We Are Working Tirelessly To Ensure APC Remain In Power For 50 Years – : Ali Modu Sheriff
A former governor of Borno State, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, has said the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) bigwigs must work together and build bridges for the party to remain in power for 50 years.
Addressing newsmen on Sunday in Abuja, Sheriff, a three-time Senator who is also a contender for the APC national chairmanship, said critical stakeholders of the ruling party must unite to sustain the party at the expiration of President Muhammadu Buhari’s tenure in 2023.
Former governors and other APC stalwarts have commenced politicking; consultations and horse-trading for the party’s apex office, amid zoning controversy.
Sherif, who has been consulting critical stakeholders, including governors, senators and founding fathers of the APC said, “Today, as a party we are only six years in government, our aspirations are for the APC to be in government in the next 50 years.
“He (Buhari) brought that to the table and what are we going to face after the exit of His Excellency, the President? It is we the APC members that will tell the world that we are capable of getting their trust even when he finished his tenure.
“Doing that, you need everybody. You need people who know the history of the party, where we are coming from, who know the history of this country, someone who has been in different aspects of life and we need to work together, we need to build bridges across the country.
“Doing that doesn’t come on the platter of gold, we need to put in hard work. Therefore, I believe it is important for me to reach out to all leaders of our party; the youths, the women, different organizations to tell them that we must come together to get our party to run for the next 30, 40, 50 years by the grace of God.”
Lai Mohammed Bags Chieftaincy Title As ‘Kakakin Kebbi’
Nigeria’s Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed has been honoured with the title of Kakakin Kebbi, by the Emir of Argungu, Alh Sumaila Mera.
The turbaning which took place at the forecourt of the Palace of the Emir in Argungu town, Kebbi State was on the sideline of the 2021 World Tourism Day to be celebrated in Birnin-Kebbi on Monday.
Speaking at the event, the Emir said the title was conferred on the minister because of his “courage and strength of character in projecting the image of Nigeria locally and internationally”.
Specifically, the Emir said the emirate honoured the minister with the title as a show of appreciation for his effort in promoting the Argungu Fishing and Cultural Festival to attain international status.
The annual festival which attracts local and international participants and tourists was in 2017 listed by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The Emir also commended past Ministers of Culture and Tourism for their efforts in promoting the festival nationally since 1970.
“Traditionally, Kakakin is an instrument which attracts attention. From the authority of the Emir and the entire people of the emirate, it has now been handed over to the recipient.
“The bearer of the instrument is the trumpet of the Argungu Emirate and he will be traditionally referred to as Kakakin.”
“This gesture will be permanently recorded in the annal of our history that the minister is the Kakakin Kebbi.
“On behalf of the entire people of the emirate, I welcome you most warmly and I want to assure you that we will involve you in all matters of importance in the emirate,” he said.
The traditional rulers charged the minister to reciprocate the gesture by continuing to promote the cultural heritage of Kebbi and Argungu emirate in particular. He assured that the emirate and the country at large would benefit from the wealth of experience of the minister. The minister thanked the Emir and the entire people of the emirate for their affection and generosity in bestowing the honour and title of Kakakin Kebbi on him.
“As the cultural ambassador of Kebbi, I will endeavour that we develop all the festivals in the four emirates in the state in a manner that they will be globally recognised.”
“I will also work assiduously to ensure these festivals become magnet to unite Nigeria and make the state a global tourist destination,” he said.
The minister said the choice of Kebbi for the 2021 celebration of the World Tourism Day was not just by coincidence but well planned and thought out. According to him, Kebbi state is one of the frontline cultural and tourism destinations and all the four emirates in the state have sellable cultural heritages.
“The Argungu fishing and cultural festival is known not just in Nigeria but all over the world and I am proud to say that it is one of the five festivals that have been ascribed intangible heritage of UNESCO.”
“The festival should not be seen from the view point of fishing and entertainment alone. rather it should be seen as a symbol of unity,” he said.
Mohammed said the Hottungo festival in Gwandu emirate of Kebbi is celebrated annually by the Fulani tribe to thank Allah for the safe return of their cattle. He said the Regatta Carnival, celebrated in Yauri Emirate of Kebbi started way back as a measure for protecting bridal trains which were being attacked on the river in those days.
The minister said the Uhola festival in Zuru Emirate is celebrated annually at the end of harvest to thank God for bountiful agricultural produce.
“I am glad that a lot of these cultural practices have been largely modernised.
