Police Arrest Man With INEC Registration Materials In Oyo

Police have arrested some persons in possession of registration
materials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in
Ona Ara Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The Oyo State Police Commissioner, Mohammed Katsina, said that the
arrests were made following some intelligent tip-off.

Mr Katsina said that the arrest would serve as a stern warning that
the command meant business and would not hesitate to bring any culprit
to book.

The suspect, an elderly man, was caught with in possession of the INEC
Permanent Voter Cards and registers.

He was arrested around Olorunsogo area in Ona Ara Local Government.

The suspect admitted that the registers were given to him on Friday
morning by a party member.

The Oyo State Police boss said investigations would continue into the matter.

Meanwhile sensitive and non-sensitive materials have been distributed
by the INEC to all the 33 Local Government Areas of the state, while
accreditation for all election monitors and observers have been
concluded.

Over 700 observers have arrived the state for Saturday's election.
The Oyo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi, said that he was satisfied
with the level of preparedness with INEC and state of security in the
state even as the police read riot acts to transport unions in the
state.

Governor Ajimobi expressed satisfaction at the level of Permanent
Voters Card distribution and expressed confidence in the joint effort
of security chiefs to ensure violence-free and credible elections.

After a meeting with youth across the state on the need for credible
polls and zero violence, Governor Ajimobi expressed satisfaction at
the level of preparedness and security in the state.

The Oyo State Police Commissioner had earlier held a crucial meeting
with members of the Nigerian Union of Road Transport Workers on the
need for peace to reign.

At the meeting the Police boss listed the rules of engagement in the elections.

The transport union on their part also assured the Police of their
commitment to violence-free polls.
--ChannelsTV

Nigerian Army Retakes Gwoza Town On Eve Of Presidential Vote

>Photo: Women and children walk through the grounds of a compound for internally displaced people Friday in Yola, Nigeria.Photo:Jason Andrew for The Wall Street Journal


Nigeria's election Saturday is turning out to be not just a contest
for the nation's next president, voters say, but a referendum on the
state of security in Africa's largest democracy.

As voters brave the threat of attacks on polling stations by the
Islamist insurgency Boko Haram, they will be weighing which
candidate--PresidentGoodluck Jonathanor his challenger, Muhammadu
Buhari--is best able to combat the militant group, and readying
themselves for the possibility of religious violence if the election
results are disputed.

Boko Haram has spent more than eight months carving out a fiefdom in
the country's northeast. Thousands of people have died and more than a
million have fled their homes.
--Wall Street Journal

Watch video at ChannelsTV:
https://t.co/LpezPYwvAc

INEC Postpones Elections In 11 Federal Constituencies In Jigawa

The Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) has postponed
elections into the House of representatives in eleven federal
constituencies in Jigawa State.

The Jigawa State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Halliru Aliyu
Tambawel, told newsmen during a briefing on Friday night at the INEC
headquarters in Dutse, the state capital.

The affected constituencies are:

Dutse/Kiyawa

Ringim/ Taura

HadeJia/Kafin Hausa/Auyo

Jahun Miga

Gumel/Maigatari/Sule tankarkar

Gagarawa, Kaugama/Malam-madori

Gwaram

Babura/Garki

Birnin Kudu /Buji

Birniwa/ Guri/Kirikasamma

Kazaure/Roni/Gwiwa/'Yankwashi

Mr Tambawel explained that the postponement was due to the short-fall
of sensitive materials including ballot papers and results sheets from
the Central Bank of Nigeria.

He, however gave the assurance that the Presidential and senatorial
elections would hold in all 27 Local Government Areas of Jigawa State
as scheduled.

Voters' Presence After Voting Makes Process Transparent --Jega

The electoral body in Nigeria says voters can wait after casting their
votes, saying voters presence makes the process more transparent.

The Independent National Electoral Commissions' statement is contrary
to an advice by the Nigeria Police, which said voters should go home
after voting.

Addressing reporters on Friday, the chairman of the Independent
National Electoral Commission, Professor Attahiru Jega, said the
commission believed that the electoral process would be more
transparent if voters stayed behind after voting.

Professor Jega also said the commission had not received any
indication that the security for the card readers had been
compromised.

The Inspector General of Police, Suleiman Abba, on Tuesday advised
voters not to remainat the polling centers after casting their votes
on Saturday.

Mr Abba told a gathering in Abuja, in very clear terms, that the
security operatives expect everyone to vote and go.

The IGP made the pronouncement during the Independent Electoral
Commission, INEC stakeholders' meeting.

Elections: Court Refuses To Stop Use Of Card Reader

A Federal High Court in Abuja has refused to grant an application for
an interim injunction to stop the use of card readers for the conduct
of Nigeria's general elections starting on Saturday.

The suit was filed by a Senatorial candidate of the People's
Democratic Party, Wasiu Taiwo.

Senator Taiwo, through his counsel, Ajibola Oloyede, sought an order
of the court to stop the use of the Smart Card Readers on grounds that
they were unconstitutional for election in Nigeria.

Non-Tested Development

He also claimed that the electronic device could plunge the nation
into chaos, as it was a new and non-tested development in the
electoral process.

But the presiding Judge, Justice Adeniyi Ademola, refused the order
and put the case off until April 24.

Justice Ademola said his decision was based on the grounds that the
defendants to the matter, the Independent National Electoral
Commission (INEC) and the Attorney General of the Federation, were not
in court.

Eliminate Chances Of Rigging
The INEC had tested the card readers in some states in different
geo-political zones in Nigeria, saying it is satisfied with the
outcome of the test.

The electoral body said the card readers would be used in the
accreditation of voters before voting begins.

After the test, the chairman of the INEC, Professor Attahiru Jega,
said the use of card readers would eliminate chances of rigging the
elections.

"If we do not use the card readers, we will lose in many fundamental
respects. We have done field and quality assurance tests on the card
reader and we are confident of its capabilities.

"Many Nigerians who participated in the demonstration have expressed
satisfaction in the use of the card readers.

"Nigerians should be confident that cloned cards cannot be used. The
card readers will not read cloned cards," he said.
--ChannelsTV

6,000 Policemen To Monitor Elections In Imo State

The Nigeria Police has deployed over 6,000 officers to monitor
Saturday's presidential elections across the 27 Local Government Areas
in Imo State.

Briefing reporter on Friday at the Imo State Police Command
Headquarters in Owerri, the state's capital, a spokesman for the
Police, Andrew Enwerem, said the command was fully ready and prepared
for the elections.

He explained that the Police had put in place necessary security
measures to monitor the 305 wards of the Independent National
Electoral Commission in the state and 3,525 polling units across the
state.

Mr Enwerem, however, advised the residents of the state to adhere
strictly to the directives on the restriction of persons and vehicles
in the state within the hours of 7:00am and 6:00pm local time on
Saturday.

He said the command was committed to ensuring credible, free and fair
elections in the state.

The Police spokesman urged all politicians in the state to advise
their supporters not to cause mayhem or electoral violence, stressing
that the command will deal ruthlessly with any group or persons found
guilty no matter his position in the society.

The Inspector General of Police, Sulieman Abba, had earlier told
Channels Television that the Police were prepared to safeguard
lives and property during the election.

He said that the police would work with other security agencies in
Nigeria to raise enough manpower to cover the polling units across the
state.
--

Jonathan Appeals Against Court Ruling Barring Soldiers From Elections

President Goodluck Jonathan, has prayed the Court of Appeal, sitting
in Lagos, to set aside the Federal High Court order, which restrained
him from deploying soldiers to assist the police in providing security
during the general elections.

