Court of Appeal Sacks House Leader, Alhassan Doguwa

Majority Leader of the House of Representatives, Alhassan Ado Doguwa, representing Tudunwada/Doguwa Federal Constituency, was on Monday sacked by the Court of Appeal sitting in Kaduna.

The tribunal had on September 5, dismissed a petition filed by Yusha’u Salisu, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, against Mr Doguwa’s election for failure to prove allegations of irregularities in the election.

Alhasan  Doguwa, who was the Chief Whip and also the Majority Leader, is the third-ranking member of the House after Speaker and Deputy Speaker.

The unanimous judgment was  delivered by Justice Oludotun Adefope-Okojie, he stated that the entire election could not hold as the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC omitted other parties  from the final declaration of the result.

 The court said the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, made a substantial breach by writing the results of only two parties out of 53 parties that participated in the election in Form EC 8 (II) E.

Tyler Perry’s newly built studio TPS, films Will Smith and Martin Lawrence’s ‘Bad Boys 3’, Eddie Murphy’s ‘Coming to America 2’

Terry Perry’s studio TPS, has been engaged to film the remake of Will Smith and Martin Lawrence’s ‘Bad Boys 3’ and Eddie Murphy’s ‘Coming to America 2’.

Recently Tyler Perry Studio,TPS, which sits on 330 acres of the former Fort McPherson complex was declared opened on october 5, 2019.

Tyler Perry Studios has been reported to be the largest film production studio in the US and established him as the first African-American to outright own a major film production studio.

However, the columbia pictures and paramount pictures have involved the 34th streret , an arm of the TPS for “Bad Boys 3”and “Coming to America 2”

Popular hollywood Film Maker, Tyler Perry known for his ‘Madea series’ had hinted on the recent development via his instagram handle.

He also shared pictures of major cast of both movies on his handle.

Some of the major characters of the ‘Bad Boys 3’ and Coming to America 2’ were Eddie Murphy, Will Smith, Martin Lawrence, Wesley Snipes, and Tracy Morgan.

However, Reports also indicated that the major characters of the films didn’t know they were shooting in the same studio.

Maureen Esisi, wife to Nollywood Actor, Blossom Chukwujekwu, Celebrates Husband after Divorce

Blossom Chukwujekwu

The estranged wife of popular nollywood actor, Maureen Esisi today celebrated her husband Blossom Chukwujekwu on her Instagram handle.

Rumours of their divorce had recently gone viral on social media.

The entrepreneur took to her Instagram page on Monday, November 4, 2019, where she shared a photo of the actor and captioned it 

“Happiest Birthday Bubba,” she wrote.

Stella Dimokokorkus, a popular blogger recently reported that Blossom Chukwujekwu moved out of their matrimonial home about three weeks ago. 

Stella also speculated that the reason behind the crash is not far from their inability to have a child.

Don’t be a rubber stamp, activist charges Ebonyi State House of Assembly

A political activist and pro-democracy crusader, Ambassador Pascal Ogbonna Oluchukwu, has called on members of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly to always stand for and encourage what is right in it’s dealings with the government and people of the state.

Ambassador Pascal made the call in a statement made available to newsmen on Sunday in Abuja, after he alleged that the Ebonyi State House of Assembly was being intimidated to dance to the tunes of the Ebonyi state government.

The outspoken activist wondered why a state legislature will pass state budget without due diligence, adding that the idea of quick passage of law in favour of some interests in the state without thorough deliberation by the House of Assembly members can not serve the people of Ebonyi right.

While urging the state lawmakers to put general interest of the state at heart, Pascal also lamented the lack of autonomy for the lawmakers.

He faulted the idea of State House of Assemblies depending on the executive even for every kobo saying it gives the governor too much control over the lawmakers.

He said the state legislature has been compromised and emasculated, “which turned them into mere rubber stamp in the hands of the executive. As the legislature becomes subservient, it also becomes redundant and of little significance in the eyes of the citizens.

