Clearing Babachir Lawal or Self-Indictment, By Jibrin Ibrahim

The president owes himself an even greater duty – protecting his personal reputation as a fearless anti-corruption crusader. He can only do so when he takes allegations against his friends and staffers seriously and acts. By appearing to refuse to act, the president would be indicting himself in the court of public opinion.

This week, the big story has been that President Muhammadu Buhari has written to the Senate in response to the lawmakers’ indictment of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, and their call for his removal and prosecution. The letter provided an explanation, or rather, some excuses why the president would not act. The letter depicts a very high level of incompetence on the part of whoever wrote it but above all appears to make the argument that the presidential team can engage in corruption without consequence, which is the most direct route for the Buhari presidency to lose its credibility as a bastion of anti-corruption.

Gunmen attack Taraba APC chieftain Alhaji Adamu Mohammed's convoy, 1 dead, 3 wounded

The Police in Taraba state have confirmed the death of one person in an attack on the convoy of Alhaji Adamu Mohammed, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ibi Local Government Area of the state. 

The command’s Public Relations Officer, David Misal said in an interview with newsmen in Jalingo on Thursday that the incident occurred at about 6 p.m. on Wednesday at Mala village. He added that three persons, critically injured in the attack, were on admission at the Federal Medical Centre, Jalingo.

The police spokesman gave the names of those injured as Abubakar Zaidu, 26, Ibrahim Abdulkadir 26, and Sahabi Manaja, 34. He explained that Adamu, a former local council chairman, was earlier assaulted by some youths when he visited Dampar ward to fraternise with APC supporters over Christmas.

PRESIDENT BUHARI MOURNS SENATOR FRANCIS OKPOZO

President Muhammadu Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari expresses heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Delta State on the death of Chief Francis Okpozo, a Second Republic senator and member of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The President also commiserates with the family and friends of the late distinguished senator, whose championing of social justice in the Niger Delta, during his long history of service to the people, endeared him to many.

As a stalwart of the APC in the South-South, President Buhari believes that the party greatly benefited from the octogenarian's charismatic leadership and wealth of experience as a politician.

Fayose to FG: Defeat hunger, not recycled story of defeating Boko Haram

..........says hunger does not speak the language of political propaganda!

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose has said that what Nigerians are now desirous of hearing from the All Progressives Congress (APC) led federal government is the defeat of hunger and untold hardship ravaging the country and not recycled stories of defeat of Boko Haram insurgents, which is allegedly aimed at diverting the attention of Nigerians from the fact that there is ravaging hunger at this time of the year.

The governor said it has become predictable that whenever Nigerians cry of the pains and sufferings they are going through, the federal government will come with stories like; “20 Chibok girls found,” “$1 billion found in Mr A, B or C bedroom,” “Boko Haram technically defeated,” “We have captured Sambisa forest,” etc just to divert attention.

Another look at Aregbesola’s Osun By Bolaji Tunji

My piece today is not going to be popular with some people. But everything is not all about criticizing government. It is equally important to praise where government has done well and that is what this piece is about. It is a focus on the governor of the State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola. The idea is not to whitewash him or paint him in negative colours, rather, it’s to tell the story of Osun the way it really is, based on a visit to the state recently.

Indeed, I have always been accused of being unsparing in my criticisms of the All Progressives Congress (APC), but what those who have formed such opinions failed to understand is that as journalists, we have a huge responsibility to write in ways that would elevate the country and make it better than it is. To educate, if need be, praise and criticise in order to bring improvement into the society. Such huge responsibility is not personal and is devoid of partisanship. If it had been the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the saddle today, I would also have been unsparing in my criticism.

KWARA HERO'S REPLY TO AN ARTICLE WRITTEN BY A RESPECTED ELDER IN THE SARAKI CAMP, HON. KAYODE LA-KADRI, TITLED: CRITICS, CRITICISMS AND PUBLIC RELATIONS AND ENLIGHTENMENT

Good day esteemed fellow and darling new media companions. We hope you are having a swell time even in the midst of man made recession we are currently battling in Nigeria. Well... God is good! God has being so good to us!... 

