Monday, 6 April 2015

Fani-Kayode reacts to Oba of Lagos alleged threat to Igbos, says its ominious and unacceptable


He shared his thought on the alleged threat on his Facebook wall

The Oba of Lagos' threat against the Igbos in Lagos that if they do not vote for the APC in the governorship elections on Saturday they should be ready for the consequences and that if they don't vote for Ambode they should be ready to perish in the lagoon is ominous and unacceptable.


The truth is that we were threatened with ethnic cleansing and religious carnage in the north had Buhari not won the election on march 28th and had Jonathan not quickly conceded defeat and now our traditional supporters are being threatened in Lagos and in many other states.


Let two things be clearly understood. In as much as we all want peace in this country and in as much as Jonathan has graciously and quickly conceded defeat in the Presidential election, this does not mean that we are weak or powerless.



Let it be clearly understood by all and sundry that any attempt to kill or molest our supporters in the north, in the west or indeed in any other part of the country either before, during or after saturday's governorship elections or any attempt at ethnic or religious cleansing by the APC, their supporters or their friends and agents will be deemed unacceptable and will be met with defiance, contempt and resistance.



Enough of all these APC threats and all this rubbish. No-one is intimidated on our side and neither do we fear for the future because God is with us, He is faithful and He is in control. We want peace and we want harmony in this country but no-one or no group of people will be allowed to turn us or our supporters into slaves or give us sleepless nights.



The APC would do well to remember that they only won the presidential election by 2 million votes. The PDP got 12 million votes in that election which means that we have 12 million loyal foot soldiers and supporters in this country and that is no mean feat.



We are a strong party, we are confident for the future, we are ready for anything and most important of all we are ready for the polls on saturday . We take this opportunity to urge the PDP faithful in Lagos to go out and vote en masse for the PDP.



We urge them to vote for Jimi Agbaje and to free Lagos state from the shackles of darkness and oppression. We urge them to stand firm, to hold their heads up high and to do their very best. We urge our supporters in Rivers state, Oyo state, Imo state, Plateau state, Kaduna state and indeed in all the states where elections will take place on saturday to do the same, to take the destiny of their respective states into their hands and to vote for the PDP candidates in the various elections.



What happened during the presidential election on March 28th was sad and unfortunate but we have accepted defeat and we wholeheartedly accept the will of the people of Nigeria. That does not however mean that we should close shop and not put up a good fight for Saturdays governorship elections.



This is the time to call on the party faithful to rise up. This is the time to rally our troops and to call on our footsoldiers and loyalists to come out in their millions and wipe away the sadness of march 28th by winning massively in saturdays governorship elections.



This is the time to prove to our detractors that despite their provocative utterances, their empty and boastful threats, their mocking words and their gratutious insults that the PDP is far from dead and is still very much alive.



Our party shall go from strength to strength despite the monumental challenges that lie ahead. Whether we win or lose on saturday is not the issue. The issue is that whatever anyone may say and whatever they may feel, the PDP is not going anywhere and neither shall we crumble and fade away. We are here for the long haul: we are here to stay.




What Buhari Needs To Succeed – Jonathan

President-elect retired General Muhammadu

Buhari succeed.


Jonathan spoke at the Presidential Villa, Abuja

yesterday when he received a delegation of the

Federal Capital Territory residents led by his vice,

Mohammed Namadi Sambo, who paid him Easter

homage.

The president described Easter, as a period of

sacrifice.

He said: “Whenever we talk about this period, the

key lesson there is sacrifice. Somebody sacrificed

for our own salvation.

“Now, Buhari is coming on board; it is not about

supporting Buhari or government, but what

sacrifice, as individuals, are you willing to make

for government and for the nation?”

He asked whether Nigerians would be ready to

make the sacrifice of backing Buhari if he should

increase Value Added Tax (VAT) from five to 10

percent.

There is already a proposal in the medium term

expenditure framework now before the National

Assembly to increase VAT from five percent.

The President said: “In the ECOWAS sub-region

for example, Nigeria has the lowest VAT, other

countries pay up to 12 percent.

“If for instance, Buhari decides to increase VAT

from 5 to 10 percent, will Nigerians support him?

That is sacrifice, and we must make sacrifice.”

The president maintained that no government

would survive if the citizens, especially

businessmen, refuse to pay tax.

“If you are a businessman and you say you are

supporting government, but you don’t pay tax;

how do you expect that government to survive?

That government will not survive,” he said.

He recalled that as a deputy governor in Bayelsa

State his people used to come to him to pledge

their loyalty. He said he often responded, “Don’t

tell me you are loyal; tell me you are patriotic to

the country and that you believe in Bayelsa State.

“To me, whenever I travel to different countries

and see things work, those things didn’t fall down

as many people made sacrifice.

“Therefore, in Nigeria, people must also be ready

to make the required sacrifice. Whoever becomes

president is immaterial so long as the citizens are

happy; our children go to school, when they are

sick, they go to good hospital and of course, the

economy blossoms.

“Nation building depends on the sacrifices of

individuals and the patriotism of the citizens.

