President Jonathan Praises Bishop Oyedepo

President Goodluck Jonathan has praised Bishop David Oyedepo, the Presiding Bishop of the Living Faith Church Worldwide, on his contributions to education in Nigeria.

The president made this commendation while congratulating Oyedepo on his 60th birthday on Friday, 27 September, 2014, through a statement released by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr Reuben Abati.

According to the statement, Jonathan stated that the cleric’s “massive accomplishments as a devoted servant of God’’ made his life worthy of celebration.

[caption id="attachment_3901" align="aligncenter" width="629"] Bishop Oyedepo[/caption]

“I write on behalf of my family, the Government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, to rejoice with you as you mark your milestone 60th birthday anniversary.

READ ALSO: Tunde Bakare, David Oyedepo Curse Boko Haram

“Yours is, indeed, a life truly worthy of celebration. You have attained lofty heights not just as an accomplished selfless servant of God, but also in the committed service of community, country, and our common humanity.

“You have not only committed to giving your all in pursuit of the massively impactful propagation of the Word, you have also embraced the cause of providing quality education for our children.

“As the almighty God continues to bless you with robust health and many more years of happiness, uncommon accomplishment, and fulfilling service, It is my prayer that you will continue to partner with us in our quest to reposition Nigeria for peace, progress and prosperity,” the statement read.

READ ALSO: Bishop Oyedepo Speaks On 2015 Polls

Oyedepo, affectionately called “Papa” by members of his congregation, is reported to be the richest pastor in Nigeria.

The cleric is a Christian author, preacher, the founder and presiding Bishop of Living Faith Church World Wide, also known as Winners’ Chapel, and its affiliated international churches known as Winners Chapel International, with headquarters in Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria.

Oyedepo is the senior pastor of Faith Tabernacle, a 50,000 seat church auditorium, reported to be the largest church auditorium in the world by the Guinness Book of Records.

He has been seen as one of the pioneers of the Christian charismatic movement in Africa and also referred to as one of the most powerful preachers in Nigeria.

Oyedepo is the Chancellor of Covenant University and Landmark University.

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Group Gives Fashola 7-day ultimatum To Arrest TB Joshua

 A  Human rights group has given Lagos state governor, Governor Babatunde Fashola seven days to arrest the founder of The Synagogue Church of All Nations, Temitope Joshua.

[caption id="attachment_3713" align="aligncenter" width="600"] SCOAN guest house collapse: Governor Fashola visits TB Joshua. Photo: Twitter[/caption]

The group, Vote for Service Initiative, a good governance group has in a letter dated September 25 and which was forwarded to the Lagos State governor demanded the government make the outcome of its probe into the collapse of the SCOAN guest house public.

READ ALSO: Synagogue: TB Joshua Condoles With South Africa

The group also accused the administration of delaying the probe based on “the mantra of ‘Touch not my Anointed.’”
“We are Vote for Service Initiative. We like to remind your good office that, it was in this state your attorney general and commissioner for justice prosecuted and convicted Rev. King to death by hanging for (killing) one of his devotees with ignited fire.

READ ALSO: Nicholas Ibekwe Reveals More Of Prophet T. B. Joshua’s Deeds

It is also the same attorney general office that prosecuted recently Mr. Arowolo to death by hanging for killing his wife with knife and cudgel, how much more the man that (killed) over 115 souls through criminal negligence and brazen impunity,” the group said.

The later demanded that Fashola apologizes to Lagosians for the late implementation of the the Physical Planning Law of Lagos State, and as well, compensate the victims.

READ ALSO: Journalist Reveals Why He Leaked T.B. Joshua ‘Bribery’ Audio

“Failure to which we will be left with no other option than to approach the competent court of jurisdiction for an order of mandamus for your good office to implement the law you signed in 2010 without delay,” the letter added.

A five storey building belonging to the Synagogue Church of All Nations in Ikotun Lagos had collapsed in September 12 as three extra floors were being added on the original two-storey structure.

