New Nigeria international passport to cost N70,000, says NIS

Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) on Monday said registration and the issuance of new international passport would cost Nigerians N70,000.

NIS spokesman Sunday James, who made the disclosure, said the agency will commence issuance of the new international passport from Monday, March 4 2019 in Abuja.

Issuance of the passport will commence in Ikoyi in Lagos on March 25, Kano on April 1, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos on April 8 and London, United Kingdom April 15.

He said the phase two multiple rollout in New York, Washington, and Atlanta, USA would follow immediately after London on April 22; while other locations, local and abroad, would follow in sequence from April 29.


Nigerian president Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday, January 16 launched the new red diplomatic passport at an emergency Federal Executive Council meeting in Abuja.

However, NIS spokesman said existing passport booklet will run concurrently with the new enhanced passport booklet until the former expires.

According to James, the advantages of the new passport includes its 10-year validity, self-tracking of application and express centres for urgent application.

Other advantages he said included weather friendliness, compliance with latest ICAO standard, polycarbonate technology that reduces the incidence of damage as well saves Nigerians in the Diaspora time of frequent visits to Nigerian Embassies.

He, however, urged “Nigerians to take advantage of the reforms, avoid patronising third party or touts and utilise the online platforms provided by the service for their passport application.”

Buhari Campaign Organization drags Atiku to court, demands N40million

The Buhari Campaign Organisation (BCO) has instituted a N40million libel suit against the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, accusing him of defaming President Muhammadu Buhari and his family.


Buhari was cited as the 2nd Plaintiff in the suit, that was lodged before a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory.

The Plaintiffs are praying the court, to compel the PDP flag-bearer to pay damages, for alleging that President Buhari and members of his family own substantial shares in 9mobile and Keystone Bank.


The BCO, in the suit that has Atiku’s aide, Phrank Shaibu as the 1st defendant, insisted that the claim was not only false, but highly libelous.

The plaintiff is seeking a declaration that “the 1st Defendant (Phrank Shaibu) on behalf and for the 2nd Defendant (Atiku) neglectfully, unlawfully and recklessly permitted and caused to be published in Newspapers, defamatory and damaging statements against the 1st Plaintiff (President Buhari)”.

The BCO applied for an order of the court for specific Damages against the Defendants jointly and severally in the sum of Thirty Millions Naira (N30,000,000.00), as the total sum above listed as financial loss the Plaintiffs incurred due to the wrongful, neglectful and fraudulent acts of the Defendants, which forced the Plaintiffs to spend to correct the wrong impression created in the minds of the members of the public due to the publication caused and published by the Defendants.


The plaintiffs also want an order for “general damages in the sum of (N10,000,000,00) Ten Million Naira only jointly and severally against the Defendants for the embarrassment, pain and unnecessary financial loss suffered by the Plaintiffs most particularly the 1 st Plaintiff who is a public figure, an honourable presidential candidate and reputable gentleman to the core”.

As well as an order of the court “for the payment of the sum of (N375,OOO.OO) Three Hundred and Seventy Five Thousand Naira only being incidental expenses and/or legal charges which the 1st Plaintiff incurred in respect of this matter”.

In a witness statement on oath made by its Director of Communication and Strategic Planning, Mallam Gidado Ibrahim, the BCO, told the court that Atiku and his media aide engaged in smeared campaign of calumny against Buhari, by willfully allowing and sponsoring the said purported defamatory and image damaging statements made by the 1st Defendant to be published by some newspapers to members of the public.

Ibrahim averred that as such, President Buhari’s reputations was greatly affected by undue diligence, with regards to the authenticity of the information as it relate to the true ownership of the alleged companies which the 1st Defendant on behalf and for the 2nd defendant, falsely published in the newspapers for the consumption of the general public.

“The 2nd Defendant permitted and sponsored the 1 st Defendant, Mr. Phrank Shaibu to make and publish defamatory and damaging statement against the 1st Plaintiff in order for 2nd Defendant to get undue advantage in terms of votes from the member of the public more than the 1st Plaintiff (Buhari), the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress.

“That the 2nd Defendant who is a Presidential Candidate of the People Democratic Party hanged on this publications and using same on every campaign grounds to smear the person of the 1st Plaintiff to his supporters and other members of the public.

“That the 1st Defendant as an agent to the 2nd Defendant who is freely accessible to members of the public for patronage on behalf the 2nd Defendant, has the duty to investigate any information/documents means to be issued out either by words of mouth or publication to the members of public, most particularly where such information concerned a third a party or any member of the public.

“That the 1st Defendant without investigating the authenticity of the purported defamatory information with intent to damaged the reputation and integrity of the 1 st Plaintiff caused to be published in the Newspapers. That the Plaintiffs shall tendered two daily newspapers the Vanguard and Punch Newspapers both dated 27th December,2018 before the court during the hearing.

“That the 1st Defendant, to investigate and to ascertain the true ownership of the Keystone Bank Plc and 9Mobile Ltd (Etisalat) needed only to go to the Corporate Affairs Commission to find out whether the said Companies truly belong to the 1st Plaintiff before publishing that the Companies were bought and own by the 1st Plaintiff, his family and friends in the purported publications.

“That the Defendants having willingly refused to so do, have failed to exercise due diligence and were therefore Negligent.

“That the 1 st Defendant for and on behalf of the 2 nd Defendant negligently caused to be published defamatory and damaging statements against the 1 st Plaintiff and the 2nd Defendant gave the 1St Defendant and his cohorts the mandate to use the said publications against the Plaintiffs all over the place.

“That the neglectful acts of the Defendants more particularly that of the 1st Defendant has caused grave pain, embarrassment and integrity question to the Plaintiffs more particularly to the 1st Plaintiff (Buhari),” he added.

2019 election: Atiku’s campaign groups raise alarm over lack of funds, say ex-VP may lose election

The Coalition of All Atiku Support Groups, Lagos State has decried alleged lack of campaign materials for about 800 pro-Atiku groups in the state.


The coalition also claimed that coordinators of these groups in Lagos and some South West states are using their money to facilitate members to all PDP rallies without grants from campaign headquarters.

Speaking through its Chairman, Mark Iheanyi, who is also the Founder/National Chairman, the group said that the former Vice President, who is the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, risks losing over four million voters from the state.


According to the group, Atiku may suffer a huge loss due to “the lingering denial of campaign materials and grants.”

Iheanyi said, “The leadership of the party has never told us that the support groups will not be compensated for their efforts.

“The tactical manner they are going about it needs to be re-examined. Even when PDP leaders had a meeting with the coordinators of the groups in Lagos, they went home disgruntled.


“Something has to be done fast before our teeming members are demoralised and forced to abandon the campaign.

“Given the 6.6 million voting population of Lagos State, we require at least two campaign buses for each of the three senatorial zones.”

BREAKING: Council of State reaches final decision on new minimum wage

The National Council of State presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the sum of N27,000 as the new minimum wage.


