NewStats: 3,263,476 , 8,180,249 topics. Date: Friday, 06 June 2025 at 06:33 AM 2g1d46

No fewer than 10 persons have been killed and several others injured after suspected herdsmen attacked Tse Iortyer, near Yelewata community in Guma LGA of Benue State.

MC EBISCO gathered that the gunmen, who invaded the village around 8pm on Tuesday, also set many houses on fire.

Our correspondent gathered that over 15 persons were injured in the attack, while several others are still missing.

More to come.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/05/breaking-10-killed-as-herdsmen-attack.html

During the media rounds following her exit from the Big Brother Naija house, Nina got backlash for some of her interviews and social media posts.

According to her fans, her language was dismissive and most were offended by it.

In a new post on Instagram, Nina has apologized to her fans saying:

Hi guys, just want to clear up certain things. First of all, I did that interview next day after I got back from South Africa. And as at then i didnt have a team to teach me certain things…..

Secondly, I am still new to this and still learning. I want to apologize for sounding offensive or coming across as insensitive in some of my interviews.

Expressing myself isn’t one of my strong suits however I am willing to learn and I promise I will do better. Love you all for understanding and loving me! Bless

Nigerians do you accept her apology?

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/05/i-have-problem-in-expressing-myself-nina.html

The Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) Abubakar Malami, (SAN) on Monday told the Federal High Court Abuja that the suspension of Sen. Ovie Omo-Agege was unconstitutional, illegal and unlawful.

Malami, who is the 3rd defendant in the ongoing suit brought by Omo-Agege challenging his suspension from the Senate, made his position known through his counsel, Mr Dayo Apata.

Apata, who doubles as the Solicitor-General of the Federation, in his submission, said that the role of the AGF was to defend and protect the constitution, adding that he had to react to any issue that had to do with the constitution.

“According to Section 4(, 39, 40 of the Constitution and Articles of the African Charter on Human Rights, all the actions of the senate relating to the suspension of the plaintiff (Omo-Agege) are unconstitutional, illegal and unlawful,” he told the court.

The solicitor-general urged the court to hold that the senate’s actions were unlawful.

Mr Mahmud Magaji (SAN), counsel to the Senate and the Senate President, in his submission, urged the court to dismiss the suit on the grounds that the senator had himself, participated in the suspension of other senators.

“The plaintiff is not an ordinary senator but a lawyer and a member of the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges.

“He has participated in several committee meetings leading to the suspension of other senators such as Ndume, so he who lives by the sword, should die by the sword.

“He who has participated in the suspension of his colleagues cannot now run to the court for protection.

“He swore to an oath to be bound by the rules of the senate, including the standing orders,” Magaji said.

Mr Alex Iziyon (SAN), counsel to Omo-Agege in his submission, prayed the court to consider what had been done by the senate as an affront to the dignity of the court.

Iziyon argued that the court had the powers to pull down what has been done by the senate.

He said this was on the grounds that while the matter was still pending in court, the senate went ahead and slammed the 90 legislative days suspension on his client.

Having listened to submissions from all the counsel, the judge, Justice Nnamdi Dimgba, adjourned the matter until May 10 to deliver judgment.

Earlier, the court refused an application by Sen. Samuel Anyanwu and Sen. Bala Ibn Na’allah, Chairman and Vice Chairman, Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and other Petitions.

The senators had applied to be ed as parties in the suit but the court refused on the grounds that they were not necessary parties in the suit.

Mr Paul Erokoro (SAN), counsel to both senators, had urged the court to allow them to be ed as parties by virtue of the fact that they were chairman and vice chairman of the committee.

“They are necessary parties in this suit because it is the report their committee produced that the plaintiff seeks to impugned and set aside.

“Moreover, whatever decision the court takes will affect them and of the committee because their personal conduct is being questioned,” Erokoro said.

Omo-Agege, who represents Delta Central Senatorial District, filed the suit to challenge his suspension from the senate.

He asked the court to among other reliefs, grant an order restraining the defendants, their servants, agents, privies or officers from interfering with his rights and privileges as a senator.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/agf-malami-declares-omo-ageges.html

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, a former Minister of Finance has said former president Goodluck Jonathan acknowledged that he did not know economics, but had a clear direction of where he wanted to take Nigeria to.

This is contained in her recently-released book, Fighting Corruption is Dangerous.

Okonjo-Iweala narrated how she ed Jonathan’s team, after rejecting the same offer from the Musa Yar’Adua government.

After considering the offer for a while, she made up her mind, with the of her family and boss at the World Bank, Robert Zoellick.

“I traveled to Nigeria to see the President, and my youngest brother, ChiChi, drove me to the Villa (the official office and residence of Nigerian presidents) for that definitive meeting,” she wrote.

“Arriving at the residence gate, I suddenly felt nervous about the enormity of what I might be g on to. My brother noticed my unease and parked the car in a corner, and we prayed for God’s wisdom and guidance.

“At that point, I was almost hopeful that the President might not agree with the issues I would bring up and it would be over. But the meeting went well. President Jonathan was gracious. He listened carefully to all I had to say.

“We had a good discussion on the economy, and even though he kept saying he did not know economics, he was clear on the direction he wanted to take the country.

“We went over my of reference, including the role I would assume as Coordinating Minister of the Economy (CME), as he wanted it done. He agreed to a regular bilateral meeting at least once a week and accessibility at other times when it might be needed,” she said.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/what-jonathan-told-me-about-nigerias.html

The federal government, last week, said it had been unable to effectively contain the spate of mindless killings by herdsmen, because it was not getting required cooperation from the opposition in the country. Seriously, it is difficult for anyone to wrap their gingers around the intent of the government as far as the statement is concerned.

Otherwise what manner of cooperation does the government seek from an opposition it has consistently demonised? How best does the federal government intend to get the opposition it has called names on the same page with it on issues of collective national interest, when it has never factored days like this into consideration? How about trusting each other to be able to work together?

It is about time government learnt to stop blaming others for its palpable inadequacies, after all, it came into office, dangling the solutions to practically all of Nigeria’s problems and now, it seeks to blame the opposition for being unable to rein in the killer herdsmen? Government had better start taking responsibilities, perhaps, that way it would attract genuine help, both within and outside its comfort zones.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/herdsmen-killings-what-cooperation-does.html

It appears the fight between Bobrisky and his sworn enemy, Toyin Lawani has been reopened owing to the fact that the C.E.O of Tiannah’s Empire styled one of the top five BBNaija 2018 housemates, Nina

Shortly after a video capturing Nina in a fish net outfit, styled by Lawani, social media got engulfed by Bobrisky’s fury as he got engaged in a series of rants, claiming the his former BFF is trying to use Nina to get at him

We all know that Bobrisky has showered Nina half a million in cash, expensive weaves and gifts, as well as a major publicist for the housemate. Over time, Nigerians have come to know that Bobrisky sees Nina as his friend and like her, which led a follower to ask him to date Nina.

