• Aso Villa Chapel celebrates president’s return
• Govs congratulate Nigerians, seek more prayers
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to replicate medical equipment he saw in London during his treatment in Nigerian hospitals before the end of 2019.
NMA said doctors in the country would have been able to handle the president’s health challenge if the health sector had been properly equipped and funded.
NMA in a communique signed by its National President and Secretary General, Professor Mike Ozovehe Ogirima and Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu respectively after their National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Kaduna said it has “resolved to call on the president to utilise his positive experience in the health systems of other climes to impact on the health care system in Nigeria.”
Ogirima said Nigerian doctors are competent to handle any form of ailment “ if the enabling environment and good working tools are on ground. “
Aso Villa Chapel was yesterday in a celebration mood following President Buhari’s return to the country from a medical vacation in London, the United Kingdom.
The congregation that had in attendance Acting President Yemi Osinbajo sang various songs in Hausa, Ibo and Yoruba languages.
The Chapel’s Administrator, Rev. Isaac Ambi, who presided over the service, said the church was happy that the president had a safe return.
Prayers of thanksgiving were also offered in the three major languages by the immediate-past Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC), Deaconess Juan Ayo; Reverend Ambi and Mr. King Opuru.
A special ministration titled: “All Things are Working for My Good,” was also rendered by the choir to honour the Lord for spearing Buhari’s life.
Meanwhile, Katsina State Governor, Aminu Bello Masari, has congratulated and commended Nigerians for their steadfastness in prayers and moral support to the president while he was away.
The commendation is contained in a statement by the governor’s Senior Special Adviser (SSA), Abdul Labaran.
According to the statement, Masari was “particularly thankful to and appreciative of Katsina State citizens, Muslim and Christians alike, for never relenting in their prayers for the quick recovery of the president and his safe return..
In a related development, the Coalition of Civil Society Organizations (CCSO) in the state has staged a peaceful rally to show support for Buhari’s return.
Also, the Kogi State Governor Bello has declared today as a public holiday
Bello described President Buhari as “an African icon who is a nightmare to corruption.”
Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State on his part, expressed profound happiness on the return of the president and urged Nigerians to continue praying for him, irrespective of the fact that he had returned.
Similarly, Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State gave gratitude to God for answering the citizens who prayed for the president’s safe return.
Similarly, the Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) urged the president to ensure that Nigerians get better dividends of democracy.
The Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC) on its part said Buhar’s return will ease both political and economic tensions in the country, even as it promised to continue to work together with him.
Former House of Rep Speaker, Dimeji Bankole Begins Governorship Campaign with Branded Buses in Ogun
Dimeji Bankole, the former speaker of the Federal House of Representatives has just given his gubernatorial ambition a more serious bite societynow.ng reports.
Campaign buses proclaiming his wish to take over from outgoing Ogun state governor Ibikunle Amosun have emerged in Ogun state.
The vehicles with the words “Dimeji Bankole for Gov” reportedly started moving around the state capital, Abeokuta a couple of days back.
The development which comes after confirmation his campaign offices had become deserted gives his gubernatorial aspiration a bit of boost.
Bankole is one of the litany of aspirants working on succeeding Governor Amosun.
With a well-recognized name, he, however, is yet to be identified with a formidable political structure.
Paris Saint-Germain star Neymar has taken a shot at Barcelona’s board, saying the club “deserve much better” than the current leadership.
The 25-year-old Brazilian departed Barca for PSG earlier this summer in a world-record €222 ($261 million) move. He’s off to a flying start for the Ligue 1 side, scoring twice in his home debut on Sunday as PSG earned a 6-2 win over Toulouse.
And Neymar spoke to reporters after the win to shed some light on his exit from the Catalan club.
“When I arrived, everything started well but then… at Barcelona, there are directors that shouldn’t be there. I’m very sad with them,” he said in quotes published by Football Espana.
“I had four very happy years there, but Barca deserve much better. I have a lot of friends there, I hope things get better for Barca and that they go back to being a team that can compete.”
Neymar and PSG return to the pitch on Friday when they face Saint-Etienne in Ligue 1 play.
