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The 15-year mission of "Oppy" the robot is declared over after repeated failed attempts to contact it.

Youth of Delta Central have said “no politician's ambition is worth the blood of any Urhobo youth”.

They have also resolved to rise against political violence before, during and after the 2019 elections.

The youth, under the umbrella of Delta Central Equity Group (DCEG), stated this on Tuesday at Ughelli in Ughelli North Local Government Area of the state, during an enlarged appraisal meeting of political events, which followed the endorsement of Ifeanyi Okowa, Governor of Delta State, for a second tenure.

Speaking on behalf of the youth, numbering over 5,000, Morris Idiovwa, convener of DCEG, said: "We must take our destiny into our own hands, and we must reject the antics of politicians taking advantage of the youth to cause crisis during the elections.

"The era of politicians giving peanuts to the youth to cause mayhem during elections is over. We must say no to spilling of blood during elections. So many of our brothers have been killed during elections, and we must say no to violent elections. Apart from Governor Ifeanyi Okowa whom we have endorsed for second tenure, no candidate of any party will be imposed on anyone. We won't impose candidates on our people. We are working across party lines, and anyone contesting elections in Delta Central must campaign and tell the people his manifesto.

"Our group was formed on the strength of equity, defending our rights and based on that, we are throwing our support behind Okowa for the sake of equity. Any candidate we are working for must give us the benefit of doubt that such candidate will not disappoint the people. The peanuts the politicians give to you the youth is not worth the killing and spilling the blood of your own brother. The painful aspect of it is that after elections you don't see the politicians again till the next four years.

"Okowa is one of the most humble and accessible governors ever produced in Delta State. My fellow Urhobo youth, we must be able to define our future and defend our rights and we shall not allow any of our brothers to be killed in this elections. We must maintain peace and preach peace to avoid blood bath and violence during the elections, especially the March 2 elections. As a group, our primary purpose is to endorse individuals, not political parties, and based on that, we have endorsed Governor Ifeanyi Okowa for a second tenure.”

According to Idiovwa, those plotting to rig elections would be disappointed.

"No youth will support or promote violence in Delta Central during election," he added.

In his remarks, James Ibori, a former Governor of Delta State, who accompanied Okowa to the meeting, commended the youth for the solidarity.

On his part, Okowa commended the group for the show of support, just as he appealed to all and sundry to maintain peace, vote and defend their votes.

"The youth will not be forgotten for the support. We must all try to give peace a chance. Continue to follow peace so that dividends of democracy can reach you all," Okowa stated.

Elections Human Rights Politics News AddThis :  Featured Image :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
http://bit.ly/2DA0K8L

Youth of Delta Central have said “no politician's ambition is worth the blood of any Urhobo youth”.

They have also resolved to rise against political violence before, during and after the 2019 elections.

The youth, under the umbrella of Delta Central Equity Group (DCEG), stated this on Tuesday at Ughelli in Ughelli North Local Government Area of the state, during an enlarged appraisal meeting of political events, which followed the endorsement of Ifeanyi Okowa, Governor of Delta State, for a second tenure.

Speaking on behalf of the youth, numbering over 5,000, Morris Idiovwa, convener of DCEG, said: "We must take our destiny into our own hands, and we must reject the antics of politicians taking advantage of the youth to cause crisis during the elections.

"The era of politicians giving peanuts to the youth to cause mayhem during elections is over. We must say no to spilling of blood during elections. So many of our brothers have been killed during elections, and we must say no to violent elections. Apart from Governor Ifeanyi Okowa whom we have endorsed for second tenure, no candidate of any party will be imposed on anyone. We won't impose candidates on our people. We are working across party lines, and anyone contesting elections in Delta Central must campaign and tell the people his manifesto.

"Our group was formed on the strength of equity, defending our rights and based on that, we are throwing our support behind Okowa for the sake of equity. Any candidate we are working for must give us the benefit of doubt that such candidate will not disappoint the people. The peanuts the politicians give to you the youth is not worth the killing and spilling the blood of your own brother. The painful aspect of it is that after elections you don't see the politicians again till the next four years.

"Okowa is one of the most humble and accessible governors ever produced in Delta State. My fellow Urhobo youth, we must be able to define our future and defend our rights and we shall not allow any of our brothers to be killed in this elections. We must maintain peace and preach peace to avoid blood bath and violence during the elections, especially the March 2 elections. As a group, our primary purpose is to endorse individuals, not political parties, and based on that, we have endorsed Governor Ifeanyi Okowa for a second tenure.”

According to Idiovwa, those plotting to rig elections would be disappointed.

"No youth will support or promote violence in Delta Central during election," he added.

In his remarks, James Ibori, a former Governor of Delta State, who accompanied Okowa to the meeting, commended the youth for the solidarity.

On his part, Okowa commended the group for the show of support, just as he appealed to all and sundry to maintain peace, vote and defend their votes.

"The youth will not be forgotten for the support. We must all try to give peace a chance. Continue to follow peace so that dividends of democracy can reach you all," Okowa stated.

Elections Human Rights Politics News AddThis :  Featured Image :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
http://bit.ly/2DA0K8L

Youth of Delta Central have said “no politician's ambition is worth the blood of any Urhobo youth”.

They have also resolved to rise against political violence before, during and after the 2019 elections.

The youth, under the umbrella of Delta Central Equity Group (DCEG), stated this on Tuesday at Ughelli in Ughelli North Local Government Area of the state, during an enlarged appraisal meeting of political events, which followed the endorsement of Ifeanyi Okowa, Governor of Delta State, for a second tenure.