Bob had indicated that it would be an act of lesbianism and could do no such thing

With the latest development, the cross dresser in a series of rants called on God to arrest his case

It may be recalled that Bobrisky and Toyin Lawani were best friends before the two had issues regarding a business gone wrong, leading to Lawani accusing Bobrisky of being fetish and getting him arested


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_gwJUJhbSU

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/bobrisky-slams-arch-enemy-toyin-lawani.html

A Governor has suspended one of his commissioners for spending too much time posting photos on Facebook and on Whatsapp after it emerged that the commissioner bragged on social media to gain attraction.

According to SDE, Governor Ferdinand Waititu of Kenyan said he took the action after it emerged that commissioner for Water, John Mugwe, was bragging on the social media to attract iration instead of executing his mandate to serve the people of Kiambu.
“If your work is taking pictures and posting them on Facebook and WhatsApp, then we shall not allow that,” Waititu recently warned.

“I can sincerely say that I’m launching this project but it’s not mine. It belongs to the MCA of this area, so I cannot hijack it by posing for a photo and posting it on social media and telling people that I’m working tirelessly. Let the truth be said, people should not ride on other people’s hard work because the other person will not be happy about it,” cautioned Waititu.


The suspended CEC was among those who formed United for Kiambu and fronted Waititu as their flagbearer during the 2017 August elections.
The team successfully defeated William Kabogo and clinched the governor’s seat.

But since taking over, Waititu has had a difficult relationship with Mugwe.

Mugwe who could not hold back his frustration posted on social media hinting that he was shocked but hopes to return to work soon.

“Yours truly John Mugwe has been requested to proceed on leave for a period of 30 working days. It is a shock but I hope I will continue serving Kiambu people after 30 days,” he posted.
Recall that in January, Mrs Maria Ude Nwachi aka Afikpo Chic, member representing Afikpo North East constituency at Ebonyi state House of Assembly was suspended for alleged gross misconduct.

It was reported that Mrs. Nwachi was accused of allegedly posing as public photographer. The motion for he suspension was moved by the Leader of the House, Hon. Joseph Nwobasi.
The House said Nwachi have refused to heed earlier warnings by the Assembly to desist from being a photographer in the state. Nwachi, a former Minority Leader, according to the house by her actions has brought disrespect and dishonesty to herself and the Assembly by posing as public photographer.

She was therefore suspended for 14 days pending the outcome of investigations on the allegations leveled against her by a special committee constituted by the House to investigate the allegations.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/governor-suspends-commissioner-for.html

The first runner up of Big Brothe Naija reality show,Cee-C has revealed that what Nigerians said about her during her stay on the show really shocked her

According to Cee-C, she never saw herself in that light. During her interview with Beat fm, here’s what she said;

“I’ve been shocked about everything. The reactions. I didn’t even see myself like that in the house,” she said on Thursday.

“For me, I believe that in every opinion, there is an element of truth so I’m just taking the truth and leaving the rest out.

“People have said that I have anger issues. Anger is an emotion. I get angry, everybody gets angry.

“Watching myself, that wasn’t cool. If that’s what it’s going to take for me to be a better person, why not.”

It may be recalled that during a question and answer session with fans yesterday on Payporte. Cee-c said.


“I acknowledge my anger issues and I am seeking counselling immediately after my media tour,”

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/what-people-said-about-me-shocked-me.html

Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Northern Nigeria, Rev. Yakubu Pam has called on the Federal Government and the Northern Governors’ Forum (NGF) to halt killing of Christians in the North before the situation degenerates into a civil war.

Rev. Pam said this, yesterday, in reaction to the murder of two Catholic priests and 17 others, on Tuesday in Benue, and killing of 44 persons on Wednesday, also in Benue and Nasarawa states.

Pam said the senseless and ongoing killing was avoidable.

“My fear is that if the federal government and the NGF do not do something urgent, the killing of Christians in the North would degenerate one day into civil war. People are being killed on daily basis, yet, nobody has ever been arrested and nothing tangible has been done by the federal government.

“Looking at how professional the attacks are being carried out, I believe that these people are terrorists, they are Boko Haram and government, at all levels, need to respond swiftly; to curtail the menace before the people are pushed to defend themselves which will lead to civil war,” he said.

Rev. Pam lamented that the North, which is backward in infrastructure, now had its economy further devastated by attacks.

“I have the firm belief that these attacks are beyond ordinary herdsmen, they are terrorists who unleash terror on innocent persons in the North.

“Government has to declare these people as terrorists and investigate the recent killings in the North,” he added.

He urged Christians in the North not to go to sleep over the security challenges facing them, but go all out to secure their places of worship “to avoid being attacked and killed by the enemies of Christian faith in the North.”

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/killing-of-christians-will-lead-to.html

The Federal Government said on Wednesday that it did not reach any agreement with the striking t Health Sector Union (JOHESU).

The Minister of Health, Isaac Adewole, said this on Wednesday while fielding questions from State House reporters after a six-hour cabinet meeting presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari.

He said the only thing the union had presented to the government was minutes of previous meetings held with the past istration.

The minister maintained that the government could not implement minutes of meetings.

"When we came on board, they (JOHESU) only presented to us minutes of previous meetings with the past government and we said we can't implement minutes of meetings," Adewole said.

The minister also stated that the government had implemented 14 out of 15 demands by the union.

The union has been on strike since April 17 owing to an alleged Federal Government’s failure to meet their demands.

The president of the union, Josiah Biobelemoye, had listed their demands as including upward adjustment of CONHESS Salary Scale, arrears of skipping of CONHESS 10 and employment of additional health professionals, implementation of court judgments and upward review of retirement age from 60 to 65 years.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/no-agreement-with-health-workers.html

The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Tuesday banned who had spent a minimum of eight years as ward, council and state executive from seeking re-election in its May congresses.

The National Leader of the party, Bola Tinubu, announced the ban in Ikeja while addressing party at a stakeholders meeting.

He said the decision was to allow fresh people to occupy party offices at ward, local government and state levels with a view to taking the APC to the next level in the state.

The national leadership of the party had recently fixed May 2, 5, 9 and 14 for ward, local government, state and national congresses respectively.

The decision of the party to allow congresses followed appeals by President Muhammadu Buhari who had opposed the approval of tenure elongation for party executives at all levels.

With Tuesday’s pronouncement by Mr Tinubu, the chairman of the party in the state, Henry Ajomale, who had led the chapter for a very long period, will be unable to seek re-election.

Mr Tinubu said at the meeting: “We fought hard against tenure elongation, and now we are going to have our congresses.

“Some of you who have spent two, three, four as ward, local government and state executive , it is time to go.

