I'm not and will not be an enemy to democracy - IGP Idris replies Senate

Ibrahim Idris has condemned the Senate's
description of him as an enemy of democracy
- The police IG said he would not allow the blackmail
to go on
- He called on the Senate to stop harbouring criminal
elements
The inspector-general of police, Ibrahim Idris,
has responded to the Senate for describing him
as an enemy of democracy after he failed to
appear before it.
Idris in a statement via police spokesperson,
Jimoh Moshood, on Wednesday, May 9, accused
the Senate of trying to blackmail him.
He said he was on an official assignment when
he was invited by the Senate and duly asked
senior ranking officers to represent him as
constitutionally stipulated.
The police chief said he would not allow himself
to be witchhunted by the Senate especially
because of the arrest of Senator Dino Melaye.

Read the statement below:
The attention of the Nigeria Police Force has
been drawn to the media reportage of the
Senate’s resolution on Senate Order Paper of
today, Wednesday, 9th May, 2018 after a closed
door session that the “Senate declares the
Inspector General of Police, IGP Ibrahim Idris,
NPM, mni, as enemy of democracy and unfit to
hold any public office within and outside the
country”.
It is urgently imperative that the Nigeria Police
Force respond to this resolution of the Senate
which is a deliberate blackmail, witch-hunting,
unfortunate and mischievous.
In accordance with the extant laws in Nigeria,
the functions, duties and responsibilities of the
Inspector General of Police as stated in Section
215(1a) of the Constitution of the Federal
Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended, and the
Police Act and Regulations Section 309(1) can
also be carried out as mentioned in sections
7(1),312(1), 313(2) of the Police Act and
Regulations by a senior officer of the Force of the
Rank of Deputy Inspector General of Police or an
Assistant Inspector General of Police who if
permitted by the Inspector General of Police to
act on his behalf or represent him in an official
capacity at any official function, event or
programme within and outside Nigeria can do so
in consonant with the provisions of the Police
Act and Regulations.
It is on the basis of the above that when on the
25th of April, 2018, the Senate invited the
Inspector-General of Police to appear before it on
the 26th of April 2018, in respect of the felonious
offenses for which Sen. Dino Melaye was taken
into Police custody, investigated and arraigned in
a Court of Competent Jurisdiction in Lokoja, but
because the Inspector-General of Police was on
official assignment with the President of Federal
Republic of Nigeria to Bauchi on same date, he
delegated the Deputy Inspector-General of Police,
Department of Operations, Assistant Inspector-
Generals of Police and some Commissioners of
Police conversant with the matter to brief the
Senate.
The delegated Officers went with a brief of the
Inspector-General of Police on the matter to the
Senate to enable the Senate appreciate the issues
raised to guide their resolutions on the matter
but the Senate refused to listen to the Officers
delegated by the Inspector-General of Police in
line with his powers recognized by both the
Constitution and the Police Act and Regulations.
The Senate again on the 26th of April 2018 wrote
the Inspector-General of Police re-inviting him to
appear before the Senate in person on the 2nd of
May, 2018 but this time around the IGP was on
official assignment to Birnin-Gwari Area of
Kaduna State in company of the General Officer
Commanding, One Division, Nigerian Army
Kaduna, Major General Mohammed Mohammed
to attend to some very serious security matters
of National Importance, but he promptly
delegated the Deputy Inspector-General of Police,
Research and Planning, Assistant Inspectors
General of Police and Commissioners of Police to
represent him and brief the Senate on the same
subject matter but the Senate again refused to
accord them audience insisting that the
Inspector-General of Police must appear in
person.
On the 8th of May, 2018, the Inspector General of
Police sent a letter to the President of the Senate,
Federal Republic of Nigeria signed by the
Commissioner of Police, Legal and Prosecution
Department, explaining why he would not be
appearing before the Senate on the 9th of May,
2018 due to legal restraint as a result of pending
cases before the courts filed: (i) by Senator Dino
Melaye against the IGP and the Nigeria Police
Force in the High Court of the Federal Capital
Territory, Abuja in suit No. CV/1610/18 slated for
hearing on the 11th day of May, 2018. by the
Inspector General of Police against the Senate in
the Federal High Court, Abuja in suit No. FHC/
ABJ/CS/457/2018 adjourned to 31st May, 2018 for
hearing.

It is on record that consequent on the confession
of criminal offences indicting Senator Dino
Melaye by the principal suspect KABIRU SAIDU
a.k.a OSAMA “31 YRS”, The Nigeria Police Force,
sent a letter of investigation activities/invitation
dated 2nd March, 2018 addressed to the Senate
President, Federal Republic of Nigeria informing
and requesting him to release Senator Dino
Melaye to report to Commissioner of Police, Kogi
State Command on the 7th of March, 2018 to
answer to criminal offences of Conspiracy and
Unlawful Possession of Prohibited Firearms
levelled against him, this is to enable the Police
Investigation Team carryout a discreet and
thorough investigation into the case. But Senator
Dino Melaye refused to honour the Police
invitation.
It is pertinent that the Nigeria Police Force
informs the members of the General Public that
the reasons for which the Senate has summoned
the Inspector General of Police is official and not
personal, and the 1999 constitution of Federal
Republic of Nigeria as amended and the Police
Act and Regulations allowed the IGP to delegate
Deputy Inspector General of Police or Assistant
Inspector General of Police to represent him.
Consequently, the action of the Senate in its
resolution against the IGP today is a deliberate
blackmail, witch-hunting with mischievous
motives to hand-twist the IGP to pervert the end
of justice in afelonious and serious offenses of
Criminal Conspiracy and Unlawful Possession of
Prohibited Firearms for which Senator Dino
Melaye who was indicted by two (2) Principal
Suspects (Kabiru Seidu A.K.A OSAMA, Nuhu
Salisu A.K.A SMALL) arrested forseveral cases of
kidnappings and armed robberies in Kogi State
are already standing trial in a court of competent
jurisdiction.
It is important to correct the impression created
in the minds of the people from the Senate’s
resolution that the IGP is not and will not be an
enemy to democracy. It is also of significant note
to state thatIGP Ibrahim K. Idris, NPM, mni, has
served meritoriously for above Ten (10) years in
the United Nations Peace Keeping Operations in
several countries unblemished. The Nigeria
Police Force is the first defender of Democracy
and all democratic institutions in Nigeria and
will continue to do so.
It is factual and verifiable that Senator Dino
Melaye was discharged and certified fit to stand
trial by the National Hospital, Abuja before he
was arraigned in Chief Magistrate Courts in
Wuse, Abuja and Lokoja.
The Inspector General of Police and the Nigeria
Police Force will not be deterred by blackmail
from any individual or group no matter how
highly placed from the enforcement of Law and
Order and ensuring that the Rule of Law
prevails.
No matter whose Ox is gored.
The Nigeria Police Force, therefore, owes no
apology to any individual or groups in its effort
to ensure preservation of law and order,
supremacy of the law of the land, and make sure
that all Nigerians are subject to the same law, no
matter what their position is in the society.
The General Public are hereby implored to
disregard and discountenance the resolution of
the Senate on the IGP as a deliberate blackmail,
witch-hunting and mischievously aimed at
casting aspersions on the hard earned integrity
of the Inspector General of Police and the Nigeria
Police Force.