READ ALSO: Arrest And Try TB Joshua – University Dons

The National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA had recovered from the rubble 86 dead and 131 were rescued.

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How APC Plan To Win 2015 Elections

Speaking today, September 24, in Abuja some members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) expressed hope over their party’s victory in the 2015 presidential elections.

[caption id="attachment_3519" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Atiku Abubakar[/caption]

According to NAN, several APC representatives commented on their optimistic position in separate interviews, following the official declaration by the former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar. It is worth mentioning that Atiku is considered one of the key opposition figures in the country.

Mr Sale Mustapha said when interviewed:

“I believe that APC is going to win the forth coming 2015 presidential election in Nigeria. With the spate of happenings around, APC, if given an opportunity, will make a change.”

READ ALSO: If I Was President, Diezani Would Be Gone – Atiku

Another member identified as Mallam Danlami Abubakar, spoke about the party strategy and how they want to win the votes of Nigerians:

“Part of the strategies we devised is massive youth mobilisation and enlightenment campaigns. We also pledge to encourage creativity, their ideas will be valued. This, we believe, will curb brain drain and encourage originality.”

READ ALSO: 2015: SEE What Atiku Promises Nigerians

Alhaji Isiaku Mohammed who defected from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC explained that the opposition party should win due to having a broad vision of the country future:

“Our vision and mission is to provide jobs for the youth, adequate security and adequate social amenities to our dear nation.”

The declaration venue was reportedly filled with youths from various support groups.

Meanwhile yesterday the National Coordinator of Goodluck Jonathan Support Group (JSG) Professor Rufai Alkali said that pro-Jonathan groups have currently about 80 million members.

On September 18 the ruling party adopted the incumbent president as a sole PDP candidate for the February elections, with the party primaries scheduled for December 6.

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Why 2015 Elections Will Be Tough- Buhari

A chieftain of the All Progressives congress, APC, General Muhammadu Buhari, has revealed that the 2015 general election would be tough.

The former military head of state made the revelation on Tuesday, at Lokoja township stadium, Kogi State, during the formal reception of Kogi PDP decampees to the APC, Vanguard reports.

READ ALSO: APC Denies Buhari, Others Automatic Ticket

Buhari, who is also a presidential aspirant under the APC, urged party members to collect their voters’ card and hold on to them. He pleaded with Nigerians to also vote out those he termed “treasury looters,” and promised that APC would provide free amenities and improved infrastructures like water, electricity and improved education system for Nigerians.

He further hinted that the 2015 polls are expected to be tough as the APC is bent on taking over the government, from councillor to presidency.

“The next five months will be very tough. Next election is going to be different and next year is going to be tough because APC is ready for change in Nigeria. We will stop corruption; no more will anybody put government money into private pockets” Buhari said.

Speaking also at the event, the party’s National Chairman, John Odigie-Oyegun, who received the defectors accused the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, of giving Nigeria a bad name. He said Nigeria is terribly asleep and is having a serious nightmare.

The party’s national chairman, who is also the former governor of Edo State, further stated that Nigeria will continue to experience nightmare except the ruling PDP is voted out of power.

“There is hope for Nigeria if Nigerians wake up fast and vote for APC which is becoming the fastest growing party in Nigeria, and has come to remedy the ills meted on the country”Odigie-Oyegun said.

READ ALSO: Atiku Reacts To Automatic Ticket

Similarly, former Vice- President, Atiku Abubakar, advised Nigerians to protect their votes, noting that several elections have been rigged because voters failed to protect their votes.

It would be recalled that the former head of state, Buhari, on September 18, 2014, said his party, the All Progressive Congress (APC) will put an end to corruption if elected into power,while Atiku Abubakar, who is a strong contender the former, last week called on Catholic Bishops in Nigeria to pray for the country to overcome the many challenges currently threatening security, freedom of religion and citizenship in many parts of the country.

