Balarabe Musa : President Buhari had failed Nigerians but Atiku will fail even more if elected in 2019

Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Peoples Redemption Party, Alhaji Balarabe Musa, has said despite President Muhammadu Buhari’s failure, he was still better than the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar

Musa said that there was no doubt that President Buhari had failed Nigerians but Atiku will fail even more if elected in 2019.

He had last week warned Nigerians against voting for PDP in the 2019 elections.

According to Musa, the choice between Buhari and Abubakar was one between “two devils.”

While fielding questions from NAN on Monday, the former Kaduna State Governor said, “Buhari has failed but Atiku will fail even more because of Atiku’s connection with some forces, among them, former presidents who are the root of the rot we are now facing in this country.

“For Atiku to align with them for whatever reason, is more dangerous than Buhari, because all they have to tell Nigerians is that they want to defeat Buhari but is that all Nigerians want to know?

“Nigerians want to know what is the qualitative and demonstrative character and differences between Atiku and Buhari and between APC and PDP.

“There is nothing; so it’s a question of choice between two devils. The only thing is that we are faced with such a situation and we can’t have a credible alternative like we had when former President Badamasi Babangida established two political parties.

“One to the left and other other one to the right calling one SDP and the other NRC, and if you want to participate in politics then, you have no choice but to select one of the two and there is nothing you could do about it.

“So if we still face that kind of situation today, whether you support Atiku or Buhari or support PDP or APC, we don’t pray to have such a situation.

“But if we do face such situation, then it’s better to support Buhari because he is a lesser problem to Atiku.

“Because Atiku, with him being rich and with the support of those forces, we will have a greater task in handling him.’’

Musa added that “the country didn’t need a business man to control its destiny.” - DAILY POST

Lawyer asks DSS to release men detained for 460 days without trial

Mojirayo Ogunlana-Nkanga, a lawyer, has asked the Department of State Services (DSS) to release Ahmad Sakwaya and Garba Alhassan who have been in the agency’s detention for 460 days without trial.

In a letter dated October 24, addressed to the director-general, Ogunlana-Nkanga said her clients, who are car sales agents, were arrested on July 15, 2017, by DSS operatives over a “business transaction with a terrorist”.

She said Ahmad and Garba had a transaction with one Malla Lawan, a car dealer, who had been arrested by the agency on the suspicion of being a terrorist.

Ogunlana-Nkanga demanded that the detainees be released within seven days or she would institute legal action against the DSS.

“Mr Ahmad’s wife, Hajiya Hassana Ahmed Mohammed, informed us that on the said 15th of July 2017, your office arrested only Mr. Ahmad and Mr. Garba over the funds they both received from Malla during the course of their legitimate business as known car sales agents. Consequently, your officers seized two Toyota Sienna cars belonging to Mr. Garba,” she wrote.

“Our clients also informed us that your office has detained Mr. Ahmad and Mr. Garba at the SSS headquarters in Abuja for over one year and three months without trial. To this day, both Mr. Ahmad and Mr. Garba have not been seen, nor heard from, nor had any access to family, counsel, and medical attention.

“The act of subjecting Mr. Ahmad and Mr. Garba to continuous detention, concealing of their fate and whereabouts from their wives and children, depriving them of liberty and placing them outside the protection of law for over four hundred and fifty days (460) is a breach of their rights not to be subjected to enforced disappearance as guaranteed by Article 1 of the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance and amounts to gross impunity and violation of their rights above mentioned.

“In the light of the above, we hereby request that you grant immediate access to counsel and the families of Ahmad Mohammed Sakwaya and Garba Alhassan within the next twenty-four (24) hours. Furthermore, it is our instruction to demand and we hereby demand the immediate and unconditional release of Mr. Ahmad Mohammed Sakwaya and Garba Alhassan from your custody within seven (7) days. In the event that you fail to release them, we shall be compelled to proceed to court to institute legal action against your office.” - THECABLE

Craze country !!! Shi’ites on Abuja attack: Soldiers took away many corpses but we recovered 16 bodies

The Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), better known as Shi’ites, says it has recovered the bodies of 16 of its members who were allegedly shot dead by soldiers on Monday.

Members of the sect clashed with security operatives during a protest at Nyanya  military checkpoint in Abuja on Monday evening.

Abdullahi Musa, spokesman of the group said, soldiers also took away unspecified number of corpses in their trucks.

He added that many people sustained injuries during the clash.

He accused  President Muhammadu Buhari of  ordering  guards brigade to kill their members, adding that one of the soldiers  had earlier confirmed to them that they had order from the above to shoot the protesters.

