WHY WE DISMISSED ATIKU/PDP'S PETITION CHALLENGING BUHARI/APC'S IN ITS ENTIRETY - TRIBUNAL

The Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal sitting in Abuja, on Wednesday, dismissed the petition of Atiku Abubakar challenging President Muhammadu Buhari’s re-election, in its entirety.

The five-man panel of justices led by Justice Mohammed Garba, held that the petitioners (Atiku, PDP) failed to “evidently prove” their case beyond “reasonable doubt.”

“The petitioners have a duty to prove all the allegations which are criminal in nature beyond reasonable doubt,” the lead judge (Mohammed Garba) said in his ruling.

He listed some of the allegations the PDP and Atiku raised in their petition to include, ‘compromised printing of election materials’, ‘manipulation of ballot boxes’, ‘manipulation of card readers’, and ‘manipulation of accreditation and collation'.

Others are, manipulation of security agencies and militarisation of election, manipulation of election materials’ delivery, arbitrary arrest of petitioners’ supporters and massive thumb-printing of ballot papers.

“Under these issues, the petitioners alleged the election was marred by irregularities, misuse of scarce resources, manipulation of result sheets, over-voting, wrongful recording of results, intimidation of voters among others in 11 ‘focal states’,”Justice Garba said.

The petitioners’ 11 focal states are, Borno, Gombe, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Niger, Yobe and Zamfara States.

The tribunal insisted that the allegations levelled under issues 4 and 5 (above) were criminal in nature that must be proved beyond reasonable doubt.

The tribunal also said the petitioners failed to discharge the burden of proof that Buhari was not elected by a majority of lawful votes.

Reports have it that three members of the five-man panel of justices agreed with the lead judge (Mohammed Garba) in his ruling.

The Tribunal, therefore, stroke out the entire petition of Atiku and the PDP against Buhari and the APC, for lacking merit, and failure to evidently prove their case beyond reasonable doubt.

WHY LIFE BAN VERDICT AGAINST ME SHOULD BE UPTURNED - SIASIA

     Samson Siasia

FORMER Super Eagles’ Chief Coach Samson Siasia has appealed the life ban slammed on him by world football governing body FIFA.

Siasia disclosed at a press briefing held at the Media Center of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium yesterday that his lawyers filed the appeal to FIFA on August 27, 2019, while the other appeal was sent to the Court of Arbitration for Sports on the 29th of August, 2019.

Siasia, however, denied involvement in the illegal activities that are contrary to the ethics of football.

“I wish to state that I have never been and would never be a party to any form of unethical conduct or perversion in the discharge of my duties in any capacity. I built my career in the football industry on the foundation of hard work, integrity, consistency and God.

“In all my career, I have done nothing but serve my country clubs to the best of my personal and professional ability, with all my strength and might, with discipline, pride and passion and an awareness that it is a privilege to be an ambassador of our great nation. It is my greatest hope and belief that my Country also stands by and with me at a time like this.

“The entire proceedings and decision were only brought to my notice on the 16th of August, 2019 when the news broke in the public domain and friends and family started to call. I was unaware of the proceedings until I heard about FIFA’s decision.

“While I may not be able to publicly divulge the details and specifics, I think it fit to inform you that I have appealed against FIFA’s Decision and you all will probably hear the results as you hear about the ban. I am currently taking legal advice. My lawyer Mr Austin Otah has been liaising with the NFF and their counsel.

“I thank everyone who has supported me in one way or the other. I must state that this is the most trying period of my life. I am still dealing with the pain and challenges of my mother being kidnapped again and fighting to secure her release. I urge the nation to support me with prayers, goodwill and support of all kinds. The demands are very heavy”, Siasia disclosed.

His lawyer Mr Austin Otah also reacted on the appeal. “We have assisted Mr Samson Siasia to file his appeal and we are awaiting FIFA to acknowledge the receipt of the appeal. We are awaiting feedback from FIFA and CAS.