“In particular is the practice where a prospective bridegroom have to stay seven years in the farm of a father in-law before he can be given his bride,” he said.
The minister said Nigerians are people with history and past and all their festivals are element for unity and oneness. He appealed to the private sector to invest in culture and festivals, stressing that they were the heritage that would be handed over to the children unborn.
The highlights of the event included the hiding of the minister from the crowd shortly after his arrival at the palace with his entourage.
He was later brought out by the Galadima Argungu, Alhaji Murtala Umary who offered prayers and led the minister to a prepared mat on a platform where he sat with Ulamas.
While sitting on the mat, the minister was adorned with his traditional regalia comprising a long red royal cap, a big gown, another chieftancy long gown and turban on his head.While the decoration was going on, the citation of the minister was read and he was later lifted up by the Galadima who presented him to the Emir.
The Emir offered the minister with his instruments of office, a long trumpet and another short one which he said symbolised what he would use in projecting the virtue, culture and traditions of Argungu and Kebbi.
Former French Midfielder Samir Nasri Retires From Football
Former France international Samir Nasri has announced his retirement from football, Naija News reports.
The 34-year old announced his decision on Sunday on Canal+, a media outlet where he is now a pundit.
Nasri came through at Marseille and transferred to Arsenal in 2008, spending three years at Emirates Stadium before he joined Manchester City.
At Manchester City, Nasri won two English Premier League (EPL) titles, a League Cup and a Community Shield.
He joined Sevilla on loan in 2016/2017 and seemed to have revitalised his career in La Liga, though the move was not made permanent.
A short spell in Turkey with Antalyaspor followed, but Nasri mutually terminated his contract in January 2018, before he received a six-month ban from football by UEFA.
This was for breaching WADA rules in December 2016 by receiving an intravenous drip of 500 millilitres of water containing nutrients.
Nasri returned to play with West Ham on a short-term contract in 2018/2019, playing five league games in total.
He linked up with ex-Manchester City teammate Vincent Kompany at Anderlecht the following season, though it was another ill-fated spell and he was released in 2020.
Nasri impressed at Arsenal, scoring 18 league goals and setting up a further seven across during his three seasons at the club, though injuries often kept his appearances down.
He never quite lived up to the billing at Manchester City, though he did help the club to their first-ever Premier League crown in 2011/2012.
In 2013/2014, he scored seven goals and created as many as Manuel Pellegrini’s side clinched the title.
His appearances dwindled later in his Manchester City career, and he played just 12 times in the league in his final full season at the Etihad Stadium.
Nasri started on only four occasions before he was loaned out by Pep Guardiola in 2016.
BREAKING: US Govt prepares 6,700 page documentary evidence for Abba Kyari’s
Embattled police cop, Abba Kyari’s woes are far from over as the United State Government has gathered over 6,700 pages of documentary evidence and 2,700 electronic files from trial in a $1.1 million fraud case involving him and disgraced fraudster, Ramon Olorunwa Abass a.k.a Hushpuppi.
It can be recalled that Kyari entered hot water earlier this year after he was indicted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, FBI over his role in a massive $1.1 million fraud carried out on a Qatari businessman by Hushpuppi and a few others.
According to Premium Times, US prosecutors are currently scouring through investigative reports and “new discoveries” including documents obtained from foreign law enforcement. Prosecutors have asked the U.S. District Court for Central California to postpone trial from October 2021 to 17 May, 2022.
The parties jointly filed the application on Friday, citing various reasons for asking for trial postponement.
Apart from the need for additional time by the defence lawyers to prepare for the case, U.S. prosecutors also asked for more time to process troves of documents, including those obtained from foreign countries.
According to the application, the U.S. government has already handed to the defence approximately 2.31 GB of data consisting of 2,707 electronic files. The files contain, among others, exported chat logs, Cellebrite reports, WhatApp messages, audio recordings, etc.
It added that prosecutors were processing approximately 6,773 pages of additional discovery expected to be produced in two weeks’ time.
“Defendants are charged with violations of 18 U.S.C. § 1349 (Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud); § 1956(h) (Conspiracy to Engage in Money Laundering); and § 1028A(a)(1) (Aggravated Identity Theft).”
“The government has produced discovery to the defense, including approximately 2.31 GB of native data consisting of 2,707 files including exported chat logs, Cellebrite reports, WhatApp messages, audio recordings, and other social media content.”