These are two key elements.

“We are talking about Boko Haram or terror;

soldiers are dying for us to live, police are dying

for us to live. That is sacrifice. As individuals, you

don’t need to die, but there are various roles you

need to play. You must make sacrifice.

“The economy of China was threatened, but they

locked up themselves for a period of time. And by

the time they opened their doors, they become

even a threat to the biggest economy.

“Are we ready for that kind of sacrifice for the

government? Whenever we talk of Easter, these

are the key lessons of sacrifice”, Jonathan said.

The president reminisced about his years of

service from being the deputy governor of Bayelsa

State to being the nation’s number one citizen

and said: “I think it is enough”.

The president said since 1999, he had been in a

cage “being taken care of by the government”.

“For me as an individual, this Easter coincides

with the time I’m leaving. But I always say that

I’m one of the luckiest Nigerians. I’m yet to see

somebody luckier than me. From 1999, I was in

the hands of government for 16 years.

“I was in a cage, being taken care of by the

government. From May 29, 1999 to date; 16 good

years! I think it is enough and I am happy. Help

me to thank God for that ...Today is a glorious

day for me.”

Those in the delegation were Secretary to the

Government of the Federation Anyim Pius Anyim;

Chief of Staff Jones Arogbofa; Head of Service

Danladi Kifasi; Archbishop of the Anglican Church

of Nigeria Most Rev. Nicholas Okoh; Catholic

Archbishop of Abuja Cardinal John Onaiyekan;

Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian

Pilgrims Commission John Kennedy-Opara; Chief

Imam of the National Mosque Alhaji Muhammed

Musa, among others.







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The Palace makes further clarification on the statement by the Oba of Lagos


Statement from the Oba of Lagos palace regarding a comment attributed to him allegedly threatening the Igbos if they don't vote for Ambode this Saturday. Read below...

My attention has been drawn to a publication in a national newspaper where HRM Oba Riliwanu Akinolu was alleged to have threatened Igbos in Lagos to make them vote for Ambode.


Last Sunday, all honorary Eze Ndigbos in Lagos paid a courtesy call to HRM Oba Akinolu. At the meeting the visitors praised the Oba for his fatherly support for and cooperation with Igbos in. Lagos. They assured him of their continued good neighborliness with other tribes in Lagos and support everything that’ll further strengthen that harmony.



Oba Akiolu on his part acknowledged the enviable performance of Governor Fashola and his contribution to the growth of investments in Lagos. He gave the assurance that he is not disturbed or angry with South-East and South- South votes for President Jonathan as perceived by the Eze Ndigbos. The Obas thereafter called on the Igbos chiefs to show appreciation to Lagos State by supporting his candidate Mr. Ambode for continuity of excellence as they have earlier promised.

He assured them of his continued support‎ and assistance where needed and the meeting ended with the traditional breaking of kolas, alligator pepper, and bitter kola and pouring of liberation on the ground. It was within this context that that the tradition of Lagos with regard to the lagoon came up. It was noted that whoever works against the throne and the interest and peaceful co-existence of Lagos would end up in the lagoon as per tradition.

2.Oba Akiolu stated further that the Igbo people have not betrayed the throne. Lagos has also not betrayed the Igbo people. Lagos has done so much to make the Igbos comfortable and to prosper. For this, we expect reciprocal respect and understanding. The Oba of Lagos prays that the Lagoon and the throne will continue to bless and protect all those who reside and visit Lagos.

3. Oba Akiolu is the father of all irrespective of tribe, religion or political persuasion. In Lagos, we have an old traditional proverb that relates to the Lagoon. The Lagoon is unique to Lagos. The proverb stresses the need for unity and understanding when you do business in an environment and in this case when you live and do business in Lagos.

Oba Akiolu prays for peace for the land of Lagos and prosperity for all its inhabitants.

Signed: Chief Lateef Aderibigbe Ajose, Opeluwa of Lagos

April 6, 2015




"Those That Surround Buhari Are Like Ali Baba And 40 Thieves" - Pastor Bakare

General Overseer, Latter Rain Assembly, Pastor Tunde Bakare, has warned the President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari, to be cautious about appointing those who are to constitute his government.



tunde-bakareBakare, made this statement at the 26th anniversary of his church, tagged, ‘Democracy audit: chances, choices and consequences.”, stressing that the wasted years in Nigeria can only be restored if Buhari surrounds himself with men and women of goodwill, great intellectual capacity, competence and character.



He further advised Buhari to start the fight against corruption from his circle and lay a good example, saying change cannot be achieved if these were not done.



“I pray sincerely that not all those who facilitated his winning the election will be among those who run the government. I did say before the election that I trust the person of General Buhari but not all those around him.



“I mean every word of it because many of them are nothing but Ali Baba and 40 thieves. And if these are the same who would go into government, you can’t fight evil with evil. You can as well kiss the anti-corruption stance of Mr. President-elect goodbye.” He explained.



Bakare prayed for Buhari to have the needed wisdom and strength, noting that people were already submitting applications to him to serve in the incoming administration.