Trouble started after security operatives formed a barricade at the city gate that borders the federal capital territory  (FCT) and Nasarawa state.

They tried to prevent the protesters from crossing into Mararaba/Nasarawa axis of the FCT but the Shi’ites stood their ground, resulting into a confrontation.

As a combined team of policemen and soldiers opened fire, the IMN members responded by hurling stones and petrol bombs at them. Some policemen retreated into armoured personnel carriers from where they fired directly at the sect members.

A similar incident in Kaduna state in December 2015 led to the arrest of Ibraheem el-Zakzaky, leader of the sect, and his wife.

Zakzaky’s followers have been mounting pressure on the government to release him. - THECABLE

BPE targets N300bn from privatisation activities

The Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) says it will generate over N300 billion from its privatisation and commercialisation activities to support the 2018 budget financing.

The Director-General of BPE, Dr Alex Okoh, disclosed this on Monday in Lagos at the Stakeholders Media Interactive Forum organised by the Enterprise and the Stakeholders Engagement Committee of the National Council on Privatisation (SEC-NCP).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was chaired by Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the Minister of Information and Culture and the Chairman of SEC-NCP.

In a presentation, Okoh said some of the transactions in the pipeline include the concession of Warri Old Port and the reconcession of the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex.

He added the sale of Afam Power Plant and three National Independent Power Projects as well as the partial commercialisation of the River Basin Development Authorities and National Parks.

The DG, further, disclosed that the BPE recently concluded the sale of the Federal Government’s 21 per cent interest in Nigeria Security Printing and Minting Company to the Central Bank of Nigeria.

He said the transaction will contribute a net sum of over N17 billion to national treasury.

Okoh said that the process for recapitalisation of the Bank of Agriculture to create a stable financial institution that will support farmers was ongoing.

He said the government through the CBN; the farmers associations would acquire 40 per cent each of the equity while the private sector would acquire 20 per cent.

Okoh also disclosed that Nigeria Postal Agency (NIPOST) would be unbundled into five commercialisation entities.

The BPE boss said the Enterprise was entering into new privatisation reform programme through Public Private Partnership.

He said the new reform programme targeted the utility and infrastructure sectors including railway, highways, roads, airports and the health sectors.

He appealed to the media to support the government in the privatisation process. PM NEWS

Nigerian Army vs Shi’ites: Islamic movement loses 50 members

The Islamic Movement of Nigeria has claimed that about 50 of its members were killed on Monday along the Nyanya-Keffi expressway by officials of the Nigerian Army.

A member of the group, Mohammed Gamara, who spoke with Channels Television in Abuja noted that about 200 others were injured.

“So far, I don’t have the exact number of the casualties and the martyrs but if we say they are more than 50, killed by the Nigerian Army, I don’t think I will be exaggerating,” Gamara said.

The sect members were said to have clashed with the security operatives while they embarked on a march in Abuja.

The incident led to a gridlock which lasted for hours along the Nyanya-Keffi expressway, forcing many to make their way by foot.

The Army is, however, yet to react to the allegations.

On Saturday, three members of the sect were killed after a clash with troops of the Nigerian Army.

According to a statement by the Commander of the Army headquarters Garrison, Major General James Myam, the clash occurred on Saturday afternoon at Zuba bridge in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

He explained that the sect members, who were supposedly in a procession, set up an illegal roadblock along the route, which the convoy of the troops attempted to clear.

While doing so, General Myam said some members of the group attacked the troops who were escorting missiles and ammunition from Abuja to the Army Central Ammunition Depot in Kaduna State. - DAILY POST

LA LIGA : Real Madrid sack Lopetegui, announce replacement

Real Madrid have confirmed that the club has agreed to terminate the contract of head coach, Julen Lopetegui, after just 14 games in charge of the club.

Lopetegui’s dismissal comes 24 hours after Real were humiliated 5-1 by Barcelona at the Nou Camp.

A club statement read: “Real Madrid’s board met today and agreed to end contract linking coach Julen Lopetegui with club.

“This decision taken to change dynamic in which first team finds itself, when all the objectives for the season are still achievable.”

The Santiago Bernabeu side also announced that former midfielder and Real Madrid Castilla manager, Santiago Solari, will take temporary charge of the club from tomorrow. - DAILY POST

Buhari breaks silence on his WAEC certificate controversy

President Muhammadu Buhari has reacted to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) announcement that it is going to court to challenge his West African School Certificate (WASC).

Garba Shehu, his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity said it was a waste of time because the record was available, as well as those of higher qualifications obtained by hard work and truly merited by Mr President.

