Missing police vehicles found; IGP staff cars under repair; one returned – Vanguard’s investigation

Abuja - Barely 24 hours after the Acting Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris accused his predecessor, IGP Solomon Arase (rtd) of moving away 24 Police vehicles including the official IGP Staff Car, which is armoured plated and bullet proof, and the spare staff car, both of which are BMW’s, Vanguard can report authoritatively that both cars were sent to an auto repair shop for total and comprehensive repairs for use of the next IGP.

Vanguard’s investigation showed that the cars were sent to Auto Computers located in the Jabi district of Abuja and that the spare BMW car has been completed and repainted. The spare staff car was said to have been having engine problems for the last five years before the last administration sent it for repairs.

A source at Auto Computer told Vanguard that the spare car was delivered to the Police headquarters on Sunday afternoon after completion of repairs and that officials of the company would visit the Acting IGP to demand for payment of the job done.

For the armoured plated Staff Car, Vanguard was told that because of the high technology embedded in the car, the company will need more time to fix the identified problems of the car as some of the needed parts will be imported.

The source pointed out that nobody approached Auto Computer to ask about the whereabouts of the cars, and that since it was the police that brought them, they (company) just went about their repairs.

When Vanguard sought to find out if the proper procedure of ascertaining location of the cars were followed, it was discovered that the Works Department and the Force Transport Department that would have been approached for explanations were not approached.

Rather, the IGP secretariat comprising of newly posted officers, were said to have written the former IGP demanding the whereabouts of the staff cars and other 22 vehicles, some the former IGP was said to have interpreted as a slight on his person.

Further investigation in other relevant departments regarding the whereabouts of other vehicles showed that the vehicles were intact and that while some were deployed for operations, the Police had records of the location of others.

Recall that when news of the alleged missing 24 vehicles made the rounds on Sunday, the former IGP, responded to questions saying the allegations were the handiwork of mischief makers bent on trying to tarnish his integrity.

He wondered what he would be doing with 24 Police operational vehicles when he was not operating a car mart.

Just In: FG scraps common entrance into Unity schools (FGC)

– The ministry of education has scrapped the common entrance exercise for entrance into unity schools

– Adamu Adamu, the minister of education made the announcement on Monday, July 18

– The cancellation is to take effect from the 2017/2018 academic year

Following calls for the overhauling of the Nigerian educational system, the ministry of education has announced the cancellation of the National Common Entrance Examination (NCCE) into unity schools.

Federal government has scrapped the common entrance examination into federal government colleges.

The announcement was made on Monday, July 18 by minister of education, Adamu Adamu.

This came as former minister of education, Dr Oby Ezekwesili, yesterday, stressed the urgent need to overhaul the education system in the country to avoid total collapse of the sector.

A statement issued by the federal ministry of education yesterday in Abuja, said the cancellation of the test for NCCE would take effect from the 2017/2018 academic year.

The statement signed by the deputy director, press, Bem Goong, said the minister could not establish the rationale for a second test for NCCE organised by the National Examination Council (NECO).

Mr Adamu was quoted as saying: “The second test is an unnecessary additional financial burden on parents/guardians”.

“The era of multiple examinations attracting prohibitive fees cannot be accommodated by the Buhari administration, especially against the backdrop of government’s determination to increase access to education as a platform for breaking the cycle of poverty,” the statement read.

It said Adamu had directed NECO to strengthen its examination processes with a view to achieving quality and credible examination for admission into unity schools at the first test.

The statement said the minister argued that multiple examinations did not necessarily translate to the admission of quality pupils in secondary schools.

Adamu maintained that the 2016/2017 academic year remained the effective date for the ban on Post-UTME, advising vice-chancellors to adhere strictly to the policy in the overriding public interest.

Meanwhile, Dr Oby Ezekwesili, yesterday, stressed that a change was needed urgently in the educational sector.