“The purpose of the House of Assembly is to provide oversight on the executive and ensures that all actions and inactions of the government are guided by the laws and regulations promulgated by the legislature. When it comes to law making, the House of Assembly must ensure the laws are passed with the positive interest of Ebonyians at heart.”

Unfortunately, however, Pascal said “the case is different in Ebonyi, as the House of Assembly only ply their trades around where the executive domicile. They have all been compromised and have left the interest of the wonderful people of Ebonyi in Limbo. Democracy seems to have lost its core values in just a very short time in Ebonyi.

“Debates and disagreements are the core of any true democracy. But justice has continued to lose over politics in the state and the value of truth has been so diminished.

“Those in current government only find value in what they want the people to believe. It is such a pity that this is where we find ourselves. It’s a Shame. I urge the State House of Assembly to carry out their duties with integrity. They were elected to serve the people and not compromise their offices in favour of the executive,” the statement stated.

APC spokesman accuses PDP of manufacturing fake PVCs for Bayelsa election

Days to the November 16th Bayelsa governorship election, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state has began large scale manufacturing of fake Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), the Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Yekini Nabena has said.

According to the APC deputy spokesman through a statement made available to newsmen Friday in Abuja, the fake PVCs have been codenamed “Biafra Card” by the PDP.

“We are receiving real time reports that the PDP, Governor Dickson and His Deputy Chief of Staff, Mrs. Ebizi Brown are manufacturing fake Permanent Voters Cards (PVC) codenamed “Biafra card” in the Government House. Some of the manufactured fake PVCs are at the residence of the Deputy Chief of Staff in Odoni ward 8 Sagbama LGA.

“Dont forget that during the 2019 Presidential and National Assembly election in Bayelsa state, only 22 smart card readers out of the 69 stolen by political thugs were retrieved by the Independent National Electoral Comission (INEC).

“The PDP and Governor Dickson are planning to configure the 47 smart card readers still in their possession with the fake PVCs which they are currently mass producing. I call on our security and intelligence agencies to urgently carry out strategic raids to stop their illegal operations, retrieve the smart card readers and mop up the fake PVCs which they have codenamed “Biafra card”. Nabena stated.

“The outgoing Governor of Bayelsa state, Seriake Dickson cannot continue to hide under the cloak of immunity to perpetuate the alleged ongoing stealing of state funds and last-minute sale of state assets, election fraud, violence, impunity against Bayelsans.

“We call on the President Muhammadu Buhari to urgently direct security agencies, anti-corruption agencies and other relevant agencies to come to the aid of Bayelsans.

The Bayelsa-born APC chieftain urged voters in the state to resist the desperate plots of the failed outgoing administration in the state to foist the PDP governorship candidate on Bayelsans through rigging, vote-buying and violence.

“As earlier said, the popularity and wide acceptance of the APC governorship candidate, Chief David Lyon is apparent and giving the PDP sleepless nights. The PDP’s nightmares will soon be over after Bayelsans vote them out on November 16,” Nabena stated.

The APC deputy spokesman also called on INEC to rise up to the occasion of likely fake PVCs in the forthcoming governorship election in Bayelsa.

Philosophy Behind General Buratai’s Stellar Performance

By Yakubu Mohammed

“Soldiers would marry the prettiest women, live in the best homes, eat the best food, wear the best cloth and drive the best cars because when war comes, they die first” —Muhamadu Ribadu

I stumbled on this quote of Nigeria’s first Defence Minister after independence and a reputable Northern politician of his time, Alhaji Muhammadu Ribadu. He lived an eventful life between 1909 and 1965.

He was not a soldier, but knew exactly the pains of a soldier. So, I was fascinated at this catchy wisdom. In Ribadu’s time, Nigeria knew no war, but peace. However, it was clear to his mind that peace could only, but be ephemeral, as there would come a time to war, when only soldiers are the dutiful rescuers.