The Nigeria Police Force as a law abiding
organization will continue to hold the Senate of
Federal Republic of Nigeria in high esteem but
wishes to impress on the Senate not to harbour
criminal elements among its fold or condone
criminality. The Force will not be intimidated by
any individual, groups or institution, constituent
or otherwise to abdicate from its constitutional
responsibilities of protection of lives and
property and due enforcement of the rule of law,
and law and order across the Country.
Meanwhile, the chairman of the Presidential
Advisory Committee Against Corruption (PACAC),
Professor Itse Sagay, lashed out at the Senate for
describing Ibrahim Idris as the enemy of
democracy.
Sagay noted that the police chief sent a deputy
inspector-general to meet with the Senate when
he was invited.
He said the action of senators visiting their
colleagues who were under trial was the real
abandonment of democracy.

Senator Jonah Jang sues EFCC, demands N500m in damages

Senator Jonah David Jang claimed the EFCC violated
his fundamental right
- The former governor is demanding for N500 million
in damages
- He claimed his trial s being politically motivated
Senator Jonah David Jang has sued the Economic
and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)
claiming the anti-graft agency violated his
fundamental human right.
According to Guardian, the senator is demanding
N500 million in damages from the EFCC.

This came following a 12-count charge of
corruption related offences by the EFCC against
the former governor in Abuja and Plateau.
Peter David Dusu who is a member of the
senator’s legal team claimed “his travails started
after he left office in May 2015 when the All
Progressives Congress (APC) government accused
him of corruption and had followed it up by
petitioning the EFCC and the Independent
Corrupt Practices and other related offences
Commission (ICPC.)”
He said the EFCC claimed to have invited Jang for
questioning but he failed to show up.
“ When Jang went to the EFCC on his own volition, he told
them that he wanted to assure them that he would always
be available whenever he was needed.”
Dusu claimed that “Jang’s detention was
politically motivated because EFCC does not have
power to detain any person more than 24 hours
without charging him to court. “
Adegokblog. reported that the EFCC on Monday,
May 7, served the former governor of Plateau
state, Jonah Jang, a trial notice to notify him of
his impending trial over an alleged fraud of N6.3
billion.

Jang allegedly embezzled some special funds
released to the state by the Central Bank of
Nigeria during his tenure as governor, according
to a fact sheet obtained by The Nation.
The fact-sheet read: “In one of the counts, the former
governor, among other things, allegedly pocketed N2 billion
released by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for
disbursement to small and medium enterprises in the state
under the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises
Development Funds (MSMEDF) just a month before the
expiration of his tenure in April 2015.

Dogara visits EFCC new office, calls for improved welfare package for graft fighters

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu
Dogara, has paid a working visit to the new head
office of the Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission
- The lawmaker described the building as a dream
come true and urged the commission to ensure
looters of Nigeria's commonwealth are brought to
justice
- Dogara also advocated for better welfare package for
the staff of the Commission
Yakubu Dogara, speaker of Nigeria's House of
Representatives, has on Wednesday, May 9,
visited the new head office of the Economic and
Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) located at
plot 301/302 Research and Institution Cadastral
District, Jabi, Abuja.
Dogara who was on a working visit described the
building as a dream come true, noting that the
project was justified considering the quality of
infrastructure put in place and the fine finish of
the work.

Expressing his joy at the infrastructure, he said:
“You can see now, we have an excellent facility. I want to
commend all who have contributed to the successful
completion of this project particularly the acting chairman,
EFCC, and his team. For me, it is a dream come true. This is
the kind of thing we want to see”.
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara
inspecting the new Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission head office in Abuja. Credit: EFCC
He urged the EFCC staff to reciprocate the good
gesture of the enabling environment provided by
the government in ensuring that looters of our
commonwealth are brought to justice.
Going further, the lawmaker who acknowledged
the risks associated with the job advocated for
better welfare package for the staff of the
Commission.
“This is a cutting-edge facility that has been delivered. It
should be merged with cutting-edge services. Investing in
physical infrastructure without investing in the people who
combat the scourge is not enough.
“I think it is time for us to look at the welfare package of
the EFCC staff, who are putting their lives on the line to
ensure that they combat the menace that has caused
retardation to this great nation, in terms of economic
advancement and development.”
In his remarks, acting chairman of EFCC,
Ibrahim Magu, appreciated Dogara and his
entourage for the visit promising to do
everything possible to meet up with the
expectations.
Dogara described the building as a dream come true and
urged the Commission to ensure looters of Nigeria's
commonwealth are brought to justice. Credit: EFCC
“We thank the speaker for having time to come here and for
his continuous support, we are very grateful. We will meet
up and we will not disappoint Nigerians,” he said.
Meanwhile,  had reported that Senate
president, Bukola Saraki, on Tuesday, May 8,
inspected the new headquarters building of the
EFCC and said he would continue to support
efforts to build and strengthen the nation's
institutions irrespective of any differences.
Saraki who spoke to journalists after a tour of
the facility, said he was particularly impressed
by the quality of work done and the fact the the
building was designed by a Nigerian architect.

Bukola Saraki on Tuesday urged the International Oil

Bukola Saraki on Tuesday urged the International Oil
Companies and Oil Producers Trade Section not to
induce lawmakers during consideration of PIB
- Saraki made it clear to all lawmakers involved in the
process to live above board
- He also called on the leadership of the OIC/OPTS to
report any lawmaker who seeks any personal favour
when the process of passing the bills
President of the Senate, Dr Abubakar Bukola
Saraki on Tuesday, May 8, urged the
International Oil Companies and Oil Producers
Trade Section (IOC/OPTS) operating in the
country not to induce lawmakers during the
consideration of other sections of the Petroleum
Industry Bill.
The fiscal and host communities bills, a
components of the Petroleum Industry Bill is
currently before the national assembly for
consideration and passage.
Saraki who stated this when the leadership of the
IOC/OPTS visited him in Abuja.

