As Buhari remains in UK, 50,000 youths hold rally in support of him in Daura

Pro Buhari Rally

- 50,000 youths hold a rally in Daura, in support of President Buhari

- The youths were under the umbrella of the "Buhari Youth Congress for Change"

- The secretary of the group said they believed President Buhari was in good health

Pro Buhari rally
As President Muhammadu Buhari remains in the UK, 50,000 youths have held a rally in support of him in his hometown, in Daura local government area in Katsina state.

The rally was held on Saturday, February 18 and was organized by a NGO: “Buhari Youth Congress for Change.”

Alhaji Musa Badamasi, the secretary of the NGO, told the press in Daura that the rally was accompanied with marathon prayer.

According to Vanguard, Badamasi explained the reason for the rally, saying the youth was using it to make their position known on the style of governance by Buhari.

He went on to describe most of the insinuations regarding the health of Buahri as attempts to tarnish the image of his administration by his enemies.

Badamasi also assured the press that the NGO would continue to rally round Buhari to enable him continue the good work he had been doing for the nation.

Also the chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) chapter in Daura, Alhaji Sani Altine, commended the youth for organising the rally and prayed for the safe return of the president.

Altine also said the chapter would continue to support the policies and programmes of the Buhari government.

Alhaji Rabiu Fada went ahead to describe Buhari as a God-sent, especially considering the effort of his administration to arrest the security challenges in the North-East.

Praising the president, he said the unnecessary displacement and destruction of lives and property in the North-East had drastically reduced, and the president deserved commendation.

Lastly, Alhaji Musa Abdullahi, the Daura Zonal Vice-Chairman of APC commended the youth and assured them of support of the party whenever the need arose.

He said Buhari was in good health, stressing that ‘’last week, we were in contact with him through telephone conversation.

Meanwhile, the medical vacation of President Muhammadu Buhari in London is still a trending topic in Nigeria.

Nigerians are beginning to question the cost of the president’s medical vacation. There are now calls on the government to improve the nation’s health system and make it more suitable for medical tourism

President Muhammadu Buhari may be spending charge between £200 and £250 per hour, for medical services in the United Kingdom.

Under Buhari, Naira has become Africa's worst currency - Ekweremadu spits

President Buhari and Deputy Senate President Ike

Senator Ike Ekweremadu, the Deputy President of the Senate, on Monday, February 20, lashed out at the All Progressives Congress (APC) government led by President Muhammadu Buhari, saying the economy has suffered more crisis under the new administration.

Recession disaster: Under Buhari, Naira has become Africa's worst currency - Ekweremadu spits

According to Punch, Ekweremadu said this at the Peoples Democratic Party’s national stakeholders’ meeting held at the Ekiti State Governor’s Lodge, Asokoro, Abuja, on Monday.

The Deputy Senate President, while decrying the worsening economic conditions of the country, alleged that “all APC promises had been kept in the reverse order.”

A Naira to a Dollar Lie

He was quoted by his Special Adviser on Media, Mr Uche Anichukwu, as saying, “They told us that one US dollar would be one naira when they take over. Has that happened? Today, our currency is the worst currency in the whole of Africa.

Is that the type of democracy we looked forward to? I can see a situation where the price of oil is going up and the value of naira is going down. What type of economics is that?”

Remain strong comrades

Ekweremadu, however, enjoined PDP faithful to remain strong as the party would “work with Nigerians to restore true democracy and hope to our people.”

He said: “I believe that with determination and sticking together, we will triumph and Nigeria will be better for it.”

The Deputy Senate President also condemned what he described as the manipulation of vital institutions of democracy and radical decline of democratic freedoms in Nigeria.

He also said the solidarity of all key organs of the PDP for the Senator Ahmed Makarfi-led National Caretaker Committee, despite the recent judgment of the Court of Appeal on the party’s leadership tussle, showed that “it is not the hood that makes the monk.”

Ekweremadu, while condemning the sealing of the International Conference Centre, Abuja, the earlier announced venue of the meeting, by the security agencies, said that “such flagrant manipulation of critical institutions of democracy is not only dangerous,

but bad news for the nation’s democracy.”

Manipulation of the institution of democracy

He said: “We are aware that all the institutions of democracy are being manipulated and harassed in this country. The National Assembly and the press are not left out.

The Independent National Electoral Commission has been captured and now a part of the APC. Our judiciary is being insulted and assaulted every day. Their houses are being attacked very late at night and the judges are being harassed.

“So, we are not surprised at what we are seeing today (sealing of meeting venue)? But what remains is for us to remain resolute.”

Political persecution

The Deputy Senate President expressed his displeasure at what he described as the rising political persecution in the country.

He said: “If you look around this room, you will see a lot of people who are being harassed, persecuted and taken to court. What is their offence?

They claim they allegedly received stolen property, yet, nobody has been arraigned for the actual stealing.

As a lawyer, I know that if you are being arraigned for receiving stolen property, you must first of all arraign the man who stole the property.

That is not so in our own case. Is that democracy?”