“We thank you, we appreciate you. But we want you to step aside. It is time for those who have been crawling for years to walk. It is time for the youths to take over.

“I mean if you have spent eight years, twelve years, you have tried. You should give us chance, let us now have new people.”

Mr Tinubu, however, said party executive who had only spent one term were free to seek re-election, provided they did not have records of misconduct in office.

The APC leader, however, commended the affected long-serving officers of the party, saying they contributed immensely to the successes of the party in the state.

Mr Tinubu said arrangements were in top gear to conduct congresses at all levels in the state, and expressed the optimism that they would be successful.

He warned party to abstain from violence before, during and after the congresses, saying any act of irregularities would be sanctioned by the party.

Mr Tinubu advised party against infighting, urging them to learn to live in peace with one another for the progress of the party.

On the divisions among party in Alimosho and Surulere areas over some issues, Mr Tinubu sued for peace, urging aggrieved to channel their complaints to the secretariat of the party in the state for appropriate actions.

He, however, said it was wrong and premature for any member or groups to disagree over choice of candidates for the next election.

“We shouldn’t be talking of who and who should be the candidate for a particular position for the general election.

“We are at the congress stage, we have not even done the primary, so disagreements over candidate choice for the election should not arise,” he said.

He congratulated the National Convention Committee on their inauguration on Monday, expressing optimism that the committee would conduct a free and fair convention.

The party chieftain said the committee , headed by Jigawa State governor, Mohammed Badaru, were people of character and he expected nothing less from them.

Mr Tinubu thanked party for staying with him on his last birthday, saying he was honoured by their .

He particularly thanked President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo,and Minister of Power and Housing, Babatunde Fashola for attending his birthday.


Reacting, Mr Ajomale described the decision to ban long-serving party officers as a welcome development.

He said the decision would allow young blood to take over the party leadership at all levels in the state.

The party chairman said he was fulfilled having piloted the affairs of the party to several electoral victories in the state.

“It is a good decision that people who have been in the executive for more than eight years should quit.

“I mean, if you have spent more than eight years as party executive, you should have done whatever you need to do.

“People like us have been around since the AD days to now that we are APC, so it is time to move on. I am fulfilled, as I have done my best for the party,” he said.

Mr Ajomale said he had no fear about who would take over from him, as there were many competent people in the party who could take it to greater heights.

(NAN)

https://www.google.com.ng/amp/s/www.timesng.com/regional/ssouth-west/266116-congresses-lagos-apc-bans-chairman-others-from-seeking-re-election.html/amp

If there were ever a man that were worthy of celebration in the context of Nigerian history, power and politics that man is Baba Ayo Adebanjo.

I must confess that I find it difficult to write about him simply because I’ve mentioned him so many times in write-ups over the years and there is so much to say.

I am however honored and delighted to be able to share a few words about this great and profoundly good man who is not only one of the founding fathers of our nation but also a great patriot and nationalist and an outstanding elder statesman.

Baba Adebanjo is one of those that fought for democracy and justice for the oppressed from day one. He is one of those that has stood firmly on his principles, displayed great fidelity and commitment to his cause and shown the world that Africa has men and women of courage that are consistent, true to their word and loyal to their leaders.

This is a man that began his political career as one of those that founded, formed and led the Action Group Youth Wing in the late 1940’s and early 1950’s.

I am aware of the vital role he played because my late father of blessed memory Chief Remilekun Fani-Kayode Q.C. S.A.N, was the leader of that youth wing and Baba Adebanjo was right there by his side.

They more than any other group fought against the British to ensure that we got independence 10 years later.

In those heady early days they marched down the streets of Lagos wearing black shirts, black berets, black sunglasses, black tros and black leather boots demanding independence and antagonising the British colonial masters and authorities.

They were a sight to be seen.

They chanted as they marched with their fists clenched and held up high in the air in tight formation and large numbers rather like Adolf Hitler’s “Brown Shirts” and Waffen SS.

Their symbol was the mosquito which was pasted and printed on their flags and shirts because the mosquito was a terror to the white man, used to bite them and more often than not caused their premature deaths. This was particularly so in West Africa.

This was the symbol of the Action Group Youth Wing and they were very militant indeed. On many occasions they were arrested and detained by our erstwhile British colonial masters and they were branded as a great “security risk” by the authorities.

These were not just ordinary youths but were highly educated and responsible family men that had attended some of the best universities in the world like London, Oxford and Cambridge. They were very bright and they knew precisely what they were doing.

Baba Adebanjo was part and parcel of that group.

Throughtout that period one thing that he did which stood him out and made him different to most was that he never showed any form of inconsistency.

From the time he was in the Action Group Youth Wing right up until the time that the erstwhile leader of the Action Group, the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo S.A.N, ed on in 1987, Adebanjo was totally and completely loyal him, to his principles, to his vision, to his family and to his cause. Indeed he remains loyal to Awolowo till today! In the history of our country few Nigerian politicians have displayed such loyalty to their leaders.

Adebanjo’s example has taught many of us one thing: that at the end of the day it is not about just blindly following your leader but it is about following the principles that that leader has espoused and established and building on his foundation.

That is precisely what Chief Ayo Adebanjo has done and in doing so he has inspired millions of youth all over the country and millions of new breed, new- generation leaders that seek to emulate him.

Permit me to add the following. Even though Chief Awolowo ed on and even though there were a lot of divisions within the ranks of those that ed him in the years after his ing, Baba Adebanjo was hardly involved in any scandalous and acrimonious feud or any form of bitter division with any of the others.

He simply focused on fighting injustice and tyranny and ensuring that Nigeria was set in the right direction. For example he more than anybody else, together with the late Chief Abraham Adesanya and other great Yoruba leaders, stood up when it mattered the most and insisted that military rule under the late General Sani Abacha had to be brought to an end.

He also insisted that our country had to be restructured and that the late Chief MKO Abiola, the winner of the June 12th 1993 presidential election, had to be sworn in as the President of Nigeria.

Unlike so many of us that fought in the trenches under the proud banner of NADECO at that time, that stood behind them during that fight and that were killed, detained and driven into exile, Baba Ayo Adebanjo and Chief Abraham Adesanya refused to go into hiding, to go underground or to go into exile.

They remained in their respective homes and they did not run anywhere despite numerous threats and attempts on their lives and despite being locked up on various occasions.

There was a time I went to see them at Adeniji Adele Police Station in Lagos because they had been falsely accused of murder and detained.

Of course this was a frame up and not only that, on many occasions the government of that day tried to destroy their reputations and good names forgetting that they were dealing with hardened and strong veteran warriors of the pre-independence struggle against colonial rule. These were men that simply could not be brow-beaten or intimidated.