McGregor: Mayweather would need to ‘reincarnate Bruce Lee’ to train for me
As far as Conor McGregor’s concerned, Floyd Mayweather would have to go to great lengths to prepare for his fighting style.
In a recent interview with The Mac Life, the UFC lightweight champ claimed the only way Mayweather would be ready to take him on come Aug. 26 would be if he enlisted some incarnation of Bruce Lee as a sparring partner. Yes, that Bruce Lee.
“What other mixed martial artist is there like me?” McGregor said, according to MMAjunkie. “He’d need to reincarnate Bruce Lee, and that would be the only person he could bring in that could mimic me with the way that I’m coming at him. I am not like any other mixed martial artist. I am not like any other boxer. I am in a league of my own, and I’ll prove that Aug. 26.”
McGregor is indeed unlike any boxer Mayweather has faced – at least of late – if only due to a professional boxing record comprised solely of zeros.
“The Notorious” meets Mayweather next Saturday at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
President Muhammadu Buhari has written the National Assembly, notifying it of his return to office.
The Nigerian leader returned to the country on 19 August, after spending 103 days in London on medical vacation.
In his letter dated August 21, 2017, he told the Senate as well as the House of Representatives, that he was resuming office.
The letter stated in part: “In compliance with Section 145 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), I write to intimate that I have resumed my functions as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria with effect from Monday, 21st August, 2017, after my medical follow-up in the United Kingdom.”
President Buhari had left for London on May 7, 2017, and handed the reins of government to the Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, who functioned as the Acting President. NAN
Presidency planning Dasuki treatment for me – Adoke
The immediate past Attorney General of the Federation, Mohammed Adoke (SAN), says the Presidency is planning to arrest and detain him in perpetuity like the immediate past National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd.), who has been in custody for two years.
Adoke, who has been declared wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, said this in a statement on Sunday.
The former AGF has been in Holland since 2015 when President Muhammadu Buhari took office.
He along with seven others is standing trial before a Federal High Court, Abuja for their alleged role in the $1.3bn Malabu scam.
However, the senior advocate said having failed to produce him in court, the EFCC and the Presidency were planning to abduct him from abroad, sneak him into the country and then detain him in perpetuity like Dasuki.
Adoke
The statement read in part, “I have become aware of plans being made by the EFCC acting in concert with the Presidency to illegally abduct me and forcibly drag me to Nigeria for purposes of detaining and humiliating me for having the audacity to challenge in court, my continuous persecution, intimidation and harassment by the EFCC.
“I was made to understand this move did not go down well with certain persons in the Presidency and the EFCC, hence the renewed harassment and intimidation that followed in form of searches of my residences in Kano and Okene and that of my brother.
“While these searches for ‘hidden dollars’ have not yielded any fruit because I do not have any money stacked up anywhere, a new angle has emerged as a plan has been hatched to abduct me from any jurisdiction where I may be with the help of security agents of some collaborating countries known for extraordinary renditions for the sole purpose of meting out the ‘Dasuki treatment’ to me.”
Adoke said the strategy of the government was to paint him as a corrupt person with illegally obtained wealth so that he would lose sympathy from Nigerians and indeed the international community thereby making it possible for them to tolerate his illegal detention.
The former AGF maintained that he committed no crime but merely brokered a deal between the Federal Government and Malabu Oil and Gas Limited, adding that deal was inherited from the Olusegun Obasanjo administration. Read more: The Capital NG
Nigeria’s unity is settled and not negotiable – Buhari
President Muhammadu Buhari addressed Nigerians on Monday morning, just two days after he returned from London.
The president had been away for medical treatment for 103 days in his speech told Nigerians that “Nigeria’s unity is settled and not negotiable.”
Read the text of the president’s full speech below as gathered newsheadline247.
My dear citizens, I am very grateful to God and to all Nigerians for their prayers. I am pleased to be back on home soil among my brothers and sisters.
In the course of my stay in the United Kingdom, I have been kept in daily touch with events at home. Nigerians are robust and lively in discussing their affairs, but I was distressed to notice that some of the comments, especially in the social media have crossed our national red lines by daring to question our collective existence as a nation. This is a step too far.