It has struck me strongly that Ribadu must have been gifted with a stunning clairvoyance. He correctly envisaged that an Army in Nigeria would one day face war. He had the power of prediction; he had prophetic wisdom. Ribadu never lived to see the fulfilment of his prophesy, as he answered the divine call on May 1st, 1965, the eve of the 1966 coup, which disrupted the politics of the first republic and the eventual three-year Nigerian civil war.

Like Ribadu predicted, scores of soldiers laid down their lives to break the cord of secessionists in Nigeria. These soldiers died so that we could live and for the nation to thrive in unity, peace and progress. The need to give soldiers absolute comfort in peace times was the strong message conveyed by the ditty of the cerebral Ribadu.

He was lucid that a soldier must be entitled to all the niceties and luxuries of life, hence in times of war, the soldier is the first to sacrifice his life for others to live.

Is there any justification for anyone to claim, a soldier does not value his life or entitled to the epicurean lifestyles of the rest of us? There is absolutely no reason.

So, as the then serving Minister of Defence, Ribadu ensured rapid expansion of the Nigerian Army and other arms of the military. In tandem with his mindset of welfare for the soldier, Ribadu established the Defence Industries Corporation and many other such initiatives designed for the comfort of soldiers.

It is the same philosophy, the current Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and ombudsman of the counter-insurgency war, Gen. Tukur Yusufu Buratai has imbibed in his leadership of the Nigerian Army. The Army Chief believes soldiers have signed a pact to die for us. They keep vigil for us to sleep in peace; they accept the bullets of the enemy for us to have life. The Army is a call only for the strong-hearted and soldiers deserve maximum comfort.

Naval war veteran and former US President, John F. Kennedy, fondly exhumes this pride in military service when he said; “Any man who may be asked in this century what he did to make his life worthwhile, I think can respond with a good deal of pride and satisfaction: ‘I served in the United States Navy.”

Gen. Buratai is a combatant soldier who is fired by the innate passion of service to humanity. He is an epitome of an ideal soldier anywhere in the world. My perception of him is that of an officer who embodies selflessness, patriotism, excellence and loyalty in leadership. Like Ribadu, he prioritizes the welfare of soldiers. Sun Tzu admonished military commanders to give every comfort to their soldiers and they can follow “you to the deepest valley.” Gen. Buratai is today fondly referred to as Sun Tzu of Africa by his patriots and mentees within the military for religiously upholding soldiers’ welfare and comfort like a commandment.

Gen. Buratai’s adoption of this philosophy is responsible for the Army’s winning streaks in the anti-insurgency battles. What has propelled our Army officers and soldiers to fight unflinchingly and win the war on terrorism is rooted in the policy of Gen. Buratai’s fixation on the absolute comfort and niceties his administration is building for soldiers nationwide.

Famously, the Army Chief instituted the culture of prompt and timely payment of salaries and allowances of soldiers. He considers it an inviolable and sacrosanct obligation especially for soldiers in the frontlines. The era of soldiers grumbling for non-payment of legitimate entitlements is long gone with Gen. Buratai on board.

Furthermore, Gen. Buratai knows a soldier deserves a decent and habitable shelter for himself and family. In 2016, barely months after he assumed office, Gen. Buratai’s heart was drenched in sorrow as bemoaned the years of neglect of accommodation for the Army thus; “The soldiers are staying in a very bad accommodation, it is unfortunate!” Therefore, his administration embarked on massive renovation of Army Barracks and offices to provide both residential and office accommodation for soldiers.

Such imprints of Barracks renovations or constructions signposted very early in his administration as noticeable in Maxwell Khobe Cantonment, Jos; Obienu Barracks in Bauchi and Nigerian Army Barracks in Bama among others. Gen. Buratai has also made provision of portable water in Army Barracks a fundamental objective, where it is also extended to host communities.