Justice Ibrahim Buba of the lower court, had in the suit by a House of
Representatives member, Femi Gbajabiami held that the President cannot
deploy soldiers without the National Assembly's approval. Joined in
the suit as respondents in the suit were the Chief of Defence Staff,
the Chief of Army Staff, the Chief of Air Staff, the Chief of Naval
Staff and the Attorney-General of the Federation.

President Jonathan through his counsel, Deacon Dele Adesina, SAN, in
the appeal, is praying the appellate court, to dismiss the judgement
of the lower court in its entirety for lack of merit.

In his six grounds of appeal, Jonathan is contending the lower court's
decision did not represent the state of the law, "particularly his
lordship decision regarding the validity of the originating process is
not correct." Adesina faulted the lower court's reliance on the recent
election petition appeal relating to the issue of the deployment of
troops, which was yet to be pronounced upon by the apex court.

According to him, the trial judge erred in law when he assumed
jurisdiction and proceeded to enter judgment when indeed, he lacks the
jurisdiction to do so. He argued that the originating process having
failed to comply with the mandatory provisions of the Sheriff and
Civil Process Act was not issued according to due process and
therefore, incompetent and liable to be struck out.

"A competent court cannot sit on an incompetent suit. The law is
settled that where a court lacks jurisdiction, its proceedings no
matter how well conducted and its judgment or orders are a nullity,"
he argued. Another ground of the appeal, it that the trial judge erred
when he held that the plaintiff had the plaintiff at the lower court
had the requisite locus standi to institute the action, as it was a
matter of public litigation.

On the particulars of this ground, he said "The Plaintiff is the
Minority Leader in the House of Representatives who had canvassed
these same arguments and reliefs on the floor of the House of
Representatives and lost to the majority. The members of the House of
Representatives are elected by the citizens to represent their
interest and having lost to the majority decision in the House, he has
removed this matter from the purview of public interest litigation.
The appellant, therefore, wants the court to set aside the judgement
of the lower court, or in the alternative, dismiss the entire suit for
lack of merit.

15 Things You Can Do To Get Arrested During Elections

The Police, yesterday, released a list of 14 offences that may be
committed which may lead to arrest during the elections.

A statement from Force Headquarters highlighted the 14 things termed
as electoral offences that warrant arrest:

1. Casting of vote twice or more

2. Announcing false election result

3. Stopping any other person from voting

4. Revealing information on a ballot paper of another person.

5. Being in possession of another person's voter card

6. Disorderly behaviour at polling units

7. Canvassing for votes at polling unit

8. Shouting slogan of a political party at polling unit

9. Being armed with guns, sticks, stones or any other dangerous
weapons at polling units

10. Loitering or walking about in a polling unit.

11. Using siren at a polling unit

12. Snatching or destroying ballot boxes or card readers

13. Holding public meeting during election hours on election day

14. Wearing or carrying badge or poster of a political party

15. Inflicting or threatening to inflict injury on any person or
persons at a polling unit.

The Police warned members of the public to avoid trouble, stressing
that any offender will be arrested and prosecuted.

Wait Till After Elections --INEC Tells Abia Residents Without PVCs

The Independent National Electoral Commission in Abia has advised
residents who were unable to locate their Permanent Voters Cards to
wait until after the elections to continue the search.

The INEC Public Relations Officer in the state, Edwin Enabor, said
this in Umuahia on Wednesday.

He said nothing could be done at this time as the time set for PVC
collection had expired.

Some residents had complained that they could not find their PVCs
where they had registered or where they had been directed to go and
search for them.

Some of the residents who spoke in Aba, the state capital, expressed
their displeasure at the disenfranchisement.

A resident of Umuoba Road in Aba, Love Obi, said that she had
registered at GTC, Aba, and had gone there up to three times to
retrieve her card without success.

"I went first last year and I did not see my voter card where I
registered. Then towards the end of 2014, I went again and was asked
to return after three months.

"When I went after three months which was January 2015, they told me
to go search for my card at Aba North Local government headquarters;
but all the searches yielded no results as I was told that my card
could not be seen.

"I went to both GTC and Aba North LGA headquarters but my voter card
was not found. Why should I be disenfranchised by a problem I did not
create even when I want to vote?" She asked.

A tailor formerly residing at Omuma Road, David Okeugo, said that in
2014 when people were asked to collect their PVCs, he went to
Asaa-Okpuaja Hall, where he had registered but could not trace his
card.

"I have gone there and they told me to go to Aba North local
government headquarters.

"At the local government, I was also told to go to Tower but at Tower,
they said it was not there, then I went to Okigwe Road Primary School
by Faulks as I was directed and it was not found".

Mr. Okeugo expressed regret that he took time off work to register and
at the end of the day, would not be able to vote.

Another resident, Ndukwe Ogbaa, a driver, who also could not locate
his card, said INEC had deprived him of his right to decide Nigeria's
leaders in the coming election.
--NAN

Okorocha, Other Candidates Sign Peace Accord In Imo

Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State has signed the Imo Accord for
2015 peaceful polls along other governorship candidates of other
political parties in the state.

The Imo State chief executive made the endorsement at the office of
the state Police Commissioner, Mr. Abdulmajid Ali, shortly after a
ceremony was held at the Police Command headquarters in Owerri.

Okorocha, who expressed his resolve to continue to uphold peace in the
state, said the All Progressives Congress (APC) was prepared to work
with other political parties to guarantee violence-free polls in the
state.

He, however, expressed worry over the involvement of the police force
in certain issues in the state, which he said might create tension if
not properly addressed.

One of such cases he cited was the sealing of the office of the
chairman of Imo State Traditional Rulers Council, thereby crippling
the activities of the traditional council, and appealed for the
intervention of the Inspector General of Police.

Okorocha further lamented the incessant arrest of APC party officials,
expressing fear that PDP might use the police against other political
parties and insisted that the police must remain neutral at all times.
He urged PDP to refrain from acts capable of truncating the peace in
the state.

"Let me inform PDP that police are not the property of one political
party," he stated.

Ali said the meeting with the governorship candidates of the various
political parties and their party chairmen was most fruitful as they
all promised to abide by the peace accord for 2015 general elections
and commitment to the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

He commended Okorocha and other candidates in the state for remaining
peaceful in their campaigns and urged them to continue to play
according to rules.

The group signed an agreement to run issue-based campaign and refrain
from campaign based on religious sentiments, as well as refrain from
political statements that could incite violence.

Rochas Okorocha was represented at the ceremony earlier by his Deputy,
Prince Eze Madumere, where other governorship candidates and their
party chairmen signed the peace agreement pact.
--DailyIndepedent

Crisis Hits Accord Party In Imo, Factional Exco May Dump Ken Ojiri As Guber Candidate

This may not be the best of times for members, officials and
candidates of Accord Party in Imo State. This is following an
irreconcilable crisis of confidence and differences that have since
encapsulated the fledgling party barely three weeks to the
gubernatorial election.

According to sources close to the new factional Chairman of the party
who prefers anonymity, the former Chairman has been embroidered in an
integrity scandal for quite sometimes refusing entreaties to redeem
his battered image. The embattled former State Chairman of Accord
Party, Mr. ThankGod Ibe from Amiri in Oru East LGA, was accused of
embezzling party funds of about N100 million. Most of the funds were
proceeds of party nominations forms for aspirants to the various state
and National Assembly elections, that of the Governorship and Deputy
Governorship candidates and donations from other sources including the
Presidency, which he was accused of paying into his private bank
account in UBA no 2011031477 instead of the party official bank
account in UBA no 1018783015.