A statement he signed Monday night read: “This certificate story is an old one. As Femi Adesina stated clearly, it is a settled issue in the courts. To approach the court to pursue a matter long settled by the temple of justice is an abuse of the judicial system. It is shameful, disgusting and disgraceful.

“It is clear to all at this time that the PDP, facing an imminent humiliating defeat wants to sow division and chaos by seeking the destruction of the institutional structures that support our young democracy.

“They are attacking the courts and the police, they are molesting INEC commissioners. They are theatrical in spreading falsehoods against persons including the President.

“By doing these, they assume that they can take away attention from the discussions on issues gaining momentum in the country; the issue of internal security which has been jeopardized by years of near-zero investment under 16 years of the PDP; the provision of long-delayed infrastructure which the President is pioneering; corruption to which the PDP is incurably tied and the sustenance of the prevailing good days in the economy, a business-friendly government working day and night, creating more jobs and affordable life for the poor.

“This election isn’t about the settled issues of certification. No matter how honeyed their sweet words, don’t believe them.

“Their evil record can never be washed away. The PDP set a record of murdering opponents of government and corruption on a scale never seen anywhere before.

“They put the national security at stake by diverting huge budgetary allocations to service their greed. Don’t believe their honeyed promises.” - DAILY POST

Former Lagos speaker, 49 others arrested over death of police officer

A former Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mr Jokotola Pelumi, and 49 others have been arrested over alleged attack and killing of a police officer attached to the anti-cultism unit.

Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, Imohimi Edgal, parading the suspects told newsmen in Ikeja that the former Speaker, alongside others attacked and killed Akingboju Akindele, a Deputy Superintendent of police , while trying to effect the arrest of some suspected cultists.

Edgal added that the suspects were traced to the former lawmaker’s house where they were reported to be hibernating after committing the dastardly act.

“On Oct. 27, at about 4:30 p.m, a team of Anti Cultism policemen attached to Area ‘N’ Ijede, were attacked while trying to effect arrest of some suspected cultists.

“In the process, a police officer by name DSP Akingboju Akindele was killed.

“Investigation into the case led to the arrest of 49 suspects including a former Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Jokotola Pelumi.

“The policeman’s rifle had been recovered at waterfront Ijede where it was buried.

“The other suspects and the former lawmaker will be treated accomplices. All the arrested suspects are currently being investigated at SCIID Panti, Yaba and would be charged to court on Monday,” he said. - DAILY POST

Air pollution kills 600,000 children annually – WHO

Exposure to toxic air both indoors and out kills some 600,000 children under the age of 15 each year, the World Health Organisation (WHO) warned Monday.

Data from the UN health body shows that every day, 93 percent of children under the age of 15 — a full 1.8 billion youngsters, including 630 million under the age of five — breath dangerously polluted air.

This has tragic consequences: In 2016 alone, some 600,000 children died from acute lower respiratory infections caused by polluted air, the WHO report found.

“Polluted air is poisoning millions of children and ruining their lives,” WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in a statement.

“This is inexcusable. Every child should be able to breathe clean air so they can grow and fulfil their full potential.”

According to WHO data, more than nine out of 10 people on the planet breath dangerously toxic air, causing some seven million premature deaths each year.

Air pollution is especially dangerous for children, and accounts for nearly one in 10 deaths among children under five around the globe, the report found.

WHO’s study, which examined the health toll on children breathing health-hazardous levels of both outdoor and household air pollution, focused on dangerous particulate matter with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometres (PM2.5).

These include toxins like sulfate and black carbon, which pose the greatest health risks since they can penetrate deep into the lungs or cardiovascular system.

The report found that children in poorer countries are far more at risk, with a full 98 percent of all children under five in low- and middle-income countries exposed to PM2.5 levels above WHO air quality guidelines.

That compares to 52 percent in high-income countrie, WHO said.Together, household air pollution from cooking and outdoor air pollution cause more than half of all cases of acute lower respiratory infections in young children in low- and middle-income countries, WHO said.

The report, launched ahead of the WHO’s first ever Global Conference on Air Pollution and Health, revealed that when pregnant women are exposed to polluted air, they are more likely to give birth prematurely and have small, low birthweight children.

It found that children are often more vulnerable to the impact of air pollution since they breath more rapidly than adults, and thus absorb more pollutants at a time when their brains and bodies are still developing.

They also live closer to the ground, where a number of pollutants reach peak concentrations, WHO said, pointing out that newborns and young children are also more susceptible to household air pollution in homes that use polluting fuels for cooking, heating and lighting.

Air pollution can impact a child’s development and cognitive ability, and can trigger asthma and childhood cancer, WHO said.

