INEC RELEASES 2019 ELECTIONS TIMETABLES

Gentlemen of the press

You are all welcome to yet another briefing, which is in fulfillment of our pledge to regularly brief the public on the Commission’s activities.
1. Our democracy is maturing and the Commission believes that there should be certainty with regard to the timetable for elections. For instance, in the United States, general elections always hold on the second PRESS Tuesday of November in the election year. In Ghana, it’s the 7th of December of the election year, while in other places like Mexico, Norway, Sweden, Costa Rica and Switzerland, the dates are also known in advance.

TRANSIENT & TRANSITORY

In 1985, Col Sambo Dasuki (Retd) and others arrested General Muhamad Buhari in a bloodless coup.

In 2016, same Col Sambo Dasuki got arrested under transmuted President Muhammad Buhari after 31 years

In 1995,Major Al Mustapha arrested Gen Olusegun Obasanjo (Retd) on the order of late maximum dictator General Sani Abacha on trumped up charges of planning a coup.

Why Yahya Jammeh agrees to go into exile after election defeat

"I have decided today in good conscience to relinquish the mantle of leadership of this great nation," Jammeh said on state television, wearing a white robe and looking tired.

Yahya Jammeh, who led his country for 22 years but refused to accept his election defeat to new President Adama Barrow last month, has agreed to step down and go into exile. He said his decision was taken in the national interest after prayer and said he was proud to have served the Gambian people, imploring them to work together as one nation.

It has not been specified where Mr Jammeh would go into exile.

The news came as regional armies, who entered Gambian territory late on Thursday, were poised to remove Mr Jammeh by force just hours after the army chief recognised Mr Barrow as commander-in-chief.

WE NEED BUHARI'S EXPERIENCE TO RESOLVE POLITICAL LOGJAM, SAYS MEMBER OF GAMBIAN COALITION

The coalition of seven political parties that produced Adama Barrow, President-elect of The Gambia, looks earnestly up to President Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria to deploy his vast experience, alongside other African leaders, to resolve the political logjam in the tiny West African country.

Speaking with the media during the high-level ECOWAS /AU/UN Joint Mission to The Gambia on Tuesday, Hamad Bah, one of the coalition members, declared:

"We need the experience of President Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria in many ways. Like President Jammeh, he is a former military officer, so he knows how the military thinks, and would be able to talk to him appropriately.

NIGERIA 56TH FREEDOM FÊTE

"You can't get rich in politics unless you're a crook". Harry Truman

Nigeria celebrated its 56th Independence birthday, October 1, 2016, free of viable shackles from the British Colonial Administration, with the FREEDOM not to be accountable and being opaque in its governance, steal, alter Justice to the convenience of the almighty tin-god JUDGES, making laws to favor fewer privileged individuals, FREEDOM to expand their empires with the country's resources, FREEDOM to be above the law of the land, where Judges will be arrested and a section of the clown in the community would raise hell not to go the way that Ghana cleansed the Judiciary where over 30 judges were arrested and dismissed for corruption; opposite what goes on in Nigeria where a telephone thief would go to jail while the Judges would turn the other way for the 'barons' of stealing club who stole billions of Naira from the public treasury.

The FREEDOM of believing cheaters sugar-coated tongues, to the invisible homemade shackles of progress, for the blinded followership, with the FREEDOM from being accountable and transparent in disbursing Nigerian resources to their fellow national treasury looters and making their personal 'Treasuries' fatter than the country's treasury.

OONI IN GHANA, SUES FOR AFRICAN UNITY, DESCRIBED AS KING OF PEACE & UNITY

Accompanied by his amiable queen Olori Wuraola Ogunwusi(Yeyelua), The Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty Ooni Adeyeye Ogunwusi(Ojaja II) on Friday 21st July 2016 admonished President John Mahama of Ghana and his government to prioritise the unity of Africans by relaxing policies that encourage the physical and mental boundary set between African countries by the colonial masters with the emphasis that Africa must unite for prosperity as his mission is to promote peace, unity and progress of the black race.