The last straw that broke the camel's back was an action to deposit
the over one hundred million, released to the party in Imo State by
Aso Rock Authorities in appreciation of AP's endorsement of his
candidature. As at the time of going to the press, a petition to the
effect that Mr. ThankGod Ibe has allegedly directed prospective
aspirants under the AP platform to pay for their nomination forms into
his personal UBA account against the provisions of the party's
constitution, which demands that all such money be deposited with the
Accord Party's UBA account no 1018783015. Meanwhile, the state's
gubernatorial candidate who was accused of shielding ThankGod Ibe from
possible investigation and prosecution has maintained sealed tongues.

To achieve this conspiracy, it was learnt that the Accord Party
candidate has been attending his political campaigns and rallies
without members of the state executives of the party.

At an Executive Committee meeting of the party, SWC split into two
with about 80% of the State Working Committee (SWC) passed a vote of
No confidence on ThankGod Ibe with a decision to adopt a new factional
Chairman by Wednesday March 25, 2015. The faction is also weighing the
option of adopting another gubernatorial candidate in the event Mr.
Ken Ojiri does not retrace his steps from supporting the criminally
minded ThankGod Ibe and urge him to make available all the party's
funds, he allegedly stole.

The State Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr. Bryan O.C Agu when
approached to comment on the development which is an ill wind,
confirmed the existence of a splinter group and referred the
correspondent to EFCC on how true; it is that EFCC is the one to
confirm whether there is such a petition. He however admitted that
ThankGod Ibe has been involved in some unethical and unconstitutional
conducts the reason why he sees himself as the Nebuchadnezzar of
Accord Party. Effort; to reach the director, media/publicity of EFCC
proved abortive.

Furthermore, the State Publicity secretary of Accord Party who is also
the Publisher/editor-in-Chief of Diamond Express newspapers said that
the Chairman has unilaterally decided to castrate his own conscience
on the lure of lusty lucre.

He went further to say that the Chairman cannot deny assertively the
fact that he deliberately, consciously, wickedly, intentionally and
unilaterally decided to perpetrate the alleged fraud with-out recourse
to the grave and criminal implications and its adverse effect to the
party ahead of the election.
--Trumpeta

APC Leaders In Imo Accused Of Not Publicizing Party's Presidential Candidate In The State

Irrespective of the logistics provided for the hosting of the South
East zonal rally of the All Progressive Congress, APC in Owerri, the
Imo capital, the leadership of the party at the national level and the
campaign team of the presidential flagbearer, are pissed off with the
level of support the host governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha is
providing for the success of Gen Mohammed Buhari in the presidential
poll.

APC chieftains including Buhari emptied into Owerri yesterday for the
final cap of campaigns in the South East states, which grounded the
state capital

Part of the anti-climax of the Owerri rally was complaints form APC
chieftains and Buhari's apologists that Okorocha is shying away from
Buhari hence, the inability of the governor to erect campaign
billboards of himself and Buhari.

A top stalwart and Board of Trustee member of the party (names
withheld) was said to have complained openly about the absence of
Buhari's billboards and banners from the Sam Mbakwe airport to the
state capital. The APC official was also said to have made his
observation known to other top party officials and the campaign team
of the presidential candidate, Buhari, during a caucus meeting in
Owerri about the lack-lustre approach of marketing Buhari in Igboland.

The APC chieftain who is from the South West part of the country was
also said to have raised eye brows about the level of support Okorocha
is giving Buhari by giving an impression that the Imo state governor
could be a suspect and president Jonathan's mole among the pack.

The heightened suspicious arose from the fact that no posters of
Buhari with Okorocha were founds on the road and major streets while
what littered all corners were the governor's posters with that of
other candidates.

A dependable source in Government House, who was present at the APC
meeting in Owerri revealed that the APC leaders and Buhari campaign
managers lamented the poor outdoor publicity Buhari gets while the
governor and other APC candidates get wider attention by dominating
all corners with their billboards.

The APC Chief also noticed that PDP candidates and that of other
parties advertise President Goodluck Jonathan in their posters and
billboard unlike Okorocha and APC candidates.

A reference point which attracted Okorocha query from the APC
leadership is the case of Government House/Okigwe Road Round about
where of the six billboards and electronic advert sign stationed
there, non shows or promotes Buhari campaign as APC presidential
candidate. The APC official queried the rationale behind having only
the governor's publicity items without mention of the presidential
candidate.

Further revelations about the complaints of APC leaders centered on
the obscure positions of available Buhari/Osibanjo campaign billboards
and posters.

Piqued by the obscure location, the officials expressed surprise how
President Jonathan's billboards are scattered and adorning vantage
positions in a state controlled by whereas Buhari seems inexistent.

Trumpeta learnt that questions were fired at the governor and
accusations rained at him by the leaders for his inability to properly
publicise Buhari in Imo and entire South East considering his
positions as the only governor of the party's extraction.

Buhari who spoke for only two minutes when granted the opportunity to
address the people could not tell people of the South East what he
would do for them if elected except to urge Imolites and people of
South East to reject PDP and use their votes to send them packing at
all levels.

The APC Presidential flagbearer warned that the party will resist all
forms of rigging at every stages warning that the electorates should
"Shine their Eyes" to avoid PDP rigging.

According to him, this is not the time for talks, but time for
actions", he added.

Meanwhile similar to what transpired in River State where the Deputy
Governor Tele Ikuru dumped APC for PDP, an aide to governor Rochas
Okorocha has resigned his appointment with immediate effect.

He is Chinedu Obi, the secretary of the State Universal Basic
Education Board. No reason was giving for the resignation, but sources
revealed that it might not be unconnected to recent decamp of the
mother from APC to PDP.

Mrs Comfort Obi, a top APGA chieftain who joined Okorocha to APC
dumped the governor recently for PDP.
--Trumpeta

Ondo Deputy Governor Defects To APC

The Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Ali Olanusi, has resigned his
membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and declared for the
All Progressives Congress (APC).

Olanusi gave reasons for his defection in a statement made available
to Channels Television on Thursday.

"In the unfolding political development in our country today, and in
Ondo State in particular, it is increasingly clear that I need to
chart a new course for majority of my followers who look up to me for
direction and leadership and who have watched helplessly in the last
six (6) years, the untold marginalisation and total exclusion from the
government they laboured to put in place.

"While still being in place as the democratically elected Deputy
Governor of Ondo State, I have decided to lead my teeming supporters
and well wishers in the state into the All Progressives Congress (APC)
where we can find justice, fairness, equity and democratic liberty - a
party to which majority of our kith and kins in Yorubaland and belong.

"I have taken this decision at this critical time, in the best
interest of peace, stability and good governance of our dear state and
for the overall development of the South West and the Nation'" the
statement read.

Olanusi, an indigene of Supare in Akoko South West local government
area of the State, became the Deputy Governor of the State in 2009
under the platform of Labour Party before he defected alongside the
State Governor, Olusegun Mimiko, to the PDP in October, 2014.

Similarly, the Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Tele Ikuru, on
Sunday, announced his defection to the Peoples Democratic Party
(PDP) from the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Mr Ikuru has been Governor Chibuike Amaechi's deputy since 2007 and
has been campaigning for the APC along with Amaechi until he declared
his defection six days to the general elections.

Meanwhile, the Ondo State Government has reacted to news of Mr
Olanusi's defection.

The Commissioner for Information, Kayode Akinmade, said, "The State
Government just received the news of the defection of Alhaji Ali
Olanusi, the Deputy Governor of Ondo State to the All Progressive
Congress.