According to a statement by his chief press
secretary, Sanni Onogu, in Abuja, he said that
the leadership of the 8th national assembly has
made it clear to all lawmakers involved in the
process to live above board.
He called on the leadership of the OIC/OPTS to
report any lawmaker who seeks any personal
favour when the process of passing the bills
commences this month of May.
"Let me also use these opportunity to just make some
ground rules clear. We as the 8th national assembly - I told
you at the beginning that the two houses will be on the
same position on the remaining Bills. I think we have
shown that on the first bill we passed.
Bukola Saraki @bukolasaraki 20h
Replying to @bukolasaraki
The National Assembly leadership
has made it clear to everyone
involved that  the passage of the
#PIB Fiscal and Host Community
Bills must be a transparent process.
We are not going to tolerate any
hanky-panky. pic.twitter.com/
lPQ2FLPNXV
Bukola Saraki
@bukolasaraki
We must ensure that everything is above board
because the Host Community Bill and the Fiscal
Responsibility Bills are laws that will impact the lives
of many generations of Nigerians. Therefore, we must
make sure that it is done properly in our time.
pic.twitter.com/FEX1zbvg8B
7:29 PM - May 8, 2018
57 48 people are talking about this
"I am confident that for these other bills too, we will do the
same. I want to assure you that it is in our own interest and
the leadership has made it clear to all the members
involved that this must be a transparent process.
"We are doing it in the interest of the country. Leadership is
not going to tolerate any hanky-panky. No favours. No gifts.
Nothing must be given to get this work done.
"And we want to mandate you that if you see any of these
you should be able to bring it to the attention of the
leadership. All we want to see is a Bill that is in the interest
of Nigeria and we have read the riot act to all our members
that nobody should approach anybody for any interest
towards any benefit and I want to make this very clear.
"This is the position of leadership on this issue. We must
ensure that everything is above board because this is not
just a Bill for today, but for future generations. We must
make sure that in our time it is done properly," he stated.
Saraki said that after the passage of the PIGB by
the national assembly which is now before now
before the presidency for assent, the process for
the passage of the fiscal and host communities
bills will soon commence - to pass a petroleum
bill that will be a "win-win" for all stakeholders.
He said: "This is where we are now and this is where it
concerns those of you who are operators to see that we can
pass a petroleum bill that is a win win for all.
"A petroleum bill that will be a win for Nigeria on the
revenue side, investment side and jobs creation; and it is
also a win for those who are investing in Nigeria. Because
we appreciate that it is a very competitive world out there
and we must make Nigeria competitive.
"The only way we can do that is through engagement. We
cannot do it by just passing a bill and just putting it at your
doorstep, because we are not the ones that will do the
investment. So, it has to be a bill that we all believe is in the
interest of all those who are involved," he said.
It would be recalled that the national assembly
commenced the process of passing the fiscal and
host communities components of the petroleum
industry bill after the passage of the Petroleum
Industry Governance Bill (PIGB) now before the
president for assent.
Earlier, the leader of the delegation of the IOC/
OPTS and managing director of Shell Nigeria
Limited, Mr Osagie Okunbo, said the visit is
essentially meant to assure the leadership of the
national assembly that the IOC/OPTS will make
its memorandum on the bills available to the
relevant committees of the national assembly
during the public hearing.
He said that it is important to ensure that the PIB
that will be passed is one that will essentially
promote investment.
"Our primary concern is that at the end of the day, we both
lay the years of uncertainty to rest, but even more
importantly, that a bill that is passed eventually is one that
we can all be proud of and the one that we can say will
encourage investments in all parts of the oil industry, "
Okunbo stated.
 had reported that Senate President
Bukola Saraki, affirmed that the passage of the
Petroleum Industry Governance Bill, (PIGB) by
the House of Representatives on Wednesday,
January 17, following the Senate’s passage of the
bill last May, represents a historic milestone in
Nigeria.

Saraki visits EFCC's new headquarters in Abuja

The new headquarters of the EFCC in Abuja has been
described by Bukola Saraki as a remarkable
achievement
- He also described the building as impressive and
commendable especially the fact that it was designed
by an indigenous architect
- During a visit to the place, he vowed to continue to
support efforts to build and strengthen the nation's
institutions irrespective of any differences
Senate president, Bukola Saraki, on Tuesday,
May 8, inspected the new headquarters building
of the EFCC, and said he will continue to support
efforts to build and strengthen the nation's
institutions irrespective of any differences.
Saraki who spoke to journalists after a tour of
the facility, said he was particularly impressed
by the quality of work done and the fact the the
building was designed by a Nigerian architect.
He said he is duty bound to visit the completed
project as part of his oversight functions in view
of the contributions of the National Assembly to
its realization. He said that the nation must
continue to build institutions as well as
strengthen existing ones to realize its dream of
becoming a great democratic country.
EFCC chairman, Ibrahim Maguw as on hand to welcome the
Senate President during his inspection of the edifice. Photo
credit: SP media office

On the import of his visit to the project site,
Saraki said: “I think the most important thing as far as
we are concerned is that I have always said that we must
always continue to build institutions and that is what is
important and we must continue to support in building
these institutions.
“If we are going to build a better society in our country,
one of the main things we must tackle is the issue of
corruption and how we can do that is by strengthening
these institutions.
“My presence here is to say that whatever we do in our job,
the most important thing is that we all represent
institutions and we must work and see that it is in the
interest of the country.
The Senate President was taken round the EFCC's new
headquarters in Abuja. Photo credit: SP media office
“So my presence here is, after a building like this where the
National Assembly has played a great role, it must be my
responsibility to see how the money was spent and I can see
that that has been done properly and we should continue to
work together to see that that goes well for the entire
country.
“If you look at most projects in Abuja, I don't think any
project like this has been well-funded and that shows that
despite all the noise you will hear, the National Assembly
has supported where it matters because this is where it
matters and I think we have done that.
“If you look at what has been achieved in the last two and
half years in putting this building up and bringing it to
completion, I think it is a remarkable achievement.”
The Senate president said he paid a visit to the
facility because he will be engaged officially next
week when the edifice will be officially opened.
He described the building as impressive and
commendable especially the fact that it was
designed by an indigenous architect.
He said: “I must say that I am very impressed. Very
commendable structure, I like the fact that the architect is
local; Nigerian and the quality of work done by Julius
Berger is very impressive and it is a building that we should
be proud of.
“I think it goes to show the importance of institutional
building, making institutions stronger and it makes
institutions stronger. So, it is very impressive. The details
and planning is very commendable. I would commend all
those who have worked towards the actualization of the
structure.
“From those who started it to the builder. Let me also
commend members of the National Assembly that provided
the funding to make it a reality. I am very impressed. It is
well kept secret but it is very good.
“Having a Nigerian that designed this, the details are very
impressive - the clinic and all the facilities - and the fact
that it has gone through three different administrations;
and the fact that the National Assembly has played its role
and brought it to completion, I think that it is a lot of plus.”
 reported ly earlier that a
former chairman of the Economic and Financial
Crimes Commission, Farida Waziri, expressed joy
at the completion of the N24 billion office of the
commission in Abuja.
Waziri who initiated the project during her
tenure said on Saturday, May 5, that she was
pleasantly shocked by the ability of the acting
chairman of the anti-graft agency, Ibrahim Magu
to bring the plan to fruition.

IG Idris was first summoned on April 25

IG Idris was first summoned on April 25 to answer
questions on the arrest of senator Dino Melaye, and
killings across the country
- The lawmakers are currently deliberating on next
line of action
Ibrahim Idris, the inspector-general of police has
failed to honour an invitation to appear before
the Senate for the third time.
The police boss who was first summoned on
April 25 was invited to answer questions on the
arrest of senator Dino Melaye, and killings across
the country.

