President Obama Gives Surprising Response To Mails From People Who Call Him ‘Idiot’

United State President, Barack Obama has revealed that he replies to
people who write to him calling him an 'idiot'.

In an interview with Extra, posted to their Youtube Channel, he said

' I get 10 letters a night out of 40,000 letters and emails and
messages that we get, some of them are just saying thank you for
something, some of them are saying you're an idiot,'

When the stunned interviewer, Jerry Penacoli, asked whether people who
sent the insulting letters are surprised by the response

The president replied

'I think sometimes they are,'But I try to address the concerns.'
—GistReel

Two Armed Robbers Set Ablaze In Anambra

The bad old days when dare devil criminals terrorized residents and
visitors of the commercial city of Onitsha and its neighbors
resurrected today just as two dare devil motorbike armed robbers who
have been terrorizing Nkpor and its environs, Idemili North Local
Government Area, Anambra state, were yesterday set ablaze by irate
mob.

The end came for the robbers when they attempted to rob a Northern
trader at gun point. The trader who came to procure goods at the Nkpor
New tyre market was intercepted by the robbers at the road side under
the watchful eyes of passerby.

According to eye withness, the robbers operating on their bike, they
stopped the trader along the Onitsha/Enugu expressway, close to the
market at a gun-point and ordered him to hand over the money he was
carrying in a bag to them.

As he was about to resist the order, they shot at him for three
consecutive times but the bullet did not penetrate his body.

Seeing that the bullet did not penetrate they sensed danger and were
about to runaway when the trader brought out his dagger knife and
stabbed one of them on the chest.

Luck however, ran out of them as on-coming vehicle hit their bike and
both fell off as they mounted on their bike to run away.
On lookers who were watching the incident immediately mobilized
themselves, turned to a mob, arrested the two robbers and set them
ablaze.

On a tip off the Police stormed the scene, recovered their gun and
motorbike which they took away while the bodies of the robbers were
being roasted there.

Contacted, the Ogidi Divisional Police Officer, DPO, Mr. Hassan Musa,
confirmed the incident, adding that investigation is on going.
—247ureports

Fashola, Segun Oni, Amaechi, Ezekwesili, Danbazzau May Make Buhari’s Cabinet

•Obasanjo, Danjuma, Tinubu, Atiku, Saraki nominate candidates

•President may submit list to NASS next week

Immediate past governors of Lagos and Rivers states, Mr. Babatunde
Fashola and Mr. Rotimi Amaechi respectively; a former governor of
Ekiti State, Engineer Segun Oni and Education minister in the Obasanjo
government, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, may be among the ministerial nominees
being considered by President Muhammadu Buhari,The Nationhas gathered.

Also believed to be on the list expected to be forwarded to the Senate
next week are a former Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Abdurahman
Danbazzau; Prof. Pat Utomi of the Pan Africa University, Lagos and
Chief Economic Adviser to the late President Umaru Yar'Adua, Dr.Tanimu
Yakubu Kirfi.

One of ex-Ekiti Governor Kayode Fayemi and ex-Osun Governor Olagunsoye
Oyinlola may also be picked.

Presidency sources said last night that while Buhari is keen on having
a lean cabinet, the 1999 Constitution is an impediment as it
stipulates that every state of the federation must be represented in
the Federal Executive Council.

Buhari and his think-tank are said to have realised that the size of
the incoming cabinet cannot be less than 36.

Although the President is keeping the list to his chest, it was learnt
that he is disposed to accepting nomination of capable,tested and what
one source called "ethical" candidates from ex-President Olusegun
Obasanjo, ex-Chief of Army Staff, Gen. T.Y. Danjuma, APC national
leader Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and the
newly-elected Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki.

Ex-Minister Bolaji Abdullahi and former National Chairman of the
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Kawu Baraje are likely to slug
it out for the Kwara State slot.

Buhari is also said to favour consulting Tinubu on some slots,
regardless of pressure from some elements in the Presidency.

A source said: "The President has been consulting widely on the list
of his ministers. All things being equal, some candidates from
ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo, ex-Chief of Army Staff, Gen. T.Y.
Danjuma, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and
the newly-elected Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki may make the
list.

"Some of these heavyweights have submitted advisory names but it is
left for the President to reject or accept them.

"Governors will have less input into the cabinet. The President is
actually fine-tuning the list of ministers which he will soon send to
the National Assembly. We are hopeful that in the next one week or
two, the legislature may get the list.

"As I am talking to you, the President is keeping the list to his
chest. I am aware that some ex-governors may make the team on merit."

On the provisions of Section 147(1-3),one source said: "It is
difficult for the President to manage a cabinet that is less than 36
because of the constitutional provision.

"The President may however reduce the perks of office of Ministers and
make the posts less lucrative except for genuine ones who want to
serve the nation. So in the light of 147(1-3), the President is
handicapped and he has to run the government with at least 36
ministers unless the constitution is amended."

The section reads: "There shall be such offices of Ministers of the
Government of the Federation as may be established by the President.

"Any appointment to the office of Minister of the Government of the
Federation shall, if the nomination of any person to such office is
confirmed by the Senate, be made by the President.

"Any appointment under subsection (2) of this section by the President
shall be in conformity with the provisions of section 14(3) of this
Constitution:

"Provided that in giving effect to the Provisions aforesaid the
President shall appoint at least one Minister from each state, who
shall be an indigene of such state."

When contacted, one of the strategists of the new administration said:
"The President is still keeping the list of ministers to his chest; he
has not disclosed any list."

—TheNation

EXCLUSIVE: Imo Elections Tribunal Rejects Governor’s “Logistics” Gifts

The Imo State Governorship Election Tribunal led by Justice David Wyom
has allegedly rejected any kind of help from Imo State Governor, be it
logistics in terms of accommodation or vehicle.

Sources told Trumpeta that as a good host, the Governor, Owelle Rochas
Okorocha, had allegedly without any thing in mind, asked where he
could be of help to the members of the Tribunal to have a conducive
stay in the state and discharge their assignments without hitch.

But Trumpeta sources said that the Justices Wyom led Tribunal rejected
any help, as it has all its arrangements already ironed out before
coming to Imo State.

Trumpeta that Okorocha had made arrangement for vehicles for the
chairman and his members, to have a smooth stay in the state, but the
gesture was politely rejected.

This Newspaper learnt that over three matters are in the Tribunal
against the incumbent Governor, Rochas Okorocha.

One of the contentious matters is that of the Peoples Democratic
Party, PDP candidate, Rt Hon Emeka Ihedioha's.

Meanwhile, Ihedioha Lawyers, Chief Mike Ahamba (SAN) had boasted
during the inauguration of the Tribunal that his client, Ihedioha will
clinch the Imo Governorship seat through the Tribunal.

"Our target is to return Emeka Ihedioha to the Government House or in
the alternative have the election nullified. We pray that we don't
miss both" Ahamba had boasted.

Imo Poly Sacks 389 Students For Examination, Admission Irregularities

The management of Imo State Polytechnic, Umuagwo Ohaji in Ohaji-Egbema
Local Government Area of Imo State recently withdrew students
numbering over three hundred (300) from the Institution.

Speaking to Trumpeta correspondent in his office recently, the Rector,
Very Rev Fr Wence Madu said the withdrawal or repeat of courses was as
a result of the students not abiding by the rules and regulations of
the institution which include submission of seminars early and some
necessary fees ought to be paid to the Institution.

According to the Rector, many students of the Institution did not come
into the Polytechnic from the right source adding that any student
caught, who did not come in through the right source would be
withdrawn from the institution.

He further used the opportunity to advice parents on who they ask for
the admission of the children/wards, adding that when students study
extensively, they pass their exams and that the era of bribery for
admission purposes was gone, as he said that any student who merited
admission would have it.
—Trumpeta

Tears As OCDA Bulldozers Demolish Houses In Imo

From all indications, the recent statement by the re-elected governor
of Imo State, Rochas Anayo Okorocha that people of the state should be
ready for hard times, has started to manifest.

A tip of the iceberg was launched last Tuesday at the
Amakohia/Akwakuma new road junction, as people with tears down their
cheeks watched the Owerri Capital Development Agency (OCDA) bulldozers
destroy their shops and wares at the instance of Governor Rochas
Okorocha.