The national council approved the sum during an ongoing meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

The meeting had in attendance former presidents like Olusegun Obasanjo, Goodluck Jonathan and the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, among others.


Details later…

Amnesty International reacts to decentralization of SARS, says police action not enough

Amnesty International has reacted to the disbandment of Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad (FSARS) and other special squads by the newly-appointed Inspector General of Police, Adamu Mohammed.


AIG Mohammed had on Monday ordered the decentralization of SARS which was earlier centralized at the Force Headquarters.

Mohammed gave the order at a meeting with officers in the rank of Commissioners of Police and above on Monday in Abuja, ordering that with the new arrangement, commissioners of police in the 36 states and the FCT would assume full command and control all SARS in their commands.


The police boss said henceforth, the SARS unit in the force headquarters would be under the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Force Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Department (FCIID).

Reacting, Amnesty International in a statement signed by its Director, Osai Ojigho said the disbandment of SARS “Acknowledges years of outcry from Nigerians over human rights violations routinely committed by its members”

Ojigbo said that the new development, however, commendable was not enough measure by the Nigerian Police to stop human rights abuses by the police.


The statement reads, “The disbandment of the notorious Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad (FSARS) acknowledges years of outcry from Nigerians over human rights violations routinely committed by its members. However, disbandment alone is not enough and must be followed with concrete reforms that will end gross violations by the police altogether.

‘Wide-ranging reforms must be carried out so that Nigerians can trust the police to provide law enforcement according to Nigerian laws and international standards. The toxic climate of fear and corruption perpetrated by the police must end.

“Much more needs to be done to end unnecessary and excessive of force, extrajudicial killings, torture, arbitrary detention and extortion. Wide-ranging reforms must be carried out so that Nigerians can trust the police to provide law enforcement according to Nigerian laws and international standards. The toxic climate of fear and corruption perpetrated by the police must end.

“Previous attempts to end the use of torture by the Nigerian police have proven ineffective.

“To draw a line under these atrocities, they must be investigated, and the perpetrators brought to justice.

“Compelling evidence of crimes and human rights violations committed by FSARS is widely available, including in reports by Amnesty International and can aid effective investigation of crimes committed by the squad.”

BREAKING: Senate adjourns sitting over lack of quorum

The Senate on Tuesday adjourned plenary to Wednesday after about ten minutes of sitting over lack of quorum.


Tuesday’s sitting was attended by five Senators out of 109 and after the opening prayers by the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, Senator Olushola Adeyeye moved for adjournment.

Adeyeye said it was not normal in parliamentary practice for sitting to take place when a quorum was not formed.


“Mr. President, distinguished colleagues, you can see that we have not formed a quorum. So, I want to move for adjournment to Wednesday. I so moved. ”

Seconding the motion, Senate Deputy Minority leader, Emmanuel Bwacha said the adjournment was appropriate, and the motion was adopted by the Senate President.

Those present at the plenary that started exactly 10:31am were: Senate President, Senator Bukola Saraki; Senator Philip Aduda; Senator Emmanuel Bwacha; Senator Olushola Adeyeye; Senator Shaba Lafiagi.

Buhari reacts as pavilion crashes on APC supporters during rally

President Muhammadu Buhari has sympathised with those that sustained injuries following an incident at the campaign rally in Maiduguri, Borno, where a pavilion crashed on party faithful.


Several party men and women, who wanted a vintage view of the speakers at the rally climbed on roofs of the pavilions, one of which came down crashing on other spectators.

A statement by Malam Garba Shehu, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, in Abuja on Monday, stated that the president, who expressed sadness over the incident, prayed for the quick recovery of the affected persons.


President Buhari said: “I am shocked to hear about the many who suffered injury following the tragic incident at the stadium this afternoon in Maiduguri. May Allah heal all those that were injured.

“I understand that the Borno State government, the Red Cross and other aid agencies are taking steps to help affected people. May Allah heal the injured,” he added.

Buhari on Monday launched his re-election bid in Maiduguri and Damaturu, Borno and Yobe states respectively, with a pledge to improve on the gains recorded in the security sector.

Justice Onnoghen: CJN loses in court

The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja has refused the request by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen, to make an order stopping his trial at the Code of Conduct Tribunal, CCT on Tuesday.


DAILY POST reported that the CCT had on January 14 fixed January 22 for hearing in the six counts of false assets declaration filed by the Code of Conduct Bureau against Justice Onnoghen.

However, two non-govermental organisations, namely the Centre for Justice and Peace Initiative; CJPI, and International Association of Students, IAS, had approached the Federal High Court in Abuja and requested an order stop the charges against the CJN.


Justice Evelyn Maha of the Federal High Court, Abuja, last week issued two separate orders directing that status quo should be maintained in Justice Onnoghen’s case before the CCT.

However, in a push to stop the CJN trial at CCT, his lawyers, led by Chief Adegnoyega Awomolo, SAN, approached the Appellate court on Monday seeking to obtain another restraining order against the Danladi Umar-led CCT.

Onnoghen’s lawyer, Awomolo told a three-man Court of Appeal panel led by Justice Abdu Aboki, that the restraining order was necessary to preserve the subject matter of the case at the Code of Conduct Tribunal.


In countering this, the Federal Government’s lawyer, Emmanuel Omonuwa, told the panel that he was only served with the court process by Justice Onnoghen’s legal team on Monday morning.

He said he needed at least three days to reply.

The three Justices of the Court of Appeal declined granting Onnoghen’s request to stop the CCT proceedings against him.

According to the Appeal Court panel, “We are of the view that no form of order shall be made at his stage pending hearing of motion on notice.” The suit was adjourned till January 24.

Confusion over heavy security at Lagos House of Assembly

Increased security presence at the Lagos State House of Assembly early on Monday raised speculation that Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode was set to officially present the state’s 2019 budget proposals to the state lawmakers.


The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that there was heavy security presence at the entrance to Lagos Assembly in the morning, which is not unusual during such important events.

The atmosphere, however, later changed after some hours when the security men dispersed, leaving many to believe the presentation was not to be.


Some lawmakers and high ranking officials of the House, who spoke on condition of anonymity, in the morning also said that they were not aware of any budget presentation by the governor scheduled for the day.

However, the situation took another turn when the press crew from the governor’s office came in around 3:30 pm., only to leave again moments after.

NAN learnt that they had earlier been notified about the presentation and had assembled as early as 7a.m., but had to wait till around 3pm before they were invited into the premises of the House of Assembly.


After a 20-minute wait in the lobby of the legislative building, a man who identified himself as the OC House of Assembly told the crew that what was happening was just a normal session.

The officer said that the ongoing session was not the budget presentation.

The speaker’s aide then politely asked the journalists to leave the lobby of the state assembly.

