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A rights group found that those publicly executed had committed crimes like stealing copper and cows.

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A giant crane begins lifting the boat in Budapest after last month's fatal collision.

The Peoples Democratic Party  ( PDP ) has endorsed the candidature of Senator Ali Ndume for Senate President and Umar Bago  Speaker of House of Representatives respectively, ahead of National Assembly inauguration on Tuesday.

The party revealed this in a press statement issued at the end of a marathon meeting of the National Working Committee including party leaders, state governors as well as senators and NASS members-elect on the platform of the PDP.   

The meeting which was held at  Bayelsa State Governor lodge on Monday in Abuja was to decide how the opposition will vote tomorrow Tuesday in the chambers with the view to springing a surprise and thwart the emergence of the preferred candidates of the ruling party as Senate President and Speaker House of Representatives respectively. 

FULL TEXT OF THE STATEMENT

  Press Statement 

June 10, 2019

Nass Leadership: PDP Endorses Ali Ndume, Umar Bago

The National Working Committee (NWC)  of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) after very extensive consultations with critical stakeholders resolves to support Senator Ali Ndume and Hon. Umar Mohammed Bago for Senate President and Speaker of House of Representatives respectively, ahead of National Assembly inauguration on Tuesday.

The final resolution on Senator Ndume and Hon. Bago was reached at the end of a decisive meeting of members of the National Working Committee, party leaders, state governors as well as senators and members-elect on the platform of the PDP.   

This decision is in the best interest of the nation, in line with our party’s determination to deepen democracy, ensure a strong and independent legislature, strict compliance with the principle of separation of powers as well as constitutional checks and balances in the polity.

All senators and members-elect on the platform of the PDP are to be guided accordingly.

Signed:

Sen. Umar Ibrahim Tsauri
National Secretary

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The Peoples Democratic Party  ( PDP ) has endorsed the candidature of Senator Ali Ndume for Senate President and Umar Bago  Speaker of House of Representatives respectively, ahead of National Assembly inauguration on Tuesday.

The party revealed this in a press statement issued at the end of a marathon meeting of the National Working Committee including party leaders, state governors as well as senators and NASS members-elect on the platform of the PDP.   

The meeting which was held at  Bayelsa State Governor lodge on Monday in Abuja was to decide how the opposition will vote tomorrow Tuesday in the chambers with the view to springing a surprise and thwart the emergence of the preferred candidates of the ruling party as Senate President and Speaker House of Representatives respectively. 

FULL TEXT OF THE STATEMENT

  Press Statement 

June 10, 2019

Nass Leadership: PDP Endorses Ali Ndume, Umar Bago

The National Working Committee (NWC)  of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) after very extensive consultations with critical stakeholders resolves to support Senator Ali Ndume and Hon. Umar Mohammed Bago for Senate President and Speaker of House of Representatives respectively, ahead of National Assembly inauguration on Tuesday.

The final resolution on Senator Ndume and Hon. Bago was reached at the end of a decisive meeting of members of the National Working Committee, party leaders, state governors as well as senators and members-elect on the platform of the PDP.   

This decision is in the best interest of the nation, in line with our party’s determination to deepen democracy, ensure a strong and independent legislature, strict compliance with the principle of separation of powers as well as constitutional checks and balances in the polity.

All senators and members-elect on the platform of the PDP are to be guided accordingly.

Signed:

Sen. Umar Ibrahim Tsauri
National Secretary

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The US justice department agrees to hand over some underlying evidence from the investigation.

Akinwumi Adesina, former Nigerian minister of agriculture and rural development and current president of the African Development Bank has bagged a honorary doctorate from the University of Alberta, Canada.

He received the honour of Doctor of Science, Honoris Causa, from the prestigious university on June 4, 2019.

At the event, the University of Alberta in line with its tradition of presenting rare books to honorary degree recipients, handed over Chinua Achebe's first edition copy of Things Fall Apart published in 1958. The book was thereafter donated to the Bruce Peel Special Collections Library in line with the university's tradition.

Speaking while recieving the award, Adesina who grew up in a village recalled his inability to get into medical school despite his father's insistence.

