See What Dangote Is Promising All Nigerians By 2019

<div class="image-container" itemprop="image"> <img alt="dangote (1)" class="attachment-full size-full wp-post-image" height="268" src="http://4a7jjc25uykf24u8sd3k8m5n.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/dangote-1.jpg" width="400" /> </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Aliko Dangote, the Chairman of Dangote Group, on Monday said Nigeria would be self-sufficient in rice, sugar and other commodities by 2019.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Dangote said this in Abuja at a meeting with the United Nations Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon, Nigerian businessmen and some philanthropists. The billionaire businessman, who was speaking against the backdrop of his investment in the economy in the nation, added that Nigeria would soon become the largest exporter of petroleum products and fertiliser.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> He said he would not want to be known as the richest man alone, but would also lend his voice and other capacity to better the lots of Nigerians; and commended the steps being taken by the President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration in addressing the challenge of corruption facing the nation.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <strong>Read More</strong>: <span style="color: red;"><a href="http://dailytimes.com.ng/dangote-promises-nigerians-sufficient-salt-and-sugar-by-2019/" style="color: red;">dailytimes</a></span></div>

See What Dangote Is Promising All Nigerians By 2019

BASAM 0 11:56:00

Aliko Dangote, the Chairman of Dangote Group, on Monday said Nigeria would be self-sufficient in rice, sugar and other commodities by 2019. Dangote said this in Abuja at a meeting with the United Nations Secreta… link to this post

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Soldiers ‘force’ suicide bomber to blow self up

<div class="article-photo"> <span class="set-image-border" style="float: none;"><img alt="Soldiers ‘force’ suicide bomber to blow self up" class="setborder" src="https://www.thecable.ng/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Operation-Lafiya-Dole-653x365.jpg" style="float: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative;" /></span></div> <div class="article-controls" style="margin-bottom: 0px;"> <div class="date"> <div class="calendar-date"> </div> <div class="calendar-time">  </div> </div> </div> <strong>The Nigeria army says its men have forced a suicide bomber to detonate improvised explosive devices (IEDs) on himself, thus preventing another suicide bomb.</strong><br /> According to a statement signed by Sani usman, a colonel and acting director of army public relations, the army intercepted the suspected bomber on his way to Ummarari community in Borno state,<br /> “Troops of 7 Division Garrison, Forward Operation Base (FOB), on Saturday averted yet another suicide bombing catastrophe on Ummarari community by suspected Boko Haram terrorist at about 7 a.m,” Usman said.<br /> “The suicide bomber was intercepted by the vigilant troops and the civilian JTF while attempting to enter the village to detonate his dangerous cargo on innocent persons in the community.”<br /> It said the suspect was forced to detonate his explosives, after he was halted by security agents and members of the Civilian JTF.<br /> “The suicide bomber detonated the strapped Improvised Explosive Device (IED) vest on his body, thus killing himself instantly, when he was forced to halt, based on suspicion that he was carrying suicide bombing material.<br /> “Thankfully, there was no any other casualty other than the suspected suicide bomber.<br /> “Troops and the Civilian JTF at the village are now combing the surrounding area to forestall further attacks and clear the environment of likely remnants of Boko Haram terrorists hibernating,”<br /> source: thecableng

Soldiers ‘force’ suicide bomber to blow self up

BASAM 0 11:43:00

  The Nigeria army says its men have forced a suicide bomber to detonate improvised explosive devices (IEDs) on himself, thus preventing another suicide bomb. According to a statement signed by Sani usman, a colonel and acting director of ar… link to this post

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Iheanacho’s goals sink Stoke

<div class="article-photo"> <span class="set-image-border" style="float: none;"><img alt="Iheanacho’s goals sink Stoke" class="setborder" src="https://www.thecable.ng/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Kelechi-Iheanacho-3-653x365.jpg" style="float: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative;" /></span></div> <div class="article-controls" style="margin-bottom: 0px;"> <div class="date"> <div class="calendar-date"> </div> <div class="calendar-time">  </div> </div> </div> <strong>Nigerian forward Kelechi Iheanacho scored two second-half goals to help Manchester City to a 4-0 victory over Stoke City on Saturday.</strong><br /> Making a rare start in the Premier League, the Super Eagle grabbed his chance with both hands, also winning the penalty that Sergio Aguero coolly converted for City’s second goal of the encounter.<br /> <div class="wp-caption aligncenter" id="attachment_102441" style="width: 560px;"> <a href="https://www.thecable.ng/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Kelechi-Iheanacho-4.jpg"><img alt="Kelechi Iheanacho 4" class="wp-image-102441" height="330" src="https://www.thecable.ng/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Kelechi-Iheanacho-4.jpg" width="550" /></a><div class="wp-caption-text"> Iheanacho dribbling past Stoke goalkeeper, Jakob Haugaard, for his second and City’s fourth of the game</div> </div> City took the lead 10 minutes before half time when Fernando glanced a Jesus Navas corner beyond Shay Given, and there was still some time to add a second before the break, after Iheanacho drew a foul from Ryan Shawcross in the 18-yard box and Aguero stepped up to convert with aplomb.<br /> A groin injury forced Stoke to replace Given with Jakob Haugaard at the restart, and the new goalkeeper conceded his first goal in the 64th minute when, following good work by Zabaleta, Iheanacho fire into the net.<br /> The 19-year-old grabbed his brace 10 minutes later. Played in by Wilfried Bony, Iheanacho’s first touch took the ball beyond two Stoke defenders, and he went on to round Haugaard and slot into the net to hand his team a psychological boost ahead of Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League encounter with real Madrid.<br /> credit: thecableng

Iheanacho’s goals sink Stoke

BASAM 0 11:40:00

  Nigerian forward Kelechi Iheanacho scored two second-half goals to help Manchester City to a 4-0 victory over Stoke City on Saturday. Making a rare start in the Premier League, the Super Eagle grabbed his chance with both hands, also winni… link to this post

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15 Things Men Don’t Understand About Women

<div class="image-container" itemprop="image"> <img alt="1" class="attachment-full size-full wp-post-image" height="378" src="http://4a7jjc25uykf24u8sd3k8m5n.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/1142.jpg" width="963" /> </div> <div class="p1 body-el-text standard-body-el-text" style="text-align: justify;"> <strong data-redactor-tag="strong" data-verified="redactor">1. Why it feels so good to take off your bra at the end of the day. </strong>This is why they should make little bras for testicles so they can keep them in this weird sweaty thing that you have to keep adjusting, and sometimes one of them falls out of it, and it also itches and pinches in a weird way. Then when they take it off after 10 hours, they too shall dance the dance of kings.</div> <div class="p1 body-el-text standard-body-el-text" style="text-align: justify;"> <strong data-redactor-tag="strong" data-verified="redactor">2. Why you’ll say something is fine when it’s not fine.</strong> I wish all women could be direct all the time, but we’re socialized from birth to be nice and polite and not get upset or be “bitchy,” which unfortunately can result in the occasional “I’m fine” while smoke comes out of our ears like a cartoon in the 1960s. Just accept this about us and also pay more attention to when we’re not fine, so you don’t have to ask that question.</div> <div class="p1 body-el-text standard-body-el-text" style="text-align: justify;"> <strong data-redactor-tag="strong" data-verified="redactor">3. Why catcalling is never cute or complimentary. </strong>No, a gross, sweaty, weird dude telling me I have a nice ass when I’m just trying to go home after a long day is not a really nice compliment, and no, it’s not the same as a hot girl telling you you’re hot. It’s just not. Guys cannot understand this and trying to explain it to them will always make you want to throw yourself into the sea.</div> <div class="p1 body-el-text standard-body-el-text" style="text-align: justify;"> <strong data-redactor-tag="strong" data-verified="redactor">4. Why bras cost so much. </strong>We don’t understand it either, so if you could pick up dinner tonight, that’d be great. We just had to buy two bras and now we can’t eat for four weeks.</div> <div class="p1 body-el-text standard-body-el-text" style="text-align: justify;"> <strong data-redactor-tag="strong" data-verified="redactor">5. Why buying jeans is like stepping into hell and all of the jeans were made by the devil. </strong>I have often fantasized about what it must be like to waltz into a store and be like, “My waist is a size 27!” and they bring you a bunch of jeans that fit like a glove, but that is not a thing for women. Instead, we’re faced with a pile of jeans on the floor of the dressing room and breathing into a paper bag because who are we anymore if the pair of jeans that usually fits doesn’t fit our calves for some reason. What is this life?!</div> <div class="p1 body-el-text standard-body-el-text" style="text-align: justify;"> <strong data-redactor-tag="strong" data-verified="redactor">6. Why we have so many pillows on our couch/bed. </strong>I’m sorry but I love being cozy. Why do you not like being cozy? Are you OK?</div> <div class="p1 body-el-text standard-body-el-text" style="text-align: justify;"> <strong data-redactor-tag="strong" data-verified="redactor">7. Why we need another shirt/dress/pair of shoes when we already have one that looks exactly like it. </strong>I’ll admit this is a little silly but if we have a favorite striped shirt and then we wear it and we want to wear a striped shirt a few days later, we can’t because it’s in the laundry basket. Hence, my closet full of nothing but striped shirts. That actually doesn’t make any sense, but still.</div> <div class="p1 body-el-text standard-body-el-text" style="text-align: justify;"> <strong data-redactor-tag="strong" data-verified="redactor">8. Why it takes so long to do eye makeup. </strong>I want you to try to take a tiny pencil and draw straight lines on it very close to the lash line and then get both eyes to look exactly the same with no variation, and then you can ask me why.</div> <div class="p1 body-el-text standard-body-el-text" style="text-align: justify;"> <strong data-redactor-tag="strong" data-verified="redactor">9. When you ask them to take a picture of you, you mean “upwards of 10.” </strong>Because the odds that you’re Diane Arbus behind the camera are pretty slim, so we’re going to need options (followed by an extensive period of filtering and adjustments because it’s an art, thanks).</div> <div class="p2 body-el-text standard-body-el-text" style="text-align: justify;"> <strong data-redactor-tag="strong" data-verified="redactor">10. That period pain is very serious and real and no freaking joke. </strong>Unfortunately, evendoctors have been found to ignore women’s menstrual cramps, which can make women less likely to speak up when something could actually be really wrong.  Can’t you guys just assume it’s like a pain you’ll never experience ever and then go get us chocolate?</div> <div class="p1 body-el-text standard-body-el-text" style="text-align: justify;"> <strong data-redactor-tag="strong" data-verified="redactor">11. Why we ask if we look fat in something.</strong> I guess it’s because the pressure to be thin is all-consuming sometimes and because our self-esteem can fluctuate and also because we’re human beings who sometimes need emotional support? IDK.</div> <div class="p1 body-el-text standard-body-el-text" style="text-align: justify;"> <strong data-redactor-tag="strong" data-verified="redactor">12. Why we think romantic comedies are seriously life-giving. </strong>Actually, some dudes totally get this and they are gold among men, but the ones who don’t, dudes, I don’t know what to tell you, other than you should get some new feelings. Feelings are great.</div> <div class="p3 body-el-text standard-body-el-text" style="text-align: justify;"> <strong data-redactor-tag="strong" data-verified="redactor">13. </strong><strong data-redactor-tag="strong" data-verified="redactor">Why we have 400 products in our bathroom and the weight of all of it practically buries us every time we open our medicine cabinet.</strong> We didn’t make the rules, but yes we do “need” foundation, concealer, eyeliner (so much eyeliner, in all colors), multiple eye shadow palettes, lip liner, lip gloss, lipstick, lip balm, and also 90 waxing products. I’m not even counting things like toothpaste and deodorant, and I could list another 20 things if I felt like it, but even listing these is making me tired.</div> <div class="p4 body-el-text standard-body-el-text" style="text-align: justify;"> <strong data-redactor-tag="strong" data-verified="redactor">14. Girl drama.</strong> I don’t have time to explain to you what patriarchy is and why it wants us all to hate each other, but let me tell you, we hate it and most of us just want to be friends with every woman on earth because every woman on earth is mostly great. Plus, it’s fun to have access to other women’s closets, TBH.</div> <div class="p4 body-el-text standard-body-el-text" style="text-align: justify;"> <strong data-redactor-tag="strong" data-verified="redactor">15. The difference between leggings, pantyhose, and tights. </strong>Nothing makes me laugh more than a guy calling leggings “tights.” Nothing.</div> <div class="p4 body-el-text standard-body-el-text" style="text-align: justify;"> <strong>Credit: Cosmopolitan</strong></div>

