Undemocratic forces against election holding says Falana

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, has warned that the March 28 and April 11 elections may be sabotaged by anti-democratic forces, which could lead the military to stage a coup d’etat and set in place an interim government.
Mr. Falana, who stated this in a speech delivered at the Foursquare Gospel Church owned Life Theological Seminary, Ikorodu, on Sunday, said despite assurances by President Goodluck Jonathan and the Independent National Electoral Commission, there was no indication that the election will hold as billed.
He also warned of the likelihood of post-election violence should the vote go forward.
Both President Jonathan and the Independent Electoral Commission chair, Attahiru Jega, have maintained that the new election dates are sacrosanct.
“There is no indication that the election will hold,” he said. “If the INEC goes ahead with the conduct of the elections there are fears that the exercise may be sabotaged by anti-democratic forces. If the election holds the results may be rejected leading to a post-election violence which may threaten the corporate existence of the nation.
“In the circumstance, an interim government may be established and be saddled with the task of preparing the country for another political transition. In the alternative, a coup d’etat that may be staged by the top echelon of the armed forces under the pretext of restoring law and order and fighting the menace of insurgency. The military wing of the ruling parties succeeded in Mali and Burkina Faso. But having divided the country along ethnic and religious lines, the masterminds of the political crisis are not likely to profit from the perfidy.”
He therefore, asked Nigerians to prepare “for a long drawn out battle for the liberation of the country from political and economic predators”.
In his speech, the lawyer commended the renewed onslaught against the deadly terror group, Boko Haram, in the North-East region of Nigeria by both the federal government and the Nigerian military.
He, however, asked the military to discontinue the court martial of several solders who had earlier complained about lack of sophisticated weapons to face the insurgents.
He said the government’s admittance that it purchased new equipment for the fight to succeed, meant that the soldiers were justified in the earlier protest.
He also asked the Federal Government to implement the recommendations of the Ambassador Usman Gilmatiri presidential panel on insurgency in the north east region and embark on a special programme to address the problems of child education and youth unemployment in the region. 
On the state of the nation’s economy, Mr. Falana said the bulk of the intervention funds created by the Goodluck Jonathan-led administration was for the rich.
According to Mr. Falana, the funds including- Agricultural Credit Guarantee Scheme (N69billion); Commercial Agricultural Credit Guarantee Scheme (N200billion); the Nigerian Incentive-Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (N200billion); Small and Medium Enterprises Credit Guarantee Scheme (N200billion); the SMEs Restructuring and Refinancing Scheme (N200billion) and Power and Airlines Intervention Fund (N300billion) are yet to have effect on the economy.  
“Sequel to the crash in the price of crude oil the Federal Government announced that austerity measures would be imposed on the hapless Nigerian people,” he said. “Because of the gross mismanagement of the economy by the government and its allies workers are now salaries for months. After the elections the people are going to be made to bear the brunt of the looting of the treasury and costs of running the government.
“But in spite of the grinding poverty in the land Nigerian legislators are said to be the highest paid in the world. The country’s public officers equally receive the highest estacodes in the world. With over 10 aircraft Nigeria has the largest presidential fleet among the developing nations in the world.”
The lawyer also accused the Central Bank of Nigeria of “dollarization of the economy”.
“In a bid to dollarize the economy and destroys the Nigerian economy the CBN supplies millions of dollars to the foreign exchange market on a weekly basis,” he said. “Although Nigeria has become the largest importer of the United States dollars in the world neither the International Monetary Fund (IMF) nor the World Bank has ever questioned the reckless devaluation of the economy. Even, the National Assembly which is debating the 2015 Appropriation Bill has not deemed it to consider the deleterious effects of the increasing devaluation of the national currency on the implementation of the Budget.”
The media was also not left out as Mr. Falana accused the media of diverting attention from Nigeria’s problem of youth unemployment, infrastructural decay, insecurity, corruption, currency devaluation to giving undue prominence to the campaign of calumny and character assassination embarked upon by some politicians.
“The media have thrown caution to the winds by colluding with certain politicians to divert attention from the crises of youth unemployment, infrastructural decay, insecurity, corruption, currency devaluation etc,” he said. “Thus, by giving undue prominence to the campaign of calumny and character assassination embarked upon by some politicians the media have denied the Nigerian people the opportunity to make informed decisions on the candidates of their choice.”