Our activities as Kwara Hero has continue attracting wide patronage. Many people has sent us series of request and others even wants to collaborate with us. Infact,....... So much is expected of us! By God's grace, we will do our best to live up to expectation of our teeming admirers! The comprehensive report of Ondo State Gubernatorial Election is still loading! We will post the table of content of the report soonest so that people will have an idea of what to expect. The report will be as explicit and detailed as possible. We hope it will make an interesting reading. To all of those who has nothing but negative words to say "bring it on" we dare you! To all of you who have constructive criticisms, you are welcomed! To all those who enjoy our work, behold, the best is yet to come. Hmmmmmp! We had to gratify Alhaji (Hon.) Kayode La-kadri post with a reply! And indeed, a respectful reply! His post, to the myopic minds would seem as an indirect jibes at the likes of Great Sholyment, Kayode Ogunlowo, Kayode Oyin Zubair, Mai Gaskiya, Yahaya Habib, Geri Alimi, Amebo Niger, Kamaldeen Agbaji, AbdulRahman Ola Uthman, Shagaya Kabeer Oladimeji, Salihu Ayatullahi, Muyideen Bola, Kwara Hero and a host of others. BUT, KWARA HERO IS NEVER MYOPIC! WE SAW IN THAT POST AN ELDER WHO WAS TRYING TO SENSIBLY APPEAL TO THE MINDS OF SOCIAL CRUSADERS, E-RATS OR CYBER DOGS AS THE CASE MAY BE. THE ELDER WAS APPEALING TO THOSE WHOSE POSTS AND RELEASES ARE HIGHLY CRITICAL OF THE CURRENT POLITICAL LEADERSHIP IN KWARA STATE. 

Hon. Kayode La-kadri, we wish to make it clear to you in very honest terms that our intentions are not to cause problems in our Darling State. Infact, we are doing all the things we do because we are looking for solutions to the "PROBLEMS" already existing! We are not critics, we states reality as it truly is. But in our work, we have discovered that some people because of what they are benefitting, dislike reality. If the current political leadership in Kwara State, will just for God sake, look around and see how massive the sufferings in our community is, and their hearts becomes moved to doing something right about it, Kwara Hero would not have reasons to criticize them. 

PRESS RELEASE: RIVERS APC ENDORSES NIGER DELTA PEACE INITIATIVE

*Congratulates Amaechi, other stakeholders

*Urges those sponsoring bombings in the region to have a rethink

The Rivers State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has endorsed the Niger Delta Peace Initiative recently launched by South-South leaders under the leadership of the Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi. The party in a statement issued on Monday in Port Harcourt by the State Chairman, Chief (Dr.) Ibiamu Ikanya, praised Amaechi for assembling South-South stakeholders under the umbrella of the Initiative for Peace, Governance and Development of the South-South to proffer solutions to the current destruction of the oil pipelines and ecosystem of the region.

Forgery Trial Of Senate Leaders: Buhari Threatened With Impeachment; Dino Melaye Threatens To Beat Up Senator Tinubu

Nigeria’s upper legislative chamber broke into an uproar today with some members threatening President Muhammad Buhari with impeachment, and Dino Melaye threatening to ‘impregnate’ Remi Tinubu, the wife of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Leader.

The Senators who met behind closed doors were incensed by the proposed trial of the leadership of the Senate for forgery.

Shortly after commencement of a plenary session, some Senators called on their colleagues, led by Senators Suleiman Othman Hunkuyi (APC Kaduna North) and Kabir Marafa (APC Zamfara Central) to sheathe their sword and withdraw the petition that had led to the criminal prosecution of Senate President Bukola Saraki and his Deputy, Ike Ekweremadu.

The Executive Session, which was chaired by Saraki, also reminded the Senate that a committee led by former Senate President David Mark had been set up to “reconcile” members. Curiously, Mr. Mark stood and said he was not informed that he chairs such a committee and that he didn’t know any members. He was simply told to do his “work”.

PRESS STATEMENT: APC Youths caution party against blocking FG bailout to Ekiti

Youths in the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State, under the aegis of Ekiti APC Youths Congress (EAYC) have cautioned the party against any move that could prevent the State from benefitting from the Federal Government bailout Fund, which is aimed at assisting States that are unable to pay workers salary to do so.

The youths, who reacted to the alleged plot being spearheaded by some leaders of the APC in Abuja to stop Ekiti State from getting the federal government bailout fund, said it will be wicked for anyone to want the people of the State, especially the workers to surfer because of politics.

In a press statement issued in Ado-Ekiti on Sunday and jointly signed by Mr Tope Ogunkuade and Comrade Tunji Adeleye, Convener and Secretary respectively, the EAYC reiterated their advice to leaders of the APC to prepare for 2018 instead of wasting time and resources on Fayose’s removal, which has failed to materialise since 2014.