15 Things Men Don’t Understand About Women

BASAM 0 05:12:00

1. Why it feels so good to take off your bra at the end of the day. This is why they should make little bras for testicles so they can keep them in this weird sweaty thing that you have to keep adjusting, and so… link to this post

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Yobe Holds National Assembly Bye Election

<em><strong><img alt="Yobe National Assembly Election" class="alignleft wp-image-173666 size-medium" height="162" src="http://www.channelstv.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Kogi-election-300x162.jpg" width="300" /> </strong></em><br /> <br /> <em><strong>The National Assembly bye election is currently holding in Yobe State, northeast Nigeria.</strong></em><br /> The election is taking place in order to fill the vacant seat left by the Minister of State of Foreign Affairs, Khadija Ibrahim.<br /> Mrs Ibrahim represented the Damaturu, Gujba, Gulani and Tarmuwa Federal Constituency before her nomination to serve in the President Muhammadu Buhari cabinet.<br /> The election is holding in Damaturu, the state capital, as well as Gujba, Gulani and Tarmuwa Local Government Areas, constituting the federal constituency.<br /> The streets of Damaturu, like other affected council areas remain deserted as security operatives continue to search for vehicles and people using the road.<br /> Reports say that electoral officials arrived most venues on Saturday morning in good time for the polls.<br /> Four political parties: National Conscience Party (NCP), Advance Congress for Democracy (ACD), All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are participating in the bye election.<br /> credit: channelstv

Yobe Holds National Assembly Bye Election

BASAM 0 05:07:00

  The National Assembly bye election is currently holding in Yobe State, northeast Nigeria. The election is taking place in order to fill the vacant seat left by the Minister of State of Foreign Affairs, Khadija Ibrahim. Mrs Ibrahim represented the D… link to this post

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Why Women Leave Men They Love, What Every Man Needs To Know

<div class="image-container" itemprop="image"> <img alt="love" class="attachment-full size-full wp-post-image" height="437" src="http://4a7jjc25uykf24u8sd3k8m5n.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/love.jpg" width="300" /> </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> As a marriage counsellor working with men and women in relationship crisis, I help clients navigate numerous issues. While many situations are complex, there’s one profoundly simple truth that men need to know: Women leave men they love.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> They feel terrible about it. It tears their heart out of them. But they do it. They rally their courage and their resources and they leave. Women leave men with whom they have children, homes and lives.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Women leave for many reasons, but there’s one reason in particular that haunts me, one that I want men to understand: Women leave because their man is not present. He’s working, golfing, gaming, watching TV, fishing…the list is long. These aren’t bad men. They’re good men. They’re good fathers. They support their family. They’re nice, likeable. But they take their wife for granted. They’re not present.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Women in my office tell me: <em>“Someone could come and sweep me off my feet, right out from under my husband.”</em> Sometimes the realization scares them. Sometimes it makes them cry.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Men, I’m not saying this is right or wrong. I’m telling you what I see. You can get as angry, hurt or indignant as you want. Your wife is not your property. She does not owe you her soul. You earn it. Day by day, moment after moment. You win her over first and foremost with your presence, your aliveness. She needs to feel it. She wants to talk to you about what matters to her and to feel that you’re listening to her. Not nodding politely. Not placating. Definitely not playing devil’s advocate.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> She wants you to feel her. She doesn’t want absent-minded groping or quick sex. She wants to feel your passion. Can you feel your passion? Can you show her? Not just your passion for her or for sex; your passion for being alive. Do you have it? It’s the most attractive thing you possess. If you’ve lost it, what’s the reason? Where did it go? Find out. Find it. If you never discovered it, you are living on borrowed time.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> If you think you’re present with your wife, try listening to her. Does your mind wander? Notice. When you look at her, how deeply do you see her? Look again, look deeper. Meet her gaze and keep it for longer than usual, longer than what’s comfortable. If she asks what you’re doing, tell her: “I’m looking into you. I want to see you deeply. I’m curious about who you are. After all these years I still want to know who you are, every day.” But only say it if you mean it, if you know it’s true.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Touch her with your full attention. Before you put your hand on her, notice the sensation in your hand. Notice what happens the moment you make contact. What happens in your body? What do you feel? Notice the most subtle sensations and emotions. (This is sometimes described as mindfulness.) Tell her everything you’re noticing, moment after moment.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> But you’re busy. You don’t have time for all this. How about five minutes? Five minutes a day. Will you commit to that? I’m not talking about extravagant dinners or date nights (although these are fine too). I’m talking about five minutes a day to be completely present with the woman you share your life with. To be completely open– listening and seeing without judgement. Will you do that? I bet once you start, once you get a taste, you won’t want to stop.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <strong>Credit: Huffington</strong></div>

Why Women Leave Men They Love, What Every Man Needs To Know

BASAM 0 04:57:00

As a marriage counsellor working with men and women in relationship crisis, I help clients navigate numerous issues. While many situations are complex, there’s one profoundly simple truth that men need to know: … link to this post

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Saraki should step aside as senate president

<div class="article-photo"> <span class="set-image-border" style="float: none;"><img alt="Saraki should step aside as senate president" class="setborder" src="https://www.thecable.ng/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Bukola-Saraki-7-653x365.jpg" style="float: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative;" /></span></div> <div class="article-controls" style="margin-bottom: 0px;"> <div class="date"> <div class="calendar-date"> </div> <div class="calendar-time"> </div> </div> <div class="right-side"> <div style="padding: 0px 5px !important;"> <div class="author-photo" style="margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; overflow: hidden; padding-top: 0px !important;"> <span class="set-image-border" style="float: none;"><img alt="Reuben Abati" class="setborder" src="https://www.thecable.ng/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/abati.jpg" style="float: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; width: 100%;" /></span></div> </div> <div style="margin-right: 10px;"> <a class="icon-link" href="https://www.thecable.ng/author/reuben-abati" rel="author" title="Posts by Reuben Abati"><span class="icon-text"><br /></span> </a></div> <div style="margin-right: 10px;">  <a class="icon-link" href="https://www.thecable.ng/saraki-step-aside-senate-president#comments"><span class="icon-text"></span> </a></div> </div> </div> <strong>The present Senate serving the Nigerian people runs the risk of being remembered as the worst since 1999.  Public Relations Consultants and media officials of this particular Senate have done their part flooding both the print and the online media with details of how productive the Bukola Saraki-led Senate has been, and they have been quite aggressive in telling us about 30 important Bills which when passed, will change the face of Nigeria and deliver change. </strong><br /> The Senate according to one report has considered over 125 bills, debated over 48 motions, and passed three bills. But nobody is apparently impressed. During the Jonathan administration, the Senate was the better regarded of the two legislative chambers. While members of the House of Representatives in the Seventh Assembly behaved as if they were a band of students’ unionists, the then Red Chamber projected an image of maturity and temperance, even if it was also self-serving! With the 8th Assembly, the House of Representatives, apart from the shameful resort to physical combat over the distribution of “juicy” committees in November 2015, has shown itself to be better organized than the present Senate. The critical difference is that of leadership. It is one of management. It is a matter of weight and politics.<br /> What is clear is that the leadership recruitment and selection process in the legislative arm of government is as critical as it is in any other sphere of government. During the 7th Assembly, the politics of the emergence of the then Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, a PDP lawmaker who became an agent and later, chieftain of the opposition party, ensured that the House remained almost permanently in a frosty relationship with the Executive. Likewise, the manner of Bukola Saraki’s emergence as Senate President, marked again by alleged disloyalty to his own party and collusion with the opposition for personal gains, has laid the foundation for the supremacy of intrigues, cabals, and the politics of mischief in a Chamber that should be devoted strictly to the making of laws for the good governance of Nigeria.<br /> His colleague in the House of Representatives also emerged under controversial circumstances, but Yakubu Dogara’s politics seems to be better managed. Saraki’s politics is made more complex by the fact that he has strong roots in the two dominant parties in the National Assembly and has proven to be extremely influential across party lines, making him a dominant force in Nigeria’s current power equation, and most certainly, a threat to other power centres.<br /> Online, the Saraki-led Senate claims that it has done a lot, even if it has spent more time being on vacation in less than a year, and obsessed daily with the politics of contradictions. The Senate President once reportedly boasted that the Senate under his watch has helped to block corruption by helping Nigeria to save money.  He talked about the Senate’s probe of the Treasury Single Account (TSA).  But now, here is the contradiction: Many Nigerians would find it difficult to see how a Senate whose leader is on trial for corruption-related matters, and that has chosen to buy for its members, luxury SUV vehicles at inflated cost can claim to be helping Nigerians at a time when the economy is on a tragic downward spiral, and yet the same Senators had allegedly collected vehicle loans. This has brought the Senate condemnation from both the Nigeria Labour Congress and a coalition of about 400 Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs).<br /> But we know where the problem lies: politicians are always playing games, and the Senate under Bukola Saraki’s watch has acted more than once, as if it is against the people. This Senate has had to reverse itself thrice in the last one month following public outcry about its lack of moral rectitude. The painful reality is that the impression has now been created that the Senate as presently constituted is playing the politics of one man. It has reduced itself to a Saraki-must-stay-and-the-Executive-and-anti-Saraki-APC-leaders-must-bow-Red-Chamber. Most members of the House of Representatives have tactfully stayed away from this abuse of privilege and utter contempt for the original mandate of the National Assembly, but they need to be advised to also stay away from the kind of infectious madness that seems to be seizing hold of the Senate. It is a form of madness that encourages recourse to farce, burlesque and conspicuous acquisition.<br /> Determined to show support for their embattled Senate President who is on trial before the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), and whose name has also been mentioned in the Panama Papers scandal, many of the Senators abandoned the Senate Chambers and started following their boss to the Tribunal. On one occasion as many as close to 50 Senators abandoned their primary assignment and chose to go and play politics at the Tribunal.  If this seeming relocation of the Senate to the Code of Conduct Tribunal was meant to intimidate the presiding judge, His Lordship has refused to be intimidated, either by the crowd or the convoy of buses or the retinue of 90 defence lawyers.  He has now chosen to attend to the case on a daily basis. The number of Senators doing follow-follow has since reduced: it will of course, be absurd to shut down the entire Senate to embark on sycophantic frolic. Nonetheless, the Saraki case is taking its toll on the Senate. It has placed it on a collision course with a court of competent jurisdiction, with the Executive and also divided the ruling All Progressives Congress.<br /> It has also led to a situation whereby the lawmakers even attempted to change the Code of Conduct Bureau Act in an obvious attempt to frustrate the Saraki trial.  In less than 48 hours, the amendment bill went through first and second readings. If there had been no public outcry, the lawmakers would have passed the bill in less than 72 hours.  It would have been the fastest piece of legislation ever, and yet it was meant to be self-serving: making a law to sabotage due process, even when they know that a law cannot have retroactive effect. When that failed, our Senators came up with the ingenious idea that the Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal must appear before the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions. An indignant crowd of civil society agitators also shut that down.  The Chairman of the CCT has also been a target of campaigns of calumny. Saraki’s supporters are throwing everything possible into this matter, where the legal process fails, the legislative process is deployed; when that also fails, an internet war, rallies, protests, all designed to win the public mind is launched.<br /> Senate President Bukola Saraki may not have read Robert Greene’s <em>The 48 Laws of Power,</em> for he seems to have broken too many of those laws already; perhaps he has read <em>The Art of War</em> by Sun Tzu. He should have been told that to rush headlong into war without mastering the dynamics of power is costly. This is one bitter political lesson about the strategy of war that  Senator Saraki is currently learning.  But now that he has gone so deep into the battlefield, he may no longer be allowed to surrender or retreat, even as his troops are gradually fleeing. Saraki has stepped on the proverbial Banana peel; as he struggles for survival, our Senate, the people’s Senate, must not be allowed to fail as a public institution. Senator Saraki should step aside, for now, as Senate President. If he emerges victorious from his travails, his colleagues should do him the honour of reinstating him to that office of honour, without question. But if he loses, he should remember that war only offers two possibilities, and even when a warrior wins, there may still be dangers on the way back home. In all, the politics of Saraki’s trial should not consume the Senate, and indeed the 8th Assembly.<br /> “So far, so good”, Saka Olawale wrote assessing the present Senate. I don’t think so. If anything, this Senate needs to be rescued. Whatever explanations our present set of Senators offers would be difficult to believe given the manner in which they have exposed their own limitations. The Senate cannot even keep documents. Copies of the 2016 Budget vanished from its custody. The copies when eventually found mutated into versions unknown to the Executive arm that presented the same Budget at an open ceremony.<br /> For five months, the Senate is embroiled in a needless controversy over the content of the Budget. What is worse: In almost one year, no Senator can be quoted as having said anything engaging or profound. The only Senator who makes a serious effort to display some common sense is far more active on Twitter than on the floor of the Senate. The more prominent Senators are known for their rabid politicking or their wardrobe or exotic cars or the comedy that they provide. One of them even came up with a bill to gag free speech. It was in this same Senate that some male chauvinists declared that women cannot have any equal rights with men, and so a Gender Equality Bill is unacceptable.<br /> They failed to realize that in the United States, whose Constitutional democracy we are copying, a woman is only a short distance away from emerging as Presidential candidate of the Democratic Party and as 45th President of the United States. I imagine many of them struggling to be photographed with the same woman if they are so privileged. Was it also not in this same Senate that a member argued that Nigerian lawmakers should only patronize Made-in-Nigeria-women? This was meant to be a “brilliant” contribution to a debate on the need to promote Made-in-Nigeria goods. How dumb! And this kindergarten level statement actually generated some debate!<br /> Challenging as the democratic process may have been, Nigerians can still remember a few Senators of old who sat in that same Assembly and made impact with their interventions and insightful speeches. To now have a group of Senators who crack jokes, borrow their imageries from road side bars, embark on a frolic, or spend time on sycophantic exertions, and when called upon, prove annoyingly incapable of analyzing and interrogating policies and making solid contributions is sad. We expect this to change.<br /> credit: thecableng

