Do not panic, I’ll win 2019 election, President Muhammadu Buhari Buhari tells supporters

 

President Muhammadu Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari has urged his supporters not to panic, saying his return to power in 2019 is non-negotiable.

He also described those seeking to unseat him in next year’s general elections as enemies who stole from the nation blindly and should be avoided.

He made the disclosure  at the National Consultative Forum of the National Committee of Buhari Support Groups held in Abuja.

Buhari, who was represented by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, cited infrastructural development, fight against corruption, Treasury Single Account and school feeding programme as some of the achievements that have endeared him to the people.

He wondered why the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which he accused of plundering the nation’s resources, would want to stage a return in 2019, especially after his own government has made the country “the best economy” in Africa.

Prominent guests at the event included the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Lagos State Governor Akinwumi Ambode, and Senators George Akume, Ayogu Eze and Abu Ibrahim.

Bola Tinubu vowed that the APC would beat down the PDP, flaying what he described as political prostitution by PDP’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.

He also criticised Senate President Bukola Saraki for allegedly riding on the ruling party’s mandate to give a lifeline to the opposition.

Yemi Osinbajo’s campaign train stopped at the Nyanya and Karu areas of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) yesterday for the commencement of a door-to-door campaign.

Security operatives on his entourage had a herculean task controlling the crowd as people struggled to catch a glimpse of the vice president and shake his hands as he moved through the densely populated suburbs.

Osinbajo, at Nyanya, was received at the residence of Alhaji Kabiru Ahmed. Addressing the crowd there, he said: “We are here to greet you and we want to say to you that President Buhari is determined that if you vote for him for this second term, we will all go higher; we will all do better. Our country can feed all of us and we can find work for everybody because we have the money.
“I want you all, everybody who is here, please, make sure that you vote for President Buhari in 2019. As you know, he’s a truthful man; he’s an honest man. Our money will be used for us; it will be used to build our roads. Our money will be used properly. It will not be stolen. So, let us vote for the man who will use our money well.”

He had a similar message for the people at a community square in Karu. He said: “We are going higher, higher; we are going higher and higher, and I am very happy to be here with you. I want you to believe that President Muhammadu Buhari is going to do even better.”

President Muhammadu Buhari, who is currently attending the UN Climate Change Conference, COP24, pledged that his government would not rest until the remaining Chibok girls kidnapped by Boko Haram in April 2014 have been released.

He renewed the commitment yesterday in Katowice, Poland, at a bilateral meeting with Swiss President Alain Berset, on the margins of the conference.

NAN

Read More

Wilder v Fury: Ends in Stunning Draw

In one of the most thrilling heavyweight contests for years, Deontay Wilder retains his WBC world heavyweight title against Tyson Fury. 

Tyson Fury's shot at completing a remarkable return to the top of world boxing saw him survive two knockdowns to share an enthralling draw with WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder in Los Angeles.

Fury had shown plenty of the evasive, counter-punching skill set which made his name before his 30-month spell away from the sport and he enjoyed joy during the middle rounds.

But in the 12th he lay motionless after a savage combination, barely making the count to see out the contest, which was scored 115-111 for Wilder, 114-112 for Fury and 113-113.

The challenger felt he had won and had he stayed on his feet in the final three minutes, the WBC title would have been his.

After 36 minutes of the most tense and absorbing action, both men spoke of a rematch and such a date now appears a certainty.

Wilder v Fury

"We're on away soil, I got knocked down but I still believe I won the fight. I'm showing total professionalism. Thank you for the opportunity D, God bless you.

"The Gypsy King has returned. God bless America. I'm a pro athlete who loves to fight. He is a fearsome fighter. The world knows the truth. Thank you to every fan around the world.

"I'm a fighting man and Jesus has his control over me so I was never going to get knocked out. I came here tonight and fought my heart out. That is the second best heavyweight apart from me. We are both going home to our family safe.