"Though it came as a surprise, government acknowledges his right to
determine his political affiliation and wish him well."
--ChannelsTV

Nigeria Denies Boko Haram Seized 500 Children

The Federal Government of Nigeria has denied that the Islamist group,
Boko Haram, abducted 500 children from the town of Damasak in Borno
State, north-east of the country.

The Federal Government Spokesperson, Mike Omeri, said that the figure
was lower although he could not be precise.

Omeri said the militant group freed some women and children when they
fled the town, except for those "they had married in the period of
occupation".

"The Boko Haram were using them as "protection" and the government had
ordered "full military intervention" to secure their release," he
said.

Damasak is the head town of the Mobbar Local Government Area in Borno
State, located near the merging of the Yobe River and Komadugu Gana
River, adjoining the border with Niger.

The regional forces recaptured the town earlier in March.
--ChannelsTV

AGN Crisis Update: BoT Members Fire Back At Emeka Ike

'You were expelled from the guild since 2009'

Chairman, Board of Trustees of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, AGN,
Prince Ifeanyi Dike has opened up on the crisis rocking the guild,
insisting that Emeka Ike ceased to be a member of the guild since
2009, when they published a disclaimer on him in a Newspaper.

Addressing a press conference on Wednesday, Prince Dike insisted that,
having ceased to function as a member of the guild, Emeka Ike never
obtained any judgment or victory against members of the Board of
Trustees of the guild.

According to him, "we have decided to talk to the press concerning
what have been dished out by Emeka Ike concerning his litigation with
the members of the Board of Trustees of the Actors Guild of Nigeria.
Emeka Ike has been telling the world that he has won his case against
the Board of Trustees of the guild, and that he has been declared the
President of the body.

We need to correct this falsehood deliberately being peddled around
obviously for political gains of the bearer of the false information."

"The truth is that Emeka Ike did not get any judgment or victory
against members of the Board of Trustees of the Actors Guild of
Nigeria. His case is suit No FHC/L/CS/365/2011 and it is still pending
before Honourable Justice Tsoho of the Federal High Court Lagos.

It has been adjourned to Thursday April 16, 2015 for hearing of the
objection filed by Emeka Ike against the appearance of our new counsel
in the matter. If his case is still pending before the court, how can
the same court declare him to be the President without deciding the
matter finally?

This is the central issue for resolution in that case."

A Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, last week, voided the
election that brought ex-beauty queen and Nollywood actress, Ibinabo
Fiberesima back to power for the second time as the President of the
Actors Guild of Nigeria, AGN. Justice James Tsoho who gave the ruling,
said the election was conducted against court order and ordered all
parties involved to maintain the status quo.
--Vanguard

Ojukwu University Convocation Lecture: Igbo President Will Help Heal Civil War Wounds --Gowon

A former Military Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (rtd), said on
Wednesday that an Igbo president would help heal the civil war wounds,
maintaining that he supports the idea of rotational presidency

General Yakubu Gowon (Rtd)
Gowon said this while delivering a lecture entitled "No Victor, No
Vanquished: Healing the Nigerian Nation" to mark the 6th Convocation
ceremony of the Chukwumeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU),
Igbariam, in Anambra.

He explained that the civil war was not out of hatred for the late
Igbo leader Odumegwu Ojukwu or the Igbos, but was based on the
principle of a commitment to a robust Nigeria.

"It is wrong to conclude that the civil war broke out following the
failure of the Aburi Accord but was the direct result of a unilateral
decision of independence for Eastern Nigeria.

"If there was no seccession, there would have been no war.

"It was a reluctant war waged to unite the country," Gowon explained.

He acknowledged that many people died of hunger and diseases during
the period but maintained that the Federal Government ensured that
starvation was not used as a weapon of war.

Gowon said that Nigerians should be proud of the gains of the war
through the healing balm of "no victor, no vanquished."

According to him, the three Rs of reconciliation, rehabilitation and
reconstruction were adopted to enhance national unity.

He also argued that the abandonment of the development plan drafted
immediately after the war by successive governments, resulted in the
infrastructural decay in the country.

The former head of state, however, lauded Ojukwu for his courage in
defending his people during the war, saying: "if Ojukwu were in my
shoes, he would have equally waged the war."

He also commended the Anambra government and management of the
university for honouring Ojukwu with the change in name of the
institution from Anambra State University to COOU.

Gov. Willie Obiano of Anambra, who lauded Gowon for honouring the
invitation, said education was dear to his administration.

Represented by the state Commissioner for Education, Prof. Kate
Omenugha, Obiano said that a blue print for the development of higher
education would soon be implemented in the state.

"Infrastructure, students' welfare as well as teachers and lecturers'
welfare are important tools for developing the education sector of the
state.

"This administration has increased the salaries of teachers in rural
areas by 20 per cent and has approved extra N3, 000 for teachers who
teach core subjects,'' Obiano said.

Earlier, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Fidelis Okafor,
said that the lecture was designed to honour Ojukwu and give
opportunity to Gowon to clear the air on the civil war.

The university will, on March 26, hold its convocation ceremony at the
Igbariam campus.
--NAN

Michel Platini Re-Elected As UEFA President

UEFA President, Michel Platini, has been re-elected for a third
four-year term at the helm of European football at the XXXIX Ordinary
UEFA Congress in Vienna.

According to uefa.com, Mr Platini, who was the only candidate, was
re-elected by acclamation by delegates from UEFA's 54 member national
associations.

The Frenchman was elected as UEFA President at the XXXI Ordinary UEFA
Congress in Dusseldorf in January 2007, and was re-elected for a
second term at the XXXV Ordinary UEFA Congress in Paris.

Mr Platini thanked Europe's national associations for the confidence
they have continued to show in him. "Thank you - thank you very much,"
he said. "Thank you for your trust and your kind support. This means
more to me than you can possibly imagine.

"I am proud to be your team-mate, proud to be the captain of this
winning team and proud of our achievements," he added. "And I am
excited to be taking on the challenges that await us over the next
four years.

"I know that I can count on you. And you know that you can count on
me," the UEFA President emphasised.

"It is the closeness of that bond between us that makes us strong and
allows us to take these bold and courageous decisions - decisions
which always pay off. This mutual trust, this participatory democracy,
is our hallmark, our trademark, and we will continue to work this way
over the next four years. You have my word on that.

"As you know, my re-election also means that I continue as [world
body] FIFA Vice-President for another four years," Mr Platini
continued.

"We Europeans want a strong FIFA - a FIFA that is respectable and
respected - since FIFA is and always will be football's supreme
authority, the sport's ultimate governing body.

"I hope to make the right decisions at the right time, both for you
and for football, during my third term," the UEFA President told the
Vienna Congress.

"And I hope to do so while continuing to enjoy myself as much as I
have for the past eight years. Because leading this remarkable
institution is not just an honour, it is also a genuine pleasure day
to day. And for that I can but thank you, once again."

Borders Shut As Nigeria Prepares For Polls

Nigeria has shut its land and sea borders in preparation for its
general election set to begin on Saturday, March 28.

The decision was announced on Wednesday, March 25, by the Interior Ministry.

The border closure will take effect from midnight March 25, to
midnight Saturday, March 28, the ministry said in a statement.

The move was made by the government in a bid "to allow for the
peaceful conduct of the forthcoming national elections," a statement
released by Permanent Secretary, Abubakar Magaji, read.

The borders were also close to prevent non-Nigerians from
participating in the electoral process.
--CodedGist

Prospective Voters Hail INEC Card Reader In Ebonyi

Some people in Abakaliki on Monday hailed the Independent Electoral
Commission (INEC) decision to use Smart Card Reader for the general
elections.