Saraki should step aside as senate president

BASAM 0 04:44:00

  The present Senate serving the Nigerian people runs the risk of being remembered as the worst since 1999.  Public Relations Consultants and media officials of this particular Senate have done their part flooding both the print and … link to this post

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7 ways to survive the hot weather

<div class="article-photo"> <span class="set-image-border" style="float: none;"><img alt="7 ways to survive the hot weather" class="setborder" src="https://www.thecable.ng/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Heat-653x365.png" style="float: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative;" /></span></div> <div class="article-controls" style="margin-bottom: 0px;"> <div class="date"> <div class="calendar-date"> </div> <div class="calendar-time">  </div> </div> </div> <strong>The heat in town these days is so bad that you sometimes wonder if you’re still on earth or already in hell! It’s so scorching out there and there is no telling as to when it will get better. </strong><br /> Still, we have to learn to cope in this weather. It is also necessary to stay healthy this period because there are so many heat-related diseases. Here are seven ways to survive in this weather:<br /> <h4> <strong>Drink lots of water than you will normally do</strong></h4> Always have a bottle or container of water at all times. Do not wait until you are thirsty, to drink water. Your body loses fluids through sweating and this period is when you tend to sweat a lot so it is essential to replace bodily fluids. If you are not going to the toilet every two to three hours, then you are not doing it right.<br /> <h4> <strong>Switch to natural fabrics</strong></h4> Synthetic fabrics retain moisture and that causes more heat. It is essential to stay cool and for this reason, go with fabrics that are light and would not absorb heat. Also avoid wearing thick fabrics, even if natural. Go with brighter colours of materials.<br /> <h4> <strong>Regulate exercise and workout time and routine</strong></h4> During workout, the body normally adjusts to the heat. But these natural cooling systems may fail if you’re exposed to high temperatures for a long time. If you are new to exercise or you are unfit, be sure what your body can handle and take breaks during your workout. If you begin to feel tightness in your head, or you are weak or dizzy, you need to stop and cool down. And if after 30 minutes you still feel dizzy, you may need to seek medical attention. Also if you take long walks, then at every chance you get, you should stop to cool down under a shaded area.<br /> <h4> <strong>Take showers as often as possible</strong></h4> When you begin to feel restless and you feel so hot, hop into the bathroom and take a shower. If you are not where you can do so, wet a hand towel and place behind your neck. You can also use it to rub your face. This helps to cool the body temperature.<br /> <h4> <strong>Carry a hand fan and a face towel</strong></h4> These two are the essential items one must have in this weather.<br /> <h4> <strong>Avoid taking alcohol, including beer</strong></h4> Also avoid caffeinated beverages. Taking alcohol and caffeinated drinks affects the body and reduces its ability to deal with the heat. Taking this also leaves you needing more fluid. No matter how sweet or refreshing they are, they are not helping but harming you. Switch to water.<br /> <h4> <strong>Apply dusting powder or calamine lotion</strong></h4> As often as possible, apply dusting powder or calamine lotion. This acts as a soothing agent and helps cool the body.<br /> If you notice someone having a heat stroke, the first thing to do is get them out of the heat and then remove the outer layers of clothing. Lay them down with the legs elevated, and fan them. If the person has dry skin, apply wet compresses, then seek medical assistance.<br /> For someone who has suffered from heat exhaustion or heat stroke before, you’re at a higher risk of getting a heat sickness again.<br /> source: thecableng

7 ways to survive the hot weather

BASAM 0 04:40:00

  The heat in town these days is so bad that you sometimes wonder if you’re still on earth or already in hell! It’s so scorching out there and there is no telling as to when it will get better. Still, we have to learn to cope in this weathe… link to this post

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Lamido: If you voted for PDP in the north, you were branded a Christian, pastor, infidel

<div class="article-photo"> <span class="set-image-border" style="float: none;"><img alt="Lamido: If you voted for PDP in the north, you were branded a Christian, pastor, infidel" class="setborder" src="https://www.thecable.ng/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/sule-lamido1-653x365.jpg" style="float: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative;" /></span></div> <div class="article-controls" style="margin-bottom: 0px;"> <div class="date"> <div class="calendar-date"> <br /></div> </div> </div> <strong>Sule Lamido, former governor of Jigawa state, has sought to explain the poor performance of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2015 general election in northern Nigeria.</strong><br /> The former ruling party lost governorship in all northern states apart from Taraba and Gombe — and won presidential election only in three out of the 19 states, compared to seven in 2011 and 12 in 2007.<br /> <a href="http://www.dailytrust.com.ng/news/politics/how-we-ll-chase-apc-out-in-2019-sule-lamido/143718.html" target="_blank"><strong>Lamido told Weekly Trust</strong></a> on Saturday that many northerners did not have the freedom to vote their choices because of the branding of the PDP as a Christian party.<br /> “In the build-up to the last general election, PDP was vilified, intimidated with religion, falsehoods and propaganda through Facebook postings. Rwandan genocide pictures were posted as Boko Haram victims. PDP was blackmailed into silence,” he said.<br /> “When you queued to vote in the north, people viewed you as an infidel. You were all there and these things happened in a country where freedom should be the operating word. APC man can vote APC but if Lamido votes PDP, he is a Christian, he is a pastor.”<br /> Significantly, APC had also accused PDP of branding it as a Muslim party.<br /> Many PDP leaders labelled APC “Muslim Brotherhood” and “Janjaweed Party” ahead of the 2015 elections.<br /> Lamido praised the appointment of Ali Modu Sheriff, former governor of Borno state, as the acting national chairman of the PDP as the party seeks to re-position itself ahead of the 2019 elections.<br /> He said: “Modu Sheriff has a long standing political history. All those making noise are product of political invention. Sheriff has been in politics and defeating PDP at the poll since 1999.<br /> “He was in the ANPP and worked for the alliance that brought together incompatibles. I mean, how do you put (Alhaji Abubakar) Atiku, (President Muhammadu) Buhari and (Chief Ahmed Bola) Tinubu in one political pot? How do you cook them? No, tell me. You can’t cook Buhari and these two in one political pot.<br /> “When they were forging alliance with ANPP, Sheriff was the arrowhead. They were celebrating him when he was in APC, working for APC. He was a very wonderful person. But, when he joined the PDP, he became a Boko Haram member. Who is saying so, of course, the APC members because they are scared of him? He knows them damn too well.<br /> “I think, today, Sheriff is the best thing to have happened to PDP. It is a huge good will, he has a huge followership. He is somebody who is courageous, inspirational and he can say: look, APC go to tell. APC is thoroughly scared because they know him and what he is capable of doing. He will come to Jigawa sometime next week.<br /> “We will come out en masse to welcome him and assemble the biggest crowd ever in Nigerian politics. We want to force them (APC) out in 2019 because they have no agenda and manifesto to govern.”<br /> credit: thecableng

Lamido: If you voted for PDP in the north, you were branded a Christian, pastor, infidel

BASAM 0 04:37:00

Sule Lamido, former governor of Jigawa state, has sought to explain the poor performance of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2015 general election in northern Nigeria. The former ruling party lost governorship in all northern states a… link to this post

