Bola Tinubu: Jonathan Is Not A Promise Keeper, Nigerians Reject Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)

 Bola Tinubu

Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, yesterday asked Nigerians to reject the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the polls on Saturday, saying that President Goodluck Jonathan is not a promise keeper.

He also welcomed the decision of party youths in Lagos state to serve as ‘voters and volunteers agents’ that would monitor the National Assembly elections. He said the volunteers would not only mobilise party folowers to vote, but also police the votes. Tinubu said: “They will mobilise for the elections. They will remind people to rise early, prepare their food, which they will take along. If our people want to fast on the day of election, let them fast. god will accept their prayers. 

“Our people should vote and remain where they had voted. take your phone and record the results and follow the results to the final stage. the purpose of the volunteer agents is to police the votes and our chairman, Dtunba Dele Ajomale, should issue party ID cards to the volunteers”. Tinubu, who spoke at a rally on Lagos Mainland, said a vote for PDP is in vain because the party lacked the tradition of keeping promises.

The chairman of the party, Chief Oladele Ajomale, presented flags to the candidates for the elections at the rally held at Yaba bus stop. the flag bearers are Mrs Oluremi Tinubu (senate), Alaoseniyan Owolabi (House of Representatives), and Lanre Oshun ( and Hon. Oloto (House of Assembly).

Tinubu, who cut  his 59th birthday cake presented by the party faithful, described the saturday poll as the foundation of victory for ACN, urging the people to shun PDP and Labour Party (PDP). He said: “Jonathan promised the rule of law, but a senator in Akwa Ibom is being tried for treason because PDP is about to lose the state. We know who should be charged for treason. PDP has ruined the economy. They have turned Nigeria into a country of tooth picks importer and rice importers. PDP has crippled our economy. 

“Jonathan is making promises he cannot keep. They cannot give the country power and they are misusing the oil and gas resources, thereby provoking kidnapping,  and unrest. Jonathan said that he will increase salaries of teachers. Did he recruit all teachers in Nigeria?”, he querried.

Tinubu described the PDP chieftains threatening to capture Lagos state as permanent liars, thieves, prisoners, rogues and riggers. He said: ‘They know they are going to lose. They don’t want to lose in bgreat margin. They want to cause trouble. They are afraid of defeat”.

D'banj leaves Mo'Hits and suggests he was forced to interview GEJ!

By Jayne Usen and Abidemi Dairo

http://234next.com/

Mo'Hits Records' frontline act, Dapo Daniel Oyebanjo popularly known as D'banj, is parting ways with his label of many years. The multiple award winning Hip-Hop artist made this shocking disclosure at a press briefing which took place at La Cachette restaurant, GRA Ikeja, on Thursday, March 31 2011.

Speaking at the event which had in attendance the singer and his new management team which also doubles as his record label, Koko Musiq, D'banj said "ladies and gentlemen of the press, after due consideration with my new management team I hereby announce my disengagement from Mo'Hits Records with effect from today.

"No doubt I have enjoyed a career boost with the label but unknown to my fans and members of the general public; I have been short-changed at various occasions and defrauded. While I will not want to go into dirty and shocking details of some of the happenstances I would want you all to know that we have agreed to go our different ways amicably."

New team

While he declined questions posed to him by journalists at the briefing, the singer however directed all enquiries to his new manager, Shola Phillips. Speaking further on the new relationship, Phillips said "We are delighted to have Dbanj on our platform at this stage in his career and ask that you all look out for bigger things to come.

As a step in the right direction, you will begin to see a rebranding which will not lose his original identity" Phillips also added that Dbanj's forthcoming album will be released on the new label, KoKo Musiq whilst also adding that talks are in the final stage to work with Rihanna on his forthcoming album. "As some of you may be aware, D'banj's plan to work with Kanye West has been suspended for now since it was handled by his former label. We promise to account for every penny earned and therefore seek your dedicated support." All efforts to speak with former label mates Don Jazzy, Dr Sid, Wande Coal, D' Prince, K-Switch was unsuccessful as they referred us to their publicists Sunday Are. When contacted, Are said dismissingly "I am not in a position to speak now. When the time comes I will issue a press release and call for a press conference."

The revelation

Unconfirmed reports says the fallout between D'Banj and Mo'Hits' boss, Don Jazzy, who was responsible for most of D'Banj's hit tracks, is not unconnected to disagreement on royalty from Mr. Endowed remix featuring American rapper, Snoop Dogg. A source close to the record imprint also said the D'Banj was coerced by his former boss to conduct the now infamous interview with President Goodluck Jonathan."

He had a serious argument with Don Jazzy after the interview and stormed out of the studio," the source said. The source also said D'Banj refused to honour subsequent schedules after the argument. Dbanj has enjoyed a successful music career with Mo'Hits Records under which he recorded all four critical and commercially successful albums. Only recently the singer featured American rap star, Snoop Dogg, in the ‘Mr Endowed remix' which was produced by Don Jazzy and the recently conducted interview with President Goodluck Jonathan a few weeks ago. Also worthy of note is the fact that none of his erstwhile label mate including his brother, K Switch, was at the press conference.

Welcome to x2's world of make believe!

Happy April Fool's Day!

Ghadaffi escapes to Nigeria.

Written by Edekyn LiofuanFriday, 01 April 2011


EMBATTLED Libyan leader, Muammar Ghadaffi,  bowed to international pressure and escaped to Nigeria, on Thursday night, apparently to avert onslaught from North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) which took over operations in the country, on Thursday.

The defection of   Libyan foreign minister,  Musa Kusa –– one of his closest confidants to Britain ––  on Wednesday night, possibly added to Ghadaffi’s misery, hence his resolve to flee.

Ghadaffi, who ruled his country for the past 42 years, was sighted at the border between Sokoto and Niger Republic at 8.47p.m., on Thursday night.

Reports said normads at the border drew the attention of Nigerian security operatives to the presence of  “a group of people behaving strangely”.        

Upon arrival at the scene, the security operatives not satisfied by the group’s answers to their questions, decided to  search them.

It was in the process of the search that a man that was dressed like a beggar and with a walking stick appeared to be Ghadaffi.

The (former) strongman of Libya, whose glamorous lawyer daughter –– Aisha –- who once worked for deposed Iraqi leader, Saddam Hussein, joined the anti-rebels battle recently, disguised with the aid of  fake beards, moustache and a wig on his head.

He wore a bullet proof under T-shirt and jeans jacket and a pair of jeans trousers. He wore a babaringa  over the western wears.