Speaking on behalf of the youth, numbering over 5,000, Morris Idiovwa, convener of DCEG, said: "We must take our destiny into our own hands, and we must reject the antics of politicians taking advantage of the youth to cause crisis during the elections.

"The era of politicians giving peanuts to the youth to cause mayhem during elections is over. We must say no to spilling of blood during elections. So many of our brothers have been killed during elections, and we must say no to violent elections. Apart from Governor Ifeanyi Okowa whom we have endorsed for second tenure, no candidate of any party will be imposed on anyone. We won't impose candidates on our people. We are working across party lines, and anyone contesting elections in Delta Central must campaign and tell the people his manifesto.

"Our group was formed on the strength of equity, defending our rights and based on that, we are throwing our support behind Okowa for the sake of equity. Any candidate we are working for must give us the benefit of doubt that such candidate will not disappoint the people. The peanuts the politicians give to you the youth is not worth the killing and spilling the blood of your own brother. The painful aspect of it is that after elections you don't see the politicians again till the next four years.

"Okowa is one of the most humble and accessible governors ever produced in Delta State. My fellow Urhobo youth, we must be able to define our future and defend our rights and we shall not allow any of our brothers to be killed in this elections. We must maintain peace and preach peace to avoid blood bath and violence during the elections, especially the March 2 elections. As a group, our primary purpose is to endorse individuals, not political parties, and based on that, we have endorsed Governor Ifeanyi Okowa for a second tenure.”

According to Idiovwa, those plotting to rig elections would be disappointed.

"No youth will support or promote violence in Delta Central during election," he added.

In his remarks, James Ibori, a former Governor of Delta State, who accompanied Okowa to the meeting, commended the youth for the solidarity.

On his part, Okowa commended the group for the show of support, just as he appealed to all and sundry to maintain peace, vote and defend their votes.

"The youth will not be forgotten for the support. We must all try to give peace a chance. Continue to follow peace so that dividends of democracy can reach you all," Okowa stated.

Elections Human Rights Politics News AddThis :  Featured Image :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
http://bit.ly/2DA0K8L

Kingsley Bosah Ayodele Moghalu was born on May 7, 1963 in Lagos. He is the first of five children. His father, Isaac Chukwudum (now late), was a Nigerian Service Officer. Moghalu’s father happened to be one of a small group of promising young Nigerians inducted into the Ministry of Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs after Nigeria’s independence in 1960.  His mother was a schoolteacher who later became a professional dietician. Moghalu’s father was posted to Geneva, Switzerland.

The father did not spend a year in Switzerland before moving to Washington DC in 1964 when Moghalu’s father was posted to the Nigerian Embassy there. In 1967, when Nigeria was on the verge of the civil war, the family moved back to Nigeria to serve in the Eastern Region Civil Service. Moghalu’s father later rose to become a Permanent Secretary in the Civil Service.

EDUCATION

Because of the peripatetic nature of his father’s job Kingsley’s education did not all happen in Nigeria. However, he had his secondary education in different secondary schools—Eziama High School, Aba; Government College, Umuahia; and Federal Government College, Enugu.

After completing his tertiary education, he went to the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. He obtained a degree in law and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1987. In 1991, he left Nigeria for his post-graduate studies at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Massachussets, USA, where he got a master’s degree in International Relations in 1992. While he was at the university, he was given the Joan Gillespie Fellowship, which is a scholarship award in the university. He had a dream to work in the United Nations while doing his master’s degree.

Eventually, the dream was fulfilled when he was worked in the United Nations in Geneva. While still with the United Nations, he embarked on a part-time study for a doctorate degree in International Relations at the London School of Economics in 2005. He also did Risk Management at the UK Institute of Risk Management, London. His academic odyssey took him to Harvard University, John.F.Kennedy School of Government, Harvard Business School, and the  International Monetary Fund

CAREER BEFORE POLITICS

After he completed his tertiary education he did his compulsory one-year National Youth Service as a Legal Officer at the Shell Petroleum Development Company Ltd in Lagos. When he finished his National Youth Service, he worked, acombining his legal profession with Journalism. He worked as the General Counsel to Newswatch, the leading news magazine of the time founded by the late Dele Giwa and others. He wrote a lot of incisive opinion articles for the Guardian Newspaper. He also served as a special correspondent in Nigeria for several US and European newspapers like Africa News Service and the Christian Science Monitor. In 1992, he got the job to work in the United Nations Secretariat where he rose through the ranks from entry level Associate Officer to the higher career rank of Director. While he was at the UN he was in involved in legal, strategic planning and executive management at the UN headquarters in New York, in Cambodia, Croatia, Tanzania and Switzerland.

Moghalu was among those appointed by the former (now late) Secretary General of the United Nations, Kofi Anan, to do a core UN management reform. The five members of the high-level Redesign Panel on the UN Internal Justice System, which he was part of, overhauled the regulatory compliance, accountability and dispute resolution framework that governs the global workforce of the UN. He was also at the frontline in the project to design a comprehensive risk management for the $20 billion Global Fund in Geneva. Moghalu was the Head of Global Partnerships and Resource Mobilization and a member of the Risk Committee.

In January 2009, he resigned his permanent appointment in the UN to start his own company in Switzerland. He started the company, called Sogato Strategies — a risk advisory firm — in Geneva with the minimum capital of 100,000 Swiss francs.