In 2003 after I joined partisan politics, the late Chief Emeka Ojukwu came and stayed as my guest in my hometown Daura. Over two days we discussed in great depth till late into the night and analysed the problems of Nigeria. We both came to the conclusion that the country must remain one and united.
Nigeria’s unity is settled and not negotiable. We shall not allow irresponsible elements to start trouble and when things get bad they run away and saddle others with the responsibility of bringing back order, if necessary with their blood.
Every Nigerian has the right to live and pursue his business anywhere in Nigeria without let or hindrance.
I believe the very vast majority of Nigerians share this view.
This is not to deny that there are legitimate concerns. Every group has a grievance. But the beauty and attraction of a federation is that it allows different groups to air their grievances and work out a mode of co-existence.
The National Assembly and the National Council of State are the legitimate and appropriate bodies for national discourse.
The national consensus is that, it is better to live together than to live apart.
Furthermore, I am charging the Security Agencies not to let the successes achieved in the last 18 months be a sign to relax.
Terrorists and criminals must be fought and destroyed relentlessly so that the majority of us can live in peace and safety.
Therefore we are going to reinforce and reinvigorate the fight not only against; elements of Boko Haram which are attempting a new series of attacks on soft targets · kidnappings, farmers versus herdsmen clashes, in addition to ethnic violence fuelled by political mischief makers. We shall tackle them all.
Finally, dear Nigerians, our collective interest now is to eschew petty differences and come together to face common challenges of; economic security, political evolution and Integration, as well as lasting peace among all Nigerians.
The leader of the Coalition of Niger Delta Agitators, John Duku, tells The Punch why his group issued a notice to quit to Yoruba and northerners in the oil-rich region, among other issues
Why did the Coalition of the Niger Delta Agitators choose October 1 as the deadline for Yoruba and Hausa to leave the Niger Delta region? Does it have anything to do with independence day?
Yes! We are aware that it is the day that Nigeria marks its independence, but that is also the day the northern youths (chose when they) issued their notice to quit to the Igbo. Let it be that the date that we got independence is the day we (will) go our different ways. We are doing this because of what they did to others. We feel that the notice to quit given to the Igbo was also given to us in Niger Delta. There is no way they (northerners) will be able to differentiate an Igbo man from the Ikwerre man from Rivers; the Itsekiri man and the Urhobo man. So, if they have given the Igbo a notice to quit, they have also given to us.
Why is your group asking two major tribes in Nigeria to leave the South-South?
The northerners are holding the Nigerian government and everybody to ransom. They have ruled this country for many years and almost all the oil blocks belong to them. To make things worse, the present government came in, sidelined other people and gave the major positions in the country to the northerners. The President of this country is from the North; the Secretary to the Government of the Federation is from the North; the Inspector General of Police is from the North; the Chief of Army Staff is from the North; the Chief of Staff to the President is from the North; the Minister of Petroleum is from the North; the Comptroller General of Customs is from the North, the Director General of the Department of State Services is also from the North. All the major positions are being occupied by the northerners.
So, if you believe in one Nigeria, why can’t we get some of these positions? The Senate President is from the North; the Speaker of the House of Representatives is from the North. All members of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation board are from the North. With this, how do you want the southerners who have oil to feel? They (northerners) don’t have oil.
You are talking about the northerners. Why did you also give the Yoruba an ultimatum to leave the Niger Delta region?
The Yoruba who come from the same South as us are the major managers of the oil companies. The cabals from the Yoruba make things worse for the Niger Delta people. If you look at Mobil, Chevron, Total — almost all the major oil companies — they are being controlled by the Yoruba. But they refuse to partner with us; they refuse to work with us and they are treating us as slaves. They help their people more than our own people. They are the ones that stopped the oil firms from relocating their headquarters to the Niger Delta. They hold the Nigerian economy to ransom. The Yoruba people have done everything possible since the Olusegun Obasanjo administration to stop other ports (other than the Lagos seaports) from functioning in Nigeria. We have seaports in Delta, Rivers and Calabar (Cross River). They are not working because of Yoruba interest. The Yoruba want everything to be in Lagos, Ogun states and the rest.