"I've been away from my family for 10 weeks and just want to spend some time with them over Christmas. One hundred per cent we will do the rematch. We're the best two heavyweights in the planet. There is another heavyweight who is a chicken. (Anthony) Joshua where are you?

Both fighters are now expected to meet again in a rematch, delaying a potential bout between Wilder and unified champion Anthony Joshua for the right to become the undisputed champion.

Wilder v Fury

Deontay Wilder says: "With the two knockdowns I definitely won the fight, Wilder said. I don't think he had control. I wasn't hurt. I did not sit still, I was too hesitant, I started overthrowing the right hand. I was forcing my punches too much.

 "I don't know if it (a rematch) will be my next fight but would love it to be. We need to do it again."

Wilder, 33, made the eighth defense of the WBC title he captured in 2015. Fury, defended the division's lineal championship he never lost which dates back to his 2015 win over Wladimir Klitschko.

Either way, one thing to consider is that Fury is a broadcast free agent in the United States, which means it's possible he could  reject the rematch in favor of fighting British countryman and unified champion Anthony Joshua.

Joshua - holder of the IBF, WBA and WBO titles - has grown to become the biggest star in the sport globally and recently switched his U.S. television home from Showtime to upstart streaming service DAZN.

Wilder vs. Fury score card results

Wilder vs. Fury score card

 

Wilder vs. Fury score card

Read More

PTDF Commences Application Process For 2019/2020 Overseas Scholarship Scheme

The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) says application process is open for qualified Nigerians to apply for its 2019/20 overseas scholarship scheme for Msc and PhD studies
The Fund made the announcement in a statement signed by Mr kalu Otisi, Head, Press and External Affairs, in Abuja.

Qualified Nigerian youths desirous of acquiring advanced degrees in oil and gas related fields, now have the opportunity of achieving their dreams as the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) rolls out the application process for the 2019/2020 Overseas Scholarship Scheme for M.Sc and PhD studies in the United Kingdom, France and Germany.

There are various academic and competency requirements in order to qualify for assessment by a Selection Committee constituted to review applications. These include academic merit, as evidenced by the quality of degrees, full academic transcripts, other professional qualifications and relevant publications. Others are award for leadership or academic excellence, membership of professional bodies, the viability of the study/ research plan as discerned from a statement of purpose submitted by the applicant stating the reasons for undertaking the study, its relevance to the oil and gas industry and expected impact on national development. There are also general and specific requirements for M.Sc  and Ph.D degree applicants  and the full list of sponsored courses.  

All these are available on PTDF website www.ptdf.gov.ng

The application window opened on Tuesday the 27^th of November 2018 and will last for 6 weeks. 
He advised qualified Nigerians to take advantage of the highly competitive PTDF Scholarship to advance your studies and careers in the oil and gas industry. 

Applicants should however note that those, who have benefited from any of the PTDF Scholarships in the past cannot apply for the same type of programme except for a higher programme.he said

Read More

Cameroon Stripped Of Hosting 2019 Africa Cup Of Nations

 The Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) today makes the following statement, detailing the important measures taken at the Extraordinary meeting of the Executive Committee in Accra, Ghana, on November 30, 2018.

One of the important subjects debated was the organisation of the upcoming 2019 Total Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), due to be held in Cameroon. After significant debate and having received detailed updates from numerous inspection visits over nearly 18 months, CAF has noted that a number of compliance conditions have not been met.

In addition, after having heard from representatives of the governmental and sports authorities of Cameroon, and reviewed the latest progress on preparations, CAF notes the gap between the requirements of hosting the AFCON and realities on the ground.

Furthermore, after hearing the conclusions of the CAF Security Inspection Team during their most recent visit to Cameroon, CAF concludes that the Africa Cup of Nations could not be exposed to any issues that could impact on the success of the most prestigious African competition.

After having considered that a simple postponement of the tournament was impossible because of CAF’s contractual commitments, and the importance of maintaining the competition calendar, the CAF Executive Committee decided that the next edition of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations could not be held in Cameroon.

