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NTTF seals three-year deal with German outfit

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Nigeria Tables Tennis Federation, NTTF has sealed a three year deal with a Germany-based table tennis manufacturing company .

The deal will see the German company kitting the national team for the next three years in all competitions anywhere in the world.

The deal was signed in Halmstad, Sweden by the President of the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF), Ishaku Tikon and Gewo’s representative, Florian Wehner during the just concluded ITTF World Team Championships on Saturday.

According to a media statement from the NTTF, Gewo will provide the approved equipment for the duration of the contract while 10 junior players will be supported with clothing, blades and rubbers.

Also two Nigerian top players will have once in a year training camp in Europe which will be sponsored by Gewo.

An excited NTTF boss described the deal as a step forward for table tennis.

“I am so excited about this contract and this is a result of the efforts our players have made at global level in recent times,” Tikon said in a media statement released by the NTTF.

“We believe this will take away the burden of equipment from us and empower our players to play with the latest equipment in the sport.

“I hope that this will inspire our players to aim higher in order to attract more international companies to the sport.”

The contract our correspondent learnt will help the national teams when it comes to equipment and kits to major tournaments.


Enyimba returns to home soil next month- Commissioner

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Commissioner for Sports,Abia State,Dr Martins Okoro has assured that the State Government is working tirelessly to ensure the Enyimba football club of Aba returns to home soil by next month.

Hon Commissioner for Sports made this revelation yesterday when the Abia state chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria paid him a courtesy call in his office,civil service Secretariat,Umuahia.

Dr Okoro further disclosed that it is the wish of the state government that the Elephant boys as Enyimba club is often called returned to Enyimba international stadium soonest stressing that soccer loving Abians are looking forward to seeing their darling team back to their home soil once again.

He further pointed out that the State is planning to organize youth sports competition to honour the premier of Eastern Nigeria,late Dr Michael Iheonukara Okpara.

Abia Commissioner for Sports who added that the State has put machinery in motion to help the ministry discover budding talents in addition to the forthcoming Abia state Sports festival before the National Sports Festival’s own.

He also promised to partner with Abia state Swan for the necessary logistics required for its proposed Swan week and Sports Summit.The Youthful Commissioner also promised to donate a trophy so as to make their week a huge success.

Earlier in his remarks,Abia state Chairman of Swan,Prince Vin Obike stressed the readiness of his members to partner with the Sports Ministry by promoting and projecting their activities .

Swan Chairman used the occasion of the visit to present the members of his Executive council and the plans outlined for execution this year.

He intimated the Hon Commissioner that the State chapter of Swan is planning to hold the Swan week and as well as Sports Summit in a bid to boost Sports development in the State and Nigeria at large.

Obike however called for the assistance of the Sports Ministry for a hitch- free Swan week,its Summit and other challenges confronting the body.

We”ve done well – Reps

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…Embarks on 2-week Sallah holiday
…Passed 222 bills in 3yrs

House of Representatives yesterday gave itself a pat on the back and
said it has done well in the last three years of the four year tenure.
However, it has adjourned plenary to begin a two week Sallah break,
ahead of the official end of the 3rd year of the 8th session of the
National Assembly weekend 9th of June.
The lawmakers announced that so far it has done extremely well in law
making roles and functions of Parliament.
Briefing the House press corps, spokesman of the House, AndulmRasak
Namada, said that the 8th House has done well and surpassed the
achievements of previous sessions by passing 222 bills of the 1,473 bills
that were introduced.
Of the bills, he noted that 90 were on constitution amendment.

According to him, 519 bills are awaiting second reading, 284 referred to
committees and 112 awaiting consideration within the period under
review.

22 bills were negatived and 23 withdrawn by leave of the House"
Namdas who also doubles as chairman house committee on media and
publicity further disclosed
He said it was the collaboration of the lawmakers with the executive
that led the country out of recession.
According to him , through sectoral debates in addition to summons of
ministers and the recession tactical team put in place by the House
leadership from where the executive benefitted immensely and
economic wise, all assisted the country to pull out of recession.

June 12!

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*Controversy trails Buhari’s declaration of June 12 as Democracy Day
*INEC must announce result of June 12 election – Senate
*Canvasses allowances/entitlements to Abiola, Kingibe
*Kingibe does not deserve GCON award – Afenifere
*Reps kick against new Democracy Day
*As Buhari orders immediate gazetting of Presidential Directive

Controversy has continued to trail President Muhammadu Buhari’s recognition of
June 12 as Nigeria’s new Democracy Day and the conferment of highest honours
of Grand Commander of the Federal Republic, GCFR and Grand Commander of
the Order of Niger, GCON on Moshood K. O. Abiola and his running mate in the
June 12 presidential election, Ambassador Babagana Kingibe.
While the Senate adopted five resolutions including that the Independent
National Electoral Commission, INEC announce the result of the June 12
presidential election and pay the duo their allowances and entitlement, the House
of Representatives kicked against Buhari’s declaration of June 12 as Nigeria’s new
Democracy Day.
But on its part, a Pro-Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere, declared that the
award- Grand Commander of the Order of Niger, GCON on Ambassador Babagana
Kingibe by President Muhammadu buhari was underserved explaining that
Kingibe does not merit the award because according to the group, he betrayed