Omotola celebrates 19th wedding anniversary in style

Today marked the 19th year wedding anniversary of our own award winning actress and singer, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, as she celebrates her wedding anniversary with hubby, Captain Matthew Ekeinde today.
In the spirit of celebration, she shares a wedding day photo on her instagram page
“#Happybirthday Captain of my heart and our life. You are thoughtful, peaceful and God fearing… What a blessing! 19 years! #happy marriage anniversary to Us. Love you too much for your own good…”
She aptly captions the photo.
Captain Matthew and Omotola got married in 1996 and the couple later held a white ceremony on board a Dash 7 aircraft while flying from Lagos to Benin in 2001. The couple is blessed with four children (Princess, M.J, Meriaih and Micheal) and has against all odds remained scandal free.

We wish you HAPPY MARRIED LIFE!

OMG! Tayo Sobola Loses leg

Actress Tayo Sobola popularly known as Sotayo shared this picture of her broken leg from an upcoming movie titled “ILU-MI”..Oh My God, it looks so real.

APC Members Attacked In Rivers State (Graphic Scene)

Supporters of the All Progressives Congress in Rivers State have been attacked over the weekend by armed men. Some were attacked on Friday during a peaceful rally at Wike’s ward with one man having his head almost cut into two. While others were attacked on sunday at Ogbakiri. Picture below is one of the men attacked today with deep cuts.. See photos of the brutal attack that took place. 

Hope the Nigerian Police will take up their responsibility of protecting lives and properties.