Speaking to Trumpeta in tears, a lady, Miss Oluchi, whose well stocked
boutique was destroyed without her retrieving a single item, wondered
what the governor wants her to do. She disclosed that she was a
beneficiary of the embattled Imo 10,000 job scheme which Gov. Rochas
Okorocha suspended four years ago, "My brother, why is this governor
after my progress? He suspended me from the civil service after
working and receiving salaries for six months. I stayed without any
other job for over three years before my family went the extra mile to
raise money for me to start this business late last year, today the
same man has attacked and destroyed my future dreams again." She
sobbed.

Another victim, a carpenter, who lost all his tools and spraying
machine to the dreaded bulldozer together with about two sets of
furniture (Chairs, tables, side stools) that were supposed to be
collected the next day by the owners, could not hold back tears as he
laid on the ground, wailing like a toddler.

It was revealed that a group of OCDA officials with government vehicle
had earlier stopped over at the junction to tell the people to vacate
the place before Monday or face the consequences, as the governor
wants to beautify the place, which is an entrance to his Spibat
Mansion, with flowers and grasses (landscaping). They also disclosed
that last Friday the governor himself, came with the OCDA officials
and showed them the places they were to clear after which he then
informed the businessmen and women plying their trade on the roadside
to make haste and vacate the premises before Monday, (a three-day
notice).

Since the action was carried out by the governor, tongues have not
stopped wagging as regards the governor's mantra, "my people, my
people", accusing him of deceiving them to gain re-elected before
bringing out the real him. While some were of the opinion that
Okorocha is avenging the disappointment he got from Imo people at the
2015 general elections, alleging that he knew how he was announced the
winner, not that he really won.

Meanwhile, offenders of the Owerri-City Capital Master Plan and owners
of illegal structures in Owerri moment from now.

According to information reaching Trumpeta, management of the Owerri
Capital Development Authority (OCDA) has conclude arrangements to
remove such structures with the bid of recapturing the original plans
and the beauty of the State Capital.

Those who did not make us e of Owerri master plan while building their
houses, shops and other business premises are now in trouble.

Hon Emma Ugorji, the General Manager (GM) of OCADA has vowed that his
men will show no mercy in demolishing all the illegal structures
within Owerri metropolis. According to him, the illegal structures
makes the capital city look dirty and blocks the water ways.

He hinted that many areas in Imo have been over flooded because of the
problem caused by illegal developers and landlords who refused to obey
OCDA directives.

He revealed that his operational workers have began to remove these
structures and shanties that are bringing erosion problem in Owerri.

The GM who also presented his score card said he has brought an
enabling ground through the provision of green verge areas in
accordance with the city beatification program.

He informed that he has generated more revenue to the government than
other General Managers who have saved at the Owerri Capital
Development Authority, (OCDA).
—Trumpeta

Certificate Scandal Rocks Imo Poly, As Rector Raises Alarm Over Insecurity

Imo State owned Polytechnic, Umuagwo has been in the news over the
past weeks following crisis ranging from certificate racketeering,
corrupt practices within the management that has been rocking the
premier institution.

Trumpeta reports that a high class-syndicate specialized in forging
the signature of the Registrar of the school Mrs Joy Njemanze has been
in operation dishing out fake certificate of the school to students.

In the same vein, some list of students who gained admission into the
school with fake OND certificates to do their HND has been made public
by the school authority.

Meanwhile some staff of the institution are said to be arrested and
interrogated by security agencies while others have been suspended in
connection with the allegations. Although some of those who claim
innocent of the accusation are threatening Court and EFCC action
against the Rector, some of the affected students and their lecturer
collaborators who issue the certificates are on each others throat
with threats and canter threats.

Investigation further revealed that the students of the school are
warming up for demonstration as most of them have not been issued with
admission letters after paying the mandatory N7,500 pre-admission and
N20,000 acceptance fees to the school management.

Worried at the level of crisis and possible break down of law and
order, the Rector Rev. Fr Wence Madu is said to now move in a Tinted
bullet proof official car even as he has mounted armed police and
orderlies at his official guest house near Concord Hotel, Owerri for
fear of repraisals.
—Trumpeta

Women World Cup: Australia Defeats Super Falcons

Australia beat Nigeria 2-0 courtesy of Kyah Simon’s brace, which gives the Matilda’s three valuable points in their quest to reach the Round of 16 at the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
With warmer temperatures in Winnipeg than the two teams experienced on Monday, the opening stages of the Group D contest lacked any real pace or scoring opportunities. Desire Oparanozie looked dangerous for Nigeria up front but her final touch was off the mark on a few occasions in the first ten minutes.

*Photo:  Super Falcons at the FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015 Group D match between Sweden and Nigeria at Winnipeg Stadium on June 8, 2015 in Winnipeg, Canada. Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images/AFP
Almost half-an-hour in, Australia captain Lisa De Vanna made a driving run through the heart of the Nigerian defence before passing off to Kyah Simon, who lifted the ball over Precious Dede and into the net to give the Matildas the lead. Nigeria were put on the back foot after Australia’s opener, and it was nearly 2-0 but Simon’s first effort was blocked and De Vanna’s volley from the rebound fired just wide.
The Super Falcons then began to threaten at the other end, but Australia goalkeeper Lydia Williams stymied Oparanozie at the edge of the box with a great sliding challenge to take the ball straight off the No9’s foot. Seconds later, Ngozi Okobi attempted an ambitious volley from long-range, which drew a gasp from the fans, but her effort sailed high.
The Matildas doubled their lead with Simon scoring her second after Samantha Kerr floated in a lofted cross that found her and Tameka Butt unmarked. Simon was in a better position to put it past Dede, which she did comfortably. Laura Alleway was denied by the crossbar in the final minutes, and the Matildas never looked troubled at the other end of the pitch as they held on to keep the clean sheet intact for Williams.
Nigeria face a difficult task as they realistically need victory against USA to progress to the knockout stages, while an exciting match in prospect awaits the Edmonton crowd, when the Matildas face Sweden on Tuesday.

You Tambuwaled Me, I Sarakied You

Senator Bukola and Hon. Dogara are not the candidates of the APC and a majority of its National Assembly members-elect for the positions of Senate President and House Speaker…. The party is supreme and its interest is superior to that of its individual members.
Consequently, the APC leadership is meeting in a bid to re-establish discipline in the party and to mete out the necessary sanctions to all those involved in what is nothing but a monumental act of indiscipline and betrayal to subject the party to ridicule and create obstacles for the new administration… There can be no higher level of treachery, disloyalty and insincerity within any party”.
-Alh Lai Mohammed, National Publicity Secetary, APC

Tambuwal and Saraki
Unless you saw the National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Lai Mohammed, gallantly defend the party’s position on national televisions, you would hardly believe that he indeed issued the statement, which excerpts I quoted above. It is a typical case of talking from both sides of the mouth.
It is easily recalled that the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN’s spokesman applauded when Rt. Hon. Aminu Tambuwal beat Hon. Mulikat Akande-Adeola blue and black against the zoning formula and directive of the former ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP through ACN’s conspiracy with some ‘rebellious’ PDP lawmakers. It was all about Ahmed Bola Tinubu ensuring that the PDP did not have any rallying point in the South West and also to trigger internal discord. And indeed, the PDP and Jonathan’s administration never recovered from that blow.
Fast-forward to October 2015 when Tambuwal defected from the PDP to the APC. Again, hear Lai Mohammed: “I must say that this historic development means that our democracy is growing by the day and it is dynamic. On a more serious note, we welcome the defection of Tambuwal to APC. With this defection, APC has now taken the leadership of one arm of the national legislature. We think that having the head of the legislature from the opposition party makes for a balanced setting in government and it’s good for democracy”.
Citing the example of the defunct National Party of Nigeria (NPN) and Nigerian Peoples Party  (NPP) accord in which the ruling party, the NPN, shared the leadership of both chambers of the National Assembly, NASS, he enthused: “When the accord concordia broke down, the then Speaker, Chief Edwin Umezoke, did not relinquish his position. Those who are saying that this has not happened before and that Tambuwal should step aside as speaker, do not have the  backing of history and the constitution”.
Today, the former Minority Leader, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila is also crying foul. Hear him on Tambuwal’s defection: “We welcome and applaud the speaker’s decision… We are proud to acknowledge that the speaker remains not only a member of the House of Representatives but also its speaker. This position is consistent with the law and practice in a presidential system of government and Nigeria is no different. For the avoidance of doubt, the constitution requires only that the speaker or deputy speaker of the House of Representatives shall be elected by members of that House from among themselves. As a caucus, we pledge our continued support to the current leadership of the House of Representatives”.
Also, speaking at the APC Special Convention on October 29, 2015, the now incumbent President praised Hon. Tambuwal to the high heavens for defecting to APC and smartly retaining his office by shutting down House. Buhari’s exact words: “We will like to thank Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal for what he did yesterday. We were overwhelmed. Taking such a remarkable risk and sending everybody on holidays till December is an achievement”.
In view of all these, one wonders what moral grounds the APC cries blue murder over the successful democratic revolution that took place at the NASS on June 9 against impunity. It is an incident that has further bared the ugly under belly.
--Vanguard