They told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abakaliki that the
introduction of the card reader would not only engender credible
polls, but also ensure that only those who registered were allowed to
vote.

They contended that the innovation would minimise rigging, ensure
transparency and deepen the country's electoral process.

The people urged Nigerians, especially the political class, to have
confidence on the Prof. Attahiru Jega-led electoral umpire, saying
that the commission would deliver on its mandate.

A lawyer and Human Rights activist, Mr Alex Ibiam, said that the card
reader was an innovation aimed at reducing electoral fraud.

Ibiam said that the measure would eliminate sharp practices usually
associated with balloting and ensure credibility of the exercise.

"I think Jega should be commended instead of being castigated for
introducing the card readers for use in accreditation of voters.

"I participated in the rescheduled test-run of the use of the machine
in Abakaliki and the device worked perfectly well.

"I believe that those who are not comfortable with this new technology
are those who are shying away from the truth or those who want to
maintain the old order.

"But the world is changing and we need to change with the changing
tide in our electoral system in order to consolidate our hard won
democracy.

"There should be a collective resolve by all and sundry to partner the
electoral umpire to succeed", Ibiam said.

Mr Joe Onwa, a civil servant, said that time had come for Nigeria to
get it right in its march toward consolidating its democracy.

Onwa said that the electorate were desirous of allowing their votes to
count, adding that the card reader was an innovative attempt toward
achieving credible voting.

He expressed hope that the card reader would stamp out electoral
malpractice and ensure that only qualified to voters participate in
the exercise.

"We have all yearned for credible electoral process where the votes of
you and I will count; I think with what INEC is doing that time has
come.

"We owe a patriotic duty to support the commission in its painstaking
efforts in ensuring that our votes counted in the forthcoming
elections.

"I urge politicians and the political class to partner with the
commission to ensure that the process is not only credible but seen to
be credible both locally and internationally.

"History and posterity beckon on every patriotic Nigerian to support
INEC in this trying moment of our democratic journey", Onwa said.

Mr Martin Eze, a trader at the Abakpa Main Market in Abakaliki, blamed
politicians and the political class for heating up the polity
unnecessarily.

"Jega has a very good and patriotic intension but our greedy,
desperate and over ambitious politicians are bent on destroying the
process just to achieve selfish ends.

"I support INEC for insisting on the use of card reader, while urging
the commission to guard against any attempt to compromise the
machine", Eze said.
--NAN

Lady Posts Facebook Advert Offering Men £350 To Get Her Pregnant

A beautiful, independent lady is offering men £350 to get her
pregnant.25 year old Adelina Albu in western Romania, posted a
Facebook advert seeking a potential baby daddy who will hand over all
parental rights to her.She claims to not be interested in a boyfriend
or husband, because 'men are so immature'.

Adelina posted the advert which reads:

"Meeting men is not a problem. Meeting one who wants a baby is.
"So, rather than wasting my time on a pointless relationship I'm going
to pay for it.

"For EURO 500 (£350) you have fun, I get a baby."

"Men are so immature all they think about is themselves.I am a mature,
independent woman and I want a baby - not a man who behaves like one,
but a proper one."

After several responses, she said

"So far I am not impressed with the responses as I get the impression
they are not taking it seriously."

Ban On Fundraising Platform: Court Orders NCC To Pay APC N500m

A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, Tuesday, ordered the Nigerian
Communications Commission, NCC, to pay the All Progresives Congress,
APC, N500 million as damages for unlawfully banning its presidential
campaign fundraising platform.

Trial judge, Justice Ibrahim Buba handed down the order in its
judgment in the suit by the party against NCC, Etisalat, MTN Nigeria
Limited, Globacom Limited, Airtel Nigeria Limited and Visafone
Communications Limited.

The court held that APC was protected by the constitution to push for
the enforcement of its fundamental right once violated.

The court dismissed NCC's counter affidavit and held that the action
of respondents were illegal and unconstitutional.

The damages are to be pay jointly and severally by all the respondents.

APC had sued the commission, demanding N25bn as damages, for allegedly
banning its presidential campaign fund-raising platform. It had
accused the NCC of instructing Etisalat, MTN Nigeria Limited, Globacom
Limited, Airtel Nigeria Limited and Visafone Communications Limited to
discontinue an SMS platform it created for the purpose of getting
donations from willing members of the public for its presidential
campaign.

The party had claimed that it initiated the participatory fund-raising
platform as a way of getting members of the general public to
contribute N100 to its presidential campaign fund each time they sent
APC as an SMS to 35350.

It added that NCC, by a letter dated January 19, 2015, instructed the
other respondents to shut down the platform, warning them "to avoid
running political advertisement/promotions that will portray them as
being partisan."

The commission was alleged to have also threatened to sanction any of
the telecommunications service providers which failed to comply with
the order.

APC, considering the NCC's instruction and the consequent shutting
down of its fund-raising platform as both discriminatory and an
infringement on its fundamental right protected by Section 39 of the
Constitution and Articles 9 (1) (2) and 19 of the African Charter on
Human and People's Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act, Cap. A9,
Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, headed to court.

It argued that the NCC did not give the same instruction to the other
respondents when the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, set up the short
codes designated: 6661, 662, 6663 and 6664, being managed by one
Wagitel Communications Limited to raise funds for the campaign of
President Goodluck Jonathan and his vice, Namadi Sambo, in 2010.
--Vanguard

Jonathan Is The Only Presidential Candidate That Has Feelings Of Nigerians At Heart --Shagari

Sokoto State Deputy Governor, Alhaji Mukhtari Shagari, on Tuesday,
said President Goodluck Jonathan has absolute faith in Nigeria.

Shagari, who is also the state's Coordinator of the Peoples Democratic
Party (PDP) Presidential Campaign Organisation, made the remark at the
grand finale of the gubernatorial campaign of the PDP in Sokoto.

He said "President Goodluck Jonathan is the only presidential
candidate that has the feelings of Nigerians at heart.''

He promised that a PDP-led government in the state, if elected, would
give top priority to rejuvenation of the education sector, among
others.

He urged the people of the state to come out en masse and vote for
Jonathan, as well as other candidates of the party on March 28 and
April 11.

Also speaking, former Governor of the state and PDP Chieftain, Alhaji
Attahiru Bafarawa, described the incumbent APC-led government in the
state as a "total failure.''

He promised that the people of the state would vote for PDP to ensure
its success at all levels.

The party's gubernatorial candidate, Sen. Abdallah Wali, promised to
tackle the problems of agriculture, health, education and youth
development, among others, if elected.

Sen. Ahmed Maccido ( PDP-Sokoto), and his Sokoto North/Sokoto South
Federal Constituency incumbent member, who is also seeking for
re-election, expressed optimism that PDP would emerge victorious in
the forthcoming polls.

The state's Chairman of the party, Alhaji Ibrahim Milgoma, appealed to
the people of the state to come out en masse and vote for PDP
candidates at all levels.
--NAN

Activists Berate Aisha Buhari Over Edo Prostitutes' Comment

Concerned Nigerian gender activists have called on the women of Edo
State to forgive the unguarded comments credited to Mrs. Aisha Buhari,
wife of the APC Presidential Candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari.

Mrs. Buhari had in a campaign rally for her husband's presidential bid
in Edo State over the weekend, described the women of Edo State, as
"prostitutes" claiming her husband's administration will stop the
prostitution by Edo women abroad.

In a swift response to Mrs. Buhari on Monday in Benin, Sarah Obozuwa,
Founder of the Edo Women for Change (EWC) called on Edo women to
forgive Mrs. Buhari. She alleged that Mrs Aisha Buhari was born on
September 29, 1979.

