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PDP, Afenifere blast Buhari on restructuring, dialogue
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Pan-Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere, has said restructuring is in the best interest of Nigeria and its citizens.
They argued that since calls for restructuring and national dialogue had gained traction, the Federal Government ought to act speedily on them.
The PDP and Afenifere were referring to the dismissal of the calls by President Muhammadu Buhari during the launch of the Kudirat Abiola Sabon Gari Peace Foundation in Zaria, Kaduna State at the weekend.
Buhari, represented at the event by the Executive Secretary, Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Alhaji Mohammed Shehu, had described the advocates of restructuring and secession as “not only naive but mischievously dangerous.”
The President also told those calling for a national dialogue that his government had no time for any “obscure conference.”
He added that that amounted to seeking the balkanisation of the country.
But the PDP, in a statement on Sunday by its spokesman, Kola Ologbondiyan, said Buhari missed the point in dismissing the calls with a wave of the hand.
Stating that restructuring and national dialogue had become imperative and more compelling for the corporate existence and continued survival of Nigeria, the main opposition party, cautioned the President against pushing the nation towards the precipice.
It described Buhari’s remarks as arrogant, dictatorial, and inflammatory.
The statement reads in part: “It is appalling, and to say the least, despicable, that Mr. President and his party (All Progressives Congress), that came to power in 2015 on the promise of restructuring, have not only reneged, in utter duplicity towards Nigerians, but also turned around, six years after, to label restructuring as warfare and Nigerians demanding for it as mischievously dangerous.
“President Buhari should be tutored to know that even the quest for an efficient local government system as well as an effective judiciary, which he alluded to as a focus, can only be achieved through a constitutional restructuring that directly confers and vests the required powers and control in them.
“Only recently, President Buhari confessed how he asked some state governors who came to him on issues of security to go back to their respective states and face the challenge.
“The amendment or alteration of the constitution to permit state police as widely demanded by Nigerians is, therefore, a form of restructuring that will adjust our policing system without creating a war”.
Afenifere, on its part, said it was stunned that in spite of Governors and former Nigerian leaders lending their weights to the calls for restructuring, Buhari was thinking otherwise.
Afenifere, through its Secretary-General, Sola Ebiseni, said: “We are at a critical stage where children, particularly in states with the highest population of children out of school in the world can no longer go to school at all for fear of being kidnapped for ransom.
“State governments are demanding the powers to establish state police to deal with insecurity and prominent traditional rulers, especially Emirs have called on their people to rise in their own defence and some uninformed government officials are threatening us with war if we seek restructuring or self-determination. It is so nauseating.
“In any event, restructuring of the political architecture of the country in the interest of the people, their security and general wellbeing is not going to be at the pleasure of the President or the whims and caprices of his uncouth officials.”
June 20, 2021
El-Rufai visit communities around Kaduna-Abuja road over Bandits attacks
-Warns against blocking of roads
-Condoles victims’ families killed by bandits
By Gabriel Udeh, Kaduna
Governor Nasir El-Rufai on Saturday reportedly paid a confidence-building visit to communities affected by bandits attacks around Kaduna-Abuja Road in Chikun LGA, and warned them against the danger of blocking highway.
The Governor who was accompanied by the Speaker of the Kaduna State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Yusuf Ibrahim Zailani, was at Sabon Gayan and Kakau areas where he interacted with citizens”, security update statement by the state Internal Security and Home Affairs commissioner Mr Samuel Aruwan has stated.
The Governor was received at the Kaduna-Abuja Road by the Force Commander (Operation Thunder Strike), Lt. Col. MH Abdullahi, and briefed on the security situation in the general area, and specifically on the barricading of the road by citizens following the bandit attacks.
After ensuring accelerated flow of traffic, the Governor held a meeting at Kakau community which was attended by the village head, Mr. Iliya Garba Zarmai and members of the community.
The Governor condoled with the communities across the state where citizens were killed within the last one week, and assured them of the state government’s commitment to security of lives and property. He added that the government was aware of their plights, as conveyed in daily security reports from action agencies.