Billions of dollars were recovered from the camels and horses that he and his entourage were riding on. They numbered about  56 in all.

Some weapons, including a plethora AK-47 rifles and  bullets were also recovered from the world’s most wanted man after al-Qaeda kingpin, Osama bin Laden.

Security sources said Ghadaffi, who world leaders at the London conference on Libya, on Tuesday night, wanted to flee to Uganda. Though he looked pale, he was said to have pulled a pistol in his bid to escape but the vigilant Nigerian security operatives frustrated his effort.

He was shot in the leg in the process. Nine of his bodyguards were killed in the confrontation while three others were wounded.

You have just become one of our numerous April Fools! It is one of those things at this times of the year. Were you able to fool somebody today? If not, you could try again next year.

Police Invade Court , Re-Arrest ACN Gubernatorial Candidate

John Akpanudoedehe

Some 75 operatives of the mobile police unit of the Nigerian police forcefully arrested the gubernatorial candidate of the Action Congress of Nigeria, John Akpanudoedehe, from the premises of the federal high court in Abuja shortly after he was granted bail by the court from a subsisting "treason charge" before Justice Adamu Bello.

Senator Akpanudoedehe was briskly moved from the court to the police headquarters and later flown to Uyo in Akwa Ibom state where the police plans to charge him for murder.

Senator Akpan Udoedehe Granted Bail... IGP Plans Re-arrest

John Akpanudoedehe

Candidate of the Action Congress Party in Akwa Ibom state, Senator Akpan Udoedehe, has been granted bail by the Federal High Court in Abuja.   Justice Adamu Bello ruled on a bail application brought before him by Udoedehe lawyers on Tuesday.

The court decision came after another court granted an injunction restraining the Inspector General of police from re-arresting the candidate.

The court is still in session processing the bail for Udoedehe but according to an attorney to Senator Udoedehe, the police authorities led by the Inspector General, Hafiz Ringim, have perfected a fresh plot to have him re-arrested and charged for murder despite the court injunction.

Senator Udoedehe was arrested a day after mass violence broke out in Uyo and Ikot-Ekpene leadeng to widespread destruction of public properties and deaths.

Opposition members in the state and senior members of the ACN have condemned the orchestrated clampdown against Senator Udoedehe and his supporters in the state.

According to reports, the IGP reportedly received N500 million from the state governor, Godswill Akpabio, to help remove Udoedehe from circulation.

Randy Orton vs. CM Punk

Since emerging as the leader of The New Nexus, CM Punk has made plenty of enemies on Raw, but none of his adversaries are quite as dangerous as Randy Orton. With the rivalry between The Viper and The Second City Savior escalating exponentially in recent weeks, it seems there is only one place where their myriad differences can truly be settled: WrestleMania.

After The Viper and his Legacy cohorts cost Punk the World Heavyweight Championship in September 2008, the unforgiving Straight Edge Superstar launched a long-gestating premeditated attack against Orton at Royal Rumble, preventing WWE’s Apex Predator from attaining The Miz’s WWE Title. 

In the weeks that followed, it became increasingly clear that the strife between these two Superstars extended beyond the pursuit of championship gold – especially after Orton punted The New Nexus’ portly powerhouse Husky Harris in the skull and took him out of action indefinitely. Realizing that the back-and-forth attacks would only worsen, The Second City Saint warned Orton to keep his distance. But as the WWE Universe can attest, Orton only listens to the voices in his head, all of which were seemingly telling him to continue dismantling The New Nexus – Punk, Michael McGillicutty, David Otunga and Mason Ryan – until it was no more.

Seeking some form of resolution to this conflict, Raw’s anonymous General Manager decreed that Orton and Punk would battle on The Grandest Stage of Them All at WrestleMania XXVII. Additionally, the GM scheduled Orton in a series of singles matches against members of The New Nexus leading up to The Showcase of the Immortals. If The Viper emerged victorious, that New Nexus member would be barred from ringside at The Show of Shows. However, any member that managed to defeat Orton would be in Punk’s corner on April 3 at Atlanta’s Georgia Dome. In the interest of fairness, if any New Nexus members interfered in this series of bouts, Raw’s GM would personally disband The New Nexus on the spot.

Since Orton had already punted Harris into oblivion, The Viper was tasked with facing Punk’s remaining disciples one-on-one, and earned pinfall victories over McGillicutty, Otunga and Ryan to ensure that Punk will be alone at WrestleMania. Sending Punk a decisive message before their collision at The Show of Shows, Orton nailed each of his New Nexus minions wiith a brutal punt to the skull.

Will Orton finally humble the sanctimonious and power-hungry New Nexus leader? Or will Punk continue to tighten his vise-like grip on Monday Night Raw with a WrestleMania victory over The Viper? To find out, tune in to WrestleMania, April 3, only on pay-per-view.

For Corruption free NIGERIA, check this: Think well before you Vote for these people listed below

Think well b4 u Vote for these people listed below.

Elections for the National Assembly Comes up this weekend. Many of the names below are contesting to be Senators, Governors or Reps, Please do NOT vote for them. Please think very well b4 Voting for these People Listed bwlow for a corruption free NIGERIA!

1. NAME: Ayo Fayose (Former Governor of Ekiti State)
TRIAL COURT: Fed. High Court, Lagos. Case now transferred to Ekiti for trial after the accused opposed his trial in Lagos
CASE STATUS: Arraigned on 51 state counts. Plea already taken but defence lawyer keeps filing frivolous applications for long adjournments to frustrate and prolong trial.
AMOUNT INVOLVED: N1.2 Billion
STATUS OF SUSPECT (S): Granted bail by court since 2007
REMARK: Inherited Case filed since 17th Dec.2006

2. NAME: Adenike Grange (Former Minister of Health)
T+.+.0RIAL COURT: FCT. High Court Maitama
CASE STATUS: Arraigned on 56 state counts. Plea already taken. Defence lawyer often seeks long adjournments to prolong trial. Matter adjourned to Oct 27
AMOUNT INVOLVED: N300 million
STATUS OF SUSPECT (S): Granted bail by court since 2008
REMARK: Inherited Case filed since 2nd April.2008

3. NAME: Joshua Dariye (Former Governor Plateau State)
TRIAL COURT: FCT High Court Gudu
CASE STATUS: Arraigned on 23 state counts. Plea already taken but defense lawyer challenged court jurisdiction.But Appeal court threw out application and case now fixed for continuation of trial on Oct. 27, 2010.
AMOUNT INVOLVED: N700 Million
STATUS OF SUSPECT (S): Granted bail by court since 2007
REMARK: Inherited Case filed since 13th July 2007