"As of today, Mrs. Buhari is only 35 years of age. She was married to
Buhari in August 13, 1989, at the age of 9, an underage according to
the constitution of Nigeria. Buhari was 47 in 1989. So Mrs. Buhari is
a victim of childhood bride and her outbursts are understandable", she
said.

She alleged that Aisha was a playmate of Buhari's eldest daughter,
Zulai (the daughter of Safinatu, the first wife of Buhari)

"It is ironic how such a traumatized woman now stands at the vanguard
of stigmatizing fellow women," she added.

However, other sources put the age of Aisha Buhari at 44.

Catholic Members Who Vote Buhari And Okorocha Will Die --Catholic Fanatic

This man made a death threat & warned others to abide by a certain
political choice of his. He wants people to know the implication of
deciding otherwise. What do you think of this?

--LIB

NIS Holds Prayer Session For Success Of Election In Imo

As part of their preparations for the forthcoming general elections,
the Imo State command of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) held a
one day prayer summit in Owerri, the Imo State capital to pray for a
successful election that will be devoid of violence, free, fair and
credible.

The comptroller of NIS Imo State Command, Mr Batholomew Idu, said
apart from the physical preparations by security operatives in the
country, it is also important to prepare spiritually and commit the
elections into the hands of God so as to prevent the death toll that
occurred during the post election violence in 2011.

He added that he is optimistic that with the prayers by religious
groups, and all well meaning Nigerians, the election would be
successful and Nigeria would become a stronger nation.

Mr Idu also added that all foreigners and nationals of other African
countries living in the country should steer clear of the 2015
elections as it is purely a Nigerian affair and no foreigner should be
in possession of any Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) for voting purpose
as his men had already recovered numerous PVCs from suspected
foreigners.
--ChannelsTV

Governorship Aspirant, 17000 Others Dump APC For PDP In Taraba

A governorship aspirant of the All Progressive Congress (APC), in the
recent party's gubernatorial primary election and 17,000 other members
of the party have left the party to join the People's Democratic Party
(PDP) in Taraba State.

The aspirant, Yususfu Akirikwen walked out of the recent APC
gubernatorial nomination alongside two other aspirants at Jolly Nyame
Stadium the venue of the APC primary election.

Akirikwen, who announced his defection at a rally of the governorship
candidate of the PDP, Dickson Ishaku in Jalingo, Taraba State capital,
said he and the 17, 000 APC supporters had decided to leave the APC
due to lack of internal democracy in the party.

"Four of us contested to be the flag bearer of the party in the state,
one person out of us hijacked the whole process, we complained to the
national secretariat of the party and nobody has ever called us," he
claimed.

He announced the names of the defected APC members across the 16 local
government areas of the state, displaying their membership cards as he
did.

Thousands Line Street For Lee Kuan Yew's Lying In State

Thousands of people lined Singapore's streets on Wednesday as a gun
carriage took the casket of Lee Kuan Yew, the founding father of
modern Singapore, to Parliament House for public viewing.

Mr Lee Kuan Yew, who died on Monday aged 91, was Singapore's prime
minister for 31 years and is seen as its founding father.

His funeral is on Sunday.
Chants of "Lee Kuan Yew" rang out from the crowd as the carriage
entered the colonnaded Parliament House in the heart of the
city-state's business district, where his body would be moved the next
day to a cultural centre for the funeral.

Earlier on Wednesday, his flag-draped coffin, accompanied by
representatives of the military and government, was then carried from
the Istana through the main shopping and business districts, before
arriving at Parliament House.

The casket, wrapped in the Singaporean flag, was brought from the
Istana palace, where the Singapore prime minister's office is located
and the Lee family held a private wake for the last two days.
Bagpipers played "Auld Lang Syne" as the procession set off.

Lee was credited with transforming the city-state from a British
colonial outpost into one of the world's wealthiest nations on a per
capita basis with a strong, pervasive role for the state and little
patience for dissent.

Mr Lee's body has been resting at the Istana - the official residence
- for a private family mourning period. Thousands have already left
flowers and message at its gates and signed books of condolence.

Officials said in a statement they were taken aback by the
"overwhelming response" from the public. The viewing was meant to end
at 20:00 local time but has since been extended twice.

Many organisations and businesses are gave employees time off to pay
their respects.
--ChannelsTV

Buhari Escapes Disqualification As Court Adjourns Eligibility Suit To April 22

Justice Adeniyi Ademola Wednesday morning put paid to speculations
that the All Progressives Congress, APC, presidential candidate, Gen.
Muhammadu Buhari might be disqualified from participating in
Saturday's election when he adjourned hearing in the 10 separate suits
seeking to bar the APC candidate till April 22 and 23, about a month
after the presidential election.

Justice Adeniyi however dismissed the applications filed by two human
right activists, Mr. Chukwuma Ochu who is a member of the APC in
Rivers State, and Mr. Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa from Lagos state seeking to
be joined as defendants in the suit.

The APC had last week alleged a plot by Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)
to use the courts to find its presidential candidate guilty of perjury
and disqualify him from participating in Saturday's poll.

In a ruling yesterday, Justice Adeniyi said he would hear the
substantive suits and all the preliminary objectons that were raised
against them by both Buhari and the APC together.

All the pending applications were consolidated for hearing on a day
two human right activists, Mr. Chukwuma Ochu who is a member of the
APC in Rivers State, and Mr. Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa from Lagos state,
applied to be joined as interested parties in the matter.

The court noted that since all the suits were basically anchored on
the same subject matter, which is the eligibility or otherwise of
Buhari to contest in the forthcoming presidential election having
allegedly supplied false information to the Independent National
Electoral Commission, INEC, with regards to his educational
qualifications, it would be better to slate all of the matters for
hearing on the same day.
--Vanguard

Jonathan's Visit: Police Tear Gas Protesting Women In Imo

Some women who barricaded the entrance into State Secretariat of Imo
State Council of Traditional Rulers, ahead of the visit of President
Goodluck Jonathan to the place, were flushed out by the police.

The police used tear gas canisters on the women, who were believed to
be loyalists of All Progressives Congress, APC, after their passionate
appeal to them to oquietly leave the place was rebuffed by the women.

Addressing journalists later, the Director of Rochas Campaign
Organization, Mr. Iheukwumere Alaribe, not only condemned the use of
tear gas on the women, but also accused the police of brutalizing the
women.

He also accused the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, of plotting to make
Imo State ungovernable, even as he stressed that "the APC will not
accept any form of intimidation from the PDP".

Alaribe advised the security agencies to "remain loyal to Nigeria and
Nigerians and not to any particular political party".

Continuing, he appealed to Eze Ilomuanya to allow the status quo to
remain, adding that the matter was still being addressed at the
Supreme Court.

Reacting to this development, Ilomuanya's Chief Press Secretary, Mr.
Kennedy Eweama, accused the state government of flouting court
judgments.

"The Supreme Court had long taken a decision on the matter but the
state government is still parading Eze Sam Ohiri as its preferred
chairman. No society can thrive without the rule of law", Eweama said.
--Vanguard

Police Rescue Kidnapped Zamfara Emir

The Emir of Bukkuyum, in Zamfara State, Alhaji Muhammadu Usman, who
was abducted from his palace by some gunmen last week Friday has
regained freedom.

His release follows days of massive manhunt of his whereabouts by
security agencies across the state.

The Zamafara State Police Commissioner, Mr Femi Ogunbayode, who
confirmed the release of the 60-year old traditional ruler to our
correspondent, said the Emir was rescued by the police at Gajazema
Village, a border town between Zamfara and Kebbi States in the early
hours of Wednesday.