Recall that Idris accompanied President
Muhammadu Buhari to Bauchi state the first
time he was invited to appear before the
lawmakers and the second time, he went to Birin
Gwari, Kaduna state, on a working visit.
Premium Times reports that Senate president
Saraki announced his non-appearance after some
minutes of wait to allow him into the chamber.
“I’ve just been informed that the IG or any member of his
team are not here,” he said.
The news outlet reports further that the
lawmakers are currently deliberating on next
line of action.
 had reported that the
Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Kpotum
Idris, on Wednesday, May 2, snubbed the
Nigerian Senate yet again .

The police boss is currently in Kaduna state. The
Senate had summoned IGP Idris to appear before
it over the recent killings and security situation
across the country.

Senate declares IGP Idris 'enemy of democracy'

The Nigerian Senate has declared the Inspector-
General of Police (IGP), Ibrahim Idris, an enemy of
democracy following his refusal to honour an
invitation to appear before the upper chamber for a
third time.
The lawmakers during plenary on Wednesday,
May 9, said Idris is not fit to hold public office in
Nigeria and abroad.
Premium Times reports that the Senate
president, Bukola Saraki, made the declaration
after the Senate emerged from a closed door
session where it deliberated on the non-
appearance of the police boss.

“The Senate in a closed session deliberated on the non-
appearance of the IGP to the senate to the plenary after a
series of invitation. The Senate noted that this has been a
gross disrespect to our constituted authority and to also
know that his earlier refusal to appear before investigative
committee was overruled by competent court of jurisdiction
just in April this year.
“The Senate therefore views this persistent refusal is a
great danger to our democracy and hence the Senate
resolved to declare IGP as an enemy of democracy and not
fit to hold any public office within and outside Nigeria. The
leader of the Senate would also mandate to look into the
matter for further necessary action ,” Saraki said.
Read tweets from the plenary below:
The Nigerian Senate @NGRSenate2h
Replying to @NGRSenate
"What is happening today in Nigeria
shows that democracy is dying bit by
bit and also shows the abuse of power
and office by the IG. What the IG is
doing in the eyes of the world, shows
that there is no respect for the law."-
Senator Enyinaya Abaribe.
The Nigerian Senate
@NGRSenate
"During the executive session the Senate deliberated on
the non-appearance of the IGP to the Senate in plenary
after a series of invitations."- Senate President,
@bukolasaraki
1:50 PM - May 9, 2018
The Nigerian Senate @NGRSenate2h
Replying to @NGRSenate
"During the executive session the
Senate deliberated on the non-
appearance of the IGP to the Senate
in plenary after a series of
invitations."- Senate President,
@bukolasaraki
The Nigerian Senate
@NGRSenate
"The Senate noted this as disrespectful to the institution
and constitutional authority..." -Senate President,
@bukolasaraki
1:55 PM - May 9, 2018

The Nigerian Senate @NGRSenate2h
Replying to @NGRSenate
"The Senate noted this as
disrespectful to the institution and
constitutional authority..." -Senate
President, @bukolasaraki
The Nigerian Senate
@NGRSenate
"...And that the refusal of the IG to appear before an
investigative committee as also ruled by a court of
competent jurisdiction  is a great danger to our
democracy..." - Senate President, @bukolasaraki
1:58 PM - May 9, 2018
17 23 people are talking about this
The Nigerian Senate @NGRSenate1h
Replying to @NGRSenate
"...And that the refusal of the IG to
appear before an investigative
committee as also ruled by a court of
competent jurisdiction  is a great
danger to our democracy..." - Senate
President, @bukolasaraki
The Nigerian Senate
@NGRSenate
"Therefore the Senate resolves to declare the IGP as an
enemy of democracy and not fit to hold any public
office within and outside Nigeria."- Senate President,
@bukolasaraki
2:04 PM - May 9, 2018
The Senate President
@SPNigeria
UPDATE: Today, the Senate resolved that the
Inspector General (IG) of Police, Ibrahim Idris, is unfit
to hold public office. The Senate noted that the IG’s
refusal to appear before it, after several invitations
makes him a persistent threat and enemy of the
nation’s democracy.
1:59 PM - May 9, 2018
116 200 people are talking about this
NAIJ.com had earlier reported that Ibrahim Idris,
the inspector-general of police failed to honour
an invitation to appear before the Senate for the
third time.
The police boss who was first summoned on
April 25 was invited to answer questions on the
arrest of senator Dino Melaye, and killings across
the country.
Recall that Idris accompanied President
Muhammadu Buhari to Bauchi state the first
time he was invited to appear before the
lawmakers and the second time, he went to Birin
Gwari, Kaduna state, on a working visit.
Premium Times reports that Senate president
Saraki announced his non-appearance after some
minutes of wait to allow him into the chamber

President Buhari arrives polling unit for APC ward congress in Daura

President Muhammadu Buhari has arrived Polling Unit
Sarkin Yara A Ward of Daura Local government area
of Katsina state for the All Progressives Congress
(APC) ward congress.

 gathers that Sarkin Yara A consists of
15 polling stations and 26 party executives.
The ruling party had fixed May 5 for the ward
congress, fixing the local government area (LGA)
and state congresses for May 12 and May 19
respectively.
President Buhari joined members of the governing party, the
All Progressives Congress (APC) at his Sarkin Yara Ward,
Daura LGA. Photo Credit: Bashir Ahmad
President Buhari participated in the ward
congress of the APC which held on Saturday,
May 5. He was joined by Katsina state governor
Rt. Hon. Aminu Bello Masari and welcomed by
congress officials as he arrived.

President Buhari is participating in the APC Ward Congress
holding in Daura, his hometown. Photo Credit: Bashir Ahmad
Among those in attendance were Katsina state
APC chairman, Mallam Shittu S. Shittu; member
House of Representatives for Daura, Sandamu
and Maiadua, Hon. Sani Saidu; and chairman
stakeholders, Alhaji Sani Abubakar.
Buhari was joined by Katsina State Governor Rt. Hon. Aminu
Bello Masari. Photo Credit: Bashir Ahmad
President Muhammadu Buhari arrived Daura on Friday, May 4.
Photo Credit: M.kabir Salim Babajo Twitter
Buhari departed Abuja for Daura, his hometown
in Katsina state, for the ward congress on Friday,
May 4.
The APC is holding its ward congress across the country.
Photo Credit: M.kabir Salim Babajo Twitter
The presidential jet conveying him touched down
at Umaru Musa Ya’Adua Airport , Katsina state at
exactly 4:28 pm and shortly after, President
Buhari was conveyed in a police chopper to
Daura.