The Governor further assured the residents that the government is working resolutely, round the clock, with security agencies, in addressing the menace.
The Governor warned against blocking of roads, a practice he described as detrimental to the activities of innocent citizens whose movement is forced to a halt. He stressed that such actions would offer no solution, but only create panic and further breakdown of law and order.
Furthermore, within the last one week, from Monday 14th to Friday 18th June 2021, security agencies reported to the Kaduna State Government several incidences of attacks by armed bandits which left some citizens dead in Kakau, Damba-Kasaya, Kankomi, Kajuru town, Idasu, Karaukarau, and Sobawa villages in Chikun, Igabi, Giwa and Kajuru local government areas.
it stated that “Governor El-Rufai has sent condolences to their families and prayed for the repose of their souls.
Recalled that Kakau community recently blocked Kaduna – Abuja expressway during protest against incessant attacked, kidnapped and killings by bandits.
Southern Kaduna people’s Union (SOKAPU) had however consistently decried that Governor Nasir El-Rufai refused to visit the people in the area despite bandits invasion and killings.
June 20, 2021
PDP carpets Buhari over statement on restructuring
*Says he is pushing the country to the precipices by his arrogant and dictatorial remarks
*Insist Nigerians have right to demand constitutional restructuring and good governance

The Peoples Democratic Party has cautioned President Muhammadu Buhari against “pushing the nation to the precipices by his arrogant and dictatorial remarks as well as inflammatory referencing to war, particularly in his apparent aversion towards the constitutionally guaranteed rights of Nigerians.”
The party said this in response to reports that the President described those demanding restructuring of the country as “mischievously dangerous.”
According to the party, “President Buhari’s reported remarks that he and his All Progressives Congress had no time for the call by Nigerians, across board, for a discourse on the state of the nation, particularly in the face of worsening insecurity, economic hardship and sectional disagreements, further demonstrates their arrogant and dictatorial disposition towards the people.
“It is instructive to inform President Buhari that, as citizens of a democratic state, Nigerians have every right to demand constitutional restructuring as well as a democratic forum to deliberate on good governance and national cohesion.”
In a statement signed by the PDP the National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, the party stated that such demands are neither synonymous nor contiguous to warfare.
“The statement read, “It is appalling, and to say the least, despicable, that Mr. President and his party, the APC, who came to power in 2015 on the promise of restructuring, have not only reneged, in utter duplicity towards Nigerians but also turned around, six years after, to label restructuring as warfare and Nigerians demanding for it as “mischievously dangerous”.

“President Buhari should be tutored to know that even the quest for efficient local government system as well as an effectual judiciary, which he alluded to as a focus, can only be achieved through a constitutional restructuring that directly confers and vests the required powers and control to them.
“Only recently, President Buhari confessed how he asked some state governors who came to him on issues of security to go back to their respective states and face the challenge,
“The amendment or alteration of the constitution to permit state police as widely demanded by Nigerians is, therefore, a form of restructuring that will adjust our policing system without creating a war.
“In as much as the PDP hold the unity and indivisibility of our nation as supreme, our party, however, supports amendments that will alter the 1999 Constitution (as amended) in any manners that will engender good governance and reinforce, rather than detract from her unity, peace, equity and stability.
“Moreover, our party invites Nigerians to note that the APC, as a party, does not have any iota of regard for their aspiration as a people, and as such must not be further entrusted with the fate of our nation after the Buhari abysmal tenure.
“On Mr. President’s allusion to a power of selection over whom he will cede power to, the PDP informs President Buhari and his APC to understand that political power belongs to Nigerians and the people will determine who governs them after the Buhari and APC’s era, which will come to an inevitable end on May 29, 2023.”
June 20, 2021
NAF strikes kill ISWAP Logistics Commander destroys 6 Guntrucks in Lamboa
Fighter jets of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on Sunday eliminated scores of ISWAP-Boko Haram terrorists including their commanders in Lamboa in Kaga Local Government area of Borno State.
