NPDP rolls out Saraki, Dogara, Tambuwal, Kwankwanso, 20 senators, 30 Reps to salvage Nigeria

The New Peoples Democratic Party, nPDP, bloc in the All Progressives Congress, APC, is rolling out a list of high profile politicians to help it achieve the goal of rescuing the country from the security and economic challenges facing it as it. Among its adherents are 20 senators and 30 members of the House of Representatives, including the two top presiding officers of the National Assembly, Senate President  Bukola Abubakar Saraki and Speaker Yakubu Dogara. Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal of Sokoto State is the only serving governor listed, though the statement alluded to the support of other serving and former governors. A statement issued by the chairman of the nPDP bloc, Alhaji Kawu Baraje, said the group was pleased to meet to reappraise its situation in the polity following its earlier letter to President Muhammadu Buhari on the disenchantment of those who came from the bloc on the manner they had been treated by the government. Baraje, in the statement said: “Nigerians may recall that members of the former New PDP Block within the All Progressives Congress (APC) addressed a letter dated April 27, 2018 to the Chairman of APC where we informed the party of our grievances and expectations from both the party and government of President Muhammadu Buhari. “Following this development, the party invited us and we honoured their invitation for a meeting. We met with the leadership of the party last week during which we resolved to report the outcome of our meeting to our members and stakeholders before arriving at any decision or proceeding with the next phase of discussions or actions with the APC and government. “I am glad to inform you therefore that we have briefed our members at a meeting convened in Abuja on Wednesday, 23rd May 2018 where we reviewed the state of the nation and our party, APC and constituted Committees on various issues especially on how to rescue Nigeria from economic, social, political and especially security challenges. “The meeting was well attended by members of the nPDP including serving and former Governors, Senators, Members of the House of Representatives, and other aggrieved APC   stakeholders. “Those that attended the meeting include: HE Sen. (Dr.) Abubakar Bukola Saraki, CON, President of the Senate, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, CFR, Governor of Sokoto State, Sen. Rabiu M.   Kwankwaso, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Admiral Murtala Nyako (Rtd), Sen. Mohammad Adamu Aliero, Sen. Danjuma Goje, Sen. John Owan Enoh, Sen. Emmanuel Andy Uba, Sen. Dr. Ibrahim Gobir, Sen. Rufai Ibrahim, Sen. Ibrahim A. Danbaba, Sen.   Suleman Nazif, Sen. Isa Hamma Misau, Sen. Muhammed Ubali Shitu, Sen. Shehu Sani, Sen. Dino Melaye, Sen. Suleiman O. Hunkuyi, Sen. Shaaba Lafiagi, Sen. Bala Ibn Na’Allah, Sen. David Umaru, Sen. Barnabas Gemade, Alh. Abubakar K. Baraje, Chairman Former nPDP, Rep. Aminu S. Shagari, Rep. Kabiru Marafa Achida, Rt. Hon. Isa M. Ashiru, Hon. Muh’d Musa Soba, Hon. Mark Gbillah, Rep. Sani Mohd Rano, Rep. Garba Umar Durbunde, Rep. Aliyu Madaki, Rep. Zakari Mohammed, Hon. Rufai Ahmed Chachangi, Hon. Razak Atunwa, Hon. Emmanuel M. Udende, Hon. Hassan Saleh, Hon. Nasiru Garo Sule, Hon. Orker Jev, Hon. Aliyu Ahman Pategi, Hon. Isah Halilu B., Hon. Rabiu Garba Kaugama, Hon. Abdussamad Dasuki, Hon. Ismaila A. Gadaka, Hon. Lado Suleja, Hon. Dickson Tarkighir, Hon. Babatunde Kolawole, Hon. Dr. Bode Ayorinde, Hon. U. Danjuma Shida, Hon. Danburam Nuhu, Hon. Sunday Adepoju, Hon. Sani Zorro, Hon. Ahmed Garba Bichi, Hon. Garba Ibrahim Mohammed and a host of others.