“The vultures are now going round and round. If he does not have quality people around him, then they will put round pegs in square holes and within two years, we are back to square one.”



In addition, the cleric commended the Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Prof. Attahiru Jega for his leadership despite in the face of grave accusation and provocation by critics.



He also praised President Goodluck Jonathan for conceding defeat timely, and stated that the president had written his name in gold just with that remarkable democratic act.



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Photos: Pregnant Tiwa Savage shares pics of her fun day at an animal park in SA


The pregnant singer photographed touching a growing lion cub at an animal park in South Africa this morning. She went on the safari trip with Wizkid's girlfriend, Tania Omotayo. Another photo after the cut...





Pand Wizkid's girl are currently in South Africa. They went visiting an animal pack today and shared photos of Tiwa striking a pose with a growing lion cub and Tania feeding a giraffe.

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Emenike In ‘Shock’ After Fenerbahce Bus Shooting - Vanguard

Super Eagles striker Emmanuel Emenike says he and his Fenerbahce teammates were left in shock after their team bus was shot at by a gunman on Saturday night in Turkey.



The Turkish league leaders were travelling to Trabzon airport to fly back to Istanbul, following their 5-1 victory over Rizespor, when the shooting happened. Emmanuel Emenike The driver was taken to hospital, but no players were injured in the attack which Emenike described as a ‘scary moment’.



“The incident left several players in shock on a day we should be celebrating a big away win,” Emenike told BBC Sport. “I was on the phone with my brother when I heard the loud sound and I thought one of our tyres had busted because the bus was swerving on the road.



“But when I found our security officer in front of the bus I knew something must have gone awfully wrong.” The 27 year old Emenike says it was not long before they realised someone had been hurt. “We quickly realised the security guy was the one who hit the break, and he said the driver [who was already soaked in blood] had been shot.



“The word ‘shot’ came as a big shock but when we saw blood and the shattered driver’s side window, it quickly turned into a scary moment for everyone on the bus.” Fenerbahce have since called for the Turkish Super Lig to be suspended following the attack. Emenike and his team-mates have been left stunned by what happened.



“It’s unbelievable that some people actually fired shots at our bus and the driver was badly hit, a bus conveying footballers and officials. “It’s strange, but it’s also an indication that things happen in life and no one can be guaranteed complete safety. “I just want to wish our brave driver a speedy recovery.



I will forever be grateful to him and our security man because that bus could have plunged down the bridge. “The outcome could have been terrible and tragic but we are all here today because of them and of course God was on our side. For Emenike, the shooting was particularly shocking as it brought back bad memories. “I’ve been involved in a terrible accident in Nigeria before, where my mother suffered severe bruises, and for a moment I had a terrible flashback when that bus was swerving all over the road. “I hope this incident will be investigated thoroughly and the perpetrators are made to face the justice system. Emenike, who has endured a turbulent period in Turkish football since he re-joined Fenerbahce in 2013, demanded to be substituted after he was booed by his own fans during their 1-0 home win over rivals Besiktas two weeks ago.



The Nigeria international has only scored four goals in 23 league appearances this season but insists this latest incident will not force him to quit the Istanbul-based club. “I have a contract here and I love the club,” he added. “It’s only an isolated incident and not enough to make me look for an easy way out.



“I have put the past behind me and I am only focussing on what lies ahead. I am stronger now than before and right now I just want to wish our bus driver a speedy recovery.” Fenerbahce, who have former Premier League players Dirk Kuyt, Raul Meireles and Emre Belozoglu in their side, are the defending champions and have won the major domestic competition 19 times. The Istanbul-based team went top of the table with their victory on Saturday, one point ahead of bitter rivals Galatasaray.



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Youth Intercepts Two Suicide Bombers In Biu

Two would-be suicide bombers were on Sunday arrested in Biu town of Borno State, as they closed in on their target for attacks, security sources and witnesses said.



One of the suicide bombers was killed after he was intercepted as he was about to enter a crowded mosque where worshippers were observing their 2p.m. prayer.



“…Some of our youth(s) on guard suspected the would-be bomber carrying the decoder in his hand; and when they tried to frisk him, it was discovered the decoder was unusually heavy and the carrier began to fidget. As he was trying to escape the youths hacked him down and summarily killed him there and then,” one witness in Biu said.



The witness said the second suicide bomber was nabbed at a motor park where a female suicide bomber had detonated herself and killed over 20 others in February.



Witnesses said the male suicide bomber was almost boarding a bus filled with passengers when he was discovered and arrested.



According to those who saw the two suicide bombers, the duo had concealed their bombs in decoder devices of Satellite TV and made to appear as if they were newly bought.



“The second bomber was caught at the Biu motor park,” the source added. “In fact, he was about to enter a bus that was already having passengers, when it was also discovered that he too had a decoder device in his hand and had a bomb concealed in it. Immediately he was beaten up but not killed; as he was later taken to the military barracks and handed over to the soldiers there”.



Security sources who do not want to be named in this report confirmed the incident to PREMIUM TIMES.





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