June 12 struggle by accepting to serve as a Minister of Foreign Affairs under
Abacha regime.
The Senate resolution came as a result of point of order moved by Senator Biodun
Olujimi, Ekiti South who called the attention of the Senate to the honours given to
the two personalities by President Buhari following another motion moved by
Senator Lanre Tejuosho who harped on the need to pay Abiola and Kingibe their
entitlements.
After a robust debate on the motion on the matter by several Senators, the
Senate adopted five prayers including that the result of the June 12, 1993 election
must be announced, all allowances and entitlement be paid to Abiola as a former
president and Kingibe as a former vice president, that Kingibe be recognised as
former vice president and that June 12 be declared public holiday.
The lawmakers also resolved that May 29 remains the day for inauguration of
presidents of Nigeria as June 12 date will mean tenure elongation which is against
the Constitution.
The Senate President, Bukola Saraki, in his reaction urged his colleagues to look
away from the imperfections and first commend President Buhari for the
decision.
“We need to be guided. I think the whole essence of this discussion was to
recognise the fact that Chief MKO Abiola, his contributions, what he had been
through, his tribulations contributed to Nigeria’s re-joining the comity of
democratic nations in 1999.
“For many years, it was long overdue. The good intention is what we should
recognise. There might be imperfections in how it was implemented but let us for
today take the good intention.
“The other issues, I’m not saying they are wrong or right. Whether the award is
right, the process and constitutional amendment to recognition of Babagana
Kingibe’ position as Vice President, the process of making June 12 a public
holiday.
“In the spirit of all those imperfections, we should not allow that to cloud what
Chief M.K.O Abiola stood for,” he declared.

It would be recalled that the late M.K.O Abiola was acclaimed to have won the
June 12 1993 presidential election that was considered as the most transparent
presidential election in Nigeria on the platform of the Social Democratic Party,
SDP with Babagana Kingibe as running mate but it was annulled by the General
Ibrahim Babangida Military Government.
In the House of Representatives, members declined an official position on
Buhari’s declaration as it referred the matter to its Committees on Justice and
Rules and Business for further legislative action.
At yesterday's plenary, no sooner had a motion on the declaration of June 12 as
the national democracy day, which came under matters of urgent national
importance was presented on the floor of the House, than Hon. Ossai Nicholas
Ossai, PDP, Delta state, kicked against the new date, insisting that the intended
change was in bad faith
However, his position drew the ire of some lawmakers who shouted him down,
resulting into a rowdy scenario.

Whereas some lawmakers kicked against the motion, others backed it to the
extent of singing praises of "MKO is our man," a development that threw the
House into 20 minutes of rowdiness.
However leading debate on the general principles of the motion, titled, "motion
on the declaration of June 12 as the national democracy day in Nigeria by
President Muhammadu Buhari," Hon. Wale Raji from Lagos, noted that since
1999, successive governments at the federal level have failed to acknowledge and
celebrate June 12 as the real democracy day rather continued to celebrate May
29 as democracy day in the country.
Some of the lawmakers also argued that the Public holidays Act empowers the
President to fix a new public holiday; the act defines May 29 as date for
celebration of Democracy Day, adding that the parliament has to amend the Act
and change the date before the new date of June 12 will be adopted
Before ruling on the issue, the Speaker explained that the Public holidays Act
gives room for the President to fix public holidays.

Dogara said: “The National Assembly has exercised its powers as provided in the
Constitution by enacting that Act, but Section 2(2) gives the President Powers to
declare a new date for public holidays.”
The Speaker, however, said that the matter will be suspended and referred it to
the House Committees on Justice and Rules and Business to sort out the issues
and report back to the House.
He said: “There is a schedule in the Act which leaves Democracy Day as May 29.
So the issue to be resolved is to look at the presidential declaration and compare
with the Section of the Act that states that June 12 is the Democracy Day. So I will
freeze the motion, and refer the matter to the committees on Justice and Rules
and Business."
But Afenifere’s Spokesperson, Yinka Odumakin said Babagana Kingibe does not
merit the award and discredited the Buhari-led administration for sidelining most
key late players that contributed immensely to the attainment of Democracy in
Nigeria.
“There are many actions that are being taken by this administration which have
no reference to the law, without even being aware of what they are doing, and
you have democracy day on May 29th, this did not occur to them, they just came
and said let’s honour Abiola without looking at the laws.
“This shows the shoddiness in their actions”, he added.
While he later commended President Buhari’s motive, he said it’s not yet time for
honours in Nigeria saying “We’re in the midst of killings; because there’s no day
you open the newspaper in Nigeria now that you don’t find killings suggesting
that government should first address the killings in the land, ensure that Nigerians
are safe from the farmer-herders’ clashes, before conducting such award
programmes.”
Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari has directed the Attorney-General of
the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mallam Shehu Malami to take immediate
steps to publish the Presidential Order in the Federal Gazette as follows: Chief
MKO Abiola – Grand Commander of the Federal Republic, GCFR (Posthumous)
Ambassador Baba Gana Kingibe – Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger,