Buhari Heads To South Africa For AU Summit

President Muhammadu Buhari will depart Abuja for South Africa on Saturday, June 13, to attend the 25th African Union Summit in Johannesburg.

His Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, said this in a statement on Friday.

“President Buhari is scheduled to undertake his first continental assignment since taking office by chairing a meeting of the Peace and Security Committee of the African Union during the summit.

“The President is also expected to hold bilateral talks with other African leaders on the sidelines of the summit to consolidate his ongoing drive to secure Nigeria and neighbouring countries from Boko Haram,” the statement read.

President Buhari is due back in Abuja on Tuesday at the conclusion of the summit which will focus mainly on continental peace and security.

Nigeria’s security challenges topped the “wish list” that  President Muhammadu Buhari presented to the G7 industrialised countries in meetings held between him and heads of governments at the summit of the group in Germany.

He participated in the G7 Outreach program for invited heads of government and global institutions.

The Nigerian President had also visited the Presidents of Chad and Niger Republic on his first trip outside the country after his May 29 inauguration. His mission was also to discuss security matters.

--ChannelsTV

Mmaduagwu Emerges 3rd Female Speaker Of Anambra Assembly

Honorable Rita Mmaduagwu has emerged the Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly.

Honorable Mmaduagwu, who represents Nnewi South 2 constituency, has been elected unopposed during the inauguration of the Sixth Assembly alongside her Deputy, Honorable Haffod Oseke, who was also elected unopposed.

In her acceptance speech, the Speaker said she would consolidate on the landmark achievements of her predecessor to move the House forward, adding that the House will work in unison with the executive and judicial arms of the government, to ensure peace and development in the state.

Mrs. Rita Mmaduabu is the third female Speaker to be produced by the Anambra State House of Assembly as the immediate past Speaker, Honorable Chinwe Nwaebili was the Second.

Anambra State Governor, Willie Obiano, who attended the ceremony, also advised the newly inaugurated members to work together irrespective of party affiliation and see to the protection of the people’s interest.

Moving on with the task of running the House, the Speaker, having sought the opinion of the entire House, adjourned the House till June 18 for the next sitting.

The House of 30 members has four women out of which one was made the Speaker, the other female members vowed unreserved support for their colleagues.

--ChannelsTV

Buhari Agrees To Help Imo, Benue State And Others Pay Up Owed Salary

According to reports on Vanguard News,
Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State has said that President Muhammadu Buhari would extend bailout to states to enable them offset backlog of salaries and liabilities crippling their economic activities across the country.

He made this known yesterday in Makurdi, the state capital, during separate meetings with students and other union leaders from the Benue State University, BSU.buhari-salary
Ortom further revealed that his predecessor, Gabriel Suswam left behind a debt burden of over N90 billion for his administration, contrary to the N9.2 billion debt as claimed by the former governor.
Benue is among the distressed states in the country. Others include Osun, Enugu, Kaduna, Plateau and Imo. Most of the states or their local governments are said to be owing between four to six months salaries of workers amounting to several billions of Naira.

However, according to Ortom, “the list of the debt (left behind by Suswam) include N50 billion incurred from ongoing contracts, N18 billion on certificated contracts, N12 billion on salary arrears and about N10 billion for bonds and bank facilities and loans.”
He stated that the President had agreed to avail the states some lifeline but noted that Benue State government had concluded arrangements to borrow funds to pay one month of the backlog of salary arrears across board and to also ensure the take off of both the executive and legislative arms of government.

He said the decision was prompted by the need to demonstrate to the state work force that he was determined to address their problems and to persuade striking tertiary institu-tion workers to call off their four-months-old strike.
Earlier, President of the BSU Students’ Union Government, Bobby Taver-shima, had lamented that students of the university had been at home for four months but assured that they would not do anything to jeopardize the administration.
Also, a representative of the National Associa-tion of Nigerian Students, NANS, Gideon Obande appealed to Ortom to clear arrears of bursary owed students in order to alleviate their sufferings.
--VOFNImo

Gunmen Kill 37 Near Maiduguri

Suspected gunmen, believed to be of the terrorist group, Boko Haram, have killed 37 people in raids on five villages around Maiduguri, the capital of northeast Nigeria’s Borno State.

Report says the Islamic extremists, who arrived on motorcycles and in four-wheel drive vehicles, fired into houses and shot fleeing locals on Wednesday and the early hours of Thursday.

A military source who maintained anonymity said,”Reports indicated a total of 37 people were killed by the insurgents during the separate attacks”.

According to Reuters, Malum Idrissa, a member of a village defense group known locally as the Civilian Joint Task Force, confirmed the death toll as 37, saying the villages were around 90 km (56 miles) from Maiduguri.

Details of the attack emerged a day after President Buhari held a summit with regional counterparts, to set up a joint military force to counter Boko Haram.

Boko Haram has killed thousands and left millions of people displaced during a six-year plus insurgency.

Maiduguri, the city closest to the scene of the attacks, this week became the new site of the Nigerian Military Command Center for operations to fight Boko Haram.

More than 80 people were killed in bomb blasts in the city last week, amid a resurgence in activity by the insurgents.

--ChannelsTV

What President Buhari, VP Osinbajo will earn

The Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission, RMAFC, has reviewed the salaries of the President, Vice President, Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives and Speakers in the 36 states of the federation, as well as well other legislators in both the National and State Assemblies among other public officers in the country.
Based on the total package prepared by the RMAFC, President Muhammadu Buhari ‘s annual salary and allowances stand at N14, 4 million.
The break down shows that his Basic Salary is N 3,514,705 and Hardship allowance , N 1,757,350:50. Constituency N 8,786,762:50 and Leave Allowance – N351, 470.

OFFICIAL PORTRAITS OF BUHARI, OSINBAJO
Buhari will receive a 400 per cent increase in his salary amounting N14. 058 million, as gratuity upon a successful completion of his tenure.
The Federal Government is to provide him with all his needs including vehicles, Special Assistants, Personal Assistants, entertainment, security, utility bills,newspapers, medical bills and clothings.
The president’s estacode and Duty Tour allowance were not specified.
However, the Vice President is to receive an annual Basic Salary of N2, 064, 400; Hardship allowance- N1, 515, 786.25 and a Constituency Allowance of N7, 578, 931.25, bringing his total annual earning to N12.1million.
About 75 per cent of his annual basic salary would be paid for vehicles and their maintenance if he chooses to buy his vehicles and maintain them.
He is to receive another 25 per cent to hire his Personal Assistants; 75 per cent for domestic staff; 45 per cent for entertainment and 30 per cent for utility.
The VP is to receive a separate 20 per cent of his salary for monitoring; 200 per cent for accommodation and 300 per cent for furniture.
His duty Tour Allowance stands at N 35 , 000 per night and an estacode of $900 per night.
He is to receive 10 per cent of his salary as Leave Allowance and 300 per cent as gratuity upon a successful completion of his tenure.
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Also, following a downward review of salaries and allowances of both the National and State Assembly legislators, the Senate President will receive a basic annual salary of N2, 484, 242.50 and allowance of N6. 2 million, bringing the total to N8. 69Million. His monthly salary is about   N724, 570.

