, Human Asset Management and Admin of Dangote, Abdulmalik Shehu admonished the recipients of the scholarship to desist from all societal vices.
He said: “Don’t do drugs. Don’t give your parents sleepless nights. Be a pride to your parents. Work hard and be good ambassadors of Dangote Cement, these host communities and your families.”
“When you graduate, think out of the box, opportunities may arrive for you everyday. Employment is no more readily available for people anymore.”
“How you use what you’ve learnt as students is what matters. The application of what you have learnt should be your focus,” Shehu added.
The Olu of Imasayi, Oba Gbadebo Oni said, “this scholarship cuts across the whole country, this is a one of its kind humanitarian works. Dangote is putting programmes and projects on the ground for the young ones to tap into.
“The technical colleges also create opportunities for our youths to be trained and employed. This is building up the Nigeria of tomorrow.”
Also speaking at the event, the Olu Aga of Aga Orile, Oba Kayode Kushoro said the gesture by Dangote is worth bequeathing to the coming generation.
One of the recipients, Aminat Akinsanya, a post-graduate student of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta said the scholarship award will help her put more attention on her studies.
“We promise to make you proud. We will be consistent in our studies. Most of us have been struggling to make ends meet. This gesture will help and allow us to concentrate more on our studies.
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Oil marketers, companies to be arraigned in court over alleged $8.4 million fraud

Two oil marketers, Yusuf Kwande and Osahon Asemota as well five companies have been charged before Justice Mojisola Dada of an Ikeja Special Offences Court over alleged $8.4 million fraud.

Charged along the two oil tycoon are five companies, namely Trafigura Beheer BV, Trafigura PTE Ltd, Mettle Energy and Gas Ltd, Renbrandt Ltd and Jil Engineering and Oil Services Ltd. They are to be arraigned on a three-count charge of conspiracy to commit a felony, stealing and receiving stolen property. 
The prosecuting counsel, Mr. E.A. Jackson of Special Fraud Unit (SFU), an arm in the Nigerian Police Force, alleges that the defendants committed the offences in 2008 in Lagos. 
According to the charge sheet, the two defendants: Kwande and Asemota, alongside Trafigura PTE Ltd, Mettle Energy and Gas Ltd and Renbrandt Ltd committed the offence of stealing between October 22 and December 15, 2008.
The SFU alleged that at the office of Trafigura Beheer BV located at 20A Sinaro Daranijo St., off Ligali Ayorinde St., Victoria Island, Lagos, they fraudulently converted 6.4million metric tonnes of Automated Gas Oil (AGO). The allegedly stolen AGO is worth $8.4 million belonging to Nadabo Energy Ltd. 
The SFU is also alleging that another company – Jil Engineering and Oil Services Ltd fraudulently received the stolen AGO, which had been under the legal custody of Spring Bank, Victoria Island, Lagos. The offences contravene Sections  383(1), 427 and 516 of the Criminal Code 2004.Justice Dada, however, is yet to fix a date to hear the case, which was assigned to her court during the annual vacation, which ended on September 11.

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ADC will oust APC, shock PDP, says Nwosu