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Boko Haram ‘now using birds’ for suicide mission

<div class="article-photo"> <span class="set-image-border" style="float: none;"><img alt="Boko Haram ‘now using birds’ for suicide mission" class="setborder" src="https://www.thecable.ng/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Soldiers-4-653x365.jpg" style="float: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative;" /></span></div> <div class="article-controls" style="margin-bottom: 0px;"> <div class="date"> <div class="calendar-date"> </div> <div class="calendar-time">  </div> </div> </div> <strong>After suffering huge defeat from security forces, the Boko Haram sect has devised a new strategy in its operations.</strong><br /> According to Lamidi Adeosun, general officer commanding (GOC), 7 division of the Nigerian army, Maiduguri, the insurgents now strap bombs to birds.<br /> Adeosun revealed this to American diplomats and security officials during the briefing at the headquarters of the multinational joint task force MNJTF) in Chad.<br /> <a href="http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/africa/boko-haram-strapping-bombs-to-birds-as-isis-affiliated-group-continues-bloody-insurgency-in-africa-a6994101.html" target="_blank"><strong>The Independent said</strong> </a>the officer showed gruesome photos of the victims of Boko Haram’s attacks and their latest weapons.<br /> “One picture showed a bird with an explosive strapped on its back, demonstrating a lot of ingenuity,” Independent said in its report.<br /> Adeosun was quoted as saying his forces had received intelligence that ISIS members were being embedded with Boko Haram but that the Nigerian sect had not satisfied requirements for greater operational co-ordination.<br /> In March 2015, Abubakar Shekau, Boko Haram leader, made a pledge of allegiance to ISIS, and urged those who shared the same ideology across Africa to take such step.<br /> The move was a major coup for the so-called Islamic State, which renamed its affiliate Wilāyat Gharb Ifrīqīyyah (West Africa Province).<br /> After expanding its violent campaign from Nigeria to Chad, Niger and Cameroon, Boko Haram was named the deadliest terror group in the world last year.<br /> credit: thecableng

Boko Haram ‘now using birds’ for suicide mission

BASAM 0 04:20:00

  After suffering huge defeat from security forces, the Boko Haram sect has devised a new strategy in its operations. According to Lamidi Adeosun, general officer commanding (GOC), 7 division of the Nigerian army, Maiduguri, the insurgents now… link to this post

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Saraki: I’m paying for opposing all-Muslim ticket

<div class="article-photo"> <span class="set-image-border" style="float: none;"><img alt="Saraki: I’m paying for opposing all-Muslim ticket" class="setborder" src="https://www.thecable.ng/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Bukola-Saraki-2-653x365.jpg" style="float: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative;" /></span></div> <div class="article-controls" style="margin-bottom: 0px;"> <div class="date"> <div class="calendar-date"> </div> </div> </div> <strong>Senate President Bukola Saraki says he is paying the price for what he calls “the original sin” – opposing the choice of a Muslim-Muslim ticket by the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2015 presidential election.</strong><br /> Saraki, in an article published in <strong>THISDAY, The Saturday Newspaper,</strong> denied that he fell out with his party for striking a deal with the PDP to win the senate presidency in June 2015 as alleged by celebrity journalist and Ovation publisher, Dele Momodu.<br /> The senate president, who is currently facing trial at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) on allegations of false declaration of assets, said: “Most people talk about the Senate Presidency position, but this was not my only offence.<br /> “I have also been accused of helping to frustrate some people’s opportunity to emerge as President Muhammadu  Buhari’s running mate. But I have no problem with anybody.”<br /> His reference to Muslim-Muslim ticket is believed to be an allusion to former Lagos governor Bola Tinubu, a Muslim, who reportedly wanted to be running mate to Buhari before Yemi Osinbajo, a pastor, was picked.<br /> Saraki, also a Muslim, said it was not going to be politically smart to field an all-Muslim ticket.<br /> “My concern was that it would not be politically smart of us to run with a Muslim-Muslim ticket. I doubt if we would have won the election if we had done this, especially after the PDP had successfully framed us a Muslim party. I felt we were no longer in 1993,” he said.<br /> “Perhaps, more than ever before, Nigerians are more sensitive to issues of religious balancing. This… was my original sin. What they say to themselves, among other things, was that if he could conspire against our ambition, then he must not realize his own ambition as well.<br /> “For me however, I have no regrets about this. I only stood for what I believed was in the best interest of the party and in the best interest of Nigeria.”<br /> In 1993, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) fielded a Muslim-Muslim ticket featuring MKO Abiola and Baba Gana Kingibe and was believed to have won the presidential election, although the announcement of results was stopped midway and annulled by the military government.<br /> source: thecableng

Saraki: I’m paying for opposing all-Muslim ticket

BASAM 0 02:51:00

Senate President Bukola Saraki says he is paying the price for what he calls “the original sin” – opposing the choice of a Muslim-Muslim ticket by the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2015 presidential election. Saraki, in an article pu… link to this post

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Benitez wants to win on Anfield return

<p dir="ltr">Rafael Benitez is hoping Newcastle United’s recent<br> improvement will continue on his return to Liverpool<br> on Saturday.<br> Newcastle have taken four points from home games<br> with Swansea City and Manchester City over the past<br> week but remain in the relegation zone, two points<br> adrift of 17th-placed Norwich City.<br> The Magpies have lost all eight Premier League<br> encounters away from St James’ Park in 2016 but<br> Benitez is optimistic his players can arrest that slide at<br> Anfield.<br> He said at Friday’s news conference: “We have to<br> believe, I’m very happy with the reaction of the team<br> in the last two games. With that intensity, passion and<br> character on the pitch, the players showed they believe<br> and I hope everybody has the same feeling. We’ll fight<br> to the end.<br> “It’s the way we have to act if we want to be stronger.<br> “As a team we have to work hard in attack and<br> defence, Liverpool are scoring a lot of goals but we will<br> go there to win. We are where we are but we have to<br> carry on and stick together.<br> “Before the game you always have to think about<br> getting three points. It doesn’t matter about the name<br> of the rival.<br> “Our record against Manchester City was quite negative<br> but we fought with the belief we could get three points.<br> Liverpool will be exactly the same.”<br> Stand-in captain Jonjo Shelvey has been relegated to<br> the bench for the past two games while fellow big-<br> money signing Georginio Wijnaldum was also dropped<br> for the game against City in midweek.<br> Benitez has been impressed at the way both have<br> handled the situation.<br> “Competition between players is really important,<br> especially at the end of the season when you have so<br> many important games,” he added.<br> “Players like Jonjo and Gini have been really good.<br> They are working hard and they have to compete.<br> “They know my ideas and know they have to compete<br> anyway.”<br> Benitez spent six years on Merseyside between 2004<br> and 2010, with the highlight undoubtedly the club’s<br> 2005 Champions League success over AC Milan in<br> Istanbul.<br> The Spaniard can see plenty of similarities between<br> Newcastle and Liverpool and is relishing returning to<br> Anfield for just the second time since leaving six years<br> ago.<br> “There are a lot of similarities between the Geordies<br> and Scousers, the atmosphere and the passion of the<br> crowd, we’re fighting and they’re fighting – they have a<br> good manager and good players so we’re trying to<br> replicate what we had here the other day [against<br> Manchester City],” he said.<br> “The cities are similar, they’re passionate. They’re<br> workers and I like this.<br> “I hope there is a good reception, my connection with<br> the city is fantastic, my family lives there and we have<br> a foundation helping people but we will try to get three<br> points.”</p> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ygtx_J7w9hxglJ2y1tvM43duRPjMJIO_bKvPOuCi2bTjWrNTvNkQIQjdu3uqAVDLdwBjUwgusJt6l1Mj3RgIpvsZJZQCP60my0sCE9SkCdQDUCppm28U9V_vetmDGIWwF6-vfTpuzWUo/s1600/wet-90.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ygtx_J7w9hxglJ2y1tvM43duRPjMJIO_bKvPOuCi2bTjWrNTvNkQIQjdu3uqAVDLdwBjUwgusJt6l1Mj3RgIpvsZJZQCP60my0sCE9SkCdQDUCppm28U9V_vetmDGIWwF6-vfTpuzWUo/s640/wet-90.jpg"> </a> </div>

Benitez wants to win on Anfield return

BASAM 0 02:25:00

Rafael Benitez is hoping Newcastle United’s recent improvement will continue on his return to Liverpool on Saturday. Newcastle have taken four points from home games with Swansea City and Manchester City over the past week but remain in the relegatio… link to this post

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A Candid Response from the Senate President #Pendulum