WHY RIVERS STATE GOV’T SUSPENDED MUSLIM PILGRIM BOARD – JNI

Jamaatu Nasril Islam, (JNI)

The Vice President-General of Jamaatu Nasril Islam, (JNI), Alhaji Abubakar Orlu said that Rivers State government suspended the state Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board because of fraudulent activities and the unsatisfactory manner the board was being run.

Alhaji Orlu in a press statement issued in Port Harcourt yesterday also said that the state government did not demolish a completed Mosque building in the state.

He alleged that some fraudulent persons had in the past hijacked hajj seats in Rivers State to other states given credence to why the state government suspended activities of Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board. 

On the alleged demolition of a Mosque, Alhaji Orlu said that some people wanted to use the issue to stoke the embers of disunity among Christians and Muslims and tarnish the image of Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike.

DELTA STATE ELECTIONS TRIBUNAL SACKS JAMES MANAGER, ORDER FRESH ELECTION IN DELTA SOUTH

James Manager

The Delta State election petition tribunal, panel two, sitting in Asaba, has sacked Senator James Manager of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP as Senator representing Delta South in the National Assembly.

The three man panel presided over by Justice C O Onyaebo, said the election was marred by irregularities and ordered the Independent Electoral Commission, INEC to withdraw the certificate of return issued Senator James Manager and conduct a fresh election.

Delta South Senatorial Candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC and immediate past Governor of Delta State, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan had dragged Senator James Manager to the tribunal, arguing that the election was marred by fraud and irregularities.

Also, the Deputy President of the Nigerian Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege defeated Evelyn Oboro of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

Evelyn Oboro had dragged Senator Ovie Omo-Agege of the All Progressives Congress, APC to the tribunal citing election  irregularities.

But the tribunal in its judgment declared that Evelyn Oboro could not sufficiently prove her case.

ROBERT MUGABE IS DEAD

Robert Mugabe, Ex-President of Zimbabwe

Report reaching our news desk host that the former president of Zimbabwe, Robert Mugabe is dead. He died at the age of 95.

Mugabe reportedly died in a hospital in Singapore on Friday morning.

Recall that Robert Mugabe served as prime minister of Zimbabwe from 1980 to 1987 and then as president from 1987 to 2017.

Fadzayi Mahere, Zimbabwe’s Education, Sport, Art and Culture Secretary, tweeted: “Rest In Peace, Robert Mugabe.

“My response to your passing is complicated. I’m going to write a long piece. However, for now, deepest condolences to his family”, his tweet read.

Emmerson Mnangagwa, the Zimbabwean president, also confirmed the incident on Twitter.

It is with the utmost sadness that I announce the passing on of Zimbabwe’s founding father and former President, Cde Robert Mugabe (1/2)

President of Zimbabwe

✔@edmnangagwa

It is with the utmost sadness that I announce the passing on of Zimbabwe's founding father and former President, Cde Robert Mugabe (1/2)

7,860

UPDATED: SOUTH AFRICA SHUTS DOWN HIGH COMMISSION IN NIGERIA​

The South African high commission in Nigeria has shut down operations temporarily. This is definitely not unconnected with the Xenophobic reprisals by some Nigerian youths.

The shut down, According to eNCA (a South African media house),  was necessitated by the need for safety of workers in the commission.

Lunga Ngqengelele, spokesperson to the Department of International Relations and Cooperation said: "We have been in communication with the Nigerian government and we have been assured of the protection of the businesses belonging to SA".

Why We Closed Our Embassy In Nigeria – South Africa

The South African Acting High Commissioner to Nigeria, Bobby Moroe, on Thursday confirmed the closure of the country’s missions in Nigeria.

Ms Moroe told News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja on Thursday that the closure was sequel to the directive from his country’s government.

The envoy said she had subsequently directed the Abuja and Lagos offices of the mission to suspend all consular activities until the situation improved.

The acting head of mission said that the closure was necessitated by fear of attack by some Nigerian youths.

The South African Government had in a statement by Naledi Pandor, the Minister of the Department of International Relation and Cooperation, on Thursday announced the closure of its Nigerian mission.

Ms Pandor expressed disappointment over the decision to support the closure of the South African High Commission in Abuja and the Consulate in Lagos.