When the northerners asked some people to go, we felt that one day, they would also ask us to go. We cannot wait for them to ask us to go; we are asking them to leave. Again, you know that our first statement was directed to the northerners alone, but when we saw that the Yoruba said they wanted Oduduwa Republic, we had no choice than to support them.
If the ultimatum you gave to the Yoruba and Hausa expires and they are still in the region, what will your group do?
We are recruiting over 3,000 to 5,000 people that will fight this cause. We have already gone around all the Niger Delta states and our surveillance and intelligence teams are working very hard. They have all the information about their (Yoruba) businesses. We have all the information about their investments and we will start with that.
Let me make a point: Today, (Aliko) Dangote is building a refinery in Lagos — in Yorubaland. He is a Hausa man and he is building a refinery in Yorubaland, seeing us as slaves. They rob Peter to pay Paul. What stops Dangote from building a refinery in the Niger Delta region? But the cabal, who are the stakeholders of Dangote Group, will not allow that to happen. Taking the refinery to the far western part of the country so as to tap the oil from Niger Delta, pump it to that state (Lagos State) — can you imagine that?
Don’t you think Dangote did that because of the perceived insecurity in the Niger Delta?
It is not about insecurity. We can assure you of this, 100 per cent. As of that time, the situation in the Niger Delta was okay. We have never for one day attacked any refinery.
Why did you demand for a Niger Delta Republic?
We need a Niger Delta Republic so that we will be able to control our resources and develop our areas. Let me give you an example: they gave us the Niger Delta Development Commission, which was functioning well and not involved in politics. Today, the NDDC has been turned into a political party.
You have 13 per cent derivation already for the Niger Delta region. Is that not enough, considering that other regions also need to survive?
The 13 per cent derivation is not enough. Even the 13 per cent derivation has been going into the wrong hands. The governors in the Niger Delta are even making things worse.
Why do you say so?
Some of them (governors) were actually not elected. These are the people that do not care about the interest of the Niger Delta. But I can say that the governor of Rivers State has performed excellently well. I am proud to say that. However, if you go to other states in the Niger Delta, you (will) shed tears. We believe that 10 per cent should go to the oil-producing communities, but it has never happened.
What does your group intend to achieve by this threat?
We are not issuing an ordinary threat. We intend to achieve a Niger Delta Republic; we intend to control our resources in a way that will be in the interest of the Niger Delta people. We intend to move our people from where we are today to a good position.
Why didn’t your group issue a similar ultimatum to the Igbo?
The Igbo people are our brothers and we don’t have a problem with them. Even when the northerners issued a threat to them, they did not (retaliate). Nnamdi Kanu is just deceiving the Igbo people; he cannot achieve Biafra.
PANDEF said it is willing to defend Yoruba and Hausa in the Niger Delta region against any planned action by your group.
You have to know that it is a great joke.
Are you willing to fight against your brothers because of strangers?
Don’t even call them (PENDEF) our brothers; call them our elders because those people are not youths. They cannot run one metre. For people that are not close to the creeks to promise that they are going to defend some people, is that not false? When the Niger Delta Avengers started bombing oil installations, Edwin Clark said they were criminals and boasted that they (PANDEF) would protect the pipelines; were they (PANDEF) able to do that? Of course, they did not. So, if they could not, then how possible is it that they would be able to defend the northerners and the Yoruba? It is not possible.
Are you saying you would fight your own elders?
Our action will start in Niger Delta and any elder or traditional ruler who does not respect himself will have himself and his generation to blame because we are not going to take it kindly with them. At this stage, we have passed the era when anything would happen to the Niger Delta; a particular group would come and claim to be the leaders. They are not leading us. We have some credible people that we respect in the Niger Delta.
We see PANDEF working against the interest of the Niger Delta. The reliable information we have as of today is that those behind the creation of PANDEF are the youths. But the current members of PANDEF have pushed them away because of their selfish interest. So, how do you think the youths can succeed? It is not possible.