In 2009, at the behest of the former President Of Nigeria, now dead, Umaru Yar’Adua, Moghalu was made the Deputy Governor of the Central Bank Of Nigeria. He spent five years at the CBN managing the systemic risks to Nigeria’s financial system. He led the team that executed the controversial banking sector reforms initiated by the then CBN Governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi. He also was in charge of Financial System Stability (FSS) and was a member of the Monetary Policy Committee(MPC) and the bank’s board of directors. He left the CBN in 2014.

POLITICAL ANTECEDENTS

Moghalu has never held an elective position before; the closest he ever came to the corridors of power at any level was his time as the CBN Deputy Governor.

STRENGTHS

Mixed parentage and background. His middle name, Ayodele, shows that Moghalu is of ‘mixed’ parentage. Nigeria is a deeply fragmented country riven with ethnicity and religion. These fundamental fault lines become accentuated when it comes to deciding who should have what in national matters especially through votes. Moghalu’s descent straddles two major ethnic groups — Igbo and Yoruba — gives him some advantage.

Moghalu is from a privileged family. Going by social stratification, he belongs to the upper class; it can be argued that he rode on the influence of his parents to have most of the achievements he lays claim to. This factor may endear him to the elite in the country, as they may consider him one of their own.

He has exposure and credentials. He is a man who has travelled far and wide; he is also well-read, with formidable academic credentials. This factor may make him the darling of academia and other people who often ascribe academic qualifications to soundness of mind.

His long CBN years. Without bothering to inquire what transpired during his years at the CBN, some already think he should have a deep understanding of the economy and the Midas touch to turn the country from a basket case to a boom town.

Finally, he is being backed by some powerful Nigerian elites, among whom are Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka and Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, Emir of Kano and former CBN Governor.  

WEAKNESSES

He’s a political greenhorn. The fact that he has not held any political office before or got involved in any political “struggle” before may make some people doubt his ability to steer the ship of the state to the desired destination or be able understand the nuance of the Number 1 political city in the country.

Moghalu does not have the political clout that spreads across the length and breadth of the country, the kind that can ensure his victory at the poll.

Also, having been CBN Deputy Governor, some people consider him as one of the people who brought the country to its present position economically. Some people may even see him as somebody that had taken his bite of the national cake.

#NigeriaDecides Elections Politics AddThis :  Featured Image :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
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Kingsley Bosah Ayodele Moghalu was born on May 7, 1963 in Lagos. He is the first of five children. His father, Isaac Chukwudum (now late), was a Nigerian Service Officer. Moghalu’s father happened to be one of a small group of promising young Nigerians inducted into the Ministry of Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs after Nigeria’s independence in 1960.  His mother was a schoolteacher who later became a professional dietician. Moghalu’s father was posted to Geneva, Switzerland.

The father did not spend a year in Switzerland before moving to Washington DC in 1964 when Moghalu’s father was posted to the Nigerian Embassy there. In 1967, when Nigeria was on the verge of the civil war, the family moved back to Nigeria to serve in the Eastern Region Civil Service. Moghalu’s father later rose to become a Permanent Secretary in the Civil Service.

EDUCATION

Because of the peripatetic nature of his father’s job Kingsley’s education did not all happen in Nigeria. However, he had his secondary education in different secondary schools—Eziama High School, Aba; Government College, Umuahia; and Federal Government College, Enugu.

After completing his tertiary education, he went to the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. He obtained a degree in law and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1987. In 1991, he left Nigeria for his post-graduate studies at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Massachussets, USA, where he got a master’s degree in International Relations in 1992. While he was at the university, he was given the Joan Gillespie Fellowship, which is a scholarship award in the university. He had a dream to work in the United Nations while doing his master’s degree.

Eventually, the dream was fulfilled when he was worked in the United Nations in Geneva. While still with the United Nations, he embarked on a part-time study for a doctorate degree in International Relations at the London School of Economics in 2005. He also did Risk Management at the UK Institute of Risk Management, London. His academic odyssey took him to Harvard University, John.F.Kennedy School of Government, Harvard Business School, and the  International Monetary Fund

CAREER BEFORE POLITICS

After he completed his tertiary education he did his compulsory one-year National Youth Service as a Legal Officer at the Shell Petroleum Development Company Ltd in Lagos. When he finished his National Youth Service, he worked, acombining his legal profession with Journalism. He worked as the General Counsel to Newswatch, the leading news magazine of the time founded by the late Dele Giwa and others. He wrote a lot of incisive opinion articles for the Guardian Newspaper. He also served as a special correspondent in Nigeria for several US and European newspapers like Africa News Service and the Christian Science Monitor. In 1992, he got the job to work in the United Nations Secretariat where he rose through the ranks from entry level Associate Officer to the higher career rank of Director. While he was at the UN he was in involved in legal, strategic planning and executive management at the UN headquarters in New York, in Cambodia, Croatia, Tanzania and Switzerland.

Moghalu was among those appointed by the former (now late) Secretary General of the United Nations, Kofi Anan, to do a core UN management reform. The five members of the high-level Redesign Panel on the UN Internal Justice System, which he was part of, overhauled the regulatory compliance, accountability and dispute resolution framework that governs the global workforce of the UN. He was also at the frontline in the project to design a comprehensive risk management for the $20 billion Global Fund in Geneva. Moghalu was the Head of Global Partnerships and Resource Mobilization and a member of the Risk Committee.