On hand to receive the president on his arrival
at the airport were Governor Aminu Bello
Masari, Senator Abu Ibrahim and the Managing
Director of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA)
Hadiza Bala Usman, among others.
Meanwhile the ward congress in some states has
been been marred by violence. One person died
in Port Harcourt on Friday, May 4 , as
unidentified persons, suspected to be political
thugs vandalised the secretariat of the APC
located at the Old Government Residential Area
in Port Harcourt, Rivers state.
The Rivers command of the Nigerian Police
quickly intervened by deploying tear-gas to stop
further destruction of the party’s secretariat.
Gun shots were fired into the air to scare riotous
members and in the process one death was
recorded.

One killed as irate youths vandalise APC secretariat in Rivers

Ahead of the APC ward congress in Rivers state, irate
youths vandalized the secretariat of the party in Port
Harcourt
- One death was recorded as the police fired gun shots
to scare the youths
- Chris Finebone, publicity secretary of APC in Rivers


blamed some party leaders for the violence
One person died in Port Harcourt on Friday, May
4, as unidentified persons, suspected to be
political thugs vandalised the secretariat of the
All Progressives Congress (APC) located at the
Old Government Residential Area in Port
Harcourt, Rivers.
The Rivers command of the Nigerian Police
quickly intervened by deploying tear-gas to stop
further destruction of the party’s secretariat.
Gun shots were fired into the air to scare riotous
members and in the process one death was
recorded.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that APC
members aspiring for various positions at the
Ward levels had come to the party secretariat to
pick their forms before the incident.
A ward chairmanship aspirant told NAN that he
was unable to pick the form after paying the
required amount through the bank. He said that
trouble occurred after a long wait by the
aspirants.
“As you can see, most of us that are vying for different
positions in our wards are here to pick the form but nobody
is here to address us. We were told that sales of forms will
commence by 3 pm but up till 5:30pm we didn’t see
anybody attending to us,” he alleged.
NAN learnt from witnesses that violence broke
out following the long wait. The party’s
secretariat was vandalised.
Efforts made to get reaction from the police did
not yield result.
Chris Finebone, publicity secretary of APC in
Rivers via a text message said that what
happened at the secretariat was an act of
wanton destruction that should be condemned by
all.
“ We regret that party leaders who have been canvassing
for elections turned around to demand for consensus
arrangement only to turn around to prevent the process of
election through violence. We know them and time will
prove them wrong ,” Finebone alleged.
There are 319 wards across the 23 local
government areas of the state.
The ruling party fixed Saturday, May 5, for the
ward congress while it fixed the local
government area (LGA) and state congresses for
May 12 and May 19 respectively.
In Adamawa, over 10, 000 forms were said to
have so far been issued to candidates for the
Saturday ward congress in the state. Alhaji
Ahmed Lawan, the state organizing Secretary of
the party, made this known Friday, May 4, in
Yola while briefing newsmen on the exercise.
 reported that Lawan said while women
and physically challenged candidates were given
the forms for free, others had to pay N10,000 for
chairmanship and N2,000 for other positions.
Meanwhile, President Buhari on Friday, May 4,
arrived his country home, Daura to participate in
the party's ward congress at Sarkin Yara A ward
slated for Saturday, May 5. Sarkin Yara A
consists of 15 polling stations and 26 party
executives.
The presidential jet conveying him touched down
at Umaru Musa Ya’Adua Airport, Katsina state at
exactly 4:28 pm and shortly after, President
Buhari was conveyed in a police chopper to
Daura.

FG approves 13 modular refineries - NNPC GMD Baru

A total of 35 firms expressed interest to establish
modular refineries in Nigeria
- Less than half got the approvals from the
department of petroleum resources as only 13 were
given licenses
- The government hopes to use the modular refineries
to stop illegal refining of crude and also create
employment in the Niger Delta region
Out of the 35 firms that expressed interest to
establish modular refineries, 13 have been given
licenses by the Nigerian government.
Maikanti Baru, the group managing director of
the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation
(NNPC) made the announcement at the Offshore
Technology Conference 2018 Nigeria Oil Industry
Award Dinner in the United States, where he was
the special guest of honour and received an
award.
According to him, the corporation and the
Ministry of Petroleum Resources were
collaborating to encourage the establishment of
modular refineries in the Niger Delta to
encourage job creation.
Baru stated that in the months ahead, the dream
of transforming Nigeria from a net exporter of
crude oil to a net exporter of petroleum products
would become a reality.
He said he was committed to achieving the
December 2019 target set by the federal
government to end the importation of petroleum
products into the country.

On efforts being made to refurbish Nigeria’s four
existing refineries in Warri, Port Harcourt and
Kaduna, the NNPC GMD said there is an ongoing
arrangement with the original builders of the
refineries to return them to at least 90% capacity
utilisation before the 2019 deadline.
He stated that the process for companies
interested in the rehabilitation of the refineries
using a contractor-financing model had been
completed and successful and the companies for
the different projects would be announced soon.
“ This model is expected to be a self-sustaining financial
model with near zero reliance on the federal government
funds. For smooth running and implementation, we are also
changing the operating and commercial framework of the
refineries to make them work efficiently and be
commercially viable ,’’ he said.
In an earlier report by NAIJ.com , the the minister
of petroleum resources, Ibe Kachikwu, said that
the proposed modular refineries for Delta and
Rivers states were not meant to address the
current refining challenge faced by Nigeria.
He said the modular refineries are expected to
only produce an average 2,000 and 10,000 at
most capacity per refinery while the average
consumption of fuel by Nigeria stands at 630,000
barrels per day.

“ On modular refineries; modular wasn’t supposed to
provide a sufficient solution to your product needs, modular
are on the average between 2,000 and 5,000 maybe 10,000
at most capacity per refinery.
"Your consumption is about 630,000 barrels per day, that is
not the essence of modular, what modular was supposed to
do for us is provide work within some of these communities
where people are busy doing illegal refining," he said

Unapproved $496m jets: Buhari presents documents to National Assembly

President Buhari has presented documents he
obtained after purchasing 2 fighter jets from the US to
the National Assembly
- The president also presented the letter he got from
the US giving him a deadline for acquiring the jets
President Muhammadu Buhari has presented
documents and a letter from the United States
Government to the Senate Committee on
Judiciary and Legal Matters on why he decided
to pay $496 million for 12 Super Tucano fighter
jets in anticipation of approval by the National
Assembly.
The Nation reports that the presidency also gave
a list of precedents by past governments which
embarked on similar purchases or expenditures
due to exigencies.
One of the document reportedly presented was a
letter from the US government giving Nigeria a
deadline of February 20, 2018, to purchase the
jets or renogiate after two years.
-
NNPC GMD Baru
A top source in the presidency said: “The payment
of the $496 million for the Super Tucano jets was not ill-
motivated or scandalous as being painted.
“It was effected in the interest of the nation’s security and
not an attempt to undermine the National Assembly in any
form.
“If you go to Section 82 of the 1999 Constitution, it says the
president may authorise withdrawal of money from the
Consolidated Revenue of the Federation for the purpose of
meeting expenditure necessary to carry on the services of
the Government of the Federation for a period not
exceeding six months until the coming into operation of the
Appropriation Act.
“There were also past precedents by some ex-Presidents,
including Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, the late Mallam Umaru
Musa Yar’Adua and Dr. Goodluck Jonathan.”
 earlier reported that some Nigerian
senators have on Thursday, April 26, called for
the impeachment of President Muhammadu
Buhari’s for not seeking National Assembly
approval before the withdrawal of the $496
million used for the purchase of aircraft from the
United States.
Senator Matthew Uroghide representing Edo
state, moved the motion, claiming that President
Buhari’s move was a violation of the constitution
and thus, he should face the consequences.