GCON and Chief Gani Fawehinmi -Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger,
GCON (Posthumous)
In a release by the President’s Senior Special Assistant on Media, Garba Shehu
he also directed that this should be done so that the awards slated for June 12,
2018 can go on as planned.

2018 Hajj: NAHCON approves N1.4m as fare for Kwara pilgrims

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National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, has approved a sum of
N1,462,390.95 as 2018 Hajj fare for intending pilgrims to Saudi Arabia
from Kwara State.
The Executive Secretary, Kwara State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board,
Alhaji Mohammed Tunde-Jimoh, disclosed this in Ilorin.
The Executive Secretary said the fare for each states was jointly
determined by both the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria and
officials of the 36 states' Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards
He made it knew that the approved 2018 Hajj fare for Kwara Pilgrims
include airfare, accommodation, transportation and other logistics for
pilgrims both in Mecca and Medina.
However, He said all the intending pilgrims travelling with the Board
would receive flat rate of 800 US dollars each as Basic Travelling
Allowance BTA.
He called the attention of the intending pilgrimage that the 2018 Kwara
Hajj fare was reduced by a sum of N40,000 when compare with that of
2017 Hajj fare.
The Executive Secretary directed intending pilgrims who had performed
Hajj in the last three years to pay mandatory additional charges of
2,000 Saudi Riyals.

He said, the statement was in line with Saudi Arabia authority’s
directives.
The Executive Secretary warned that the Board would not process the
travelling document of any intending pilgrims who refuses to pay
required charges.
He directed all the intending pilgrims from the state who had made a
deposit of N1.3million to the Board to complete their payment
immediately at the Skye Bank Plc and collect the receipt at the Board
after payment.
The statement reminded the intending pilgrims that the Board has little
time for the completion of processes and remittance of Hajj fare to
NAHCON.
The statement said prospective Muslims who are willing to perform
2018 pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia with the Board could still do so on or
before the deadline of 31st June 2018.
The board advised the intending pilgrims to hasten payment as the E-
tracking for the issuance of visa had reached advance stage.

Buhari, security chiefs in 3rd meeting in a week

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President Muhammadu Buhari has again met with service chiefs in his office for the third time this
week.
The meeting, held behind closed- doors, is coming amid continuous
killings in states like Benue, Taraba, Kaduna and Zamfara,The president had met with
service chiefs on Monday after which the Inspector General of
Police, Ibrahim Idris, and the
Director General of the State
Security Service (SSS), Lawal
Daura, proceeded to meet with
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and
the Minister of Justice Abubakar
Malami.
Buhari also met with the security
chiefs on Tuesday after which the
Minister of Defence, Mansur Ali,
said he made a case for states to
suspend the anti-grazing laws
as part of measures to stop the
ongoing killings in parts of the
killings.
Thursday’s meeting which lasted
for about 40 minutes was attended
by all heads of security agencies
including the Director General of
Nigeria Intelligence Agency, NIA,
Ahmed Abubakar.
While the attendees declined
to speak to State House
correspondents, the defence
minister said the meeting was to
“review the outcome of what we
discussed on Tuesday.”

NDE trains, disburses tools to 300 youths in Nasarawa

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NATIONAL Directorate of Employment, NDE, in Nasarawa State, has
trained a total of 300 unemployed youths of the state under the N-
POWER Build programme of the federal government to enable them
become self-reliant.
State Coordinator of the scheme, Alhaji Dauda Idris Wase, disclosed this
distributing training tools/equipment and testimonials to the
beneficiaries in Lafia, yesterday.
He explained that the training was done in collaboration with the
Council of

Registered Builders of Nigeria, CORBON, and the National Automotive
Design and Development Council, NADDC, under the N-POWER Build
basic skills training programmed of the federal government.
According to him the programme was basically targeted at the non-
graduate youths for building and providing a new crop of skilled and
highly competent workforce for technicians, artisans and service
providers to communities.
“All the trainees will from tomorrow go for a further nine months
training attachment to enable them become very proficient in their
respective chosen vocations which will ultimately make them ready for
self-employment"
“Each participant was provided with a nourishing meal per day and the
sum of N10,000 stipend every month and the payment of this N10,000
monthly stipend to the trainees will continue throughout the duration
of the apprenticeship/attachment"
Idris Wase urged the beneficiaries to use the knowledge gain in order
to train others for the betterment of themselves and society as a
whole.
In a remark the state commissioner for education, science and
technology, Prof. Jonathan Ayuba, urged the beneficiaries to use the
tools for the purpose they were meant for.
Ayuba, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the
ministry, Alhaji Jibrin Giza restated state government commitment to
the continued implementation of policies and programmes that would
fight poverty, unemployment among youths.