In January 2009, he resigned his permanent appointment in the UN to start his own company in Switzerland. He started the company, called Sogato Strategies — a risk advisory firm — in Geneva with the minimum capital of 100,000 Swiss francs.

In 2009, at the behest of the former President Of Nigeria, now dead, Umaru Yar’Adua, Moghalu was made the Deputy Governor of the Central Bank Of Nigeria. He spent five years at the CBN managing the systemic risks to Nigeria’s financial system. He led the team that executed the controversial banking sector reforms initiated by the then CBN Governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi. He also was in charge of Financial System Stability (FSS) and was a member of the Monetary Policy Committee(MPC) and the bank’s board of directors. He left the CBN in 2014.

POLITICAL ANTECEDENTS

Moghalu has never held an elective position before; the closest he ever came to the corridors of power at any level was his time as the CBN Deputy Governor.

STRENGTHS

Mixed parentage and background. His middle name, Ayodele, shows that Moghalu is of ‘mixed’ parentage. Nigeria is a deeply fragmented country riven with ethnicity and religion. These fundamental fault lines become accentuated when it comes to deciding who should have what in national matters especially through votes. Moghalu’s descent straddles two major ethnic groups — Igbo and Yoruba — gives him some advantage.

Moghalu is from a privileged family. Going by social stratification, he belongs to the upper class; it can be argued that he rode on the influence of his parents to have most of the achievements he lays claim to. This factor may endear him to the elite in the country, as they may consider him one of their own.

He has exposure and credentials. He is a man who has travelled far and wide; he is also well-read, with formidable academic credentials. This factor may make him the darling of academia and other people who often ascribe academic qualifications to soundness of mind.

His long CBN years. Without bothering to inquire what transpired during his years at the CBN, some already think he should have a deep understanding of the economy and the Midas touch to turn the country from a basket case to a boom town.

Finally, he is being backed by some powerful Nigerian elites, among whom are Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka and Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, Emir of Kano and former CBN Governor.  

WEAKNESSES

He’s a political greenhorn. The fact that he has not held any political office before or got involved in any political “struggle” before may make some people doubt his ability to steer the ship of the state to the desired destination or be able understand the nuance of the Number 1 political city in the country.

Moghalu does not have the political clout that spreads across the length and breadth of the country, the kind that can ensure his victory at the poll.

Also, having been CBN Deputy Governor, some people consider him as one of the people who brought the country to its present position economically. Some people may even see him as somebody that had taken his bite of the national cake.

#NigeriaDecides Elections Politics AddThis :  Featured Image :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
http://bit.ly/2UYFVuV

Peace Ambassadors of the Niger Delta (PAND), a group of former militants, on Wednesday endorsed the second term bid of President Muhammadu Buhari.

At a press conference in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, the ex-agitators said they have witnessed the great commitment of the Buhari administration to the development region.

Ebikabowei Victor Ben, Convener of PAND, lauded the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government for not scrapping the Presidential Amnesty Programme for Niger Delta despite pressure from some quarters.

Ben said: “In spite of promises by several administrations, this government under the leadership of the now United Nations Deputy Secretary, Amina Mohammed, put the framework for the remediation and cleanup of Ogoniland, which is the largest of such effort in the world and expected to cost $1billion.

“As we speak, contractors have been mobilised for the first phase of the exercise. Also, the Bodo City/Bonny Road, which was abandoned for more three decades have been awarded and construction is ongoing.

“Also, the Niger Delta is not left out of this government’s commitment to investing in infrastructure which is one of its biggest spending priorities. The long-abandoned East-West road is finally receiving funding and attention.

“All of these achievements find expression in a 20-point plan for the Niger Delta, which was presented to us by the Petroleum Minister, Ibe Kachikwu. The plan also covers the need for government and oil companies working in our region to create at least 100,000 jobs yearly. The plan for the Niger Delta is what we need now for a more sustainable future.

“As witnesses to the commitment of this government to these issues that we have presented over the years through various fora, and tangible achievements we have seen as it concerns our region over the last four years, we have decided to endorse the government to continue beyond 2019.”

The PAND Convener stated that ex-agitators and the people of the Niger Delta region have seen a deep-seated commitment of the current administration in addressing the issues faced by the people of the region.

Niger Delta Politics News AddThis :  Featured Image :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
http://bit.ly/2iVGWo0

Peace Ambassadors of the Niger Delta (PAND), a group of former militants, on Wednesday endorsed the second term bid of President Muhammadu Buhari.

At a press conference in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, the ex-agitators said they have witnessed the great commitment of the Buhari administration to the development region.

Ebikabowei Victor Ben, Convener of PAND, lauded the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government for not scrapping the Presidential Amnesty Programme for Niger Delta despite pressure from some quarters.

Ben said: “In spite of promises by several administrations, this government under the leadership of the now United Nations Deputy Secretary, Amina Mohammed, put the framework for the remediation and cleanup of Ogoniland, which is the largest of such effort in the world and expected to cost $1billion.

“As we speak, contractors have been mobilised for the first phase of the exercise. Also, the Bodo City/Bonny Road, which was abandoned for more three decades have been awarded and construction is ongoing.

“Also, the Niger Delta is not left out of this government’s commitment to investing in infrastructure which is one of its biggest spending priorities. The long-abandoned East-West road is finally receiving funding and attention.