<p dir="ltr">By Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki<br> My dear brother Dele, let me thank you most sincerely for your article last weekend, “My Candid Letter to Saraki.” I take everything you said in that article to heart and I must commend you for your candidness indeed and the sincerity of your intentions.<br> As you said in your article, you are someone I have known more by reputation than by any personal relationship, until recently when we struck up some personal acquaintance based on our shared political interests, especially during the last presidential election. However, I understand why you had to sound so defensive for knowing me at all and had to publicly map the boundaries of our relationship. We have got to that point in our country when we no longer believe that anyone could stand for anything based on principles and convictions alone. Moreover, in the growing culture of media crucifixion and presumed guilt; it is rare to find a voice like yours that calls for fairness and justice.</p> <p dir="ltr">I would have simply sent you a text message or call you up for your candid advice to me, which I take seriously. But I feel the need to make some clarifications on some of the issues you raised. One of them was that in seeking to be Senate President, I struck a deal with the PDP and made it possible for one of them to be the Deputy Senate President. I know this is the dominant narrative out there, but it is far from the truth.</p> <p dir="ltr">I did not do any deal with the PDP. I did not have to because even before the PDP Senators as a group took the decision to support my candidature on the eve of the inauguration of the 8th Senate, 22 PDP Senators had already written a letter supporting me. What I did not envisage was a situation where some members of my party would not be in the chambers that day, especially when the clerk had already received a proclamation from the President authorizing the inauguration of the Senate. Pray, if a team refused to turn up for a scheduled match and was consequently walked over, would it be fair to blame the team that turned up and claimed victory? I believe those that made it possible for PDP to claim the DSP position were those who decided to hold a meeting with APC senators elsewhere at the time they ought to be in the chambers. What the PDP Senators did was to take advantage of their numerical strength at the material time. They simply lined up behind Senator Ike Ikweremadu while those of us from APC voted for Senator Ali Ndume. It was a game of numbers, and we were hopelessly outnumbered. If the PDP had nominated their own candidate for the Senate Presidency position that day, they would have won. It was as simple as that.</p> <p dir="ltr">Secondly, I don’t know if you were aware that in the build up to Senate inauguration, the National Working Committee of the APC sent two signals. The first signal specified how leadership positions in the National Assembly have been zoned. While we were trying to give effect to this decision, the second signal came, which contained names of people to which these zoned position had been allocated. What was not acknowledged was that the President of the Senate is not an executive president. He is primarily one of 109 senators. Therefore, I cannot decide by myself who gets what in the Senate. Therefore, when they said I defied party directive in the choice of principal officers, they are invariably ascribing to me the power that I did not have.</p> <p dir="ltr">My dear brother, most people talk about the Senate Presidency position, but this was not my only offence. I have also been accused of helping to frustrate some people’s opportunity to emerge as President Muhammadu Buhari’s running mate. But I have no problem with anybody. My concern was that it would not be politically smart of us to run with a Muslim-Muslim ticket. I doubt if we would have won the election if we had done this, especially after the PDP had successfully framed us a Muslim party. I felt we were no longer in 1993. Perhaps, more than ever before, Nigerians are more sensitive to issues of religious balancing. This, my brother, was my original sin. What they say to themselves, among other things, was that if he could conspire against our ambition, then he must not realize his own ambition as well. For me however, I have no regrets about this. I only stood for what I believed was in the best interest of the party and in the best interest of Nigeria.</p> <p dir="ltr">Now to the substantive issue of my trial. As you rightly noted, this trial is not about corruption. And I am happy that since my trial started, people who have followed the proceedings have now understood better what the whole thing is about. I have had opportunity to declare my assets four times since 2003. Over those years, the Code of Conduct Bureau had examined my claims. There was no time that they raised any issues with me on any item contained in my declarations over those twelve years. This is why you should be surprised that while I am being tried by the Code of Conduct Tribunal, the witness and the evidence supplied against me were all from EFCC.</p> <p dir="ltr">Like you, I have an abiding faith in the judiciary. May God forbid the day that we would give up on our judicial system. However, the onus is not on me to prove that I have confidence in the judiciary; the burden is on my prosecutors to prove to the world that justice is done in my case. If the process of fighting corruption is itself corrupt, then whatever victory is recorded would remain tainted and puerile!</p> <p dir="ltr">Some people have wondered, why has Saraki been “jumping” from one court to another instead of facing his trial? To those people, I would say that I have only gone to those courts in search of justice. Strange things have happened, and they are still happening. For example, Section 3(d) of the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act states that the Bureau shall refer any breach or non-compliance to the Tribunal. However, where the person concerned makes a written admission of the breach, no reference to the Tribunal shall be necessary. It was on this basis that the case against Asiwaju Bola Tinubu was dismissed in 2011, by this same judge in this same Tribunal on the grounds that he was not given an opportunity to deny or admit to any breach before he was brought before the tribunal. This was the ruling that I relied on in making my case. But what did the judge say? That he had judged in error in 2011 and he had since realized his error and departed from it. My question is whether a Tribunal of first instance has the power to reverse itself. I should expect that everyone would be worried if justice is applied differently to different people. However, in spite of my fears, I remain hopeful. Why? Because the judiciary does not end with this Tribunal.</p> <p dir="ltr">Do you know the genesis of my real problems with President Goodluck Jonathan? I have had a touchy relationship with him, but the turning point was in September 2011 when I moved a motion on the floor of the Senate that exposed the N2.3 trillion fuel subsidy racket. I remain proud that I was the Senator that blew the lid on the most elaborate corruption scheme ever in this country. But after that I became a marked man. My security was withdrawn. I was invited and re-invited by the EFCC and the Special Fraud Unit. I was even declared wanted at a point. I believe I am still one of the most investigated former governors in this country. I have no doubt that if the Jonathan government was able to find anything against me, they would not have allowed me to go unpunished.</p> <p dir="ltr">Let me make this point clearly. I do not expect to be shielded from prosecution because of my contribution to APC, if there was genuine basis for such action to be taken against me. But I have every reason to expect not to be persecuted by the party that I contributed so much to build. The New PDP may not have given APC victory in 2015, but it was an important factor in the dynamics that produced that victory. And with all sense of modesty, I was an important factor in the formation of New PDP; in leading that group to the APC; in ensuring our group’s support for the candidate during the primaries and in mobilizing substantial resources for the election. For these, I have not expected any special compensation. Rather, I only expect to be treated like every loyal party member and accorded the right to freely aspire!</p> <p dir="ltr">Some people have complained that I have been taken Senators with me to my trial. But I did not force them to follow me. The Senators have freely accompanied me to the Tribunal not because they are loyal to me as Abubakar Bukola Saraki, but because they are committed to the principle that produced me as the President of the Senate. The same principle that produced Ike Ekweremadu as Deputy Senate President and produced Ali Ndume as Majority Leader. They see all of us in the Senate leadership as manifestation of their jealously guarded right to freely choose their own leaders. Because they know they made us their leaders without any external interference; they are confident that they retain the power to remove us whenever they so wish. They also know what this trial is all about. They believe I am being victimized because they have expressed their right to choose their own leadership. This is why I am not in any way perturbed by my absence in the chambers during this trial. Because I was not imposed on the Senate, I feel confident that the Senate will protect its own choice whether I am present or not. It is never about me. It is about the independence of the legislature. It has always been so since 1999. It is so today and it would be so in 2019, it would be so in 2023, and as long as we practice a democracy that operates on the principle of separation of powers.</p> <p dir="ltr">My dear brother, let me end by observing that I am not alone in this trial. On trial with me in this process is the entire judicial system. On trial with me are our entire anti-corruption institutions and our avowed commitment to honestly fight corruption. On trial with me is our party’s promise to depart from the ways of the past, a promise that Nigerians voted for. And I dare say, on trial with me is our media; and their ethical commitment to report fairly and objectively. In the end, it is my earnest hope that whatever we do will ultimately ennoble our country.</p> <p dir="ltr">Dr. Saraki is President of the Senate, Federal Republic of <u>Nigeria</u></p> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglQSfSB9Uh9M1bJwksPBGfy6Lvq37TewdurmDIDA5IWhLz7LSgzCGPsaqxHlGYGRdNJVGaxlInGNa2d-FqDibACY8H7UZopGpH6tvRSN7RRacw3OHG3_C_cv7nBrz8IdBnfJdMBP0zQw8M/s1600/IMG_20160419_201158.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglQSfSB9Uh9M1bJwksPBGfy6Lvq37TewdurmDIDA5IWhLz7LSgzCGPsaqxHlGYGRdNJVGaxlInGNa2d-FqDibACY8H7UZopGpH6tvRSN7RRacw3OHG3_C_cv7nBrz8IdBnfJdMBP0zQw8M/s640/IMG_20160419_201158.jpg"> </a> </div>

A Candid Response from the Senate President #Pendulum

BASAM 0 17:03:00

By Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki My dear brother Dele, let me thank you most sincerely for your article last weekend, “My Candid Letter to Saraki.” I take everything you said in that article to heart and I must commend you for your candidness indeed and… link to this post

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Barack Obama Asks UK To Stick With EU

<p dir="ltr">President of the United States, Barack Obama, has advised the UK to stick with the European Union (EU).<br> President Obama made the call on Friday during his final trip to Britain as US President.</p> <p dir="ltr">Earlier in the day, Mr Obama and his wife, Michelle, traveled by helicopter to Windsor Castle for lunch with Queen Elizabeth II, who turned 90 on Thursday, and her husband, Prince Philip, 94.</p> <p dir="ltr">UK Prime Minister, David Cameron, is hosting Mr Obama, who is on a three-day visit with his wife, Michelle at Downing Street.</p> <p dir="ltr">BBC says London Mayor, Boris Johnson, called his view hypocritical”, describing the EU system as “alien” to US traditions.</p> <p dir="ltr">Both leaders are holding talks on the fight against alleged Islamic State and would later be joined by the UK’s home, foreign and defence secretaries, as well as the chancellor.</p> <p dir="ltr">They are billed to deliberate on the progress being made in combating IS in Iraq and other steps to be taken to tackle the terrorists in Syria.</p> <p dir="ltr">As they are expected to later hold a joint press conference, the leaders would also discuss the situation in Libya, where the West is considering how to support the newly-established Government of National Accord (GNA) in the battle against IS.<br> Credit: channelstv </p> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEbAMm_Kj8FcAEQcHI9z6YRsTQMhmpO9OPD5xBy25VbBt5zp3GfiwtR4OCxwd1C6bR3tlwr97q_8sCTES_bMykAOgkcHTluzmgOz-EVV2i5-XRmFV_dUcAEAWC_6Decq6PJOS_0H2y87WH/s1600/obama-300x161.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEbAMm_Kj8FcAEQcHI9z6YRsTQMhmpO9OPD5xBy25VbBt5zp3GfiwtR4OCxwd1C6bR3tlwr97q_8sCTES_bMykAOgkcHTluzmgOz-EVV2i5-XRmFV_dUcAEAWC_6Decq6PJOS_0H2y87WH/s640/obama-300x161.png"> </a> </div>

Barack Obama Asks UK To Stick With EU

BASAM 0 15:29:00

President of the United States, Barack Obama, has advised the UK to stick with the European Union (EU). President Obama made the call on Friday during his final trip to Britain as US President. Earlier in the day, Mr Obama and his wife, Michelle, tr… link to this post

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The Storm Is Over! Mide Funmi Martins Abiodun thank God and fans over her family reunion

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBLoD8SCxmF-8Jye3XuUXGWg6j6gbpIQ22fZN9u4rR12M2JdGEDMUFvpCjQ8cseByEHdZJ8O01hFHjTQWmTv2ClVMMwRkIHKfTXeJyvKYhcrxmGmZ3maUuNmFqebdjRTTHaY2DmGiSinkU/s1600/IMG_20160422_225055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBLoD8SCxmF-8Jye3XuUXGWg6j6gbpIQ22fZN9u4rR12M2JdGEDMUFvpCjQ8cseByEHdZJ8O01hFHjTQWmTv2ClVMMwRkIHKfTXeJyvKYhcrxmGmZ3maUuNmFqebdjRTTHaY2DmGiSinkU/s640/IMG_20160422_225055.JPG"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3fZkd6-6BXF9DGPgAdKMC_YESFidGULwJK6nigGL5ZIONsyQM4S6pYWxqKLFSzwC27ruWrXUZMcUE1Cg3CCA76G9HH86sxLPMG1WTChIrH5_zSyKvGieNa_J5RTYSN7qR7MF5VHrKW0Pw/s1600/IMG_20160422_225315.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3fZkd6-6BXF9DGPgAdKMC_YESFidGULwJK6nigGL5ZIONsyQM4S6pYWxqKLFSzwC27ruWrXUZMcUE1Cg3CCA76G9HH86sxLPMG1WTChIrH5_zSyKvGieNa_J5RTYSN7qR7MF5VHrKW0Pw/s640/IMG_20160422_225315.JPG"> </a> </div>

The Storm Is Over! Mide Funmi Martins Abiodun thank God and fans over her family reunion

BASAM 0 15:02:00

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Chad Intercepts ISIS Weapons Going To Boko Haram