They stood shoulder-to-shoulder with great men like Chief Anthony Enahoro, Chief Ayo Rosiji, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Chief Bode Thomas, Chief Remilekun Fani-Kayode, Chief S.L. Akintola, Chief Oduola Osuntokun, Chief D.K. Olumofin, Alhaji S.O. Gbadamosi, Chief Frederick Alade Rotimi-Williams, Chief Samuel upe, Aljhaji Dauda Adegbenro and so many others in the 1950’s that made a difference.

These were key of the old Action Group who led with courage and faith and who inculcated the spirit of strength, power and excellence in everything that they did.

Baba Adebanjo carried that over as all these other great men ed on at some point or the other having served their nation and their people as best as they could in different capacities.

They may have had differences but they were all great men. Chief Ayo Adebanjo continued that struggle into the next generation and they became the new leaders of the Yoruba nation.

I am referring to men like himself, Baba Fasoranti, the late Chief Adekunle Ajasin, the late Alhaji Lam Adesina, Professor Banji Akintoye, the late Chief Bola Ige, the late Chief Abraham Adesanya, Chief Amos Akingba, Alhaji Lateef Jakande, Baba Bisi Akande, Chief Cornelius Adebayo, Dr. Omololu Olunloyo, Sir Olanihun Ajayi, the late Chief Alfred Rewane and many others.

Throughout the years they continued the struggle and they consistently fought for justice and equity. They stood against military rule, they stood for June 12th, they stood for NADECO, they stood against civilian dictatorship and they stood for the restructuring of the country and the establishment of true federalism.

Most importantly many of their projections and words over the years appear to have been prophetic because everything that they warned us would happen in our country if we did not do the right thing and heed their counsel have ended up happening. The truth is that nothing beats foresight and wisdom and it usually comes with age.

Baba Adebanjo is not just a leader but he is also a seer and a visionary. He is a gifted man that can see deep and far into the future and he is a man that literally defied death, defied danger, defied fear, defied the odds and stood up like the great and strong collosus that he is and showed us the way.

At times when challenges come my way, I always say to myself that if Baba Adebanjo could have gone through all he has gone through in life simply because of his political beliefs and despite it has managed to remain strong, happy and has stood to the end then why on earth would I not be able to do so as well?

Over the years I have garnered courage from his strength. I have learnt to drink from his waters, to tap from his wisdom and, like him, to stand firm in my beliefs and my cause, if necessary, unto death.

He may not know it but there are millions of youths, young men and women, new and emerging leaders and indeed present leaders all over this country, like me, that he inspires.

After Baba Abraham Adesanya ed on, Baba Adebanjo continued the struggle and others gathered around him and built up Afenifere to ound him and built up Afenifere to make it an even stronger voice.

Through the years Baba has raised the alarm about our collective oppressors.

When the military came he raised the alarm. When civilian dictators came he raised the alarm. When the Fulani herdsmen came he raised the alarm. When Boko Haram came he raised the alarm.

And throughout the years he boldly told the world who was behind these terror groups, what they were trying to achieve and how best to counter them and take them on.

Not many people could do so but he spoke out even when it was unfashionable and dangerous to do so. Today everybody is singing the same tune that he has been singing for the last forty to fifty years.

This is a great man, a man that is worthy of emulation, a man that deserves our respect, a man that we are constrained to honor and obey.

He is a man that many of us love deeply and a man that means everything to the Yoruba nation. I say this without any fear of contradiction because this feeling goes across party political lines and it is self-evident whether you are in the APC, PDP, SDP or anywhere else.

Baba Adebanjo is our father and he will always be our father. He is a father of the Yoruba nation, he is an elder statesman of Nigeria and he is a man that we revere and that we will never forget.

I also have to say the following. What he has managed to achieve in the last few years has been absolutely astounding in of building bridges with other ethnic nationalities from outside Yoruba land. This is particularly so in the case of the good people of the South-East, the South-South and the Middle Belt.

The noble initiative of the famous “handshake across the Niger” which took place on January 11th 2018 in Enugu was an Afenifere initiative and Baba Adebanjo was one of those, together with Pa Fasoranti, the leader of Afenifere, that managed to effect it in collaboration with Chief John Nnia Nwodo, Ohanaeze, Nzukor Umunna and all the other individuals and groups that participated.

He has set into motion similar initiatives with the leaders of the South-South and the people of the Middle Belt.

What he and Afenifere have managed to do is to essentially capture the constitutional principles that he had espoused since 1949 and propose them as a solution to the challenges that we face as a nation today.

He believes that, juat as the Action Group proposed in 1951, that the Yoruba must work together in peace, harmony and fellowship with the other oppressed ethnic nationalities in the country with a view to restructuring our nation and to ensuring that we have fair reasonable and equitable rules, laws, governance and lleadership.

He believes that every Nigerian, regardless of his or her faith, tribe or circumstances of birth, must have a sense of belonging and equal opportunities.

He rejects the ‘born to rule’ philosoohy and ethos and he believes that every Nigerian must be made to feel as if they are equal citizens and not that some are more equal than others.

He has also stood up to the hegemony of the core north and northern adventurism more than any other Yoruba man in the last 20 years and certainly more than any other Nigerian over many years.

He has spoken up clearly and consistently that he is not a slave, that his children and grandchildren are not slaves and that his people, the Yoruba people of South Western Nigeria, can never be slaves.

That is the essence of his message and it is something that I have drawn great strength from given the fact that most Nigerians have been beaten into submission by the circumstances that they have found themselves in.

It is left for those of us in the new generation of leadership to continue where and when he stops. We will follow him until the day that he es the baton to us and I for one will never forget Chief Ayo Adebanjo.

I will never forget how he touched my soul, how he stirred my spirit, how he moved my heart and how I looked to him for strength even when he didn’t know that I was looking.

I will never forget how I read his essays and watched his interviews over and over again. I will never forget how I watched him on television, recorded him and watched it repeatedly.

When people say “FFK you seem to be so courageous and strong”, they have no idea that I drew my strength and courage from men like Baba Ayo Adebanjo, Baba Abraham Adesanya, Dr. Amos Akingba, Sir Olanihun Ajayi, Chief Olu Falae, Chief Bola Ige, General Alani Akinrinade and many others who saw all these things over and over again and who refused to flinch even in the storm.

They are like the eagle that takes pleasure in flying directly into the rage of stormy thunder and rises above its frightful dangers.

They are like the lion that sees conflict, danger and war ahead and yet plunges into battle with courage, pride and joy.

These are great men of the Churchillian mould. These are proud, noble and veteran warriors. These are strong and valiant men that have been forged by the fire of affliction and built in the mould of the Biblical King David’s “strong men”.

I am so proud of the fact that Yorubaland is blessed with such leaders and such elders. With them there is hope and as long as we in the next generation can imbue their spirit of fortitude, courage, faith, honor and strength, nothing will overcome us, nothing will destroy us and nothing will overwhelm us.