All Progressive Congress (APC) rally in Iwo… yesterday

• Akinbade tasks INEC, observers on credible poll
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has promised to oust the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and also shock the major opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the forthcoming election.
At its convention themed “Building a Model Disciplined Political Party” which drew 5,600 delegates to Osogbo at the weekend, the party boasted that its candidate, Alhaji Fatai Akinbade, would defeat the APC and PDP candidates to emerge winner if the election will be free and fair.National Chairman of the ADC, Chief Ralph Nwosu, said the programme was held in the state to boost the efforts of the party’s campaign team by telling Osun people that there could be no better candidate to govern the state in the next four years than Akinbade and his running mate, Justice Folahanmi Oloyede (rtd).
“On September 22, I assure you that the good people of Osun State, who have been yearning for good, inclusive and responsible governance, will shun money politics, no matter the billions being put aside for vote buying by the ruling government and others. They will vote their conscience. “Some people have said ‘take their money, it is your right, but vote your conscience and don’t mortgage your future.’ Whatever the case may be, I know, from what we have seen here, the turnout at our different rallies, the different letters by support groups, that the ruling party will be shocked at the outcome of the election.
“The people know who has represented them well, those who have not stolen government money and are here to serve the people and take them out of poverty. Akinbade has demonstrated all through his years in service that his priority is Osun people and nothing else. His deputy has even sacrificed her career, defending workers’ rights. They have not forgotten this, and are waiting for September 22 to right the wrongs with their votes,” Nwosu said.Meanwhile, Akinbade has charged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), observers and other stakeholders to ensure that the election slated for September 22 is free, fair and credible.
Akinbade particularly implored INEC to make good its pledge to make the election credible by checkmating vote buying and other shenanigans identified during the governorship poll held two months ago in Ekiti State.
The ADC candidate spoke while playing host to a group of international election observers from South Africa under the aegis of Pan African Women Project headed by Dr. Eno Udensi.He said the charge had become expedient in view of the alleged growing apprehension by the people that the coming election might be rigged in favour of the ruling party.
In a statement by his media office, Akinbade said: “Though INEC has been assuring us that it would conduct a free and fair election, by, especially, checking vote buying and other related electoral crimes, we want them to actualise this by matching words with action. We don’t want the commission’s assurances to be a smokescreen at the end of the day.”
The former secretary to the state government noted that of late, rumour had been rife of plans to by the commission to compromise the election in favour of a particular party.“I am appealling to you observers and other related stakeholders that will be involved in our election, to ensure the natural votes of the people was not fractured under any guise.”
Akinbade said the ADC, as a party, was prepared not only to participate in the election, but to come out victorious “having been adjudged by the people as the best” among the contending parties angling for the coveted governorship seat.He promised that the ADC would not be involved in any untoward electoral activity, advising all those that would pilot the affairs before and after the election to be unbiased umpires. The candidate warned that any form of underhand dealing in the contest could brew contempt and crisisEarlier, Udensi said they were working round the clock to ensure the election is hitch-free, adding that vote buying and other related electoral crimes would be closely monitored.
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Benin monarch tasks Saraki on peace between legislature, executive

By Gabriel Enogholase

BENIN—OBA of Benin, Omo N’Oba Ewuare II, has called on the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, to use his office to ensure that peace and order reign between the National Assembly and the executive arm of government.
The Benin monarch said traditional rulers in the country were uncomfortable and worried about the crisis involving the National Assembly and the executive.
The Oba, who gave the advice while receiving the Senate President in his palace in continuation of his (Saraki) visit to Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, delegates ahead of the party’s October national convention, said Nigerians expected much from the legislators and urged them to work towards realising that objective.
Earlier, Saraki told the Oba that he was in Benin City to meet with members of PDP in pursuant of his presidential ambition.
He added that he considered it very important to visit the Oba’s palace to inform him of his ambition and seek his blessings.
Oba of Benin also called on political leaders to ensure that 2019 elections are free, fair and peaceful, pointing out that whoever losses should regard it as victory for democracy, instead of promoting violence in the polity.
On the call for restructuring of the country, he said that the issue should not be allowed to heat up the system.
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Don’t leave APC after primaries, El-Rufai begs aspirants

Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai

• Chieftain, supporters defect to PRP
Ahead of the All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries, Governor Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna State has appealed to aspirants in the state not to leave the party after the primaries.However, some of the party members, who felt that only direct primaries could throw up credible candidates for the 2019 general elections, have registered their protest.
El-Rufai, while speaking at the Kaduna APC Emerging Youth Summit at the weekend, craved the indulgence of all aspirants to support whoever emerges as the party’s candidate, for it to win the general election.
The governor said instead of leaving the party, it would be better for them to rally behind whoever wins the primary elections, while they bid their time.By supporting the party to win, he said, those who lose APC primaries are also paving way for getting appointments.
Said he: “We have many people aspiring for different positions under APC in the state, and among them, only one person will emerge in the primary. If you lose out from the primary, try to support whoever emerges and wait for your time.”
Meanwhile, former director-general of the Buhari Campaign Organisation in Kagarko Council of Kaduna, Shunom Adinga, has defected to the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), citing lack of democracy dividends in the state.
The APC chieftain and his supporters joined PRP during a rally in the council at the weekend. Adinga also alleged that “the current mandate of the Kagarko council chairman on the platform of the APC is a stolen one.”
While advising the council chairman to better the lives of the people in the area, Adinga said he should use the opportunity to do justice to all and sundry regardless of party affiliation.Disclosing his ambition to represent Kagarko in the House Assembly in the 2019, he added: “Regardless of the party affiliation, I am offering myself for effective and qualitative representation.”Chairman of PRP in Kagarko, John Abubakar, welcomed Adinga, stating that such act would attract development to the area.