Ezekwesili made the statement at the 2016 Nigerian Education Innovation Summit organised by Education Partnership Centre (EPC) in Abuja.

She said education left in the hands of policy makers was problematic. “Systems are very important; when you have system, then you have a higher probability of good outcomes.

“If your systems are not functional, then you would need to overhaul them, because dysfunctional systems, can’t give you any good outcome.

“When we talk about education, you have to look at it as a system that has input, output, outcome and your measurement of the impact that the outcome really stand for.

“When you do that, you will realise that we have been in serious trouble since the time that I was even Minister of Education. The Managing Director of EPC, Dr Modupe Adefeso-Olateju, urged the federal government to scale up educational intervention in Nigeria and ensure every child in Nigeria benefited from it.

“Every stakeholders in the sector must ensure that every child in Nigeria benefits from successfully tested education interventions by focusing on efforts to scale up impact,’” he said.

Meanwhile, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) on Monday, July 18, went tough on the Nigerian government over the cancelled Post-Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination.

Speaking to journalists in Abuja, the ASUU president, Biodun Ogunyemi said the union regrets government’s cancellation of the Post-UTME. Ogunyemi said: “The Academic Staff Union of Universities has noted with deep regret the recent pronouncement by the federal government of Nigeria forbidding Nigerian universities from conducting Post- UTME test.”

“The question is: is the unified tertiary matriculation examination credible enough to warrant the cancellation of Post-UTME?” Ogunyemi asked.

He said the federal government failed to consult with stakeholders in the education sector – vice chancellors, ASUU – before reaching its decision to make the pronouncement.

ENTERTAINMENT: Joke of the day - A must read

By Uduak Reuben

Men Will Be Men

One day a woman wanted to know how the husband will react if she leaves without telling him where she had gone. So she decided to write him a letter saying she is tired of him and didn't want to live with him anymore and after writing, she put the letter on the table in the bedroom and then hid under the bed.

When the husband came back home, saw the letter and read it, he replied on the same paper and then began to sing and dance changing his clothes. He got his phone, dialled someone then said:

"Hey babe, am just changing clothes after which we shall be together soon. As for the other fool it has finally dawn on her that I was fooling around with her and has left. I was wrong, really wrong to have married her, I wish I had known you earlier. See you soon honey!"

The husband walks out of the room and leaves. In tears and very upset, the woman got up from under the bed and decided to go and read what the husband wrote on the letter. When she has the letter, it reads:

"I could see your feet under the bed; I didn't make any phone call... I am going to buy bread. Stand up, stop your silly games and prepare me a meal...

 I LOVE YOU!

I'm sure you are laughing now... Make someone else laugh too by sharing...

Opinion: Why Nigerians don't believe President Buhari

President Mohammadu Buhari 

Editor’s note: The times are biting hard at the faith of the Nigerian people, the nation tends to be experiencing the worst of times in its history, prioritization has become a key skill to survive, where the people have hardly seen any improvement in the standard of their economy.

There are fears that the nation might have no future, there are fears that the change mantra was only a sham. The people are not sure where the country is headed, they wonder of the president feels their plights.

Hope and faith are no more Nigerians

Recent happenings and commentaries have shown that Nigerians need someone to believe in; someone to call their leader without sentiment; someone who practically leads them through this pain with sincere action and not through mere intents or words.

Many Nigerians have stopped believing in President Muhammadu Buhari’s change mantra.
In times like these, Nigerians have struggled to believe Mr President, and below are 5 crucial reasons why.

1. They don’t know if he is listening: Feedback is a proof to show a man listens. A listening leader is one the followers call a concerned leader. In the 2015 elections, we thronged out in our millions to vote President Buhari because we all assumed a listener in him. Reality is here and we don’t know if he has created bottlenecks for himself that filters what he hears and how he responds because the only feedback from his office has been majorly in response to attacks from aggrieved parties or the opposition. The presidency should be better than that.