I am persuaded that posterity will he kind to Baba Ayo Adebanjo and history will never forget his timeless contributions to the development of our nation. He will always be a reference point for all that is wholesome and good.

May God bless him forever.


http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/femi-fani-kayode-tribute-to-baba-ayo.html

Deputy President of the Senate, Ike Ekweremadu, yesterday, said the attack on the Senate on Wednesday, was an indictment of security agencies in the country. He added that, it is another lesson on the need to rethink the nation’s security structure.

Ekweremadu spoke when he received the leadership of the Nigerian Political Science Association (NPSA), which paid a solidarity visit to the Senate.

He said: “It is an embarrassment to Nigeria before the international community for someone to drive all the way into the National Assembly Complex, enter the hallowed chamber, and cart away its symbol of authority. “It shows a breakdown of security and it is a setback to Nigeria’s drive for foreign investment because no one would be ready to invest money in such a system. So, it is a lesson that we cannot keep doing the same thing with our security system and expect a different result.

“It is also an irony that the people involved would organise armed bandits to rob the Senate of its mace since they understand the implication of what they have done. As a parliament, we will ensure that this does not happen again and insist that all the actors behind the drama are brought to book”.

Meanwhile, a coalition of 42 ed political parties, under the aegis of Committee of Concerned Political Parties, has condemned Wednesday’s invasion of the upper chambers by armed thugs, who took away the mace, just as it described as, unwarranted, attacks on the INEC by politicians ahead of 2019 general elections. This is just as the coalition said they are not happy with the recent moves by the National Assembly to undermine the efforts of the INEC, describing it as the wrong political moves. They said the group would work with INEC to ensure the mobilisation of voters and cleaning up of the voters .

Addressing newsmen yesterday in Abuja, the leader of the 42 ed political parties, Onwubuya Breatfortth, also described the attack as shameful and unacceptable. He said the group condemn in totality the attack as antidemocratic.

Onwubuya, who further described the unfortunate incident as democracy in danger called on the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, to bring to book those who masterminded the attack and also the officers in charge of security at the National Assembly.

The group, which decried the decay in the national security, asked the security agencies to brace up to the challenge of securing the country.

Disclosing their plans to field a consensus presidential candidate in 2019, he said, “we are not forming a new political party, ‎but we are going to field and only one presidential candidate. We are talking with different stakeholders and political parties including the PDP”, he said.

He also called on the federal government to ‎probe the killings nationwide and bring culprits and their sponsors to book.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/ekweremadu-indicts-security-agencies.html

Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ibrahim Magu, has revealed why he was among officers promoted by the Police Service Commission.

Reacting to the promotion, which was announced on Friday, the EFCC boss pointed out that it was due to his hard work in the anti-graft commission.

He said the promotion would spur him to carry the anti-corruption war to a new level.

Magu said this in a terse statement signed on his behalf by his media aide, Wilson Uwujaren.

He said, “I am delighted.

“The promotion is clear affirmation of the value of my work.

“To me, this a tonic to remain committed to the cause of fighting corruption and I am grateful to God and all those who made it possible.”

The Police Service Commission, PSC, approved the promotion of 18 senior police officers.

The commission’s Head, Press and Public Relations, Ikechukwu Ani, said this in a statement on Friday in Abuja.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/why-i-was-promoted-by-nigeria-police.html

Nollywood actress, Onyi Alex was forced to rush to a nearby car mechanic following an attack by unknown armed men perceived to be robbers in turn breaking the screen of her white car got last night.

The actress revealed that she was just on her way back from a location when the incident happened.

The curvaceous screen star thanked God for saving her life, although the armed robbers made away with her bag, and phone. She shared the video on her Instagram page showing the incident that happened.

She shared:
Thank you God almighty? my protector and Everything..So I was robbed at gun point on my way back last night from location., they stole my bag and phone so pls to my close friends pls DM ur …

I pray for my country Nigeria? Thank u Jesus for my life.. my God my Everything..may God almighty continue to protect us all?


http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/nollywood-actress-onyi-alex-narrowly.html

The Enugu State House of Assembly, Thursday, demanded the immediate sack of all Service Chiefs in Nigeria.

MC EBISCO reports that the lawmakers made the demand at plenary where they unanimously condemned the invasion of the Senate chambers, Wednesday, by thugs who took away the mace.

They said all heads of security agencies should be sacked because of laxity in security, not only in the Senate but the entire nation.

The legislators came under a motion of public importance brought before the plenary on the floor of the House by the member representing Ezeaugu Constituency, Hon. Chima Obieze, ed by four other , urging the House to a resolution condemning the act.

They called on other houses of assembly in Nigeria to follow suit and condemn the act, which was viewed as a slap on democracy.

The Speaker of the House, Hon. Edward Ubosi while thanking his colleagues for their contribution to the motion, said that what happened was a big disgrace to the nation and called on Mr. President to effect change in the security chiefs who he ed vote of no confidence on.

“I want to thank my colleagues for their contributions. What happened is a disgrace to the nation.”

“As far as I am concerned, the security heads are not performing. The President should try some other people,” he averred and lamented that democracy seemed to be at variance with anarchy.

“There is a serious war between democracy and anarchy in the land,” he said.

Ubosi expressed fears that as things stood in Nigeria, using votes to change a government might not be possible because insecurity was capable of jeopardising democracy.

Mover of the motion, Hon. Obieze, while presenting the motion, had expressed similar fears that if what was appening now was not roundly condemned by all, Nigeria might be heading for disintegation.

“Mr. Speaker, the ship of the state called Nigeria is heading towards the rock and if we, elected lawmakers, as crusaders of democracy refuse to fight for our dear country, then I am afraid darker days may just be ahead of us,” he stated.

Making her own contribution, Hon. Lydia Nkechi-Omeje Ogbu representing Nsukka West, likened what happened at the Senate and what was happening in Nigeria to a war situation.

She lamented that IDPs camps were growing by the day.

“I am highly concerned about what happened yesterday. I am a woman and we women and children suffer a lot when there is trouble in the land. We are at war. There are IDPs everywhere. People are killed in Taraba, Benue, Borno, etc.

“Since this government came to power, there has been lawlessness in the land. The service chiefs should not be concentrated in one section of the land,” she noted.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/invasion-of-senate-sack-service-chiefs.html

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has disassociated itself from the actions of its senator representing Delta Central senatorial district, Ovie Omo-Agege, over his alleged role in the snatching of the Senate mace, by some hoodlums, yesterday.

The party described the act as an “attack on democracy,” in a statement signed by the National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, in Abuja.

“The attention of the APC has been drawn to the invasion of the Nigerian Senate by suspected thugs who disrupted Wednesday’s plenary and made away with the mace.

“We call on security agencies to take all necessary actions to recover the stolen mace and ensure that the perpetrators and their sponsors are brought to justice,” the statement read.

Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar also condemned the invasion.

