APC members protest as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs allegedly appoints writer, Toni Kan, as her media aide

Pro-Buhari and APC members have taken to Twitter to kick against the alleged appointment of writer, Toni Kan, as the Spokesperson to the Honourable Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq.

According to reports, Hajia Farouq has appointed Kan as her media aide. This has been met with stiff opposition from APC members and staunch supporters of President Buhari.

They argue that Toni Kani has strong ties with the opposition party, PDP and that his appointment will be counterproductive. They also argue that a person who has hitherto written articles against the Buhari-led government should not be given a place to serve in the same government.

Kan also took to his Twitter handle to also defend himself. See their exchange below

President Buhari has not cancelled memos and appointments signed off by late Chief of Staff Abba Kyari - Presidency

Garba Shehu, the Senior Special Assistant to President Buhari on Media and Publicity, has dismissed media reports that President Buhari has cancelled over 150 memos and appointments signed off by his former Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari, who died on April 17, after battling COVID-19

Reports were rife on Monday with claims that the President cancelled the appointments made by late Kyari after his new Chief of Staff, Professor Ibrahim Gambari, resumed office. The reports claimed that the memos and appointments made by the late Kyari were done without the approval of the President, hence they were cancelled.

However, in a statement released this night, Garba described the report as ''Fake News''. Read the statement below

The attention of the Presidency has been drawn to media reports alleging that President Muhammadu Buhari has cancelled a number of memos and appointments signed off by his former Chief of Staff. Not surprisingly, these reports have quoted unnamed sources.

There is not a grain of truth in these reports and Nigerians should please ignore the insinuations behind them.

President Buhari was duly re-elected by Nigerians in February 2019. He has not and will never cede to anyone else, that power and trust given to him by the Nigerian people.

Garba Shehu
SSPA (Media & Publicity)

Cristiano Ronaldo shows off his new look

The Juventus star player, who has changed his hairstyle several times throughout his career, shared a photo of his new hairstyle with the caption: "Approved?"

His followers replied by giving their opinions.

Dog owner issues warning after her French bulldog dies in her arms after eating common houseplant (photos)

According to Kate Wagner, her dog ate some leaves from a sago palm – also known as a cycas revoluta plant and cardboard palm – and ended up at the emergency ward. After days of using a feeding tube, spending hundreds of dollars on expensive treatment, and a strict medication schedule, the dog Lily finally died in Kate’s arms on Saturday 16 May.

               

Kate Wagner took to Facebookto warn other dog owners about the dangers of a common houseplant: ‘Alright folks, this is going to be a very difficult story to tell, but I feel compelled to share this information. This past week has been an extremely difficult journey for us.

‘Our sweet baby Lily got into one of my houseplants and ended up fighting for her life at the emergency vet for nearly a week. She is now home with a feeding tube and a medication schedule that spans from 7 AM until 12 AM daily. There have been many tears shed, dollars spent, and guilt felt… all because of a $5 plant. ‘I’d like to spread the word about this houseplant because I had no idea when I purchased it from a big box garden center last summer that this little 6-inch plant would become my nightmare. ‘The Sago Palm is a common house plant and landscaping plant native to tropical regions
'All parts of the plants are extremely toxic to humans and animals causing liver failure and death from even minimal exposure. All parts includes the trunk, roots, leaves, and small berry-like seeds that can develop on mature plants.

After the Facebook post gathered 240,000 shares, Kate updated her followers that Lily had died.

‘On Saturday, May 16, Lily passed away in our arms,’ wrote Kate. ‘She fought hard, loved hard, and gave us a couple butt wiggles just before she just couldn’t fight any longer. ‘We loved her so very much and gave her all the love and care in the weeks since the incident we could possibly give. We are truly devastated. ‘If you are a houseplant lover, please research your house plants prior to purchasing. 

'Even if you think the house plant is in a secure location, mischievous little paws may still get into trouble. ‘Feel free to share this story. You may just save a life.’'

You are still the G.O.A.T even after 3 years of your passing - Zari Hassan mourns her late husband

South Africa based Ugandan socialite and businesswoman, Zari Hassan has taken to social media to mourn her late husband, Ivan Don Ssemwanga who died in 2017. 

The socialite who also has two kids with Tanzanian music star Diamond Planumz, described her late husband as the Greatest Of All Time who left a gap that will never be filled. She went on to say that every other person trying to live up to his legacy is only chasing clout.

