Breaking: Oshiomhole formally declares for APC national chairman

Adams Oshiomhole, a former governor of Edo state,
has formally declared intention to become next APC
national chairman
- Oshiomhole is believed to enjoy President Buhari's
support to be next APC chairman
- He is expected to be the main challenger to the
incumbent chairman, John Odigie-Oyegun, if he
decides to seek re-election
A former governor of Edo state, Adams
Oshiomhole, has formally declared his intention

to contest for the chairmanship position of the
All Progressives Congress (APC).
Premium Times reports that the former labour
leader made the declaration in Abuja on
Thursday, May 10.
 gathered that he is expected to be the
main challenger to the incumbent chairman,
John Odigie-Oyegun, if the latter decides to seek
re-election.
Both men are from Edo state and are former
governors of the state.
It was gathered that a meeting by APC state
chairpersons and leaders in the south-south
ended in acrimony due to the ambition of both
men.
Oshiomhole, however, enjoys the support of
President Muhammadu Buhari.
He is also believed to enjoy the support of a
leader of the APC, Bola Tinubu, thus putting him
in good stead to emerge chairman.
Meanwhile, adeg had previously reported
that President Muhammadu Buhari met with the
All Progressives Congress (APC) governors on
Tuesday, April 24, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja
behind closed doors between 8:30pm to 11pm.


Presidency sources told State House
correspondents that the president used the
opportunity to endorse former governor of Edo
state, Adams Oshiomhole, for the chairmanship
of the party.

Adeyeye dumps PDP, accuses Fayose of imposing deputy

Prince Dayo Adeyeye has dumped the Peoples
Democratic Party (PDP)
- Adeyeye came second in the PDP governorship
primaries on Tuesday, May, 8
- He said he could not work with Governor Ayodele
Fayose because of the alleged imposition of his deputy
as the party's candidate
Barely 24 hours after losing the Peoples
Democratic Party (PDP) governorship ticket in
Ekiti state, Prince Dayo Adeyeye who was the
immediate past national publicity secretary of
the PDP has resigned from the party.
Adeyeye who came second in the PDP
governorship primaries on Tuesday, May,8 after
scoring 771 votes was beaten to the ticket by the
incumbent deputy governor of the state, Prof
Kolapo Olusola.


Daily Trust reports that Adeyeye said he could
not work with Governor Ayodele Fayose, because
of the alleged imposition of his deputy as the
party's candidate in the July 14 governorship
election.
He made the disclosure while addressing his
supporters at his campaign office. Adeyeye also
said he was yet to conclude his next political
platform.


Meanwhile, had reported that the
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship
candidate in the July 14 election Ekiti state,
Kolapo Olusola, expressed readiness to take up
the challenge in ensuring his victory.
Olusola, who is also the deputy governor of the
state, said this when he received the party
Certificate of return at PDP national secretariat
in Abuja on Wednesday, May 9.

Breaking: Court nullifies Senate decision on suspension of Senator Omo-Agege

Senator Ovie Omo- Agege's suspension has been
nullified by a Federal High Court in Abuja
- Nigerian Senate had suspended Senator Ovie Omo-
Agege for 90 legislative days
- The judge ruled that while the upper chamber had
the power to discipline its erring members but the
reason why the Delta Central Senator was suspended
was illegal
The decision of the Nigerian Senate to suspend
Senator Ovie Omo-Agege for 90 legislative days
has been squashed by a Federal High Court,
sitting in Abuja, on Thursday, May 10.
In delivering the judgement, Justice Nnamdi
Dimgba, submitted that the Senate did not
adhere to the due process of the law in
suspending Omo-Agege for 90 days, The Sun
reports.
Punch also reports that the judge ruled that
while the upper chamber had the power to
discipline its erring members but the reason why
the Delta Central Senator was suspended was
illegal.

The news outlet reports further that the judge
claimed that based on the wordings of the report
of the Senate’s Ethics and Privileges Committee
which recommended Omo-Agege’s suspension,
the senator was punished for filing a suit against
the Senate after apologising to the legislative
house over the allegation leveled against him.
“Access to court is a fundamental right in the Constitution
which cannot be taken away by force or intimidation from
any organ,” the judge ruled.
Going further, Justice Nnamdi Dimgba was said
to have added that the decision to punish Omo-
Agage for filing a suit against the Senate and for
punishing him was an affront on the judiciary
and even if the Senate was to punish him, it
could only do it for a period of 14 days as
prescribed in the Senate rules.
Justice Nnamdi Dimgba was also said to have
ruled the the principle of natural justice was
breached because the Senate’s Ethics and
Privileges Committee allowed Senator Dino
Melaye, the complainant, to participate in the
committee’s sitting that consider the issue.
Consequently, Dimgba therefore nullified Omo-
Agage’s suspension “with immediate effect” and
ordered that the Omo-Agege be paid all his
allowances and salaries for the period he was
illegally suspended.
Adegokblog. had reported that the Senate had
suspended Ovie Omo-Agege an All Progressives
Congress (APC) Senator from Delta state, for 90
legislative days.

tthere .had also reported that the Urhobo
people in Delta state dragged the Senate before a
Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, seeking for
an order to stop the legislative body from
denying the ethnic group representation by the
suspension of Senator Ovie Omo-Agege.