He said even though he performed well in exams, his grades were not sufficient to get him into medical school but secured him admission to study agriculture to which his father's said, “God must want you in agriculture."

He went on to become reputed as Nigeria's best serving minister when he served as the minister of agriculture.

Adesina, who is a first-class Agricultural Economics from the University of Ife (Obafemi Awolowo University) encouraged young people not to give up on their dreams regardless of where they started from while promising to continue to do his best to revolutionize the agricultural sector.

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Eighteen states in Nigeria will benefit from the Rural Access And Mobility Project (RAMP), a Word Bank Programme in Nigeria by 2020.

Mr. Ubandoma Ularamu, National Coordinator of the programme made the disclosure on Monday at the Bid Opening of Second Phase of RAMP-2  held in Yola.

Ularamu said that the third phase of the programme (RAMP-3) would involve the agriculture value chain to add value to agricultural produce as well as boosting food production in Nigeria.

He said that the selected 18 states with high potential in agricultural production cut across the six geo-political zones in the country.

The coordinator urged contractors who would not make it in the bidding process not to be discouraged as more jobs would be available in the third phase of the programme.

The national coordinator advised the potential winners to comply with job specification for the benefit of the rural communities.

He assured all the applicants of a transparent process as the World Bank would verify all contractors and apply due diligence before the contracts are awarded.

Ularamu also advised likely successful contractors to ensure speedy completion of the project, adding that the second phase would end in October 2020.

He also said that the funds were available for the execution of the work, emphasizing that the quicker it was completed the faster the payment.

The coordinator said that 49 contractors bid for the seven lots which covered 289 kilometres in the state.

Earlier, Mr. Aliyu Tarfa, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Rural Infrastructure and Community Development, said that the bidding process would be free from state government interference.

Tarfa, who is also the Chairman of State Project Implementation Unit (SPIU), gave assurance that the state would fulfill its counterpart contribution obligation, adding that the impact of the programme in the state was tremendous.

In his remark, Mr. Musa Tete, State Coordinator of RAMP-2 said that all road projects in the first phase were near completion.

Tete said that the programme had already completed 260 kilometres of roads in the state.

He said that the impact of the programme was felt by all and sundry, pointing out why the bidding process was stiff and competitive.

The first phase of the RAMP started in Nigeria with Kaduna and Cross Rivers States while Adamawa, Enugu, Niger, Osun, and Imo benefited from RAMP-2.

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Security has been beefed up at the National Assembly as members-elect continue accreditation ahead of the inauguration of the 9th National Assembly on Tuesday.

All staff and visitors to the national assembly were critically checked before being allowed entry into the premises. Those who could not identify themselves properly were turned back.

Meanwhile, there is a presence of security operatives at strategic areas, while moving around designated areas for accreditation was limited.

Speaking to newsmen after his accreditation, Sen. Emmanuel Bwacha from Taraba State, said the process was going on smoothly.

On why PDP is keeping quiet on who to endorse for senate presidency, he said, “there is dignity in silence and mischief in noise making”

Sen. Kabiru Gaya (APC-Kano) also said the accreditation was going on without hindrance.

Gaya, who is in the race for the position of Deputy President of the Senate, denied stepping down as insinuated in some quarters.

The national assembly is a beehive of activities as preparations for the inauguration were on top gear.

Activities ranging from erecting of a tent, renovation of structures and decoration are going on in mapped out areas to make the occasion colourful.

There is, however, heightened tension as people are seen in clusters discussing their expectations of the day.

While some believe that it might not be much of a drama as witnessed in 2015, others say there could be surprises following Senator Ali Ndume’s insistence to continue in the race and the long silence from the major opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

From the list released by Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), there are 62 APC senators-elect, 44 PDP senators-elect and one Young Progressives Party (YPP) senator-elect, while two senatorial seats in Imo State are still outstanding.

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Security has been beefed up at the National Assembly as members-elect continue accreditation ahead of the inauguration of the 9th National Assembly on Tuesday.

All staff and visitors to the national assembly were critically checked before being allowed entry into the premises. Those who could not identify themselves properly were turned back.