Zari wrote on Instagram; 

You still the G.O.A.T even after 3 years of your passing. The game has never been the same since you left, December's are nolonger the same, obubalaza here in SA aint the same, pop bottle games not the same, your giving heart was never matched. You were the 'UN office for all'. Everyone else is just clowning or chasing clout. Your shoes are too big to fit/fill.
Continue resting in peace champ, 3years already but it seems like yesterday. We love you and miss you always 

Ivan Don Ssemwanga died in May 2017 after suffering a stroke which pushed him into coma for two weeks.

Jude Okoye did his best to help Cynthia Morgan and May D’s careers - Singer, J.Martins reacts to the ongoing contract controversy

J. Martins has weighed in on the ongoing contract controversy between Cynthia Morgan and Jude Okoye, the CEO of her former record label 'Northside Records' 

Taking to his Instagram page to react, the singer said Jude did his best to help and support Cynthia Morgan and May D, who also accused the Okoye brothers of not fully taking care of him as an artiste under their label. 

While he refused to comment on the family issues between Peter, Paul, and Jude in public, the 'Good or Bad' singer made a heartfelt request to the music executive to forgive and put the whole issue to rest.

J.Martins also called on Peter and Paul to get back together as Psquare, and also tasked Cynthia Morgan and May D to make a great comeback.

Twitter tags President Trump's tweet with fact-checking warning

President Donald Trump's tweet was given a fact-check label by Twitter for the first time on Tuesday May 26, a decision that prompted the US president to accuse the social media platform of meddling in election. 

Trump had tweeted "There is NO WAY (ZERO!) that Mail-In Ballots will be anything less than substantially fraudulent." Shortly after the tweet was sent out, a warning label was placed on the post and a subsequent tweet. 

Twitter's notification displayed a blue exclamation mark underneath the tweets, suggesting readers "get the facts about mail-in ballots". Twitter's link directed users to a page on which Mr Trump's claims about mail-in ballots are described as "unsubstantiated". The social media company cited reports on the issue by CNN, the Washington Post and others.

However President Donald Trump accused Twitter of interfering in the US presidential election scheduled for 3 November 2020 in new tweets. The US President who accused the social media company of "completely stifling free speech", stated that he will never allow it happen. 

Mr Trump's presidential campaign manager Brad Parscale also criticised Twitter. He wrote; 

"Partnering with biased fake news 'fact checkers' is a smoke screen to lend Twitter's obvious political tactics false credibility. There are many reasons we pulled all our advertising from Twitter months ago, and clear political bias is one of them."

The move marks one of the first cases of the company enforcing its policy of labeling tweets by public officials that may violate its rules. Twitter has long said it may take lesser actions, such as adding those warning notices, instead of taking down posts by politicians because their remarks are of public interest.

Nigerian lady shares horrific photos showing injuries inflicted on her sister by her husband as she calls for justice (photos)

A Nigerian lady is demanding justice for her sister who was physically assaulted by her husband.

@Modebolanle shared photos of her sister's bloody body on her Twitter handle this morning, stating that her sister's husband who she described as a ''Monster'', inflicted the injuries on her sister. She is demanding for justice.

This is what I'm facing. A monster (her husband) did this to my sister and he nearly killed her. I need help please this must not go unpunished.

My DM is open for all necessary details please'' she wrote

See photos of the injured body of her sister below

Corps members who met in Plateau state set to wed this Saturday (photos)

wo Corps members who met in Plateau state for their madatory one year youth service, are about to wed this Saturday

According to a statement from NYSC, Felicia Haruna from Kaduna state and Mark Makafan from Kogi state, met at the Mangu Orientation Camp in Plateau state in 2019, fell in love, and started a relationship that is leading to marriage. They will be wedding two days after they pass out from service this Thursday, May 28.

Read the statement from NYSC announcing their upcoming nuptial below

Corps Members Felicia Haruna PL/19B/2197 from Kaduna State and Mark Makafan Odi PL/19B/1217 from Kogi State have demonstrated symbol of true friendship, affection and love towards a blissful marital union.

They were both deployed to Plateau State for the one year mandatory service to the nation having obeyed the clarion call and reported to the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Mangu, Mangu LGA, for the 2019 Batch "B" service year.

Being members of seven (7) Platoon in camp, the duo from different backgrounds, yet, with many similarities, the relationship which was borne at Mangu camp has today culminated into marriage and as the service year draws to a close, they have unanimously declared, "I DO".