Ekwememadu urged party members to remain resolute and protect the soul of the PDP and the nation’s democracy, insisting that the party leaders were made by the party faithful and could never be imposed from the outside.

He said: “We have heard there was a judgment in Port Harcourt. Now, those who benefitted from the judgment, where are they? Are they with our former ministers? Are they with our National Assembly members? Are they with our governors? Which organ of the party are they with or is with them? The truth is that it is not the hood that makes the monk.”

MTN Nigeria/Lumos launch a mobile solar electricity solution in Nigeria

In a bid to make the lives of Nigerians brighter and more meaningful, ICT giant, MTN Nigeria has collaborated with world renowned solar architect, Lumos, to launch mobile solar electricity systems for the benefit of families and businesses around the country.

The national roll-out of the service which is set to hold on the 20th of February, in Abuja, will officially introduce the mobile electricity systems into the marketplace, making it easier for Nigerians to access the revolutionary product.

Marketed as Lumos Mobile Electricity Service, powered by MTN, the solution promises to be a catalyst for growth, poised to improve the daily lives of Nigerians. With this innovative product, Nigerians can enjoy accessible, noise-free and fume-free electricity for everyday use and conveniently pay with airtime from a MTN mobile phone. The mobile electricity device which comes with a 5-year warranty, can light up bulbs and power appliances like fans, televisions, cellphones and computers.

Commenting on the partnership with LUMOS and the product, CEO MTN Nigeria, Mr. Ferdi Moolman noted that over the years, MTN Nigeria has launched a variety of technology-driven products and initiatives which have helped to improve the lives of Nigerians, solve problems and encourage intelligent minds with brilliant ideas to achieve more with natural resources.

“Our partnership with LUMOS was borne out of the need to provide safe, affordable electricity alternatives for Nigerians to uninterruptedly conduct their daily businesses. We at MTN value lives and the overall wellbeing of Nigerians and we’ll continue to put out initiatives that focus on providing life solutions,” Moolman added.

The first of its kind Mobile Electricity kit comprises of a solar panel, an indoor power unit, phone charging accessories and 2 LED light bulbs. The kit can be purchased at MTN stores nationwide.

This great innovation is highly welcomed as lives in Nigeria will improve and businesses will thrive better. We do hope that Nigerians will appreciate it and utilize it to the fullest. Thanks to the brains behind this.

Naira in free fall; crashes to lower rate ever

The Nigerian Naira has again crashed to a new record low at parallel market as it now trades at N516 per United States dollar on Thursday, February 16.

The Naira plummeted at the parallel market from N510/dollar on Wednesday, February 15, to a new record low of N516/dollar.

The local currency also depreciated to N630 against the Pound sterling from N625 and crashed against Euro to trade at N538 from N535.

Economic and financial experts are divided over the outlook for the Naira this year but many have said the local currency may depreciate further in the coming months.

According to the Chief Executive Officer, Financial Derivatives Limited, Bismarck Rewane, the local currency would hit 520/dollar this year on the parallel market and touch 350/dollar at the official market.

While an economic expert, Henry Boyo, has predicted that the naira will hit 1000/dollar on the parallel market this year if the Central Bank of Nigeria fails to review its monetary policy framework.

According to him, the current monetary policy framework adopted by the CBN is skewed against the naira.

Analysts have predicted that the naira will face fresh pressure on the parallel market next week, with dollar supply falling short of demand by persons seeking currency to pay school fees abroad, as the CBN continues to ration forex for businesses.

Although the demand for dollar has soared, the naira continues to trade flat at the official interbank window at 305.5 to the dollar.

May God help us to be able to help our nation.

Solid APC Strategist defects to PDP

James Ibori (in blue wrapper) with others at the thanksgiving
service in celebration of his release from prison

A die hard critic of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta state, Barrister Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, has dumped the All Progressives Congress (APC), a party under which platform he criticized the PDP for over three years in Delta state.

Oghenesivbe, who came into prominence during the run up to the 2015 general elections, began his ride into the murky waters of politics when he emerged as the communication manager of the a PDP aspirant, Tony Obuh during the preparations for the party primaries in 2014.

But Obuh, who was powerfully supported by the former Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, lost the PDP primaries to the incumbent Governor Ifeanyi Okowa. Following the woeful failure of his candidate, Oghenesivbe was taken over by his Urhobo APC governorship candidate, Olorogun Otega Emerhor.

His job was principally to handle the communication and media job of the Emerhor, a job he did perfectly well, but since APC has no stronghold in Delta, his candidate could not win the election, although there were allegations of rigging, an issue which has become prominent in the politics of Delta state.

And as a trained lawyer, Oghenesivbe powerfully engaged the Okowa campaign team through the media. During the campaigns leading to the 2015 elections, Oghenesivbe rolled out media strategies that the Okowa multi-media crew could not circumvent. His main tool was the online and social media, especially the facebook where he was vigorously attacking the Okowa's government.