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When Leonardo Da Vinci, Machiavelli and Cesare Borgia met

…the artist, the philosopher and the warrior

By Osa Mbonu
Philip of Macedonia, father of Alexander the Great, as many of us know, was also a great conqueror. Alexander grew up crying that his father, Philip, had conquered the whole world, leaving none for him to conquer. Nevertheless, the young Alexander later found enough unconquered lands and people to overrun and subdue.
Philip did something strange during his lifetime when he was moving from one tent to another in the battlefields. He employed a young man and assigned to him a weird duty: to wake him up every morning and say to him: “Philip of Macedonia, remember that one day you will die.”
The horrified servant protested to his master, saying it was not a pleasant way for anyone to wake up in the morning. But it was for Phillip, and he compelled the servant to carry out his assigned duty. So, every morning, the servant entered into the general’s tent and woke him up and said to him: “Philip of Macedonia, remember that one day you will die.”
Philip was a wise man, for when men have become great, or made some level of transient achievements (for all human achievements are ephemeral) they tend to forget that one day they will die.
If these four protagonists – Leonardo Da Vinci, Niccolo Machiavelli, Cesare Borgia and especially, Rodrigo Borgia who later became Pope Alexander VI – had constantly had it mind that one day they will die, or even fall before their dying day, they probably would have acted differently.   They need little or no introduction for those who are abreast with history. Their intersecting lives and the world they tried to shape are documented by Paul Strathern in his great book titled “The artist, the philosopher, and the warrior”.
The scene is Florence, a city-state of Italy, and the story begins with the birth of Leonardo Da Vinci and the beginning of his career as an artist and military engineer. Then enters Machiavelli, who was born on May 3, 1469 to an impoverished lawyer, Bernardo. Through his observation of the political events of his days, Machiavelli became convinced that events are determined by the character of the leader, but that even the most inspirational of leaders was nothing, unless he had a means to combat his enemies and retain power, of which only the power of arms could do.
Rodrigo Borgia (Pope Alexander VI)
It may sound blasphemous to say that a Pope is evil, a rogue, treacherous and a murderer. But these are even not enough venomous words to describe the father of Cesare Borgia, Rodrigo Borgia who later became Pope Alexander VI.
The Borgias were originally Spanish and therefore regarded as outsiders in Italy, the real owners of the papacy. In September 1475, Cesare was born to Cardinal Rodrigo Borgia by one of his numerous mistresses, Vannozza de’ Cattanei. The Cardinal had other sons and daughters from other mistresses but Vannozza was a strong-willed woman and she made sure that the children she bore for the Cardinal were more loved by their father and his chief beneficiaries than his other children. Cesare was educated for entry into the Church. He was taught Latin, and at age 6 Cardinal Rodrigo Borgia prevailed on Pope Sixtus IV to grant Cesare a “dispensation” from his illegitimacy which would qualify him for ecclesiatical offices. Besides other strings of lucrative benefices obtained for Cesare, who had not even taken any holy order, by his father, at age 15, Cesare was made the Bishop-elect of Pamplona, the capital of the Spanish kingdom of Navarre which resulted in a serious uprising by the angry citizens of Pamplona who saw the appointment of a 15 year old boy to be their Bishop as insult to them and their kingdom.
By hook, crook and fraud, Cardinal Rodrigo Borgia continued to advance his own career in the Church. He wangled his way to become the vice-chancellor, a position that enabled him to amass great wealth and became one of the most powerful figures in Rome.
“Although Cardinal Borgia may have lived a louche life,” Strathern writes, “he made sure he always attended the consistory, when the cardinals met to discuss the business of the Church. A man of intelligence and cunning, he quickly gained an expert knowledge of the financial dealings of the Church and of the power politics involved in its operations.”
There are testimonies to the wittiness of Cesare’s mind both in school and ordinary life, but he had no inclination whatsoever for the priesthood.
In July 1492, the reigning Pope Innocent VIII died and on August 5, the cardinals embarked on their secret conclave to elect his successor. Just as it is in the worldly politics, possibly more, horse-trading, briberies, and treacheries attended the papal election, and Cardinal Borgia proved to be a master in such evil maneuverings. At the previous election in 1484, he had been out-maneuvered by some cabals and had lost to Innocent VIII. Once again, the cardinal found himself being blocked by the same forces. At 61, Cardinal Rodrigo Borgia realized that it was his last chance of becoming the pope.
For five days, the intense discussion continued, with no sign of resolving the deadlock. Eventually it emerged that the balance was held by Cardinal Ascanio Sforza.
“On the night of August 10,” the contemporary diarist Stefano Infessura recorded, “four mules laden with treasure were observed leaving Cardinal Borgia’s palazzo for that of Cardinal Sforza…during those days, the withdrawals from the Spannocchi Bank in Rome, where Cardinal Borgia deposited his money, were so massive that the bank itself almost went under. On the morning of August 11…it emerged – to widespread astonishment – that Cardinal Ascanio Sforza had decided to cast his vote (and those of his faction) for Cardinal Rodrigo Borgia, who was consequently elected as the new pope and took the name Alexander VI…the pope’s annual income around this time was around 300,000 ducats, and the selling of rich benefices could amount to even more than this sum. Previous conclaves had been known to be corrupt, with money used to influence voting, but this occasion was generally reckoned to have been the first time in history when the papacy was simply bought outright.
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Sanwo-Olu promises to build on Tinubu, Fashola’s legacies