He further explained that his men intercepted the kidnappers at the
border community around 1AM this morning as they were about crossing
over to Kebbi State.

Mr Ogunbayode, who noted that the kidnappers fled into the bush on
siting the police, added that no arrest has been made.

While stating that the Emir is hale and hearty at the time he was
rescued, the police commissioner also explained that no ransom was
paid for his release.

The Emir, who had been on the throne for 14 years, was abducted by
unknown gunmenaround 8PM last Friday while he was praying inside a
mosque opposite his house.
--ChannelsTV

Group Decries Double Candidacy Of PDP Members In Anambra

A Non-Governmental Organization, Anambra Youth Vanguard, in a press
briefing, registered their grievances over the fielding of multiple
candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the 11 seats of
the House of Representatives and the three Senatorial seats.

Barely four days to the National Assembly election, issues over
multiple candidacy of the PDP, surfaced in Anambra State.

Speaking on the matter, the Overseer of the group, Mr Ambrose Igwe,
accused the State Independent National Electoral Commission of
conniving with PDP to sabotage the electoral process.

He said the group would not accept such impunity of the PDP and at
such would be ready on March 28 to see that the election is halted if
INEC refuses to make an open declaration on the exact persons
contesting on the PDP platform for the House of Representatives and
Senate.

Responding to the allegations of connivance with the PDP, the State
Independent National Electoral Commission, Public Relations Officer,
Mr Frank Egbo, said the accusation was "laughable" as the commission
is a law abiding commission that respects the provisions of the court.

He said the names of the PDP candidates contesting presently are the
ones declared authentic according to the ruling of the Appeal court.
--ChannelsTV

INEC Says Ballot Papers Will Arrive States Today

The Independent national Electoral Commission, INEC, says that ballot
papers for Saturday's presidential and National Assembly elections are
to be moved from the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN vaults on Wednesday
March 25.

The Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Mr. Kayode Idowu, says
that that already, all the non-sensitive materials have been
distributed while the ballot papers have been kept in the vaults of
the Central Bank Of Nigeria (CBN) branches across the country.

The INEC Spokesman added that the ballot papers for the different
positions and locations had been customised in such a way that it
would be difficult to be faked by anybody.

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC,
Prof. Attahiru Jega has also revealed that about 56.7 million voter
cards had been collected.

Professor Jega, who hosted a stakeholders meeting on Tuesday, said
that the voters card collected represents about 82% of the registered
electorate by the close of distribution ahead of the March 28
election.
--ChannelsTV

Police Issue Restriction Of Movement Order

The Inspector-General Of Police, Suleiman Abba, has ordered the
restriction on vehicular movements from 8a.m to 6p.m on election days.

A statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, Emmanuel
Ojukwu, says persons on essential duties, ambulances and fire service
trucks are, however, exempted from the restriction of movement order.

This, according to the Police, is part of efforts to ensure adequate
security in the forthcoming general elections across the federation on
March 28 and April 11, 2015.

The Police advised travellers and citizens who intend to use roads on
election days and hours to plan alternative times for their trips.

While expressing his regrets over the inconveniences that road users
and the general public might encounter as a result of this
restriction, the IGP appealed for the understanding and cooperation of
the entire citizenry.

The IGP gave the assurance that adequate security logistics and
manpower have been strategically deployed to achieve a most conducive
electioneering atmosphere.

Vote And Go

The Inspector-General of Police, Suleiman Abba, has also warned voters
not to remain at the polling centers after casting their votes on
Saturday.

Mr Abba, on Tuesday told a gathering in Abuja, in very clear terms,
that the security operatives expect everyone to vote and go.

The IGP made the pronouncement during the Independent Electoral
Commission, INEC stakeholders' meeting.

This view had been opposed by the political parties and INEC.
--ChannelsTV

Governor Okorocha Urges APC Supporters To Wait After Voting

Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, has urged the All Progressives
Congress (APC) supporters to wait behind after voting in the course of
the forthcoming March 28 and April 11 general elections.

The Governor made the appeal while speaking at the south-east
presidential rally on Monday, which held in Owerri, the Imo State
capital.

During the occasion, Governor Okorocha also welcomed into the party's
fold, new members, who have defected from the ruling Peoples
Democratic Party (PDP).

The presidential candidate of the opposition party, General Mohammed
Buhari, in his statement, asked the party supporters to vote out the
PDP.

Major political parties in Nigeria have continued to extend their drag
net, making last ditch efforts to woo voters ahead of Saturday's
presidential election.

The Imo State Governor, had earlier promised Imo indigenes schooling
in all tertiary institutions in the state that if re-elected, he
would ensure the continuity of his free education programme in all Imo
State owned tertiary institutions.

While receiving hundreds of students from the Imo State University
(IMSU) at the Government House in Owerri, the Imo State capital, the
Governor said that his achievements in the advancement and development
of education in the state remains unbeatable and laudable.

The Governor also said that his administration would remain committed
to empowering the less privileged and the down-trodden.
--ChannelsTV

APC Warns Of Buhari's Disqualification Consequences As Court Rules On Case Today

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Nigeria says there are efforts
being made by the present administration to disqualify its
presidential candidate, General Muhamadu Buhari, from contesting in
Saturday's polls.

In a statement released in Abuja on Tuesday, the party's National
Publicity Secretary, Lai Mohammed, warned of consequences of the suit
to be ruled on by the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Mr Mohammed said: "Anyone who will disqualify a presidential candidate
on the eve of an election can only have one and only one purpose for
that; to trigger chaos and pandemonium across the country".

He speculated that the planned disqualification of General Buhari
could have been the reason for the deployment of troops across the
country to quell possible protests and create confusion.

The APC spokesman said those who initiated General Buhari's
disqualification would take advantage of the situation to reschedule
the elections again.

He prayed that good reason would prevail to prevent the nation from
impending political crisis.

The Federal High Court has ruled that all pending applications and
the originating summons be taken together in the suit challenging
the eligibility of the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential
candidate, Muhammadu Buhari, in the forthcoming March 28 presidential
election.

The presiding judge, Justice Adeniyi Ademola, fixed March 25 to rule
on the application for joinder.
--ChannelsTV

Court Orders Hearing Of Interlocutory Applications And Substantive Suit In The Case To Disqualify General Buhari Over Perjury And WASC Certificate Scandal

Justice A. F. A. Ademola of Federal High Court 6, Abuja, has ordered
that all the applications filed in the matter seeking to disqualify
General Muhammadu Buhari who is the Presidential candidate of the All
Progressives Congress (APC) in the general elections, be heard
together with the substantive Originating Summons seeking to
disqualify him from contesting the March 28 Presidential election and
not separately.

When the case, Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/01/2015, filed by Mr. Chukwunweike
Okafor, an Abuja based legal practitioner, came-up for hearing of all
the pending applications on the 19th of March, 2015, Counsel to the
Plaintiff, Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN, had argued before the court that
Order 29 of the Federal High Court Civil Procedure Rules, 2009, is a
mandatory provision of the law which enjoins the court to hear both
the interlocutory applications and the substantive suit together in
one fell swoop. Ozekhome cited several legal authorities to buttress
his position, arguing that time was of the essence in this
pre-election matter, so as to enable the court decide once and for
all, whether or not Buhari was qualified to stand for the March 28,
Presidential election.

Counsel to General Buhari, Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, had opposed the
said application wherein he urged the court to discountenance the
submissions of Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN, since by the order of court
made on 23rd February, 2015, only the interlocutory applications were
ripe for hearing. Prince Lateef Fagbemi SAN and Mr. Hassan Liman SAN,
counsel to the 2nd and 3rd Defendants (APC and INEC), respectively,
aligned with the submissions of Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, Counsel to
Buhari.