Polls: Panic as FG deploys troops in states

President Goodluck Jonathan may have ordered the deployment of soldiers in some states  – in defiance of court verdicts that the military has no role in elections.
There was panic in Kwara State at the weekend as residents saw troops in the streets.
Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed issued a statement, calling for calm.
The military said troops were being deployed to maintain the peace before, during and after Saturday’s elections.
The spokesman of the Army’s 22 Armoured Brigade, Sobi,  Lt. Weri Finikumor, said 300 troops were deployed in Ilorin and the other local government areas.
Lt.Finikumor added that the soldiers would maintain security and not meddle in the conduct of the presidential election.
He added that the soldiers would stand 300 meters away from the polling booths and would not be involved in anything pertaining to electoral materials, including ballot papers and boxes.
Lt. Finikumor said the police would provide security around the polling units, adding that soldiers would intervene on invitation of the police if there is a major security threat which the police cannot handle.
The military’s role in the polls has been controversial. While the military high command said the president, who is the Commander-in-Chief could deploy troops, the opposition parties have warned against the deployment of troops for the polls, fearing they could be used to intimidate voters and supporters of the opposition.
Besides, the Court of appeal has declared that the military should have no role in elections. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has also said soldiers will not be used for elections — except in an emergency.
Ahmed urged Kwarans not to panic.
The governor, in a special announcement, said soldiers were deployed in the 16 local government areas to maintain law and order during the elections.
The statement reads: “My good people of Kwara State. For many years, we have lived in harmony, regardless of our differences.
“Our people are friendly and peaceful. And so, as we prepare to vote for leaders of our choice in the forthcoming elections, I urge you to remain calm and law abiding.
”The army and other security agencies have been deployed in all the 16 local governments to keep the peace and protect you. Your safety is guaranteed. Perform your civic duties without fear. All you need to do is cast your vote, wait for the counting and return home.
“We are a peaceful people and we will remain peaceful long after the elections have come and gone. Kwara State: It’s good here.”
In Edo State, there was a parade across major streets in the South Senatorial District, termed “Show of Force” by security agencies –Army, Police, Department of State Security(DSS), National Security and Civil Defence Corps, Federal Road Safety Corps, Nigerian Prison Services and others.
The parade took off from Ring Road to Ekenwan and then proceeded to Ugbowo. Okada, Iguobazuwa, Siluko Road, Textile Mill Junction and New Benin, before moving on to Benin Agbor Road to Abudu axis.
Spokesman of the army’s 4 Brigade, Captain Abubakar Abdullahi, said the exercise was to demonstrate the unity among the security agencies towards ensuring a violence-free election. He encouraged the populace to feel free and safe to go about exercising their constitutional rights of voting and being voted for without harassment.
Captain Abdullahi said: “What is going on today is a show of force, a way of demonstrating our preparedness for a free and fair, peaceful, credible elections coming up. It’s meant to show the level of unity existing among all the security agencies in Edo State and how we will work together to ensure we have violence-free elections.”
“The patrol will take the whole day, and will cover the entire southern part of Edo State.”
The 222 Battalion, Zone 2 of Sector 1, JTF, Pulo Shield, Agbarha-Otor, Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State assured residents of violence-free elections and protection during the elections.
Ughelli North Local Government Council Chairman Kenneth Ibru inaugurated a newly constructed office for the battalion’s Regimental Sergeant Major, Leonard Onah.
The Commanding Officer, 222 Battalion, Lt.-Col. Mathew Oyekola, who gave this assurance during the show of force, told the combined force of Army, Vigilance group, FRSC and other security agents that the exercise was meant to give confidence to the public that security agencies under the overall umbrella of the Armed Forces are capable of protecting them during the elections.
Lt.-Col. Oyekola said the need for the show of force became necessary to give the electorate reassurance that the forces were prepared and ready to protect them as they came out to cast their vote during the elections.
Warning against violence during the polls, Oyekola said they were not unaware of the violence- prone areas where politicians perpetrate malpractices, assuring them of bringing to book any person caught violating the law during the elections.
He said the drive around more than 10 local government areas that the command covers was carried out to sensitise the populace that the force will not be ready to take for granted any misconduct.
”We will do our best to protect all voters and we will not ignore any phone calls where our attention will be needed for immediate action. All areas where they are perpetrating that act of carrying ballot boxes, we will ensure that there is relative peace and no snatching of ballot boxes or creating violence,” he said.
Hope our military will not meddle in the political game the way they did in Ekiti state. We are watching.