A few examples like the Army Division in Enugu and its host community, Abakpa feels this impact; the Rukuba and Miango communities are also serviced by the Multi-Purpose Dam at Maxwell Khobe Cantonment, Jos. And it is replicated fairly in all Army Barracks across the nation.

The Army Chief has also initiated the building of new schools and refurbishment of old ones. He aggressively embarked on renovation and construction of new Army schools across Nigeria for children of Army officers and soldiers, starting from Abuja to elsewhere in the federation.

Access roads in Army Barracks are also rehabilitated, much like Army hospitals. Under Buratai’s leadership, soldiers enjoy a large dosage of comfort. He is aware that happy troops are the backbone to the success of any military expedition.

Its apparent that Gen. Buratai’s passion for the Army and service to his fatherland is innate. It can be gleaned from the background that in his time as a teenager, many of his peers naturally dreaded the Army. The military was perceived as a fearsome and hazardous vocation. Existing and working to die for others to live is a hard decision to adopt. But the young Buratai opted for it.

Himself the son of the World War II veteran, Mallam Yusuf Buratai who served under the Royal West African Frontier Force (RWAFF) from Nigeria, Gen. Buratai is a descendant of the lineage of chauvinists. So, he dreads no war and aims to conquer enemies of the state at all times.

Shortly before his demise two years back at the age of 106, the elder Buratai revealed that he never prodded his son to enlist in the Army, and that Gen. Buratai voluntarily opted for a military career. Pa Buratai said,“I did not ask him to join the army. He joined willingly. When he finished school here in Maiduguri, there was an advertisement urging young men to join the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA). He applied and was successful, so he voluntarily joined the army.”

Mallam Buratai believed that mankind must be freed from the excesses of demonically possessed souls and the only way to contribute his quota in enthroning global peace was the romance with the boots. He had a conviction that a soldier lives and dies for his country. He was infinitely sad with tales of soldiers these days, retreating from the battlefield in the face of enemy forces. That was his notion of the Army.

Therefore, Gen. Buratai has stood on these principles and perception of his father throughout his military career. It accounts for his superfluous performance as a soldier, crack combatant and leader for what his admirers have described as a rewarding military career to his nation.

As a leader of the Nigerian Army, Gen. Buratai finds the wisdom of Gen. Colin Powell worthwhile. Powell proclaimed that “The most important thing I learned is that soldiers watch what their leaders do. You can give them classes and lecture them forever, but it is your personal example they will follow.”

Thus, under Gen. Buratai’s leadership, the Nigerian Army has been on a steady progressive match in excellence and performance in all ramifications because he is an ardent exemplar in official duties. Nigerians have seen a reformed and re-professionalized Army, which is loyal and patriotic. Soldiers are recording remarkable and uninterruptedsuccesses in the battles against Boko Haram and bile insurrections in the country.

Soldiers under Gen. Buratai’s guidance have stamped their dominion in all special assignments in Nigeria. Soldiers engaged on Internal Security (IS) observe the highest professional standards, maintain maximum respect for human rights of Nigerians as well as humbly sticking to the Rules of Engagement (ROE).

The Nigerian Army under Gen. Burataiis not only excelling in war, but expanding its base. From five Divisions of the NigerianArmy, which Gen. Buratai inherited in 2015, he has increased it to eight Army Divisions for ease of military operations. There are thousand Army Forward Bases stationed in crisis prone areas. Gen. Buratai has been able to establish an Army Aviation School and the Nigerian Army University, the first Army varsity in Africa within theshort time of his leadership.

In Gen. Buratai’s prosecution of the counter-terrorism war in Nigeria, he is resolute and resilient. Like the British Field Marshal Sir Herold Alexander said, Gen. Buratai knows, “The knowledge of not only the enemy’s strength and disposition, but also how, when and where he intends to carry out his operations; brought a new dimension to the prosecution of the war”

When Gen. Burtai hops into the trenches against insurgents, in the words of the British Air Marshall ‘Bomber’ Harris, he steps out vengefully because “They sowed the seed, and now they are going to reap the whirlwind.”