“All of these achievements find expression in a 20-point plan for the Niger Delta, which was presented to us by the Petroleum Minister, Ibe Kachikwu. The plan also covers the need for government and oil companies working in our region to create at least 100,000 jobs yearly. The plan for the Niger Delta is what we need now for a more sustainable future.

“As witnesses to the commitment of this government to these issues that we have presented over the years through various fora, and tangible achievements we have seen as it concerns our region over the last four years, we have decided to endorse the government to continue beyond 2019.”

The PAND Convener stated that ex-agitators and the people of the Niger Delta region have seen a deep-seated commitment of the current administration in addressing the issues faced by the people of the region.

Niger Delta Politics News AddThis :  Featured Image :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
http://bit.ly/2iVGWo0

Peace Ambassadors of the Niger Delta (PAND), a group of former militants, on Wednesday endorsed the second term bid of President Muhammadu Buhari.

At a press conference in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, the ex-agitators said they have witnessed the great commitment of the Buhari administration to the development region.

Ebikabowei Victor Ben, Convener of PAND, lauded the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government for not scrapping the Presidential Amnesty Programme for Niger Delta despite pressure from some quarters.

Ben said: “In spite of promises by several administrations, this government under the leadership of the now United Nations Deputy Secretary, Amina Mohammed, put the framework for the remediation and cleanup of Ogoniland, which is the largest of such effort in the world and expected to cost $1billion.

“As we speak, contractors have been mobilised for the first phase of the exercise. Also, the Bodo City/Bonny Road, which was abandoned for more three decades have been awarded and construction is ongoing.

“Also, the Niger Delta is not left out of this government’s commitment to investing in infrastructure which is one of its biggest spending priorities. The long-abandoned East-West road is finally receiving funding and attention.

“All of these achievements find expression in a 20-point plan for the Niger Delta, which was presented to us by the Petroleum Minister, Ibe Kachikwu. The plan also covers the need for government and oil companies working in our region to create at least 100,000 jobs yearly. The plan for the Niger Delta is what we need now for a more sustainable future.

“As witnesses to the commitment of this government to these issues that we have presented over the years through various fora, and tangible achievements we have seen as it concerns our region over the last four years, we have decided to endorse the government to continue beyond 2019.”

The PAND Convener stated that ex-agitators and the people of the Niger Delta region have seen a deep-seated commitment of the current administration in addressing the issues faced by the people of the region.

Niger Delta Politics News AddThis :  Featured Image :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
http://bit.ly/2iVGWo0

The ongoing trial of Adesina Amosu, a former Chief of Air Staff, was stalled on Wednesday, due to the unavailability of the Justice Chukwujeku Aneke of the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos.

On November 13, 2018, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) re-arraigned Amosu and two others before the judge on an amended 13-count charge bordering on money laundering to the tune of N21billion.

Amosu is facing trial alongside Air Vice Marshal Jacob Bola Adigun, a former Chief of Account and Budgeting, and Air Commodore Gbadebo Owodunni, a former Director of Finance and Budgeting, for alleged conspiracy and conversion of the funds belonging to the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to their personal use.

At the resumption of proceedings on Wednesday, the registrar informed the parties that the trial judge is undergoing training outside the jurisdiction, and asked parties to agree on another date.

Rotimi Oyedepo, the EFCC counsel, urged the registrar of the court to give an earlier date as prescribed by the administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015.

The act prescribes 14 days interval for an adjournment.

The case was consequently adjourned till March 6 and 7 for continuation of trial.

One of the charges against the former Air Chief read: "That you, Air Marshal Adesola Amosu Nunayon (rtd), Air Vice Marshal Jacob Bola Adigun, and Air Commodore Gbadebo Owodunni Olugbenga, on or about the 5th day of March, 2014, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court conspired amongst yourselves to convert the total sum of N21,467,634,707.43 (twenty-one billion, four hundred and sixty-seven million, six hundred and thirty-four thousand, seven hundred and seven Naira, forty three Kobo), property of the Nigerian Air Force, which sum you reasonably ought to have known forms part of proceeds of your unlawful activities to wit: criminal breach of trust, and hereby committed an offence contrary to section 18(a) of the Money Laundering ( prohibition) Act, 2011( as amended) and punishable under section 15(3) of the same Act.”

The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charge.

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The ongoing trial of Adesina Amosu, a former Chief of Air Staff, was stalled on Wednesday, due to the unavailability of the Justice Chukwujeku Aneke of the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos.

On November 13, 2018, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) re-arraigned Amosu and two others before the judge on an amended 13-count charge bordering on money laundering to the tune of N21billion.

Amosu is facing trial alongside Air Vice Marshal Jacob Bola Adigun, a former Chief of Account and Budgeting, and Air Commodore Gbadebo Owodunni, a former Director of Finance and Budgeting, for alleged conspiracy and conversion of the funds belonging to the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to their personal use.

At the resumption of proceedings on Wednesday, the registrar informed the parties that the trial judge is undergoing training outside the jurisdiction, and asked parties to agree on another date.

Rotimi Oyedepo, the EFCC counsel, urged the registrar of the court to give an earlier date as prescribed by the administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015.

The act prescribes 14 days interval for an adjournment.

The case was consequently adjourned till March 6 and 7 for continuation of trial.