The multiple airstrikes conducted by a mix of aircraft including Alpha-Jets, L-39 and MI-35 helicopters, reportedly killed the notorious ISWAP Logistic Commander, Modu Sullum.
Modu Sulum was responsible for the destructions of power transmission towers at Malanari along Maiduguri-Damaturu Highway and attacks on travellers in Auno and Jakana axis.
The insurgents, in a convoy of eight -gun trucks, had invaded Lamboa, preparatory to launching a gruesome attack in Mainok axis in the State. But the terrorists were swiftly engaged by ground and air troops, who foiled their missions after the NAF reconnaissance platform had earlier hovered over the location before the airstrikes.
It was gathered that over a dozen ISWAP-Boko Haram fighters were killed by bombardments of the military fighter aircraft.
Airforce Spokesperson, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet confirmed the success of the military airstrikes, noting that it was a successful operation.
June 20, 2021
14 die as Bandits attack Benue police Station
Benue Police Command has confirmed 14 bandits have been killed in a gun duel following an attempted attack on a station in Katsina-Ala town, Benue state on Sunday morning.
Police spokesperson Kate Anene, a DSP , who confirmed the incident, said on Saturday, some suspected bandits were arrested and detained at Katsina-Ala Divisional Police Station for investigations.
But he said on Sunday morning, around 1am, some gunmen, numbering about 50, launched a blistering attack on the station in an attempt to free the suspects from custody.
The police spokesperson stated operatives at the Division, who were already on alert, engaged the gunmen with 14 of them gunned down during the exchange of gunfire while others escaped with bullets wound.
The police advised the good people of Katsina Ala to remain calm and avail police with useful information.
June 20, 2021
Strike: Why we must have clear, unambiguous agreement with labour – Gov Sule Insists
From Abel Leonard, Lafia
Nasarawa State governor, Engineer Abdullahi Sule, has given reasons why his administration will prefer to have a clear, unambiguous agreement, with the organized labour in the state, before calling off the ongoing strike action embarked upon by civil servants.
Engineer Sule made this known while hosting a meeting between government and the organized labour, at the Government House, on Friday.
The governor, who picked holes in the agreement about to be signed, which will signal the end of the four-day strike, called on the organize labour, to review the terms of the agreement, in order to clarify issues and to remove any room for ambiguity.
Engineer Sule appealed to officials of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC), to first resolve the impasse involving the members of the Medical and Health Union of Nigeria (MHUN), who were initially part of the negotiations, but who later pulled out, with the agreement about to be signed.
Members of the MHUN reportedly pulled out of the ongoing negotiation, because their members are demanding that payment for the outstanding promotion, should commence in June not August 2021, as contained in the agreement.
According to the governor, it will be morally wrong and unfair, for his administration, to segregate among civil servants, while paying arrears of promotions, just as he emphasized that, he will not accept a situation where state civil servants are paid one hundred percent salary and pension, while workers and retirees at the local government level, recieve fifty percent of salary and pension.
Drawing from his private sector experience, Engineer Sule, said agreements with the organized labour must be clear and concise, and shouldn’t leave room for disagreement during implementation.
Specifically, the governor sought clarification on the total amount for the payment of outstanding promotions and annual increment, mutually agreed upon, to commence from August 2021, pointing out that, he will not be a party to an agreement that could lead to failure on the part of government to execute as a result of dwindling resources.
“I don’t want a situation where we agree something with you and then when the time comes, I will give excuse.
“I want the moment I agree, on day one, I will meet that agreement, because I will go to any extent, to make sure I meet that agreement,” he stated.
Engineer Sule wants government and the organized labour to agree on a specific amount for the payment monthly, because he should be able to know if the state can afford the financial burden.
The governor accepted that, while government commences the payment of the N30, 000 minimum wage for civil servants on level 1 to 6, negotiation will continue to determine the consequential increment, for workers from level 7 upwards.
Regarding labour’s demand for government to pay the outstanding August 2016 salary owed some workers in the state, Engineer Sule, directed that the arrears be paid before the end of this month.