Meanwhile, there is a presence of security operatives at strategic areas, while moving around designated areas for accreditation was limited.

Speaking to newsmen after his accreditation, Sen. Emmanuel Bwacha from Taraba State, said the process was going on smoothly.

On why PDP is keeping quiet on who to endorse for senate presidency, he said, “there is dignity in silence and mischief in noise making”

Sen. Kabiru Gaya (APC-Kano) also said the accreditation was going on without hindrance.

Gaya, who is in the race for the position of Deputy President of the Senate, denied stepping down as insinuated in some quarters.

The national assembly is a beehive of activities as preparations for the inauguration were on top gear.

Activities ranging from erecting of a tent, renovation of structures and decoration are going on in mapped out areas to make the occasion colourful.

There is, however, heightened tension as people are seen in clusters discussing their expectations of the day.

While some believe that it might not be much of a drama as witnessed in 2015, others say there could be surprises following Senator Ali Ndume’s insistence to continue in the race and the long silence from the major opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

From the list released by Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), there are 62 APC senators-elect, 44 PDP senators-elect and one Young Progressives Party (YPP) senator-elect, while two senatorial seats in Imo State are still outstanding.

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Few hours to the inauguration of the ninth  National Assembly, some members of ruling All Progressives Congress jostling for principal positions on Monday shunned a meeting conveyed by their party to ensure the emergence of Ahmed Lawan and Femi Gbajabiamila as Senate President and speaker, respectively.

The party said it was trying to persuade Senator Ali Ndume to drop his ambition.

Members of the party conspicuously absent at the meeting include Ndume, Umar Bago, Kabiru Gaya, Orji Kalu, and Francis Alimikhena.

Speaking to journalists in Abuja at the end of the meeting, the National Chairman of the party, Adams Oshiomhole, disclosed that one of the leading contenders for speakership position, Mrs Nkeiru Onyejeocha had dropped her ambition to support Gbajabiamila.

Oshiomhole noted the party was still urging Senator Ali Ndume to drop his ambition for Lawan, adding that the party knows all those who have stepped down are qualified but decided to show respect for the party.

He said, "APC caucus in the National Assembly, that is, both the senate and house of representatives, as well as all APC and members of the National Working Committee, are meeting now. It is basically to firm up all the conversations and lobbies that have been going on, we have ended up the meeting with specific conclusion.

"We have all agreed as a caucus to endorse distinguish Senator Ahmed Lawan as the APC candidate for the president of the senate and Senator Omo-Agege as the deputy senate president and Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila as the speaker. Well, for now we are still trying to talk to Ali Ndume. I believe that he is a democrat. He understands that in a democracy, it is important  that he listens to the voice of the majority and accept the decisions of the majority."

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Few hours to the inauguration of the ninth  National Assembly, some members of ruling All Progressives Congress jostling for principal positions on Monday shunned a meeting conveyed by their party to ensure the emergence of Ahmed Lawan and Femi Gbajabiamila as Senate President and speaker, respectively.

The party said it was trying to persuade Senator Ali Ndume to drop his ambition.

Members of the party conspicuously absent at the meeting include Ndume, Umar Bago, Kabiru Gaya, Orji Kalu, and Francis Alimikhena.

Speaking to journalists in Abuja at the end of the meeting, the National Chairman of the party, Adams Oshiomhole, disclosed that one of the leading contenders for speakership position, Mrs Nkeiru Onyejeocha had dropped her ambition to support Gbajabiamila.

Oshiomhole noted the party was still urging Senator Ali Ndume to drop his ambition for Lawan, adding that the party knows all those who have stepped down are qualified but decided to show respect for the party.

He said, "APC caucus in the National Assembly, that is, both the senate and house of representatives, as well as all APC and members of the National Working Committee, are meeting now. It is basically to firm up all the conversations and lobbies that have been going on, we have ended up the meeting with specific conclusion.