Extending the wedding invitation to the State Coordinator, NYSC Plateau, Caroline Embu, the Corps Members expressed great joy to have met during the service year and united together in love to a life time adventure.

They appreciated the NYSC Scheme for the enabling environment it created through the deployment of graduate youths to states other than their states of origin to promote unity irrespective of origin, religion, class, tribe and cultural differences which is also bridging gaps and building long lasting relationships.

In her response, NYSC Plateau State Coordinator Caroline Embu commended the intending couple for keeping faith with their heart desire and for the promotion of national integration and unity through marriage from two different states of origin and geopolitical zones. which she further described is in line with the mission statement of the NYSC Scheme.

She prayed for the intending couple and blessed their marriage with long life, prosperity and unending joy. She also advised all Corps Members to use the service year as a stepping stone to attain greater heights by being focused and having unity of purpose exhibited by Corps Members Felicia and Mark.

Their wedding ceremony is scheduled to hold at St Peter Claver Catholic Church Cathedral Kafanchan, Kaduna State on Saturday, May 30, 2020 by 10:00 am, two days after their Passing-Out from National Service.''

Photo emerges showing the White cop who knelt on George Floyd's neck wearing a "Make Whites Great Again" hat as it's revealed this is not his first time harming a civilian

The identities of at least two of the 4 cops involved in the death of an African American man, George Floyd, have been revealed and one of the officers, the one who knelt on George's neck, is being termed a racist after a photo of him wearing a "Make Whites Great Again" hat emerged.

Minneapolis police officer, Derek Chauvin, 44, is seen kneeling on George’s neck in a video shared online. The video was almost 10 minutes long and for most of it, Derek had his knee in George's neck even as the Black man continually complained that he couldn’t breathe.

As Derek Chavin - a 19-year veteran of the force - knelt on George's neck, two other officers held George down by his stomach and legs.

Even after George started bleeding from his nose and became unconscious, Derek didn't stop kneeling on his neck.

No man can stop me from returning as Edo State's Governor - Governor Obaseki

Governor Godwin Obaseki on Wednesday May 27, expressed confidence that he will win a second term in office amid the crisis rocking the All Progressives Congress in Edo state. 

Speaking on Channels Television 'Sunrise Daily', Obaseki noted that he is not a violent man but also added that no man can stop him from returning as Edo State's Governor.

He said; 

“I am not a violent person. But I am confident that the way I got into power is the same way I will return.

“God gave me power. If he wants me to return I will continue. No man can stop me. Power comes from God."

Commenting on the crisis rocking the Edo state chapter of the APC, Obaseki said; 

“We have always canvassed for peace. What are the issues in Edo and what are the issues that cannot be resolved in a democracy. Our concern is to use the resources of the people to develop the state.

“This shouldn’t lead to bloodshed. We will not accept to be cowed and intimidated because some people think that they can manipulate rules and cut corners. 

When asked if it’s not the resources of the people of Edo State that was used for him to become the governor, Obaseki added; 

"I have friends with resources. I worked for eight years behind the scene before I became governor.

“So all that insinuations about using somebody’s resources…I became Governor on the platform of the party and I am grateful for it.

“It does not matter whether it is direct or indirect (primaries), I will win."

This occurred shortly before Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu emerged as the consensus candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) faction believed to be loyal to National Chairman of the party, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole.

Femi Otedola responds to a follower who indicated interest in dating his daughter Temi Otedola

Femi Otedola responded to a follower on Instagram who left a comment to tell him he's interested in his daughter, Temi Otedola.

"Sir, hear me out, all I want is Temi. I swear I'll take care of her," the smitten follower wrote under the billionaire businessman's post.

And Mr Otedola responded: "She has a boyfriend oh."

Temi Otedola has been dating singer Mr Eazi for years now and he's been introduced to her family.

Mase calls out Diddy, says he preaches black excellence but keeps his own artists "enslaved'

Mase, one of Diddy's Bad Boy Records stars, has called the mogul out over his Grammy speech.

At the Clive Davis' pre-Grammys gala last weekend, Diddy called out the Recording Academy for overlooking rap and R&B musicians in major categories.

"Every year y'all be killing us man," Diddy said. "The amount of time it takes to make these records, to pour your heart into it, and you just want an even playing field.."