In a further bid, to solidify existing relationship with the organized labour in the state, Engineer Sule, expressed the willingness of his administration, to open the books to members of the NLC and TUC, to ensure transparency in future negotiations.
The governor used the opportunity of the meeting to thank traditional rulers in the state, led by the Emir of Lafia, HRH Justice Sidi Bage (rtd), for their role in the amicable resolution of the workers’ strike.
Engineer Sule equally thanked members of the 11-man committee setup by the government in the wake of the strike, to negotiate with the organized labour, chaired by the state deputy governor, Dr. Emmanuel Akabe.
The governor commended the committee for resolving the impasse within 72 hours.
While also commending members of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) and Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN), for their refusal to join the ongoing strike, Engineer appealed to the officials of labour, not to discriminate against them as punishment for not participating in the strike action.
The governor then appreciated the organized labour for the maturity and professional conduct during the strike, as demonstrated by the opening of offices on the second day of the strike, as demanded by government.
Engineer Sule then urged officials of the NLC and TUC, to return to the negotiating table with the MHWUN, with a view to arriving at a common ground, so that the agreement between government and organized labour, could be signed latest on Monday, which may also signal the end of the ongoing strike action.
Commenting on behalf of the organized labour, state NLC Chairman, Comrade Yusuf Iya, explained that the MHWUN, pulled out of the negotiations, because they are insisting that their implementation should commence in June, not August 2021, as contained in the agreement.
Comrade Iya, assured that they will return to the negotiating table with the MHWUN, with a view to arriving at a common ground.
June 20, 2021
Plateau Celebrates Justice Dongban-Mensem At Night Of Glamour
It was a night of glamour, entertainment and tributes as the activities marking the Thanksgiving Mass and Grand Reception in honour of the President, Court of Appeal Hon. Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem came to a climax with a dinner at the New Government House, Little Rayfield Jos.
The grand reception organised by the Plateau State Government was preceded by a Thanksgiving Mass which took place at the St. Monica’s Catholic Church in Rantiya, Jos.
The event attended by the cream of the legal profession from the Bench and the Bar featured the display of the rich cultural heritage of Plateau State with performances of some exotic dances and displays by reknown cultural groups in the State.
Governor Lalong while speaking at the dinner said the State Government decided to celebrate Justice Dongban-Mensem not only because she is from Plateau State, but simply to demonstrate that charity really begins at home and also buttress that her journey to the top started from the State.
He said “we also want her to know that we appreciate the enormity of the burden laid upon her shoulders in leading her colleagues at the Court of Appeal in the task of delivering justice and interpreting the laws of the land. Ours is to assure her that we shall continue to stand behind her and pray for her to discharge this duty with excellence and the fear of God”.
Lalong stated that he had no doubt that she will make her family, Plateau State, Nigeria and above all, God Almighty proud as many who have known her over the years attest to her passion for doing the right thing as well as disdain for cutting corners.
Justice Monica Dongban said she was highly overwhelmed by the solidarity and goodwill shown her by the Government and people of Plateau State, revered members of the bench and bar, her colleagues, schoolmates, and well wishers who have continued to pray for her for wisdom and courage to carry out her duties with the fear of God.
She promised to do her best and make Nigerians proud as well as usher a new era of service delivery, judicial integrity and transparency.
Justice Raphael Agbo of the Court of Appeal and Justice C.C. Nweze of the Supreme Court said the entire Judiciary is proud to have Justice Monica in its fold and will continue to benefit from her forthrightness, passion and experience.
Chief Judge of Plateau State Justice Sati Dakwak said having started from a humble beginnings in the Plateau State Judiciary, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem is an inspiration for the Judiciary and a source of motivation for the younger generation.
NBA Chairman Plateau Yakubu Bawa said Justice Dongban represents the finest of the Nigerian bench with a rich background of integrity, incorruptibility, intelligence and hardwork. He assured that the Nigerian bar will work closely with Justice Monica and the Justices of the Court of Appeal to strengthen justice delivery and the rule of law.
June 20, 2021
Nigeria’s Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed celebrates Communist Party of China at 100
By Becky Adi
Nigeria’s Minister of Information and Culture Lai Mohammed has congratulated the Communist Party of China, CPC, as its celebrates its centenary anniversary which comes up on the 1st of July.
