Executive/Legislature Faceoff: CSOs Warn against Subversion of National Assembly

Executive/Legislature Faceoff: CSOs Warn against Subversion of National Assembly

A coalition of large Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) has condemned in strong terms the ongoing attempt by the executive and their agents to subvert the authority and undermine the legislature, describing such move as an unnecessary distraction and a potent threat to democracy.

The CSOs reason that this latest rivalry has pushed the more important issues of governance to the background as evidenced by the “inaction of government in frontally addressing the emergency issue of meningitis that has claimed over 300 lives of Nigerians while the executive/legislature bickering lasted”.

Consequently, the coalition has vowed to stage a protest to drive home their message that the independence of the legislature must be respected and the democratic principles of separation of powers and checks and balances must be adhered to by all arms of government.

This was contained in a statement signed by Ariyo-Dare Atoye, The Co-Convener of Coalition in Defence of Nigerian Democracy and Constitution (CDNDC), Jude Ndukwe, Convener, Movement for the Advancement of National Transformation (MANTRA), and Deji Adeyanju, Convener of Concerned Nigerians.

The statement read thus: “As we join other CSOs to march against the attempt to kill the legislature and undermine democracy, on Thursday, April 6, 2017, commencing at Eagle Square by 9am, it has become highly imperative for us to be vigilant about the relentless insistence by anti-democratic forces to bring our highly cherished freedom and democracy to their knees.

“While we also insist on National Assembly (NASS) opening its books for public scrutiny and ensure transparency in all its activities, make laws that would improve the lives of the people they represent and repeal any law that serves only the interest of a few highly placed citizens to the detriment of a majority of the people, we call on the executive and its agents to respect the rule of law guiding its working relationship with the NASS.

“It's ours and the responsibility of every patriotic and democracy loving Nigerian to protect and defend our hard earned democracy against those trying to return us to the very dark days of the military era.

“We wish to state that Nigerians are very much aware that the current onslaught against NASS is nothing but just a puerile battle for 2019, and nothing based on good governance or interest of the people!

“We can no longer afford the luxury of these unnecessary distractions. The unholy attempt to kill NASS must stop now!

“Instead of killing NASS, let us merge Aso Rock with NASS with a view to returning the country to the more cost-effective Parliamentary System of government which we once practiced as a nation at independence and which would also still better serve the interest of the people.

“Kindly join us!!!” The statement concluded

Nigerians Are Warned on ISIS Recruitment Strategy

FG alerts Nigerians to ISIS' New Recruitment Strategy


The Federal Government has urged parents and guardians to monitor the activities of their children and wards in order to prevent them from being recruited by the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), which has now resorted to targetting vulnerable individuals, including foreign students, using financial inducements to recruit them into the terrorist organisation.

In a statement issued in Abuja on Monday, the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, cited the recent recruitment into ISIS of 27 medical students of the University of Medical Sciences and Technology (UMST) in Sudan as an example of the new strategy being used by the organisation to recruit more members.

The Minister, quoting a report received by the Nigerian Intelligence Community, said 22 of the 27 students, who travelled to Syria to join ISIS, are Britons.

''According to the report, the students were recruited by one Mohammed Fakhri Al-khabbas, a former UMST student from Middlesborough, United Kingdom. Many of the students are children of reputable doctors in the UK. Their Social Media accounts also revealed them as praising Jihadists and championing ISIS' cause,'' he said.

Alhaji Mohammed therefore appealed to Nigerians, especially those who have children and wards in foreign academic institutions, to pay more attention to their activities, while urging schools across the country to enlighten their students on the new ISIS' recruitment strategy.


Segun Adeyemi

SA To Hon Minister of Information and Culture

Abuja

3 April 2017

Police Raid Criminal Hideouts in Abuja

... Strengthen Security Measure

The Commissioner of Police in the Federal Capital Territory, CP Musa Kimo psc has sent a warning note to criminals still hibernating around the Federal Capital Territory to either repent and handover their weapons or be prepared for a hard time as the Command deploys adequate security measures to decimate  and suffocate them out of circulation.

He stated this at the Command Headquarters while receiving security brief on some laudable achievements of the Command, which include: the arrest of three (3) armed robbery suspects, recovery of two (2) locally made pistols, live cartridges, toy gun and some other exhibits recovered by vigilant police operatives attached to Apo Division who intercepted the suspects on Friday 31st March, 2017 while responding to a distress call. The arrested suspects include: Abdullahi Usman, Hassan Umar and Isah Kassim.

                          

Similarly, on the same date eagle eyed police operatives attached to Bwari Division acting on tip off raided a suspected criminal hide-out at Garam where one suspect was arrested, two (2) locally made pistols and other exhibits were recovered. Efforts is being intensified to arrest the principal suspect who is now at large.