Melaye admitted to Police Medical Center, vows to challenge court ruling

The spokesperson for Senator Dino Melaye, Gideon
Ayodele, has disclosed that his principal is currently
at the Police Medical Center in Lokoja, the Kogi state
capital.
This is following the decision of a magistrates’
court to remand the lawmaker in police custody
for six weeks.
Ayodele said that Melaye’s lawyers would file
fundamental rights enforcement at the Federal
High Court, Lokoja, on Friday, May 4,
challenging the court ruling, Punch reports.

remands him in police custody
The lawmaker’s spokesperson said the lawyers
believed the decision to remand Melaye in police
custody was flawed.
Ayodele noted that the team would spare no
effort in ensuring that Melaye did not spend six
weeks.
He said: “It is important that we approach the Federal
High Court tomorrow morning.”
previously reported that the police
arraigned Melaye before a magistrates court in
Lokoja on Thursday, May 3, on seven counts of
criminal conspiracy and unlawful possession of
firearms.

Melaye was conveyed to the state in an
ambulance by the police authorities.
Sulyman Abdullah, a senior magistrate in his
ruling said Melaye should be remanded in police
custody till June 11 but the inspector-general of
police must provide essentials for his health.

Breaking: Court nullifies ruling preventing Kashamu's arrest

An Appeal court has nullified a previous ruling
preventing the arrest of Senator Kashamu
- The senator is wanted in the US for drugs charges


The Appeal Court in Lagos has on Friday, May 5,
nullified a previous ruling by the Federal High
Court preventing the arrest of Senator Buruji
Kashamu, representing Ogun East district, by
Nigerian law enforcement agencies.
Kashamu, wanted in the United States for alleged
drugs charges had earlier secured a ruling
preventing his arrest.
Premium Times reports that the appeal court
panel led by Yargata Nimpar overturned the
ruling which was delivered by Okon Abang of the
Federal High Court in 2015.
.
His statement reads: "My attention has been drawn to
today’s judgment of the Court of Appeal sitting in Lagos in
an appeal filed by the Attorney-General of the Federation
(AGF) against the judgment delivered by the Federal High
Court, Lagos, in my favour in a fundamental human rights
enforcement suit.
"Let me state from the outset that contrary to the wrong
impression being created by a section of the media, there
isn’t any extradition matter against me in any court in
Nigeria or abroad. The illegal move surreptitiously
introduced by the powers-that-beafter the 2015 abduction
plot was exposed has been dismissed. That was in Suit No.
FHC/ABJ/CS/479/2015. The suit was dismissed on the 1st of
July, 2015, for being an abuse of court process. Anything to
the contrary is sheer mischief and over sensationalism by
some reporters."
 previously reported that
Kashamu, has warned members of the Peoples
Democratic Party not to support the ambition of
Ekiti state governor, Ayodele Fayose, for 2019
presidential election. Kashamu said Fayose will
not get close to the party's presidency in 2019.
In a statement released on Tuesday, February 6,
the senator berated Fayose for positioning
himself as a vice-presidential candidate.

Saudi Arabia agrees with Vatican to build churches

Top Islamic nation, Saudi Arabia has agreed to build
churches for her Christian citizens
- To this end, an agreement was signed by the
secretary general of the Muslim World League and
president of the Pontifical Council for Inter-religious
Dialogue
- The Muslim country's new found openness with the
non-Muslim world is said to be as a result of her
desire to reduce dependency on oil resources which is
its major economic driver
Saudi Arabia has reportedly entered into a joint
agreement with the Vatican to build churches for
Christians living in the officially Muslim nation,
Breitbart reports.
Reports says the agreement was signed by Sheikh
Mohammed bin Abdel Karim Al-Issa, the
secretary general of the Muslim World League
and Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran, president of the
Pontifical Council for Inter-religious Dialogue in
the Vatican.

Breitbart, quoting Egypt Independent newspaper
reports that Saudi Arabia’s newfound openness
to and socio-cultural cooperation with the non-
Muslim world was as a result of her desire to
reduce dependency on oil resources which is its
major economic driver.
According to the agreement, a coordinating joint
committee will be established comprising two
representatives for both sides to organize future
meetings.
It was also reported that the meeting of the
committee will be held once every and will be
alternated between Rome and a city chosen by
the Islamic World League.
Reports also says Saudi Arabia is the only
country in the region without a single Christian
church.
The country was also said to have embraced
Islamic Wahhabism, which bans all forms of
non-Muslim religious activities.
Tauran, in an interview with the Vatican News
newspaper was quoted to have said that he was
pleased by what he described as ‘the beginning
of the rapprochement’.
“It is a sign that the Saudi authorities are now ready to give
a new image to the country,” he added.
 had reported that the
Deeper Life Christian Church had completed its
main auditorium located at the church’s
headquarters in Gbagada area of Lagos state and
it is valued at over N5 billion (about $16
million).
The 30,000 capacity church project which had
gone on for about 13 years is said to be the
fourth largest completed church auditorium in
the world.

El-Rufai blasts Kaduna senators over $350m World Bank loan

Governor Nasir El-Rufai takes a swipe at the three
senators representing Kaduna state at the National
Assembly (NASS)
- The Kaduna state governor described the senators as
enemies of the state’s progress and democracy
- The three senators namely Suleiman Othman
Hunkuyi , Shehu Sani and Danjuma Laah were
unanimous in their rejection of the loan for the state
Kaduna state governor, Nasir El-Rufai, on Friday,
May 4, said the three senators representing his
state are ignorant of the real indices of
development and progress in a democratic
setting, describing the lawmakers as the enemies
of democracy, The Cable reports.
 gathered that the governor said this at
the Kaduna Township Stadium, weeks after the
senators — Shehu Sani (Kaduna central),
Sulieman Hukunyi (Kaduna north), and Danjuma
Leah (Kaduna south) blocked a $350 million loan
request by the Kaduna government.
The state had sought to get the facility from the
World Bank but the federal lawmakers said the
loan would erode the economic viability of
Kaduna.