Speaking on the landmark achievement of the CPC, Lai Mohammed extolled the longivity of the Communist Party noting that it’s not easy for a political party to survive for a 100 years.
“for the records I want to unbehalf of the federal government of Nigeria, congratulate the Communist Party of China, the CPC and the government of China as the ruling party celebrates 100 years since its formation, it is not a mean feat for a political party to have being in existence for 100years”. He said.
“I have been involved in party formation. I started with AD, from AD to ACD, from ACD to ACN, from ACN to APC, there have been mergers there have deaths along the line. So for a political party in a country anywhere in the world to survive for 100years I think it must be celebrated and the best we can do is to wish the CPC better luck, more success and to express solidarity to the people and government of China on this occasion”.
The CPC has more than 91 million party members, making it one of the largest political party in the world. Many of its members are of grass roots cadres and ordinary civil servants.
The Communist party was founded in 1921 when China suffered political upheaval and endemic poverty but contrast with the China of 2021. Under the guidance of the CPC, China today is an emerging superpower.
Beijing has a permanent seat on the UN Security Council, a nuclear arsenal and the world’s second-largest economy.
In February, Chinese President Xi Jinping declared the end of extreme poverty in China.
June 20, 2021
Jonathan’s kinswoman bags world best award in academic in Cambridge
By Amgbare Ekaunkumo,Yenagoa
Miss Cherish Daniel Markson, a kinswoman of former President Goodluck Jonathan in Ogbia Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, has bagged Tops in World Award in Law and High Achievement in Sociology from Cambridge International.
Cherish, a student of Bridge House College, Lagos and daughter of Mr. Daniel Iworiso-Markson, the immediate past Commissioner for Information and Orientation in Bayelsa State, received the prestigious award for her outstanding achievement in her Advanced Subsidiary Level Examination, November 2020/2021 series.
The international qualification is recognised globally by the world’s best universities and employers as giving students a wide range of options in their education and career.
The school said Cherish achieved all A-stars in nine of her IGCSE subjects, English, Mathematics, Biology, Geography, Literature, Business Studies, Economics, History and ICT.
In a letter to her parents to confirm the remarkable feat, the management of the school said: “We are delighted to inform you of Cherish’s outstanding achievement in her Advanced Subsidiary Level Examination -November 2020/2021 Series.
“Cambridge International Assessment and Examination has awarded her the Top in World Award in Law and High Achievement in Sociology.
“This achievement is due to Cherish’s hardwork and determination to succeed. We are pleased to have provided the springboard for your child’s outstanding achievement.
“We congratulate Cherish for this impressive academic performance and she should be extremely proud of her results.”
The teenager while speaking on the award, thanked her parents for their support saying they were her motivation during her studies.
She said: “My parents have always been there for me, supporting me educationally, financially and even spiritually through their prayers. I constantly work hard to make them proud and I am glad I was able to achieve that”.
She praised her school, Bridge House College, for providing the necessary friendly and professional guidance that enabled her win the prestigious award.
“I am finishing my first year of A-levels in England. Next year, I hope to study Law at one of England’s prestigious University. I believe that this award is a good start and with continuous hard-work and dedication, I will have many more to come”, she said.
Explaining her delight at winning the award from the British Council and Cambridge International, Cherish said: “to be identified as an outstanding learner and receive such global recognition for it has made me resolve to keep working hard in my academics”.
On his part, the father of Cherish, Mr. Iworiso-Markson, said the award was a befitting reward for his daughter’s hardwork in pursuit of academic excellence.
The former Bayelsa Information Commissioner said that his daughter gave her best and they were proud of her achievements, insisting it was a great milestone worthy of celebration.
He said: “We were so delighted when we got the letter. We knew she will come out in flying colours but she took us all by surprise by even going the extra mile to come out tops. Certainly, every parents will be proud of this achievement and we are”, he said.