"We have all agreed as a caucus to endorse distinguish Senator Ahmed Lawan as the APC candidate for the president of the senate and Senator Omo-Agege as the deputy senate president and Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila as the speaker. Well, for now we are still trying to talk to Ali Ndume. I believe that he is a democrat. He understands that in a democracy, it is important  that he listens to the voice of the majority and accept the decisions of the majority."

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The Coalition 4 Change (C4C) and its presidential candidate Geff Ojinika, in the February 23 presidential election on Monday withdrew their joint petition filed against the re-election of President Muhammadu Buhari at the presidential election petitions tribunal.

In their petition, marked CA/PEPC/003/2019, they prayed for the cancellation of the election that produced Buhari as the winner on the grounds of gross irregularities and violation of Electoral Act 2010, as amended.

Justice Mohammed Garba granted the oral application filed by Mr. Obed Agu, counsel for the petitioners that requested the withdrawal of the case.

Garba, who replaced the former Presiding Justice of the tribunal, Zainab Bulkachuwa, held that the petition remained withdrawn in the absence of any objections.

Speaking to journalists after the session, Agu said the remote reason for his clients’ withdrawal was not unconnected with the new position of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party to contribute positively to the growth of democracy.

The tribunal held another round of pre-hearing session where parties cross-checked their processes preparatory to full commencement of proceedings.

Garba, who was drafted from the Court of Appeal, Lagos Division insisted that the tribunal’s practice direction would be strictly followed.

The judge, therefore, adjourned proceedings until June 11 for the hearing of some interlocutory motions.

There are now three petitions against the re-election of Buhari before the panel of the presidential election and petitions tribunal.

They include the one filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.

Another pending petition is the one filed by Hope Democratic Party (HDP) and its National Chairman and presidential candidate, Chief Ambrose ‎Owuru.

The other surviving petition is the one instituted by the Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM) and its presidential candidate, Pastor Aminchi Habu, marked CA/PEPC/004/2019.

The petitioners had claimed the presidential election was marred by widespread malpractices, thereby failing to comply with statutory provisions of the 1999 Constitution and the Electoral Act.

The petitioners have all also joined the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, and the APC as respondents.

Meanwhile, Buhari and his party, are urging the tribunal to strike out all the petitions for being incompetent, malicious and without substance.

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The Coalition 4 Change (C4C) and its presidential candidate Geff Ojinika, in the February 23 presidential election on Monday withdrew their joint petition filed against the re-election of President Muhammadu Buhari at the presidential election petitions tribunal.

In their petition, marked CA/PEPC/003/2019, they prayed for the cancellation of the election that produced Buhari as the winner on the grounds of gross irregularities and violation of Electoral Act 2010, as amended.

Justice Mohammed Garba granted the oral application filed by Mr. Obed Agu, counsel for the petitioners that requested the withdrawal of the case.

Garba, who replaced the former Presiding Justice of the tribunal, Zainab Bulkachuwa, held that the petition remained withdrawn in the absence of any objections.

Speaking to journalists after the session, Agu said the remote reason for his clients’ withdrawal was not unconnected with the new position of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party to contribute positively to the growth of democracy.

The tribunal held another round of pre-hearing session where parties cross-checked their processes preparatory to full commencement of proceedings.

Garba, who was drafted from the Court of Appeal, Lagos Division insisted that the tribunal’s practice direction would be strictly followed.

The judge, therefore, adjourned proceedings until June 11 for the hearing of some interlocutory motions.

There are now three petitions against the re-election of Buhari before the panel of the presidential election and petitions tribunal.

They include the one filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.

Another pending petition is the one filed by Hope Democratic Party (HDP) and its National Chairman and presidential candidate, Chief Ambrose ‎Owuru.

The other surviving petition is the one instituted by the Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM) and its presidential candidate, Pastor Aminchi Habu, marked CA/PEPC/004/2019.

The petitioners had claimed the presidential election was marred by widespread malpractices, thereby failing to comply with statutory provisions of the 1999 Constitution and the Electoral Act.

The petitioners have all also joined the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, and the APC as respondents.

Meanwhile, Buhari and his party, are urging the tribunal to strike out all the petitions for being incompetent, malicious and without substance.