Saraki Condoles With Victims of Jebba Train Accident

Following report of collision of two trains at Jebba Bridge bordering Kwara and Niger States in which some passengers were reported to have died and several injured, Senate President, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki has expressed shock and sadness over the tragic incident while also commiserating with the families of the deceased.

In a statement signed by Special Assistant ( New Media) to the Senate President, Mr. Bamikole Omishore, Saraki expressed sympathy with those who sustained injury in the incident and prayed to Almighty God to heal their wounds.

He also urged the management of the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC) to investigate the cause of the accident and immediately put in place measures to prevent recurrence.

Corrupt elements, incompetent aides, saboteurs join forces to hinder Buhari — Bashir Tofa

Alhaji Bashir Tofa turns out to be a very insightful person in this interview....President Muhammadu Buhari should take heed to (of) him..

•‘No evidence I lost June 12, 1993 election to Abiola’

•Asks FG not to give impression Saraki is being punished

•His life in ‘retirement’

•Says Ganduje and Kwankwaso haven’t disclosed cause of fight


Remember Alhaji Bashir Tofa?

He was the man who contested the June 12, 1993 presidential election against the late Chief MKO Abiola.  Abiola was generally believed to have won that historic election which was unfortunately annulled by the military. In this interview, Tofa wonders whether anybody said Abiola won the election and he lost. Now a member of the Board of Trustees of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), the elder statesman also speaks on the Buhari, Jonathan and Obasanjo administrations as well as other issues in the polity including the on-going war against corruption

It is about one year since the Buhari-led APC took over the leadership of this country. What is your assessment of the government vis-a-vis the promises made during its campaign?

Muhammadu Buhari: Cleaning the Augean Stables By Mike Rapu

Augeas, the mythical king of Elis, kept great stables that held 3,000 oxen and had not been cleaned for thirty years – until Hercules was assigned the job. Hercules accomplished this task by causing two rivers to run through the stables. This story depicts two things: the misfortune of inheriting a messed up estate, and the level of creativity and innovation required to clean up the mess. To be clear, here, I refer to the mess President Muhammadu Buhari inherited from 16 wasted years of the Peoples Democratic Party’s hold on the reins of leadership in our dear country.

I write as an independent Nigerian, suffering what every other person is suffering, plying the bad roads every other Nigerian plies and like many other graduates, I spent years searching for a job. I also wish to say here that I am not a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) neither am I a member of Buhari’s administration. 

Saraki's Trial - We Don't Care If We Lose the Senate Presidency - APC

Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in an interview spoke about Senate President Bukola Saraki's trial.


See excerpt below:

A major issue currently is the trial of the Senate President, Bukola Saraki. A section says political solution should be deployed. Do you want to talk about this bearing in mind that the PDP is planning to take the position if Saraki is removed?

We don’t take anything for granted. As they are planning, we are also planning. The situation is under control. The whole situation is unfortunate but it is real. What political situation in a legal matter? Are the judges politicians? 

Focus On The Economy’ - PDP Charges New Ministers Says Nigerians Will No Longer Condone Propaganda, Lies And Deceit

The Peoples Democratic Party has charged the in-coming cabinet of the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government to quickly settle down, move fast and focus on the economy.

In a Press Statement released today by Chief Olisa Metuh who is the PDP National Publicity Secretary, said economy must be given urgent and due attention.

The party said that the present administration has so far played heavily on dramatizing routine procedures and processes, which was even glaring in the prolonged swearing-in ceremony of the ministers.

 Metuh  on Wednesday said the much-expected assignment of portfolios to the ministers did not inspire confidence that there is indeed any change being introduced in the system.

The party said with the inauguration, the APC administration should fully resolve the issues on the actual position of the nation’s economy and the direction therein

“Whereas President Muhammadu Buhari had announced that the nation is bankrupt to the extent he cannot pay his ministers, his new Minister of Information had contradicted him directly by stating how the government is buoyant and ready to deploy $2.5 billion infrastructure fund, saved N1.4 trillion with another N2.5 trillion ready as special intervention fund, which goes to say that the country is not actually broke.

National Assembly Crisis: APC Summon Dogara, As Lasun Set To Step Down

Speaker Yakubu-Dogara

The governing All Progressives Congress (APC) on Friday summoned the Speaker of the House of Representative, Yakubu Dogara and his deputy Yusuf Suleiman Lasun, as part of efforts making to resolve the leadership crisis at the National Assembly. It was however gathered that the deputy Speaker may have agreed to step down for the party candidate so as to allow peace to reign at the 8th Assembly.