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Don't Threaten Amaechi, APC Tells Jonathan

The All Progressives Congress, APC, South-south chapter, has announced that the party will do everything possible to stop the alleged threat to the Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, by the President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration.

This is according to Hilliard Etagbo Eta, the National Vice-Chairman of APC in South south zone, who spoke to journalists in Abuja on Thursday, 18 September, 2014.

Eta alleged that at the beginning of the altercation between Governor Amaechi and President Jonathan’s wife, Patience Jonathan, agents of the federal government had used the then state Police Commissioner, Joseph Mbu, to harass Amaechi and his political associates.

 

He added that Mbu few days ago bragged about how he was able to tame Amaechi when he was the police commissioner in state, claiming that the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, was fighting a lost battle against Amaechi.

READ ALSO: Amaechi Warns Nigerian Police

Eta alleged further that the recent killing of Amechi’s uncle pointed to the fact that the sole aim of the killers was to get at the governor himself, adding that his opponents have been targeting people close to the governor for harassment and elimination.

The politician also condemned the handling of the gruesome murder of Chief Harry Marshall many years ago, adding that Marshall was before his sudden death, the National Vice Chairman of the defunct All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP).

According to him, the murder should be addressed as the Australian negotiator, Stephen Davis, has given a clue about his death.

“This is an illustrious son of our country and I want the government to reopen the investigations into his death,” Eta said.

He questioned why the former Minister of Transport, Abiye Sekibo, has not been invited to defend himself to the claim made by Davis that he knows about Marshall’s death.

READ ALSO: This Is What Amaechi Has To Say About Boko Haram

According to the APC zonal chieftain, the recent allegation made by Davis that Boko Haram’s sponsors are close to the government and the fact that President Jonathan has not done anything about the claim is a confirmation of the unwillingness of the PDP-led administration to put a stop to the growing insecurity in the country.

It would be recalled that former security Adviser to one time Rivers State governor, Peter Odili, Chief Anabs Sara-Igbe few days ago said that Nyesom Wike is the main reason why President Goodluck Jonathan and governor Amaechi is engaged in a feud.

Sara-Igbe alleged that Wike pitted the President against Amaechi  in a bid to realise his own personal political growth.

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Why PDP May Lose Anambra

The ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, may lose Anambra State in the 2015 general election, if the lingering crisis within the state chapter of the party is not quickly resolved, some stakeholders and members have noted.

Vanguard reports that, stakeholders and members of Emma Nwaeze-led faction of the party, on Thursday called on the national chairman, Alhaji Adamu Muazu, to immediately intervene in the long drawn crisis and settle it once and for all.

READ ALSO: Amaechi Replies Alamieyeseigha On Jonathan

The group’s spokesman, Chukwudi Okasie, who made the call in Awka, urged the party national leadership to dissolve the state current executive on October 24, 2014, when its tenure is expected to expire.

Okasie, therefore threatened that, they would go to court if a factional chairman, in the person of Chief Ken Emeakayi, continued to parade himself as the state chairman after the aforementioned date elapse.

“The PDP is in confusion because we have two factions and based on this in the 2015 general elections, the PDP has less than 50 per cent chances of winning the state. We were elected under the Emma Nwaeze executive which Emeakayi served as a vice chairman before he arrogated to himself the chairmanship of the party” he said.

The spokesman, who stated that there tenure would expire on Ocober 24, 2014, said they expect the national leadership to set up a caretaker committee before a proper congress could be conducted.

The group accused Emeakayi of anti-party activities, after working against the PDP governorship candidate, Tony Nwoye, in the last governorship election.

The spokesman warned that if Emeakayi, was not stopped in his present court matter aimed at elongating the tenure of the out-going executive, the party would again be compromised in the general elections.

READ ALSO: Pro-Jonathan Rally Goes Bloody In Niger

“We are equally calling on the reconciliation committee chairman, Alhaji Amadu Ali, to investigate the matter and invite us to round table reconciliation,” Okasie said.