Ooni Ogunwusi who is now on a four day visit to the West African country made this statement at the Flagstaff House Office of the President of Ghana during a courtesy call on President John Mahama in Accra.
“it’s my vision as Ooni Ife to promote unity, peace among African countries.”
Africa must unite to prosper
Emphasizing on the importance of African unity, Ooni of Ife who's a descendent of Oduduwa believed to have been the root of all Yoruba race stressed that unity among African countries and blacks around the world is the key to Africa's prosperity and peace.
He added: "As traditional leaders we are the custodians of culture and tradition, that's why I have taken it upon myself to preach this gospel of peace, and unity. There's strength in unity, and it's time for Africa to go beyond lip service and unite”.

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE: PRESIDENT BUHARI CONDOLES GHANAIAN PRESIDENT ON LOSS OF MOTHER

President Muhammadu Buhari has spoken to President John Mahama of Ghana to offer heartfelt condolences to his family on the passing away of his mother, Hajia Abiba Nnaba.

In a telephone call on Wednesday, President Buhari prayed that Almighty Allah will grant the soul of Hajia Nnaba eternal rest and comfort all who mourn her.

The President told the Ghanaian leader that his personal thoughts and prayers as well as those of Nigerians are with him as he mourns the passage of a beloved mother.

The President further prayed that the loving memory and virtues which Hajia Abiba Nnaba lived for will continue to inspire all who knew her and generations to come.

Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President (Media & Publicity)
June 15, 2016

Facts and fallacies of fuel subsidy

Umana Okon Umana, an economist, is the former governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akwa Ibom State. In this piece, he highlights the fallacies associated with the fuel subsidy and what can be done to guarantee regular fuel supply for domestic consumption.

Many boisterous and healthy debates have broken out on social media platforms and, indeed, other fora on the recently adjusted price of petrol. But quite unexpectedly, some of the arguments are grounded in myths. Here are a few and my attempt to burst them.

Nigeria Customs, Navy intercept drug traffickers, recovers 26 bags of cannabis

Operatives of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) attached to the Western Marine Command have engaged suspected drug traffickers in a shootout in Badagry, Lagos.

At the end of the operation which lasted for hours, several of the fleeing traffickers sustained varying degrees of injury.

Twenty-six bags of weeds suspected to be Indian hemp being smuggled into the country from Ghana were recovered. 

The custom operatives were able to intercept the items after a tip-off while they were on patrol at Tanfi Island in Badagry. 

 

Democracy of Ebola - Pius Adesanmi

But for the lives we are losing in Nigeria and West Africa, I would have stated that I have fallen in love with Ebola. This virus is creating a strange, unfamiliar creature in Nigeria called responsible leadership. I doubt if there is any Nigerian in my generation who has ever witnessed responsible, hands-on, on-top-of-the-situation leadership in his or her entire adult life. What we are familiar with is an irresponsible leadership of escape into an alternative universe.

The roads are in a shambles? No problem, we shall escape into our helicopters and private jets.

A top Ghanaian musician Castro dies trying to rescue drowning girlfriend in Aqua safari beach

A popular Ghanaian Hiplife musician, Castro is reportedly dead. Castro, who hails from Takoradi, Ghana got drowned yesterday in the Aqua safari beach while trying to rescue his girlfriend.

Castro, his girlfriend and a close friend (who is also a footballer for the Black Stars), Asamoah Gyan, had gone to the beach on a weekend rendezvous when the unfortunate incident happened. GhanaWeb reports that Castro had taken one of the boats out on a cruise on the Volta Lake, alongside his girlfriend, while the others continued with their relaxation at shore.

The lady, who was not wearing a life jacket, suddenly fell into the lake, prompting Castro to try to rescue her, but ended up drowning with her.

Brazil 2014: Stephen Keshi blasts Nigerian fans

           Local World Cup viewers tune out after opener

Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi has lashed out at the country’s fans, saying it is a shame they have abused his person for the team’s showing at Brazil 2014. The Super Eagles and coach Keshi came under heavy fire from angry fans after they could only manage a 0-0 draw with Iran in their opening group game at the World Cup in Brazil.

But Keshi has taken serious exception to the fans’ rage, saying there was no justification for them to insult his person. “I am disappointed, totally disappointed (by the personal attacks), but it’s their thing, no wahala (no problem),” blasted Keshi in Brazil.

BRAZIL EXCLUSIVE: Super Eagles demand World Cup appearance cash

AfricanFootball.com can exclusively reveal that Nigeria stars led by skipper Joseph Yobo and Mikel Obi have met with the leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to demand an appearance fee for the World Cup.