Meanwhile, the lawmakers who were supposed to sit for plenary session at noon, rose from a parliamentary session at the Lateef Jakande Auditorium and commmenced plenary on the floor at 4:47pm.

Mr Mudashiru Obasa, the Speaker of the House, asked the Clerk of the House, Mr Azeez Sanni, if there was any message from the governor, but the Clerk told the House that there was no message.

At the session, Mr Moshood Oshun, the Chairman, House Committee on Public Accounts, laid the report of the public hearing on a bill for a law to amend the Lagos State Audit Law handled by his committee.

A bill for a law to amend the Lagos State High Court Law Cap H5 was read for the third time and passed by the House.

Obasa directed the clerk of the House to forward a clean copy of the bill to Mr Akinwunmi Ambode for assent.

The house rose and adjourned at 4:57 pm until Jan. 28.

BREAKING: Court restrains Buhari govt, NJC, CCT from removing CJN Onnoghen

The Federal High Court Abuja has restrained the Federal Government from forcefully removing the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen from office.


NAN reports that Justice Edward Ekwo gave the order on Monday in Abuja while ruling on an ex parte motion brought by the Action Peoples Party.

Defendants in the suit include President Muhammadu Buhari, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN).


Other defendants in the suit are Justice Onnoghen, Justice Ibrahim Tanko, the Code of Conduct Bureau and the Chairman, Code of Conduct Tribunal.

The court ordered parties to maintain status quo pending the determination of the Motion on Notice.

“This means that parties must observe the rule of law by not doing anything that would tamper with this matter pending the determination of the Motion on Notice,” the judge said.


The judge also granted an order for accelerated hearing and determination of the substantive originating summons.

He also granted an order of substituted service on the president and the AGF as well as the other defendants.

Justice Evelyn Maha of the same court had issued two separate orders asking parties to maintain status quo in the CJN’s trial.

The plaintiffs in that suit were the Incorporated ‎Trustees of the Centre for Justice and Peace Initiative, and the Incorporated Trustees of International Association of Students.

The two plaintiffs had, through separate applications on Jan. 14, obtained interim orders directing the parties to maintain the status quo pending the determination of the substantive suits.

What Tunde Idiagbon did for me after I was overthrown in 1985 – Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari has revealed what his former deputy, late Major General Tunde Idiagbon did for him after his government was toppled in 1985.


Buhari said Idiagbon, who was in Saudi Arabia insisted on returning back to Nigeria, saying, “if they kill him, let them kill me also.”

Speaking when he received former staff who worked with him during his tenure as military Head of State between January 1984 to August 1985 on Sunday night at the State House, Abuja, Buhari commended Idiagbon for what he termed “uncommon loyalty and courage.”


A statement by his media aide, Femi Adesina quoted Buhari as saying: “He was in Saudi Arabia, performing the hajj, when we were removed. The Saudi king said the coup was not just against us, but also against him, since Idiagbon was praying with him.

“He asked him to send for his family to join him in Saudi until it was clear where I was. Idiagbon said no, I want to go back, Your Majesty. If they kill him, let them kill me also.

“He joined the next flight and came back. I think there’s no way you can describe such loyalty, such courage. May his soul rest in perfect peace.”


Buhari also commended his former Aide-de-Camp, Alhaji Mustapha Jokolo, who used his initiative to put the parley together.

Speaking, Jokolo said though the departure of the former staff from government was “unexpected and disappointing, if not regrettable,” the affected people recall the ugly experiences today, “not with bitterness because individually, they had since moved on with their lives, though painfully aware that they were victims of misplaced aggression.”

“The fact that among us today are highly respected Royal Fathers, businessmen, captains of industry, lawyers and other specialists in the professions, and a university professor, speaks volumes that God is good and that values of discipline and perseverance that we imbibed under Your Excellency’s tutelage had not been in vain,” he said.

2019 elections: Mercenaries from Niger Republic to attack governors, top govt officials in North-West – FG

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed has raised the alarm that some armed mercenaries from Niger Republic have been contracted to attack top government functionaries, including state governors across the North-west between now and the general elections.


The Minister said that the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, having realised that their fortunes have dwindled badly ahead of the polls, are desperately orchestrating widespread violence with a view to truncating the elections.

He said the opposition party was triggering a constitutional crisis that could snowball into the establishment of an interim government.


Mohammed stated this when he addressed a press conference in Abuja on Monday.

He said, “As you are aware, Nigeria goes to the polls just 27 days from now.

“However, the Federal Government is in possession of credible intelligence to the effect that widespread violence being orchestrated by the opposition is threatening the 2019 general elections.


“You have definitely seen the massive and warm reception that President Muhammadu Buhari has been receiving across the country, compared to the teeming crowds that have been attending the opposition rallies.

“Having realized that their fortunes have dwindled badly ahead of the polls, the desperate opposition is orchestrating widespread violence with a view to truncating the elections, thus triggering a constitutional crisis that could snowball into the establishment of an interim government.

“Before you accuse the government of crying wolf, let me tell you, gentlemen, that we have credible intelligence that armed bandits and Boko Haram insurgents have been mobilized to engage in massive attacks and other acts of violence in several states across the country, including Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Benue, Kano, Kaduna, Nasarawa, Plateau, Taraba and Zamfara.

“The Benue-based armed criminal group, led by Terwase AKWAZA, also known as Gana, has been commissioned to strike soft targets in Benue, Nasarawa, and Taraba States. In Kano State, a group of notorious miscreants have been mobilized by some prominent opposition leaders to provoke massive chaos before, during and after the elections.

“There is also an international dimension to the evil plan. Some armed mercenaries from Niger Republic have been contracted to attack top government functionaries, including state governors, across the North-west between now and the elections.

“The Federal Government is taking every possible measure to counter these evil plans by unpatriotic anarchists and ensure the success of the 2019 General Elections.

“The Administration’s commitment to a credible, free, fair and peaceful elections is unshaken. After all, according to the online encyclopedia – Wikipedia – elections have been the usual mechanism by which modern representative democracy has operated since the 17th century.

“We appeal to all Nigerians to be vigilant in the days ahead. We also appeal to the media to help in sensitizing members of the public on these observed threats, which are capable of disrupting the elections. The punchline of our long running campaign on security – if you see something, say something – remains relevant, perhaps even more, at this time.

“Finally, all the relevant agencies under the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture will work together to ensure that Nigerians are alerted to the dangers posed to the forthcoming elections by unscrupulous, unpatriotic and desperate characters who will not hesitate to destabilize the country if they cannot achieve their inordinate ambition.”

BREAKING: Dino Melaye regains freedom, drags IGP to court

The senator representing Kogi West district in the National Assembly, Dino Melaye has regained freedom after over two weeks in detention.


Melaye’s freedom was sequel to the bail granted him by a high court in Abuja on health grounds.

In his ruling, Justice Yusuf Halilu said Melaye should be allowed to attend to his health as he could not be arraigned on a stretcher or on his hospital bed.