2. They believe His appointments looks more personal than national: Obvious to a blind man is the fact that recent appointments by Mr President has been disproportionate. No excuse on the surface of this planet can justify the inclinations of President Buhari’s appointments. Even his party (APC) are rather mute about it. Now imagine what the ordinary non-partisan civilian believe about a President who ignores the optics of his inclination (Personal than National).

3. They believe He is hardly communicating to them: Where is Mr. President? Posting pictures on the internet shouldn’t be mistaken as communication. Having to always respond to attacks isn’t the same as communication. Having to tell us that you know what we are going through isn’t the same as communication. Probably, we need the President to begin his trips again, maybe then we would hear more from him and get more updated about where he is leading this nation to. The poor and downtrodden don’t understand protocols and obstructions, all they need is their president showing practical concern to their sufferings.

4. They don’t have an idea of his economic plans: Anyone who believes to have an idea of Mr President’s economic plan can believe everything about his government and his policies. But for Nigerians who buy, trade and renders service, their idea of Mr President’s economic plan is “Delayed Timing mixed with Hope”.

5. They don’t think he is identifying with them anymore: What has Mr President done to cut down the expenses of the presidency? How many aircraft has gone off his fleet? Nigerians feel used, feels dumped, and feels Mr President is looking like every other politician who will never be true to their word. Forget the so called achievements that this administration is forcing down our throats… no one believes his presidency anymore and if you still do, ask 5 people around you so you can feel their pulse.

Dilusion

This administration needs redemption, its sliding without knowing, claiming to work with saints while every other person is indepthly corrupt.

President Buhari and the people around him should be reminded that he has 2 full years to go before another political campaign. I sincerely hope the story changes because the people will come for him… Ask Ex President Goodluck Jonathan

This opinion first appeared in Leadership.

This article expresses the authors’ opinion only.

I have no plan to join APC – Akpabio

Godswill Akpabio, the Senate minority leader and former governor of Akwa Ibom state

– Ex-governor Akpabio has denied reports that he plans to join the APC

– Akpabio says he remains loyal to the PDP as he is working to ensure the party becomes formidable again

– He says the rumours about his move to the ruling party were being spread by APC propagandists

Godswill Akpabio, the Senate minority leader and former governor of Akwa Ibom state, has denied reports linking him with a move to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Speaking to Daily Sun, through his media aide, Anietie Ekong, Akpabio said he remains loyal to the PDP as he is working to ensure the party becomes formidable again.

According to him, he could not be participating in solution-seeking meetings of the PDP while planning to defect to APC.

Godswill Akpabio, the Senate minority leader and former governor of Akwa Ibom state, has denied reports linking him with a move to the APC.
Akpabio who claimed he is aware of the rumours about his move to APC, stressed that the reports were being spread by APC propagandists.

However, the APC in Akwa Ibom said that Akpabio has been making efforts to appease some senior members of the party.

Although, the party noted that the ex-governor had yet to formally apply to become a member of the APC.

Chief Ita Awak, Akwa Ibom state publicity secretary of the APC said: “I am also in the know that he has made some efforts to appease some leaders of the party, pleading for understanding and forgiveness. I am aware of such moves by him.”

Asked whether APC would accept his membership,  Awak said that would be left for the party’s leadership to decide.

Godswill Akpabio has been at loggerheads with some PDP senators over his recent political moves.

He has been accused of engaging anti-party activities by his colleagues after his secret visit to the national leader of the APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu leaked to the PDP senators.

Akpabio’s visit to Tinubu at his Bourdillon Lagos residence was immediately brought to the knowledge of deputy Senate president, Senator Ike Ekweremadu by some individuals who sighted Akpabio with Tinubu.

Ekweremadu was said to have immediately confronted Akpabio on the issue, with the former Akwa Ibom state governor reportedly dismissing the former casually.

He (Akpabio) told the deputy Senate president that he visited Tinubu over some “personal issues.”