Former Minister of State for Defence, Demola Seriki (left); All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant in Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; his wife, Ibijoke, and party chieftain, James Odunmbaku, during Sanwo-Olu’s formal declaration in Lagos…yesterday.

All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant for Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has promised to build his vision of taking the state to greater heights on the foundation laid by former governors, Bola Tinubu and Babatunde Fashola, if he wins the party’s ticket and eventually elected in 2019.
Speaking during his official declaration to contest the APC ticket with Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, at the City Hall yesterday, the former Commissioner for Commerce and Industry said he would restore the environment that has become the source of worry to Lagosians.
The aspirant, who is believed to be enjoying the backing of APC national leader, Tinubu, said he would work according to the party manifesto, which promised welfare package to the people.His words: “These values are the things that I believe and ready to defend. I will ensure their propagation. And they drive my present desire.
“If elected governor of Lagos next year, I will immediately embark on full restoration of the glory of the state by making the people the cornerstone of government.”
He said his administration would address the persistent gridlocks that make life nasty on the roads.
“My focal point shall be to provide the greatest good for the greatest number of the people of Lagos. I have invited you all here to join me in this journey, to take Lagos to new dimension by transforming the manifesto of our party to the programme of action.“I am making a clarion call to all our members that there is a lot to be done to achieve a Lagos of our dream. I present myself as a capable, competent and tested hand to make Lagos greater.”
“I promise to be a true party man in the real definition of the words and in running an inclusive government according to the ideology of APC and long term benefit of citizens.“Loyalty, in my view, is the currency of politics. I shall be loyal to the people of the state and leadership of the party,” he promised.

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Outcome of Osun governorship election ’ll shock APC- Says ADC

.Holds National convention, adopts new construction
By Olasunkanmi Akoni
The African Democratic Congress has said that the ruling All Progressives Congress will be shocked at the outcome of the September 22, 2018 in Osun State governorship elections, as its candidates will emerge victorious.
The National Chairman of the party, Chief Ralphs Nwosu said this, at the weekend, during the ADC National Convention, with the theme, “Building a Model Disciplined Political Party,” which drew 5,600 delegates to Osogbo, Osun State.
He said, “We brought our National Convention to Osun, to boost the efforts of our 90-man campaign team, and tell Osun people that they have no better candidate for the governorship seat other than our tested and trusted candidate, Alhaji Fatai Akinbade and his Deputy, Rtd. Justice Folahanmi Oloyede.
“On September 22, I assure you that the good people of Osun State, who have been yearning for good, inclusive and responsible governance, will shun money politics, no matter the billions being put aside for vote buying by the ruling government and others. They will vote their conscience. Some people have said, ‘take their money, it is your right, but vote your conscience and don’t mortgage your future.’ Whatever the case may be, I know – from what we have seen here, the turnout at our different rallies, the different letters by support groups – that the ruling party will be shocked at the outcome of the election.
“The people know who has represented them well, those who have not stolen government money and are here to serve the people and take them out of poverty. Akinbade has demonstrated all through his years in service that his priority is Osun people and nothing else. Needless to say that his deputy has even sacrificed her career, defending workers’ rights. They have not forgotten this, and are waiting for September 22 to right the wrongs with their votes.”
The new consitution of the party was affirmed and adopted by all delegates at the convention just as the national Organising Secretary of ADC, Dr. Mani Ibrahim, reminded members that the unique selling point of the party was that “it is the fastest growing political party in Nigeria today, which is absolutely members-driven and members-funded.”
“There is no single money bag; we are all financiers. So, this is your party, own it, and decide. We will not go the way of other parties. We will stick to our guiding principles, ethics, which centre around the greatness of Nigeria through purposeful leadership,” he stressed.
The national chairman reiterated that the party’s Coalition for Electoral Integrity was a vehicle to sensitise Nigerians against vote buying and electoral corruption and detoxify the electoral environment.
He commended former President Olusegun Obasanjo for his invaluable guidance, which had seen the party growing stronger.
Nwosu said, “We need to appreciate the wise guidance of former President Olusegun Obasanjo. He has chosen to guide us and to advise us, so that we will not go the way of other political parties. Baba is a highly influential former President and he is on first name basis with most other leaders and former presidents. It is a good thing to have such personality guiding us.
“We went to a gathering of leaders recently, and there were over 12 African presidents on queue, waiting to discuss with him. We are lucky to have him. Our party is specially blessed with people of impeccable character. We want to build an inclusive country, where nomination forms would cease to be out of the reach of the common man who wants to really serve his people.”
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IBB assures Saraki on his presidential ambition