This decision, without appeal, will mean that CAF will now initiate an open and urgent call for new host country bids to ensure AFCON 2019 takes place next summer.

CAF will ensure that a new host is in place by 31st December 2018, and it will communicate openly and transparently on the process and subsequent decision.

CAF reiterates that Cameroon remains a serious candidate to organize a future edition of AFCON, and acknowledges that Cameroon has mobilized significant resources and worked tirelessly to host AFCON 2019.

CAF unequivocally reiterates its strong commitment to work closely with Cameroon's government authorities to mutually agree a new AFCON framework and timetable – should it agree to host a future edition.

Morocco - having stepped in to hold this year's African Nations Championship after Kenya were deemed not ready - Egypt and South Africa  are all under consideration as replacement hosts. 

caf

Read More

Cross River State Police Warn Social Media Users And Bloggers To Desist From Fake News.

The Police Command in Cross River has warned social media users and bloggers operating in the state to desist from using `online’ to spread fake news.

The command gave the warning in a statement by its Spokesperson, Mrs Irene Ugbo, a Deputy Superintendent of Police, on Friday in Calabar.

Ugbo said that some bloggers and social media users were in the habit of posting fake news in their blogs and websites to propagate cheap blackmail by inciting the public against government institutions.

She said that the command, in collaboration with the leadership of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in the state would not hesitate to deal decisively with any individual or group peddling fake news.

According to her, some of the bloggers who have joined the media profession without requisite training and journalism background were frustrating the cordial working relationship of NUJ and the Police in the state.

Mrs.Ugbo said that some unscrupulous social media bloggers were trying to frustrate the media’s effort and reputation gained in championing the enthronement of democracy and respect for human rights in the country.

“They are in a habit of posting fake and unconfirmed stories in their respective websites and social media platforms, aimed at cheap blackmail and spread of rumour to incite the public against government institutions.

“In the same vein, the command wants to categorically state that the fake news making rounds on social media that three babies were stolen at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital is not true.

“The story is a blatant lie and calculated attempt to undermine or tarnish the hospital’s reputation, thereby causing security breach in the state and the hospital,’’ she stated. 

NAN

Read More

Rivers State Government To Partner With The Netherlands In Agriculture --Governor Wike

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has stated that the State Government will partner with the Kingdom of Netherlands to develop the agricultural sector with a view to creating employment.
The governor also reinstated the sacked General Managers of Radio Rivers, Rivers State Television and Garden City FM, following pleas by the leadership of the Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria (BON). 

The Governor spoke at a State Banquet organised for the Ambassador of Netherlands to Nigeria, Mr Robert Petri and the members of BON at the Government House Port Harcourt on Tuesday.
It was a colourful event marked by the rich colourful traditional dances of Rivers State and music by the Port Harcourt Male Choir.

Governor Wike said that Rivers State hopes to benefit from the technical support of Netherlands in agriculture, since the state has similarities with that country. 

He said: "We are willing to partner with the Kingdom of Netherlands in the area of agriculture. This is because we can create thousands of employment opportunities for our people.
"Luckily our environment is covered by water like the Netherlands, hence it will be a realistic partnership ".

He said that he is passionate about the development of Rivers State, hence his total commitment to the growth of the state. 

The Governor  reiterated his stance that anyone found culpable in the collapse of the 7-storey building will face the full weight of the law, as human lives were lost due to illegal actions.

He noted that the collapsed 7-storey building started as an illegal approval for 5-storey building in 2014, which was later formally approved by an official in September 2018. He said those involved will be sanctioned. 

The governor said that all government officials directly involved in the approval will be shown the way out, from where they will face the Judicial Commission of Inquiry to investigate the unfortunate incident.

He urged the Broadcasting Organization of Nigeria to be unbiased in their reportage of events in the interest of the nation.

Speaking at the event, the Netherlands Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Robert Petri said that the country is willing to expand the scope of her cooperation with Rivers State. 