It would be recalled that Ohanaeze Ndigbo, an Igbo socio-cultural organisation, has fixed September 29, 2014, to unanimously decide on their support for President Goodluck Jonathan’s second term ambition in the 2015 presidential election.

Meanwhile, President Goodluck Jonathan has assured Catholic Bishops and Nigerians as a whole that his administration is commitment to ensure that a free and fair elections  hold all over the country.

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Nigerians Discuss Death Penalty For Maiduguri Mutiny

Nigerians react to the news of  twelve soldiers of Nigerian Army receiving the death penalty for participating in Maiduguri mutiny in May 2014.

It would be recalled that in mid-May, a number of Nigerian Army officers shot at their superior in Maimalari cantonment in Maiduguri, Borno State. They attacked their superior, General Officer Commanding, 7th Division of the Nigerian Army, Ahmadu Mohammed’s vehicle. The soldiers were apparently angered by the deaths of their comrades-in-arms who met their demise in Boko Haram ambush.

On September 15, eighteen army officers, accused of participating in Maiduguri mutiny, were court-martialled and heard their sentences. Twelve were sentenced to death. One officer will have to serve 28 days of hard labour. Five remaining officers were acquitted.

“They signed to defend us even at risk of losing their life. … They are ready to go to any length to protect us even by sacrificing their own life,”  Naij.com reader Sam argued in his opinion piece he wrote on the subject of the Maiduguri mutiny.

“Mutiny is a crime in military and punishable by death. But why not address the root causes? Military authority should please temper justice with mercy. …Why should they receive death penalty for Maiduguri mutiny when they were saying the truth? Remember, they have wives, children and family! Did they deserve to die?”  Mr. Sam asked.

We decided to ask Nigerians the same question to know where they stand on the matter. Below you may find their varying responses.

The majority of almost 800 respondents were unanimous in opposing the death penalty for those who participated in the Maiduguri mutiny. They urged the Federal Government and President Goodluck Jonathan to intervene into the matters. These soldiers should be given a strict warning but not killed, Nigerians say.

Isah Daniel said: “I don’t support this! I am a uniformed man like them. There’s nothing wrong in someone fighting for their rights. If someone kills those soldiers, I bet their own children will die the same way the soldiers died. Nonsense.”

Akinrinlude Zainab said: “Free our husbands, fathers and friends. Please give them a second chance!”

Edu Cool Smith said: “When I got the news that 12 out of the 18 accused soldiers received death penalty for Maiduguri mutiny, I wept for thee o nation. Let not this execution be carried out. Their blood will speak. Injustice! What have we turned into? Jeremiah lamented “Our fathers sinned and are no more, but we bear their iniquities,” (Lamentations 5:7). If so, we bear the horrors of our past leaders. Will our children be able to escape our sins? Blood is too much! Before these soldiers went out of control they complained of bad treatment! These soldiers are death-bound because they are poor. Many Nigerians are standing against this injustice! Let’s stand for them. Once upon a time we were a glorious nation. But today, ‘The joy of our heart has ceased; our dance has turned into mourning. The crown has fallen from our head: woe unto us, that we have sinned!’ (Lamentations 5:15)”

Theophilus Chinweike said: “Save our soldiers! Don’t touch them. It’s your fault, the government. Why would you send those boys into risk without proper arrangment? You are unable to prosecute the Boko Haram sponsors, but you want to kill our soldiers! Don’t try it!”

Mukhtar Ladan said: “I disagree with this precipitated judgment, this death penalty for Maiduguri mutiny. The presidency should as a matter of urgency intervene. Or else, the nation will do something about. Please, Nigerians, let us stand against the injustice. Silence in the face of injustice is a crime.”

Okechi Kalu-whyte said: “They should fight who is fighting them and not to kill the few they have that will defend the nation. Boko Haram are killing soldiers, and soldiers are killing each other. Doesn’t it sound funny? Please, how sincere is the person at helm of the matter even?”