Heartbroken oyinbo lady lost N173m to 3 African love scammers

- A heartbroken woman who was scammed online has
called on women to warn about the dangers of cyber
love
- The woman revealed that she was scammed by three
African lovers online
- She also stated that she was guilty of buying love
online. The grandma even sold her home to transfer
money to a lover
An Australian grandmother identified simply as
Suzie has cried out to warm women against the
dangers of cyber love. The woman revealed that
she was scammed for $480,000 (N173m) by three
different online lovers who pretended to care for
her.
In a interview, Suzie who reflected on her past
mistakes, stated that she had been gullible and
brainwashed. She noted that at the time all she
was trying to do was buy love.
According to her. she sold her home and parted
with close to half a million dollars just to keep
on transferring money to her romantic partners.
She said: "Maybe that's what I was doing: buying love,
when I think back now I think that's what I was doing."
Heartbroken oyinbo lady lost N173m to 3 African love
scammers Photo source: DailyMail

Suzie shared the story of how she began dating
and transfering money tao all three men, some
of who pretended to be someone else.
Her first online lover was a man who called
himself David Fisher, a charming British
gentleman, by all online appearances. She stated
that David sweet-talked his way into gaining
access to her bank account so that he could buy
a laptop.
The man left her after she lost her father's
$76,000 (N27,360,000) inheritance before
disappearing.
Another man appeared in her life pretending to
be an American Taliban-fighting soldier by the
name of Johnson Williams. She sold her house to
send money to Johnson.
She said: "I went along with it because I felt: 'Wow, I
have actually got somebody in my life now, and I'm
committed to this man."



Suzie explained that he turned out to be a scam
artist from Ghana and after Suzie's bank looked
into his transactions, it was discovered that five
other women were also giving him money.
The third time she was scammed by a man
named Godfrey Kyzungo from Uganda. The two
met on Facebook and she went to Uganda to
marry him before she started sending him
money.
Suzie tied the knot with Godfrey Photo source: DailyMail
She revealed that she later discovered that
Godfrey married her simply for her money and
an opportunity to move to Australia. Suzie
expressed that she plans to annull her marriage
to Godfrey.

Saraki, Dogara to join Oshiomhole as he declares for APC chairmanship

Adams Oshiomhole has declared that he will be
running for APC chairmanship
- The former governor said he will be joined by top
members of the party
- According to him, he has what it takes to lead the
party
Former governor of Edo, Adams Oshiomhole, on
Wednesday, May 9, announced that he would
declare his bid for the national chairmanship of
All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abuja on
Thursday.
He told newsmen in Benin that the president of
the Senate Bukola Saraki and House of
Representatives Speaker Yakubu Dogara, would
join top members of the party at the occasion.
Oshiomhole said that Imo governor, Rochas
Okorocha, would lead governors elected on the
party’s platform to the declaration which would
hold at TRANSCORP Hilton.

The former governor is favoured to replace
outgoing chairman of the party, Chief John
Odigie-Oyegun, after he received the
endorsement of President Muhammadu Buhari.
Oshiomhole said he was joining the
chairmanship race to contribute to the growth of
the party.
According to him, it is true that I intend to make
my ambition known to our party members and
Nigerians.
“I strongly believe that with the experience I have gathered
in my public life, having served as President of NLC,
governor of Edo, I have what it takes to take our dear
party, the ruling party, to the next level," he said.
Meanwhile, there are indications that the ruling
All Progressives Congress (APC) is compiling a
‘unity list’ of a new set of its National Working
Committee (NWC) members .



Saturday Tribune reports that governors who are
perceived to be loyal to President Muhammadu
Buhari are believed to have finally endorsed
former Edo state governor, Adams Oshiomhole,
for the chairmanship of the party.
The governors who include Nasir El-Rufai
(Kaduna state), Yahaya Bello (Kogi state),
Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun state) and Rotimi
Akeredolu (Ondo state), reportedly endorsed him
after extracting commitments from him not to be
controlled by any leader other than President
Buhari.
The former governor reportedly gave the
assurance that he would be fair to all.

You are the real enemy of democracy - Sagay blasts Senate

The chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee
Against Corruption (PACAC), Professor Itse Sagay, has
lashed out at the Senate for describing Ibrahim Idris
as the enemy of democracy.
The inspector-general of police, Idris, has
shunned the invitation of the Senate three times,
prompting them to condemn him.
Daily Independent reports that 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.



He said: “Absolutely not! I don’t think the IGP has
constituted himself as enemy of our democracy”.
“It is the conduct of the Senate that constitutes danger to
democracy because of the way they frequently abandon
their constitutional responsibilities and move en masse to
engage in solidarity visits to their individual members who
are undergoing trial in hospitals or other places. That is an
indication of abandonment of democracy” .
“They have regularly abused their rights under this
democracy and have demonstrated that they are not
sufficiently mature to operate in liberal democracy. That is
what I have seen."


there had reported that the Nigerian Senate
declared the Police IG 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.
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.

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.