One of the charges against the former Air Chief read: "That you, Air Marshal Adesola Amosu Nunayon (rtd), Air Vice Marshal Jacob Bola Adigun, and Air Commodore Gbadebo Owodunni Olugbenga, on or about the 5th day of March, 2014, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court conspired amongst yourselves to convert the total sum of N21,467,634,707.43 (twenty-one billion, four hundred and sixty-seven million, six hundred and thirty-four thousand, seven hundred and seven Naira, forty three Kobo), property of the Nigerian Air Force, which sum you reasonably ought to have known forms part of proceeds of your unlawful activities to wit: criminal breach of trust, and hereby committed an offence contrary to section 18(a) of the Money Laundering ( prohibition) Act, 2011( as amended) and punishable under section 15(3) of the same Act.”

The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charge.

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President Muhammadu Buhari has admitted that there is “anxiety in the air” as the country prepares to elect a new President on Saturday.

This formed part of his remarks at the signing of a peace accord on the 2019 presidential election, held at the International Conference Centre (ICC), Abuja, on Wednesday.

Buhari expressed excitement that more women and youth candidates showed interest in taking up elective positions in the 2019 elections, just as he urged all candidates to commit to the ideals of a peaceful electoral process.

He further restated his commitment to ensuring free, fair and credible elections.

THE FULL SPEECH

Another election is upon us and not unexpectedly, there is anxiety in the air. This is typical of any form of competition and contest, no matter how well prepared all contestants and regulators are. The forthcoming elections are very special and significant for the growth of our Democracy.

First, they come immediately after one of the most peaceful elections in the history of our country. I am not saying this because I was blessed to emerge as the winner. I am saying there had been a lot of fears and anxieties from within and outside Nigeria about the future of the country. We are hopeful that this is evidence that we are all maturing in our disposition towards electoral outcomes. We see this as an opportunity to grow our sense of political culture in Nigeria.

Secondly, we are witnessing an exciting development in the area of the engagement of our Youth and Women in the democratic process. Hitherto, these groups have often not been in the mainstream of our political competition. It is in appreciation of their contribution that we passed the Not Too Young to Run Bill last year. The success of the Act is illustrated by the unprecedented number of young men and women who have stepped forward to participate in this process as Candidates at all levels. Significantly, we have witnessed also the emergence of Women as Candidates across the political space.

Thirdly, these elections are taking place against the backdrop of the emergence of an unprecedented number of Political Parties. As of now, we have 91 Political Parties, out of which over 70 fielded Presidential Candidates. Although some Candidates have dropped out of the race, there is no doubt in our minds that our country is moving forward and that our democracy is expanding and also deepening.

I call on all Nigerians to contribute to the building of a viable polity by more active participation well beyond the mere casting of votes. Elections by themselves do not constitute Democracy. It is the spirit of citizenship engagement that utilizes the energy of citizens towards the attainment of good governance.

We have assembled here to mark the final phase of our campaigns and we are now at the doorstep of our elections. The Campaigns so far have gone well and we thank God for that. For the few incidents in which people lost their lives largely through accidents, we pray that God grants them eternal peace. Now campaigns are over and our next assignment is for us all, citizens and contestants alike, to go out and exercise our civic duties.

We, the Presidential candidates are here to sign and commit ourselves to do all that is possible to ensure the success of the elections but most importantly to accept the final outcome. I appeal to my fellow contestants to commit to these ideals so as to keep our country and people safe. The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, our electoral Umpire, has already assured us that they have done everything possible to ensure free and fair elections.

It was to ensure this that I made sure that INEC received all the resources they needed to perform their job. Our Security Agencies have been fully briefed and they know that their visible neutrality is key to the conduct, credibility and success of the elections.

To the Rt. Honourable Patricia Scotland, the Secretary General of the Commonwealth Secretariat, we extend our felicitations and welcome to you. Your presence here and your friendship mean a lot to us as a country. To the Members of the Diplomatic Corps, the International Team of Monitors, again, I say, welcome to Nigeria and thank you very much for standing by us. Your presence helps to validate our process and commitment to growing our Democracy.

I want to thank General Abdulsalami Abubakar, the Chairman of the National Peace Committee and all his members for the hard work they have put into ensuring that our Elections are peaceful. Your great work contributed significantly in shaping the 2015 elections and we are sure that the same impact will be felt in these elections.

To all our citizens, I want to thank you. As we go into the elections in few days, please let us pray for our country. Let us use this opportunity to strengthen our beliefs in a united country. Our elections are important only to the extent that they make our country peaceful and prepare us for development.

I am making a special appeal to our young people: Do not allow yourselves to be used to cause violence. Please eschew all forms of violence and cooperate with all the relevant agencies during these elections. We will vote according to Parties, but in the end, the only real Party is Nigeria, our country. Our elections are important only to the extent that they make her strong. Let us do our best and ask God to bless us and our country.

Thank you and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Politics News AddThis :  Featured Image :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
http://bit.ly/2Su8Lq4

President Muhammadu Buhari has admitted that there is “anxiety in the air” as the country prepares to elect a new President on Saturday.

This formed part of his remarks at the signing of a peace accord on the 2019 presidential election, held at the International Conference Centre (ICC), Abuja, on Wednesday.

Buhari expressed excitement that more women and youth candidates showed interest in taking up elective positions in the 2019 elections, just as he urged all candidates to commit to the ideals of a peaceful electoral process.

He further restated his commitment to ensuring free, fair and credible elections.

THE FULL SPEECH

Another election is upon us and not unexpectedly, there is anxiety in the air. This is typical of any form of competition and contest, no matter how well prepared all contestants and regulators are. The forthcoming elections are very special and significant for the growth of our Democracy.