Despite getting praised for the criticisms of the Grammys, Mase has come out to put Diddy on blast for being a hypocrite and doing bad business with artistes

In a lengthy Instagram post, the "Mo Money, Mo Problems" rapper whose real name is Mason Durell Betha claimed that Diddy keeps his own artists "enslaved," purposely starves them and subjects them to his "horrendous business model."

Mase also went on to say that he offered Diddy 2 million dollars in cash to buy back his publishing, and Diddy refused, unless he matched another price.

Writing on his page alongside a picture of Meek Mill and his tweet on slave contracts, the 42-year-old wrote:

@diddy I heard your #Grammy speech about how u are now for the artist and about how the artist must take back control. So I will be the first to take that initiative. Also, before we ask of other ethnicities to do us right we should do us as black people better. Especially the creators. I heard u loud and clear when u said that u are now for the artist and to that my response is if u want to see change you can make a change today by starting with yourself.

Your past business practices knowingly has continued purposely starved your artist and been extremely unfair to the very same artist that helped u obtain that Icon Award on the iconic Badboy label. For example, u still got my publishing from 24 years ago in which u gave me $20k. Which makes me never want to work w/ u as any artist wouldn’t after u know someone is robbing you & tarnishing your name when u don’t want to comply w/ his horrendous business model.

However, people would always ask what’s up w/ Mase? So I would be forced to still perform to not look crazy when I was getting peanuts and the robbery would continue. So many great moments and people lives in music were lost. But again, I rode with u in the face of death without flinching & u still wouldn’t do right. I never said anything because I wanted to wait until I was financially great so I can ensured that I was addressing this from a pure place and not out of spite.

To add insult, u keep screaming black excellence and love but I know love isn’t free.So I offered u 2m in cash just a few days ago to sell me back my publishing(as his biggest artist alive) that always show u respect for u giving me an opportunity at 19 yrs old.

Your response was if I can match what the EUROPEAN GUY OFFER him that would be the only way I can get it back. Or else I can wait until I’m 50 years old and it will revert back to me from when I was 19 years old. You bought it for about 20k & I offered you 2m in cash. This is not black excellence at all.

When our own race is enslaving us. If it’s about us owning, it can’t be about us owning each other. No More Hiding Behind “Love”. U CHANGED? GIVE THE ARTIST BACK THEIR $$$. So they can take care of their famili

Woman gives birth to conjoined twins in Kaduna

A house wife in Tudun Wada, Soba Local Government in Kaduna State, has given birth to conjoined twins.

Anas Soba, an aide to the Kaduna State Commissioner of Finance, who visited the family on Thursday, January 30th, simply identified the mother as wife of one Malam Gambo.

More photos below...

'Him don buy new laptop for the Babalawo wey help am' - Twitter Users react to reports of Man U. signing Odion Ighalo.

According to Sky Sports, Manchester United have agreed a deal with Shanghai Shenhua of China to sign Nigeria forward Odion Ighalo just hours before transfer deadline approaches.

According to multiple reports in England, Ighalo has been signed on a six months loan deal and will fly into Manchester on Saturday morning to finalize his signing with the club.

Twitter users however expressed mixed emotions regarding the news. Some feel he truly deserves such a big move in his career and feel Man United run no risk with the deal while some feel Manchester United shouldn't have waited till the last hour to sign a striker when they had a month to make signings.

See some reactions below.

                 

Singer, Kelis claims she was exploited by Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo when she released her first two albums.

American singer-songwriter, Kelis, has claimed she was exploited by The Neptunes’ Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo when she released her first two albums.

The 40-year-old singer was helped by the duo when they produced her debut album Kaleidoscope, which was released in 1999. They also produced her second studio album, Wanderland released in 2001, but she is claiming she made “nothing” from the releases after being “blatantly lied to and tricked”.

Speaking in a recent interview with The Guardian, the ex-wife of Legendary rapper, Nas, said she first worked with The Neptunes and initially believed them to have provided a “pure” and “creative safe space” to produce her first album.

Narrating her experience at the age of 19, Kelis said: “It ended up not being that at all. I was told we were going to split the whole thing [by 33%], which we didn’t do.”

The hitmaker added she isn’t “angry” over the situation but decided to work with other producers for her third album Tasty (2003) which “offended” The Neptunes.


When asked if she’d work with Pharrell or Chad again, she quipped: “There’s having faith and there is also just stupidity.”