By Wole Mosadomi

Minna—Senate  President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, has boasted that he can never be impeached, saying All Progressives Congress, APC, championing the cause is in minority and does not have the powers to carry out the threat.
President of the Senate and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential aspirant, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki and his team during a courtesy call on former Military President, General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida ahead of the party’s National Convention to elect its 2019 presidential flagbearer, in Minna, Niger State, yesterday.
He also made it clear that he would never step down as Senate president as demanded by the APC.
According to him, succumbing to such calls will only amount to sacrificing the national interest of the country for personal interest.
Saraki, who spoke in an interview with newsmen in Minna, Niger State, as part of his presidential campaign, yesterday, said:  “The APC members know that we are in the majority and whatever they want to do they know that they don’t have the number.
“The other kite they are trying to fly is asking me to step down from my seat but I can tell you that this cannot be possible as I will not step down.
“One thing is very clear and that is to say that I will not sacrifice the interest of the country for my personal interest and in the last three years as a Senate president, I have demonstrated that my interest is second to that of the nation.”
He condemned the calls from various quarters on the Senate to suspend its recess and resume, adding that it was a collective decision by all members to adjourn and that the recess was under the ambit of law.
He said the National Assembly has, therefore, not contravened any section of the procedures in embarking on the recess and  reconvene when it was time to resume from break.
IBB assures Saraki on his presidential ambition
Meanwhile, former Nigeria Military President, General Ibrahim Babangida (retd), has assured Saraki on his presidential ambition saying: “It is my turn to do what your father did to me.”
Babangida, who made this known when Saraki visited him as part of his campaign tour for the forthcoming Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, convention, said he would treat the Senate presidential aspirant as his own son.
IBB said:  “I remember when I was still in office, I spoke with your father, Oloye Saraki, who was always providing advice on a number of things attached to this country.
“He always made himself available to me, to give advice and encouragement, which will move the country forward. Your visit today is historical, now it is your time and turn to come to me and I will do just that.”
“You mentioned three things that are very dear to us as military, and we fought to get them to preserve them. They are unity of the country, the security of lives and economic development.
“The security of the people and the well being of the ordinary man are the right objectives for campaign and leadership for this country.”
Earlier, Saraki had told Babangida that Nigeria was now at a crossroad, adding that what the country needed now was a leader that could unite everybody.
He vowed to fight poverty and secure the life and property of all Nigerians, if voted as the President of the country next year.
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Bonfrere Jo leads world legends to anti-corruption charity match in December