Reacting to the incident, in Abuja, yesterday, Atiku described the attack as a dangerous precedent and an assault on Nigeria’s democracy by anti-democratic elements.

“I am utterly embarrassed, shocked and outraged by this ugly development because it is not only a threat to a major democratic institution, but also represents a grave danger to the survival of our democracy. If one organ is harmed, it affects others.”

Atiku said given the tension in the country, the timing of the attack could not have come at a worst time for Nigeria and that using illegal and unconstitutional methods to threaten the authority of a key democratic institution is “unacceptable, evil, and condemnable.”

To Third Republic Senate President, Ameh Ebute, the development showed that the Eight Senate is not accepted by the people. The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the National Open University Council said the incident meant that the nation’s democracy is still faulty.

“If thugs can enter the Senate and cart away the mace, it doesn’t augur well for you and I. It means that the security has totally broken down in this country. And, that means that the present Senate is not acceptable to the generality of the people; their performance is not satisfactory. It also indicates that.”

The Ugbokolo, Okpokwu, Benue state-born Ebute further said as representatives of the people, Senate should be a people-oriented Senate so that the wishes of the people would always preoccupy the Senate.

Meanwhile, Delta State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) expressed shock over the invasion.

The party said it was stunned when the thugs invaded the hallowed chamber, disrupted theplenary, and plucked the Mace from its stand and walked away with it.

In a statement by the Publicity Secretary of the party in the state, Ifeanyi Osuoza, the PDP said it was flabbergasted that the suspended senator supervised the desecration of the hallowed chambers by thugs.

“Delta State PDP is aghast and flabbergasted by this shameful show of brazen impunity and unbridled affront on our democracy by a member of the Senate, who is not only expected to be distinguished and matured in actions, but is sadly from Delta state and representing the intelligent, discerning and well respected people of Delta Central senatorial district…”

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/mace-snatching-apc-disown-senator-omo.html

Nigerian BBNaija housemate and the most controversial of them all Cee-C has stirred a fight Between BBafrica former housemate Tayo Faniran and one of his follower.

The follower had refused to agree with the fact that Cee-C is not the devil in the world by likening him to Cee-C saying that was why he was never the winner of the show.

This is how it all started between them;

Tayo Faniran had said “Why are they making it obvious that they dislike Ceecee, she has been too much at times but I’ve seen her soft side, I ire her confidence and self believe #BBNaija” he said.

His follower disagreed saying; “She is like you, she’ll never be a winner”

This led to them now going extra length which later turned out sour between them.

Tayo said: “she has won more than you will ever amount to in life, bitter fool”

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/cee-c-engineers-fight-between-ex.html

The senator representing Rivers South-East senatorial district in the National Assembly, Senator Magnus Abe has declared that the All Progressives Congress, APC, “will not implode” in 2019 following the declaration of President Muhammadu Buhari for a second term.

Abe called on those thinking that the APC will fall apart over Buhari’s declaration to rather organise themselves than criticise the party.

Abe, who spoke in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, said: “Those people that are still waiting for an implosion in the APC before they organise themselves, I think they have already missed the boat.”

He saluted Buhari for declaring to run for a second term in office, claiming that there was no person of consequence that could be compared to the President in of pedigree.

“On the other side, there is no person of consequence to compare with the pedigree of President Buhari that is visible on the horizon.

“As far as we are concerned, the APC is all set for 2019. The announcement by the President means that barring the formalities that are still left, there will hopefully be a formal declaration, and of course, we will have a convention to pick the President as our candidate.

“Outside of those formalities, we now know who our candidate will be for the 2019 election. Looking on the other side, there is no person of consequence to compare with the pedigree of President Buhari that is visible on the horizon,” he said.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/why-buharis-second-term-declaration.html

Brig-Gen Paul Boroh (rtd), former Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta and Coordinator, Presidential Amnesty Programme, has alleged that his sack was influenced by corrupt elements in the government of President Muhammadu Buhari.

According to Boroh, notable officials in the government wanted him to share “the spoils of office” among them.

Despite his unceremonious exit from the Amnesty Office, he insisted he had no regrets working in Buhari’s istration, noting that his impact was felt in the Niger Delta.

He cited the relative peace in the zone as part of his achievements.

The former amnesty boss disclosed this to journalists in Abuja on Sunday.

He said: “When one is heading an intervention programme like the Presidential Amnesty Programme, you meet with the good, bad, and ugly.

“Not everyone was happy about my modest achievements in office.

“A few days before I left office I was always re-echoing it that the Presidential Amnesty Programme was not a political programme where you share money out to people.

“You know the president’s stance on corruption, and this did not go down well with so many people who felt they were entitled to resources meant for the rehabilitation of ex-agitators.

“So those protesters you saw were the brainchild of our detractors.

“I was appointed to deliver, and that was what I did during my time as coordinator of PAP.”

President Buhari replaced Boroh on March 13 with Prof. Charles Quaker Dokubo, a seasoned researcher with the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA).

The late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua had in 2009 initiated the Presidential Amnesty Programme to appease militants in the Niger Delta, most of who were at the time destroying oil installations in their domain.

Their actions remarkably affected the country’s oil production levels and created financial difficulties for the government.

Boroh maintained that he succeeded in convincing beneficiaries of the Amnesty Programme not to go into the creeks to vandalise pipelines, a situation that brought a lot of stability in the economy.

While reacting to his sack, he said he had prepared for his exit from office right from the first day of assuming his former position.

On his impact in service, he said the amnesty programme during his tenure designed a farming model that provided 5,000 sustainable jobs in the region, including academic programmes that deployed over 1,294 delegates to various universities in Nigeria.

He said he recorded more than 700 graduates with 14 of them graduating in First Class and 84 in Second Class Upper Division.

He added that one of the private universities, Benson Idahosa University, had retained four of the first class graduates as lecturers.

During the period under review, the Amnesty Office empowered over 1,453 delegates with various starter-packs, including shop rents, while 966 of them were taken through refresher training.

On the $9 million allegedly found in his private residence by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), he said the anti-graft agency was merely acting out a script given to them by Buhari’s men.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/corrupt-elements-in-buharis-govt.html

Former Minister of Information and Culture, Prince Tony Momoh, has called for exposure of those who have allegedly looted the treasury of Nigeria irrespective of how highly placed or political parties they belonged.

Speaking to NewTelegraph newspaper, Momoh said exposing past public office holders, including former presidents, who corruptly enriched themselves while in office, would help Nigerians to know where their money went.

He said, “Those who have stolen should be exposed, whether PDP, APC or anybody. But one thing that the president seems to be unwilling to do is to expose those who have been presidents before in this country.

“If, for instance, all those people had also been exposed, then, Nigerians will know where their money went to.