Apparently not satisfied with Akpabio’s explanation, Ekweremadu was said to have tabled the issue to the entire PDP caucus in the Senate.

Long-awaited Abuja-Kaduna railway to be launched on July 26

– The Abuja-Kaduna high-speed railway is to be launched next week

– It has successfully underwent the free test-run service on July 26

The long-awaited Abuja-Kaduna railway will be inaugurated on July 26 in Idu, Abuja.

The announcement was made by Rotimi Amaechi, a former governor of Rivers state and now transportion minister, in an interview with newsmen today.

According to the minister, a test ride of the rail project that started in June was successful that allows to launch it after the final inspection on July 21. Commercial services would reportedly start immediately after the official launch.

“The president has approved the 26th of this month for the official launching of the project and we have agreed that before the inauguration, we will visit the place. So, the final inspection will be on Thursday, July 21,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that there are four buses with a passenger capacity of 380 are currently available to transport passengers from Idu to Kaduna.

Several weeks ago one of the first to try the new line was the friend of Bashir Ahmad, President Muhammadu Buhari’s personal assistant on new media, Enessi Hasan, who shared photos taken during his opening trip.

Buhari orders IGP to re-open Bola Ige, Dokubo’s cases

Late Chief Bola Ige

ABUJA — President Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday, directed the Acting Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, to reopen investigation into the unresolved murder of former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Bola Ige, and ex-Deputy National Chairman, South-South, of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Aminosari Dokubo, and fish out the perpetrators.

The killing of the two personalities caused national outrage, with Nigerians calling on the government of former President Olusegun Obasanjo to fish out the killers who have still not been found.

Recall that Chief Bola Ige was shot dead  in his bedroom in Bodija, Ibadan, home at about  9pm on December 23, 2001, after he arrived Ibadan from Lagos at about 8.30pm.

His security details were said to have sought permission from the former Attorney General to go and eat before the incident occurred.

The gunmen, who were said to have been waiting in the vicinity, then stormed the house and tied up family members.

One of the gunmen reportedly pointed a gun at a family member and asked him to lead them upstairs to Chief Bola Ige's room. They allegedly moved the wife and his son to an adjourning room, locked them up before shooting their target in the chest.

Vanguard gathered from sources that towards unearthing the perpetrators of these unresolved murders, the Acting Inspector General of Police has instituted a high powered investigation team, headed by an Assistant Inspector General of Police, to crack the case.

Following the death of the late Bola Ige, several unsubstantiated allegations were made against several politicians and interest groups, with some even saying the ‘Cicero’, as he was fondly called, was killed to halt the rise in his political profile, while others said it had to do with his impending probe of the corruption in the power sector of the nation’s economy.

Dokubo's assassination

On the part of Chief Aminosari Dokubo, the late PDP Deputy National Chairman was said to be returning to his base from Abuja after a meeting when he was waylaid by suspected assassins on entering Delta State. He was killed near Asaba on October 22, 2004.

Dokubo’s assassination at the time was alleged to have been caused by certain disagreements with the powers that be in his political party, prior to the general elections.

A source told Vanguard that the fact that the killers and their sponsors were still prowling the streets without arrest and prosecution for crimes against humanity, was a dangerous trend which, if not addressed, might lead to killing of more political leaders either now or in the future.

It’s a new day— Bola Ige’s son

Reacting to the development, Architect  Muyiwa Ige, son of late Chief Bola Ige, said last night that it would be glorious, if the family could get  justice 16 years after.

Muyiwa, who could not hide his happiness, said President Buhari did not disappoint him, saying the matter was now in the right direction.

He said:  “I knew right from the advent of the administration of President Buhari that the matter would be resurrected. The President is in the right direction. To God be the glory. It’s a new day; we are happy, we will get justice after 16 years.

“We are happy that all those who murdered our father, including the star witness, will be brought to justice. It’s good news.”