Halilu ordered the senator to present three sureties who reside and have property in Abuja, emphasising that one of the sureties must be the clerk of the national assembly who would provide a letter attesting that Melaye will always be available for trial.

After fulfilling his bail conditions, Melaye filed a suit against the inspector-general of police (IGP), seeking that the police do not arrest him.

More to follow…

IGP scraps FSARS — with immediate effect

Mohammed Adamu, the inspector general of police, has ordered the immediate disbandment of the federal special anti-robbery squad (FSARS).

Bashir Ahmaad, a media aide to President Muhammadu Buhari, made this known in a tweet on Monday.


Speaking at his inaugural conference in Abuja on Monday, Adamu also directed that all quasi-investigation and operations outfits including the special investigation panel (SIP) and special tactical squad (STS) should also be disbanded.

“The proposed re-organisation will produce a new Special Anti-Robbery Unit which will be professional enough to protect the citizens in their line of duty, but uniquely potent enough to respond to any major weapon-related organised crimes in the swiftest and most ethical manner,” he said.

“While this initiative is being perfected, the operations of SARS which is currently centralised at the Force Headquarters is hereby decentralised: consequently, with immediate effect, the Commissioner of Police in each of the 36 Police Commands and the FCT is to assume full command and control authority on all SARS in their commands, while the FHQ Unit is, henceforth, subsumed under the command of the DIG FCIID.

“The impact of this is that the DIG FCIID and Command CPS shall from this date, not only assume administrative and operational control of SARS in their respective Commands, they shall also be directly held liable for any professional misconducts resulting from the operations of the Units in their Commands.

“Similarly, all quasi-investigation and operations outfits including the Special Investigation Panel (SIP) and Special Tactical Squad (STS) or any other such Teams under whatever name are hereby disbanded.”

Adamu also said a special election investigation team (SEIT) has been set up to carry out detailed investigations of all arrested electoral offenders across the country.

Tales of human rights violations by SARS operatives had flooded the social media and this resulted in the popular #EndSARS trend.



In August 2018, Vice President Osinbajo ordered Ibrahim Idris, former IG of police, to reorganise the unit and this led to the centralisation of the unit.

Breaking News: Buhari Sacks TETFund Boss

President Muhammadu Buhari has removed Dr. Abdullahi Baffa as Executive Secretary, Tertiary Education Trust Fund.

He has been replaced by a former ES of the agency, Prof Suleiman Bogoro.

Dr. Baffa’s removal is with immediate effect. No reason has been given for Baffa’s removal.

Prof. Bogoro has resumed office.

There was mild jubilation at the headquarters of the agency this morning in Abuja

2019: Govt declares Monday public holiday over Buhari’s rally

The Borno State government has declared today (Monday) a public holiday for the campaign of the All Progressives Congress presidential candidate, President Muhammadu Buhari.


The state government in a public announcement by the Commissioner of Information, Dr. Mohammed Bulama yesterday night declared Monday a work-free day for the President’s re-election campaign.

The announcement reads: “This is to notify the general public that due to the one day visit of His Excellency Muhammadu Buhari, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces to Maiduguri, the state capital, tomorrow Monday, 21st January 2019, is hereby declared a public holiday in the entire state.


“This is to enable all the good people of Borno State, including workers in both the public and private sectors, as well as students to, as usual, troop out in large numbers to welcome Mr. President to the state.”

The announcement added: “Insha Allah, work resumes on Tuesday, 22nd January 2019.”

Buhari finally reacts to Obasanjo’s attack [Full text]

President Muhammadu Buhari, Sunday night lambasted former President Olusegun Obasanjo for attacking and his government.


Obasanjo has compared the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration to that of the Abacha era.

Reacting, presidential spokesman, Garba Shehu, in a statement said: “The sixteen-page letter the former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, wrote to President Muhammadu Buhari and released this afternoon is the last push by desperate politicians who can’t handle the President politically and have resorted to subterfuge.


Our first message to the former President is that he needs a good doctor for good treatment and to say to him, “Get well soon.”

As repeatedly said of him, since Chief Obasanjo left office in 1979, he never let every succeeding leader of the country function freely, and this included the one he personally handpicked against all known rules drawn up by the party that put him in the office of the President. But Chief Obasanjo is jealous because President Buhari has more esteem than him and the sooner he learns to respect him the better.

It is a notorious fact that in dealing with any leader that he failed to control, he resorted to these puerile attacks. As the grand patron, more correctly the grandfather of corruption as described by the National Assembly, Chief Obasanjo released today’s letter purely for the reason of rescuing his thriving corruption establishment.


The elections starting in February will be free and fair as promised the nation and the international community by President Buhari.

What Chief Obasanjo and his co-travelers in the PDP should expect is that from the outcome, we will teach them a political lesson that they will never forget. This margin will be much bigger than we had in 2015.

Claims that President Buhari and the All Progressives Congress (APC) have embarked on the president’s “self- succession project, by recruiting collation officers who are already awarding results based on their projects to actualise the perpetuation agenda, in which the people will not matter and the votes will not count” is not only utterly false, but a copious note from the book on the failed third term agenda of President Obasanjo.

The man, President Buhari who has taken Nigeria’s reputation to a higher level internationally and is working hard to improve on the records of elections he found in place cannot descend to the level that Obasanjo has himself sunk.

As for his attacks of the administration’s records in fighting corruption, what the former President said is no more than evidence that President Buhari’s war against corruption is succeeding. They thought it is all a joke.

A leader who took USD 16 billion “upfront” to supply electric power yet failed to add a single megawatt to the national grid and to date, there is no trace of the money is jittery that he will be called to account. He is a coward.

Chief Obasanjo, manifesting a confused state of mind blames President Buhari for the fall of Libya into a failed state and the unholy alliance between the Boko Haram terrorists and the ISIS, while at the same time calling it an African problem, saying “the struggle must be for all West African, Central African, North African and most East African States,” which really does not amount to saying anything new.

Nigerians looked up to him as a role model and a ray of hope to ethical and clean leadership until President Yar’Adua called him out to explain what happened to the sixteen billion dollars of taxpayer’s money. It is clear that with him sitting on top of the heap of corruption, he is no different from the crowd he leads.

This language of his 16-page letter, likening President Buhari to General Sani Abacha, a man he dreaded and the one who jailed him under military laws is most unfitting from a former President of Nigeria.

The claim that President Buhari has put in place rigging machinery is both outlandish and outrageous. We are unable to get the words to describe a 90-year old liar, except to say that by the publication of this tissue of lies against the President, he Obasanjo, not the President will fall from everyone’s esteem.”

How Saraki is killing Kwara people – APC gov. candidate, Abdulrazaq

The All Progressives Congress, APC, governorship candidate in Kwara State, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, has faulted the current political structure in the state.


Abdulrazaq said the current “political model controlled by the Senate President, Bukola Saraki was stifling development and impoverishing” people of this state.