Seigha Omubo Dede said: “This death penalty for mutiny is injustice of the highest order. It is another ploy to silence the revelation of the Boko Haram sponsors in the Army. If not, why death sentence? These soldiers only reacted to the fact that they were being neglected. Where are our human rights activists? If there’s any time to speak up, now is that time! SAY TO INJUSTICE!”

Ojo Babatunde David said: “This death penalty for Maiduguri mutiny sentence is not final. It is subject to ratification by President G.E. Jonathan who is the Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces. If President Jonathan knows nothing about BOKO HARAM, he would not sign the death warrant of the soldiers. He would commute the sentence to a prison term.”

A number of commentators, however, did not think that the participants of the Maiduguri mutiny were as brave as others were calling them.

Bariborve Piinaakaleop Kpegeol said: “Brave by trying to kill their commander? Maybe bravery has got another meaning. Anyway, I am not saying they should be killed… But at least they were not that brave!”

Also, some Nigerians warned to “keep our military out of politics” and insisted that the death penalty was a fair punishment for taking part in the now-notorious Maiduguri mutiny.

Obanya Napoleon Christopher said: “Death penalty for this Maiduguri mutiny is well-deserved! They were not only charged for mutiny but also for attempted murder. Disrespecting a senior officer is an offence, not talking of shooting at him. That’s the highest insult ever. So many soldiers in Nigeria have joined the army only because they couldn’t get a job We need dedicated and loyal soldiers. Death penalty for Maiduguri mutiny of these twelve will serve as a deterrent to others.”

Goa Lekue Charles said: “It is very funny now how people claim to have knowledge of all topics and issues. It is very sad how we speak about military laws without knowing what they stand for. Military is the last place where indiscipline is encouraged! We should stop all this noise-making. Do we want our military guys to start acting like our police? Please, death penalty for mutiny is the punishment, as is for any act of indiscipline in the military. They all know it as they were not forced to join. It is sad, but such is the bitter truth.”

Dafe Philibus Habila said: “They entered a profession, and they must be judged by the rules. They knew death penalty for Maiduguri mutiny will be the ultimate price. They should face it. But the problem is, their general, too, must be court-martialed. I don’t agree with his retirement. He, too, should face the music. In fact, not only him but the other ten generals with fat accounts. What is their fate? All should face the music so as to serve as a deterrence to others.”

Kakka Sppecie said: “What if the GOC was killed in the attempted murder and shooting? Sentiment is one of the root causes of Nigeria’s socio-political decay. We should try to make people know that whoever breaks the law will face its wrath. It’s a pity to judge and sentence these young soldiers! But even insurgents knows this law and will never do what these soldiers did. Maybe we’ll temper justice, but how can we instill discipline in the armed forces if we continue like this?”

What is your own opinion of the death sentences handed out to the twelve Nigerian soldiers who were participants of the Maiduguri mutiny?

Temper justice with mercy for the 12 soldiers sentenced to death for Maiduguri mutiny:

• Yes (83%, 265 Votes)
  


• No (17%, 53 Votes)
  

Total Voters: 318

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Sanusi Showed Up In 53-Yr-Old Rolls Royce At Meeting In Kaduna

The Emir of Kano, Alhaji Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, showed up at a meeting in Kaduna in a vintage Rolls Royce.

The older, the better seems to be the relevant saying for this car. As the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria arrived Kaduna today, September 17, for a Northern Traditional Council meeting in the classic automobile.

Reportedly, this Rolls Royce is 53-years-old. It should be mentioned that the car is the same age as the Emir, who was born on July 31, 1961.

Meanwhile, Sanusi’s Emirate of Kano has been thrown in turmoil as gunmen have invaded the Federal College of Education in the state. From 13 to 17 people are reportedly were killed and 34 injured in the attack.