BEDC LICENCE MUST NOT BE RENEWED(EPILEPTIC POWER PROVIDERS)

Funke Osibudu led management team of the Benin Electricity Distribution Company has failed the expectations of the people on what the unbundling of the power sector which was hoped to address the perennial energy challenge of the nation seek to achieve. As a distributor or retailer in the electricity value chain, it has further caused more pains and anguish to the people it was expected to assuage their tiredness under the management of the defunct PHCN. The situation wasn’t as bad as it is today under BEDC as it was under NEPA or PHCN. Succinctly, their operational licence must not be renewed by the Federal Government due to their high level of inefficiency and incompetence as exhibited over the years of operation. In November, 2018, their licence will be expiring; this is an urgent call to the President Buhari’s led federal government not to consider its renewal. Among their many sins are enumerated below and not limited to the following: 1. BEDC managed by Vigeo Power Limited is a lawless company and does not respect decisions of NERC and court orders. Only recently a court slammed it with a N10m compensation to a customer whom the NERC forum had already decided its case but BEDC went ahead to arrest him with the police while the matter subsisted in court. 2. It uses police to harass customers in debt recovery. 3. It uses military personnel attached to some white foreigners working with it to abuse the human rights of citizens who are their customers over little issues as protests by communities when they get disconnected without due process and for debt recovery. 4. BEDC management is fond of accusing a whole community of owing and putting them in darkness until the amount alleged to be owed is fully paid, whereas it is a case of few individuals owing because prepaid meter owners cannot be said to be owing rather it is the other way round. 5. Refusal to supply meters so as to further exploit citizens with outrageous estimated billing. 6. BEDC will never replace a faulty transformer or bad poles. Communities and individuals are forced to buy these items themselves and BEDC compelling the purchasers to say it is a donation to BEDC if they want them connected. 7. Customer service is very poor and discouraging. 8. Poor remunerations for the inadequate staff. 9. High handedness of Funke Osibudu on mild issues. 10. Operation of special lines with up to 24 hours supply to some customers while a majority of their customers barely enjoy three hours of constant supply daily. The people of Edo & Delta States are sincerely tired of the operations of the BEDC and its activities and urge the federal government to act before the state is plunged into total anarchy and disorderliness by the attempt renewal of their licence. We are wholeheartedly in support of the criminalization of estimated billing bill currently under consideration by House of Representatives. Comrade Osazee Edigin Public Relations Officer Edo Civil Society Organisations 28A, Erie Street, Off Sokponba Road, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. www.edocso.org

SENATOR RABIU MUSA KWANKWASO'S AIDE,YUNUSA DANGWANI FREED AFTER 3 MONTHS IN DETENTION

SSS frees Kwankwaso’s aide, Yunusa Dangwani, after 3 months in detention The State Security Service, SSS, on Monday night released a stalwart of the Kwankwasiya movement, Yunusa Dangwani, after spending 84 days in detention. Mr Danwani, a former chief of staff to a former governor of Kano State, Rabiu Kwankwaso, was arrested on March 21 at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano on his way to Saudi Arabia for lesser Hajj. The politician was arrested for allegedly engaging one Captain Abdullahi to circulate an inciting text message to people, including a member of the governor’s family. The House of Representatives on April 12 resolved to investigate allegation of abuse of fundamental rights by the SSS regarding the arrest of Mr Dangwani. The House resolution was sequel to a motion under matters of urgent public importance by Ali Madaki (Kano-APC) on the “Abuse of the fundamental rights provisions of constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (As amended) by the Department of State Service (DSS)’’. “Refusing him access to legal representation and family violated his right to dignity as a person and on clear violation of section 34 (1)(a) of the 1999 constitution,” he said. In objection to Mr Madaki’s remark, Aminu Suleiman (Kano-APC), said Mr Dangwani’s arrest followed issues of high security concerns against Kano State government. According to him, the medical doctor-cum-politician was fingered in an alleged terrorism scare in Kano state for which he was picked and brought to Abuja. “I want to guide the House. If we allow this motion, it means we are intimidating the security agencies and we will be the first to say, they are incompetent and not serious,” he said. But on May 3, an FCT High Court sitting at Apo ordered the release of Mr Dangwani and ordered the SSS to pay the sum of N10million as damages to him.