Solomon Arase in trouble! Acting IGP accuses him of stealing from NPF

Solomon Arase

Acting Inspector-General of Police, IGP, Ibrahim Idris, yesterday said investigations  into the disappearance of many vehicles parked at Force Headquarters a week to his appointment had commenced.

Idris, who disclosed this at an interaction with some reporters in Abuja, alleged that from  preliminary investigations, the former IGP, Solomon  Arase (retd) alone took 24 vehicles, while some of the retired Deputy Inspector-Generals of Police (DIG) also went away with quite many.

He said the  police had already written to Arase and others to return the vehicles they took, as the  former IGP was entitled to only four vehicles.

Efforts to reach Arase last night for his response proved abortive but a source close to him, said the former IGP did not go away with 24 vehicles, describing Arase as the embodiment of a professional officer who will not stoop so low to confiscate operational equipment which he fought for the police to have, into personal use.

“In this era of anti-corruption crusade which Arase fought in the Police force in all ramifications, how can the same Arase turn around to soil his integrity built over the years with operational vehicles.

The confidant added that the act of mischief may be connected with a plot to discredit the former IGP for the tough stance he took both administratively and sticking to the rule of law and fairness in the manner he ran the police force during his tenure.

But Idris said: “A week before I was announced, when you look through my office window, you could see so many cars. But the cars all disappeared when I came in.

‘’What I did was to assign a directive to the Special Investigative Unit, SFU, for them to investigate all vehicles’ purchases and donations to the police in the last three years.

“When I took over, there were no vehicles. I discovered that the last IG went away with 24 vehicles, including two BMWs.

‘’The DIGs took seven, others eight. And they left me with an old vehicle. Even the one I follow the President with the last time I went for an engagement, the President asked what I was doing with that kind of vehicle.

‘’The headlight has changed colour, which means it was parked for long under the rain.  But the new ones that were bought, including an Armoured BMW 7 series, he took them away. So, I wrote to him and reminded him of the need to return the vehicles.

‘’When a policeman retires as IG, DIG, AIG or CP he is entitled to some vehicles. And so, he should take his entitlement and return the extra. I believe four vehicles are enough for an average person. What does one need 24 vehicles for?”

The IGP also disclosed that the force had concluded plans to investigate the irregularities in promotion, assuring policemen that due diligence would be done.

Idris said he could feel the pains of those who felt marginalised by the promotion, recaling that he spent five years as Commissioner of Police, while some of his juniors were promoted above him.

Woman turns into snake during sex with lover in Akwa Ibom

Not a real photo

It’s a strange world we live in!

It was a strange sight in Akwa Ibom state when a woman allegedly turned into a snake during sex with her lover in a hotel.

According to Chris Udoh, a journalist in the state, the duo were already having sex inside a hotel room in Eket, Akwa Ibom, when the shocking occurrence happened. According to what he reported, the middle-aged man had taken the lady he met along the road in the town, to a hotel to have sex with her in the hotel but he got the shock of his life when the woman allegedly turned into a mammoth reptile.

Read the story below:

“The incident took place on Friday when the man took the lady to a three Star hotel in Eket metropolis (name of hotel withheld). The man checked in with the light complexion woman apparently in her mid-thirties to have a nice time but it turned out to be his worse nightmare.

Upon arriving the hotel, the pair sat at the bush bar and ordered for fresh fish pepper soup. According to the man, the lady opted for just drinks as she told him that she doesn’t eat sea foods. Instead, she opted for a bottle of red wine.

”After having few bottles of drinks, the couple retired to their room. While in there, the man said he observed that she took so much time in the rest room which warranted him to knock on the door frequently, but she kept answering that she will soon be through.
According to the man, when she finally came out, she told him not to touch her head while they made love, telling him that she had a severe headache and suggested that the red wine may have caused it.