''We were continuously beaten with hammers, planks, knieves'' - One of 'Ikokwu 4’ narrates ordeal in police cell, says Chima was tortured to death

The four men arrested and detained in the cell of the Eagle Crack, (E-Crack) Squad of the Rivers State Police have been narrating their ordeal following their release from detention.

Recall that Victor Ogbonna, Osaze Friday, Ifeanyi Osuji, Ifeanyi Onyekwere and late Chima Ikwunado, were arrested on December 19, 2019. They were allegedly tortured in detention to admit that they stole one of the cars they were repairing. However, the owners of the cars, Eradiri Erepamo and Chinedu Ezenwaliri later said that their vehicles were not stolen but given to the arrested men for repair.

While Chima died in detention, police allegedly continued to torture the men to force them to confess to theft of the cars and later arraigned them on spurious charges of robbery.



The men known as 'Ikokwu 4' regained their freedom on Wednesday after the Director of Public Prosecution, DPP, made “a no case submission” at the magistrate court. Read details  here

Speaking during a phone-in programme on Nigeriainfo FM radio, Port Harcourt on Thursday, one of the men Victor Ogbonna, said that one of the leaders of the police ‘torture team’ is a woman.

Ogbonna, in the live interactive programme, claimed that the female police officer was always hitting the private part of the late Chima, threatening to cut off his Penis if he refused to confess that the vehicle they were arrested in was stolen. According to Ogbonna, the female police officer threatened the late Chima Ikwunado saying:
“If you refuse to confess that you are an armed robber and a cultist, I will cut off your penis so that you would not be able to impregnate any woman again (touching his Penis).

Ogbonna further alleged that before the late Ikwunado died, he was bleeding through his nose and ears from the severe beatings he received from the police officers.
“When Chima died, the Policemen asked us to carry out his dead body, which they covered and hid from the public. We don’t know where his corpse was dumped.”



Describing further how they were allegedly tortured, he said: “We were handcuffed and hanged face down on an iron poles behind the E-Crack Cell. There were times they hanged us and left for the day’s patrol until they came back. We were 95 persons in a cell. Due to the severe beatings, we even told them to take all the monies the seized from us. But they refused. I can’t even use my two hands now.”

He also lamented that there are still some people still detained at the E-Crack Cell who are pleading guilty to crimes they are not guilty of.

Victor said among the detainees still in the E-Crack cell was a man who was dressed up to travel to his village for Christmas in December, but was arrested in front of his house.



On the nature of torture, Ogbonna claimed the Policemen used all manners of weapons, including hammers, planks, knives, unknown chemicals on them.

On the allegations that they were armed robbers and cultists, Ogbonna said the claims were lies cooked up by the Police.
“The Policemen were the ones that wrote our statements for us and forced us to agree we committed the crimes after unbearable tortures.”

Coronavirus: No kissing or hugging - Watchdog tells Russians

Russians were on Friday January 31, advised by the country's consumer health watchdog to refrain from greeting each other with handshakes, kisses or hugs and to wear medical masks in crowded public places.

Though Russia has imposed border restrictions to prevent the spread of the virus from China which is its southeastern neighbor and is also yet to confirm any coronavirus case, Rospotrebnadzor which is also a state watchdog, told Russian businesses that employ Chinese nationals to extend their holidays until further notice if the employees are already on leave in China.

Russians were further advised to tie back long hair, avoid touching door knobs and banisters in public places and to avoid close contact with people with flu symptoms.

Amid Russia's announcement of closing its land borders with China to pedestrians and vehicles, the Asian country said on Friday that the death toll from the new virus has reached 213.

LIB reported earlier that the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the flu-like virus a global health emergency.

Dramatic scenes of celebration in London as the UK formally exits EU after 47 years.

There were scenes of celebration in London at 12am on Saturday morning as the United Kingdom officially left the European Union, finally giving effect to the result of the referendum on EU membership held in June 2016.

The UK has been a member of the EU bloc for 47 years, therefore British citizens couldn't hide their excitement as thousands of people waved British flags in London's Parliament Square to mark Brexit.
                      

After 31 January 2020, there will be a transition period until the end of 2020, while the UK and EU negotiate additional arrangements. The current rules on trade, travel, and business for the UK and EU will continue to apply during the transition period although the UK will no longer be represented in the bloc's institutions.
           
          


British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Saturday morning promised to unite the UK in a new era of prosperity, predicting a "new era of friendly cooperation" with the EU while Britain takes a greater role globally.