In her remark, the Principal of Bridge House College, Ayoola Akinyeye, said the school was focused on grooming life-long learners and building a learning organisation conversant with the use of 21st century learning methodologies and strategies.
The principal commended Cherish for her exceptional performance, saying that after being awarded top in the country, it was the first time the school would becoming out top in the world.
She further believed that Cherish waa capable of soaring high in whatever field she intended to study because of the kind of education she had received from the school.
June 20, 2021
Pressure Mali To Return To Civilian Rule, Buhari Urge ECOWAS
President Muhammadu Buhari on Saturday called on West African leaders to exert pressure on the military leadership in Mali to ensure that the transition process in the country is not aborted.
He made the call in his statement delivered at the 59th Ordinary session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS in Accra, Ghana.
The Nigerian leader spoke on the situation in Mali which was recently suspended from the regional bloc due to a military coup.
“At this Summit today, we are expected to review a number of important reports dealing with various issues of concerns to our organisation and people. In doing so, we must take realistic and practical decisions which will positively impact our citizens,” he was quoted as saying in a statement by his spokesman, Garba Shehu.
President Buhari added, “Some of those decisions, necessarily will have to do with evolving political and security situations in our sub-region as well as evaluate the health of our organisation with the hope of repositioning to serve our people and sub-region better.
“While democracy continues to develop in our sub-region, recent events in Mali are sad reminders that vigilance remains a crucial imperative to protect people’s aspirations to freely choose the form of government they want.
“Pressures are needed to ensure that the transition process in Mali, which is halfway to its conclusion, is not aborted.
“A further slide in Mali could prove catastrophic to the Sub-region, considering that about half of that country is unfortunately under the grip of terrorists.”
The Nigerian leader, therefore, appealed to the military leadership in Mali to understand the critical state of their country, which he described as being ‘clearly under siege’.
Noting that the principal responsibility of the military must be to protect and guarantee the sovereignty of the West African country, the President cautioned them not to perpetuate acts that would facilitate the destabilisation and destruction of Mali.
“I urge our organization to remain engaged with all stakeholders in Mali through our astute Mediator, former President Goodluck Jonathan, who, I congratulate warmly, for his untiring efforts thus far.
“I encourage him to sustain these efforts to ensure that the transition is completed as scheduled,” he said.
A cross-section of participants at the 59th Ordinary session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS in Accra, Ghana on June 19, 2021.
On Libya, President Buhari faulted the recent United Nations Resolution to expel all foreign fighters in Libya, without first ensuring that they were disarmed.
He lamented that while the decision was aimed at bringing about sustenance of peace in Libya, non-collaboration with regional stakeholders has created newer threats to peace, security and stability in the region.
The President warned that this could lead to lack of coordinated management of huge humanitarian crisis across the Sahel, North, Central and West Africa, including the Lake Chad region.
He said, “It is imperative that ECOWAS leaders, at this Summit, decide how the UN-Sub-regional organisations partnerships should be reviewed to address the dangers that this UN Resolution poses to the region.”
The statement by the Nigerian leader at the Summit also addressed other pertinent issues of concern in the organisation, including the ongoing institutional reforms in ECOWAS.
Declaring Nigeria’s unequivocal support to the reforms process, he said he looked forward to an ECOWAS that would be ‘fit for purpose’, delivering services to the satisfaction of the community citizens.
He commended the President of the Commission and his team, the Ad-hoc Ministerial Committee on Institutional Reforms as well as the Council of Ministers for the excellent report presented to the Authority of Heads of State.
In his capacity as the ECOWAS champion on the fight against COVID-19, President Buhari also drew attention to the need for more citizens in the region to be vaccinated, stressing the need for adherence to other non-pharmaceutical interventions.
He said the West African region was in the grip of a third wave, warning against complacency in national and regional initiatives to address the pandemic.
President Buhari reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the noble objectives of the organisation, saying, “I encourage us to take bolder steps towards ensuring that the organisation fulfils the aspirations of its founding fathers, which include a truly integrated sub-region, economically, politically, socio-culturally united and secured to permit its sustainable development and growth.”
June 19, 2021