She said both offices were closed following concerns reported to the minister by officials working in those places.

Ms Pandor said the closure “followed the receipt of threats against mission staff as well as the property of South Africa’’.

“After extensive consultations with relevant stakeholders as well as a security assessment of threats, the mission and the department took the decision to close the offices.

“At this point, there has been no direct physical threat to any of our diplomats and citizens.

“However, we view their safety as a priority and have thus taken the precautionary measure of closing while the situation remains somewhat unpredictable.’’

The official expressed displeasure at misleading reports circulating on social media about a direct physical attack on the acting head of mission.

She described the reports as totally false.

“Our acting head of mission is in constant communication with the department and with the authorities in Nigeria, who are providing extra security at South African offices.

“The department has received reports of marches by demonstrators to South African companies as well as attempts to attack them.

“We are communicating with businesses that have branches in Nigeria and have requested their senior managers to remain in close contact with the department and the ministry,” she said.

She said tradition in foreign policy provides that diplomatic missions enjoy protection from host countries but added that the department remained perturbed at threats directed at the mission.

“We are grateful to note that the security forces and the government of Nigeria are upholding this long-established practice of foreign policy.

She, further, confirmed directive to the mission that links be encouraged between the youth of South Africa and Nigeria and that the Nigerian students’ association visit South Africa.

She said that several meetings with students’ organisation were held at the mission and that a committee had been established to sustain their dialogue and work towards the proposed visit.

Ms Pandor said the department and the ministry would remain in constant contact, continue to assess the situation on ground and provide feedback as new information was made available.

She, however, said that the ministry planned to meet the African Heads of Mission to South Africa next week.

BREAKING NEWS: HIV POSITIVE RAPIST FREED AFTER PAYING N370,000.

This is 75-year old CHIEF SHEDRACK EJINWA who raped a 14-year old girl in WARD 3, KENDOX MEDICAL SERVICES, PORT-HARCOURT.

He was arrested by Harrison Gwamnishu, Mandela Washington Fellow and Human Rights Activist in collaboration with officers from the Elelewon Divisional Police Station in Rivers State.

After the said victim was raped, a file was opened for her in the hospital and was placed on medication. It was reported that the wife of the Medical Director, Kendox Medical Services warned the victim to keep whatever transpired in the hospital to herself and never to disclose it to anyone.

Harrison, who received the information from a Facebook follower, quickly left Asaba for Portharcourt, carried out thorough investigation and later reported the case to the  Divisional Police Station, Elelewon.

Suspect was arrested, medical director's wife was also arrested for compounding felony and case transferred to SCID.

Harrison handed the case over to a lawyer who happens to be part of his NGO's Rivers State representative and returned back to Delta State to handle other pending issues.

The lawyer teamed up with suspect's family and sweet talked the victim's father to accepting money and forgetting about the case.

Attached herein is the settlement agreement prepared and duly signed by the lawyer who ought to defend the victim, the suspect's signature and other witnesses. They collected N370,000 and other undisclosed amount and set the perpetrator free.What a world we live in...

The14-year old victim who cried on the phone said she was "forced to agree for  settlement".

Please, a dangerous paedophile is on the loose. Lets tweet, share and repost this so that the authorities can take appropriate action.

Harrison can be contacted via  09068773333 harrison4rights@gmail.com

Mabel Blossom
Concerned Nigerian

CC  Gwamnishu Emefiena Harrison

PRESIDENT BUHARI TO WADE INTO MINIMUM WAGE IMPASSE

 President Muhammadu Buhari

Nigerian workers would have to wait for the intervention of President Muhammadu Buhari before enjoying the new national Minimum Wage signed into law on April 18, 2019.

Negotiation between the Federal Government and the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council, which resumed on Friday, once again ended in a deadlock as both parties failed to arrive at a decision.

The meeting, which held at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, had Permanent Secretaries of Ministries of Finance, Labour and Employment, General Office of the SGF, and Representative of the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission.