“The government is currently processing approximately 6,773 pages of additional discovery including investigative reports and documents received from foreign law enforcement agencies for production and anticipates those materials will be produced within approximately two weeks,” the document reads, in part.
Three ready for trial in May, Abba Kyari, two others ‘at large’
The Media Office of the Hon. Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, SAN, has urged well-meaning people to disregard the invitation of some Groups, operating under The Nigeria Project 2023, purportedly to the inauguration of a Support Group for the Minister and the Governor of Borno State over the 2023 elections.
The social media was awash at the weekend with a poster from the Group allegedly presenting the Honorable Minister and the Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Zulum as Presidential and Vice-Presidential candidates respectively of an unnamed political party.
Ordinarily, the poster and the various social media reports almost instantly orchestrated on its account would have been ignored as the handwork of mischief makers. However, it became necessary to issue this disclaimer for two key reasons.
The first of such was to answer with a strong negative to the numerous inquiries from right thinking and well-meaning Nigerians on whether the Honorable Minister had been contacted or if the Groups had his consent in issuing the invitation.
Without equivocation, no individual or Group has contacted the Honorable Minister for or on behalf of The Nigeria Project 2023. As Honorable Minister, Mr Fashola is currently focused on leading his dedicated Team in the Ministry of Works and Housing to deliver on the mandate of President Muhammadu Buhari for an expanded and upgraded road transport infrastructure; and affordable Housing nationwide in order to achieve economic growth and prosperity for the citizenry.
Secondly, is the fact that entities unknown to a political party cannot present candidates on behalf of such a political party. As a ranking and loyal member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), the individual and groups cited as promoters of The Nigeria Project 2023 are unknown to the APC and the Honorable Minister.
Against the backdrop of the foregoing, the Honorable Minister of Works and Housing , Mr Babatunde Fashola SAN urges members of the public to be wary of the antics of unsolicited individuals and Support Groups whose real intentions remain questionable. Every support possible should be given to the efforts of the current administration under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari to deliver a better nation for all.
BREAKING! CNN discovers location of ‘Radio Biafra’ in London
For years now, Nigerians have asked for the location of ‘Radio Biafra’, a network of internet-based amateur radio stations broadcasting the agenda of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB.
Yesterday, the Cable News Network, CNN, discovered a tucked away down a quiet, leafy street in Peckham, southeast London, the registered address of the group.
CNN described the place as a suburban spot, saying that it is the unlikely location of Radio Biafra.
Mazi Nnamdi Kanu founded IPOB in 2012 and established Radio Biafra in 2009. The group was created to restore an independent state of Biafra.
Radio Biafra was also created to disseminate, enlighten, educate, inform and criticise the activities of the Nigerian government by Kanu.
IPOB was banned by the Federal government in 2017. However, in October 19, 2015, Kanu was arrested for treasonable felony, sedition, and ethnic incitement. He was released on bail in 2017 and fled to the UK.
IPOB has criticized the Nigerian federal government for poor investment, political alienation, inequitable resource distribution, ethnic marginalization, heavy military presence, extra-judicial killings in the South-Eastern, South-Central and parts of North-Central regions of the country.
He was re-arrested in Keyan and brought back to Nigeria to face his charges.
Popular Singer, Oritse Femi hospitalized After Surviving Ghastly Motor Accident
Nigerian singer, Oritsefemi Majemite Ekele, popularly known by his first name Oritse Femi, has been hospitalized after surviving a ghastly motor accident.
The singer made this known in a post via his Instagram story on Sunday.
According to him, he was on his way after a show when the unfortunate incident occurred.
He, however, noted that no life was loss, but added that he and one other sustained some injuries.
“God is really good. All I can say is that God is great and I give all thanks to him,” he said.
The Governor of Kano state, Abdullahi Ganduje has appointed Mr. Aliyu Ibrahim as the new Emir of Gaya.
This development was announced by the Secretary to the Kano state government, Usman Alhaji on Sunday.
In his words: “By the power conferred on the governor of Kano state by Kano emirates law 2020 (as amended) approved the appointment of Alhaji Aliyu Ibrahim Abdulkadir as emir of Gaya,” he said.
“The appointment followed the recommendation of the Gaya Emirate Kingmakers after presentation of three candidates from which the governor approved the appointment of Aliyu Ibrahim Gaya.”
The new emir succeeds Ibrahim Abdulkadir, his late father, who died on Wednesday at the age of 91.