Chad has intercepted a large cache of different types of weapons sent from ISIS affiliate in Libya and going to Boko Haram insurgents in the Lake Chad region. <span class="ds-1col file file-image file-image-jpeg view-mode-embedded centered clearfix block-story-object block-story-object-resource block-story-object-resource-image"> <span class="block-story-object-asset"><img alt="" class="media-element file-embedded" src="http://saharareporters.com/sites/default/files/styles/normal_medium/public/Weapons-left-behind-by-Boko-Haram-in-Malam-fatori.jpg?itok=yAyB7X3C" /></span><span class="block-story-object-content"><span class="block-story-object-content-header"><span class="block-story-object-content-header-description">Chadian soldiers display arms captured from Boko Haram militants in Malam Fatori, in northeastern Nigeria </span></span><span class="block-story-object-content-footer"> </span></span> </span> <br /> <span class="container container-pod container-pod-short"></span> The weapons were seized two weeks ago, underscoring the increasing ties between  Boko Haram and the Islamic State, which now has a foothold, from its northern base of Sirte,  south of Libya, next door to Chad.<br /> Brig. Gen. Donald Bolduc, commander of US special operations in Africa made this revelation in Ndjamena today as US ambassador to the United Nations; Samantha Power came for a visit.<br /> The Boko Haram-IS nexus may pose the greatest immediate threat to the Lake Chad region, Bolduc said.<br /> Brig. Gen. Donald Bolduc, right, accompanied by U.S. State Department Principal Deputy Secretary for African Affairs Bruce Wharton, speaks to members of the media outside the U.S. Embassy in Chad in N’Djamena, Chad.<br /> Although Boko Haram pledged its allegiance to the Islamic State last year, the operational connection has been unclear.<br /> Bolduc said the groups clearly share “tactics, techniques, and procedures,” from the way they conduct complex ambushes and set improvised explosive devices like roadside bombs, to how they undertake high-profile attacks on hotels.<br /> “You can, I think, draw a conclusion,” Bolduc told reporters. The implication was that the weapons were sent by the Islamic State, which has established a foothold along Libya’s Mediterranean coast, near the city of Sirte.<br /> [Samantha Power, left, listens as Chad President Idriss Deby Itno, center, answers questions from members of the media]<br /> Given the range of threats here, he said the “Lake Chad Basin region is Ground Zero” in the fight against extremism in Africa.<br /> U.S. officials warned of deepening links between the Islamic State and Boko Haram and prodded Chad’s ruling strongman to introduce reforms for the sake of long-term stability.<br /> The visit to Chad by America’s U.N. envoy, Samantha Power, and top U.S. military officials  highlights the country’s precarious position dealing with a multitude of hostile militant groups and unstable neighboring governments. It also underscores the impoverished, land-locked country’s growing geopolitical value.<br /> Boko Haram has launched attacks on Chad’s territory from its base in Nigeria to the southwest. The Islamic State and al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb lurk in chaotic and lawless Libya to the north. To the east is Sudan’s Darfur region; to the south is the Central African Republic, still recovering from years of interethnic conflict.<br /> Stressing the civilian aspect to defeating Boko Haram, a once indigenous Nigerian militant movement whose rebellion has morphed into a regional force, Samantha Power stressed the need to bolster economic development, job opportunities, and political inclusiveness.<br /> The message carried added weight, coming less than two weeks after Chad held elections that are widely expected to return Deby for a fifth term as president. Deby has led the country since 1990. Election results haven’t yet been announced.<br /> “We noted how far Chad has come from the dark days of dictatorship to today,” Power said.<br /> President Idriss Deby rejected opposition claims that some 60 security forces who voted against him in the elections have since disappeared.<br /> “There are no disappearances,” he stated. “They will be presented on television, in front of the world.”<br /> The 63-year-old Deby, who seized power himself in a coup after helping Chad defeat Libya in the 1980s, said Washington and other powers were partly to blame for the Boko Haram-IS threat. He said they are destabilizing Libya through their effort to install a functioning government.<br /> “The international community is imposing a unity government from outside Libya that will fail,” Deby said.<br /> <em>*Source: AP report</em>

Chad Intercepts ISIS Weapons Going To Boko Haram

BASAM 0 13:56:00

Chad has intercepted a large cache of different types of weapons sent from ISIS affiliate in Libya and going to Boko Haram insurgents in the Lake Chad region. Chadian soldiers display arms captured from Boko Haram militants in Malam Fatori, in nort… link to this post

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Saraki Faces Fresh Charges For Receiving Governor’s Salary As Senator

<div class="first"> The Federal Government has amended the charges of false asset declaration preferred against the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, before the Code of Conduct Tribunal in Abuja.<img alt="" data-file_info="%7B%22fid%22:%2248859%22,%22view_mode%22:%22embedded%22,%22fields%22:%7B%22format%22:%22full%22,%22field_file_image_title_text%5Bund%5D%5B0%5D%5Bvalue%5D%22:%22%22,%22field_file_image_caption%5Bund%5D%5B0%5D%5Bvalue%5D%22:%22Saraki%20dozing%20off%20on%20in%20Courtroom%20on%20Monday%22,%22field_attribution%5Bund%5D%5B0%5D%5Bvalue%5D%22:%22Punch%20newspaper%22,%22field_align%5Bund%5D%5B0%5D%5Bvalue%5D%22:%22center%22%7D,%22type%22:%22media%22%7D" src="https://secure.saharareporters.com/sites/default/files/styles/normal_medium/public/Saraki-sleeps-in-court.jpg?itok=5jCq-6Pj" /></div> <span class="container container-pod container-pod-short"></span> With the amendment, Saraki will be facing two fresh charges in addition to the 13 counts originally preferred against him, which comprised false asset declaration and maintaining of an offshore account while serving as Governor of Kwara State between 2003 and 2011.<br /> The additional charges include an allegation that Saraki continued to receive salary and emoluments as Governor of Kwara State after the expiration of his tenure and at the same time, from the Federal Government as a senator between June 2011 and October 2013.<br /> The offence is said to be contrary to section 6(a) of the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act. CAP. C15, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and as incorporated under paragraph 2(a), Part I of the Fifth Schedule to the Constitution.<br /> It is said to be punishable under section 23(2) of the code of conduct bureau and tribunal act as incorporated under paragraph 18, Part I of the Fifth Schedule to the Constitution.<br /> The other additional charge is that Saraki failed to declare to the Code of Conduct Bureau on the assumption of office as Governor of Kwara State in 2003, his leasehold interest leasehold in the property at 42, Remi Fani-Kayode Street, Ikeja, Lagos.<br /> He was said to have acquired the property on December 12, 1996, through his company, Skyview Properties Limited from First Finance Trust Limited.<br /> The offence is said to be contrary to section 15(1)(2) of the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act, CAP. C15, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and as incorporated under paragraph 11(1) and (2), Part I o the Fifth Schedule to the Constitution.<br /> It is said to be punishable under section 23(2) of the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act as incorporated under paragraph 18, Part I of the Fifth Schedule to the Constitution.<br /> Our correspondent learnt on Thursday shortly after Saraki’s ongoing trial before the CCT was adjourned until April 27 for further cross-examination of the first prosecution witness, that the Federal Government might further amend the charges before they are read to the accused person.<br /> source: saharareporters

Saraki Faces Fresh Charges For Receiving Governor’s Salary As Senator

BASAM 0 13:48:00

The Federal Government has amended the charges of false asset declaration preferred against the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, before the Code of Conduct Tribunal in Abuja. With the amendment, Saraki will be facing two fresh charges in addi… link to this post

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Senator Saraki’s Rented Protesters Unhappy Over Absent Pay