Lagos starts conversion of Teslim Balogun Stadium turf to grass pitch
50 mins ago  Sport
Some of the best footballers that have graced the global arena will soon gather in Nigeria to trade tackles with the country’s former internationals and entertainment stars in an awareness game organized as part of the war against corruption.
The match, slated for December 8 in Abuja, is being organised by Klick Konnect Networks Limited and Oz Consulting firm.Tagged, “Match Against Corruption,” it will hold at the Abuja National Stadium with former Super Eagles’ Coach, Bonfrere Jo managing the Nigerian side.
According to a release by Alex Ajipe of Klick Konnect Networks Limited and Abi Goodman of OZ Consulting, the match is expected to highlight the negative effects of corruption on the society and the need to fight it head long.
Goodman, who is also the chief executive officer of Canada-based OZ Consulting, a non-governmental organisation, said the organisers want to use the match to elicit total commitment to eradicate the scourge from the country.He added the campaign was based on the organisation’s belief in the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) position that fighting corruption is a global concern because it is found in both rich and poor countries, though poor people suffer the most.
“Fighting corruption is one of the three cardinal agenda of the Federal Government of Nigeria. The others are the economy and security.“However, the government cannot succeed in its effort to secure the country and reposition the economy without a successful fight against corruption, de-legitimise it and make it unpopular among Nigerians.
“It is part of activities to commemorate the International Anti-Corruption Day which will fall on December 9, 2018,” Abi said.The Charity match, according to her, will also “mobilise the populace to act against corruption by saying no and refusing to participate in activities that are not legal and transparent and support efforts to eradicate it. Rooting out corruption allows social and economic development.”

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Again, Saraki insists APC cannot impeach him

Senate President Bukola Saraki

•Plot to stop Adamu’s third term thickens
Senate President and presidential aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Bukola Saraki, has said that calls for his impeachment when the senate resumes for plenary are feeble, stressing that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) lacks the required numbers to carry out that threat. Saraki, who made the assertions during an interactive session with journalists at the PDP secretariat in Minna, explained that the decision of the upper chamber of the National Assembly to go on recess was unanimously agreed on accordance with the rule of law.
The Senate President declared: “Everybody was there, and we all took a decision to adjourn in our normal annual recess. Check the dates we resumed last year, and the year before. There was nothing abnormal about it.“Those who are accusing us of undue process in the adjournment are unaware that we are in the majority. They know they don’t have the locus standi. The people that are speaking now against it are speaking out of emotions, because everyone was there when the decision was taken. It was not that a few of us met somewhere and took a decision.
“It is important to note that when we adjourned, it is with the total support of everyone, not that we stayed in a corner or in the dark because there is a due procedure where at the end of the session they will vote for that. It was proposed and seconded. We took minutes and we also even waited and went through the rules and proceedings of the Senate. It was not anything done out of mischief.”
While insisting that he does not regard the imputation by his detractors as an issue, Saraki stressed: “The most important thing is that, at anytime I will never sacrifice the interest of this country for my own personal interest. In the last three years, my interest is always secondary to the interest of the country.
“Those people, who are talking against it are just playing politics with it, when it is time for us to resume, we will resume. And all we just want to do now is to see that this country is runned properly according to the rule of law and due process.“I have always aligned myself to what the constitution says and the tenets of the three arms of government to ensure that we allow the rule of law, the respect the democratic process.”
However, the senatorial ambition of one of the arrowheads of opposition to Saraki, Senator Abdullahi Adamu for a third term, might hit a brickwall following latest move by Governor Tanko Al-Makura to draft one of his loyal commissioners into the senatorial race from Nassarawa south western zone.Governor Almakura, who had enjoyed a long time support of senator Abdullahi Adamu, was said to have lost confidence in the senator for acts of betrayal by senator Adamu.
Consequently, the governor, who had been restraining his lieutenants from showing interest in Adamu’s seat, has directed one of his aides, the commissioner of Education, Ahmed Tijani, to join the race. Tijani, who is from the same senatorial zone as Adamu, has already picked the expression of interest and nomination forms to run against the incumbent. The Guardian learnt that the decision to encourage Ahmed Tijani to run came shortly after the governor advised the present Secretary to State Government (SSG), Mr. Abdullahi Musa, to step down for the incumbent Senator for the seat.
 
But the sudden decision to sponsor one of his commissioners to join the race against Senator Adamu at next month’s APC primary is a clear manifestation of the simmering supremacy battles between the governor and Senator Adamu.A source confided in The Guardian that the APC leader in the state also advised the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs Bala Sani, to join the governorship race to contend with his deputy, Silas Ali Agara.
 
Agara has shown both overt and covert loyalty to Almakura and APC since inception in the hope that he would be rewarded with support for the governorship of the state. All that seems to be over, as he seems to have been dumped by Almakura. Investigation further revealed that the Nassarawa State chapter of the  ruling  APC  may likely suffer mass defection shortly after the guber primary going by hints from some of the aspirants.
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