                         
"The most important thing to say tonight is that this is not an end but a beginning," he said in a televised address.
The European Commission resulting to the UK's withdrawal from the bloc said;
"We want to have the best possible relationship with the United Kingdom, but it will never be as good as membership," European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said on Saturday  morning in Brussels.
The EU’s foreign affairs chief, Josep Borrell, said:
The United Kingdom will remain a key partner for the European Union. I look forward to what I hope will be a very close cooperation with our British friends on our common challenges at the regional and global level.
The US secretary of state, Mike Pompeo, reacting to the withdraw said:

'I am pleased the UK and EU have agreed on a Brexit deal that honours the will of the British people. We will continue building upon our strong, productive, and prosperous relationship with the UK as they enter this next chapter.'

She promised to show me the power of a woman - LASEMA boss says as he drags ex-lover to court over N45m property

The Director-General of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Oke-Osanyintolu has dragged his ex-lover Ms Olaide Ibraheem to court over ownership of a property located at No.1 Baba Yusuf Close in Alausa, Lagos.

Ibraheem was first arraigned before the Igbosere High Court on May 22, 2017 on three-count charge of forgery, forcible entry and criminal damage of the property which allegedly belongs to Oke-Osanyintolu.

During the trial, the LASEMA boss' personal assistant and a signature expert testified before the court.

Ibraheem who is the Director,  Admin and Human Resources in the Lagos State Office of Civic Engagement on her own part called in 6 witnesses which included a surveyor and a police officer.

According to Oke-Sanyitolu, he paid for the N45m property by installment through his personal assistant Luqman Salami, after Ibraheem negotiated the purchase of the property on his behalf from its former owner, Baba Yusuf who lives in Kano.

He alleged that days after the Deed of Assignment were signed after the final installment, Ibraheem took over the property with hoodlums she allegedly brought in. The LASEMA boss said when he reported his ex-lover's action to relevant authorities, she promised to show him the "power of a woman".

On her own part, Ibraheem insisted that she is the owner of the property as Oke-Sanyitolu only accompanied her to visit Baba Musa, the former owner of the property who said he can't sell the property to a woman unless she came with her spouse.

She disclosed that she signed the Deed of Assignment alongside the owner of the property, his son and Oke-Sanyitolu while Salami, Oke-Sanyitolu’s personal assistant was a witness.

Ibraheem denied taking over the property illegally and also accused Oke-Sanyitolu of procuring another Deed of Assignment for the property and trying to register it with the Lagos State Ministry of Land after their relationship ended.


Justice Oluwatoyin Ipaye who presided over the case, fixed February 7 for the adoption of final written addresses after listening to the submissions from the Defence Counsel, Mr Adeoye Asaolu and Mr Akin George, the lead state prosecutor.

Nigerians in Chinese city affected by coronavirus unwilling to return home - Lai Mohammed

The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed has disclosed that Nigerians living in Chinese city of Wuhan where coronavirus was first noticed, have expressed unwillingness to return home.

Speaking at a press conference on Friday January 31, Lai Mohammed who noted that the federal government cannot stop Nigerians from travelling to China, stated that they are already in contact with 16 Nigerians living in Wuhan.

He said;

“We know it is a bit difficult to ban people from travelling.
“Another thing is that this is not a basis to stigmatise people who come from there.
“Even if we have Nigerians who are there, unless they indicate interest that they want to come home, we can’t force them.
“I know we have Nigerians in Wuhan; our Embassy in China has confirmed that we have about 16 Nigerians in Wuhan and they are in touch with them.
“They have, however, not indicated their interest to come home. They will, however, contact our embassy if they like to come home.
“We need a lot of public enlightenment. We need to let people who travel know that there is the need for absolute transparency and absolute honesty when they are filling out forms.”

This is coming after the Nigerian government issued a travel advisory to Nigerians, telling them not to travel to China over the flu-like virus ravaging the Asian country.

PDP writes UK, US and EU over Ihedioha's loss at the Supreme Court

The People's Democratic Party (PDP) has written a petition to the United Kingdom, United States and the European Union after its chairman, Uche Secondus led a protest to the US embassy and the UK high commission in Abuja on Friday January 31, over Emeka Ihedioha's loss at the Supreme Court to Hope Uzodinma of the All Progressives Congress.