 

[caption id="attachment_2393" align="aligncenter" width="558"] Emir of Kano, Alhaji Sanusi Lamido Sanusi Wednesday stormed Kaduna, venue of Northern Traditional Council meeting with a 53 year old Rolls Royce. Photo by: Abdulgafar Alabelewe[/caption]

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PDP, Groups Meet In Abuja Over Jonathan’s Declaration

Reports just coming in from Abuja, indicate that the stage is set for a crucial meeting of all groups campaigning for re-election of President Goodluck Jonathan in 2015, the leadership of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and top officials of the presidency scheduled to hold at the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, on Tuesday, 16 September, 2014.

According to the P.M NEWS report, the event tagged ‘National Summit for Goodluck Support Groups’, which is being coordinated by Professor Ahmed Rufai Alkali, special adviser to the President on Political Affairs, is said to be a dress rehearsal to formal declaration of President Jonathan for 2015 presidential race expected to take place in few weeks time.

[caption id="attachment_1935" align="aligncenter" width="765"] President Jonathan at a political rally held recently.[/caption]

Speaking with newsmen last week, Akali stated that the event is a rare opportunity to experience an outpour of love by Nigerians from all walks of life for President Jonathan.

“This National Summit, which is a celebration of the core values that bind all Nigerians as one people, united for peace, stability and progress of our dear country shall take place on Tuesday, September 16, at the Eagles Square, Abuja from 10.00am,” he said.

READ ALSO: Pro-Jonathan Rally Goes Bloody In Niger

It was gathered that no fewer than 10 members from each of the 8,000 pro-Jonathan groups are billed to attend the ceremony scheduled to hold at the popular Eagle Square.

A source informed that the PDP’s bigwigs that will speak at the event include, former Information Minister, Prof. Jerry Gana; PDP national chairman, Adamu Mu’azu; Akwa Ibom state governor, Godswill Akpabio; former PDP chairman, Ahmadu Ali and former Senate President Ken Nnamani.

Also expected at the event are Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Anyim Pius Anyim; Senate Majority Leader, Victor Ndoma-Egba, former PDP acting national chairman, Bello Haliru Mohammed and PDP members in the two chambers of the National Assembly.

Another source stated that members of PDP National Executive Committee, Board of Trustees members, PDP governors and members of the Federal Executive Council are expected to use the occasion to call on Jonathan to declare his 2015 ambition while also listing his various achievements to convince Nigerians why the President should be given another term of office.

READ ALSO: Amaechi Replies Alamieyeseigha On Jonathan

While Governor Akpabio is scheduled to deliver a keynote address at the event.

Chief Ahmadu Ali, former national chairman of PDP is expected to chair the event, while Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu, the incumbent Chairman of the party is the Special Guest of Honour.

It would be recalled that President Jonathan had earlier been threatened by the South-South Chiefs and Elders Council, SSCEC International, on September 7, 2014, that they would arrest him (President) if he fails to contest in 2015 presidential election

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Buhari’s Supporters Unveil Posters In Lagos

Barely six months before the 2015 presidential elections, posters of former Head of State, General Muhammadu Buhari at the weekend, flooded the streets of Lagos.

The posters of the retired army general were seen pasted on pedestrian bridges as well as walls by the road sides at Yaba and Meiran areas of Lagos state, according to P.M NEWS report.

[caption id="attachment_1927" align="aligncenter" width="320"] Gen. Buhari’s poster in Lagos.[/caption]

It was gathered that the Buhari’s posters at Meiran with the inscription “Nigeria-Wise Up 2015”, “General Buhari For President” is sponsored by the Ogun State Coordinator of the Buhari Youth Organisation, BYO.

READ ALSO: ‘Buhari, Tinubu, Others Will Return To PDP‘

Though the All Progressives Congress, APC, is yet to announce its candidates for the 2015 presidential polls, apart from Buhari, other notable aspirants already rumoured to be jostling for the APC Presidential ticket includes: Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso of Kano State, Senator Bukola Saraki, former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar among others.

However, investigations revealed that other aspirants are already kicking against the idea being brokered by the Buhari Group to make the former Head of States the consensus candidate of the APC.