PDP set to take over power in 2019 – Paradang

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Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has been described as the best political party
not only in Nigeria but in the whole of Africa. This was the submission of an
aspirant for Plateau Central Senatorial Zone, David Shikfu parradang at the
Plateau State Secretariat of the PDP on Wednesday.
Parradang said this while addressing state EXCO of the PDP at the party
Secretariat in Jos to formally declare his intention for the Senatorial seat.
He said that the party was well positioned more than ever before to take over
power from the ruling All Progressive Congress APC, come 2019. “Some people
stole our precious products and the time has come to reclaim our stolen products.
Count me as one of the candidates that you can rely on to pursue and over take
to recover our stolen products.”
He commended the State Chairman of the PDP; Hon. Damishi Sango for his high
degree of commitment, integrity and doggedness; qualities that have made him
stood his ground in the face of multiple challenges


Kaduna R/Polls: PDP rejects election results in Chikun LG

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…Says no election in 4wards
Opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Chikun local government
area of Kaduna state has said that contrary to announcement by
sponsored Returning Officer, the rescheduled Polls, R/Polls, in the four
wards of the local government area did not take place.
The Chairman of the State Independent Electoral Commission, SIECOM,
Dr. Binta Saratu Dikko-Audu had earlier on Wednesday announced the

cancellation of election in Chikun and Kaura on the state owned radio
outfit, following earlier crisis at the headquarters of the local
government in Kujama involving the member representing Chikun
constituency, Mark Yari and House of Representative member for Igabi
constituency Abubakar Mohammed Mamadi respectively.
But shortly after her statement on the radio of the cancelation of the
same election, that the SIECOM boss said never held, it was announced
and declared that the All Progressive Congress, APC, to have won in the
election in the local government.
Addressing newsmen late Thursday, Chairman of the PDP in Chikun
local government area, Prince Jonah Musa, however said, "We woke up
this morning to an appalling news that the All Progressive Congress in
their desperation to usurp the mandate of the people of Chikun Local
Government Area had gone ahead to announce election results in their
favor.
"Our position as follows: That there was no elections in Kujama, Kakau,
Chikun and Nassarawa wards as it was reschedule for yesterday 6th
June.
That two Legislators Hon. Markus Yari representing Chikun in the
Kaduna State House of Assembly and Hon. Abubakar Mohammed
Mamadi member representing Igabi in the Federal House of
Representatives were intercepted by some vigilant electorates whom
upon prior information that some APC politicians had earlier led armed
bandits and Uniformed Security men to whisk away with ballot boxes,
searched and found sensitive Election materials in there possession,
arrested them and handed them over to the Police.
"That the acclaimed Returning officer that declared the APC elected has
no business whatsoever with yesterday's election in Chikun Local
Government Area.

We condemn this act of desperation and we consider it a grievous
offence that must not be swept under the carpet by the Nigerian Police
Force.
That we acknowledge the leadership of the Kaduna State Independent
Electoral Commission's announcement that elections were not held as
scheduled.
Finally the People's Democratic Party wishes to state its profound
gratitude to all electorates whom despite all odds came out ready to
exercise their rights.
We beg that you keep exercising patience, maintain peace and be
obedient to all constituted authorities as we await the Kaduna State
Independent Electoral Commission's notice of a fresh date for the
rescheduled elections.
To the members of the Press we appreciate your efforts. You are
indeed the defenders and custodians of our democracy", they stated.

Police Recruitment And Nigeria’s Federalism

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Conversations about Nigeria’s federalism (or apparent lack of it) were rekindled last week following the publication of the list of new intakes into the Nigeria Police Force after the recently concluded recruitment exercise.

A region by region analysis of the 5, 233 shortlisted candidates showed the North-West has the highest number with 1, 300 candidates followed by South-west with 921 candidates. The North-Central has 823 candidates, South-South 779 and North-East has 759. The South-East has the lowest number of shortlisted candidates with 651 persons. This glaring, brazen and unconscionable lop-sidedness sparked off much indignation especially among geo-political regions who felt hard done by in the exercise.

It will be recollected that a similar recruitment exercise carried out by Nigeria’s internal secret service, the State Security Service in 2017 also sparked off a huge outcry after it was shown that Katsina, President Buhari’s home state and that of the Director General of the Service Lawal Daura, had a whooping 51 candidates out of the 479 cadets in the agency’s Basic Course 29/2016/17 while states like Lagos had 7 candidates, Akwa Ibom 5, Rivers 7 and Zamfara 20. A region by region breakdown also revealed a most disturbing lopsidedness in recruitment. The North West had 165, South South 42, North East 100, North Central 66, South West 57 and South East 44.