ALL PROGRESSIVE CONGRESS(SELFLESS JOHN ODIGIE OYEGUN)

Breaking news!!! I will not seek second term – Oyegun The National Chairman of the APC, Chief John Odigie Oyegun has finally broken his prolonged silence on his future as the National Chairman of the APC, saying he has decided to step aside and not re-contest the position at the forth coming national, convention. President Muhammadu Buhari had openly endorsed the immediate past governor of Edo State and Chief Oyegun’s kinsman, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole for the National chairmanship position. He told newsmen Friday night at his residence that it was his personal conviction not to seek re-election, but will always be available to serve the party, adding that it was in the best interest of the party for him not to seek another term in office. Oyegun said even though he had desired to re-contest the position he has decided that in the interest of the party, he will not be seeking reelection and has therefore decided to withdraw from the race. He said “I have taken this decision without prejudice to my commitment to the party in helping to solve some of the subsisting and emerging difficult issues and my ability to continue to provide necessary leadership. “However, I believe that the party faces difficult days ahead and all critical stakeholders in its leadership would be required to bind together for a common purpose. Therefore, the less contentious our national convention is the better for the party. “I have always sought to be part of solving the problem of APC. I do not intend to be part of the problems for APC to solve. It is for this reason I hereby declare that I will not be seeking re-election as the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC). “However, I will continue to perform my functions as the National Chairman of the party till my tenure officially ends on Monday the 25th of June when. New set of party executives will be inaugurated.” Oyegun said the decision to have the present Executive remain in office in an interim capacity was to avoid going into the 2019 elections as a divided house, saying “with the 2019 general elections looming on the horizon, some of us consider it to be in the best interest of the party to go into the elections as a united fighting force, rather than one that was potentially weakened by internal conflict arising from competitive congresses. “It was for this reason that we canvassed and obtained the NEC decision of February 27 asking all executives of the party to continue in office in acting capacity for another period of twelve months.” He said that it was within his constitutional right to seek another term in office, believing that his experience and familiarity with some of the most important issues that must be at the top of the political agenda which put him in the best position to lead the party into another election. He acknowledged the fact the even without declaring his interest to seek another term, several top stakeholders of the party at all levels began to rally round him, saying “I believe that these loyal party men and women instinctively choose to support me, because they recognized what was in the best interest of the party at that point in time. “Quite fundamentally, they were demonstrating their love and commitment for the party, realizing that perhaps, what was needed most at this point in time in our history as a political party is experience and stability. “We have conducted the congresses in all the 36 states and the FCT, we have set a date for the national convention. Now that the convention committee has invited interested aspirants to obtain forms to contest into the various national positions, it has become necessary for me to state my position. “I have consulted widely with my family, friends and associates. Even though i had the desire to re-contest as the National Chairman of the party, I have decided that it is ultimately in the best interest of the party for me to withdraw from the race.”

Reordering of elections by National Assembly(Inconsistency)

INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu Let me begin by saying that the National Assembly itself is established by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999) as amended. Section 47 of the Constitution provides that, “There shall be a National Assembly for the Federation which shall consist of a Senate and a House of Representatives”. This provision of the constitution shows clearly that the National Assembly itself is a creature of the constitution. The constitution, which is the ground-norm of all other laws in the land including any Act made by the National Assembly, also provides for legislative powers exercisable by the same National Assembly. Section 4(1) of the Constitution provides that “The Legislative powers of the Federal Republic of Nigeria shall be vested in a National Assembly for the Federation which shall consist of a Senate and a House of Representatives… for the peace, order and good Government of the Federation or any part thereof”… Suffice it to say that the National Assembly also derives its legislative powers from the same constitution. Now, Section 1(1) of the constitution provides that: “This Constitution is supreme and its provisions shall have binding force on all authorities and persons throughout the Federal Republic of Nigeria.” Section 1(3) provides that “If any other law (this time, Electoral Act) is inconsistent with the provisions of the Constitution, this Constitution shall prevail, and that law shall to the extent of the inconsistency be void”. Therefore, I hereby opine that the effect of Section 1(1) and Section 1(3) is that the Constitution has a binding force either on the National Assembly as an Authority or senators and members of House of Reps as individual persons. Section 153(1)(f) of the Constitution provides for the establishment of the Independent National Electoral Commission just as Section 47 of the Constitution as herein above mentioned, provides for the establishment of National Assembly. The composition and powers of INEC are as contained in Part 1 of the Third Schedule of this Constitution. For the purpose of this piece, Paragraph 15(a) which provides that: “The Commission (INEC) shall have power to Organise, Undertake and Supervise all elections to the offices of the President and Vice President, Governor and Deputy Governor of a state and to the membership of the Senate, the House of Representatives and the House of Assembly of each State of the Federation”. I therefore, humbly opine that the effect of Section 153 (1) (f) of the Constitution and paragraph 15 of Part 1 of the Third Schedule to the Constitution is that the INEC shall even conduct elections in the order stated in the constitution, that is, from President to Governor and finally or lastly membership of the Senate, the House of Representatives and the House of Assembly of each state of the Federation. Alternatively, since the commission shall have power to organise, undertake and supervise all elections to the offices of the President and Vice President, Governor and Deputy Governor of a state and to the membership of the Senate, the House of Representatives and the House of Assembly of each state of the federation, and the literary meaning of the word, “Organise”, simply means arrange systematically, order. Therefore, the constitution by virtue of these provisions has given the commission (INEC) power to arrange systematically or order elections as it deems fit and necessary without any input from the National Assembly or the executives. And so far, Section 1(3) of the Constitution says, “If any other law (this time, Electoral Act) is inconsistent with the provisions of the constitution, this constitution shall prevail and that other law shall to the extent of inconsistency be void.” I dare submit therefore that the part of the amendment to the Electoral Act touching on the reorder of elections is void ab initio. Since it is in conflict with the power constitutionally given to the commission, I hereby urge the members of the National Assembly to stop unnecessarily heating up the polity. Similarly, I urge the National Independent Electoral Commission to challenge this unconstitutional amendment to the Electoral Act in a competent court of jurisdiction. The rule of law is the bedrock of democracy. #TheSupremacyoftheConstitution