“She Lied Against Me” – Sen. Grace Bent Speaks On Precious Chikwendu’s Arrest
August 5, 2021
Gulder Ultimate Search: 12 contestants Set To Be Unveiled Today
Contestants for the Gulder Ultimate Search ₦50 million prize will be unveiled at a selection party in Lagos on Sunday.
Twenty candidates advanced to the final selection stage of GUS 12 – ‘The Age of Craftsmanship’ after a series of regional screenings in Abuja, Enugu and Lagos and Sea School screening in Lagos.
The reality show, which borders on the survival instinct of contestants, hit the airwaves in 2004 and ran for 11 seasons before going off-air in 2014.
The contestants will be in the jungle to struggle against themselves and nature in their search for the hidden treasure that brings instant fame and fortune to the last person standing.
“The winner will take home a total prize worth over ₦50 million which includes N20 million naira in cash, a brand new SUV and other mouth-watering prizes while the other 17 will also be rewarded with various cash prizes, ”Morgan said.
GUS 12 will air on Africa Magic Showcase (DStv channel 151), Africa Magic Urban (DStv channel 153) and Africa Magic Family (DStv channel 154 & GOtv channel 2) on Saturdays and Sundays from 8 pm till 9 pm.
Fresh Crisis In APC As Aisha Buhari Plots To Install Younger Brother As Next Adamawa Governor
A report have emerge claiming Nigeria’s First Lady, Aisha Buhari, is making plans to instal her younger brother, Mohammed Halilu Modi, as the next governor of Adamawa State.
This, according to a report, is causing dissatisfaction among chieftians of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the northeast state.
Aisah Buhari, who is a very influential member of the Muhammadu Buhari-led administration, enjoys the backing of the Chairman of the APC Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC), Governor Malam Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State.
It was gathered that a former Vice-Chairman, North-East Zone, Mustapha Salihu, and the Financial Secretary of the party, Saidu Naira, are allegedly working to facilitate the emergence of the First Lady’s brother as the governorship candidate of the APC in the state.
According to sources, Buhari’s wife recently sent Modi to the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, near Jos, Plateau State, to study in other to prepare him for the governorship seat.
At the just-concluded Local Government Congresses of the APC in the state, the First Lady reportedly hijacked the party structure from perceived political opponents of her brother such as Senator Dahiru Binani, Senator Mohammed Jibrilla Bindow (former Governor of the state) and Senator Ishaku Abbo (APC-Adamawa North).
“There is a serious problem brewing at the Adamawa APC, which if not resolved quickly, may cost the party the seat of governor again like it did in 2019,” a source told Sahara Reporters.
“Recall that in 2019, the party lost the governorship contest to the incumbent and member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, Mr Ahmadu Fintiri, over this same power tussle between Mrs Buhari, Bindow, Binani and other opponents in the quest to make her brother become the governor.
“In the same vein, security chiefs in the state were threatened with sack if they did not cooperate by facilitating Modi’s aspiration.”
The first casualty of the threat was the state Commissioner of Police, Mr Aliyu Adamu Alhaji, who was replaced by a new CP, Mr Mohammed Ahmed Barde.
The redeployed CP was said to have insisted on fully supervising the congresses in Yola South.
As a result, the First Lady’s candidate lost to Senator Binani’s candidate.
“As things stand today, all the heads of federal agencies in the state, whose line of duty relate to supervising party congresses, are living in fear of the unknown, should they attempt to work against the interest of the First Lady’s brother“, another party official said.
Sources further revealed that most of the names from the ward and local government congresses sent to the national secretariat of the APC were altered by the quartet in Abuja, which led to aeries of litigations challenging the alterations.
Aisha, who is not hiding the fact of her deep involvement in the ongoing manipulation, was quoted to have said, “I will not repeat the mistake of 2019 where we allowed Governor Bindow to have total control of the party to the disadvantage of many of us.”
Sources said Aisha had vowed that she could not afford to leave office with her husband in 2023 without any of her family members taking over Adamawa State in a bid to sustain their political relevance in the years ahead.
“Except something is done urgently to amicably resolve the grievances from the ward and local government congresses, especially that the state congress is close by, many stakeholders may defect to the PDP.
“If this is allowed to happen, it is the APC that will be the big loser again in 2023, just like it happened in 2019. The way they are going, they can only help the PDP and governor Fintiri to win re-election in 2023”, a top party official stated.