These figures more than anything, demonstrates an alarming asymmetry in the structure of the Nigerian federation which without a doubt, fuels discontent and encourages agitation among component units of the Nigerian state. Asides the irksome inequality displayed, the dominance demonstrated by some parts over the others also runs against the spirit and letter of the Nigerian Constitution which states in Section 14 of the 1999 Constitution: “The composition of the Government of the Federation or any of its agencies and the conduct of its affairs shall be carried out in such manner to reflect the federal character of Nigeria and the need to promote national unity, and also to command national loyalty thereby ensuring that there shall be no predominance of persons from a few states or from a few ethnic or sectional groups in that government or any of its agencies”. Sadly, the clear unimpeachable provisions of this section are often observed in the breach by successive administrations in Nigeria. The drafters of the grundnorm must have been prescient concerning certain turn of events in Nigeria and worked to legislate against it. Commanding loyalty is one thing many government policies have NOT done, especially in the last three years as cries of sectionalism have been the Buhari administration’s Achilles heel. Public indignation has trailed several actions of the government that markedly favour the President’s North West region, especially his state, Katsina.

The defence offered in the case of the Police recruitment exercise that recruits were selected per Local Government Area is hollow and untenable. If truly that was the criteria used by the Police Service Commission in ensuring national spread, then that spread is a deceitful one. First, while the Constitution clearly recognizes the existence of Local Govt Areas, this so-called third tier have all been swallowed up by the states thereby trending conversations towards using states as the minimum units in discussing issues of distribution of the goodies accruing from Nigeria’s federalism. Second, it is curious that where states are used as the basis of distribution in some exercises (like the SSS recruitment), the Police Service Commission relied on LGAs. Are there no standards for such recruitments in Nigeria?

Another ironical observation in the Police recruitment exercise is that the examination was administered by JAMB yet the results are at variance with the usual outcomes of such exams which often have the South East or South South coming tops. It would be a refreshing novelty if indeed candidates from the North West performed so well to beat all others to dominate the shortlist.

All these throw up questions on Nigeria’s unity, questions that leaders on the national stage usually choose to play the ostrich over but whose consequences often show up unpleasantly and give grist to the mill of those who agitate for a break up of the country as a result of an objectionable dominance of one region over others. The use of LGAs as criteria raises questions of fairness. If equity is expected in a heterogenous nation like Nigeria, expecting the South East geopolitical zone (as an example) with about 95 LGAs in its 5 states to fairly measure up with the North West geopolitical zone with a total of about 186 LGAs in its 7states is not in line with the expectations of the aforementioned Section 14 of the 1999 Constitution, “…there shall be no predominance of persons from a few states or from a few ethnic or sectional groups in that government or any of its agencies”

Since promotion is usually on basis of seniority, it must be observed that prejudiced and discriminatory recruitment policies such as this only serves to ensure that one region of the country maintains a hegemonic hold on the upper cadre of the Police (or any other agency where this is applied). This is a time bomb as it breeds discontent in the polity. No country can survive with aggravated grievances built up over generations. The explosion will be messy.

Cynics would also note that it appears the regions from whose areas Nigeria’s economic mainstay is derived are often short-changed when it comes to sharing the national cake, as it were. This is not good enough and must change.

The most equitable way of sharing employment positions in a manner that would be satifactory to all would simply be to distribute same by geopolitical zones or at worst by states after criteria of merit are satisfied. Anything less is inequitable and designed to produce an explosion of resentment if not today, tomorrow. If Nigeria’s unity is as important as it is often touted to be, fairness and equity must be the pillow upon which decision makers lay their heads and open-mindedness in implementing altruistic policies must guide their actions. Nigeria’s unity is not to be taken for granted nor is it to be considered a fait accompli. It is an ideal which must be treated with candour and nourished by honesty and justice.

June 12: Atiku’s Reaction To President Buhari Declaration

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Former Vice President of Nigeria,  Atiku Abubakar has reacted to the declaration made by President Mohammadu Buhari to change the Democracy Day date from May 29 to June 12.

Atiku who reacted to the new development via a tweet, hailed the decision made by Buhari to declare June 12 as the new Democracy Day in honour of the presumed winner of the June 12 1993 presidential election, Abiola.

He wrote, “I rejoice with the Abiola family over the recognition bestowed on its late patriarch, Chief MKO Abiola; my friend & political ally & acclaimed winner of June 12 1993 elections, better known as June 12.

“The symbolic honor done his memory & the struggle he died for is commendable.”

Revealed! Reasons Stella Oduah dumped PDP for APGA

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Princess Stella Oduah, Senator representing Anambra North in the National Assembly,has given reasons,  why she dumped the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for the All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA.