It was gathered at the weekend that the moves by some APC forces to make the former military ruler the party’s presidential candidate of the party for the 2015 presidential poll without going through an election is not going down well with the supporters of Kwankwaso, Saraki and Atiku camps.

READ ALSO: Buhari Speaks On How APC Would Select Candidates

An  unnamed APC insider was quoted in a national daily at the weekend admitting that any attempt to impose Buhari on the party as the presidential candidate would destroy the foundation and the credibility of the APC.

The source informed that the enraged aspirants were worried by signals coming from the Buhari camp which insist that the emergence of Buhari as a candidate “is a settled matter”.

According to the insider, disregarding democratic process in the choice of party presidential flag-bearer could drag APC into deep “and possibly irreparable political damage.”

The source also said that at no time was any decision taken by the party leadership to give anybody automatic ticket for the 2015 presidential elections.

He noted that the success of the modified open direct primaries for choosing its governorship candidate in Adamawa for the 11 October  election has given confidence to the APC leadership that it is a preferred option for choosing its candidates for the 2015 elections.

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APC Denies Buhari, Others Automatic Ticket

The leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the weekend revealed that it would not grant any of its leading presidential aspirants automatic ticket.

ThisDay reports that the disclosure was made on phone by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Muhammed, who explained that the decision was in reaction to the mounting pressure from certain group within the party.

READ ALSO: PDP Threatens To Reveal APC Members Sponsoring BH

Muhammed was said to have further revealed that some elements within the party were agitating for concessions that would favour former military Head of State, Major-General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd) as the party’s flag bearer for the 2015 presidential election.

The national publicity secretary, went ahead to categorically state that granting an automatic ticket would never be possible in APC, assuring that there is nothing like automatic ticket for anyone, and insisted that party will do no such thing.

“Most of these people who habour such thoughts do not have access to the party leaders, including Tinubu and Buhari. We intend to showcase our internal democracy. As a matter of fact, we intend to showcase a model of internal democracy for other parties to emulate, “he said.

Muhammed hinted that APC National Working Committee (NWC) meeting is slated for Wednesday, where the leadership is expected to work out the modalities for the party’s primaries ahead the presidential elections.

It was further gathered that although the party has rejected the idea of automatic ticket for any of its candidate, there were speculations that some interest groups in the opposition party are taking advantage of the occurrence to cause controversy since the party is yet to completely overcome the plot to settle for a Muslim-Muslim ticket as its presidential candidate and running mate.

It was also gathered the decision against the idea of automatic ticket did not go down well with the supporters of leading presidential contenders like former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, Kano State Governor Ibrahim Kwankwaso, and Senator Bukola Saraki.

However, a group of loyalists to the former military head of state have reportedly continued mounting pressure on the party leaders to consider granting Buhari concessions and urge others contenders to back down and support him.

Meanwhile, a party chieftain who spoke on condition of anonymity disclosed that the solicitation for automatic for Buhari was in line with the merger agreement allegedly reached between Bola Tinubu’s Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and Buhari’s Congress for Progressive Change (CPC).

The source said the agreement was to anoint the party’s standard-bearer without going through an election, which is obviously not going well with Kwankwaso, Saraki and Atiku supporters.

READ ALSO: TAN Rally Goes Bloody In Niger

It would be recalled that the All Progressive Congress (APC) was formed in February 2013, through the merger of four Nigeria’s biggest opposition parties comprising the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), and the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) with the aiming of outing the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) out of power.

The party which is already having internal issues in Lagos, on September 3, 2014 experienced the pulling out of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA,  as announced byPrince Adesina Olayokun, the state’s APGA chairman.

However, the party had earlier announced that it would start its primary elections in October 2014, to enable them nominate a presidential candidate for the 2015 general election.

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PDP Denies Kalu’s Membership

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Southeast zone has denied the membership of former Abia State governor, Orji Uzor Kalu. 

The denial was contained in a statement issued on Friday in Enugu State, by the party’s South East zone National Vice Chairman, Col. Austin Akobundu (rtd), a copy obtained by The Nation.