“There is no political party involvement in blowing the whistle. Anybody who knows there is corruption anywhere should blow the whistle. You won’t get canned for blowing the whistle. So, let those who have the names of looters bring them forth and see if they won’t get a commission,” Momoh suggested.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/looters-list-expose-past-presidents.html

Elder statesman and Second Republic lawmaker, Junaid Mohammed has described the president Muhammadu Buhari-led government as a complete disaster.

Mohammed said the Buhari government had thrown Nigeria into turmoil, thereby making the nation ungovernable.

He made these observations in an interview with Vanguard.

According to him, “The country is in turmoil. The country is essentially ungovernable. The country has no leadership, politically, economically or otherwise. And the appearance, unfortunately, as it was, through free and fair election of the Buhari government in 2015 has now turned to be an unmitigated disaster. We have a president who is horribly limited, no ability.

“And I am not surprised that his governance has turned out to be the biggest disaster in the history of this country. So, whatever you say doesn’t deny the fact that we are in serious trouble because we have the wrong leader, we have the wrong group, we have the wrong party.”

He also flayed the president for his inability to curb the issue of insecurity in the country.

Mohammed added, “He is responsible for the security of every Nigerian wherever he is in this country. So, don’t deceive yourself. If you want to buy into his propaganda, you are welcome to do so. But I am telling that the welfare, peace and security of people in the North-East is his responsibility and not those of you who are living in Abuja and are comfortable because Abuja is safe enough for you.”

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/buhari-brought-disaster-to-nigeria.html

In the latest tirade, which unfolded over an hour, the president declared that Comey “will go down as the WORST FBI Director in history, by far!”

He mentioned Comey’s contemporaneous notes of their meetings, calling those memos self-serving and “fake.”

“I never asked Comey for Personal Loyalty,” Trump wrote. “I hardly even knew this guy. Just another of his many lies. His ‘memos’ are self serving and FAKE!”

Trump continued: “Slippery James Comey, a man who always ends up badly and out of whack (he is not smart!), will go down as the WORST FBI Director in history, by far!”

He reiterated that Comey was a “slime ball,” an insult he lobbed Friday. He also questioned Comey’s intelligence twice — first by saying the investigation into Hillary Clinton’s emails had been handled “stupidly” and then, about 30 minutes later, that Comey “is not smart!”

“Unbelievably, James Comey states that Polls, where Crooked Hillary was leading, were a factor in the handling (stupidly) of the Clinton Email probe,” Trump wrote. “In other words, he was making decisions based on the fact that he thought she was going to win, and he wanted a job. Slimeball!”

Trump also questioned the integrity of former U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch, who said in a recent interview with NBC News that she did not discuss Hillary Clinton during her meeting with President Bill Clinton in June 2016 on a plane on an airport tarmac. Hillary Clinton’s exclusive use of a private email server has long been the subject of controversy and that meeting with Bill Clinton cast a shadow over the federal investigation.

Lynch told NBC that Bill Clinton told a “charming story” about grandchildren and discussed issues of the day, such as Brexit.

Trump balked at that description, writing on Twitter, “Was she promised a Supreme Court seat, or AG, in order to lay off Hillary. No golf and grandkids talk (give us all a break)!”

The president’s sharp remarks came hours before Comey’s first major news media appearance since being fired by Trump last year. Excerpts from the interview, which will air on ABC News on Sunday night, have been shared by the network after details from Comey’s book leaked Thursday.

Comey’s book, “A Higher Loyalty” describes Trump as “unethical, and untethered to truth” and compared Trump to a Mafia boss.

Comey also speculated about Trump’s refusal to acknowledge Russia’s attempt to influence the election.

“Maybe it was a contrarian streak,” he wrote, “or maybe it was something more complicated that explained his constant equivocation and apologies for Vladimir Putin.”

Trump and his allies counterattacked Friday, and Democrats, many of whom blame Comey for Hillary Clinton’s loss in the 2016 election, issued a muted defense.

Trump continued his criticism of Comey’s book Sunday, questioning why Comey hadn’t used the book to address questions such as why “he gave up Classified Information.”

Amid his tweets about Comey, Trump also addressed the latest military strike in Syria, defending his use of the phrase “mission accomplished” and saying the raid was “perfectly carried out.”

“The Syrian raid was so perfectly carried out, with such precision, that the only way the Fake News Media could demean was by my use of the term ‘Mission Accomplished,'” Trump wrote. “I knew they would seize on this but felt it is such a great Military term, it should be brought back. Use often!”

This article originally appeared in The New York Times.

CHRISTINA CARON © 2018 The New York Times

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/trump-blasts-comey-in-barrage-of-tweets.html

The remains of the late Col. Joseph Achuzia, “a.k.a ‘Hannibal”, Nigerian civil war veteran, will be buried at midnight according to Asaba tradition on Saturday in his family compound at No. 2 Idumojei Quarters, Asaba.

Mr Onyeka Achuzia, the son of the deceased, said his father was Ikemba of Asaba and would be buried according to the tradition of Asaba.

The funeral ceremonies began on Thursday with a Day of Tributes.

The ceremonies continued on Friday with a funeral service conducted by the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star at Achuzia’s residence.

The preacher at the service, Chukwuma Dike, cautioned against material acquisition, which he described as vanity.

“Everything is vanity in this life. Your children cannot use your PhD to earn income when you are gone.

“They cannot access your bank s unless they follow the processes to change the signatory,” he said.

Dike described the name, ‘Achuzia’, as a key that could open doors because of the legacies he left behind.

He urged his children to remain united to sustain the values Achuzia represented.

At a reception held at St. Patrick’s College, Asaba, Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa was represented by his Commissioner for Water Resources, Mr Fidelis Tilije.

The family received condolences from the governors of the five South-Eastern states, while the President-General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Chief John Nwodo, led executives of the socio-cultural organisation to the ceremonies.

Achuzia was a secretary-general of Ohaneze Ndigbo, where he further propagated the ideas of Igbo nation which he stood for till his death.

In a condolence message published in the burial brochure, Okowa, in a statement signed by Mr Ovie Agas, the Secretary to the State Government, described Achuzia as an epitome of virtues.

“A veteran of the Nigeria civil war, a leader of thought, inspirational community leader, bridge builder, elder statesman and above all, selfless leader whose life time achievements transcended community and national boundary.

“I recall that despite being a Deltan, Col. Achuzia rose to become the secretary-general of the pan-Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohaneze Ndigbo, a platform from where he fought relentlessly for the advancement of his people,” Okowa said.

Gov. Rochas Okorocha of Imo Governor, in a message, said Achuzia was a combatant and seasoned soldier whose precision in the discharge of his military duties was second to none.

“His contributions toward a united and indivisible post-war Nigeria was unrivalled. This was evident in his pontifications on poignant contemporary political issues.

“His rare sense of diligence, organisational prowess, indefatigable and intrepidness during the Nigeria-Biafra civil war earned him the name, ‘Hannibal’, from his friends and foes.