4. NAME: Saminu Turaki (Former Governor, Jigagwa State)
TRIAL COURT: FCT. High Court Maitama
CASE STATUS: Arraigned on 32 state counts. Plea already taken but defense lawyer challenged court jurisdiction. Case stalled at HC while seeking stay of trial at appeal court. It is part of usual attempt to frustrate and prolong trial
AMOUNT INVOLVED: N36 Billion
STATUS OF SUSPECT (S): Granted bail by court since 2007
REMARK: Inherited Case filed since 13th July 2007

5. NAME: Orji Uzor Kalu (Former Governor, Abia State)
TRIAL COURT: Fed. High Court Maitama
CASE STATUS: Arraigned on 107 state counts. Plea already taken but defence lawyer raised preliminary objection against charges. Lost at trial court but has gone on appeal to stay trial. It is part of usual attempt to prolong trial.
AMOUNT INVOLVED: N5 Billion
STATUS OF SUSPECT (S): Granted bail by court since 2008
REMARK: Inherited Case filed since 11th June 2007

6. NAME: James Ibori (Former Governor, Delta State)
TRIAL COURT: Federal High Court Asaba
CASE STATUS: Arraigned on 170 state counts. Defence lawyer challenged Kaduna Fed. court jurisdiction, lost at trial court but won at appeal court. Case re-assigned by CJ to Asaba FHC. Without taking plea, suspect applied to quash charges, prosecution opposed application but trial judge quashed the charges Dec. 19. EFCC filed appeal Dec. 23, 2009 and Jan.8, 2010.
AMOUNT INVOLVED: N9.2 Billion
STATUS OF SUSPECT (S): Granted bail by court since 2008
REMARK: Inherited Fresh charges filed In August 2009

7. NAME: Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello(Serving Senator)
TRIAL COURT: FCT High Court, Maitama.
CASE STATUS: Arraigned on 56 state counts.Plea already taken but case stalled as defence lawyer filed to challenge charges.Application pending for determination.This is part of frivolous applications to delay trial .
AMOUNT INVOLVED: N10 Million
STATUS OF SUSPECT (S): Granted bail by court since 2008
REMARK: Inherited Case filed since April 2 2008
REMARK: Inherited Case filed on 23rd Jan.2008

8. NAME: Gabriel Aduku (Former Minister of Health)
TRIAL COURT: FCT. High Court, Maitama
CASE STATUS: Arraigned on 56 state counts.Court ruled on no case against suspect
AMOUNT INVOLVED: N300 Million
STATUS OF SUSPECT (S): Case determined in 2008
REMARK: Inherited Case filed on April 2nd 2008

9. NAME: Jolly Nyame (Former Governor of Taraba State)
TRIAL COURT: Fed. High Court, Abuja
CASE STATUS: Arraigned on 41 state counts. Plea already taken and trial begun after all applications filed by the accused to stall trial have been dismissed by the supreme court. Trial fully commenced and on-going at FCT HC.
AMOUNT INVOLVED: N1.3 billion
STATUS OF SUSPECT (S): Granted bail by court since 2008
REMARK: Inherited Case filed since 13th July 2007

10. NAME: Chimaroke . Nnamani (Former Governor of Enugu State)
TRIAL COURT: Fed. High Court, Lagos
CASE STATUS: Arraigned on 105 state counts. Plea already taken but case is stalled as defence lawyer filed to transfer case to another judge on allegation of bias against trial judge even as counsel has again filed to challenge court jurisdiction.This is equally an attempt to prolong trial.
AMOUNT INVOLVED: N5.3 Billion
STATUS OF SUSPECT (S): Granted bail by court since 2007
REMARK: Inherited Case filed since 11th Dec.2007


11. NAME: Michael Botmang (Former Governor of Plateau State)
TRIAL COURT: Fed. High Court, Maitama
CASE STATUS: Arraigned on 31 state counts. Plea already taken but trial stalled due to suspect’s ailment, on dialysis.
AMOUNT INVOLVED: N1.5 Billion
STATUS OF SUSPECT (S): Granted bail by court since 2008
REMARK: Commenced by Waziri on 18th July 2008

12. NAME: Roland Iyayi. (Former Managing Director of FAAN)
TRIAL COURT: FCT High Court, Maitama
CASE STATUS: Arraigned on 11 state counts. Plea already taken.Trial on-going. Court taking prosecution witnesses testimony
AMOUNT INVOLVED: N5.6 Billion
STATUS OF SUSPECT (S): Granted bail by court since 2008
REMARK: Commenced by Waziri in June 2008

13. NAME: Nyeson Wike (Serving Chief of Staff to Governor of Rivers State)
TRIAL COURT: FCT High Court, Maitama
CASE STATUS: Arraigned on state counts. Court quashed charges.EFCC already appealed judgement. Appeal pending at appeal court.
AMOUNT INVOLVED: N4.670 Billion
STATUS OF SUSPECT (S): Granted bail by court since 2008
REMARK: Commenced by Waziri on Oct.9 2008

14. NAME: Eider George (Austrian Business man)
TRIAL COURT: FCT High Court, Maitama
CASE STATUS: Arraigned on 11 state counts. Plea already taken and trial on-going. Prosecution witnesses undergoing cross-examination. Court granted suspect leave to travel abroad for medical treatment.
STATUS OF SUSPECT (S): Granted bail by court since 2008
REMARK: Commenced by Waziri in June 2008

15. NAME: Kenny Martins (Police Equipment Fund)
TRIAL COURT: FCT High Court, Maitama
CASE STATUS: Arraigned on 28 amended state counts. Plea already taken and trial on- going. Witnesses under cross- examination. Continuation of trial fixed for Nov.9
AMOUNT INVOLVED: N774 Million
STATUS OF SUSPECT (S): Granted bail by court since 2008
REMARK: Commenced by Waziri in June 2008

16. NAME: Filipinos .(Charged for Oil Bunkering)
TRIAL COURT: Fed. High Court, Benin
CASE STATUS: Arraigned on state counts, convicted at the close of trial and sentenced to 65 Years altogether
AMOUNT INVOLVED: N300 Million
STATUS OF SUSPECT (S): EFCC returns to court to seek forfeiture of vessel used for oil theft.
REMARK: Commenced by Waziri in 2009