Some of the protesters hired by embattled Senate President Bukola Saraki to protest his corruption trial are disaffected because the N1000 per day they were promised has not been paid for a few days. <span class="ds-1col file file-image file-image-jpeg view-mode-embedded centered clearfix block-story-object block-story-object-resource block-story-object-resource-image"> <span class="block-story-object-asset"><img alt="" class="media-element file-embedded" src="http://saharareporters.com/sites/default/files/styles/normal_medium/public/The%20man%20behind%20the%20Saraki%20support%20protest%2C%20Dr%20Katch%20Ononuju%2C%20DG%20Heritage%20Group%20Tracy%20Okoro%2C%20National%20Coordinator.jpg?itok=9CHIDODK" /></span><span class="block-story-object-content"><span class="block-story-object-content-header"><span class="block-story-object-content-header-description"> </span></span></span></span><br /> <span class="ds-1col file file-image file-image-jpeg view-mode-embedded centered clearfix block-story-object block-story-object-resource block-story-object-resource-image"><span class="block-story-object-content"><span class="block-story-object-content-header"><span class="block-story-object-content-header-description">The man behind the Saraki support protest, Katch Ononuju, DG Heritage Group Tracy Okoro, National Coordinator </span></span><span class="block-story-object-content-footer"><span class="block-story-object-content-footer-item block-story-object-content-footer-item-attribution">Sahara Reporters Media </span></span></span> </span> <span class="container container-pod container-pod-short"></span> <br /> A key player in the staged protests told SaharaReporters participants were recruited and paid N1000 per day to demonstrate their solidarity with Mr. Saraki, who is charged with false declaration of assets. He added that the fees had not been forthcoming for a few days, leading to disaffection among the rented protesters.<br /> The source said he was one of a few men tasked with mobilizing poor or unemployed youngsters to mount protests against the senator’s trial. “We arranged for [recruited] for these, food vendors,  sachet water sellers, <em>mai</em><em>-</em><em>barrow</em><em> </em>(truck pushers) and <em>mai</em><em>- boiler </em>(scavengers). They no longer went to their normal businesses because we were paying them N1000 each,” the source said.<br /> He accused Mr. Saraki’s aides of suddenly cutting off the cash to pay the demonstrators. “As you can see, all of them [the protesters] are sitting over there angry because they have not been paid for some days now. They are not happy. I have appealed to them but they remain adamant and even go to the extent of destroying the placards and banners that we gave to them,” said the source.  <span class="ds-1col file file-image file-image-jpeg view-mode-embedded centered clearfix block-story-object block-story-object-resource block-story-object-resource-image"> <span class="block-story-object-asset"><img alt="" class="media-element file-embedded" src="http://saharareporters.com/sites/default/files/styles/normal_medium/public/photo%20i.jpg?itok=qApWet41" /></span><span class="block-story-object-content"><span class="block-story-object-content-footer"> </span></span> </span> <br /> Our correspondent found torn pieces of posters and banners strewn all over the ground while some of the angry protesters were seen under the tree looking downcast.                                          <br /> Our correspondent talked to some of the disgruntled protesters. Asked if they knew who Mr. Saraki was or the crimes for which he was being tried, several of them said they had no idea.<br /> “All I want is the money they promised to give us every day,” one dismayed protester who identified himself simply as Sule, said.                                      <br /> Our source said he was among several contacts contracted by the senator’s aides to rent protesters. He told SaharaReporters that one of the recruiters was almost manhandled one day when the people he hired accused him of collecting as much as N3000 per head and paying them only N1000. He said some of the protesters are armed with such weapons as sharp knives and cudgels, adding that some of them also carry “charms.” Last week, the police arrested one protester after spotting a weapon on him. Our source said the protester was released after the group leader who recruited him pleaded with the police on his behalf.                                              <br /> One protester decried the fact that they stayed in the sun all day but were not paid at the end of the day. He insisted that they must get paid their arrears. The protesters sometimes stay out in the sweltering heat from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., often without food or water.      <br /> Our source disclosed that Mr. Saraki’s aides had initially provided two 18-seater buses to transport hired protesters from the outskirts of Abuja.<br /> In a related development, an editor of a major newspaper based in Lagos told our correspondent that Mr. Saraki’s bid to shape the media’s coverage of his trial has had little effect. “The senator’s media team has been working round the clock to bribe editors here in Lagos and in Abuja in order to influence the reportage of his trial. But I know that most of the media executive turned down the offer as they don't want to be caught up in any mess.”<br /> SaharaReporters had earlier revealed that Mr. Saraki’s media team had held a meeting with various judicial correspondents at a garden near the International Conference Center in Abuja. Each correspondent was given N50, 000 to ensure that they would not carry negative accounts of the trial.<br />  However, today Mr. Saraki media team issued a statement claiming the government witness could not give an accurate account of his "AMEX" account, the press release was already being passed off as a real story . <span class="ds-1col file file-image file-image-jpeg view-mode-embedded centered clearfix block-story-object block-story-object-resource block-story-object-resource-image"> <span class="block-story-object-asset"><img alt="" class="media-element file-embedded" src="http://saharareporters.com/sites/default/files/styles/normal_medium/public/photo%20h.jpg?itok=TTTGNQQI" /></span><span class="block-story-object-content"><span class="block-story-object-content-header"><span class="block-story-object-content-header-description"> </span></span><span class="block-story-object-content-footer"> </span></span> </span> <span class="ds-1col file file-image file-image-jpeg view-mode-embedded centered clearfix block-story-object block-story-object-resource block-story-object-resource-image"> <span class="block-story-object-asset"><img alt="" class="media-element file-embedded" src="http://saharareporters.com/sites/default/files/styles/normal_medium/public/photo%20g.jpg?itok=IIyoenQP" /></span><span class="block-story-object-content"><span class="block-story-object-content-header"><span class="block-story-object-content-header-description"> </span></span><span class="block-story-object-content-footer"> </span></span> </span> <span class="ds-1col file file-image file-image-jpeg view-mode-embedded centered clearfix block-story-object block-story-object-resource block-story-object-resource-image"> <span class="block-story-object-asset"><img alt="" class="media-element file-embedded" src="http://saharareporters.com/sites/default/files/styles/normal_medium/public/photo%20d.jpg?itok=W0VkLxTc" /></span><span class="block-story-object-content"><span class="block-story-object-content-header"><span class="block-story-object-content-header-description"> </span></span></span></span><br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <span class="ds-1col file file-image file-image-jpeg view-mode-embedded centered clearfix block-story-object block-story-object-resource block-story-object-resource-image"><span class="block-story-object-content"><span class="block-story-object-content-header"><span class="block-story-object-content-header-description">Tired "protesters</span></span></span></span><br /> <span class="ds-1col file file-image file-image-jpeg view-mode-embedded centered clearfix block-story-object block-story-object-resource block-story-object-resource-image"><span class="block-story-object-content"><span class="block-story-object-content-header"><span class="block-story-object-content-header-description">" </span></span><span class="block-story-object-content-footer"> </span></span> </span> <span class="ds-1col file file-image file-image-jpeg view-mode-embedded centered clearfix block-story-object block-story-object-resource block-story-object-resource-image"> <span class="block-story-object-asset"><img alt="" class="media-element file-embedded" src="http://saharareporters.com/sites/default/files/styles/normal_medium/public/photo%20j.jpg?itok=EaHaNsRd" /></span><span class="block-story-object-content"><span class="block-story-object-content-header"><span class="block-story-object-content-header-description"> </span></span><span class="block-story-object-content-footer"> </span></span> </span> <span class="ds-1col file file-image file-image-jpeg view-mode-embedded centered clearfix block-story-object block-story-object-resource block-story-object-resource-image"> <span class="block-story-object-asset"><img alt="" class="media-element file-embedded" src="http://saharareporters.com/sites/default/files/styles/normal_medium/public/photo%20l.jpg?itok=aYd6b7xm" /></span><span class="block-story-object-content"><span class="block-story-object-content-header"><span class="block-story-object-content-header-description"> </span></span></span></span><br /> <span class="ds-1col file file-image file-image-jpeg view-mode-embedded centered clearfix block-story-object block-story-object-resource block-story-object-resource-image"><span class="block-story-object-content"><span class="block-story-object-content-header"><span class="block-story-object-content-header-description">Stella Oduah accompanied Saraki to the tribunal</span></span></span></span><br /> <span class="ds-1col file file-image file-image-jpeg view-mode-embedded centered clearfix block-story-object block-story-object-resource block-story-object-resource-image"><span class="block-story-object-content"><span class="block-story-object-content-header"><span class="block-story-object-content-header-description">source: saharareporters </span></span><span class="block-story-object-content-footer"></span></span></span>

Senator Saraki’s Rented Protesters Unhappy Over Absent Pay

BASAM 0 13:47:00

Some of the protesters hired by embattled Senate President Bukola Saraki to protest his corruption trial are disaffected because the N1000 per day they were promised has not been paid for a few days.   The man behind the Saraki support protest, Ka… link to this post

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Senators Push Back Against Saraki’s Intrigues, Use Of Senate To Fight Personal Battles

<div class="first"> Several senators and politicians, speaking to SaharaReporters on condition of anonymity, have revealed how Senate President Bukola Saraki manages to maintain control over the upper legislative chamber and to keep many senators loyal to his leadership in the face of mounting evidence of his corruption at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT). Mr. Saraki is currently facing charges of false asset declaration and corruption at the CCT. But the sources explained that some senators may be resisting Mr. Saraki’s intrigues.</div> <span class="container container-pod container-pod-short"></span> <span class="ds-1col file file-image file-image-png view-mode-embedded centered clearfix block-story-object block-story-object-resource block-story-object-resource-image"> <span class="block-story-object-asset"><img alt="" class="media-element file-embedded" src="https://secure.saharareporters.com/sites/default/files/styles/normal_medium/public/Saraki-Redhats.png?itok=6D0LunKf" /></span><span class="block-story-object-content"><span class="block-story-object-content-header"><span class="block-story-object-content-header-description"> </span></span></span></span><br /> <span class="ds-1col file file-image file-image-png view-mode-embedded centered clearfix block-story-object block-story-object-resource block-story-object-resource-image"><span class="block-story-object-content"><span class="block-story-object-content-header"><span class="block-story-object-content-header-description">Bukola Saraki attending his Code of Conduct Tribunal for corruption </span></span><span class="block-story-object-content-footer"><span class="block-story-object-content-footer-item block-story-object-content-footer-item-attribution">Sahara Reporters Media </span></span></span> </span> <br /> One of our sources revealed that a growing number of senators were becoming alarmed about the extent to which their colleagues had gone to serve Mr. Saraki’s personal interests. “In Senator Saraki’s absence we have held three days of closed-door sessions and discussed how to ward off public outrage against us,” the source said. He added: “It was decided that the Senate should drop some of its unpopular attempts to protect Dr. Saraki.” According to him, one of the resolutions was to back down from the Senate’s decision to summon Justice Danladi Umar, who is handling Mr. Saraki’s trial, to appear before senators to be questioned on allegations of corruption against him. The charges against the judge were dismissed in the House of Representatives when the men who made them failed to show up to back them up.<br /> “We decided it doesn’t make sense to continue harassing Justice Umar when the charges against him were never authenticated. In the same vein, we decided it is counterproductive to pursue amendments of the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act. The public reaction against the amendment was very fierce,” said the senator.<br /> The amendment would have made it harder for the CCT to prosecute public officials for corruption.<br /> Another senator disclosed that tempers often flared up during the closed-door meetings. According to him, at one point Senator Dino Melaye, one of Mr. Saraki’s staunchest allies, threatened to beat up Senator James Manager from Delta South senatorial district. The source said Mr. Melaye became incensed after Senator Manager stated that Mr. Saraki’s maneuvers to use senators to scuttle his trial had caused great public anger against the Senate. <br /> “Senator Manager did not mince words that the trial of the Senate President was now creating huge problems for us,” our source said, adding that several other senators spoke in the same vein during the closed-door session.<br /> Despite efforts by Senator Melaye and other pro-Saraki hawks, the majority of senators decided it was time to de-escalate the tension between the Senate and the CCT. “Nigerians now perceive us as a group committed to the protection of one man who happens to be the Senate President. It is time we restore[d] public confidence and support,” one of our sources said. He added: “In the process, we decided to drop [the] Ethics Committee investigation of Senator Kabir Marafa, an outspoken opponent to Dr. Saraki.”<br /> Several sources told SaharaReporters that the decision to end the targeting of Mr. Marafa infuriated Senator Sani Yerima, a former Governor of Zamfara State. Mr. Yerima is a controversial political figure who introduced Sharia law in his state in his first tenure as governor. Shortly after leaving Government House in 2007, Senator Yerima triggered national and international outrage when he married a 13-year-old Egyptian girl.<br /> Speaking about Mr. Saraki’s manipulation of senators, two sources disclosed that the embattled Senate President recently distributed 36 new Toyota Land Cruiser SUVs to his closest allies in the Senate. One source stated that Senator Manager had received a car prior to his protests about Mr. Saraki’s image and its effect on the Senate as a whole.<br /> In a bid to stem the growing dissension against Mr. Saraki, Senate Deputy President, Ike Ekweremadu, and a few senators organized a 12-member committee with two representatives from each of the six geopolitical zones to reconcile members. Among other things, the Senate resolved that all members involved in litigation against the leadership of the Senate should withdraw such lawsuit. SaharaReporters learnt that a group of senators led by Senator Ahmed Lawan immediately rejected the proposal, which would have had them withdrawing a forgery lawsuit they filed against the Deputy Senate President and the outgoing clerk at the Senate who assisted him in forging Senate rules that enabled Mr. Saraki to get elected as President.<br /> Over the course of these three days, the senators also discussed the controversial issue of budget padding, which led President Muhammadu Buhari, when he found suspicious allocations, to reject the budget and call for talks with the Senate leadership.<br /> Senatorial sources disclosed that Senator Danjuma Goje, the chairman of the Appropriations Committee, did not show up at the meetings, adding that Mr. Goje was behind the diversion of funds from the Lagos—Calabar Railway to other areas of the budget.<br /> One senator alleged that pro-Saraki senators also used the budgetary padding to garner political support for the embattled Senate President. One source explained that almost every member of the Senate was either a chair or vice-chair of a committee as Mr. Saraki had intentionally increased the number of Senate standing committees from 57 to 70. “The budget was padded in a way that each Committee chairman and vice-chair would receive at least N2 billion in ‘special projects’ while the Senate leadership would get at least N4 billion each in such projects,” one source stated. He added that new Senators who are neither chair or vice chair of committees were each allocated N400 million in special projects.<br /> Our source revealed that many senators were reluctant to dump Mr. Saraki for a new Senate President because such a change would entail the dissolution of committee assignments and the loss of perks as committee chairs.<br /> A civil rights source in Abuja told SaharaReporters that Mr. Saraki had also corrupted some players in the non-government organizations (NGOs). “Many NGOs that campaigned for openness at the National Assembly were themselves co-opted into his [Mr. Saraki’s] inner circle,” the source said. “That’s why several of them have been unable to realize their objective of getting the public to see the details of the opaque budget of the National Assembly. And yet Senator Saraki had pledged to collaborate with these NGOs to bring matters of governance to the public domain.”<br /> Our correspondent learned that, during the final closed-door session, the deputy chair of the Appropriations Committee, Senator Sonni Ugbuoji from Ebonyi South senatorial district, shocked his colleagues by declaring that he was not aware of the details of the budget that his chairperson, Senator Goje, sent to President Buhari for assent. Senator Ekweremadu also disclosed he had not seen the budget breakdown till now. His admission infuriated some Senators, but he hurriedly appealed to them to stay united, pointing to those he called the enemies of the Senate from outside. He then declared the session open and closed to enable some members to join Mr. Saraki at the Code of Conduct Tribunal.<br /> source: saharareporters