Oduah,  justifying her decision to abandon her former party, said being an APGA member will give her an opportunity to play local politics and touch peoples’ lives directly in Igboland, saying that her decision to join APGA was out of conviction that the party is the conscience of the Igbo.

She told reporters, “Despite my global orientation, the Igbo agenda and that of my core constituency have always been the centrepiece of my politics. I believe APGA must grow beyond the boundary of Anambra State, beyond the boundary of South East.

“As a senator, my first obligation is to my constituency, then my state and Igbo-land; it is on this note that I announced my intention to run for the Anambra North senatorial seat under All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA.

“My joining APGA is borne out of the conviction that the party is the conscience of the Igbo because all politics are local. APGA possesses the midas-touch to turn the South East into the land of gold.”

The senator recalled that, “when I sponsored the South-East Development Commission, SEDC, Bill in the Senate in 2017, it was to drive the Igbo agenda. It was an expression of a potent desire to see a change in my homeland, and an examplification of that sacred Igbo philosophy.

“As you all know, the South East is a region with the least Federal Government presence in terms of projects. The region grapples with ecological problems, bad roads, poor electricity, unemployment and decrepit infrastructure.

“It is also the region with least appointment in the Federal Government. Besides other factors, I believe the neglect of the region fueled the agitations for an independent state by some groups.”

Africa magic declares Debbie Odutayo as head judge for 6th edition

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Africa Magic Viewers Choice Award, AMVCA, has just announced veteran filmmaker, Debbie
Odutayo, as the head judge for the upcoming event which is just few months away.
Odutayo, who has brought in over two decades of experience in the television production,
content creation and administration, is also famous for being the brain behind the production
company, Royal Roots Communication Network, which expanded to Royal Roots Television,
R2TV, and Royal Roots FM, R2 92.9FM, in Oyo State.
According to the director, M-Net West Africa, Wangi Mba-Uzoukwu, Odutayo’s appointment
restates Africa Magic’s commitment to excellence and professionalism.
“Debbie Odutayo is a respected and seasoned television professional who brings extensive
experience and renown to the AMVCA judging process. Her appointment as Head Judge is in
tandem with the AMVCAs being the biggest celebration of film and television talent in Africa,”
Mba-Uzokwu said in an official press release.
Odutayo being a renowned and respected woman in the African film and TV industry, she also
boosts experience with the AMVCA judging process, having worked in other editions.
“Debbie Odutayo is a respected and seasoned television professional who brings extensive
experience and renown to the AMVCA judging process. Her appointment as head judge is in
tandem with the AMVCAs being the biggest celebration of film and television talent in Africa,"
he said in an official press release.
However, the AMVCA awards, which usually holds in the month of March, was delayed this year
due to the Big Brother Naija show which commenced in January and ended in April, and the
anticipated FIFA World Cup which is about to start this June, thereby taking the AMVCA to
September 1, 2018.

2nd Niger Bridge, political scam – Ikedife

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…Issues of completion, starting dates usually said when election is coming
around
Dr. Dozie Ikedife, former national president of Ohaneze Ndigbo and British trained surgeon,
bared his mind on the state of the 2 nd Niger Bridge during an interview with Tony Oraeki in
Nnewi.
As the former national president of Ohaneze Ndigbo, how would you evaluate the extent of
work being done at the 2 nd Niger Bridge; and do you foresee any political colouration in
handling the project?
Thank you. Second Bridge across the Niger in Onitsha, we have heard about it for a long time
and it comes up from time to time, more of near an election, and it has come to appear like a
principal topic that keep surfacing near an election. That is, it could appear they are playing
politics with it. They know the people from the South-East to South-South would be anxious
about the bridge and pitiless their feelings. When an election is coming around, some few
things are said about it, being started or being completed.
Of late I heard somebody quoting 60 percent completed or even going to 80 percent. And I also
heard from the media that the design has not yet been completed; contracts are not even
awarded. Now, it leaves some of us in a state of confusion and ask what the position is. And to
me, my attitude is when I see the bridge, I know it has been built. When I was Commissioner for
Economic Development in the old East Central State, after budget presentation, I said it was
good to hear this is earmarked for this or that. What the population will like to see is ‘what I
marked,’ and as far as I am concerned, any further comment on the bridge is what I see on the
ground that I will comment on and as for the mentioning that it is so many percent, unless the
bridge is going to be under the water. I passed there recently and I didn’t see any structure
rising to cross the river. I am sure it is not supposed to be a tunnel rather than a bridge. I think
some money has been budgeted but such is different from releases of the money. And release
of money is different from doing the work because you can budget N1trilion as you want and if
you don’t release a kobo, then the money goes back into the treasury. In fact, it would not have
even left the treasury anyway; so no question of returning to the treasury. In budgeting, we
used to have what is called token provision; it looks like whatever you put there is like a token
provision.
What do you think could be the cause of its delay right from the previous administrations?
There could be many reasons, one of which is unavailability of fund, availability of political will
to do it, seriously understanding the importance of the bridge and commitment to have it built
in a certain time. There is the question of political pressure where if it is mounted at the proper
area and at right time, it will create a premium. But willingness and financial ability are also
some of the delaying points. As for technical ability, I think a few companies can build the
bridge satisfactorily but only a question of making a financial provision and putting it through as
something that must be completed, setting a time frame with which it will be completed, and