Our correspondent was informed that the government team resolved to take the position of both parties in the negotiation to the President and report back on September 4th for continuation of the meeting.

A source close to the meeting resolved to adjourn the meeting to September 4 and allow President Buhari weigh into the disagreement of relativity and consequential adjustment of the new minimum wage.

The source said both parties are still insisting on their position, stressing that nothing has changed from the earlier position of Labour as well as the government team.

“We are demanding 30 percent for grade levels 07 to 14 and 25 percent adjustment for grade levels 15 to 17.

‘’We came down to 29 and 24 respectively. But they have not even moved from their earlier position of 9.5 and 5 percent respectively.

“We are saying they should make a substantial movement in their offer but they have refused to do that and that has not gone down well with us.

‘’If they make a substantial movement, we will go back to our principals who are the workers. But they have not.

“So, we have asked them to report back to their principals; the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and the President so that the President can intervene and for us to put this thing behind us once and for all.

“So, we have agreed to meet again on the 4th of September so that we can resolve. We want them to shift ground because they have not even moved from 5 percent to 5.5 if we see reasonable movement, we will go back to the workers and get further mandate.’’

A member of the Labour group in the negotiating council, Lawrence Amaechi, confirmed that both parties have agreed to consider their stances and allow Buhari to decide on the issue.

He said: “Both parties have agreed on their different positions on the relativity/consequential adjustment of salaries and it will be submitted to Mr President, let him weigh into it.

“We have however adjourned till September 4, to get the outcome from submission to the President.”

Amaechi, who is the National President, Nigerian Civil Service Union, said the payment of the new minimum wage was long overdue, adding that government must be proactive in order not to accumulate arrears which may create another round of agitations by employees.

15YR OLD NIGERIAN BOY STAGES OWN KIDNAP, DEMANDS N500,000 RANSOM FROM FATHER TO CELEBRATE GRADUATION

A 15-year-old boy has allegedly staged his own kidnap and demanded N500,000 as a ransom.

The suspect, who was paraded in Jos on Thursday, said: “I was the one who initiated the plan and not my friends. I wanted my father to give me money for clothes and to also celebrate my graduation.”

The Commissioner of Police, Plateau Command, Isaac Akinmoyede, said five persons were arrested in a case of criminal conspiracy and kidnapping, including the victim, who staged his own kidnap.

According to the police chief, the father of the victim, Jerry Vichi, had on July 19 reported at ‘A’ Division, Jos that his son, working as an apprentice at a motor vehicle electrical wiring shop, did not return home after the day’s job.

The boy’s father reported that he received a phone call from a hidden number informing him that his son had been kidnapped and taken away from Jos.

“The father said that the caller demanded N500,000 ransom and threatened the boy’s life,” said Akinmoyede.

Akinmoyede added that the command had arrested 44 suspects in connection with alleged kidnapping, armed robbery, culpable homicide, and other cult-related activities as part of its efforts to protect lives and property of the people of the state.

“We have arrested 11 notorious kidnap suspects and a syndicate responsible for the recent kidnap at Plateau State Polytechnic Staff quarters, Haipang, Zawan and other places in Jos South Local Government Area.

“We have also arrested two suspects in a case of threat to life and kidnapping at Bokkos Local Government Area and another for criminal activities, armed robbery and allegedly belonging to an unlawful society, with a locally-made pistol and two live ammunition recovered.

“Three suspects for culpable homicide and cult-related offences were also arrested for shooting one Chinedu Okoye dead at Chorbe junction in Jos North Local Government Area, while other armed robbery suspects were also apprehended,” he explained.

PRESIDENT BUHARI CHANGES NAME OF NIGERIAN PRISONS SERVICE

A bill signed into law on Wednesday by President Muhammadu Buhari has changed the Nigerian Prisons Service to Nigerian Correctional Service

Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters, Ita Enang, made the disclosure while speaking with journalists covering the State House in Abuja on Wednesday. 

According to a top government source, who spoke to correspondents shortly after the passing into law of the bill, the move was meant to give Nigerian prisons a new image and make it function more as a correctional institution rather than mere shelter for persons serving jail terms.