Senators Push Back Against Saraki’s Intrigues, Use Of Senate To Fight Personal Battles

BASAM 0 13:40:00

Several senators and politicians, speaking to SaharaReporters on condition of anonymity, have revealed how Senate President Bukola Saraki manages to maintain control over the upper legislative chamber and to keep many senators loyal to his leader… link to this post

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FCMB’s profit crash: Cost of funds, credit losses get the blame

<div class="article-photo"> <span class="set-image-border" style="float: none;"><img alt="FCMB’s profit crash: Cost of funds, credit losses get the blame" class="setborder" src="https://www.thecable.ng/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Ladi-Balogun-653x365.jpg" style="float: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative;" /></span></div> <div class="article-controls" style="margin-bottom: 0px;"> <div class="date"> <div class="calendar-date"> </div> <div class="calendar-time">  </div> </div> </div> <strong>First City Monument Bank’s three-year recovery trend was broken in 2015 and the bank ended the financial year with profit crashing from its 2014 peak to the lowest figure since returning to profit in 2012. The violent fluctuation resulted from a radical shift in the bank’s cost-income ratio led by rising interest expenses and credit losses.</strong><br /> The bank achieved a strong growth in profit in 2014 when it lifted net profit by 38.3% to a new peak of N22.13 billion. This is now followed by a sharp drop of 78.5% in net profit to N4.76 billion in 2015. The strong growth in profit in 2014 happened mainly because interest expenses declined against an increase of 14.2% in interest income. The pattern was reversed in 2015 when interest cost rose ahead of interest income at 31.5% compared to 4.7%, causing a drop of 12% in net interest income.<br /> The bank’s profit capacity got another big hit from impairment charges for credit losses last year, which advanced by 41.3% to N15.03 billion. This is an accelerated growth from the increase of 33.3% in the preceding year. An expansion of over 37% in the net credit portfolio in 2014 appears to have been on the aggressive side. A return to caution seems to have informed a moderate decline in the portfolio volume in 2015.<br /> Apart from the two major rising costs, inability to grow gross earnings compounded the problem of rising cost. Against an increase of 13.5% in gross earnings in 2014, revenue only inched up 2.6% to N152.51 billion in 2015. Mr. Peter Obaseki, the bank’s managing director/chief executive officer, faces the task of how to navigate the bank through the cost-income choke to attain operating stability.<br /> The modest improvement in revenue was mostly accounted for by interest income, which improved by 4.7% against an increase of 2.6% in non-interest income. The main drawback is other income, which dropped by nearly 69%.<br /> Revenue growth is constrained by a sustained drop in the investment portfolio for the third year running and a decline in loans and advances. At N135.31 billion, investment securities have fallen by close to 45% from the 2012 peak. Net loans and advances to customers declined by 4% to N592.96 billion at the end of 2015.<br /> With the slacken performance in revenue, the two rising expense lines claimed significantly increased proportions of revenue. Interest expenses, for instance, claimed 48.3% of interest income and 39% of gross earnings compared to 38.4% and 30.5% respectively in the preceding year.<br /> Management however succeeded in controlling cost in one of three main expense lines, which is operating cost. Operating cost was flat in the year, which was accounted for by a cut down in personnel expenses. This helped to moderate the increases in the other two major cost areas. The bank’s operating cost margin at 44% is at about the industry average number and it has been maintained around this level over the past three years.<br /> The ability to convert revenue into profit weakened in the year, which was caused mainly by the increased incursion of interest expenses on earnings. Net profit margin fell from 15% in 2014 to 3.1% in 2015 – one of the lowest profit margins in the banking sector. An increased claim of loan loss expenses on gross earnings from 7.2% to about 10% over the review period also contributed to the drop in profit margin.<br /> Earnings per share dropped from N1.12 in 2014 to 24 kobo in 2015, the lowest since the return to profit in 2012. The modest profit figure for the year could not boost the bank’s equity resources against a slight decline in liabilities. The strength to grow the size of the balance sheet was therefore missing in 2015, leading to a decline in asset base at over N1,159 billion.<br /> credit: thecableng

FCMB’s profit crash: Cost of funds, credit losses get the blame

BASAM 0 13:35:00

  First City Monument Bank’s three-year recovery trend was broken in 2015 and the bank ended the financial year with profit crashing from its 2014 peak to the lowest figure since returning to profit in 2012. The violent fluctuation resulted … link to this post

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It’s Sad Corrupt People Are Hiring Protesters —NLC

<div class="image-container" itemprop="image"> <img alt="NLC-e1451800481300" class="attachment-full size-full wp-post-image" height="400" src="http://4a7jjc25uykf24u8sd3k8m5n.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/NLC-e1451800481300.jpg" width="533" /> </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Ayuba Wabba, says it is sad that corrupt Nigerians who are facing trial are hiring protesters to defend them.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Wabba said this when he visited the Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Mr. Ibrahim Magu, at the Abuja headquarters of the commission.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> According to a statement by the spokesperson for the EFCC, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, the NLC boss said the union would continue to support the anti-graft agency.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Wabba said, “We have a situation where people, who have stolen from the commonwealth and are being prosecuted in court, go to their villages to hire people that they take to court to protest on their behalf, just because they have the resources at their disposal.”</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Such a scenario, according to him, necessitated the need to re-energise the NLC’s partnership with the EFCC as a collective effort is now essential.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> The NLC boss stressed the importance of having a united front in confronting the ‘monster’ called corruption.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> “Corruption is a monster that has done more harm to our country than any other thing, because it is the cause of crises in the various sectors of Nigeria, be it power, health or housing,” he said.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> While noting that the NLC had in the past shown support for the agency, Wabba stressed that more than ever before, there was a need to renew such affiliation and unity, because “corruption is now fighting back.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> “We’ve partnered in the past, but now we have more civil servants who are willing to be whistle- blowers to provide information for the EFCC,” he said.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> He said that the union was also working to galvanise other civil society organisations to assist the agency expand its anti-corruption crusade to the grassroots.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> While appreciating the union, the EFCC boss assured the delegation that the agency was resolute in carrying out its mandate.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> “The negative impact of corruption affects the whole country, including our children and the unborn generation, and so, we need your support more than ever before,” he said.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Corruption, according to Magu, was fighting back, as many of those being prosecuted for corrupt practices had the money to throw about. He, however, stressed the resolve of the commission to remain steadfast in executing the war against corruption.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> “All of us have the duty to kill corruption,” he said.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Source – Punchng.com</div>

It’s Sad Corrupt People Are Hiring Protesters —NLC

BASAM 0 12:54:00

The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Ayuba Wabba, says it is sad that corrupt Nigerians who are facing trial are hiring protesters to defend them. Wabba said this when he visited the Acting Chairman of… link to this post

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Boko Haram: Don’t Organise Rallies To Celebrate Our Success, Says Army

<div class="image-container" itemprop="image"> <img alt="Director-Army-Public-Relations-Col.-Sani-Usman-" class="attachment-full size-full wp-post-image" height="394" src="http://4a7jjc25uykf24u8sd3k8m5n.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Director-Army-Public-Relations-Col.-Sani-Usman-.jpg" width="600" /> </div> The Nigerian Army has advised the members of the public to refrain from moves to organize solidarity rallies to celebrate the recent successes of the military against the Boko Haram in the North East.<br /> The Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Sani Usman, said in a statement on Thursday that while the Army was not against the public’s desire to associate with the successes of the military, it would not want such solidarity rallies.<br /> Usman said that the Army authorities had received information that some people were planning to celebrate the current victories against the insurgents through rallies.<br /> He said that it was necessary for the public to exhibit some caution as such rallies could distract the military.<br /> He said, “The attention of the Nigerian Army has been drawn to a number of groups and individuals celebrating the routing out and decimation of Boko Haram terrorists on our soil.<br /> “So much as we thank them for that, it is imperative to state that we do not begrudge such persons their desire to identify and associate themselves with this success.<br /> “However, the Nigerian Army wishes to disassociate itself from such celebrations and solidarity rallies.We also would like to advice that they should thread with caution as this could be distractive to us.”<br /> Usman said that the insurgents were discretely moving out of the Sambisa Forest to wreak havoc in other places.<br /> Usman urged the members of the public to be more vigilant and security conscious to ensure that the remnants of the insurgents were dealt with.<br /> <br /> Source – punchng.com

Boko Haram: Don’t Organise Rallies To Celebrate Our Success, Says Army

BASAM 0 12:53:00

The Nigerian Army has advised the members of the public to refrain from moves to organize solidarity rallies to celebrate the recent successes of the military against the Boko Haram in the North East. The Acting… link to this post

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Catholic Church Threatens To Sue Fayose Over Education Tax

<div class="image-container" itemprop="image"> <img alt="Ayodele-Fayose" class="attachment-full size-full wp-post-image" height="344" src="http://4a7jjc25uykf24u8sd3k8m5n.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Ayodele-Fayose.jpg" width="500" /> </div> The Catholic diocese of Ekiti has threatened to sue Governor Ayodele Fayose over the education development levy imposed on primary and secondary pupils in both state-owned and private schools in the state.<br /> Under the new tax regime, pupils in primary and secondary schools are to pay N500 and N1,000 education development levy, respectively.<br /> But the catholic church has said it will not pay the money, advising the government to exempt its schools from payment.<br /> Citing Ekiti State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) Law, 2005, the church said the state government had the mandatory obligation to provide free and compulsory education for every child of primary to junior secondary school classes.<br /> The bishop of the diocese, Most Rev. Felix Ajakaye, stated this in a press statement made available to journalists in Ado Ekiti on Thursday.<br /> He threatened to file a legal action against the government in the circumstance that any of the schools under his custody is disturbed.”<br /> “No law empowers the state government of Ekiti to impose Education Development Levy on pupils/students of mission schools in Ekiti state,” he said.<br /> Ajakaye said that the church viewed the new tax as another burden on parents whom he said were already overwhelmed with taxes in different forms by the state government.<br /> He recalled with pain how the state, under the military regime in 1975, “forcibly” took over 106 Catholic primary schools with seven secondary schools and one technical school without compensation.<br /> He added that the new tax was unnecessary because schools established by the Church had been paying various levies and taxes demanded by both local and state governments.<br /> “The Catholic Church in Ekiti land implores the state government to see the Church as great contributor to quality education and a formidable partner in the development of education in the state. Therefore, the status of the Catholic schools must be recognised as defined by their purposes and they should be treated accordingly,” Ajakaye added.<br /> <br /> <br /> Source- punchng.com

Catholic Church Threatens To Sue Fayose Over Education Tax

BASAM 0 12:52:00

The Catholic diocese of Ekiti has threatened to sue Governor Ayodele Fayose over the education development levy imposed on primary and secondary pupils in both state-owned and private schools in the state. Under… link to this post

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