Speaking yesterday in Lagos, Abdulrazaq challenged the Saraki dynasty to showcase what they achieved in the last 16 years rather than the “current intimidation, name-calling and the doling out of money to the electorate.”


He said: “It has no answer to the challenges faced by our people. Nothing is happening anywhere in terms of development.”

He said the authorities in Kwara were using state machineries to intimidate the APC and prevent it from campaigning.

“Those who have been there in the last 16 years did not do anything; we have not seen what they have done. As a result, they have nothing to campaign with. That is why they are preventing us from campaigning too.


“They are arming our youths, who are destroying our billboards and attacking us everywhere we go.

“They say they have banned campaigns in Kwara State. But we would not be intimidated. As the Yoruba say, O To Ge! (enough is enough). We will continue to campaign,” he said.

2019 election: Police speaks on reported planned attack on Abuja by Boko Haram

The Nigeria Police headquarters has allayed fears of terrorists’ attack within Abuja during the election.


The police assured the public of adequate security before, during and after the general elections.

The police authorities said they have put security measures in place to identify, isolate and neutralise all possible security threats.


This was made known by Force Public Relations Officer, Frank Mba, in an interview with Daily Sun, in Abuja, at the weekend.

This is coming on the heels of a circulating message on the social media of plans by Boko Haram to attack Abuja.

The message read, “Dear Abuja residents, information just procured revealed that Boko Haram have been promising to attack Abuja before 2019 elections. Boko Haram, now West African ISIS, released a new video promising to attack Abuja before 2019 elections; the new Boko Haram leader Al Barnawi said this in a new video released by the group.


“While speaking in Hausa, he said before the 2019 elections, his group would have an attack on the federal capital, the Nigerian Army cannot stop them from having their attack. You are strongly advised to take all the necessary precautions to ensure that crowded areas and political gathering are as much as possible avoided. You are further advised to monitor places like malls, markets, hotels, schools. We should also report any suspicious characters to the security agencies. Faith-based places should also bring this to the notice of all worshippers to be on alert at all times.

“The general election is a major security task ahead of the force. The IGP, Mohammed Adamu, expressly acknowledged this in his maiden speech to the nation. Our task in this regard is to ensure peaceful, crisis-free and violence-free elections, before, during and post-elections. We are absolutely committed to this mission. Consequently, adequate security measures have been put in place to identify, isolate and neutralise all possible security threats to the peaceful conduct of the elections.

“Both the operational and intelligence units of the force have been mobilised for this crucial national assignment. Nigerians are, therefore, enjoined to continue to support the police in this regard and report any suspicious move to the relevant security agencies.”

2019 elections: Collect bribe, it’s your money – Fashola tells voters

The Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola, has advised Nigerians to collect the bribes offered by politicians during the 2019 general elections.


He said the money had been stolen from them and that voters should not reject such offer.

NAN reports that Fashola spoke during the continuation of his neighborhood consultations/campaign for the re-election of President Muhammadu Buhari in 2019 to two wards in Surulere Local Government of Lagos on Sunday.


Speaking on vote buying, he said, “they would want to bribe you, if they bring the money collect it because it is your money that they stashed away, but, don’t sell your conscience.

“You must make a sensible choice in the interest of yourselves and your children.”

At his own ward G3, Fashola reeled out the achievements of Buhari which included improved power supply.


He said that 108 metering companies have been given licenses to supply meters to address problem of discriminatory and arbitrary billing in the electricity sector.

“It is the solution of our government by the President to intervene in the metering gaps, people were licensed as Gencos and Discos.

“Discos have the contract to supply meters and we hear the concerns of citizens now saying that they want meters because their bills are going up.

“So the President and the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved the proposal for us supported by the law, the Electric Power Sector Reform, with that, we can license new operators within a licensed area.

“So this time, we are going to create new businesses for meter suppliers under a Meter Asset Provider (MAP) scheme. That policy has been approved.

“Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has made the regulations around which it will work; 108 companies, small businesses that will also create employments because those companies are now going to be the suppliers of meters.

“They are going to employ people to install the meters, they are going to buy meters, they are going to make meters,’’ he said.

How INEC, Amina Zakari allegedly plan to use N-Power recruits for APC – Political parties

The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has alleged that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was planning to use N-Power beneficiaries to help the All Progressives Congress (APC) win the 2019 general elections.


Imo Ugochinyere, CUPP spokesman, in a statement on Sunday, claimed that Amina Zakari, head of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) collation centre, will be in charge of the recruitment.

CUPP said it was unfortunate that despite insistence by the APC government that the N-Power scheme was initiated to harness Nigeria’s young demography through appropriate skill
development, provision of a structure for large scale work skills acquisition and development, Nigeria took over as the nation with the highest number of extremely poor people, with 87 million people in extreme poverty and growing by six people every minute.


The statement said: “The INEC Chairman should ensure the credibility which he promised Nigerians by making sure that no N-Power beneficiary is recruited as ad-hoc staff in the election, because it’s clear that these so called
beneficiaries are going to be used by President Buhari and his APC cohorts to rig the elections.

“This administration has failed Nigerians time and time again, it’s clear to them they will loose the election in a free and fair fight so they
are resolving to all manner of ploys to rig the elections, including their failed N-Power programme which has failed to lift Nigerians out of poverty.

“The opposition also received a very reliable information from a credible source that Buhari’s relative Amina Zakari will be in charge of the
recruitment and training of the Ward/LGA/State Collation and returning officers.


“We have just been informed from a very reliable source that Amina Zakari will be in charge of the recruitment and training of the Ward/LGA/State Collation and returning officers. This is an obvious effort by Amina Zakari to influence and manipulate the conduct the 2019 elections.”

“The directive came as a shock to the Electoral Officers because they had started the process of recruiting the Adhoc staffs (collation and
returning officers) in accordance with with well established practices.

“According to reliable sources, for the first time in the history of democracy of our Country, ward collation and returning officers will be recruited and trained in Abuja. This will be done by Amina Zakari who will then forward the names of her selected staff to the EOs at the State level.

“We call on the INEC chairman to quickly ensure that Zakari is stopped, also Nigerians, especially CSOs, political parties and all well meaning
and decent people must be vigilant and constantly monitor this woman and
her evil intentions not only for the forthcoming election but to the end of her ignominious tenure.”

PDP speaks on ‘plot to disrupt’ APC rallies

The ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom State has assured that the party would not send anybody or its agents to disrupt rallies of other political parties in the state.


Chairman of the party in the state, Mr Paul Ekpo, gave the assurance during a press conference in Uyo on Sunday.

Ekpo said that the party would base its campaigns on issues and achievements recorded by Gov. Udom Emmanuel’s administration in the last three and half years.


He urged opposition parties to also base their campaigns on issues as against intimidation and blackmail, stressing that only the will of Akwa Ibom people would prevail.