Bukola Saraki
In addition, he collects 250 per cent of his Annual Salary as Constituency Allowance.
However, his vehicles and their maintenance are provided by the federal government. Similarly, his domestic staff, entertainment, utilities, security responsibility, Legislative Aids, House Maintenance an, as well as a Special Adviser and a Personal Assistant are provided by the federal government.
Similarly Robe (clothing) and newspapers are provided for the Senate President.
The Deputy Senate President enjoys the same benefits except that his Annual Basic Salary stands at N 2,309,166.75, total allowance N 5,772,916.8, bringing total annual salary to 8,082,083.63 and a monthly pay of N 673,506.97
The Senate Majority Leader receives a salary of N12, 968, 960. The Minority leader receives a total annual salary of N12, 908, 168. The Whip receives N12, 867 . The same applies to Committee Chairmen. Incidentally in the last administration almost all senators were chairmen of various committees.
The allowances received by the members of the upper legislative chamber is far more than their salaries indicate.
For instance, each senator receives 75 per cent of the annual salary as allowance for a vehicle and its maintenance. They collect another 75 per cent of their salaries for domestic staff; 30 per cent for entertainment; 30 per cent for utilities; 25 per cent for robe (clothing); and 250 per cent as constituency allowance.
Others include, another allowance unspecified which stands at 53 per cent; newspapers 15 per cent; Personal Assistance, 24 per cent; and House maintenance 5 per cent.
In addition, the Leader receives 10 per cent for Responsibility; Minority Leader .
-Vanguard

Why is APC opposing this positive CHANGE?

IT was a new twist to Nigeria’s democratic landscape since the return to civilian rule in 1999 with two different parties producing a President of the Senate and the Deputy President of the Senate.
While the ruling party and the one with majority, the All Progressives Congress, APC produced Senator Bukola Saraki as President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP was elected the Deputy President of the Senate.

Women sit in a branded bus station as they support leading opposition All Progressives Congress presidential candidate Mohammadu Buhari during a rally christened ‘Walk for Change” in Lagos, on March 7, 2015 in Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital. Presidential elections scheduled for February 14 were delayed for six weeks as the military said the ongoing counter-offensive against Islamists Boko Haram meant that troops could not provide security on polling day. Elections will take place on March 28, with gubernatorial and state house assembly polls two weeks later. AFP PHOTO
Members of both the Senate and the House of Representatives rejected the position of the ruling party on who should be the President of the Senate, the deputy, Speaker and the deputy. In what could be described as a replay of the 2011 political scenario when former Speaker, House of Representatives and governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal, former Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives and the 2015 Imo State governorship candidate on the platform of PDP, Emeke Ihedioha revolted against the zoning formula of the Party and with the support of members and some major players in the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, they emerged as speaker and Deputy Speaker respectively.
On Tuesday this week, the earlier position of APC to have Senator Ahmed Lawan and Honourable Femi Gbajabiamila as President of the Senate and Speaker, House of Representatives was jettisoned as both Saraki and Dogara defied the APC and contested for the positions. At the end of the day, candidates of the APC leadership lost as Senator Bukola Saraki from Kwara State, North Central emerged as Senate President with Senator Ike Ekweremadu from Enugu, South East retaining his position as Deputy Senate President even as a member of the opposition party.
Honourable  Yakubu Dogara from Bauchi State, North East emerged as Speaker, House of Representatives while Honourable Yusuf Lasun Suleiman from Osun State, South West was elected Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives.
Notable leaders, Stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP who spoke to Saturday Vanguard on the development include former Minister of Defence and Acting Chairman of PDP Board of Trustees, BoT, Dr. Bello Haliru Mohammed; former National Chairman, Prince Vincent Ogbulafor; former PDP deputy National Chairman, Alhaji Shuaib Oyedokun; member BoT and former Minister of Transport, Chief Ebenezer Babatope; member BoT and former Minister of Women Affairs, Iyom Josephine Anenih; former member, House of Representatives, Dr. Tunde Lakoju; National Vice Chairman, South South, Dr. Cairo Ojuigboh; Immediate past Special Adviser to former President Goodluck Jonathan and former National Publicity Secretary of PDP, Professor Rufai Ahmed Alkali and former Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Rowland Owie.

--Vanguard

ihim, Okorocha's Ally Emerges Imo Assembly Speaker

A new Speaker has emerged in Imo State House of Assembly. He is Chief
Acho Ihim, representing Okigwe State constituency in the State
Assembly.

He was elected unopposed by the 27 members of the State Assembly. He
is believed to be a close ally of the state governor, Rochas Okorocha.

Similarly, Hon. Ugonna Ozuruigbo, representing Nwangele state
constituency was returned as the Deputy Speaker of the House.

Imo State House of Assembly was inaugurated on Thursday by Governor
Rochas Okorocha at the renovated State Assembly complex.

The House adjourned to Tuesday, 16th June, 2015.

Nigerians React After Buhari Refers To Germany As West Germany And Their Chancellor As President Michelle

During a press briefing in Abuja yesterday June 11th immediately after
the Lake Chad commission meeting, president Buhari referred to the
German Chancellor, Angela Merkel as President Michelle and referred to
Germany as West Germany


"I was personally invited by G7. I went there and I was asked to brief
the G7 and I was impressed with the tremendous sympathy they have for
this sub-region, the Lake Chad Basin Commission. Their humanitarian
approach to the issue to say the least is very very impressive and all
of them, not only in Europe; from President Obama to the Chairman of
G7 President Michelle of West Germany and french President. They are
all willing to help us" he said

Trust Nigerians to have something to say about it…lol. See Nigerians
reaction on twitter and video of the press briefing:

—247NigeriaNews

What Federal And State Legislators Earn

The decision to review the current salaries and allowances of the
nations' public office holders has received approval of many members
of the public who have complained that Nigerian law makers were about
the highest paid worldwide.

Senate

The Senate President has a total Annual Basic Salary of N2, 484,
242.50 and Annual Allowance of N6, 210, 606. 25 , making a total
Annual salary of N8, 694, 848.75 which brings the monthly salary to
about N724, 570.75.

In addition, he collects 250 per cent of his Annual Salary as
Constituency Allowance.

However, his vehicles and their maintenance are provided by the
federal government.

Similarly, his domestic staff, entertainment, utilities, security
responsibility, Legislative Aids, House Maintenance an, as well as a
Special Adviser and a Personal Assistant are provided by the federal
government.

Similarly Robe (clothing) and newspapers are provided for the Senate President.

The Deputy Senate President enjoys the same benefits except that his
Annual Basic Salary stands at N 2,309,166.75, total allowance N
5,772,916.8, bringing total annual salary to 8,082,083.63 and a
monthly pay of N 673,506.97

The Senate Majority Leader receives a salary of N12, 968, 960. The
Minority leader receives a total annual salary of N12, 908, 168. The
Whip receives N12, 867 . The same applies to Committee Chairmen.
Incidentally in the last administration almost all senators were
chairmen of various committees.

The allowances received by the members of the upper legislative
chamber is far more than their salaries indicate.

For instance, each senator receives 75 per cent of the annual salary
as allowance for a vehicle and its maintenance. They collect another
75 per cent of their salaries for domestic staff; 30 per cent for
entertainment; 30 per cent for utilities; 25 per cent for robe
(clothing); and 250 per cent as Constituency Allowance.

Others include, another allowance unspecified which stands at 53 per
cent; newspapers 15 per cent; Personal Assistance, 24 per cent; and
House maintenance 5 per cent.

In addition, the Leader receives 10 per cent for Responsibility;
Minority Leader 7; while the Whip and Committee chairmen receive 5 per
cent for the same purpose.

Ordinary senators receive a basic salary of 2,026,400.00; annual
allowance of N10,739,920.00 , bring it to a total of N 12,766,320.00.

Other non-regular allowances include 300 per cent gratuity for the
Senate President; and estacode of $1, 00 per night for foreign trips,
as well as, a N37,000 per night duty tour allowance.

All the senators who have just finished their terms at the 7th
National Assembly are therefore entitled to 300 per cent of the annual
salaries as gratuity.