Children who have been exposed to high levels of air pollution may also be at greater risk for chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease later in life, it said.

“Air pollution is stunting our children’s brains, affecting their health in more ways than we suspected,” warned Maria Neira, the head of the WHO’s department of public health and environment.

The UN health body is calling for an acceleration of the switch to clean cooking and heating fuels, and for the promotion of cleaner transportation, lower emissions, and better waste management, among other measures.

“The world needs to reduce the overdependance we have on fossil (fuel), and accelerate to clean, renewable energy,” Neira told reporters in a conference call. - PM NEWS

32 African countries better-governed than Nigeria

Thirty-two countries in Africa have better overall governance than Nigeria, the 2018 Mo Ibrahim Index of African governance has revealed.

The report, which was unveiled on Monday, showed that Nigeria ranks 34 out of 54 countries on the continent when it comes to governance over the past 10 years — and well below the African average.

According to the index, which measured human development, national security, business environment, rule of law, among other qualities of governance, saw Nigeria gather  47.9 out of 100 points available.

At 79.5 point, Mauritius leads governance on the continent, while Somalia, with 13.6 points is the worst-governed state in Africa.

Seychelles, Namibia, Ghana, South Africa, Rwanda, Tunisia, Botswana, Cabo Verde, all made it into the top ten best-governed countries in Africa.

Mo Ibrahim, Sudanese-British billionaire, who unveiled the report said the continent, with an average age of 19 is experiencing some demographic shift, which should be an advantage, but may be squandered by African leaders.

He added that despite growth in the continent’s gross domestic product (GDP), there has been corresponding sustainable economic opportunity for the teeming youth on the continent.

“Our continent is faced with unprecedented demographic growth. Key governance areas are not progressing fast enough to keep up with rising demands, and more specifically to answer the growing expectations of Africa’s youth, who are now forming the majority of our continent, and still expected to rise by almost 20% in the next decade,” Ibrahim said.

“Education scores have fallen in half of the 54 African countries over the last five years. Progress in Participation & Human Rights is undermined by a closing of the civil and political space. While Africa’s combined GDP has increased by almost 40% over the last decade, average progress.”

Rwanda overtook Mauritius to become the most business-friendly country on the continent, while Nigeria lagged behind at the 27th position. - THECABLE

‘Many killed’ again as security operatives open fire on Shi’ites in Abuja

A combined team of policemen and soldiers reportedly opened fire on the members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), better known as Shi’ites, in Abuja on Monday evening.

The incident happened at Nyanya checkpoint along Mararaba road in the nation’s capital.

Security operatives had intercepted the procession of the sect members who were marching from Mararaba/Nasarawa axis.

A witness told TheCable that the policemen and soldiers fired live bullets after failing in the bid to prevent the protesters from moving into the city.

“The security personnel opened fire on the protesters at close range. The IMN members were advancing towards Abuja when they were stopped,” the witness said.

“Many of them were killed. Some also sustained injuries.”

On Saturday, five IMN members were shot dead during a procession in Zuba, Gwagwalada area council of the federal capital territory (FCT).

The Shi’ites were proceeding from Suleja, Niger state, to Abuja for a three-day mass protest.

Members of the sect were approaching a military checkpoint near Zuma motor park when the soldiers on duty ordered them to turn back. The group resisted the directive as they engaged the soldiers in an argument which resulted in a commotion.

A witness who pleaded anonymity had told TheCable that the Shi’ites resorted to hurling stones at the soldiers.

In the pandemonium, the soldiers were said to have opened fire on them.

Hours before the latest attack, Abdullahi Musa, spokesman of the sect, had raised the alarm that soldiers were planning to launch a fresh attack on the group.

Musa said an IMN member overheard a soldier attached to the guards brigade at Kubau checkpoint along Karu – Abuja expressway saying order had been given “from above” that the military should engage the Shi’ites in a battle.

“Our attention has been drawn to a statement made by a member of Guards Brigade at (his duty post) Kubau Check point along Karu-Abuja expressway that they are waiting for the followers of Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky (H), because they have an order from above to engage them,” Musa had said in a statement.

He had vowed that the group would not be intimidated to give up its demand for the release of Ibraheem el-Zakzaky, its leader. - THECABLE

Police launch ‘Operation Restore Sanity On Lagos Roads’

The Lagos State Police Command has launched a joint operation with other sister agencies to tackle the upsurge in traffic gridlock on roads across the
Metropolis caused by lawless commercial vehicle drivers and motorists.