pushing it. Whether it is on PPP or direct labor or to be toll, though we don’t think it is fair to
toll it, there are other bridges across other rivers and to the best of my knowledge, I don’t
know anyone that is been tolled. The Niger Bridge doesn’t really deserve a toll on it.
What effect could these political tricks have on the ruling APC in next year’s elections?
I never mind whether it is APC or PDP or whatever; people who use that bridge are really
sensitive about it and anybody who builds it will certainly score some political points in the
South-East, South-South and in the rest of the country, because virtually everybody is using the
bridge.

CBN staff decries lopsided promotion

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Concerned staff of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, have decried alleged lopsided manner
in which only some privileged and well-connected staff are being promoted after writing the
mandatory promotion examinations.
In a statement issued to newsmen in Abuja yesterday, many staff of the apex bank
complained that the 2016 promotion exercise which was released in February 2018 was
lopsided and skewed in favour of a certain category of staff who enjoy the confidence and
affection of the CBN managing director, Mr. Godwin Emefiele.
The statement read: “The guiding rules for promotion process requires that staff be
promoted after attaining the mandatory three years on their current grade, but this has
never happened since you took charge of CBN in 2014. Staff do spend an average of four
years before getting an opportunity to write the promotion exam with so much uncertainty,
given the fact that even if they passed the required examinations, they are not bound to be
promoted due to entrenched interests.”
The staff lament that in the last promotion exercise a total of 2,342 staff sat for the exams
with more than 50 percent meeting the required 60 percent cut off mark, which was later
arbitrarily jerked up to 85 percent just to deny the less favoured candidates, even while
some with scores as high as 80 percent were denied promotion.
“As a result, only 552 names, most of whom were people connected to state governors and
other powerful politicians, eventually made the list,” they said.
The concerned staff said that the promotion exam was “devoid of transparency, equity,
fairness and justice, which is the reason for so much secrecy around the list of “successful
candidates” who were notified of their promotion through personal emails instead of being
published on the bank’s website for everyone to see as was the previous practice.
Other allegations levied against the management are that in the last two years more than
3,000 new staff had been employed into the bank while current staff are denied promotion
on the grounds of insufficient funds.
Most of the affected qualified staff for promotion include assistant directors, principal
managers, senior managers, deputy managers, assistant managers and senior supervisors.
The staff further complained that despite the backlog of successful candidates, the CBN
management still went ahead to conduct another exam immediately after the release of the
last one in which some successful candidates have been on the same grade level for upward
of seven years but could not be promoted due to lack of vacancies and money, as explained
by the CBN governor.
They accused the governor of wanting to promote the newly recruited staff over and above
their seniors, adding that tension was brewing in the bank as affected workers are calling for
a review of the last promotion exercise conducted in February 2018, to devoid irregularities
for transparency, equity, fairness and justice in line with the federal character principle in
operation.


Drama as actress Yvonne Nelson un-follows and deletes baby-daddy’s photos on instagram

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Yvonne Nelson broke the internet with the news of her new born baby girl from her estranged
boyfriend sometime ago.
It was later disclosed that her boyfriend is a British-born photographer identified as Jamie, in
which a fan later called him out accusing him of being married before, but he cleared up the air
on the accusations immediately, saying “I'm not married… but whatever works for you."
However, it has been gathered that the duo un-followed each other on their instagram page
and deleted all the good memories after making their relationship look so rosy before the birth
of their daughter.
Though Yvonne has been a bit private about her relationship with her baby daddy, this new
development sparks off the end of what was perceived as an amazing relationship.
It is not clear why they have decided to un-follow each other and delete all the sweet memories
they both shared, but a close look at Yvonne's instagram page shows that the beautiful actress
is moving on smoothly.

Davido set to perform at the Made in America Music Festival

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Nigerian popular artiste, David Adeleke, well known as Davido, has been listed as one of the
performers for the 2018 ‘Made in America Music Festival.
The concert, which is being scheduled to hold in September 1 and 2 simultaneously at Benjamin
Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, US, is an annual music festival founded by American iconic
rapper, Jay-z.
The `Fall’ crooner is listed alongside a powerful lineup that features some of the world’s elite
artistes, which include Nicki Minaj, Post Malone, Meek Mill, Diplo, Fat Joe as headliners at the
two-day festival.
Davido would also be preforming alongside Stormzy, Migos, French Montana, Jhus and DJ
Khaled and others.