Tony 4 Senate 2019

Commeth the hour, Commeth the Messiah: MEET ONYEMA TONY ISHIEKWENE - OTI for SENATE 2019. Born at Abraka in today's Ethiope Local Government Area of Delta State, on December 28, 1963 Onyema Tony Ishiekwene, is a native of Umuebu and Obiaruku both in Ukwuani Local Government area of Delta State. He was and remains a pace setter in almost every endeavour he engages in. He gained his first degree ( BSc Finance ) in 1984 from the Ivy League University of Nigeria, Nsukka in 1984 graduating along side the current CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele, former Governor Charles Chukuma Soludo, and former Deputy Governor, Babatunde Lemo. He was to start his working career at the flagship global Reinsurance conglomerate, "Royal Exchange Assurance" as Financial Analyst in October 1985 just after his NYSC, but some forces of darkness (Enemies within) decided to withhold the Interview Letter from his view and attention, and those forces determined to stop the glowing star diverted him away from the Nigerian scene, where he was already a star aged 21. He found himself stuck in the United Kingdom, against his wish, having lost his return ticket to those same dark forces such that he could not return to Nigeria to attend interviews at Central Bank of Nigeria, NAL Merchant Bank, UBA and Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, where chief Christopher Enuenwosu, an Anioma Economist from Abbi, Ndokwa West LG held sway as Acting Managing Director in 1985. Disappointed and dejected but unbroken this Anioma giant decided to defer his Financial career and turn adversity into advantage by enrolling at the London School of International Business, where he bagged Post Graduate Diploma, PGD, in International Marketing & Finance in 1987. Thereafter he registered with the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) - the Gold Standard in World Class Accountancy Studies wherein he started his training at the former London Guildhall Polytechnic now London Metropolitan University. Ishiekwene had a stint at the Accountancy Tutors PLC., a private institution dedicated to the teaching and learning of Professional Accounting and passed out in 1991 with distinctions which ultimately qualified him as a World Class in Strategic Planning, Control and Audit & Financial Management and that is the apex of Global World Class Professional Examination. That programme earned him Associate membership (ACMA) of the Institute in March 1995. Between 1992 and 1994, he studied Computing at the London College of Computer and Business at Britton Road, Oval gaining a Diploma in Data Base Management in 1993, and another Diploma in System Analysis, Design and Control in 1994 and was admitted an Associate member of the British Computer Professionals ( AACP ) in February 1995. He furthered his quest for academic excellence into the University of Greenwich, Eltham campus, School of PCET,London SE9, for his PGCE (FE) in September 1996 and completed the programme in record 10 months in July 1997. OTI had a stint in lecturing at Newham College of further Education where he taught Financial Accounting, IT Applications, Reports & Returns to Intermediate AAT, and Cost and Management Accounting to AAT Finalists and almost simultaneously he taught Cost Accounting and Management Accounting Techniques to ACCA & CIMA students at the Metropolitan College London at Kingsland Road, Hackney E8 on part - time basis. This great son of Anioma left teaching in 1998 as he returned to his primary calling - Professional Accounting taking up a job at Saint Michael and London Voluntary Service Council both of which are Non Governmental Organisations, NGOs managing Charity Accounts. He later went into Commercial Accounting in a contract that lasted for one year as Europe, Middle East and Africa, EMEA, Management Accountant at BRIVIC Plc. (An FTSE 250 FMCG- SOFT DRINK COMPANY) holding the position of Sales & Profit; Budget Analysis for markets in those three regions and Channels. Additionally, OTI worked as a Finance Manager for Oval House Theatre, a South London based Performing Arts & Education Centre between 2003 and 2013 where he performed his duties with clinical efficiency and professional aptitude, obtaining A* from the UK's Charity Commission in 9 out of 10 Statutory Accounts filed by Oval House. As a Financial Accounting wizard, OTI worked as Financial Accountant- Fixed Assets and Payroll administration with the Amnesty International between 2014 and 2015. Desirous of bringing his experience to bear on his fatherland, Ishiekwene returned to Nigeria where he founded a Financial Management Consultancy firm known as Tony Ishiekwene Konsult, Global. Apart from being a renowned financial expert, OTI is an astute politician, Public Affairs Analyst, Community Leader of repute... For the sake of performing his civic duty in solidarity with the good people of Delta State, his good friend, Olorogun O'tega Emerhor, in 2015 general elections he came home to cast his vote for his friend so that the oil-rich state could be counted among the league of democratised Nigerian states. When he wins as the Senator representing Delta North, OTI hopes to dedicate his victory to the GOOD PEOPLE OF ANIOMA Nation and to the memory of his late friend and school mate, Clement Ngbor Ojie, with whom he was involved in ghastly motor accident some years ago. While he survived by dint of the grace of God, his friend wasn't as lucky. On the crest of Anioma unity and accelerated development, OTI drives his campaign. STAND UP AND BE COUNTED AMONG POSITIVE CHANGE AGENTS.