The Deputy senate President gets N32, 000 per night as Duty Tour Allowance.

Senators receive $ 1 000 as estacode and a duty tour allowance of N23,
000 per night.

House of Reps

At the House of Representatives, the Speaker receives a total annual
salary of N 4,334,942.50.

Just like the Senate President, the federal government provides his
vehicles and their maintenance . His domestic staff, entertainment,
utilities, security responsibility, Legislative Aids, House
Maintenance an, as well as a Special Adviser and a Personal Assistant
are provided by the federal government.

Similarly Robe (clothing) and newspapers are provided for the Senate President.

He receives 75 per cent of his salary as constituency allowance.

The Deputy speaker whose annual salary stands at 4,002,309.94 enjoys
similar benefits as the speaker.

The Majority Leader of the House, the Minority Leader, the Chief Whip
and Chairmen of Committees receive annual salaries of N 6, 352,680.00.
In addition, they receive 50 per cent of their salaries as Vehicle and
Maintenance allowance; another 50 per cent for domestic staff; 10 per
cent for utilities and another 10 per cent for House maintenance.

In addition, they collect 75 per cent for constituency allowance, 25
per cent for personal Assistant. Other members enjoy similar
allowances.

At the House of representatives, the speaker receives $ 790 estacode
per night and N32, 000 per night for domestic trips.

The Deputy Speaker receives $750 and N30, 000 for estacode and Duty
Tour, respectively. Members receive $550 and N21 , 000 for estacode
and domestic trips , respectively.

Houses of Assembly

Speakers of the State Houses of Assembly enjoy all the benefits as
their federal counterpart where virtually all they need are provided
with public funds. However, their annual salaries stand at N
2,049,843.75 and a Constituency Allowance of N25 per cent of their
Annual Salaries.

Read more at Vanguard:
t.co/klVuPXaqnc

Buhari's Trekker Goes Missing

One of the trekkers for President Muhammadu Buhari have been declared
missing. Nurudeen Maimako, a resident of Dass town in Bauchi State,
left his town on May 15 to Abuja, but has not been seen since then.

The Bauchi State Police command today declared him missing after his
father made an official complaint about his son's unknown where about,
Vanguard reports.

Maimako joined the long list of Nigerians trekking for President
Buhari in solidarity with the president after he won the presidential
elections. He left his state on foot to Abuja, to attend the
inauguration ceremony of Buhari.

A statement from the spokesperson of the command, DSP Haruna Mohammed,
made available to the public narrated Maimako's ordeal.

" On the 3/6/2015 at about 11:15am,one Muhammadu Hussaini ,male, of
Dass town, reported at Dass Divisional Police Headquarters, that on
15/5/2015 at about 6.00am,his son, one Nuruddeen Maimako, male and 38
years, left Dass on Foot Solidarity to attend the swearing in ceremony
of President Muhammadu Buhari in Abuja.

"Since then, his whereabouts is not known and all efforts made to
locate him proved abortive.

"The last contact he (father) had with Maimako was when he (son)
informed them that he was in Jos, Plateau State.

"Particulars of the son are: 1.50 metres tall, Jarawa by tribe, light
in complexion and speaks English and Hausa fluently.

Members of the public who know his whereabouts are to report at the
nearest Police Station, or contact his father through GSM no
07051789119," the statement concluded.

Late in April, another man, Adamu Abdullahi, announced his intention
to walk from Maiduguri to Abujato honour president Buhari.

Five other men had said they were going to trek from Nigeria to Mecca
to honour Buhari. But it seems the era of trekking faded at some point
as 35-year-old Isa Kwarawanga of Zubo village in Shiraz local
government area, who trekked from Jama'are to Bauchi to appreciate the
victory of the state governor-elect, Barrister Mohammed Abubakar, met
no welcoming party.

Meanwhile, the governor of Borno State, Alhaji Kashim Shettima, has
lamented that the current level of unemployment in the country has
forced many Nigerian youths to become 'political trekkers'.
—naij

Nigerians React To Flying Eagles' Defeat By Germany

Nigerians have started giving different explanations on why the Flying
Eagles fell to an unexpected defeat to the U-20 team of Germany.

The flying eagles, who failed to test the German keeper with a single
shot were beaten hands down, thanks to Levin Öztunalı's first half
strike.

Levin Öztunalı's strikes to score
While some Nigerians are blaming coach Manu Garba, for failing to
start the team's two stars Kelechi Iheanacho and Yahaya, some admit
the Germans were better while some believe the players didn't put in
enough effort.

We gathered reactions from our Facebook post at the end of the match
as well as the defeat. Read some of the reactions below:

Bola Balogun was not happy with the way the coach set up play and his
chose of players. He said:"With what Nigeria played today they didn't
deserve to progress beyond this Germany team, when u re playing
against an experience team like Germany u don't need to hold ball too
much in ur dangerous area just like what that Nigeria with jersey
number 8 did that allow the only goal of d match,and goalkeeper was d
worst keeper in d competition, I don't know why Manu Garba insist of
using him,he did same against Brazil a direct ball and he allow d ball
to go in to his net."

Another user, John Ndubuisi, did not see the quality in the Germany
team:"the cold is too much there, Manu Garba can't stay again, he just
want to come back, cos for me i did not see much from this Germany
boy."

Like Ndubisi, Didia Lazarus Emechelsea was grateful that Nigeria has
enough quality to win though it not happen.

"Any body blaming the Nigeria junior boys is not a real game lover.
The boys did well, especially after conceding the goal. It just that
they depended on arial ball when they get to Germany defence. The
Germans have height advantage over them."

On the other hand, Wonizibeze Zacchaeus Avahthinks this Flying Eagles
squad were overrated and given too much hype, and went ahead to blast
the football federation."Well,what do u expect when they exhausted all
their energies boasting about how they would beat the Germans on d
pages of newspapers. This also brings to mind the fact that Nigeria
doesn't have any tactical coach, the same mediocrity every where.One
of the worst outings of Nigeria's youth teams in recent times."

Meanwhile, Onyinye Virg thinks the Germans were better no matter the
quality Nigeria Presents,"my dear, even with Iheanacho's, Germans will
still win, they are tall, creative, technically wiser, they deserve
their progress. Come home guys."

Kingsley Onyeali might have a point here;"I don't know! Tell me. What
would you call this football outing? Good luck or Bad luck? Does
buhari know whether this tournament is going on at all. Hmmm!"

The following users who commented were not happy with Manu Garba's selections:
Tomee Ozokpo:coach killed the game

Stanley Efizy:Poor performance why keeping the good players on bench

Ben Akogwu Audu:Manu Garba killed the match

Princewill Nkeogaeme: what is iheanacho doing in the bench in a match like this?

We also gathered reactions from twitter from sport journalists and
everyday sport lovers.

Renowned Super Sport analyst and presenter, Colin Udoh used his
twitter handle to share his thoughts:

This team is still a good unit. Just stumped against a better and more
organized side, and let down by poor tactics #GreenWhite AndProud
— Colin NOT Collins (@ColinUdoh) June 11, 2015

Manu will have to hold up his hands on this one. Didn't seem to study
Germans a priori. Didn't make in-game adjustments #GreenWhite
AndProud— Colin NOT Collins (@ColinUdoh) June 11, 2015

There were simple solutions all over the park. Look before you pass,
stretch the play, ditch the route one balls, sit on players not space
— Colin NOT Collins (@ColinUdoh) June 11, 2015

Meanwhile, sport journalists, Kelechi Nkoro and Deji Faremi working
for Nigeria Info also used twitter to share their thoughts:

Manu Garba was resting Yahaya and Iheanacho for his next game on the
plane back to Nigeria! — Kelechi Nkoro (@K1Says) June 11, 2015

When I said "Siasia side was better" months ago! some people were
playing the Age Card! Like say we no no the Truth! #Overagenat hegame!
— Kelechi Nkoro (@K1Says) June 11, 2015

Now! its time for Us(Nigerians) to hope for the best. Having some of
this guys make it to the @NGSuperEag lesin 2-3years! #MainObjecti ve—
Kelechi Nkoro (@K1Says) June 11, 2015

Forget the victory for the Germans, the future is even brighter for
them. Watch them in 4-5 years…can't say same for Nigeria.
— Deji Faremi (@deejayfaremi) June 11, 2015

—naij

Imo Workers Turn Hospital Into Prayer Ground

Striking workers of Federal Medical Centre, Owerri have turned the
centre into a prayer ministry and deliverance ground in spite of a
standing instruction that the workers should go back to work.