First, they come immediately after one of the most peaceful elections in the history of our country. I am not saying this because I was blessed to emerge as the winner. I am saying there had been a lot of fears and anxieties from within and outside Nigeria about the future of the country. We are hopeful that this is evidence that we are all maturing in our disposition towards electoral outcomes. We see this as an opportunity to grow our sense of political culture in Nigeria.

Secondly, we are witnessing an exciting development in the area of the engagement of our Youth and Women in the democratic process. Hitherto, these groups have often not been in the mainstream of our political competition. It is in appreciation of their contribution that we passed the Not Too Young to Run Bill last year. The success of the Act is illustrated by the unprecedented number of young men and women who have stepped forward to participate in this process as Candidates at all levels. Significantly, we have witnessed also the emergence of Women as Candidates across the political space.

Thirdly, these elections are taking place against the backdrop of the emergence of an unprecedented number of Political Parties. As of now, we have 91 Political Parties, out of which over 70 fielded Presidential Candidates. Although some Candidates have dropped out of the race, there is no doubt in our minds that our country is moving forward and that our democracy is expanding and also deepening.

I call on all Nigerians to contribute to the building of a viable polity by more active participation well beyond the mere casting of votes. Elections by themselves do not constitute Democracy. It is the spirit of citizenship engagement that utilizes the energy of citizens towards the attainment of good governance.

We have assembled here to mark the final phase of our campaigns and we are now at the doorstep of our elections. The Campaigns so far have gone well and we thank God for that. For the few incidents in which people lost their lives largely through accidents, we pray that God grants them eternal peace. Now campaigns are over and our next assignment is for us all, citizens and contestants alike, to go out and exercise our civic duties.

We, the Presidential candidates are here to sign and commit ourselves to do all that is possible to ensure the success of the elections but most importantly to accept the final outcome. I appeal to my fellow contestants to commit to these ideals so as to keep our country and people safe. The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, our electoral Umpire, has already assured us that they have done everything possible to ensure free and fair elections.

It was to ensure this that I made sure that INEC received all the resources they needed to perform their job. Our Security Agencies have been fully briefed and they know that their visible neutrality is key to the conduct, credibility and success of the elections.

To the Rt. Honourable Patricia Scotland, the Secretary General of the Commonwealth Secretariat, we extend our felicitations and welcome to you. Your presence here and your friendship mean a lot to us as a country. To the Members of the Diplomatic Corps, the International Team of Monitors, again, I say, welcome to Nigeria and thank you very much for standing by us. Your presence helps to validate our process and commitment to growing our Democracy.

I want to thank General Abdulsalami Abubakar, the Chairman of the National Peace Committee and all his members for the hard work they have put into ensuring that our Elections are peaceful. Your great work contributed significantly in shaping the 2015 elections and we are sure that the same impact will be felt in these elections.

To all our citizens, I want to thank you. As we go into the elections in few days, please let us pray for our country. Let us use this opportunity to strengthen our beliefs in a united country. Our elections are important only to the extent that they make our country peaceful and prepare us for development.

I am making a special appeal to our young people: Do not allow yourselves to be used to cause violence. Please eschew all forms of violence and cooperate with all the relevant agencies during these elections. We will vote according to Parties, but in the end, the only real Party is Nigeria, our country. Our elections are important only to the extent that they make her strong. Let us do our best and ask God to bless us and our country.

Thank you and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Politics News AddThis :  Featured Image :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
http://bit.ly/2Su8Lq4

President Muhammadu Buhari has admitted that there is “anxiety in the air” as the country prepares to elect a new President on Saturday.

This formed part of his remarks at the signing of a peace accord on the 2019 presidential election, held at the International Conference Centre (ICC), Abuja, on Wednesday.

Buhari expressed excitement that more women and youth candidates showed interest in taking up elective positions in the 2019 elections, just as he urged all candidates to commit to the ideals of a peaceful electoral process.

He further restated his commitment to ensuring free, fair and credible elections.

THE FULL SPEECH

Another election is upon us and not unexpectedly, there is anxiety in the air. This is typical of any form of competition and contest, no matter how well prepared all contestants and regulators are. The forthcoming elections are very special and significant for the growth of our Democracy.

First, they come immediately after one of the most peaceful elections in the history of our country. I am not saying this because I was blessed to emerge as the winner. I am saying there had been a lot of fears and anxieties from within and outside Nigeria about the future of the country. We are hopeful that this is evidence that we are all maturing in our disposition towards electoral outcomes. We see this as an opportunity to grow our sense of political culture in Nigeria.

Secondly, we are witnessing an exciting development in the area of the engagement of our Youth and Women in the democratic process. Hitherto, these groups have often not been in the mainstream of our political competition. It is in appreciation of their contribution that we passed the Not Too Young to Run Bill last year. The success of the Act is illustrated by the unprecedented number of young men and women who have stepped forward to participate in this process as Candidates at all levels. Significantly, we have witnessed also the emergence of Women as Candidates across the political space.

Thirdly, these elections are taking place against the backdrop of the emergence of an unprecedented number of Political Parties. As of now, we have 91 Political Parties, out of which over 70 fielded Presidential Candidates. Although some Candidates have dropped out of the race, there is no doubt in our minds that our country is moving forward and that our democracy is expanding and also deepening.

I call on all Nigerians to contribute to the building of a viable polity by more active participation well beyond the mere casting of votes. Elections by themselves do not constitute Democracy. It is the spirit of citizenship engagement that utilizes the energy of citizens towards the attainment of good governance.