17. NAME: Ghanaians (Charged for Oil Bunkering) and Nigerian accomplice.
TRIAL COURT: Fed. High Court, Benin
CASE STATUS: Arraigned on state counts and trial Commenced. Prosecution closed case, matter adjourned for defence to close.
AMOUNT INVOLVED: N250 Million
STATUS OF SUSPECT (S): Granted bail by court in 2009. All 7 accused sentenced to 112 years imprisonment April 30, 2010
REMARK: Commenced by Waziri in June 2009


18. NAME: Patrick Fernadez (Indian Buisnessman)
TRIAL COURT: Fed. High Court, Lagos
CASE STATUS: Arraigned on 56 state counts. Plea already taken and trial commences Nov.
AMOUNT INVOLVED: N32 Billion
STATUS OF SUSPECT (S): Granted bail by court in 2009
REMARK: Commenced by Waziri in 2009


19. NAME: Prof. Babalola Borishade (Former Minister of Aviation)
TRIAL COURT: FCT High Court, Maitama
CASE STATUS: Arraigned on 11 state counts. Plea already taken and trial on-going (N5.6 billion)
Prosecution witnesses under cross-examination.
AMOUNT INVOLVED: N5.6 Billion
STATUS OF SUSPECT (S): Granted bail by court since 2008
REMARK: Commenced by Waziri in June 2008


20. NAME: Boni Haruna (Former Governor, Adamawa State)
TRIAL COURT: Fed. High Court Maitama
CASE STATUS: Arraigned on amended 28 state counts. Plea taken. Adoption of motion slated for Nov
AMOUNT INVOLVED: N254 Million
STATUS OF SUSPECT (S): Granted bail by court since 2008
REMARK: Commenced by Waziri in 2008


21. NAME: Femi Fani-Kayode (Former Minster of Aviation)
TRIAL COURT: Fed. High Court, Lagos
CASE STATUS: Arraigned on 47 state counts . Plea taken but case stalled as a result of trial court’s refusal to admit e-print of suspect’s statement of account as evidence. EFCC won appeal against the decision. Defence on appeal at supreme court.
AMOUNT INVOLVED: N250 Million
STATUS OF SUSPECT (S): Granted bail by court in 2008
REMARK: Commenced by Waziri in 2008


22. NAME: Prince Ibrahim Dumuje (Police Equip-ment Fund)
TRIAL COURT: FCT High Court, Abuja
CASE STATUS: Arraigned on 28 amended state counts. Plea taken and trial on-going. Prosecution witnesses under cross-examination. Continuation fixed for Nov.9
AMOUNT INVOLVED: N774 Million
STATUS OF SUSPECT (S): Granted bail by court since 2008
REMARK: Commenced by Waziri in June 2008


23. NAME: Bode George (Chieftain of the ruling party, PDP)
TRIAL COURT: Fed. High Court. Lagos
CASE STATUS: Arraigned on 68 state counts. Plea taken and trial concluded. Accused convicted and sentenced to 2 years. Convict on appeal while serving jail term.
AMOUNT INVOLVED: N100 Billion
STATUS OF SUSPECT (S): Granted bail by court since 2008. Has been in jail after conviction in Oct 2009.
REMARK: Commenced by Waziri in Dec.08


24. NAME: Rasheed Ladoja (Former Governor of Oyo State)
TRIAL COURT: Fed. High Court, Lagos
CASE STATUS: Arraigned on 33 state counts Plea taken and trial on- going Prosecution witnesses slated for cross-examination in Nov.
AMOUNT INVOLVED: N6 Billion
STATUS OF SUSPECT (S): Granted bail by court since 2008
REMARK: Commenced by Waziri


25. NAME: Four Snr Zenith Bank Managers
TRIAL COURT: Fed. High Court, Port Harcourt
CASE STATUS: Arraigned on 56 state counts. Plea taken but case stalled over an injunction by Rivers State Govt, which is a party in the case to stop EFCC. Injunction being challenged at appeal court
AMOUNT INVOLVED: N3.6 Billion
STATUS OF SUSPECT (S): Granted bail by court in 2009
REMARK: Commenced by Waziri


26. NAME: Mallam Nasir El-Rufai (Former Minister of Federal Capital Territory)
TRIAL COURT: Fed. High Court, Abuja
CASE STATUS: Arraigned on 8 state counts. Suspect charged for corruption and abuse of office. Plea taken and case adjourned for trial but accused challenged jurisdiction of court as a ploy to delay trial. Case adjourned.
Suspect at large but returned to the country. Interrogated on May 4, 2010 and arraigned on May 12
Commenced by Waziri in 2009.


27. NAME: Sen. Nicholas Ugbade, (Serving Senator) Hon. Ndudi Elumelu Hon. Mohammed Jibo,
Hon. Paulinus Igwe,(Serving Members of House of Rep)
Dr Aliyu Abdullahi (Serving Fed.Perm.Sec) Mr. Samuel Ibi. Mr. Simon Nanle,
Mr. Lawrence Orekoya, Mr Kayode Oyedeji,
Mr. A. Garba Jahun
FCT High Court Abuja
(This is the Rural Electrification Agency Case involving a serving Senator, 3 serving members of the House of Representatives , the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Power and other high profile public officers)
Arraigned on 158 state counts. Plea taken while prosecution has filed more charges against suspects. Suspects filed to quash charges but application thrown out by court.
AMOUNT INVOLVED: N5.2 Billion
STATUS OF SUSPECT (S): Remanded in Prison Custody and later granted bail Court in 2009
REMARK: Commenced by Waziri in May 2009


28. NAME: Prof B.Sokan, Molkat
Mutfwang, Michael Aule, Andrew Ekpanobi, (All Directors) Alexander Cozman (MD, In termarket Ltd). (This is the UBEC case where high profile public servants connived with an American, Alexander Cozman) to defraud the Government.
TRIAL COURT: Federal High Court, Abuja
CASE STATUS: Arraigned on 64 state counts. Plea taken while more charges were filed against suspects due to appearance of Prof Sokan. Matter adjourned to Nov 9 for suspects to take plea on amended charges
AMOUNT INVOLVED: N636 Million
STATUS OF SUSPECT (S): Suspects remanded in prison custody and later granted bail by court in 2009.
REMARK: Commenced by Waziri on May 19 2009


29. NAME: Dr Ransome Owan, Mr. Abdulrahman Ado, Mr. Adulrasak Alimi, Mr. Onwuamaeze Iloeje, Mrs Grace Eyoma, Mr.Mohammed Bunu, Mr. Abimbola Odubiyi
TRIAL COURT: Federal High Court, Abuja
CASE STATUS: Arraigned on 196 state counts. Plea taken. Trial billed to commence while more charges were filed against suspects. Further hearing slated for Oct 29. But the FG has withdrawn charges against the accused persons who were consequently discharged by the court on Sept 16,2010
AMOUNT INVOLVED: N1.5 Billion
STATUS OF SUSPECT (S): Granted bail by court in 2009
REMARK: Commenced by Waziri on April 22 2009