Employees of the hospital, clad in black attire, now meet under the
dogoyaro tree (within the hospital premises) to sing and call on God
to intervene in their matter and sanitize the management of the health
institution.

The employees have maintained they will not back to their duty posts
until the Medical Director, Dr. Angela Uwakwem, is removed.

It was gathered that the trouble started when the management of the
hospital, led by Dr. Angela Uwakwem, introduced the Private-Public-
Partnership policy in the hospital.

Some of the workers told Southern City News that the policy was aimed
at sacking some of the workers and paving the way for others to take
over their jobs.

They said, "We have been working here for years and have passed
through many managements. They (past managements) were friendly with
us, having cordial working relationships with the staff. But Uwakwem's
administrative style is anti-the poor workers."

The daily demonstration, which featured a mock casket by workers,
started with fasting and prayers about three weeks back.

It was learnt that the managing director of the hospital had been
operating from the outside the health institution, a development that
made some of the aggrieved workers to conclude that she was on the
run.

A nurse (names withheld) said, "My dear journalist, God is really
using our colleagues to perform signs and wonders here in FMC.
"I think God is using the present challenges we are facing to bring
out their innate talents and gifts, which have not been made manifest
by any worker before this crisis."

She said they decided to go spiritual in the strike tagged 'Angela
Must Go' because of a revelation that occultic sacrifices were carried
out within the premises of the hospital.

Another source told Southern City News that since the workers started
fasting and prayers, God had used some colleagues to dig out some of
the charms buried in the FMC precinct.

"We positioned ourselves and planned our activities as to accommodate
many items. Workers among us have in their great numbers come out to
testify to what have been revealed to them in the spirit," she added.

However, in a swift reaction, the Medical Director dismissed the claim
that she operated from outside the office, saying, "I come to work
every day and I discharge my duties accordingly."

She disclosed to Punch correspondent on the phone that the Federal
Ministry of Health controlling FMC Owerri had told the workers to
sheathe their swords and go back to work.
Uwakwem also disclosed that the Federal Ministry of Health had said
that they would set up a committee to find out the immediate and
remote causes of the impasse.

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this
website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or
redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written
permission from PUNCH.
—PUNCH

NYSC Corps Member Murdered For Allegedly Dating School Girl In Imo

A serving member of the National Youths Service Corps (NYSC) has been
choked to death by unidentified assailants in Ezuhu Umuhu Okwuato
community in Aboh Mbaise Council of Imo state.

The deceased, Akpan whose body was discovered in his apartment by
neighbours was tied up and his face covered with his shirt before he
was murdered.

>Photo: A 2014/2015 Batch C, NYSC member, Akpan popularly known as Hope
(Photo Credit: Witness)

A witness, who preferred anonymity said;"Neighbours of the deceased
became curious when they discovered that his door was opened and was
not seen around the premises."

"When the neighbours entered the apartment they found the lifeless
body of Apkan in a pool of his own blood with his legs tied and they
promptly raised an alarm which attracted the attention of the members
of the community who reported the matter to the Police."

The deceased, who was said to hail from Cross Rivers State, served at
the Christ the Saviour Secondary School, a private School in the
community.

It was gathered that late Apkan's death was connected to an alleged
romantic affair with a young lady in the school which apparently had
not gone well with another rival who was said to have been dating the
said young lady before late corps member was posted to the community.

Nigeria Looks For Buyers As China Ignores Crude

Nigeria has a lot to do to woo buyers following the decision of China
to ignore crude from Nigeria. This is happening at a time when the
country has become the biggest casualty of the rising United States
shale oil production.

China is the second largest consumer of crude oil, and when it does
not figure at all as one of your regular buyers, you know you have a
problem. And Nigerian crude is suffering because of this. China likes
crude oil that is heavy and sweet, as it fits the appetite of its
refineries that produce a lot of fuel oil to keep its industrial and
manufacturing economy running, according to a data from the US Energy
Information Administration, EIA.

The EIA noted that China also has a lot of complex and sophisticated
refineries that can still produce middle distillates by distilling
heavy crude oil, making the refiners much better margins.

Consequently, China ignores Nigerian crude for now, as their demand
for light sweet crude oil is very sparse. It is high time Nigeria
found a way to attract its crude oil to China, it noted.

Crude exports

In 2014, about 45 percent of Nigerian crude exports went to Europe,
according to the EIA data. But the issue for Nigeria is that it is so
dependent on a region where crude demand is stagnant as a lot of
economies are still stumbling and it needs to find demand in countries
that are growing, particularly in Asia.

Nigeria's condition is made worse by the fact that it has become the
biggest casualty of rising United States shale oil production

Until about seven years ago, the US, which remains the largest oil
consumer in the world, used to buy more than 1 million barrels per day
of light sweet Nigerian crude oil, which was almost 50 percent of
Nigerian oil exports at the time. In 2014, only three percent of
Nigerian exports went to the US, according to the same data published
by the US EIA.

Nigeria lost its biggest buyer, and the reason has been attributed to
the dramatic rise in US shale oil production.

US shale oil is said to be extremely similar in quality to light sweet
Nigerian crude oil, and as more and more shale basins were discovered
in its own backyard, the US did not need any more oil from Nigeria.

Last year, there were six weeks in a row starting from early July
during which the US did not import a single barrel of crude oil. This
was the first time that the US had not imported any Nigerian crude oil
for such a length of a time, since US EIA started compiling this data
almost four decades ago.

The shale revolution has had a profound impact on the makeup of the US
import market, which has, by extension, greatly altered the direction
of crude flows both within Europe and to Asia. And Nigeria has been
the biggest casualty of this, it noted.

However, India has the largest buyer of Nigerian crude, which has been
one of the positives for the West African country in the last few
years. But demand from India for Nigerian crudes is slightly on the
wane as its demand for Latin American crudes is growing sharply.

India is also the largest buyer of Venezuelan crudes, and with
refineries getting more and more complex in the sub-continent, their
demand for light sweet crudes is expected to tail off.

The world's largest refinery complex situated in Jamnagar in the
western state of Gujarat in India, operated by Reliance, runs
primarily on heavy crudes, dominated largely by crudes from the Middle
East and Latin America.

APC Says Outcome Of National Assembly Election Is Treachery

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Nigeria has expressed
displeasure with the outcome of the National Assembly leadership
election, calling it Treachery.

Contrary to the party's choice of candidates in a mock election over
the weekend, Mr Bukola Saraki emerged the Senate Presidentwhile Mr
Yakubu Dogara clinched the position of the Speaker of the House of
Representatives.

Both persons are members of the APC.

After the result of the House of Representatives' election was
announced by the Clerk of the House, the ruling party said the outcome
of the elections of the two chambers was "totally unacceptable and the
highest level of indiscipline and treachery".

The party had chosen Senator Ahmed Lawan for the Senate President's
position and Honourable Femi Gbajabiamila, as its candidate for the
position of the Speaker.

Necessary Sanctions

In a statement, the spokesman of the party, Mr Lai Mohammed, said:
"Senator Bukola and Hon. Dogara are not the candidates of the APC and
a majority of its National Assembly members-elect for the positions of
Senate President and House Speaker.

"The party duly met and conducted a straw poll and clear candidates
emerged for the posts of Senate President, Deputy Senate President and
Speaker of the House of Representatives, supported by a majority of
all Senators-elect and members-elect of the House of Representatives.
All National Assembly members-elect who emerged on the platform of the
party are bound by that decision.

"The party is supreme and its interest is superior to that of its
individual members".

According to Mr Mohammed, "the APC leadership is meeting in a bid to
re-establish discipline in the party and to mete out the necessary
sanctions to all those involved in what is nothing but a monumental
act of indiscipline and betrayal to subject the party to ridicule and
create obstacles for the new administration.