We have assembled here to mark the final phase of our campaigns and we are now at the doorstep of our elections. The Campaigns so far have gone well and we thank God for that. For the few incidents in which people lost their lives largely through accidents, we pray that God grants them eternal peace. Now campaigns are over and our next assignment is for us all, citizens and contestants alike, to go out and exercise our civic duties.

We, the Presidential candidates are here to sign and commit ourselves to do all that is possible to ensure the success of the elections but most importantly to accept the final outcome. I appeal to my fellow contestants to commit to these ideals so as to keep our country and people safe. The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, our electoral Umpire, has already assured us that they have done everything possible to ensure free and fair elections.

It was to ensure this that I made sure that INEC received all the resources they needed to perform their job. Our Security Agencies have been fully briefed and they know that their visible neutrality is key to the conduct, credibility and success of the elections.

To the Rt. Honourable Patricia Scotland, the Secretary General of the Commonwealth Secretariat, we extend our felicitations and welcome to you. Your presence here and your friendship mean a lot to us as a country. To the Members of the Diplomatic Corps, the International Team of Monitors, again, I say, welcome to Nigeria and thank you very much for standing by us. Your presence helps to validate our process and commitment to growing our Democracy.

I want to thank General Abdulsalami Abubakar, the Chairman of the National Peace Committee and all his members for the hard work they have put into ensuring that our Elections are peaceful. Your great work contributed significantly in shaping the 2015 elections and we are sure that the same impact will be felt in these elections.

To all our citizens, I want to thank you. As we go into the elections in few days, please let us pray for our country. Let us use this opportunity to strengthen our beliefs in a united country. Our elections are important only to the extent that they make our country peaceful and prepare us for development.

I am making a special appeal to our young people: Do not allow yourselves to be used to cause violence. Please eschew all forms of violence and cooperate with all the relevant agencies during these elections. We will vote according to Parties, but in the end, the only real Party is Nigeria, our country. Our elections are important only to the extent that they make her strong. Let us do our best and ask God to bless us and our country.

Thank you and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Politics News AddThis :  Featured Image :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
http://bit.ly/2Su8Lq4

Abdusalami Abubakar, Chairman of the National Peace Committee, has warned the presidential candidates contesting in Saturday's election against doing anything to “make a bad situation worse”.

This was contained in his remarks at the signing of a peace accord at the International Conference Centre (ICC) on Wednesday in Abuja.

Present at the signing of the accord were President Muhammadu Buhari, seeking reelection on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC); Atiku Abubakar, presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP); Yakubu Gowon, former Head of State; Professor Mahmood Yakubu, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), former Liberian president Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, among others.

Speaking on the need to ensure that the elections are conducted peacefully, Abubakar said: “Don’t do anything to make a bad situation worse.”

Abubakar also urged political parties to cooperate in the interest of peace.

Politics News AddThis :  Featured Image :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
http://bit.ly/2DEipML

Abdusalami Abubakar, Chairman of the National Peace Committee, has warned the presidential candidates contesting in Saturday's election against doing anything to “make a bad situation worse”.

This was contained in his remarks at the signing of a peace accord at the International Conference Centre (ICC) on Wednesday in Abuja.

Present at the signing of the accord were President Muhammadu Buhari, seeking reelection on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC); Atiku Abubakar, presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP); Yakubu Gowon, former Head of State; Professor Mahmood Yakubu, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), former Liberian president Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, among others.

Speaking on the need to ensure that the elections are conducted peacefully, Abubakar said: “Don’t do anything to make a bad situation worse.”

Abubakar also urged political parties to cooperate in the interest of peace.

Politics News AddThis :  Featured Image :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
http://bit.ly/2DEipML

Abdusalami Abubakar, Chairman of the National Peace Committee, has warned the presidential candidates contesting in Saturday's election against doing anything to “make a bad situation worse”.

This was contained in his remarks at the signing of a peace accord at the International Conference Centre (ICC) on Wednesday in Abuja.

Present at the signing of the accord were President Muhammadu Buhari, seeking reelection on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC); Atiku Abubakar, presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP); Yakubu Gowon, former Head of State; Professor Mahmood Yakubu, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), former Liberian president Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, among others.

Speaking on the need to ensure that the elections are conducted peacefully, Abubakar said: “Don’t do anything to make a bad situation worse.”

Abubakar also urged political parties to cooperate in the interest of peace.

Politics News AddThis :  Featured Image :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
http://bit.ly/2DEipML

A Federal High Court sitting in the Abuja has granted Babachir Lawal, the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), bail.

Lawal was remanded in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Monday, after he pleaded not guilty to the 10-count charge of N544,119,925.36 charges levelled against him by EFCC. See Also Breaking News BREAKING: Babachir Lawal To Remain In EFCC Detention 0 Comments 1 Day Ago

He is being tried alongside Hamidu David Lawal, Sulaiman Abubakar, Apeh John Monday, Rholavision Engineering Limited and Josmon Technologies Limited

At the resumed sitting on the bail application on Wednesday, the Judge, Jude Okeke, granted Lawal and the other defendants bail in the sum of N50million each, with one surety in like sum.

According to the Judge, the sureties must be resident in Abuja, own landed property and also provide evidence of tax payment in the last three years.

Lawal and other defendants were also directed to deposit their international passports, pending the determination of their bail applications.

The case was adjourned till March 18, 2019, for the commencement of trial.

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