”The man said that when they started having sex, the lady started wriggling her body on the bed like a snake but he admitted that he didn’t give serious thought to it ‘as he was enjoying the action. The man who is in his mid-forties, said as soon as he had his orgasm and got up from her body, he noticed that her entire body was fast changing to a snake. He said he was overwhelmed by fear and jumped out of the room naked and raised an alarm which attracted both the hotel managers and others patrons to rush to his room. When the management of the hotel made their way into the room, the lady was still half snake and half human, wriggling on the bed, but the hotel manager quickly rushed out to inform the police.

“They fastened the lock on the door of the room and instructed every one to keep off. Upon return, the lady had disappeared. The management handed over the man who brought the lady to their facility to the police from the Ukwa Police Division.”

Strange! Isn't it?

Okupe reveals what he did with money approved by Jonathan

Ex-president Goodluck Jonathan’s former aide, Doyin Okupe, has made clarifications on the real reason he was recently questioned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

In a statement made available to Premium Times, the former special adviser to the president on political affairs, explained how he got millions from the office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) to carry out various activities in his house and office.

Sambo Dasuki, the then NSA, is currently being prosecuted by the EFCC over the alleged mismanagement of $2.1 billion meant for arms procurement for the Nigerian military to battle insurgency in the north east.

With the statement, Okupe sought to clarify reports in different sections of the media where supposedly strange figures were attached to his name in the arms deal scandal.

Below is the full statement as issued by Okupe:

MY RESPONSE TO MEDIA REPORTS ABOUT EFCC SUMMONS

I am constrained to issue this statement in response to certain publications contained in some National dailies about my recent summons by the Economic and Financial Crimes commission, EFCC

In my interactions with the EFCC, I have been asked to explain only three issues so far:

1. Why I received N50m from the office of the National Security Adviser at the onset of my appointment, and what I used the money for.

2. Why I was paid N10m monthly by the Office of the National Security Adviser.

3. Why I received another sum of N50m from the NSA in October 2014.

These are the ONLY subject of interrogation with the commission so far. My explanations were as follows:

1. The initial N50m was approved by the President to be paid to me from His Security vote. N10m was to furnish my rented living apartment and another N10m for my office.

The balance N30m was approved as take off grant for my office.

2. The N10m I received from the Office of the National Security Adviser monthly was to run my office, pay salaries of staff, including overheads, pay expenses for our numerous press conferences, pay for publications in newspapers, magazines, local and foreign, television programs, bulletins, and media consultants who assist and facilitate our work. I had about 23 staff, 11 were graduates out of which 5 were Masters degrees holders. Details were submitted to EFCC

3. The second N50m was approved again by Mr President when I reported to him that the monthly allowance has been cut from N10m to N5m and that I was no longer in a position to keep running a 1hr NTA network program called INSIGHT which was aired 9-10am every Friday and some other days of the week. We paid NTA about N1.2m monthly for airtime. Two presenters were paid N600,000 monthly. We paid for tapes and Editing per program.

Besides we also pay honorarium for guests either directly or inform of hotel bills for those outside Abuja, or transportation. This cost averagely N500,000 weekly or about N 2m monthly. All in all we spent about N4m monthly on the program. Mr President promised to help with the expenses. About a few months later when we had incurred some debts, the NSA sent me a sum of N50m which was to cover the cost of the program for 12 months(12×N4m=N48m)

The Newspaper Trial

I saw strange figures like N162m fraud, N85m fraud in the Media. Also mention was made of some alleged dubious payments of N13m and N65m from contracts supposedly obtained from chachanga LGA in Niger state.

The Fact however is that my company Romix soilfix was one of the over 20 construction companies who were duly awarded contracts for rural roads some 5yrs ago by the Niger state govt. Due to lack of funds, contractors were paid irregularly thus making the job to drag on for long. The job is still on going. The relationship of this to my service as Senior Special assistant to President is still not clear.

My Health status.

I confided in the officers of the commission about my health situation for them to understand why where and how I sleep was important to my overall well being.

Without clearance or authorization by me this information was revealed to the media. I woke up to hear it on radio broadcast nationwide and was published in many newspapers. This is a sad development and a definite breach of the confidence I reposed on the commission as an institution of government.