"APC decried a situation in which some people, based on nothing but
inordinate ambition and lack of discipline and loyalty, will enter
into an unholy alliance with the very same people whom the party and
indeed the entire country worked hard to replace and sell out the hard
won victory of the Party.

"There can be no higher level of treachery, disloyalty and insincerity
within any party," the party said, vowing to resolve the matter using
all constitutional and legal means available to it.

Meanwhile, the APC has asked all its loyal Senators-elect to report to
the Senate to be sworn-in in order to discharge their
constitutional duties, apparently accepting the outcome of the election.

Read full statement of the APC below.

Emergence of Saraki, Dogara as Senate President, House Speaker
unacceptable to APC

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has described as totally
unacceptable and the highest level of indiscipline and treachery the
conduct of Tuesday's inauguration of the National Assembly that led to
the emergence of Senator Bukola Saraki and Hon Yakubu Dogara as Senate
President.and Speaker of the House of Representatives, respectively.

"Senator Bukola and Hon. Dogara are not the candidates of the APC and
a majority of its National Assembly members-elect for the positions of
Senate President and House Speaker. The party duly met and conducted a
straw poll and clear candidates emerged for the posts of Senate

President, Deputy Senate President and Speaker of the House of
Representatives, supported by a majority of all Senators-elect and
members-elect of the House of Representatives. All National Assembly
members-elect who emerged on the platform of the party are bound by
that decision.

"The party is supreme and its interest is superior to that of its
individual members," the party said in a statement issued in Abuja
Tuesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed.

"Consequently, the APC leadership is meeting in a bid to reestablish
discipline in the party and to mete out the necessary sanctions to all
those involved in what is nothing but a monumental act of indiscipline
and betrayal to subject the party to ridicule and create obstacles for
the new administration " it said.

APC decried a situation in which some people, based on nothing but
inordinate ambition and lack of discipline and loyalty, will enter
into an unholy alliance with the very same people whom the party and
indeed the entire country worked hard to replace and sell out the hard
won victory of the Party.

Bukola Saraki Emerges Senate President, Ekweremadu Emerges Deputy

Senator Bukola Saraki has been elected the President of Nigeria's 8th Senate.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) Senator was elected unopposed with
57 lawmakers present voting for Saraki, while 51 were absent.

Senator Ike Ekweremadu has also been elected as the Deputy Senate
President defeating Senator Ali Ndume.

ChannelsTV correspondent, Linda Akhigbe, reports that some of the 51
senators who were absent during Saraki's emergence have begun to
trickle into the Senate chamber.

There has been a seeming crack in the All Progressives Congress (APC)
after some lawmakers walked out during the party's mock election to
elect its candidates for the leadership of the two chambers of the
National Assembly at the weekend.

The June 6 straw poll produced Mr Femi Gbajabiamila as the APC
candidate for the House of Reps Speaker, while Ahmed Lawan emerged as
candidate for Senate President.

The lawmakers supporting Senator Bukola Saraki for Senate Presidency
and those supporting Mr Yakubu Dogara for the position of House of
Reps Speaker, boycotted the elections.

The inauguration of the 8th National Assembly held in Abuja, the
Federal Capital Territory.

Buhari, Shettima’s Trip To Germany Amid Insurgent Attacks Not In The Best Interest Of Borno People

Senator representing Bayelsa East senatorial dristrict, Ben
Muarray-Bruce has faulted the decision of President Muhammadu Buhari
to go on his trip to Germany for the G7 Summit with Borno State
Governor Kashim Shettima in the heat of Boko Haram attacks in
Nigeria's north east.

While Shettima was away in Germany, 16 people died in his state.

Murray-Bruce, who apparently regarded Shettima's trip as
irresponsible, wrote on microblogging site, Twitter: "It might not be
in the best interest of Borno that both the President and Gov of Borno
are abroad while our brothers there are being bombed!"

A bomb blast had hit a cattle market in the state late on Saturday,
killing 16 people, according to hospital and military sources.
Although no group claimed responsibility for the attack, it is
believed to have been perpetrated by Islamist sect Boko Haram. The
group has killed more than 15,000 people since it began its violent
campaign in 2009. The group wants to establish an Islamic caliphate in
the northeast of Nigeria.
—INFORMATION NIGERIA

N’Assembly Posts: Saraki, Dogara Set To Defy APC

>Photo: Saraki and Dogora

The crisis within the All Progressives Congress over the choice of
candidates for the speakership and the Senate presidency of the 8th
National Assembly deepened on Sunday as candidates not endorsed by the
party's leadership vowed to contest the elections on Tuesday.

Findings in Abuja on Sunday showed that the candidates – Yakubu Dogara
(House of Representatives) and Bukola Saraki (Senate) had intensified
lobbying the Peoples Democratic Party incoming lawmakers.

Senators-elect and their counterparts for the House began
accreditation for the Tuesday election at the National Assembly in
Abuja on Sunday.

The immediate past Minority Leader, Femi Gbajabiamila, had at the
party's mock election on Saturday emerged the APC consensus
candidate for the post of speaker. He polled 154 votes as against
Yakubu Dogara's three votes.

A total of 183 members registered for the mock election but the votes
of four were declared as invalid.

Bukola Saraki's group boycotted the primary conducted for senate
presidency , but the APC picked Ahmad Lawan, who got 32 votes.

Votes allocated to Dogora, a fraud, says Jibrin

But on Sunday, the spokesperson for the 8th Assembly Consolidation
Group which is Dogara's campaign body, Abdulmumin Jibrin, warned
that the APC was a on a path of self-destruction by sticking to the
outcome of the primary.

Jibrin, a former Chairman, House Committee on Finance and contestant
for the speakership until last week when he stepped down to support
Dogara, insisted that there was no election.

"The mock election is a blatant lie. It was very shameful and
disgraceful and the party only made a mockery of itself.

"We walked out of the hall and we never participated in the election.
Therefore, the votes allocated to us were a fraud and we will not
accept them," he told a news conference on Sunday.

Jibrin claimed that members of the group had received threats of
disciplinary actions from the party since Saturday, but he restated
the resolve of Dogara's supporters to ignore the APC and nominate
him(Dogora) for Tuesday's (tomorrow) election.

Disclosing that the group had petitioned Buhari to wade into the
matter, he said it was regrettable that in just a week after the APC
formed the government at the Federal level, it appeared set on
"derailing" from the ideals which propelled it to power.

"We have decided to write a petition to Buhari to intervene in this
matter; to call the party to order. We will go ahead to nominate
Dogara on the 9th and we will not back out," he said.

The group seized the opportunity to unveil Lasun Yusuf, a member
from Osun State, as Dogora's running mate .

The same Yusuf, had last week, announced that he was backing
Gbajabiamila, only to make a U-turn on Sunday.

Support us, Gbajabiamila's secretariat tells Dogara

Shortly after the news conference, The Gbajabiamila Secretariat in
Abuja called on the Dogara group to bury the hatchet and join the
Lagos State lawmaker to build the House as from Tuesday.

It noted that had Dogara won the mock election instead of
Gbajabiamila, the former minority leader would have supported him,
being the candidate so chosen by the party.

The secretariat, also said there was nothing strange in conducting a
mock election, which it argued was not different from the primaries
members participated in before their election to the National
Assembly.

Dickson Tarkighir, who spoke for the secretariat said, "It is
unfortunate that some members sought for intervention of the party
before their election into the National Assembly but suddenly realised
that the unbiased intervention of the party in the mock election is
inappropriate.

"Definitely, these are not agents of change. The party gave
members-elect the platform to elect a popular candidate that would
represent the party in the House and we are glad that at the end of
that exercise, it was res ipsa loquitur.

"Had Dogara won the mock election we would have all queued behind him
now but as a mark of discipline and respect for the party, we are all
behind Gbajabiamila."

However,The PUNCH reports that Gbajabiamila would most likely emerge
as the speaker, barring any major alterations in the support structure
he already had among members-elect.

It was learnt that flowing from his victory on Saturday, the
North-West and North-East caucuses of the House resolved to sustain
their support for him on Tuesday.

He was said to be already assured of the votes of 47 out of the 48 APC
members from the South-West.