READ ALSO: Former Abia state Governor, Dr Orji Uzor Kalu Speaks On Terrorism In The Country

Akobundu, who revealed that Kalu has not been readmitted into the PDP, insisted that the rumours making the round that the ex-governor has returned to the party were false, and described it as the figment of the peddlers’ imagination.

The national vice chairman further explained that the information made available to him from both Bende local government area and Abia State chapters of the party showed that Kalu is not a member of the PDP.

“He is neither registered in his Igbere ward nor recognized as having done so in Bende local government area, let alone being accepted at the state level of the party as a returnee”Akobundu said.  “For the avoidance of doubt, Orji Uzor Kalu is not member of PDP.”

He stated that despite the fact that the ex-governor visited some friends at the national secretariat of party in Abuja, where he took photograph with some naïve national officers and former political office holders as published in two national dailies does not make him a member of the PDP.

Akobundu therefore noted that the party has constitution, guidelines and laid down procedures that spell out how the party conducts its affairs including how returnees should be readmitted.

READ ALSO: Millionaire Orji Kalu Says Jonathan May Become Nigeria’s Last President

“Kalu, we should recall, was a governor at a time when our dear National Chairman, Alhaji Adamu Ma’azu, was holding sway in Bauchi State. That Kalu had gone to our national headquarters to felicitate with his erstwhile colleague probably in company of others does not automatically qualify him as a member of the PDP” he said.

It would be recalled that on September 9, 2014, Orji Uzor Kalu, while speaking on the dreaded terrorist group, Boko Haram, which he said is politically instigated by some enemies of democracy in Nigeria, indicated interest to run for Senate in 2015, despite strong opposition from Governor Theodore Orji and other party chieftains with vested interests in Abia State.

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Prophet Reveals Next Governor Of Lagos

With the forthcoming 2015 general elections fast approaching, there has been many predictions, revelations by some men of God on the outcome of the elections.

Prophet Owatunde Samuel, a.k.a. Marshal of CCC Trinity Tabernacle Parish, Lagos, in a recent interview with Pm News revealed who the next President of Nigeria, Governor of Lagos State will be and the fate of Boko Haram.

[caption id="attachment_1230" align="aligncenter" width="263"] Prophet Owatunde Samuel[/caption]

Speaking on who the next Governor of Lagos will be, Prophet Samuel said: “The next governor of Lagos is going to be a Christian; there is no doubt about that. I will not mention his name because of ministerial ethics. This coming 2015, APC will have upper hand more than PDP despite the fact that PDP is incumbent government.”

On who will become the President of Nigeria come 2015 he said: “President Goodluck Jonathan will return, there is no doubt about it.”

“Jonathan is destined to be the president again. But we need to pray concerning that because there will be more bloodshed. People who are contesting should have the fear of God and be committed to genuinely serve the people.”

READ ALSO: “Crisis Will Start” – Prophet TB Joshua’s Warning Message

Prophet Samuel who also spoke on the issue of Boko Haram in the country said:

“God is going to disappoint many political godfathers. Towards the end of this year there will be no Boko Haram again in Nigeria.

“Go and write it down. I will not say more than I have said already.”

READ ALSO: 2015 Elections Will Shock The World – President Jonathan

Meanwhile Prophet Samuel said God has revealed several things about President Jonathan that has come to pass. Speaking of prophecies coming to pass he said: ” In July, I predicted that Governor Rauf Aregbesola will return”.

Prophet Owatunde Samuel joined Celestial Church at the age of 18, trained as a fashion designer and practiced from 1986 to 1990.

Prophet Samuel who started his ministry 30 years ago is set to celebrate his 50th birthday as well as his 25th wedding anniversary to his wife, Christianah Owatunde.

Meanwhile Rev. Moses Iloh, a respected cleric, General Overseer of Soul Winning Chapel, Ebute-Metta and President, Eclectic Network, has warned President Goodluck Jonathan not to run for a second tenure in the forthcoming 2015 elections.

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