Senate Minority Leader, Enyinnaya Abaribe; former President of the Senate, Adolphus Wabara; former Imo State governor, Chief Achike Udenwa, as well as members of the National Working Committee (NWC) participated in the protest against the judgement of the apex court which sacked the Emeka Ihedioha as governor of Imo State.

In its petition titled ‘Perversion of Justice: Deliberate Efforts At Truncating Democracy in Nigeria,’ the PDP alleged that Nigeria's democracy is in danger as the judiciary has been compromised by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to pervert justice in its favour.

The PDP who called for a review of the court judgement, accused the Supreme Court of declaring additional votes (beyond the official number of accredited voters) from 388 polling units which was not certified by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The petition reads in part;

“You may recall that our party, the PDP, the leading opposition party in Nigeria, has been raising issues regarding the continuous interference and arm-twisting of the judiciary by the executive arm and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to influence the outcome of election petitions in various courts, annul elections won by our party and transfer victory to the APC.
“Your Excellency, it may have come to your notice that there have been serious protests in various states of our nation threatening the stability of our nation over a recent judgment of the Supreme Court.
“It is instructive to inform you that this perversion of justice has already sparked off protests in various parts of our country and has become a clear threat to peace, unity and stability of our nation and the survival of our democracy.
“We rejected the judgment with clear call for a judicial review and ultimate reversal of the judgment by the Supreme Court.
“Nigerians had been at a shock over the voiding of the lawful election of Ihedioha, who scored 276,404 votes and awarding fictitious votes to declare Hope Uzodimma of the APC, who scored 96, 458 votes as governor of Imo State that the Supreme Court voided.
"The Supreme Court declared additional votes (beyond the official number of accredited voters) from 388 polling units, not certified by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and donated same to the APC and its candidate to declare them winners. It added that the action of the Justice Tanko-led Supreme Court raises very serious issues about miscarriage of justice against the party and democratic order.
"The same Supreme Court in the most celebrated case of Atiku V Buhari & Ors, decided that for a petitioner to succeed in an allegation of infraction of any provision of the Electoral Act especially one complaining about malpractice, such as wrongful exclusion of votes, the petitioner must call witnesses polling unit by polling unit.
“However in this case, the same Supreme Court was not presented any witness from Uzodinma/APC from the fictitious 388 polling units from where the court allocated votes to him. Does the Supreme Court have powers to formulate and allocate votes as election results?
“The so-called results from the 388 polling units were rightfully rejected, in line with several decisions of the Supreme Court, by the tribunal and Court of Appeal as it was merely dumped on the tribunal in a bag, by a policeman who had no mandate of the police to testify at the tribunal.
“The tribunal did not even open the bag as there was no basis to do so. It is one of the great wonders of the world how the Supreme Court opened the bag, counted the results and added them to only the APC candidate.
“What is more perplexing is the fact that INEC produced a schedule of reasons why results were not produced from the 388 units.
“Indeed, election did not even take place in most of the units for one reason or another, like violence among others and so no result could possibly be obtained from those units. The results were not merely rejected or cancelled by INEC.
“Moreover, your Excellency, nobody is aware of the number of votes scored by each party from the said 388 polling units. The tribunal or Court of Appeal did not mention or ascribe any figure from the units to any party in their decisions.
“In fact, during the cross examination of the APC candidate, Senator Hope Uzodinma, he could not read any figure from the said results. He said that the figures were not clear. lt therefore beats the imagination where the Supreme Court conjured and manufactured the figures it used in declaring Uzodinma/ APC as duly elected?” the party stated.
“It drew the countries attention to the Supreme Court decision in Buhari v. INEC (2008); which says that “weight can hardly be attached to a document tendered in evidence by a witness who cannot or is not in a position to answer questions on the document. “One of such persons the law identifies is the one who did not make the document. Such a person is adjudged in the eyes of the law as ignorant of the content of the document.
“The question is; can the Supreme Court sit in Abuja on January 14, 2020, to increase the total number of accredited votes in election held in Imo State on March 9, 2019? “Is there any law, which permits the Supreme Court or anyone else for that matter, to unilaterally increase the total accredited votes by any margin after the accreditation and or the election? “Where did the Supreme Court get the numbers to declare Uzodinma/APC from a paltry 96,456 votes over Ihedioha/ PDP votes of 276,404? “Even if all the excess accredited votes of 127,209 manufactured by the Supreme Court were added to Uzodinma/APC it will be 223, 657 votes, still less than Ihedioha’s votes of 276,494 by 42,747 votes,” the party said. According to the PDP, the Supreme Court, as presently constituted under Justice Mohammed Tanko, has lost its credibility and no longer commands the respect and confidence of Nigerians, adding that if the people no longer repose confidence in the Supreme Court, the nation’s democracy, national cohesion and stability were at great risk. It called on the United States of America and the international community to take more than a passing glance to this issue in order to avoid an imminent breakdown of law and order.
“Our demand is that Justice Tanko Mohammed immediately steps down as CJN and chairman of the National Judicial Council as Nigerians have lost confidence in him and a Supreme Court under his leadership.
“Anything short than this is a direct invitation to anarchy chaos and a huge threat to our democracy and the corporate existence of our nation."