How does your group intend to achieve an independent and sovereign Republic of Niger Delta?
Before October 1, we will occupy the NDDC office as our headquarters. That is what we are going to do. After all, the current crop of NDDC was a plot to deceive the Niger Delta people. I have to say this. They have never commissioned one kilometre of road. Even before September, we will start with them. I am serious about this. We are having series of meetings and we are going to come out very soon on our position concerning the NDDC. We can assure you that we are not going to cripple only the oil installations, but all the investments that have to do with the government; we have to shut them down in the Niger Delta.
People feel you are angry because Goodluck Jonathan lost his re-election bid and so, you want to destabilise the country.
I have never been a supporter of Goodluck Jonathan and I will never be because he was there as president for six years; he could not develop the Niger Delta. If (Muhammadu) Buhari was like (Umaru) Yar’Adua, we would have taken him as our son. The late Yar’Adua meant well for Niger Delta; he gave us amnesty. It was during his time that many development committees were set up to develop the region. Jonathan did not do a meaningful project in the Niger Delta. The cry today that the oil companies should relocate their headquarters to the region is what Jonathan ought to have done for us. I supported the government of Buhari until he began to disappoint us.
How serious is your group about the threat to resume attacks on oil and gas installations?
As of today (Wednesday), we have the blessings of about 200 groups. Our network is spread across the Niger Delta. We have the support of the Middle Belt and our brothers in the South-East. We refused to partner Biafra groups because we are not part of them. We have thousands of Niger Delta youths that are prepared to fight this battle. We are not alone as we have the blessings of some responsible people from the Niger Delta.
What is the alternative to all this crisis?
The only option that will bring peace is that, first, the northerners should withdraw their notice to quit. When they do that, we will do the same. Secondly, let the Federal Government set up a dialogue committee in the Niger Delta and call for representatives of various agitating groups; then we will know that the government means well. We are not interested in any secret committee called inter-ministerial committee. Yar’Adua set up a committee headed by Godwin Abe. The oil companies must be part of the dialogue because majority of the problems we have in the Niger Delta today is caused by the oil companies. With this, we can discuss and we would have no option but to say we remain one Nigeria. A new memorandum of understanding that will favour the Niger Delta people should be signed.
Jubilation in Abuja, others as Buhari returns after 104 days
There was wild jubilation in Abuja, Katsina and other parts of the country on Saturday as President Muhammadu Buhari returned to the country from London, United Kingdom where he had been for medical treatment since May 7.
Security operatives had a hectic time controlling the crowd as the President’s long motorcade moved from the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja to the Presidential Villa.
Many residents of the Federal Capital Territory thronged the major roads from the airport to catch a glimpse of the President, who had spent 104 days outside Nigeria.
Some of them were singing, dancing with banners of the President’s portraits in hand, while others jostled to take photographs of the President’s convoy with their mobile phones.
The presidential aircraft that conveyed Buhari landed at the airport at 4.35pm to the excitement of all those present.
The aircraft then taxied to the tarmac amidst music played by the Guards Brigade along with a cultural troupe performing at the airport.
The President disembarked from the aircraft, NAF 001, at 4.48pm. He was received by top government officials led by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.
Decked in a brown kaftan, Buhari mounted a rostrum and saluted the guard of honour.
He did not inspect the guard of honour before proceeding to acknowledge cheers from well-wishers and the dancers.
He, thereafter, got into his official car to be driven to the Presidential Villa.
The airport was at a standstill as workers made frantic efforts to get a glimpse of him.
Hundreds of workers, travellers and other airport users were stranded at the airport following the closure of roads in the area.
Many travellers and other people at the airport were forced to wait, as security operatives cleared dignitaries who had come to welcome the President.
Despite the closure of roads and the delay of the travellers at the airport, many of them were excited to see the President back in the country.
On roads leading to the airport were hundreds of people singing and dancing, as they welcomed Buhari.
There were chants of “Sai baba!” as some youths performed some stunts with their vehicles and motorbikes.
Other groups of people displayed placards with messages like: “Welcome home, dear President”; “Sai Baba”; and “We love Buhari” as they struggled to catch a glimpse of the President.