In all the military engagements by Gen. Buratai and soldiers, they are exposed to grave dangers for no fault linked to them. Some have even paid the supreme price fighting to enthrone peace in a conflict they are oblivious of its causes. But they have remained loyal and patriotic to the entrenchment of peace. It now struck the wisdom of Ribadu in me, justifying why a soldier needs the best in peace times.

No doubt, Gen. Buratai has been inspired and guided by the advice his father offered him the first day he enlisted into the Army. Pa Buratai counselled the young officer Buratai to , “… be loyal to his superiors and constituted authority. I warned him to avoid any form of vice and I am grateful to God, he obeyed what I told him.”

It is the religious observance of this self-discipline or ethical code that has guided Gen. Buratai’s service elevation in the Army. This philosophy has always compelled Gen. Buratai to go the proverbial mile to seek comfort for soldiers. It explains why his leadership and administration of his office as COAS and leader of the counter-insurgency operations in Nigeria is a success story.

Mohammed, a public affairs commentator wrote this piece from Minna, Niger State.

Atiku vs Buhari: Those hailing Supreme Court judgement could suffer injustice next – Frank

…Says hailers today may become victims tomorrow

A political activist and former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has reacted to the Supreme Court judgement which upheld the victory of President Muhammadu Bubari, discribing the decision as miscarriage of justice.

Frank also warned the few beneficiaries who were hailing the outcome of the apex court to be careful not to fall victims in the near future.

The political activist in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Thursday, declared that the Waziri Adamawa Atiku Abubakar, will remain a true hero of democracy in Nigeria despite the ruling.

The Bayelsa born activist described the ruling as not only the worst but a daylight robbery in the history of Nigeria.It is an embarrassment and a total show of shame as other countries will be laughing at our judiciary.

Frank, who thanked Atiku’s supporters at home and abroad, believe that what transpired at the Supreme Court was a coup against democracy.

“It was a well scripted drama. The evil agenda was perfected before General Buhari left the country in pretence. It was a collaboration between the presidency and the Supreme Court. Most Nigerians were shock at the speed at which the panel dismissed the case because the judgement came as a surprise to them.

“Nigerians will recall that I exposed the handpicked names of the panel members two days before Justice Tanko made it public. But surprisingly and shamelessly, the anti-democratic forces, despite the exposure still went ahead with the handpicked list. They have sold their consciences to the devil.

“The current apex court has taken the country far backward in the justice administration and it will take the mercy of God for all the actors in this sham to escape the hottest part of hell.

“This is a judgement that posterity will never forgive all those who sat on it and allowed themselves to be compromised. All those who allowed themselves to be used shall fully received their reward.

“It will be on record that certain Justices had opportunity to right the wrong but decided otherwise.”

Frank, who expressed joy in the law of posterity, said unavoidably all those who are gloating today in the injustice done to Atiku Abubakar, will have their days with posterity in near future.

“It is not all about Atiku Abubakar, he can not go hungry.It is about the future of young Nigerians. If Nigerians will continue to seat back and refuse to fight for their rights, the obvious hunger, poverty, insecurity, unemployment, incompetence hands in government and all other problems facing the country will not voluntarily disappear,” Timi Frank warned.

He, however, called on Nigerians not to fold their hands any longer, adding that “all democratic institutions like National Assembly, Judiciary and others built by former leaders have been destroyed under the current administration of General Muhammadu Buhari.”

APC govs mourn late Okechukwu’s wife

Governors on the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) have expressed condolences to the family of Director General of the Voice of Nigeria (VON) Osita Okechukwu, over the death of his wife Augustina Okechukwu.

The Progressives Governors Forum (PGF) in a condolences letter addressed to the VON DG, Tuesday, was signed by the Director General of the forum, Salihu Moh. Lukman, on behalf of the APC governors.