El-Rufai who spoke in Hausa, told the thousands
of people that the senators conspired to stop his
government from obtaining the loan to build
infrastructure and develop the state.
The governor said the action showed that they
were irresponsible and asked the people not to
allow “opportunists” like them to remain in the
national assembly, adding that
He described their stay in the upper legislative
chamber as a bad omen, saying they were also
targeting President Muhammadu Buhari.
“The senators from the state who worked against the
World Bank loan are useless; they came out and said this
loan should not be given. What is their reason for rejecting
the loan? It is because they are haters of the masses in
Kaduna state.
“If a road project is initiated in your town, they don’t want
it to be completed. If we start renovating a hospital, they
don’t want it to be completed. If five schools are renovated
and 10 are remaining, they will not want the remaining 10
to be renovated.
“Today, there are no haters of the masses of Kaduna state
like Shehu Sani, Suleiman Hunkuyi and Danjuma Laah, God
will curse them. God will reward their wickedness against
the masses, may God never bless them. All members of the
house of representatives from this state, God bless them,
may God return them to their seats in 2019.
“Members of our state assembly who gave us their
cooperation before the World Bank approved the loan to us,
may God bless them and may God return them to their
seats in 2019. But those ones that are cursed, if they come
to Kaduna, shave their heads and beard. They have shown
that they are bastards, they have no origin, therefore, it is
important to tell them that they did not originate from this
state.
“If the time for election comes, answer them with votes,
show them that you don’t like them… Let them go back to
where they come from. Let them go to the people they are
working for to vote for them.
“I want my people to comprehend the simple logic that the
three senators representing my state at the senate are
starkly ignorant of the real indices of development and
progress in a democratic setting,” he said.
“Their major concern is to amass money at the expense of
their people. The electorate are at liberty to call their buff,
and this is the right time.
“I really commend all our legislators serving satisfactorily
at the house of representatives and equally thank all the
legislators at the state assembly for their absolute
commitment and sacrifice. I believe that with the confidence
of the electorate they are earning, they are poised to
surmount every obstacle,” he said.

previously reported that Senator
Suleiman Hunkuyi (APC Kaduna North) on
Sunday, April 29, escaped being killed by thugs
during a political gathering of stakeholders and
leaders of the ruling All Progressive Congress
(APC) he convened in Kaduna.
Hunkuyi had convened the meeting to sensitise
party supporters to resist an alleged plan to
impose candidates on them during the APC
Congresses scheduled from May 5.
However, thugs stormed the venue of the
meeting at ENDwell Hotel in the city center,
brandishing all kind of weapons and throwing
stones on the supporters chanting “Kaduna sai
Uba Sani, Kaduna Sai El-Rufai in 2019.”

There is no president in Nigeria that has ever managed the economy like Buhari - Gov Ajimobi

Ajimobi of Oyo state for his integrity
- According to the governor, Nigeria is lucky to have a
president like Buhari
- Describing the APC as the greatest party in Africa, he
promised that the congress committee would not be
influenced
Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo state has stated
that no other president in the country has
managed the nation’s economy better than
President Muhammadu Buhari.
The governor spoke in Ibadan on Friday evening,
May 4, while receiving members of the National
Congress Committee of APC at the Government
House.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the
committee led by Alhaji Musa Aliyu were in the
state for the ward congress of the APC scheduled
to hold on Saturday.
“ I read Economics and Finance, and there is no economic
theory that we have not read. The most important part of
all the economic theory is leadership.
“And Nigeria is lucky to have that leadership. There is no
president in Nigeria that has ever managed the economy
like Buhari ,” he said.

Ajimobi, who described the APC as the greatest
party in Africa, said Buhari was the most
credible president that Nigeria has ever
produced.
“ I was in one of Buhari’s delegation to London and when
he was asked to speak he said ‘I have no money to
distribute. All I have been selling is my integrity ’,” he
said.
The governor said that Buhari has been able to
maintain that integrity till date.
“ Politics is just a game that if God plays it, some people
will abuse Him no matter the performance. I use to tell the
president anytime I meet him not to worry people are
abusing him.
“I told him that people abused Prophet Muhammed and
Jesus Christ, who are godsend not to talk of us ordinary
human beings. That is why God has created the world a
binary one ,” he said.
Ajimobi promised that the congress committee
would not be influenced, assuring them of their
support.
Earlier, Aliyu said the committee was in Ibadan
on a national assignment of the party, which he
said the committee would do satisfactorily.
He said that the party was known for internal
democracy, adding such was the cardinal
principle preached by Buhari, the leader of the
party.
“ We intend to work closely with the local chapters in
achieving the desired success, so that the party will come
out strongly,” he said.

NAN reports that on the committee were Hon
Usman Ibrahim, Hon Mohammed Ibrahim, Hadjia
Halima Jabiru and Fola Olasehinde.
Also in attendance were Chief Akin Oke, Oyo
state APC chairman and some House of
Representative members from Oyo state.
The ruling party fixed Saturday, May 5, for the
ward congress while it fixed the local
government area (LGA) and state congresses for
May 12 and May 19 respectively.
 earlier reported that President Buhari
on Friday, May 4, arrived his country home ,
Daura to participate in the party's ward congress
at Sarkin Yara A ward slated for Saturday, May
5. Sarkin Yara A consists of 15 polling stations
and 26 party executives.
The presidential jet conveying him touched down
at Umaru Musa Ya’Adua Airport, Katsina state at
exactly 4:28 pm and shortly after, President
Buhari was conveyed in a police chopper to
Daura.

Bayern Munich midfielder Thiago Alcantara is keen on a return to Barcelona but the club are not prioritising any deal, say reports in Spain.

The 27-year-old helped the German champions to the semi-
finals of this season’s Champions League while El Mundo
Deportivo state informal talks took place between his
representatives and Barca a year ago.
The deep-lying central midfielder left the Camp Nou to join the
Bavarians in 2013 and reportedly met with the Catalan giants’
sporting director Robert Fernandez last season.
Thiago’s wife and child still live in Barcelona and, after five full
seasons in Germany, he is said to be open about the
possibility of a move.
However, the club are not going to push any deal and another
previous potential factor in the deal – linking up with his
brother Rafinha – has been eliminated due to the latter’s loan
switch to Inter.

Yorubas refused to support me for presidency in 1999 - Obasanjo

Chief Olusegun Obasanjo noted that the Yorubas did
not vote for him during the 1999 elections
- He said he tried to get the support of Pa Adesanya to
no avail
- The former president said after he won the election,
he appointed Pa Adesanya's daughter as minister
Former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has
spoken about how Yorubas refused to vote for
him for presidency in 1999 saying Senator
Abraham Adesanya, the late Afenifere leader
made it so.
The Nation reports that Obasanjo spoke on
Wednesday, May 2 in Lagos at the 10th memorial
anniversary lecture in Adesanya’s honour.
Obasanjo said he met the late Afenifere leader to
seek his support when he was contesting for
president but Adesanya was consistent in his
rejection.
He said: “ I did not know Pa Adesanya in my early days or
in his early days in politics. I came to know him when I was
going into politics myself. So, of course, of necessity, the
paths of politicians do cross.
"I persuaded myself, as I was persuaded, to vie for the post
of president. And I decided to consult leaders all over the
country, and one of the leaders I had to meet was Pa
Abraham Adesanya."