Amaechi’s deputy, Tele Ikuru defects to PDP

Rivers State Deputy Governor Tele Ikuru has defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Ikuru declared his defection yesterday, six days to the general elections.
In a statement titled “A call on the conscience of the people of Rivers State”, the deputy governor said: “Ever since, as the true nature and motives of APC are unveiled, I have continued to twist and turn in extreme mental and emotional agony.
“The more I struggle to belong, the more the Rivers man in me rejects the APC.”
He described the APC as a party of rebels, insurgents and anarchists.
Ikuru said his decision was centred on the fact that he would not want to be listed as part of a generation that would witch hunt and hound down the very first ever President from the region, apparently referring to the incumbent President seeking re-election in the presidential election that will hold on March 28.
“I wash my hands of this treachery and in the light of the above, I wish to urge all my supporters, the good people of Rivers State to join hands with other well-meaning Nigerians to massively vote for President Goodluck Jonathan and the Transformation Agenda that has brought so much relief and succour to the greatest number of Nigerians.
“I also urge all Rivers people to vote for Chief Nyesom Wike (CON), who has shown by his antecedents, track records and boundless capabilities that he will deliver good governance to the people of Rivers State.”
Governor Rotimi Amaechi yesterday said Ikuru has chosen a dishonourable path of bare-faced lies, with his defection.
Speaking through the Rivers Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mrs. Ibim Semenitari, Amaechi noted that the deputy governor had all along been romancing with the PDP, and he was not surprised with the latest development.
Amaechi said: “Governor Amaechi, only this (yesterday) evening, received the news of the resignation of his Deputy Governor, Engr. Tele Ikuru, from the APC. While the news remains unofficial at this time, as the Deputy Governor is yet to notify His Excellency, the Governor, of this move. Governor Amaechi, however, wishes Engr. Ikuru all the best in his future political endeavours.
“He (Amaechi), however, wishes to note that the reasons adduced by Engr. Ikuru are shocking, as Deputy Governor lkuru has consistently been the one driving political activities in his local government area of Andoni and has been the second-in-command, driving politics and governance in Rivers State. On a personal note, Governor Amaechi has accorded Engr. Ikuru all the privileges and respect due the office of the Deputy Governor and has treated him with love as a friend brother.
“Though the governor had hoped that the numerous rumours of Engr. Ikuru’s double-faced membership of the APC and open romance with the PDP were not true. He (Amaechi), however, appreciates the fact that every individual has a right to pursue his political dreams, as he deems most appropriate. It is, however, regrettable that Engr. Ikuru has chosen the dishonourable path of bare faced lies, retracing his steps to and name calling, rather than the more honourable path of simply retracing his steps to where he has always been.”
Ikuru was deputy for five months to a former Rivers governor, Sir Celestine Omehia, who was sacked on October 25, 2007 by the Supreme Court in a landmark judgment. Amaechi was inaugurated as governor the next day.
Amaechi, however, decided to retain Ikuru as his deputy and he recently commended him in public for being very loyal, stressing that his support and loyalty made him not to watch his back during the July 9, 2013 crisis in the Rivers House of Assembly. He expressed optimism that his deputy would not betray him.
The defecting deputy governor hails from coastal Ikuru in Andoni Local Government Area, the hometown of his uncle, political mentor and benefactor, Prince Uche Secondus, the Deputy National Chairman of the PDP.

Don’t Be Afraid Of Jail, Aisha Buhari Tells Patience Jonathan

The wife of the Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress,  Hajia Aishat Buhari has advised Dame Patience Jonathan, that she needs not fear jail, should her husband be voted President come 28 March, 2015 as Nigerians only want a change in the way the country is being governed.

It will be recalled that the first lady, has been campaigning that General Buhari will jail his political opponents if elected President in the March 28 election.

Mrs. Buhari spoke today at a mega rally in Benin, where she interacted with women in Edo State. 

“Each zone of the country has its peculiar problems. For me in this zone, girl-child trafficking should be considered one of our problems, though I know there is unemployment. Unemployment is the major factor that contributes to brain drain and also the girl-child trafficking. General Muhammadu Buhari is a leader who led Nigeria some decades ago and he is coming back now to sanitise the system.

“For those that are campaigning, saying that he is coming to jail Nigerians, I don’t know what their fear is. But they shouldn’t be afraid, because we are all yearning for change. The insecurity in the country, the very poor healthcare system, lack of education and other basic necessities that people are lacking I believe Nigerians need somebody like General Muhammadu Buhari now.

“Already, they have painted him black, using religion. I’m happy today that Nigerians realise that they use religion as a cover to loot Nigeria. Any politician who talks to you about religion is a liar, he only wants to loot the treasury and the little resources you ought to enjoy. So say no to politics merging it with religion to deceive the people.

“I’m here today to let Edo women know that when my husband is elected into office as President, all these will be history. The insecurity, the girl-child trafficking, suffering of the widows in the South East will come to an end. There must be a cultural design that can accommodate the widow. A design that would make the girl-child comfortable wherever she is in this country. She doesn’t have to leave her country to go and prostitute elsewhere, it’s not her portion. Her portion is to have a highly standard and moral society for her to live in. Get married, have children, train them and also mould them to become the future leaders.

“We are here today to also let you know that the collection of your PVCs is important and don’t ever sell it. It’s like selling your future. If you sell it for N5,000, you won’t see N5,000 again until after four years which will be bad. Get your PVC, vote for APC, vote for freedom, vote for a new Nigeria with good security, good education, good healthcare, good roads and all the basic necessities,” she said.

 

Maybe Madam Peace hand no clean....lol