“In his capacity as a commander on the Biafran side, Hannibal displayed his istrative ingenuity and laid foundation for the prosecution of the 30 months war.

“However, he surrendered and ed hands in the building of one Nigeria.

“He was indeed a great patriot and worthy statesman,” Okorocha said.

Achuzia, aged 90, died on Monday, Feb. 26, about 8.a.m. at Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Asaba.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/hannibal-buried-in-asaba.html

The President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki, on Saturday, said N250 million for the rehabilitation of township roads in Omu-Aran, Kwara, has been captured in the 2018 budget.

Saraki made the disclosure during the final funeral outing and thanksgiving of the late traditional ruler of Omu-Aran and the Olomu of Omu-Aran, Oba Charles Ibitoye.

Saraki, who was represented, by his Deputy Chief of Staff, Hon. Gbenga Makanjuola, said the approval was already captured in the 2018 budget.

He said the approval under the Federal Government road intervention initiative was facilitated by his office as part of efforts toward ensuring the wellbeing of the people, especially at the grassroots.

Saraki gave the assurance that the senate, especially his office, would work assiduous toward ensuring that the road intervention in the area was a reality.

Saraki described the late Ibitoye as a courageous and humble leader, who was committed to the growth, progress and development of his community.

He said the late monarch was also an epitome of humility who did his best and gave adequate to his istration as Governor of the state.

The president of the senate urged Omu-Aran indigenes to strive to sustain the legacies left behind by the late monarch.

“During my tenure as the governor of the state, the late Ibitoye gave his best and assistance and was very ionate about the development of his community,” he said.

The State Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed, in his goodwill message, described Ibitoye as an industrious and kindhearted monarch.

“He was a first class monarch with a difference, very industrious and kindhearted.

” We will surely miss his counseling and fatherly advice,” he said.

Ahmed prayed for the community and the late monarch’s family for courage and fortitude to bear his age.

Chief Festus Awoniyi, the Acting Traditional Head of the community, said the deceased possessed exemplary leadership style while his reign lasted.

He pledged that the Traditional Council of Chief would strive to sustain the legacies Ibitoye left behind.

“After conclusion of these funeral rites the succession processes toward the selection of new Olomu would commence,” he said.

He called on both indigenes and non-indigenes in the community to continue to the leaders in prayers toward a smooth and hitch free succession.

Chief Jide Adebayo, the Eesa elect of Omu-Aran, on his part, said the reign of late Ibitoye witnessed an unprecedented growth and development in community.

Adebayo, a former Executive Director, Marketing with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) said the deceased would be missed for his exemplary leadership style.


http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/n250m-road-intervention-fund-in-omu.html

Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers on Thursday night killed two policemen, and abducted 21 persons in Birnin Gwari area of Kaduna State.

Eyewitness said those abducted include Chairman, National Union of Road Transport Workers ( NURTW ), Birnin Gwari chapter, Audu Kano and six of his .

Also, kidnapped were two brides in a village, Unguwar Laya, about six kilometres from Birnin Gwari town. Eyewitness said the brides were abducted on Wednesday night.

Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, Austin Iwar has since confirmed the incidents. However, a group under the auspices of Birnin Gwari Vanguards for Security and Good Governance has called on the State government to beef up security in the area.

Leader of the group who simply gave his name as Hassan said, “Every day and night our people keep vigil with their eyes widely open to defend themselves bravely without any weapon, even bows and arrows. Before we answer the call to the grave, can anybody help us to talk to our Governor, Nasir Ahmed El-Rufai?.

“We the people of Birnin-Gwari have been abandoned and our population is shrinking day by day. People are relocating to safe zones because of attacks from armed bandits virtually every minute.

We are not certain of bumper harvest this year because many peasant and commercial farmers had relocated. Many villages and towns are disappearing.

“In fact, even Nagwamatse of Kontagora that annexed Birnin-Gwari territory 100 years ago, didn’t destroy our land and territory compareg to what armed bandits are doing.

“We need to see our Governor Mallam El-Rufai or any senior government official. Security situation in Birnin-Gwari had further deteriorated, 2 brides abducted at Unguwar laya just 6 kilometers from Birnin-Gwari on Wednesday 11th April 2018.

Again this evening, Thursday 12th April 2018,around 4.30pm six NURTW and their Chairman, returning from Funtua were kidnapped together with 12 others.

“The NURTW include Audu Kano, Sufyanu Doka, Hamisu Anaruwa and 4 others. A Police inspector known as Danzuru was shot and presently at ABUTH Sheka, two other policemen killed today by the armed bandits.

“Two days ago, 15 newly recruited teachers on their way to Dogon Dawa were robbed and almost abducted. As at this moment Birnin-Gwari-Kaduna road is a nightmare for the past two weeks especially Palwaya, Kuriga-Manini axis.

“Birnin-Gwari has been abandoned and people were left at the mercy of armed bandits. Can someone whisper our cry to Mallam Nasir Ahmed El-Rufai and the top security echelon ? Seriously, we are alienated by those in authority.

In case we didn’t survive the terror of armed bandits, let not those that abandoned us touch our coffins or go to our grave yard. We are at crossroad”.


http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/kidnappers-on-rampage-in-kaduna-kill-2.html

The chairman of the south east governors’ forum and governor of Ebonyi state, Chief David Umahi on Thursday has threatened to confront the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, over the ongoing voters’ registration exercise.

Umahi made this known in Abakaliki while addressing thousands of prominent stakeholders/political appointees of the state during a one-day voters registration sensitization exercise that took place at the Abakaliki Township Stadium.

The governor also declared his preparedness to make sure that the exercise was successful in Ebonyi but threatened to deal physically with any person that would obstruct the exercise in the state.

He said: “There is no pre-intimacy in this continuous voters registration exercise, it is our right and the independents National electoral commission, INEC, must provide functional machines that will be used in this exercise as we need.

“They must come to work on time. We have the right to query them, why are you coming to work by 10am, you can’t try it again. They have no right to give us excuses. No more excuses. We have to insist on our right.

“We have to demand our right. We are not a conquered state. And anybody that is obstructing this exercise, physically will be dealt with. If you observe anything that’s not normal report to police, report to state security services, SSS, so that they will look into it.

“We will not entertain any physical obstruction by anybody in this exercise. The governor of Benue said defend yourselves with stones. And I’m saying to you defend yourselves with your right. It is your right to get yourself ed. It is your right that nobody obstructs this voters’ registration exercise in the name of anything.

“As you are doing this, it is important that you demand for your PVC. I believe that the various committees that is in place will interface with INEC from time to time to make sure that there is no fowl play in the exercise. All submissions made here are well noted and recorded and we shall summarise them and confront INEC with it in our meeting tomorrow,” he stated.


http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/2019-umahi-threatens-inec-over-voters.html