The court in its considered ruling today, on 24th March, 2015, held
that since this matter is a pre- election matter and there is need for
parties to know their positions before the said election, it is proper
for both applications and the substantive suit bordering on
disqualification to be taken together. The court cited numerous
Supreme court and Court of Appeal decisions to buttress its point.

The court read out the provisions of Order 29 of the Federal High
Court Civil Procedure Rules, 2009 and said that it agreed with the
submissions of Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN, that both the interlocutory
applications and the substantive suit must be heard together to save
time and cost.

With this ruling, the stage is now set for the hearing of the main
case to determine the issue of Buhari's academic qualifications, vis a
vis the information he gave in his Nomination form and his affidavit
verifying his forms, to the effect that his WASC qualification was
with the Secretary to the Military Board, an allegation that was
debunked by the Nigerian Military which said it was not in custody of
General Buhari's WASC certificate.

The matter was subsequently adjourned to 25th March, 2015, for ruling,
on the application by two legal practitioners, who sought to be joined
in the suit, after hearing arguments from their counsel, and Ozekhome,
SAN, Fagbemi, SAN, and Liman, SAN.
--247ureports

Owerri Interactive Sessions: Jonathan Promises Additional State For Souh-East

PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan, yesterday, promised to ensure the
creation of an additional state in the South-East and also address
issues of infrastructure decay in the zone if re-elected.

He described the geopolitical zone as his political taproot and
promised not to neglect it if he wins Saturday's election.

The President made the promises in two separate sessions with the Aba
business community and at an interactive session with stakeholders in
Owerri, Imo State.
Speaking in Owerri the president assured that he would ensure that the
recommendation of the National Conference on an additional state for
the region was implemented.

"The proper thing to do is to ensure that the South East geo-political
zone with only five states gets additional one as recommended by the
National Conference for equality before any other zone agitating for
additional state is considered".

Continuing, President Jonathan said he was elated by the massive
support he has been receiving from the South East zone, pleading that
the same support should be given to him and his party in the general
election to enable him consolidate on the achievements recorded by his
administration.

"The South East is the support base of the PDP and I am here again to
solicit for your support and blessings in the Saturday election. It is
a rare privilege for me because the South East has not supported
anybody the way they have supported me since 2011", Jonathan said.

Speaking earlier, the factional chairman of the Imo State Council of
Traditional Rulers Eze Cletus Ilomunanya, said that they are solidly
behind the re-election of President Jonathan who he said had done well
in the last four years.

Ilomuanya regretted that the number of traditional rulers in the state
who ordinarily would have joined in the reception for the president
was reduced on account of what he said was intimidation by the state
government.

Also speaking at Aba, Jonathan promised to quickly resolve the problem
between Geometric Power station owned by Prof. Barth Nnaji and some
power distribution companies to enable the company commence work to
boost the industrial growth of Aba.

"The South East, generally, I owe you so much. You have taken me as
one of you. Everybody knows that politically, I am stronger in the
South East. The South East is the tap-root of my political structure,
so I can't ignore the zone. Anything humanly possible I can do for the
zone, I will do it", he assured.

Reacting to issues of dearth of infrastructures and amenities in the
zone and Aba city in particular raised by both MAN and ACCIMA, the
President promised to tackle them if he wins on Saturday.

"We are worried by the falling of the Naira, we are aware that it is
affecting our business men and women. We will work with you; after the
elections we will sit down and discuss the next four years.

"We will see how we can quickly sort out the Geometric problem to help
Aba which has the greatest small scale enterprises in the country. Aba
as a city needs a lot of Federal Government intervention beyond the
issues of infrastructure you mentioned. Aba is a very key city, it is
an industrial hub; we must work together to improve it", the President
said.

Before the interactive session, the President had commissioned the
multimillion naira Alaoji Power Station and the Geometric.
--Vanguard

Okorocha Escapes Death As Substandard Bridge Collapses Under Him

What could have been a major disaster was averted just by divine
providence in Owerri, the Imo State capital when a pedestrian bridge
built by Governor Rochas Okorocha at Heroes' Children's Park, opposite
Concorde Hotel, collapsed under the governor.

The incident, which happened when the governor stopped over on his way
to the NUJ Governorship Debate to interact with some students of
Development Comprehensive Secondary School, Owerri, who were around
the park when he came, caused a stir among on-lookers and passers-by.

Trouble however started when the governor took the students up the
bridge to teach and inspire them on how to become leaders.

No sooner had the governor started the teachings with the students
when the bridge caved in with the iron bracing of the bridge cut under
the weight of the governor and the students and the students panicked
and started shouting "Jesus! Jesus!!", while the governor feigned
ignorance of the situation even as his security aides rounded the spot
to help him down.

247ureports correspondent who was there reports that when the incident
happened, the governor's aides, especially the members of the security
operatives, who were visibly shaken, started shouting to the students:
"Jump out!, get down!, jump out!" and the students jumped out from the
bridge and ran for dear.

In the midst of the melee, the governor said "we're too many here,
please jump down".

The reporter can report that this was the first time the bridge was
being used since it was constructed two years ago by Governor
Okorocha.

It would be recalled that Akachi Road Bridge and several buildings
(including the multi-million naira Imo Film Academy, a new security
gate being constructed behind the main entrance gate to the Government
House; office complex being constructed in the Imo State university
campus, Owerri as well Princess Hotel Okigwe) constructed by the
governor in the state had collapsed raising questions about the
standard of such projects.
--247ureports

Boko Haram Kidnap Over 400 Women, Children In Damasak Again

Boko Haram militants have kidnapped more than 400 women and children
from the northern town of Damasak that was freed this month by troops
from Niger and Chad, residents said on Tuesday.

There was no immediate official confirmation of the figure, but the
Islamist group has previously carried out mass kidnappings. Boko
Haram's abduction last April of nearly 300 schoolgirls in the region
stirred international outrage and drew global attention to the group's
six-year insurgency

"They took 506 young women and children (in Damasak). They killed
about 50 of them before leaving," a trader called Souleymane Ali told
Reuters in the town. "We don't know if they killed others after
leaving, but they took the rest with them."
--Vanguard

APC Women Protest Use Of Secretariat For Jonathan's Visit In Imo

Women suspected to be members of the All Progressives Congress (APC)
staged a protest on Tuesday in Owerri, Imo State capital south-east
Nigeria, on the takeover of the Imo Women Development Centre for
President Goodluck Jonathan's visit to hold a town hall meeting with
traditional rulers in the state.

The protesting women who defied the plea by all the security chiefs in
the state, remained adamant as they obstructed free flow of traffic
leading to the venue of the town hall meeting, chanting pro Rochas
Okorocha songs and anti PDP slogans.

The leader of the Imo women group, Mrs Josephine Udoji, said in an
interview with Channels Television that over 3,000 women, drawn from
across the 27 Local Government Areas (LGA) of the state, had been
billed for a training at the centre on the conduct and role of women
in the 2015 general elections.

She noted that their hopes were cut short by security operatives who
prevented them from gaining access to the venue.

She also said that the centre has been under lock and key for the past
five days by security operatives for no obvious reasons.

The group leader also added that they were surprised that same venue
had been opened by same security operatives for President Jonathan's
visit, alleging that they have continued to harass them in their
state.

Meanwhile, after much persuasion which yielded no result, security
operatives had to disperse the women by tear gas before the arrival of
the Nigerian President.
--ChannelsTV