“We hereby state as follows, that we have not and will not send anybody to disrupt rallies or meetings of any other political party.

“We can assure the opposition that no amount of arrest and intimidation will bend the will of the people.


“The greater the opposition, the more resolute the will of the people will be to ensure their resounding failure.

Our people will vote their choice and defend their votes,” Ekpo said.

The party state chairman denied allegation that the PDP in the state was buying Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) from the electorate.

Ekpo, however, alleged that there were plans to frame up officials and financiers of his party with the aim of keeping them away from the elections.

2019 election: Cross River monarch, APC governorship candidate’s brother endorse Ben Ayade

The Paramount Ruler of Etung Local Government Area of Cross River State, His Royal Majesty Ntufam Emmanuel Oru has said the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Senator John Ewan-Enoh “stands no chance of winning the governorship election in March.”


He made the declaration while stating that the incumbent Governor, Ben Ayade will emerge victorious during the forthcoming election.

Speaking in Etung Local Government Area, the monarch said the “election will be a walk over for Governor Ben Ayade.”


Oru also lamented alleged false reports by the APC that he had endorsed Owan-Enoh.

He said: “Enoh and APC are lying to the public. He (Enoh) cannot win. Election is not by appearance. Election is of the mind and Ayade will win this election.”

The monarch, who described Ayade as his “very good friend,” said “there was no chance in hell that he will enlist his support for Enoh.”


Oru had recently led a delegation of high profile personalities of Etung, including the elder brother to the APC candidate, Professor Anthony Owan-Enoh, to endorse Governor Ayade for second term.

APC vs PDP: Atiku states position on Buhari-led APC govt

Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar on Sunday stated his position on the performance of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led All Progressives Congress (APC) government.


Atiku, who spoke through his Special Assistant on Public Communications, Mr. Phrank Shaibu, said Buhari’s first term in office is a sad reminder of Nigeria’s arrested development since 2015 when his clueless party, the APC came to power.

Shaibu called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the ruling APC, which, according to him, has metamorphosed from a political party to a ”nest of corrupt politicians’’.


“This was attested to by the party’s National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole who was recently said that once any politician defects to the APC, he or she becomes a saint even if such a person were an armed robber”, the aide said in a statement.

Shaibu said that the most compelling reason for the APC to be de-registered is that it has driven millions of Nigerians deeper into poverty since 2015, when it took over leadership of the country, and spent trillions of naira procuring hunger, darkness and insecurity.

“It is the view of the Presidential Candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar that Nigerians from all walks of life call on the APC to apologize to all Nigerians for bringing them nothing but suffering of unquantifiable proportion since 2015, and to make a solemn pledge not to have anything to do with governance, especially with the February 16, election that is fast approaching,” Shaibu said.


He added that the Buhari administration was only chasing shadows by trying to drag Atiku Abubakar into the mud, which according to him, has now become the natural habitat of APC top leaders.

“President Buhari and his APC are criminal enablers and harborers of looters of our collective patrimony and this document “Buhari’s Hall Of Shame” is a scorecard of failure, incompetence, nepotism and a President’s proclivity to harbouring indicted and other famed thieves of our patrimony.

“Recall that, the former acting Director General of the National Intelligence Agency, Ambassador Mohammed Dauda, in a sworn testimony to the House of Representatives Committee on National Security and Intelligence, revealed that President Buhari’s kitchen cabinet comprising Abba Kyari and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babagana Kingibe, had pressured him to share the $44 million Ikoyi millions.

“After giving his sworn evidence, Ambassador Dauda was dismissed and has now gone underground. This is President Buhari’s style of fighting corruption.

“The hawks seem to have finally convinced Buhari to frame Atiku in some bogus N156million alleged scam, which they claimed is responsible for the collapse of Bank PHB. Assuming but not conceding that this allegation is correct, can N156million Naira collapse a bank with a reserve portfolio in excess of N25bn? But Nigerians are wiser and I am sure, would resist any devilish plot by some APC crooks who believe that it is either the President wins reelection or our democracy is truncated”.

Continuing, the Special Assistant said, “Nigerians are intelligent enough to know that the allegation of Atiku being responsible for the collapse of BankPHB is balderdash! They also know that the said BankPHB metamorphosed into Keystone Bank which was said to have been acquired by Buhari’s cronies through AMCON last year.

“By this latest allegation of the Federal Government through the office of the Minister Of Information, it is clear that the responsibility of AMCON has been appropriated. In appropriating the responsibility of AMCON. It is therefore no more a matter of speculation that Buhari and his family members are the new owners of Keystone Bank (Former BankPHB)”.

The former Vice President then asked what the Assets Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) was doing before now when it refused to name Atiku as one of those behind the collapse until now that the leaders of APC see that he is just a few days from becoming Nigeria’s president, and wondered whether the revelation is at the instance of the new owners.

“Why was Atiku’s name not mentioned when Bank PHB collapsed? Is it because the APC and its goons know that they will be defeated in next month’s election? Or is the APC government acting on behalf of Buhari’s family who are reportedly the new owners of the bank?” he asked.

The former VP described the Bank PHB story as diversionary and a calculated attempt to divert the attention of Nigerians from the failure of the APC government to deliver dividends of democracy.

”Today, millions of Nigerians, most of them youths, are unemployed, forcing them to become professional beggars who wait with bated breath for FG’s monthly N5,000 handout aimed at bribing them to re-elect the party in the forthcoming elections.

”Talking of infrastructure, despite an ‘investment’ of over N1trillion by the Buhari-led APC administration in infrastructure, the nation’s roads have become death traps and power generation has actually dipped from 4,949 mega watts PDP left in 2015 to less than 3,500 mega watts even though Buhari’s handlers consistently claim that 7,000 mega watts is what is currently being generated,” he said.

Shaibu said the exchange rate of the Naira to the US dollar when the APC assumed office in 2015 was about 170 (official rate) to the dollar. “Today it is 360 to the dollar. What more evidence do we need to know that the APC has been a curse rather than a blessing to our country?”

He said Atiku Abubakar’s policy document focuses on job creation, ensuring security, growing businesses, developing power, and water infrastructure, agriculture and education and how ‘Nigeria’s next president will empower women.

”Unlike Buhari’s policy proposals, our policies outline the goals and methods for developing and revitalizing Nigeria and getting the country to work again,” Shaibu concluded.

Obasanjo reveals ‘real reason’ Buhari led APC govt is after CJN Onnoghen

Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, on Sunday, reacted to the criminal charges filed against the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Onnoghen.


He stated that the President Muhammadu Buhari-led All Progressives Congress (APC) decided to go after the CJN because he refused to give in to their plot to win the 2019 election at all costs.

In a lengthy statement made available to YAKS POLITICAL CHRONICLES by his media team on Sunday, Obasanjo said: “President Buhari and his hatchet men in the coming election think that the judiciary must be primed in their favour.”