30. NAME: Tom Iseghohi, Muhammed Buba, Mike Okoli,(GM&M anagers of Transcorp Group PLC)
TRIAL COURT: Fed. High Court, Abuja
CASE STATUS: Arraigned on 32 state counts. Plea taken. Matter adjourned for commencement of trial Nov 9.
AMOUNT INVOLVED: N15 Billion
STATUS OF SUSPECT (S): Suspects Remanded in Kuje Prison and later granted bail by court in 2009
REMARK: Commenced by Waziri in May 2009


31. NAME: Dr Albert Ikomi, rtd perm sec, his firm, satelite town dev co Ltd
TRIAL COURT: Fed. High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos
CASE STATUS: Arraigned on 4 state counts. Plea taken and Matter adjourned for hearing
AMOUNT INVOLVED: N43 Million
STATUS OF SUSPECT (S): Suspects Remanded in Ikoyi Prison and later granted bail by court in 2009
REMARK: Commenced by Waziri in 2009


32. NAME: Dr Yuguda Manu Kaigama, Chairman, Taraba State Civil Service Commission
TRIAL COURT: Taraba State High Court 5, Jalingo
CASE STATUS: Arraigned on 37 state counts . Plea taken and Matter stalled as suspect dropped dead.
AMOUNT INVOLVED: N17 Million
STATUS OF SUSPECT (S): Suspect remanded in prison custody. Co-accused, Yakubu Danjuma Takun, at large.
REMARK: Commenced by Waziri on Oct.10 2009


33. NAME: Chief Joe Musa, DG Natioanl Gallery of Art, Olusegun Ogumba, Chinedu Obi, Oparagu Elizabeth, Kweku Tandoh, (All Directors of NGA).
TRIAL COURT: FCT High Court, Lugbe (Justice Olukayode Adeniyi)
CASE STATUS: Arraigned on 12 state counts . Plea taken and defence lawyer filed applications to stall trial but lost the bid. Matter adjourned for trial Nov 19/20, 2010
AMOUNT INVOLVED: N1.012 Billion
STATUS OF SUSPECT (S): Suspects Remanded in Kuje Prison and later granted bail by court in 2009
REMARK: Commenced by Waziri in July 20 2009


34. NAME: Dr Dayo Olagunju, Ex. Sec. National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult & Non-Formal Education. Joshua Alao, Alice Abang, Jibrin Waguna, Ahmed Abubakar, Shehu Abdullahi, Dr Victoria King- Nwachukwu, Adamu Khalid, Moses Oseni, Francis Awelewa & Bashir Suleiman
TRIAL COURT: Fed. High Court, Abuja. Justice Anuli Chikere
CASE STATUS: Arraigned on 17 state counts.Plea taken and Matter adjourned for commencement of trial Oct 22, 2010
AMOUNT INVOLVED: N479 Million
STATUS OF SUSPECT (S): Suspects Remanded in Kuje Prison and later granted bail by court in 2009
REMARK: Commenced by Waziri 24 July 2009


35. NAME: Hamman Bello Hammed, Ex-CG Customs, Hannatu Sulaiman, Tajudeen Olalere, Lukman Hussain, Popular Foods Ltd & Silver Maritime shipping coy ltd
TRIAL COURT: Fed. High Court , Lagos. Justice Ramat Mohammed
CASE STATUS: Arraigned on 46 state counts. Plea taken Matter adjouned to Nov for trial but FG filed to withdraw charges.
AMOUNT INVOLVED: N2.5 Billion
STATUS OF SUSPECT (S): Suspects Remanded in Kirikiri & Ikoyi Prisons and later granted bail by court in 2009.
REMARK: Commenced by Waziri on 14th Aug. 2009


36. NAME: Professor Innocent Chuka Okonkwo, fmr VC Imo state Univ, Uchechi Nwugo & Wilfred Uwakwe
TRIAL COURT: Fed.High Court, Abuja. Justice Mohammed Garba Umar
CASE STATUS: Arraigned on 14 state counts. Plea taken Adjourned to Nov for trial.
AMOUNT INVOLVED: N145 Million
STATUS OF SUSPECT (S): Suspects Remanded in Kuje Prison and later granted bail by court in 2009
REMARK: Commenced by Waziri on July 30,2009


37. NAME: Dr (Mrs) Cecilia Ibru (Fmr CEO, Oceanic Bank PLC)
TRIAL COURT: FHC, Ikoyi, Lagos. Justice Dan Abutu
CASE STATUS: Arraigned on 25 state counts. Plea taken and case adjourned to Nov for trial
AMOUNT INVOLVED: N160.2 Billion
STATUS OF SUSPECT (S): Suspect convicted and jailed for 18 Months on Friday October 8, 2010 by Justice Dan Abutu of FHC, Lagos. To forfeit assets and funds worth over N191 billion.
REMARK: Commenced by Waziri on Aug 31 2009


38. NAME: Dr Bartholo-mew (Fmr CEO, Union Bank PLC) Bassey Ebong, Henry Onyemem & Niyi Albert Opeodu
(Ex- Directors, UBN)
TRIAL COURT: FHC, Ikoyi, Lagos. Justice Dan Abutu
CASE STATUS: Arraigned on 28 state counts. Plea taken and case adjourned to Nov for trial
AMOUNT INVOLVED: N187.1 Billion
STATUS OF SUSPECT (S): Suspects remanded in EFCC custody, But granted bail on 14/9/09
REMARK: Commenced by Waziri on Aug 31 2009


39. NAME: Raymond Obieri,(Fmr Chairman,Inter continental Bank PLC Hyacinth Enuha, Ikechi Kalu, C.A Alabi, Samuel Adegbite, Isyaku Umar, Sanni Adams.
TRIAL COURT: FHC, Ikoyi, Lagos. Justice Dan Abutu
CASE STATUS: Arraigned on 18 state counts. Plea taken and case adjourned to Nov for trial
AMOUNT INVOLVED: N131.8 Billion
STATUS OF SUSPECT (S): Suspects remanded in EFCC custody, But granted bail on 14/9/09
REMARK: Commenced by Waziri on Aug 31 2009