Even as his candidate lost the election, he was still vigorously campaigning against the Okowa’s government. During the tribunal through to the Supreme Court judgment, Oghenesivbe powerfully engaged the Okowa's team and brought them down with his media strategies. He dug out the past history of Okowa, some of his short comings, where he failed, the corruption allegations against him and the need for his probe by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Gov. Okowa and Barr. Fred Latimore

His writing prowess and application of language could not be matched by the multitude of Okowa’s team, they were left on the defensive but their defensive engagement could actually not convince the average and even the educated people of Delta state. However, his media strategy could not give any political success to his master, Otega Emerhor. Eventually, Emerhor fell out at the Supreme Court in attempt to overturn the electoral victory of Governor Okowa.

But as soon as the pursuit of electoral litigation was over, the APC in the state became enmeshed in internal crisis. There was a serious leadership problem which rocked the party and tore it apart. Various groups broke out with dissident views on who should emerge as leader of the party which is yet to gain foothold in the state.

The internal squabbles disintegrated the party and the members were sharply divided. This development led to the national headquarters of the APC delegating minister of Petroleum, Ibe Kachikwu, to take over the leadership of the party in the state pending when peace eventually returns.

But in the process of all these, the noise about the return of the former governor of the state, Chief James Onanefe Ibori, who has been in London prison, began making wave but with no specific date of his return in mind. While the drama continues, unknown to the people, Ibori was already in Nigeria and in a matter of hours he was in Oghara, his community where he escaped from over five years ago.

But with the belief that the return of Ibori, who is widely known as the father of Delta politics and a demi-god to the people undermining the degree of corruption leveled against him, Oghenesivbe made a U-turn. 

Don Jazzy reacts to Cocoice's eviction in Big Brother Nigeria (BBN)

Don Jazzy

Following Big Brother Nigeria housemate Cocoice’s eviction from the show, reactions show how fans really felt about her. Don Jazzy’s reaction is something else.

Cocoice

Cocoice whose many mood swings in the house did not resonate with fans was mocked after she let Bassey feast on her breasts in an attempt to win votes so she won’t be evicted backfired.

Mavin records boss Don Jazzy joined others to mock her by saying “Youths need to protect their nipples.”

What is your take about this? Also leave your comments and reactions.

APC Chieftain attends Grammy with nominee daughter

Demola Seriki and daugter Kah-Lo

- All Progressive Congress(APC) chieftain Demola Seriki attends Grammy to give daughter moral support

- Seriki's daughter Kah-Lo's song Rinse and Repeat gets nominated for an award

Nigerian born singer Kah-Lo attends the Grammy with her father APC chieftain Demola Seriki.

Kah-lo celebrating her song Rinse and Repeat hitting silver

APC chieftain Demola Seriki attends Grammy with daughter Kah-lo

Kah-Lo who was born Farida Demola Seriki was nominated for Best Dance at the 2017 Grammy Awards. He stepped out for the red carpet with her proud father Demola Seriki.
Kah-Lo is the daughter of Demola Seriki and Wosilat Okoya.

Kah-lo and Clare Maguire

Kah-Lo at the Grammy

Meanwhile, UK based fast rising Nigerian music act Mohammed Animashaun aka Moelogo was listed among 21 musicians to benefit from a British government fund worth £250,000. The funds are part the U.K government’s effort to support independent artistes in their country. Moelogo recently released his critically acclaimed EP titled Ireti.

What Jonathan told me after conceding defeat - Ita Giwa

- Jonathan's adviser revealed how and why ex-president Jonathan conceded defeat in the 2015 presidential election

- Ita-Giwa remains loyal to the PDP, but supports Buhari


Buhari received phone call from Jonathan before INEC announced official results of the elections.

Florence Ita-Giwa, a former presidential adviser on the National Assembly matters, has spoken about her chat with the former president Goodluck Jonathan during the 2015 presidential poll.

Ex-president, the aspirant under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was defeated by Muhammadu Buhari of the APC.

Ita-Giwa in the interview with Daily Post disclosed her conversation with former country's head after he conceded defeat.

She said: “I called former president, Jonathan and told him, ‘why not wait till the result is declared before conceding?’

“This was two minutes after he made the announcement.

“Responding, he said, ‘Aunty, I already know what the outcome would be. I have done the right thing. I am keeping to my word that no blood is worth my ambition.

“I said to him, ‘You are great indeed’. He thanked me for my call.”

“I don’t regret supporting him, but we thank God for the peace and unity of the country.”

Jonathan's aide also reacted to the spate of defections from the opposition to the now ruling party.

The politician said she will not leave the PDP, adding: “You can support the president without defecting to his party. Many are doing this for what they can gain.”

“I remain in PDP but will support good policies of the present government.”

Ita-Giwa praised the nation’s media for the resilience over the years, advising them to continue to be the voice of the people.

Nigerians and the international community continue to praise Jonathan for conceding defeat to his main challenger in the March 28 presidential election.

The historic concession telephone call defused tension across Nigeria and has thrown up the former president Goodluck Jonathan as a national hero.

That chat is considered to have saved Nigeria from descending into violence in the aftermath of the election.