The statement titled “Points for concern and action” continued: “Hence, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Samuel Nkanu Onnoghen, has been harassed and prosecuted for non- declaration of his assets without following the Constitution and the law, just to make him conform or set him aside for a Buhari man to take over or act, as President Buhari and his people believe no stone should be left unturned to rig Buhari in.

“It seems to be a ploy to intimidate the judiciary as a whole in preparation for all election cases that will go before them. Where and how will all these stop? Typically, with overwhelming outrage and condemnation, we are told that the Presidency denied knowledge of the action. But the Vice-President told us that the President knew of the action on Saturday night for everything that has been prepared for Monday morning.

“Haba VP, it doesn’t happen that way. Nobody should take such measure against any of the four in hierarchy below the President or any of his ministers without his knowledge and indeed his approval. But if that can happen to the Chief Justice of the Federation, the fifth man in the hierarchy of government, without the knowledge let alone the approval of the President, then it speaks for the type of government we have which means the President is not in charge let alone being in control and no Nigerian must take anything for granted.


“We are all unsafe and insecure under such an administration. And enough of it! Buhari’s apologists will not stop at anything to try to cover up his administration’s inadequate performance and character. A constitutional liberal democracy cannot thrive without an independent and insulated judiciary from the executive and the legislature. Nigerians must wake up and stop these acts of wanton desperation tantamount to mental incapacity to run the affairs of Nigeria wholesomely.”

Buhari deceiving Nigerians, his govt empowering Boko Haram – Obasanjo

Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo has said that Boko Haram terrorism has not been defeated.


Obasanjo, in a lengthy statement made available to DYAKS POLITICAL CHRONICLES by his media team on Sunday, disclosed that Boko Haram is being empowered by the federal government.

He noted that Boko Haram of today has become stronger hence the increase of security threats in Nigeria.


The statement reads in part: “let me assert that the security situation has deteriorated with kidnapping everywhere and Boko Haram more in action and nobody should deceive Nigerians about this. With the teaming up of Boko Haram and Islamic State’s West Africa Province (ISWAP).

“Boko Haram is stronger today militarily than they have ever been. Boko Haram has also been empowered by the Nigerian government through payment of ransom of millions of dollars which each administration disingenuously always denies. With ISIS being liquidated in Iraq and Syria, Africa is now their port of concentration. Soon, they may take over Libya which, with substantial resources, is almost a totally failed state. When that happens, all African countries North of Congo River will be unsafe with serious security problems. The struggle must be for all West African, Central African, North African and most East African States. Nigeria has to play a vanguard role in this struggle as we have much to lose. This administration has reached the end of its wit even in handling all security issues, but particularly Boko Haram issue, partly due to misuse of security apparatus and poor equipment, deployment, coordination and cooperation.

“Finally, those Nigerians that are being intimidated or threatened by this Administration must trust in God and stand firm. Tough times do not last forever, but tough people invariably survive tough times. This is a tough time for almost all Nigerians in different respects, but the people’s will shall triumph. All people who have registered to vote with their PVCs must never allow anybody or anything to deny or deprive them of the right of performing their fundamental civic duty of voting and sustaining democracy.


“Establishment of democracy and its sustenance is second to attainment of independence in our political life, leaving out the victory of the civil war. We shall overcome.”

Buhari vs Atiku: What Nigerians should do on Feb 16 – Obasanjo

Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, on Sunday, urged Nigerians to help President Muhammadu Buhari go back home to rest.


He said the electorate can ensure this through their votes on February 16, date for the presidential election.

Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC) will slug it out with former vice president, Atiku Abubakar of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and other candidates.


In a lengthy statement made available to DAILY POST by his media team on Sunday, Obasanjo also expressed hope that Buhari will allow the conduct of a free and fair exercise.

The statement titled “Points or concerns and actions” reads in part: “Nigeria must appreciate Buhari for the little he has done and allow him to depart for home in peace if he allows free, fair, peaceful and credible elections, we must also tell ourselves that Nigeria deserves better at this point in time than what Buhari is capable of offering.

“History will note that he has been there. Nigeria now needs a man with better physical and mental soundness, with an active mind and intellect.


“Let me say again that Nigeria belongs to all Nigerians and exists for the benefit of all Nigerians and non-Nigerians who desire to live or do business in and with Nigeria.

“The attitude of “it is my turn and I can do what I like” with impunity will not last because Nigeria is created by God and it will outlive all evil machinations and designs against the overall interest of Nigeria.”

BREAKING: Buni Yadi in Yobe under Boko Haram attack

Report reaching YAKS POLITICAL CHRONICLES indicates that, Buni Yadi, the headquarters of Gujba local government area of Yobe state is under attack by suspected Boko Haram insurgents.


It was gathered that heavy gunshots were heard from eastern and western fringes of the town on Sunday, a development that plunged residents into panic.

The suspected insurgents were said to have entered the town in a convoy of four trucks.


Details of the latest attack are still sketchy as it was difficult reaching out to the locals.

Buni Yadi is about 45 km away from Damaturu, the Yobe state capital.

The attack is coming less than 24 hours to a presidential rally scheduled for tomorrow, Monday in Damaturu.


Details soon…

Boko Haram: Troops neutralise two terrorists in clearance operation, rescue two women

Troops of 112 Task Force Battalion conducting clearance operation in the general area of Zaza, Kajeri Maye, and Kajeri Mai Burem villages of Mafa Local Government Area of Borno state, have killed two Boko Haram terrorists in an encounter that ensued on Saturday.

A statement by Colonel Onyema Nwachukwu, Deputy Director Army Public Relations Theatre Command clearance operation to the village and fiercely engaged them in combat, killing two of them.

He said during the operation, the gallant troops rescued two women who had been held hostage by the terrorists and have since handed them over to officials of Mafa Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, Camp.

“The troops also recovered one primed 36 Hand Grenade, 2 Dane Guns,1 Locally fabricated short barrel gun, 2 Mobile phones,1 Ak 47 rifle magazine,17 rounds of Anti Aircraft gun ammunition, 27 rounds of 7.62 mm special ammunition and 22 rounds of 7.62 mm NATO ammunition”, Col. Nwachukwu noted

According to him, the troops are currently on the trail of Boko Haram elements who escaped the onslaught, as they continue with the clearance operations to seek out and destroy any existing terrorists’ camp in the general area.

ISIS, Boko Haram planning to attack markets, public places during 2019 elections – US warns

The United States of America has warned its citizens in Nigeria of a plan by Islamic State and Boko Haram insurgent groups to disrupt the forthcoming 2019 general elections by carrying out attacks.


The US gave the warning in a statement published on its website on the 18th of January, 2019.

The alert read that the insurgent groups plan to attack public places and government infrastructures during the 2019 election.


The embassy, however, did not state whether such attacks were targeted at its embassy or not, but U.S. citizens in Nigeria should remember to follow personal security precautions on a regular basis.