40. NAME: Sebastian Adigwe, Peter Ololo, Falcon Securities Ltd
TRIAL COURT: FHC, Ikoyi, Lagos. Justice Dan Abutu
CASE STATUS: Arraigned on 36 state counts. Plea taken and case adjourned to Nov for trial
AMOUNT INVOLVED: N277.3 Billion
STATUS OF SUSPECT (S): Suspects remanded in Prison custody, But granted bail on 15/9/09
REMARK: Commenced by Waziri on Aug 31 2009


41. NAME: Okey Nwosu
TRIAL COURT: FHC, Ikoyi, Lagos. Justice Dan Abutu
CASE STATUS: Arraigned on 11 state counts. Plea taken and case adjourned to Nov for trial
AMOUNT INVOLVED: N95.1 Billion
STATUS OF SUSPECT (S): Suspects remanded in Prison custody, But granted bail on 15/9/09
REMARK: Commenced by Waziri on Aug 31 2009


42. NAME: Alex Nkenchor, Ex-Bank Manager, Ebi Odeigah & GMT Securities & Assets Nig Ltd.
TRIAL COURT: Lagos High Court, Ikeja. Justice M.O Obadina
CASE STATUS: Arraigned on 10 state counts. Plea taken and suspects still remanded in prison custody pending consideration of bail application.
AMOUNT INVOLVED: N860 Million
STATUS OF SUSPECT (S): Suspects remanded in ikoyi prison. Bail application for consideration Oct20
REMARK: Commenced by Waziri on Oct 13 2009


43. NAME: Francis Atuche, Former CEO, Bank PHB
TRIAL COURT: Fed High Court, Lagos
CASE STATUS: Arraigned on a 26 count charge. Plea taken. Suspect challenged charges but court upheld charges. Matter set for trial in Nov.
AMOUNT INVOLVED: N80 billion
STATUS OF SUSPECT (S): Suspect remanded and later granted bail by court. His assets frozen.
REMARK: Commenced by Waziri on Oct 28, 2009.


44. NAME: Adamu Abdullahi, Former Gov of Nasarawa state.
TRIAL COURT: Fed High Court, Lafia, Nasarawa. Justice I.N. Buba
CASE STATUS: Arraigned on 149 count charge. Suspect granted bail by court. Case slated for trial in Oct.
AMOUNT INVOLVED: N15 billion
STATUS OF SUSPECT (S): Suspect on court bail.
REMARK: Commenced by Waziri on March 3, 2010.


45. NAME: Attahiru Bafarawa, former governor of Sokoto state.
TRIAL COURT: Sokoto state High Court.
CASE STATUS: Arraigned on 47 count charge. Matter stalled HC due to accused application at appeal court.
AMOUNT INVOLVED: N15 billion
STATUS OF SUSPECT (S): Suspect remanded in prison custody and later granted bail by court. Case slated for trial.
REMARK: Commenced by Waziri on December 16, 2009.


46. NAME: Francis Okokuro, Bayelsa state Accountant General
TRIAL COURT: Fed. High Court, Abuja
CASE STATUS: Arraigned on 6 count charge. Matter stalled due to accused application for stay.
AMOUNT INVOLVED: N2.4 billion
STATUS OF SUSPECT (S): Suspect remanded in prison custody till April 13.
REMARK: Commenced by Waziri on March 24, 2010


47. NAME: Dr Charles Silva Opuala
TRIAL COURT: Fed High Court, Abuja
CASE STATUS: Arraigned on 6 count charge. Matter stalled due to accused application for stay
AMOUNT INVOLVED: N2.4 billion
STATUS OF SUSPECT (S): Suspect arraigned and remanded in Kuje prison custody on April 13 till he meets bail conditions
REMARK: Commenced by Waziri on March 24, 2010


48. NAME: Chief Osa Osunde(fmr Chairman Afribank), and 4 directors: Jibrin Isah, Isa Zailani, Chinedu Onyia and Henry Arogundade
TRIAL COURT: Fed.High Court, Lagos
CASE STATUS: Arraigned on 33 count charge. Matter adjourned to Nov for trial
AMOUNT INVOLVED: N55 billion
STATUS OF SUSPECT (S): Suspects arraigned on April 21, 2010. Remanded in EFCC custody and later granted bail by the court.
REMARK: Commenced by Waziri on April 21, 2010


49. NAME: Mr Oladele Shittu, CEO of Credence Investment
TRIAL COURT: Fed High Court, Kaduna. Justice Mohd Shuaibu
CASE STATUS: Arraigned on 136 count charge. Matter adjourned for trial
AMOUNT INVOLVED: N139 million
STATUS OF SUSPECT (S): Suspect arraigned on March 23 2010. Remanded in Kad prison custody till July 12, 2010.
REMARK: Commenced by Waziri on March 23, 2010


50. NAME: Mr Sunday Akinyemi, fmr CEO Texas Connection Ferries
TRIAL COURT: Lagos High Court. Justice J Adebajo
CASE STATUS: Arraigned on 30 count charge. Application for bail rejected, trial commenced.
AMOUNT INVOLVED: N90 million
STATUS OF SUSPECT (S): Suspect arraigned March 11 & April 11, 2010.Remanded in prison.
REMARK: Commenced by Waziri on March 11, 2010


51. NAME: Hon. T Faniyi, Albert Soje & others
TRIAL COURT: FHC, Abuja.Justi ce Adamu Bello/Justic e David Okorowa
CASE STATUS: Arraigned on 30 count charge(14,10 &6), trial commenced.
AMOUNT INVOLVED: N3 billion
STATUS OF SUSPECT (S): Suspects arraigned on April 1 2010. Remanded in prison custody and later granted court bail.
REMARK: Commenced by Waziri on April 1, 2010


52. NAME: Adeniyi Elumaro, Rakiya Mamman, Integrated Capital Services Ltd
TRIAL COURT: FCT High Court. Justice Olukayode Adeniyi
CASE STATUS: Arraigned on 22 count charge
AMOUNT INVOLVED: N405 million
STATUS OF SUSPECT (S): Suspects arraigned on Aug 12, 2010. Granted bail by court and remanded in prison pending when they meet conditions
REMARK: Commenced by Waziri on Aug 12, 2010.