"I remember I got his home address and phoned him. I
think the first day I called on him, that would be about
10pm. But he was waiting for me and he received me very,
very warmly. That was also the first occasion where I met
his daughter, Modupe Adelaja, who went on to become one
of my ministers.
“When I met Pa Adesanya, he did not mince words at all
and went straight to ask why I came as I am not with the
‘Afenifere and NADECO’ group.
“I told him, ‘I don’t know who is the ‘us’ you are talking
about. But, you’re a politician and I am going into politics,
and as a well-born and bred Yoruba boy, I have to pay
homage to you, I have to consult you.’
“Pa Adesanya said, ‘Hmm… but, I will not support you.’
“I said, ‘well, alright, but all the same, it must be my duty
and responsibility to inform you, to let you know that I
have been persuaded and I’m going into this. So, we parted.
As I went on in the consultation, I met him a second time
and the same thing happened. I told him I came to give him
progress report and he said again, ‘we will not support you’
and I said alright.
“Again, he asked me why I was not in their group and I told
him their group was alright but it was limited, and I believe
that we should not be limited. He told me again that they
will not support me.
“I visited him a third time; this was just before the election.
I told him I came to give him update and the third time
Baba said ‘we will not support you’. And of course, as the
results of the election turned out, I was not supported by
the Yoruba in the Southwest for the 1999 election.”
Obasanjo said he went on to appoint Chief Bola
Ige and Mrs. Adelaja as ministers without
informing Chief Adesanya that he had appointed
his daughter.
He said: “But then, Pa Adesanya did not know how his
daughter, Dupe, became a minister in my government
because I did not consult him. On two occasions when I
visited Baba, Dupe was the one who served drinks and
refreshments.
“When after the election I decided that I was going to bring
people from parties other than PDP, I decided to take Bola
Ige and Dupe Adelaja to represent AD in my government
and Baba never talked to me about it and I never talked to
him about it.

“Dupe played her role — a dutiful and diligent minister —
and I have no regret for taking Dupe and Bola Ige as
ministers in the administration that set up the present
democratic dispensation.”
Meanwhile, Obasanjo reacted to report that he
has endorsed President Muhammadu Buhari for
second term saying it was not true. He said he
has not and cannot endorse failure.
Recall that Obasanjo had written a letter asking
President Buhari not to seek re-election in 2019.
In a statement by his media aide, Kehinde
Adeyemi, on Wednesday, May 2, Obasanjo said
he has not changed his mind about his
assessment of the Buhari administration. He said
Buhari failed to redeem himself during his visit
to the US where he met with President Donald
Trump.

Fayose is frustrated about an impending defeat - APC

APC accuses Fayose of raising false alarm over Ekiti
July gubernatorial election
- The party says no amount of blackmail will derail it
from producing a candidate that is acceptable to the
people
- Opeyemi Bamidele and Kayode Ojo say they never
stepped down for Fayemi
The Ekiti state chapter of the All Progressives
Congress, (APC) on Wednesday night, May 2,
reacted to claims by Governor Ayo Fayose that
some of its aspirants planned to monetise the
party's governorship primary, describing it as
figment of his imagination.
The News Agency of Nigeria, (NAN) reports that
the party, through its state publicity secretary,
Chief Taiwo Olatunbosun said what the governor
had just displayed by raising false alarm was a
sign that he was afraid of an impending loss by
his party of the July gubernatorial election.
”Fayose is frustrated and jittery, let him mind his business.
He is not a member of our party so I don’t know where he
is picking his information from.
”APC is not like his own party, the Peoples Democratic
Party that has stolen our commonwealth and plunged the
nation into a state of coma.

“Yes, we will mobilise our members for the primary but the
allegation that we are sharing that kind of money by the
governor is laughable
” We will do everything that is right and within the
constitution to send him out of the Government House, so
let him start packing.
“ No amount of blackmail will stop or derail us. The Ekiti
people are set for the APC and we will make sure we
produce a candidate that is acceptable to the people. ”he
said.
At a press conference earlier on Wednesday, May
2, Fayose raised the alarm over alleged
movement of heavy cash into the state by some
unidentified aspirants of the APC.
He said such monies were meant to compromise
the delegates.
He claimed that the governorship election slated
for July 14 in the state might also be
compromised by the use of cash, going by the
alleged desperation of the aspirants who are
jostling for the ticket of the APC.
According to him, the way the exercise was
being compromised in the build up to ordinary
primary, showed that the APC was merely paying
lip service to the war against corruption.
The governor wondered where the money being
spent by the alleged and unidentified aspirants
was coming from.

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Fayose claimed that one particular aspirant gave
each delegate N250,000, and another gave
N500,000, with a promise to offer them N1million
each on Saturday, May 5, the day of the party
primary.
He urged the Independent National Electoral
Commission (INEC) and other relevant agencies
to beam their searchlight into the alleged
monetisation of the electoral processes in the
state and avoid a repeat of same scenario when
it comes to the gubernatorial election proper.
Meanwhile, two aspirants for the governorship
seat of Ekiti state on the platform of the All
Progressives Congress (APC), Kayode Ojo and
Opeyemi Bamidele, have said they are still in the
race against claims that they have stepped down
for Kayode Fayemi.
Fayemi, a former governor and current solid
minerals minister, is also in the race with other
aspirants on the party platform.
On his part, Bamidele also denied stepping down
ahead of the primary election of the APC.
He described the rumour as laughable as,
according to him, there is no reason to quit when
he is convinced that he has a good chance of
clinching the party’s ticket.

Senator Dino Melaye has been conveyed to Kogi state

in an ambulance by the police authorities
- Melaye was brought into the Lokoja Senior
Magistrates’ court, 2, on a stretcher
- Some journalists at the courtroom were reportedly
asked to step out for security screening
Dino Melaye, the senator representing Kogi west
senatorial district in the National Assembly
finally arrived Lokoja, Kogi state for his
appearance in court later today, Thursday, May
3.
Channels TV reports Melaye was conveyed to the
state in an ambulance by the police authorities.
The senator who is presently at the Special Anti-
Robbery Squad (SARS) office in the north-central
state is under the guard of armed policemen
Federal High Court.
Dino Melaye arrives Kogi in ambulance, to be arraigned in
court. Photo credit: Ijaola Ibrahim/Twitter

According to another report, the embattled
Senator Dino Melaye later brought into the
Lokoja Senior Magistrates’ court, 2, on a
stretcher.
He was brought in a Toyota Hiace police
ambulance bus with registration number
NPF2214D.
It was learnt that some journalists who had laid
siege to the courtroom were asked to step out for
security screening.
Meanwhile, NAIJ.com had reported that the
Nigeria Police Force confirmed the re-arrest of
the Senator Dino Melaye.
The police spokesman, Jimoh Moshood, said
Senator Dino Melaye is safe in their custody and
dismissed suggestions that the senator’s life was
in danger.
He said Melaye was arraigned on charges that
bordered on escaping lawful custody and
attempted suic!de for which he was bailed.