I was born with sinus bradycadia, a non disease based slowness of the heart. It precluded me from vigorous exercise from childhood but I have by God’s Grace been able to live a normal and active life. With age the slowness grew worse and life threatening. I sought medical help and went through a procedure at the Arrhythmia cardiac Research center in Atlanta, where this defect was corrected. Its just a year ago and I am still under satellite monitor from the USA. This is what I revealed to the EFCC and they made it a public issue.

I have been in public service in more than 20years. Because of my pedigree, I have by deliberate policy avoided anything that will bring shame to me and my family.

In spite of my high level involvement in politics and government, I have never done directly or indirectly any federal government contracts. In the whole of this world, I have only two houses. One in Lagos and another in my home town. I have no house elsewhere including Abuja.

It is a pity that the situation in the country is so bad that everybody believes that there are no men with honour in politics or government. It is not true. I have submitted all my personal and company accounts to the EFCC. I have nothing to hide.

I am proud of who I am and how far the Lord has taken me. My present travails and trial will become a good testimony for me and my family in Jesus Name.

OMG! Peter Okoye, Osita Iheme other top Nigerian Celebrities caught up in Turkey's coup (Photos)

Peter Okoye, AY and Papi J being welcomed to Turkey

– Some Nigerian celebrities were caught up in the coup in Turkey 

– the celebrities were in Turkey for Samuel Eto’o’s charity match

– Peter Okoye, Pai J and comedian AY were billed to perform at the charity dinner

Fear, anxiety as some Nigerian celebrities are caught up in the unrest going on in Turkey. One of the duo of P-Square, Peter Okoye now known as Mr P is in Turkey as you read this post.

Mr P was in Turkey to perform at the 10th anniversary of international footballer Samuel Eto’o’s foundation in Antalya, Turkey. The event was also to witness a charity match that was to feature many international football celebrities like Samuel Eto’o, Kanu Nwankwo, Ronaldo, Emmanuel Adebayor, Jay Jay Okocha among others.

Peter was in Antalya with his label mate Papi J Ameh to perform at the charity match. Also there was comedian AY also known as Ayo Makun and Nollywood actor Osita Iheme known as Pawpaw.

AY, OSitia Iheme, Peter Okoye and Yomi Casual in Turkey

On their arrival before the failed coup the duo shared their warm reception on their Instagram pages.

“So much love here in Turkey Antalya ❤️🇹🇷 Join me for @etoocharitymatch tomorrow here in Antalya, Turkey. Let’s celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the foundation @fpsetoo of my friend @setoo. Hurry and get your tickets at www.etoocharitymatch.com #Etoo #EtooCharityMatch #FundaciónPrivadaSamuelEtoo #Charity”

AY

Due to the failed coup attempt, many fans and family members of Peter were calling to check on their safety. Mr P shared photo of himself and Papi J and captioned it on Sunday, July 17 that:

“So much love from family friends and Fanz❤️😊🙏🏽👍🏾 thanks so much fam🙏🏽#GodProtectUsAll We r safe and sound here in Turkey🇹🇷 by the way @papiijameh is cruzin his Bentley 😂😂😂”

Osita Iheme

Papi J on his own part wrote: “@peterpsquare Mr P is taking care of me… Lmao… Celebrity driver”

Thought the charity match was later cancelled for security reasons; Peter and Papi J still entertained guests at the charity dinner which was held on Friday, July 15.

Those who plan to impeach President Buhari should learn lessons from Turkey - APC Govs

– Many analysts say the recent failed coup d’etat in Turkey is a victory for democracy

– Politicians in Nigeria are already making reference to it

– Governors of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has joined the bandwagon

APC governors today, July 16 declared that the Nigerian people are behind President Muhammadu Buhari, adding that any any attempt to impeach the president will be rebuffed like the recent failed coup d’etat in Turkey.