The governors said they were saddened by the demise even as they prayed to God to grant family fortitude to bear the untimely loss.

“On behalf of the Progressive Governors Forum, we would like to extend our condolences to you on the passing of your dear wife, Mrs. Augustina Okechukwu.

“We commiserate with you on this sad occasion and pray that God grants your family fortitude to bear the untimely loss.

“We sympathise with you and the family she has left behind, wishing you all the strength and comfort you need in this difficult time.

“Our prayers and thoughts are with you. May her soul rest in peace.

“Please accept our deepest sympathies for your loss and be assured of our continued support.”

Bayelsa election: PDP crying wolf, intimidating INEC’s staff over SPOs list – APC

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has denied allegation by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP’s) governorship candidate Douye Diri, that it influenced the list of Supervisory Presiding Officers (SPOs) deployed for the Bayelsa governorship election.

Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the ruling party, Mr. Yekini Nabena, dismissed the allegation even as he alleged that the PDP and its candidate were doing everything possible to intimidate the Resident Electoral Commission (REC) into doing their bidding.

In a statement made available to newsmen, Tuesday in Abuja, Nabena said the PDP and its governorship candidate were crying wolf in the face of it’s imminent election defeat, come November 16.

APC also revealed that the Bayelsa REC and its official rejected the bribe offer made to them by the PDP’s elements hence the call for the REC’s removal.

Director of Media and Publicity of the Senator Douye Diri Campaign Organisation, Hon. Jonathan Obuebite had called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to withdraw a supposed list of SPOs and engage fresh hands from institutions outside Bayelsa state.

“The baseless allegation by the PDP and their governoship candidate is part of their plan to intimidate INEC and other critical stakeholders that will be on official election duty. You can see the PDP during their campaigns, they have nothing to tell Bayelsans following the failed administration of Governor Seriake Dickson so they have resorted to falsehood, peddling rumours and crying wolf.

“The popularity and wide acceptance of the APC governorship candidate, Chief David Lyon is giving the PDP sleepless nights. The PDP’s nightmares will soon be over after Bayelsans vote them out on November 16.” The Bayelsa-born APC chieftain told newsmen.

Nabena said the real issue is the PDP plot to turn Bayelsa state into a warzone so as to enable them buy votes and rig the election.

“Bayelsans are more alarmed by the PDP’s arms stockpiling, massive looting of state funds by the outgoing government of Seriake Dickson and other illegal activities geared to rig the election.” Nabena said.

Supreme Court: Activist rejects ‘handpicked’ Justices for Atiku’s case

A political activist and former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Comrade Timi Frank, has made public the proposed names of eight Justices allegedly ‘handpicked’ to hear the appeal of the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.

Frank said the eight Justices about to be named were handpicked by the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), hence their rejection.

The names made public by Frank include: Hon.Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, Hon. Justice Bode Rhodes -Vivour, Hon.Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, Hon. Justice Amiru Sanusi, Hon. Justice John Inyang Okoro. Hon. Justice Ejembi Eko, Hon. Justice Taboo and Hon. Justice M. Abaji.

In a statement made available to newsmen, Frank raised an alarm that those selected to handle the Supreme Court case were not based on the order of seniority.

“I have a privileged information to the effect that the under listed names have been handpicked by the CJN in connivance with the presidency to do the bidding of the presidency and APC.

“The singular motive behind these names which is against the known norm of picking names according to seniority which is a tradition the law profession takes very seriously, is to endorse the court of Appeal judgment.

“By this statement, let it be known that concerned citizens outrightly rejects the list and any pre conceived outcome.

“One wonders why the list is coming out at this time when it is just few days to the hearing of the appeal. It is clear to all well meaning Nigerians that it is for the sole aim of boxing the opposition to a corner where they will have no option than to accept the list.”

The Bayelsa born activist called on Nigerians to be vigilant, adding that the time was a difficult one for the country.