Last surviving munchkin actor in Wizard of Oz dies at 98

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Jerry Maren, the last living munchkin in the movie, ‘Wizard of Oz,’ has died at the age of 98.
His niece, Stacy Michelle Barrington confirmed his death to a source, saying he died more than
a month ago but his family decided to hold off the news of his death from the media.
The 98-year-old actor died at a nursing care facility in San Diego, Calif.
The actor played many roles over the years, however he was best known for his time as a
lollipop-toting munchkin in the classic film.
Maren recalled being cast for the movie in a 2009 interview with a source.
"I was just out of high school in Massachusetts and appearing in vaudeville Times Square with
an act called Three and a Half Steps. I was approached by a casting agent who said, “We need
little people who can sing and dance.”
He had never met another little person before filming ‘Oz.’
“No, not until I got to MGM and there were 124 of us — young boys, young girls, old guys and
old women,” Maren said.
“We were all paid $50 a week because we didn’t have agents. They thought we were stupid,
but we knew we were getting the shaft. Toto was getting $150 a week," he added.
Maren had plenty of screen time in the classic movie, which he worked on for "about two
weeks.
"Whenever they needed a Munchkin extra in another scene, I was in there. I loved Judy
Garland. She was an angel to work with."
The Lollipop Guild member was previously the subject of a March 2016 death hoax.
The reports were shot down at the time by Maren’s close friend Steve Cox.
It was also gathered that Maren’s wife, Elizabeth, died back in 2011 at age 69.

Trump heeds to Kim Kardashian’s plea for 62-yr-old great-grand mother

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Reality TV start, Kim Kardashian was with President Donald Trump sometime in May, as part of
her ongoing efforts to get a pardon for Alice Marie Johnson, a great-grandmother who is
serving a life sentence for a non-violent drug conviction.
However, President Trump has commuted the life sentence for Johnson, after a high-profile
campaign for clemency by reality television star Kim Kardashian West.
Johnson, 63, was serving a life sentence without the possibility of parole after being convicted
of a first-time non-violent drug offense.
She was put on the president’s radar during a meeting in the Oval Office last week with
Kardashian, who was originally slated to meet with Trump’s son-in-law and senior adviser, Jared
Kushner, to discuss prison reform.
President Trump granted a commutation to Johnson, who has served almost 22 years in Federal
Prison for a first-time criminal offense.
White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said in a statement that "Ms. Johnson has accepted
responsibility for her past behaviour and has been a model prisoner over the past two
decades.
Sanders also added that "while this administration will always be very tough on crime, it
believes that those who have paid their debt to society and worked hard to better themselves
while in prison deserve a second chance."
The president commuted Johnson's sentence, which means her punishment has been wiped
out, but her conviction remains on her record.
A pardon would both wipe out the punishment and the conviction.
A source reported that Trump was strongly considering pardoning Johnson, despite resistance
from Chief of Staff John Kelly and White House lawyer, Don McGahn.
Johnson was convicted in 1996 on eight criminal counts related to a Memphis-based cocaine
trafficking operation.
Her involvement with cocaine dealers reportedly came about after she lost her job, her son was
killed, she got divorced and her home was foreclosed on.
Meanwhile, Johnson isn’t the only imprisoned person Kardashian has advocated for. Cyntoia
Brown, now 30-yrs-old, is serving a life sentence for a murder she committed when she was a
16-year-old prostitute.
Brown said she shot a 43-year-old real estate agent after he picked her up and brought her back
to his house because she was afraid for her life.

While prosecutors said Brown was trying to rob him, she is slated to remain in prison for at
least 51 years, meaning she’ll be at least 67 years old before she can be released.
In November 2017, Kardashian said in a tweet that she called her attorneys to help with
Brown’s case.
“The system has failed. It’s heartbreaking to see a young girl sex trafficked then when she had
the courage to fight back is jailed for life!” she posted.
“We have to do better & do what’s right.”

Actor Kanayo O Kanayo, to contest for House of Rep

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Nollywood veteran actor, Kanayo O Kanayo has declared his intentions to run for the House of
Representatives in Ahiazu/Ezinihitte Mbaise federal constituency of Imo State.
Kanayo, who made his first debut in 1992 with the movie, 'Living in Bondage,’ was honoured at
the 2014 centenary award for Member of the Order of the Federal Republic, MFR, alongside
other prominent Nigerians like Olu Jacobs, Enoch Adeboye, Fela Kuti.
He made his intentions known via his instagram page: "Hello friends, good evening. History has
been made today as I declared my intention to run for the House of Representatives, Ahiazu/
Ezinihitte Mbaise federal constituency, Imo State, under the All Progressives Grand Alliance,
APGA. I owe you this information as I enlist your prayers and support. #OverAndOut,” he wrote.

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