Tagged ‘Operation Restore Sanity On Lagos Roads/Operation Velvet’, the police said it would henceforth impound the cars of defaulting drivers and arraign them immediately in a Mobile Court that would be attached to the joint service team to enable quick dispensation of justice to erring motorists.

Lagos State Police boss, Imohimi Edgal who launched the operation said it had already identified the worst-hit areas, while the joint operation team
involving the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) had been constituted to commence enforcement activities with immediate effect.

According to Edgal, “The frustrations of commuters plying Lagos roads, substantially caused by recent upsurge in the volume of traffic and lawlessness of some road users with its attendant gridlock, has attracted the attention of the Nigeria Police, Lagos State Police Command and it has resolved to tackle the hydra-headed problem with all the seriousness it deserves in order to bring back law and order on the roads through a Joint
Service Operation codenamed ‘Operation Restore Sanity On Lagos Roads/Operation Velvet.

“The Command identified the underlisted places as worst-hit areas requiring robust intervention by security agencies: Akpongbon Bridge, Obalende Bridge, Idumota inward Iddo, Marina, Victoria Island by Bar beach, Ijora-Marine bridge, Oshodi Apapa Expressway, Ijora-Badia to Alakia junction, Ojuelegba under bridge, Trade fair, Alakija, Volks, Iyana-Iba, Alaba Rago, Festac 1st Gate, 2nd Rainbow, Agege Motor Road, Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, Allen Avenue, Agidingbi by Omole and Ile Zik to Mangoro.

“Others are Oko Oba Road, Ashade Road, College Road, Elere Oke Koto, Pedro by Charlie Boy, Ketu Mile 12, Maryland Intersection, Odo Iyana Alaro, BRT Lane inward Ojuelegba, Jibowu, Bariga Traffic towards express, Lekki Admiralty Way, Freedom Way Ikate, Chevron Roundabout, VGC Roundabout, Ilaje Bus Stop, Ajah, Ado Road by Ajah, Abraham Adesanya Roundabout, Customs Point by Agbara Bridge, Agege Road by Dopemu, Ikotun Egbeda Bus Stop and Iyana-Ipaja Roundabout.”

Edgal had already met with state chairmen of all major transport unions and leadership of LASTMA and FRSC where the root causes of the chaotic traffic were traced to activities of motorists driving against traffic, adding that the relevant laws would be applied to address the situation.

“In a meeting held on Saturday, October 27, 2018, at Powa Secretariat, Oduduwa Street, GRA Ikeja, attended by the State Chairmen of all major transport unions in the State, Federal Road Safety Corps officials and the Lagos State Traffic Management Agency (LASTMA), the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, Imohimi Edgal, noted the activities of intransigent commercial drivers and motorcyclists as well as motorists driving against traffic and on the BRT lanes, as root causes of the chaotic traffic situation being experienced in the State.

“He, therefore, warns that the police in collaboration with sister agencies like the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Civil Defence Corps of Nigeria Lagos State Traffic Management Agency (LASTMA), will impound the cars of defaulting drivers and arraign them immediately in a Mobile Court that will be attached to the Joint Service Team to enable quick dispensation of justice to erring motorists,” Chike Oti, spokesman of the command, quoted Edgal as saying.

The police said the decision to come up with the enforcement became imperative owing to the fact that if allowed unchecked, the situation has the potential to lock down the entire State and bring the wheel of economic activities to a grinding halt. - PM NEWS

Police gun down suspected armed robber, cultist, recover arms in Delta

Officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force “C” Division, today gunned down a notorious armed robber simply identified as Johnson, a.k.a “Small Machine, Big Engine” at Cable Point area in Asaba, the Delta State Capital.

The police also recovered a locally made double barrel-cut-to size gun and two live cartridges from the suspected armed robbers.

It was learnt that the deceased suspect was gunned down in his attempt to escape the superior firepower of the Police.

DAILY POST gathered that the Police acted upon receipt of information that an armed robbery gang and some cultists allegedly killed a victim in the said area.

Quickly, the Police led by the Divisional Police Officer, CSP Anieteh Eyoh and his men mobilized and swung into action.

They went to the hideouts where the hoodlums engaged them in serious exchange of gunfire and in the process, the deceased suspect, “Small Motor, Big Engine” was arrested with bullet wounds.

The suspect later died on the way to the hospital.

A Police Source who craved anonymity said the deceased suspect is allegedly linked to a human rights activist who was recently arrested by the police authority last week.

Contacted, the Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Muhammad Mustafa confirmed the report.

CP Mustafa said the suspected armed robber was notorious for car snatching. - DAILY POST

He said, “It was as a result of investigation that he(suspect) was arrested at a hotel. He attempted to escape and in the process, he was gunned down.”