53. NAME: Dr Erastus Akingbola, fmr MD/CEO, IBplc
TRIAL COURT: FHC, Ikoyi, Lagos.Justi ce Mohd Idris
CASE STATUS: Arraigned on 22 count charge
AMOUNT INVOLVED: N27 billion.
STATUS OF SUSPECT (S): Suspect arraigned on Aug 13. Remanded in custody till Ag 23.
REMARK: Commenced by Waziri on Aug 13, 2010


54. NAME: Sani Lulu, & 3other sacked NFF board members
TRIAL COURT: FHC, Abuja.Justi ce Donatus Okorowa
CASE STATUS: Arraigned on 10 counts. Case adjourned till Oct 5, 2010 for trial.
AMOUNT INVOLVED: N1.5 billion
STATUS OF SUSPECT (S): Suspects arraigned Sept 7, remanded in prison till 13th when court released them on bail
REMARK: Commenced by Waziri on Sept 7, 2010.

Please forgive me if you name is included here, I just want Nigeria to be a better place that is why I am posting this for all of us to see. It was sent to me & I do not even know the parties each belong, so if know then let us know. Though someone might be a victim of circumstance here but please SAVE Nigeria. Little drops of water make an ocean. it starts from this little position and graduates to a higher one.

Court Orders Prosecution Of El-Rufai And Others

El Rufai in court in 2010

By Daniel Fayemi

A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Abuja today granted the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission ( EFCC) leave to prosecute former minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai and two others on a newly amended eight count charge.

The two other accused persons are former Director-General, Abuja Geographic Information System (AGIS); Altine Jubrin and former General- Manager, AGIS, Ismail Iro.

The accused persons had in the last adjourned date through their counsel, Messrs Akin Olujimi (SAN) and Kanu Agabi (SAN), opposed their arraignment on the ground that the charge in which they were brought to court was predicated upon a law that was null and void and therefore lacked merit.

They also questioned the jurisdiction of the court to entertain the matter saying that the ICPC Act 2003, under which the accused persons were charged, had been repealed and could therefore, not be used as a legal platform for their trial.

They also argued that the EFCC lacked the power to prosecute them as the entire allegation against them did not constitute financial crimes.

In his response, EFCC’s counsel, Adebayo Adelodun (SAN) submitted that El-Rufai and the other accused persons are newly brought before the court on the basis of an eight amended charges and urged the court to allow their immediate arraignment.

The prosecution counsel also said that the offences the accused persons were charged are known to written laws stressing that it is not correct to say they were charged under a non- existing law.

Ruling on the consolidated motions to amend the charges and arraign the accused persons with that of the preliminary objections by the defence counsel, Justice Abubakar Sadiq concurred with all the positions canvassed by the prosecution and ruled that the ICPC Act 2003 on which the defence based their main argument to oppose their trial has been voided.

Justice Sadiq in his ruling said, “The ICPC Act 2000 is a valid, subsisting and a life legislation which has not been invalidated, I have not come across any judgment or any act of the National Assembly that repealed or voided that act.”

He thereafter granted leave to EFCC to prosecute the accused persons and ordered their counsel to produce them in court at the next adjourned date of April 7th, 2011 for arraignment.


El Rufai Responds, Nasir El Rufai sent this statement to SaharaReporters earlier:


Mallam Nasir El Rufai has restated his determination to vigorously defend the land allocation case the Federal Government filed against him in 2009.

When he returned to the country last year, he had announced that the defense of that case is one of his priorities, and that remains the case.

This robust defense led to the dismissal of the charges at the Federal High Court last year, after the court agreed with his preliminary objection that the charges were filed in a wrong court and under a wrong law. This defeat for the EFCC was greeted by the EFCC with predictable sniping that he took into account all the protections afforded him by our laws and the rules of procedure at the courts. These protections are legal, decent and civilized, and a citizen cannot be expected to ignore them to make the EFCC happy.

The EFCC responded to this defeat by filing the case afresh at an FCT High Court. Mallam El Rufai filed a preliminary objection anchored on the EFCC's attempt to amend the charges after they discovered that they again filed under a wrong law. Justice Sadiq Umar today ruled against the preliminary objection and granted leave to the EFCC to amend the charges. He also fixed 7 April 2011 for the arraignment of the defendants on the fresh charges. Mallam El Rufai respects today's ruling and he intends to soldier on, confident in his innocence.

Mallam El Rufai once again denies involvement in any corrupt activities, and he urges the EFCC to desist from claims that there is any other prosecution against him other than this land case that is set to commence anew next month.

Signed
Muyiwa Adekeye
Media Advisor to Mallam Nasir El Rufa

Treason Trial: ACN Governorship Candidate Denied Bail-PM News, Lagos

John AkpanUdoedehe

By Felix Nnamdi/ PM News, Lagos

The Action Congress of Nigeria governorship candidate in Akwa Ibom State, Senator James Akpanudoedehe, was this morning docked at a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city, charged with treason.

But in a dramatic move, the presiding judge, Justice Adamu Bello declined to rule on the bail application argued by his counsel who are four Senior Advocates of Nigeria, SAN.

The judge adjourned the matter till Thursday and ordered that Akpanudodehe be remanded in police custody.

The ACN governorship candidate was arrested and detained following the mayhem that occurred in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State last Tuesday when supporters of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and the main opposition party, the ACN clashed.

During the mayhem, 800 new vehicles and 500 tricycles were burnt. The value of the property was estimated at N2 billion.

Arguing for Akpanudoedehe’s bail application today, his counsel, Kola Awodein, Rickey Tarfa, Adeniyi Akintola and Yemi Osibajo, all SANs, told the court that the sole intention of slamming the charge on the ACN candidate is to keep him out of circulation ahead of the forthcoming governorship election in Akwa Ibom State, which is also being contested by Governor Godswill Obot Akpabio of the PDP.

The defence counsel also stated that the accused is merely being persecuted because he belongs to a rival political party and that he knows nothing about the political unrest, for which he is being detained.

They also informed the court that Senator Akpanudoedehe was ill and constantly requires medication.

The legal team also argued that as a two-term elected Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, a former Minister of State for Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja, a former local government chairman and also a former chairman of the Governing Council of the Federal College of Education, Potiskum and current governorship candidate of the ACN in Akwa Ibom State, Akpanudoedehe will not jump bail if granted.

However, Justice Adamu Bello declined to rule on the bail application and adjourned the matter till Thursday.

Meanwhile, thousands of youths from Akwa Ibom State stormed Abuja to protest Akpanudoedah’s detention and trial.

The carried placards denouncing his perceived persecution.

—Nnamdi Felix/Abuja

Buhari, Ribadu in fresh gang-up against Jonathan.

 By EMMANUEL AZIKEN, Political Editor & ABDULSALAM MUHAMMAD

ABUJA – THE 2011 presidential contest, weekend, inched towards more suspense following  renewed secret efforts by opposition candidates to mount a united front against President Goodluck Jonathan, candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

Vanguard learnt from authoritative sources that the outcome of this weekend’s National Assembly elections would form the basis of choosing between Gen. Muhammadu Buhari of the Congress for Progressive Change, CPC, and Mallam Nuhu Ribadu of the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, who would wear the common mantle of the opposition.