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Olakunle Churchill, the estranged husband of Nollywood actress, Tonto Dikeh has found love in the bosom of a white woman.

Strangely, the white woman shares the same birthday date with his ex-wife, Tonto Dikeh.

Churchill took to Instagram on Sunday to wish his new found love a happy birthday.

He wrote: “All of your days in this lifetime should be spent with nothing less than ordinary. An extraordinary person like you deserves a birthday much better than the last one combined. Happy birthday my love  #quietqueen.”

Churchill was married to Tonto Dikeh in 2015 and divorced her in 2017.

The marriage produced a child-Andre Omodayo Churchill.

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Olakunle Churchill, the estranged husband of Nollywood actress, Tonto Dikeh has found love in the bosom of a white woman.

Strangely, the white woman shares the same birthday date with his ex-wife, Tonto Dikeh.

Churchill took to Instagram on Sunday to wish his new found love a happy birthday.

He wrote: “All of your days in this lifetime should be spent with nothing less than ordinary. An extraordinary person like you deserves a birthday much better than the last one combined. Happy birthday my love  #quietqueen.”

Churchill was married to Tonto Dikeh in 2015 and divorced her in 2017.

The marriage produced a child-Andre Omodayo Churchill.

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Hoodlums suspected to be herdsmen have kidnapped a woman and her step-son. 

Mrs. Olawunmi Adeleye and her son, Destiny Paul were abducted on Sunday evening at Osi, a suburb in Akure, the state capital, few metres away from the local airport

The abduction of mother and son came a few days after Police Commissioner in Ondo State, Undie Adie, said there was no invasion of the state by herdsmen. 

Oba David Olajide, a traditional ruler and head of the Osi community who confirmed the incident, said the two victims were attacked and abducted on their way home from a church service. 

Olajide raised the alarm over the activities of herdsmen in the state, noting that they have taken over many farmlands in the state. 

"We have informed the police and have promised to carry out investigations. I am surprised this could happen in this small community where we all know one another. I think we don't have to sleep with our two eyes closed again because these herdsmen have already surrounded the town," he stated.

Femi Joseph, the spokesman for Ondo State Police Command, claimed he could not immediately confirm the abduction when contacted.

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A group, South East Equity Alliance (SEA) says politicians from the south-east region deserve to be in leadership positions in the 9th National Assembly.

Mr. Amaechi Nwoha, SEA’s Director, Contact and Mobilization stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Monday.

He said it would be grossly unfair for the region not to hold a prominent position in any of the three arms of government.

“It will be unconscionable to exclude the South-East from the leadership of the executive, judiciary and legislative arms of government,” he said.

Nwoha urged national assembly members-elect to be guided by their conscience and the spirit of national unity in selecting their leadership.

“As you choose your leadership tomorrow, the South-East demands either the senate president, senate deputy president, speaker or the deputy speaker in the national assembly,” he said.

The SEA’s director said that the South-East ought to be included in the emerging leadership of the country in the spirit of equity.

“Doing so will be a good reflection of President Buhari’s vision of an all-inclusive government,” he said.

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A group, South East Equity Alliance (SEA) says politicians from the south-east region deserve to be in leadership positions in the 9th National Assembly.

Mr. Amaechi Nwoha, SEA’s Director, Contact and Mobilization stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Monday.

He said it would be grossly unfair for the region not to hold a prominent position in any of the three arms of government.

“It will be unconscionable to exclude the South-East from the leadership of the executive, judiciary and legislative arms of government,” he said.

Nwoha urged national assembly members-elect to be guided by their conscience and the spirit of national unity in selecting their leadership.

“As you choose your leadership tomorrow, the South-East demands either the senate president, senate deputy president, speaker or the deputy speaker in the national assembly,” he said.

The SEA’s director said that the South-East ought to be included in the emerging leadership of the country in the spirit of equity.

“Doing so will be a good reflection of President Buhari’s vision of an all-inclusive government,” he said.

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The F-35 stealth fighter jet hit the Pacific Ocean at a speed of more than 1,100km/h (683mph).

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Six Hindu men have been convicted for raping, torturing and murdering the eight-year-old Muslim girl.