PDP's national chairman, Uche secondus also called for the resignation of President Buhari, while being led into the US embassy by PDP foreign liaison officer. He stated that President Muhammadu Buhari has lost control of security situation in the country.

He said;

“Our nation is in danger. We are in pain and we are in trouble. We back our minority leader asking and demanding that Buhari should resign because he has lost control absolutely.
“It is not time for propaganda and it is not time for the Presidency to respond to issues that are very sensitive and germane for the foundation of our country.
“When we speak, you see one of them responding but they have left the main issue. The issue is that our people are dying and are in hunger. You cannot travel from Abuja to Kaduna, you cannot go to Minna. You cannot go on road. All over the country, insecurity and killings are too much and overwhelming.
“We believe that the president has lost control. The international community should come quickly to the aid of Nigeria. We have the highest IDP in Africa today, and yet we are not at war. That is the mission why we are here.” 

I’m hopeful Supreme Court will not overturn its judgement against Ihedioha – Governor Uzodinma

Hope Uzodinma has expressed hope of the Supreme Court not overturning the judgement which brought him in as Governor of Imo State and sacked Emeka Ihedioha of the People's Democratic Party from the position.

Speaking to newsmen after being presented to President Muhammadu Buhari by APC Chairman Adams Oshiomhole, Hope Uzodinma alleged that Ihedioha's reasons for seeking a review and reversal of the supreme court judgement are based on falsehood. He also insisted that the time for election petitions are over.

He said;

“I am not disturbed by the PDP’s move to seek a review of the judgment. I am not concerned because I believe they are going back to the Supreme Court based on falsehood because the number of accredited votes outside the excluded votes is what they are talking about.
“But, if you are going to court, you must go to court to discuss or talk about the number of accredited votes including the excluded polling units. If you compute the number of accredited votes inclusive of the excluded voters, the figures are correct.
“We went to court with an issue of exclusion; we didn’t go to court complaining about election malpractices, violence and all of that. So, it is a peculiar case.
“My case can be likened to that of Jim Nwobodo vs Onoh and Omoboriowo vs Ajasin – It is the position of the Supreme Court that where an election has been announced at a polling unit, INEC is bound to collect the result and enter the results into the Form EC 8B.
“So, let INEC tell us what happened; I’m a lawmaker and I participated in the amendment of the Electoral Act. Election petitions are timed.
“As far as I’m concerned, the 60 days left for Supreme Court to look into that matter has expired. I’m not a lawyer but with my little knowledge of law making, I understand what is in the Electoral Act."

Republicans looking happy while Democrats look dejected as senate trial ends without witnesses, clearing path for Trump's acquittal (photos)

Senate Majority leader Mitch McConnel alongside his Republican senate colleagues were seen on Friday night looking joyful while the Senate Democrats looked dejected after senators voted 51-49 to not call witnesses on Friday.

The narrow vote came after Republican senators said they did not need to hear more evidence, and pressed toward acquitting President Trump next week.

Donald Trump's impeachment trial at the senate will now surely end next week Wednesday just after Trump delivers his State of the Union speech to congress on Tuesday.

Two Republicans, Mitt Romney and Susan Collins, joined Democrats in their push for witnesses – but it was not enough as Republicans had majority votes of 51 and voted against calling witnesses while 49 other senators (majority Democrats) voted in favour of witnesses.

The witnesses, like John Bolton are needed by Democrats to corroborate House of Reps allegations that Trump abused his power and obstructed congress by withholding military aid to Ukraine in exchange for investigations into his political rival, Joe Biden.

Democrats like Senate Majority  leader Chuck Schumer could be seen fuming while calling the vote 'a tragedy on a very large scale.' While Republican senators eventually had the last laugh.

More photos below