Some of the APC governors pictured in Benin today
According to Vanguard, the governors stand was made known by their leader and Imo state governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha.

Okorocha was speaking at the flag off of the governorship campaign of the APC candidate in the September 10 governorship election in Edo state, Mr Godwin Obaseki.

Okorocha led 11 of his colleagues in the party to the Samuel Ogbemudia stadium, Benin which was filled to the brim to signal the take-off of Obaseki’s campaign train.

National chairman of the APC, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, was on ground to hand over the party’s flag to Obaseki and his running mate, Honourable Philip Shuaibu.

Oyegun described Obaseki as “a hardworking and focused young man who will make us proud after Oshiomhole”.

On his part, the director general of the Obaseki campaign organization, Osarodion Ogie descried Obaseki as “a good product for Edo people and that is why Edo people are behind him”.

Meanwhile, former governor of Sokoto state and now senator, Aliyu Wamkko has denied rumours of plan to impeach President Buhari.

Wamakko was reacting to reports that the move to impeach the president was perfected in his residence. According to him, the meeting was aimed at ensuring a better relationship between the executive and legislative arm of government.

New facts emerge on Senate's attempt to impeach President Buhari (Details)

The red chamber

– New facts are emerging on how some senators made an attempt to move a motion for the impeachment of President Muhammadu Buhari

– The Senate is at the moment in disarray over the Buhari’s government’s decision to institute a court case against its leaders bordering on forgery

– The government’s move has divided the Senate into camps

The comment by the Senate’s spokesperson, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, that the red chamber did not attempt to impeach President Buhari may have been false.

Abdullahi who was reacting to the All Progressives Congress (APC) stance that the purported move was a huge joke, described the reports as ”not genuine.”

He went on to describe the reports as as a “piece of fabrication which is only the figment of the imagination of the writers and their sponsors.”

Checks by Premium Times however revealed that some senators loyal to Senate President, Bukola Saraki made a move to discuss impeachment at the executive session.

At least six senators who attended the session, confirmed that impeachment was discussed at the meeting. According to the report, those interviewed include those in support of  Saraki, and those opposed to him.

The senators who made the revelation however requested to be anonymous as it is against Senate riles to discuss matters held behind close doors with journalists or any other person.

One of the senators interviewed fingered former deputy governor of Abia state, Eyinnaya Abaribe  as the arrow-head of the move.

“It is time to go for the President’s jugular,”  Abaribe reportedly declared at the meeting.

Abaribe’s comment however elicited immediate reaction from senators opposed to Saraki.

The senators who are also in support of President Buhari shouted “No, no. no.” in response to Abaribe’s comment.

Clarifying his statement, Abaribe said it had become clear that Buhari had no respect for the Senate and that the time had come for him to be impeached.

Speaking further, Abaribe opined that the president was encouraging his aides to disrespect the Senate, adding that the red chamber has to go for the president’s jugular (impeachment) or continue to seek reconciliation that he suggested would not work.

Abaribe’s comments however got validation from senators in support of Saraki as there was chorus of “yes, yes”, from them.

The Senate thereafter descended into a rowdy session before Saraki calmed fraying nerves.

Saraki then told his colleagues that the issue on ground should not focus on Buhari’s impeachment, but the actions of  the Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Salami (SAN).

Saraki claimed that Malami  was being used to directly launch lethal offensives on the Senate, adding that the AGF should be subdued.

When contacted, Abaribe said: ”What is called executive session is meant to be private. If anybody comes out to reveal what is discussed, he should be bold enough to mention his name. If you tell me the name of the Senator that quoted me, I can comment.”

Meanwhile, former governor of Sokoto state and now senator, Aliyu Wamkko has denied rumours of plan to impeach President Buhari.

Wamakko was reacting to reports that the move to impeach the president was perfected in his residence. According to him, the meeting was aimed at ensuring a better relationship between the executive and legislative arm of government.