Hon Lasun who came to the party secretariat around 12pm in company of his governor, Rauf Aregbesola of Osun state, held a closed door meeting with the party National Working Committee (NWC) led by its chairman, John Odigie Oyegun.

The ruling APC has been swimming in crisis water following the controversial emergence of Senator Bukola Saraki as Senate President and Hon. Yakubu Dogara as Speaker, House of Representative respectively, contrary to the choice of the party.

Defence of alleged Boko Haram sponsors: Fani-Kayode's comments hasty, indecent - Dino Melaye

Mr. Femi Fani-Kayode

Mr. Femi Fani-Kayode's stout defence of an alleged Boko Haram sponsor, as identified by the Jonathan Administration-appointed negotiator Stephen Davis, and his attempt to continue pointing accusing fingers at my party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), is hasty, indecent and unconscionable.

The last time I checked, Mr. Fani-Kayode was not a duly-constituted independent Commission of Inquiry to investigate the allegations by the Negotiator. One therefore wonders how he could so quickly exonerate any of those who were fingered by Dr. Davis purely on the basis of sheer sentiments, as well as unbridled hatred for the APC

What Mr. Fani-Kayode's desperate moves have shown is that the earth-shaking revelation by President Jonathan's Negotiator has unnerved his party, the PDP, and the Administration. It has shown the veracity of the saying that when you point one finger at someone, four others are pointing at you.

OSUN ELECTION: ARMY ARREST APC LEADERS, SUPPORTERS ACROSS THE STATE

Barely few hours to the Osun Poll, many of the APC leaders and supporters have been arrested by the real  and fake men in military Uniform.


While soldiers at the campus gate of Ilesa College arrested student leaders including the Ilesa SUG president and NANS JCC officers of Osun Axis as well as many others in the early hours of yesterday, Military men or fake military man have this morning arrested the Honourable Folarin Fafora representing Ilesa West Local Government in the Osun state House of Assembly. Honourable Fafiyebi representing Obokun state constituency was also arrrested by the men in military uniforms

The Commissioner for Agric, Honourable Wale Adedoyin was also reportedly arrested by the soldiers.

In Edeland, a local government party chairman and one other person was also arrested.

APC - Pres. Jonathan embarrassed Nigeria by waiting to be goaded by Malala to meet Chibok parents

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has described as a compound embarrassment the fact that it took 17-year-old girl-child education campaigner, Pakistani Malala Yousafzai, to visit and convince President Goodluck Jonathan to agree to a meeting with representatives of the parents of the kidnapped school girls.

''President Jonathan, who has already embarrassed himself and the entire people of Nigeria by his inexplicable failure to visit Chibok since the girls were abducted over 90 days ago, has compounded the embarrassment and insulted Nigerians by waiting for Malala to goad him to meet with the girls' parents, not in Chibok but in Abuja,'' the party said in a statement issued in Lagos on Thursday by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed.

Apc raises alarm over PDP’s alleged plan to assassinate Adeleke, three others

All Progressives Congress (APC) has alerted security apparatus in Osun State that Omisore and the PDP have contracted the assassination of four top APC leaders to hired killers from the Niger Delta for immediate execution.

The leaders involved are Alhaji Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke (the first civilian governor of the state), Elder Peter Babalola (aka Peter Action), Chief Olu Abiola and Alhaji Fatai Oyedele.

The hired killers, APC reliably gathered, have already commenced surveillance on the four leaders.

Very credible sources from the PDP alerted the APC that top PDP officials took this decision at a meeting in Lagos yesterday.

APC condemns terrorist attacks in Abuja, Bauchi, flays FG for chasing shadows - Lai Mohammed

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has strongly condemned the recent deadly terrorist attacks in Abuja and Bauchi that killed at least 37 people and injured many more, calling the Boko Haram group suspected to be behind the attacks despicable and inhuman in its misguided terror campaign.

In a statement issued in Lagos on Sunday by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party repeated its earlier statement that nothing can justify the spilling of the blood of innocent citizens, while commiserating with the families of the victims.

It called on the Federal Government to review its strategy for the fight against terrorism, saying whatever is being done now is definitely not working, hence the deadly terrorist attacks have almost become a daily affair.