Findings revealed that the North-West, with 87 APC lawmakers, had over
84 backing Gbajabiamila.

Read more at ThePUNCH:
t.co/4GRnSgP3Co

Why Buhari’s Barred VP Yemi Osinbajo From National Security Briefing

President Muhammadu Buhari alleged exclusion of Vice President Yemi
Osinbajo from attending a national security meeting this week was no
longer new, nor is it any longer news.

Osinbajo was reportedly refused "security clearance" and "locked out"
of Buhari's first briefing with the national security adviser on the
president's orders.

Buhari allegedly excluded his vice president from the closed-door
briefing due to security concerns over Osinbajo attending the "very
sensitive meeting."

Buhari apparently felt it was too early in the day to bring Osinbajo,
the former Lagos state attorney general and senior pastor, into his
first briefing with the security chief.

The exclusive meeting on Monday with National Security Adviser Sambo
Dasuki and other security officials lasted for hours and was part of
the "debriefing process".

Buhari was informed on the security situation in Nigeria, where the
Islamist militant group Boko Haram has killed and displaced thousands
of people in the last six years.

"They need to brief the president on the security situation in their
various areas. They need to update him officially on the situation on
ground," a presidential aide said.

The meeting comes after the president announced the relocation of the
anti-insurgency command center from the capital city Abuja to
Maiduguri, the Borno state capital that has suffered a series of
deadly attacks in recent days including suicide bombings and a grenade
bombardment.

More than 50 people have been killed in Maiduguri since Buhari was
inaugurated on May 29. The president said the command center would
remain in the Borno state capital until the insurgents were
restrained.

"The command center will be relocated to Maiduguri and remain until
Boko Haram is completely subdued.

"But we cannot claim to have defeated Boko Haram without rescuing the
Chibok girls and all other innocent persons held hostage by
insurgents," Buhari said during his inauguration speech on May 29.

Prior to his inauguration, Buhari expressed dismay that former
President Goodluck Jonathan's administration had withheld information
and refused to brief the incoming government.
—NigeriaCamera

Former President Jonathan Spotted In London

See a picture of former president Goodluck Jonathan on a visit to London.
—NigeriaCamera

Buhari’s Tour Exposes APC’s Hypocrisy — PDP …Says APC Should Apologise To Jonathan

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused the All Progressive
Congress (APC) of double standard and insincerity as the party that
once chastised immediate past President Goodluck Jonathan for seeking
regional cooperation to finding solution to the challenge of
insurgency is now hailing President Muhammadu Buhari for toeing the
same line.

PDP National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh in a statement on Sunday
said in the days ahead, Nigerians should expect further unmasking of
APC's double standard and blackmail upon which they rode to power.

The party also condemned the venom with which the APC attacked
well-meaning Nigerians for daring to offer constructive criticisms to
President Buhari, following apparent loss of tempo in the fight
against insurgency since he took office, describing such as
unacceptable in a democracy especially in a country like Nigeria where
the citizens have been enjoying freedom of expression in the last 16
years under the PDP.

"The APC must understand that the hallmark of democracy is freedom of
expression and opinion, particularly on governance issues; inalienable
rights of all citizens guaranteed by the constitution and which must
not be denied them under any guise whatsoever.

President Mhammadu Buhari and President of Niger Republic, Issoufou
Mahamadou while waiting for the Press conference shortly after the
bilateral meeting at the presidential palace in Niamey on June 3rd
2015

"Though we had decided to give President Muhammadu Buhari and the
ruling party time to settle down, indicators show that the APC is not
getting its bearing right and the PDP as a party that has nurtured and
sustained democracy in the last 16 years, we cannot fold our hands and
watch our nation drift towards dangerous undemocratic paths", the
party said.

The PDP lamented that since the APC took over power at the center,
there has been no clear sign of seriousness and direction, but
confusion, selfish infighting and hysteria for positions of power
while the nation drifts, noting that the situation is unhealthy for
democracy and national development.

"The concern of well-meaning Nigerians is that this may be a pointer
to the fact that the APC lacks clear-cut directions on how to govern a
nation as complex as Nigeria", it said.

The PDP observed that though some jostling for political offices are
expected among politicians in a democracy, Nigerians are not
comfortable with the confusion in the APC camp and the dimension it
has assumed.

The party said "the negative effect of the glaring political commotion
in the APC is compounding President Buhari's self confessed
nervousness and puzzlement, his flip-flops and worrisome reneging on
campaign promises for which Nigerians will continue to hold him
accountable.

"Instead of fighting for positions, which betrays their lust, APC
leaders should be more concerned with how to help President Buhari,
who is still struggling with his ministerial list and basic
appointments more than a week after his inauguration.

"They should be more concerned with how to end insurgency by the end
of July as promised by President Buhari in his April 2, 2015 CNN
interview.

"They should be concerned about how to pay N5,000 each to 25 million
poor Nigerians beginning from the end of June; how to bring the naira
to the same value with the dollar; provide allowances to the
discharged but unemployed Youth Corps members for Twelve (12) months;
provide free education and meals for school children among others as
they promised during the campaigns.
—Vanguard

Sell Helicopter To Pay Workers —PDP Tells Aregbesola

The Peoples Democratic Party has advised Osun State Governor, Mr. Rauf
Aregbesola, to sell the helicopter purchased for security surveillance
and stop "wasteful spending" in order to raise money to pay salaries
of workers in the state.

The Director of Media and Strategy of the PDP in Osun State, Mr. Diran
Odeyemi, gave this advice in a statement made available to our
correspondent in Osoogbo on Sunday.

The statement read, "The PDP is urging the government to sell the
helicopter Governor Aregbesola said was procured for the state and he
should stop frivolous trips to Cuba.

"What this administration told us was that the helicopter was to be
used for surveillance, but we have since discovered that the machine
is only serving the traveling needs of Mr. Aregbesola and his family.
This remains one draining pipe that must be blocked.

"The governor and his aides should also forthwith stop traveling in
chartered aircraft around the world. If President Muhammadu Buhari
could be traveling on British Airways, even when aircrafts in
Presidential fleet are available, there is need for Governor
Aregbesola to borrow a leaf."

The opposition party also accused the governor of wasting the the
state's resources on politics and arming of a group of youth he called
"State Boys."

The PDP called on the new members of the Osun State House of Assembly
not to turn themselves to rubber stamp of the executive arm of the
government.

According to the party, the people of the state now place their hope
on the lawmakers to check the 'excesses of the governor' in the
interest of the masses.

The statement read further, "It is also fresh in our minds, the huge
amount Ogbeni Aregbesola expended on the last Ekiti governorship poll,
Lagos governorship poll, and the Presidential project of the All
Progressive Congress, APC.

"Also, a group of miscreants called 'State Boys' are being illegal
armed and financed by government to unleash terror on many indigenes
of the state by the ruling party.

"All these actions and many other wasteful spending led us to where we
are now, which if they could be reversed, could bring financial
reserves for the state.

"But if Ogbeni Aregbesola will not treat this advise with disdain, and
henceforth, begin to act as governor of all, we believe at least, he
will be able to pay few months of the backlog of salaries owed workers
and retirees."

However, the governor described the suggestions and allegations from
the opposition party as infantile.

Speaking through a statement issued by his media aide, Mr. Semiu
Okanlawon, Aregbesola said the PDP was just seeking cheap publicity
with their suggestions and spurious allegations.

The statement read, "It is disheartening this is how degenerate PDP
has become in their thinking process. They screamed ignorantly about
two years ago that Osun procured a helicopter with a sum of N8
billion. We had asked them to find out the cost of a Boeing plane let
alone a helicopter which was only leased and it was to beef up the
Osun Swift Action Squad for its aerial surveilance. This was clear to
all in the state that the helicopter was procured as part of the Rauf
Aregbesola administration's comprehensive security measures to drive
criminals far away from the state.

"For the PDP in its narrow thinking to tell us to sell the helicopter
is a sign of intellectual laziness. The allegations that Aregbesola
uses the helicopter for his personal use lack any evidence.

"It is obvious the PDP, after it has reached its final bus stop of
defeat rigmarole, as typified by the Supreme Court decision of May 27,
is merely looking for something to keep it relevant.
—PUNCH