There were other excited Nigerians who moved closer to the car the President was riding in, screaming, “Sai baba!” as they danced, following the slowly moving convoy of Buhari.
Earlier, there was commotion at the commercial wing of the NAIA as air passengers and workers rushed out in excitement to see Buhari immediately his aircraft touched down.
Those at the commercial terminals tried to push their way through to the tarmac but were stopped by security officials and personnel of the Federal Airports Authority.
“I would have loved to see at least his plane, because I know there’s no way I can see him from this departure terminal,” Okeke Benny, a Lagos-bound passenger said.
Daura residents jubilate
Residents of Daura – Buhari’s hometown – in Katsina State on Saturday evening suspended various activities they were engaged in to watch the President return to the country on television.
The residents who had waited patiently for the news of the arrival of the President, thereafter, began to dance as they sang to praise him.
In a carnival-like manner, some residents took to the streets in their vehicles and motorbikes;some drove around the town singing praises to God for bringing Buhari back to the country hale and hearty.
Business activities remained paralysed in major commercial areas, including Sabonline, Kofa-kaoran,Mani Road, Nagogo Road, and Ibrahim Babangida Way, in Katsina as many traders stayed glue to the TV.
Some youths were also seen in places like Rafindadi, Kofar Kwaya, Kofar Durbi and Kofar Sauri,also in Katsina singing Buhari’s praises and going from one place to the other.
A Daura resident, Shuaibu Haruna, said, “I am happy. At least, we shall all see our President and this will further shame those branding rumours around about him.”
Another resident, Hassan Dajuma, said, “You know, some people have cashed in on President Buhari’s absence to unnecessarily heat up the polity. Now, with his return, I foresee normalcy. I am happy for him; I am happy for our great country over his return.”
Speaking on Buhari’s return to the country, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, told reporters at the airport that Buhari’s return had nothing to do with the #ReturnOrResign protests that took place in Nigeria and London.
Adesina said he and some presidential aides knew about his return some days back.
Adesina had earlier on Saturday issued a statement in which he announced that Buhari would return to the country later in the day and address Nigerians through a national broadcast on Monday.
The statement read, “President Buhari is expected to speak to Nigerians in a broadcast by 7 am on Monday, August 21, 2017. He thanks all Nigerians who have prayed ceaselessly for his recovery and well-being since the beginning of the health challenge.” Read more: Punch NG
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a separatist movement organisation, has confirmed setting up vigilance group, Biafra Security Service, BSS,
It debunked insinuations that BSS is a standing army, but stressed that what it established is a vigilance group,
The group would only gather intelligence and ensure that criminal elements do not compromise the safety and welfare of people residing in Biafra land.
The Publicity Secretary of IPOB, Comrade Emma Powerful, told the Sunday Sun, that the group would not be militarised as erroneously construed in certain quarters and in various online media reports.
Powerful said that members of the group were naturally peace loving people.
He also dismissed as untrue the story that made the rounds that the leader of the group, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, made uniforms for members of the vigilance group.
He noted that IPOB was interested in the well-being of the people and ready to ensure the safety of its people returning from the North over the October 1 quit notice served on Igbo people in the North by a coalition of Arewa youths.
“Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of IPOB, did not sew any uniform for these volunteers erroneously called Biafra soldiers. There is no standing Biafra Army and we emphasize the word NO. We have security volunteers just like you have vigilance groups. IPOB is legitimately concerned about the well being and safety of Biafrans all over the world.
“With October 1, 2017 looming, it has fallen on IPOB to ensure the welfare, safety and well being of Biafrans returning home to prevent what happened in 1966 from happening again. IPOB will not fold its arms and watch Hausa Fulani Janjaweed embark on another orgy of bloodbath directed at southerners living in the North. That’s why BSS was inaugurated to gather intelligence and to safeguard those returning home to Biafraland from the North.
“IPOB is against all forms of lawlessness, from the menace of Fulani herdsmen to kidnapping, armed robbery and cattle rustling. All these vices will be stamped out in the coming months without recourse to armed confrontation.”