President Jonathan on his part was unrelenting. After ending his open campaign for votes at the Abuja Grand Finale rally on Saturday, the President immediately resorted to dialogue with critical stakeholders through the constitution of 15 committees expected to fan out to critical segments of the society where support for Jonathan has not been totally consolidated.

First ballot

It was gathered that while the President was confident of winning the race at the first ballot, he was, however, becoming concerned on building a legacy framed on a free and fair contest.

Vanguard was told that Jonathan was equally not giving up on bringing fellow presidential contenders in the PDP, President Ibrahim Babangida, Atiku Abubakar and Gen. Aliyu Gusau on board.

The gestures towards the three aspirants were irrespective of insinuations, weekend, in Abuja that Babangida, Atiku and Gusau were now covertly supporting the Buhari campaign.

The three were part of the Northern Political Leaders Forum, NPLF, scheme to realize a Northern presidential candidate for the PDP.

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Research, Documentation and Strategy, Mr. Oronto  Douglas, said yesterday: “President Jonathan is not the one to say he is closing his doors to dialogue especially when it concerns Nigeria.”

While noting the President’s determination to bring everybody on board, Douglas played down speculations that the President spurned an agreement desired by the NPLF to coerce him to name the zone that would succeed him.

He said the President was not one that would allow the common destiny of Nigeria to be so determined in an undemocratic and closeted manner, adding that the committees would be bringing fresh air to smoothen the President’s election.

Campaign of ideas

Douglas said: “What is happening is that a massive campaign of ideas has been launched as the second phase of the 2011 campaign. His campaign is now moving from zone to zone, state to state, local government to local government, neighbour to neighbour and door to door and because Jonathan emerged from the grassroots, he has returned once again to the grassroots with a view to uplifting the  grass roots to the rooftops of rapid development, equity and justice.”

In affirming that the President would win more than 70 per cent of the votes and would not need a run_off, he said the voting pattern at the primaries showed that the President won 53 per cent of the votes from the Northwest and coasted to victory in four out of the seven states of the region.

He said: “From all the analysis, internal and external, it has become clear to us that Dr. Goodluck Jonathan will win the presidential election by as much as 75 percent of the total votes cast. You don’t need to look too far to see where the opinion polls are pointing towards.”

On the patriotic inclinations of IBB, Atiku and Gusau, he expressed hope that the erstwhile presidential gladiators would come aboard the Jonathan/Sambo campaign train, adding: “IBB, Gusau and Atiku desire the good governance of Nigeria and will never exclude themselves from good.”

Jonathan can win without North West – Yakassai

Meanwhile, the President’s campaign efforts were being boosted by the seeming support for stability in the polity from Kano elder statesman, Alhaji Tanko Yakassi, who until recently was a known opponent of President Jonathan’s election bid.

Yakassi, weekend, affirmed that the President could win the contest without the Northwest. In an interview with a local radio station in Kano, Pyramid Radio, Yakassi, noted that the reality on ground favoured the PDP flag bearer.

He said: “It will be easy for him to win without the North West. As it stands now, if Jonathan goes ahead to win 25 per cent of the total votes cast in the 17 Southern states, what is left for him is to get similar percentage in just seven states of the North, and he wins.”

Meanwhile, apprehensive of the seeming momentum for Jonathan, Vanguard learnt that the opposition,  was articulating a last minute initiative to stop the President.

At the centre of the plan is to field a common presidential candidate from the North. The CPC and ACN who both have Northern presidential candidates, it was learnt, have bought into the scheme which is to be concretized after the National Assembly elections.

A reliable senior official in one of the two parties said: “The National Assembly polls will show which of the parties is stronger on the ground and it is based on this that we will now ask one of the candidates to step down.”

The Director of Media in the Nuhu Ribadu Campaign Organisation, Mallam Ibrahim Modibo, also confirmed the ongoing arrangement. He told Vanguard on the road to Jalingo  where Ribadu is holding a presidential campaign rally today: “It is not ruled out and it would be wonderful if we are able to present a common candidate.”

President appeals to Islamic leaders

Meanwhile President Goodluck Jonathan, yesterday, in Kaduna appealed to Islamic leaders and scholars under the auspices of the National Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs, NSCIA, led by the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar 111, on the need to continue to educate their members to seek peace and stability in the country, noting that Nigerians tend to listen more to religious and traditional leaders more than they do their political leaders.

Speaking at the well attended meeting with the eminent Islamic leaders across the country, President Jonathan said: “We have to revere and rely on our religious leaders because it is you that will tell the people the truth.

You are holding unique offices and so you are the only ones that can talk to Nigerians to avoid chaos during the elections.”

President Jonathan who apologized for not meeting the leaders and clerics before embarking on his nationwide campaign earlier solicited for their prayers and counsel to guarantee the much needed peaceful co-existence amongst Nigerians particularly as the elections were around the corner.

He said nobody should carry weapons to kill or maim people in the name of politics arguing that no country can develop in the midst of crisis and that crisis will scare away investors.

Pursuit of power stability

President Jonathan assured the leaders that if renewed, his government will vigorously pursue power stability as well as revitalize the irrigation projects through the introduction of modern farming equipment.

While condemning the recent killings and destruction of property in Akwa Ibom, he assured that his government will give priority to security of lives and property.

He said: “Due to my humble background, I should be the last person to put bumps on people’s paths, I will never do anything to stop anybody from expressing himself.”

The Sultan of Sokoto  Muhammed Sa’ad Abubabar III, said  muslims in the country were concerned about ways of  tackling the incessant political/religious crisis in the country and the way forward.

He said: “As a leader I am only the mouthpiece of all Muslims in the country. All Muslim leaders are very serious about leadership  in the country and our belief is that it is Almighty Allah that gives leadership to whom he bestowed.”

Sultan Abubakar commended President Jonathan for reaching out to all religious and traditional rulers and other groups across the country, saying he was the first to do so urging him not to relent.
Islamic leaders present at the meeting  were the Emirs of Kano, Zazzau, Katsina, Shehu of Borno and prominent Islamic scholars across the country.

Also present were Ministers of Science and Technology, Transport, National Planning and Agriculture as well as ministers of state, Defence and Power.

Acting PDP chairman, Dr Haliru Bello and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Alhaji Yayale Ahmed and presidential aides were also present.