The statement reads: “There is an increase in ISIS propaganda videos specifically directed to Nigeria and the ongoing civil unrest in Borno state and the Northeast

“ISIS West Africa (ISWA) and Boko Haram have both stated they plan to disrupt the upcoming 2019 presidential elections by conducting attacks on Nigerian Security and infrastructure, as well as places of gathering such as markets, hotels, and malls


“While we have no specific threat information to the U.S. Embassy or within Nigeria during the election season, U.S. citizens in Nigeria should remember to follow personal security precautions on a regular basis

“ US citizens should avoid crowds and demonstrations, keep a low profile and to stay alert in public places, including schools, hospitals, government facilities, places of worship, tourist locations, and transportation hubs.”

The embassy further urged its citizens to carry proper identification, including a US passport with a current Nigerian visa, if needed and to exercise caution when walking or driving at night.

2019 elections: Biafra groups back IPOB on boycott

Two groups, the Biafra Government in Exile (BGIE) and the Biafra Shadow Government (BSG), have urged the people of the area not to participate in the 2019 general elections.


The pro-Biafra groups said precedents showed that whether or not they voted, the administration that would emerge after the election would still not favour their course.

They spoke in a statement issued on Sunday, signed by Yahgozie Immanuel, Office of Communications, BGIE and Evangelist Godspet Ijeoma Uhagiro, Head of Information Directorate, BSG.


They said urged “all Biafra citizens should adopt this stance and boycott these elections.”

According to them, “BGIE and BSG arrived at this position on the basis that our activities are fully geared towards the restoration of the sovereign state of Biafra, also based on the following fact.

“No government of Nigeria or administration of any arm of Nigeria’s government within Nigeria’s current geopolitical space supports Biafra in any form or configuration, beginning in 1966.


“The fact of the Biafra war and aftermath did nothing to change and has never changed this reality. Adoption of electoral democracy in Nigeria starting from 1999 has not altered this truth, nor has the various pernicious exercises of state-creation by Nigeria.

“At the end of every electoral season and exercise, Nigeria will always produce results / winners, therewith, ushering a “new” administrative unit, regardless of whether voters cast votes or how they actually voted. That’s a fact. It is also a fact that such an administration, regardless of the conduct of the elections, has a principled and inherent opposition to anything Biafra or any mention of Biafra, even in Biafra land. For that matter, every political party registered in Nigeria must have signed an oath that makes it the functional equivalent of a criminal and or treasonable offense to adopt Biafra as the party’s standard or platform.

“What does this mean? It means that there will in fact be an administration the day after Nigerian elections. That administration is pre-guaranteed to be 100% anti-Biafran. So, if we vote, there will be an anti-Biafran administration. If we don’t vote, there will also be an equally anti-Biafran administration.

“We do not need to tell you what an anti-Biafran administration feels like in Biafra land. You started feeling that from 1966 before the war. Then, after the war, from 1970 until today, and this will be your fate for as long as Biafra remains forcibly annexed into Nigeria. (By the way, Biafrans in diaspora have not been spared Nigeria’s anti-Biafran activities.)”

They added that “If we vote, we are supporting our own perpetual slavery by endorsing and consenting to our own eternal enslavement.

“If we don’t vote, we are exercising the only freedom we have in this matter, which is to say, no, to unconscionable subjugation. We are in effect saying ‘I know you will kill us, and we do not have the power to stop you at this time, but we will never submit to you and make it easier by offering you our unprotected neck.’

“Whether Biafrans vote or not, the status quo will remain the same, hence our position to encourage Biafrans to boycott the exercise and focus on gaining their freedom and extricating themselves from Nigeria.

“The sovereignty of Biafra must be restored; we reassert our irreducible belief in the principles of self-determination as enshrined in the UN Charter as the way forward. We are doing something about it.

” If President Buhari could openly support and call for the UN to act now in respect to self-determination for Palestinians and Western Sahara people, then, it is also right for the people of Biafra.

“We want to also state that we wish Nigeria well in whatever way they want to follow to improve their country, because in the final analysis, Nigeria if still in existence will be Biafra’s closest neighbour. Biafra will always strive to live in peace with her neighbours.

“We restate the right of Biafrans to self-determination as enshrined in international law and convention. We emphasize that in fulfilling this right, Biafra neither wages war nor peace with Nigeria; Biafra seeks her own survival and shall have it.”

2019 elections: Senator Ningi alleges security operatives now bear APC marks

Senator Abdul Ningi has alleged that some security agencies in Nigeria now bear the marks of the All Progressives Congress in their desperation to ensure that the ruling party sustains power ahead of the general elections.


Besides, Ningi warned that the opposition will resist any security attempt to disenfranchise Nigerians from voting candidates of their choice during the elections.

The senator declared this in a remark during PDP governorship/National Assembly campaign rally on Saturday in Bununu, Bauchi state.


He berated the security operatives for already taking sides with the APC, especially in relation to Osun, Ekiti states elections and the by-elections held in Bauchi and Katsina states.

” By this mob action of security agencies, we warn them to steer clear of politics with an option to surrender their uniforms and join the bandwagon APC. However, the opposition will resist security attempt to rob voters of their candidates,” said Ningi.

According to the senator, Nigeria is more divided under President Buhari based on ethno-religious difference with a resultant consequences of herdsmen/farmers clashes.


Ningi regretted that the north east region is still under the jaws of insurgents while victims are left on their own without palliative measures.

” FG deliberately declined to establish the northeast development commission yet claimed to bring succour to the victims of insurgents in the region and now are coming to deceive you again,” Ningi cautioned.

The senator had warned the electoral body, APC and security agencies against any move of rigging election, saying it will be vehemently resisted.

” Allow Nigerians to vote their preferred leaders who will provide credible leadership that will restore the past glory devoid of any difference,” declared Ningi.

ASUU strike: Why Buhari govt refused to meet lecturers’ demands – Ohanaeze

The Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has reacted to the ongoing industrial action by the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU.


Speaking with YAKS POLITICAL CHRONICLES on Saturday night, Chuks Ibegbu, the Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the organisation said the Federal Government has refused to meet the demands of ASUU because they want Nigerians, especially the youths to remain in ignorance.

Ibegbu reminded the current Federal Government that education was the bedrock of every developed society, hence they must meet the demands of ASUU.


According to Ibegbu: “Education is the bedrock of any society. A nation that does not give priority to science and technology is a failure and that is why we are where we are today. Nigeria has failed to give priority to education.

“Those people that have looted our economy over the years are not interested in investing in education, they want Nigerians to be ignorant; that is why they are suffocating the educational sector so that the people will be ignorant and continue in begging as many Nigerians do currently.

“That notwithstanding, I want to observe that ASUU must realize that the future of our youths is in jeopardy, strike does not augur well. They must realise that the destiny of our youths is in jeopardy.”