This is outside the match bonus, which starts at $10,000-a-man for a first round match win, announced for the players for Brazil 2014.

“The players led by Yobo and Mikel met with NFF president Aminu Maigari and some of his officials to demand for their own share of the cash FIFA will pay the country for at least featuring in the first round of the World Cup,” a top source informed AfricanFootball.com

Nigeria will already earn more than $9 million for qualification and participation in the first round of the 2014 World Cup and they will get more if they reach the knockout stages of the competition.

Brazil 2014: Ronaldo boosts Portugal hopes, returned to training

- AFP  - Cristiano Ronaldo handed Portugal a huge boost on Saturday as he returned to training after leg injuries that had threatened to wreck his World Cup. The star forward has been struggling for weeks with thigh and knee injuries that forced him out of Portugal's last two warm-up matches and raised fears he might miss the start of the Brazil tournament.

Portugal kick off their World Cup campaign against Germany on June 16 in Group G, which also features the USA and Ghana.

U.S beats African Champions 2-1

Jozy Altidore insists his six-month scoreless streak never bothered him. No sleepless nights. No feelings of frustration. Not even a bit of worry it would stretch into the World Cup. His coach believes otherwise. Whatever the case, Altidore and the United States won't have to deal with that story line in Brazil.

Altidore scored a pair of goals to lead the United States over Nigeria 2-1 Saturday night in the Americans' World Cup send-off match.

Confirmed: British Spy Plane Sent In Search Of Chibok Girls Breaks Down in Senegal

It was confirmed by Britain’s Ministry of Defence that a spy plane that was sent in search of the location of the kidnapped school girls has broken down.

According to the MoD statement, “A technical fault which has delayed the Sentinel aircraft on its way to Ghana is being investigated and will be solved as soon as possible.”

It added that, “In the meantime the UK military team continues its work on the ground while other surveillance aircraft continue the search for the missing schoolgirls.”

Apparently, the Royal Air Force jet had taken off from Waddington base in east England as planned, but the crew soon noticed a fault. They decided to fly on and eventually touched down in Senegal, where the plane is now being repaired, according to the Times.

Source

World Economic Forum: US Marines Already In Abuja

As the World Economic Forum summit kick off in Abuja, the Nigeria capital, US marines have been reported to have arrive the country to help the Nigeria’s security services tackle increasing threats as Nigeria is playing host to the 7th WEF in Abuja today amid heightened security challenges.

The US marines have already arrived the country, according to sources in the know of their movement.

WEF summit is expected to be attended by over 10 heads of state and government as well as over 900 delegates from 70 countries.

Presidents of Algeria, Benin, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Mali, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Tanzania and Togo have confirmed attendance. Former British Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, and former President of Brazil, Lula da Silva, are expected to attend. 50 chief executives of big global corporations have confirmed attendance.

Latest FIFA Ranking: Nigeria Eagles Move Two Positions Up

Super Eagles of Nigeria were ranked 47th in the last Fifa rankings following their goalless draw with Mexico in last month’s international friendly, while Europe occupies the top three places on the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking after Portugal climbed third behind leaders Spain and Germany.

They are followed by four South American sides in Colombia, (4th, up 1), Uruguay (5th, up 1) and fierce rivals Argentina (down 3) and Brazil (up 3), who share sixth position. Just 12 points separate this quartet. Greece return to the top ten for the first time since October 2012, while Scotland moved up 15 places to the 22nd position in the world.

Nigeria , Other West African Leaders Disagree with EU Trade Plans

ECOWAS leaders has  disagree with the European Union free trade deals . Nigeria and the rest of the regional block refused to open their economies to free trade with the European Union at a summit on Saturday.

Nigeria, the regional heavyweight Nigeria voiced concerns which stalled the deal of any further negotiations over the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) since ECOWAS countries resisted lifting tariff barriers over fears that they could crush nascent industries unable to cope with European imports.

Under 17 women'sworld Cup: Ghana, Nigeria play on for Africa

West Africa is again carrying the torch for Africa in football. This time it’s at the U17 Women’s World Cup in Costa Rica. The two teams who have clawed their way to the quarterfinals are Ghana and Nigeria and both face stiff tests as they meet the best from Europe.