Onyema Tony Ishiekwene

Commeth the hour, Commeth the Messiah: MEET ONYEMA TONY ISHIEKWENE - OTI for SENATE 2019. Born at Abraka in today's Ethiope Local Government Area of Delta State, on December 28, 1963 Onyema Tony Ishiekwene, is a native of Umuebu and Obiaruku both in Ukwuani Local Government area of Delta State. He was and remains a pace setter in almost every endeavour he engages in. He gained his first degree ( BSc Finance ) in 1984 from the Ivy League University of Nigeria, Nsukka in 1984 graduating along side the current CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele, former Governor Charles Chukuma Soludo, and former Deputy Governor, Babatunde Lemo. He was to start his working career at the flagship global Reinsurance conglomerate, "Royal Exchange Assurance" as Financial Analyst in October 1985 just after his NYSC, but some forces of darkness (Enemies within) decided to withhold the Interview Letter from his view and attention, and those forces determined to stop the glowing star diverted him away from the Nigerian scene, where he was already a star aged 21. He found himself stuck in the United Kingdom, against his wish, having lost his return ticket to those same dark forces such that he could not return to Nigeria to attend interviews at Central Bank of Nigeria, NAL Merchant Bank, UBA and Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, where chief Christopher Enuenwosu, an Anioma Economist from Abbi, Ndokwa West LG held sway as Acting Managing Director in 1985. Disappointed and dejected but unbroken this Anioma giant decided to defer his Financial career and turn adversity into advantage by enrolling at the London School of International Business, where he bagged Post Graduate Diploma, PGD, in International Marketing & Finance in 1987. Thereafter he registered with the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) - the Gold Standard in World Class Accountancy Studies wherein he started his training at the former London Guildhall Polytechnic now London Metropolitan University. Ishiekwene had a stint at the Accountancy Tutors PLC., a private institution dedicated to the teaching and learning of Professional Accounting and passed out in 1991 with distinctions which ultimately qualified him as a World Class in Strategic Planning, Control and Audit & Financial Management and that is the apex of Global World Class Professional Examination. That programme earned him Associate membership (ACMA) of the Institute in March 1995. Between 1992 and 1994, he studied Computing at the London College of Computer and Business at Britton Road, Oval gaining a Diploma in Data Base Management in 1993, and another Diploma in System Analysis, Design and Control in 1994 and was admitted an Associate member of the British Computer Professionals ( AACP ) in February 1995. He furthered his quest for academic excellence into the University of Greenwich, Eltham campus, School of PCET,London SE9, for his PGCE (FE) in September 1996 and completed the programme in record 10 months in July 1997. OTI had a stint in lecturing at Newham College of further Education where he taught Financial Accounting, IT Applications, Reports & Returns to Intermediate AAT, and Cost and Management Accounting to AAT Finalists and almost simultaneously he taught Cost Accounting and Management Accounting Techniques to ACCA & CIMA students at the Metropolitan College London at Kingsland Road, Hackney E8 on part - time basis. This great son of Anioma left teaching in 1998 as he returned to his primary calling - Professional Accounting taking up a job at Saint Michael and London Voluntary Service Council both of which are Non Governmental Organisations, NGOs managing Charity Accounts. He later went into Commercial Accounting in a contract that lasted for one year as Europe, Middle East and Africa, EMEA, Management Accountant at BRIVIC Plc. (An FTSE 250 FMCG- SOFT DRINK COMPANY) holding the position of Sales & Profit; Budget Analysis for markets in those three regions and Channels. Additionally, OTI worked as a Finance Manager for Oval House Theatre, a South London based Performing Arts & Education Centre between 2003 and 2013 where he performed his duties with clinical efficiency and professional aptitude, obtaining A* from the UK's Charity Commission in 9 out of 10 Statutory Accounts filed by Oval House. As a Financial Accounting wizard, OTI worked as Financial Accountant- Fixed Assets and Payroll administration with the Amnesty International between 2014 and 2015. Desirous of bringing his experience to bear on his fatherland, Ishiekwene returned to Nigeria where he founded a Financial Management Consultancy firm known as Tony Ishiekwene Konsult, Global. Apart from being a renowned financial expert, OTI is an astute politician, Public Affairs Analyst, Community Leader of repute... For the sake of performing his civic duty in solidarity with the good people of Delta State, his good friend, Olorogun O'tega Emerhor, in 2015 general elections he came home to cast his vote for his friend so that the oil-rich state could be counted among the league of democratised Nigerian states. When he wins as the Senator representing Delta North, OTI hopes to dedicate his victory to the GOOD PEOPLE OF ANIOMA Nation and to the memory of his late friend and school mate, Clement Ngbor Ojie, with whom he was involved in ghastly motor accident some years ago. While he survived by dint of the grace of God, his friend wasn't as lucky. On the crest of Anioma unity and accelerated development, OTI drives his campaign. STAND UP AND BE COUNTED AMONG POSITIVE CHANGE AGENTS.