He agreed that the area of agriculture is one key sector that Rivers State can benefit from the Kingdom of Netherlands. 

Chairman of Broadcasting Organization of Nigeria, Mr John Momoh assured Rivers people that broadcasters will continue to strive for balanced reporting of all events.

He also pleaded on behalf of the General Managers of the Three State-owned Broadcast Organisations , urging the governor to reinstate them. 

Head of Service of Rivers State, Mr Rufus Godwins said BON and the International Community must ensure that the electoral fraud that characterised Osun and Ekiti Elections don't reoccur in 2019.
Toasts at the occasion were moved by Chief Adokiye Amasiemaka, Mrs Inime Aguma and Amayanabo of Abonnema, King Disrael Gbobo-Manuel.

Simeon Nwakaudu,
Special Assistant to the Rivers State Governor, Electronic Media.
27th November, 2018

Read More

Governor Wike To Nigerian Army : You Are Now A Political Weapon Against Defenceless Nigerians

 

Governor Nyesom Wike

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has declared that the Nigerian Army has been transformed into a political weapon that has abandoned her security responsibilities.
He stated that the disruption of the training of the Rivers State Neighbourhood Safety Corps Agency Training programme by the Nigerian Army is the worst act of irresponsibility, aimed at instigating insecurity In the State.

He spoke at Odiokwu, Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State where he flagged off the construction of a Model Primary Healthcare Centre, Odiokwu Internal Roads, Odiokwu-Anwuigboko and Odiokwu-Oyigbo Roads on Thursday.
"The Army is not concerned about the killing of soldiers in Borno. They are only interested in creating insecurity in Rivers State.
"If you don't want Rivers State to be safe, then Nigeria will not be safe. They want to use their guns against us", he said.

The governor said that Zamfara and Kogi States have vigilante outfits which were commissioned by the Nigerian Army and the APC Federal Government. He wondered why the Nigerian Army would stoop so low to disrupt a legal training exercise.

"Zamfara and Kogi States have vigilante groups. They commissioned them and the Chief of Army Staff did nothing. The House of Assembly passed a law approving the Rivers State Neighbourhood Safety Corps Agency. The Chief of Army did not challenge the law in court, but today he sent troops to invade the training camp", he said.

The governor regretted that the Nigerian Army has been turned into an outfit to stoke insecurity in order to attract huge security votes.

He said: "The Army is the agency causing insecurity mainly to attract more security votes. They collected $1Billion from our excess crude account, yet our soldiers were killed.
"All they are doing is to intimidate people for political reasons. When you fight a state blessed by God, you will crumble. Nobody can intimidate us in Rivers State ".

Governor NyesomWike said that the State Government worked with the Police, the DSS and other Federal Agencies to ensure that only law-abiding citizens are recruited by the Rivers State Neighbourhood Safety Corps Agency. 
"We did not hire boys for political reasons. This has been a transparent process and that is why the personnel are trained at the NYSC Orientation Camp at Nonwa.

"We involved the Police and the DSS to ensure that the trainees are profiled for the good of the society. The main aim of this agency assist the security agencies with intelligence and information, since there is a lacuna in this regard ", he said.

Governor Wike declared that the State Government will continue with the training. He said all the antics of the Nigerian Army will not deter the government and people of Rivers State.

"No one man has been a Chief of Army Staff forever. Every job has an expiry date. When Buratai leaves office, he will be held to account for his illegal actions.
"If they stop the training elsewhere, personnel of the Rivers State Neighbourhood Safety Corps Agency will be trained at the Government House Port Harcourt ", the governor said.

On Thursday, Hundreds of soldiers armed with armoured personnel vehicles invaded the training camp of the Rivers State Neighbourhood Safety Corps Agency, injuring several trainees.The training camp is located at Nonwa in Tai Local Government Area of Rivers State.

Simeon Nwakaudu,
Special Assistant to the Rivers State Governor, Electronic Media.
29th November, 2018.

Read More