While commending the dedication, resilience and professionalism exhibited by the Police operatives from Apo and Bwari Division who worked assiduously to see to the aforementioned successes, the police boss assured FCT residents that the Command will not renege in fulfilling its constitutional mandate of protecting lives and property. He has also ordered that the suspects in both cases should be transferred to the Command Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department for discreet investigation and possible prosecution.

In another development, Police operatives on duty at Tunga Maje on 31/03/2017 about 7:30pm had a fierce gun confrontation with some dare-devil hoodlums who escaped the scene with varying degree of gun wound, living two casualties on the part of the Police.

Reacting to the unfortunate incident, the CP who personally visited the scene has ordered massive man-hunt to track down the assailants.

DSP Anjuguri Manzah

Police Public Relations Officer

FCT Police Command

Abuja.

Celebrity and Entertainment News

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• ‘Only Married People Should Have Sex’ – Juliana Olayode aka Toyo Baby
• ‘I Was Happy About Kemi Olunloyo’s Arrest’ – Seyi Law
• ‘I Feel Blessed To Be Married To Tuface’ – Annie Idibia
• ‘Since I Became Born Again, My Friends Have Deserted Me’ – Majid Michel
• BB Naija Housemates Get Emotional As Their Family Members Visit Them In The House
• “I Can Still Win A Grammy, Buhari Tried Four Times” – 9ice
• BB Naija: Bisola & Debbie Rise Fight Over Big Brother Naija Game
• Lil Kesh & Little Girl Set The Stage On Fire & It Will Blow Your Mind

‘Only Married People Should Have Sex’ – Juliana Olayode aka Toyo Baby Posted: 02 Apr 2017 08:00 AM PDT Olayode Juliana, aka Toyo Baby in the popular series ‘Jenifa’s Dairy’, is one young and talented lady who knows her onions. In an interview with punch, the actress talked about her life, career and campaign for sexual purity. See excerpts: Background I grew up in Ogba, Lagos, with my family. I have four elder sisters and a younger brother. Growing up was so much fun and there was never a dull moment. But I also had to do a lot of house chores because I was the last girl. Education I don’t want to disclose that for now for personal reasons. As a child, I had a lot of ambitions and at some point, I wanted to become a pilot. I also wanted to become a lawyer and newscaster. Acting While growing up, I never thought that I would become an actress even though I was a drama queen. Jenifa’s Diary I was on my way to church when a friend invited me for an audition. The first time I auditioned, I didn’t do it well but the judges gave me another chance. I wasn’t expecting them to get back to me but they informed me some months later that I had gotten the role. That was my first time on set and I had a lovely time acting alongside experienced thespians like Yemi Solade and Tina Mba. Working with Funke Akindele-Bell0 and playing ‘Toyosi’ in Jenifa’s Diary has been a beautiful experience. Funke is very versatile, hard-working and a disciplinarian. She always takes her time in anything she does because she always wants to come out with the best. Challenges The challenges I have had so far have to do with working with people who don’t share my values. Most times, I reject scripts because I cannot play some roles because of my beliefs. Already, I have acted in movies like Couple of Days, Where Does Beauty Go?, Rivers Within, Click Now, and some others. Other interests I like singing and I’m part of the church choir. Though I don’t have plans to release any song for now, it could happen in the future. Fame Nothing much has changed about me, but I’m more concerned and aware of my environment now. There are also lots of people who want to take pictures with me and they don’t understand that sometimes, I could just be very tired. However, I wouldn’t trade that for anything. It has taught me how to relate better with people whether I’m in a good mood or not. Before now, I could go wherever I wanted but now, I have to be more careful. Virginity I am a strong advocate for sexual purity and it goes beyond the screen for me. That is who I am and I’m not doing it for any other reason than that. Years before I began acting, God told me that He would open doors for me and that wherever I go, I should always talk about Him and sexual purity. I belong to Mine Ministry which advocates sexual purity and we have our World Virginity Day on the second Saturday in June every year. Virginity Day isn’t only for virgins but for all who stand for sexual purity and know that virginity isn’t a thing of the past. There are lots of immoral things on social media which attract a lot of traffic but it’s sad that when you talk about something like sexual purity, people look at you like you’re doing something weird. I must confess that it has not been easy for me. But irrespective of what goes on around me and in the movie industry, I have resolved to stand tall and stay true to my values. Relationship I am in a relationship now but I wasn’t in one when I started advocating purity. Sexual purity isn’t all about being in a relationship or not. A lot of people might think that I’m saying I’m sexually pure because I wasn’t in a relationship but there are some people that could come up to you and say they don’t want to have a relationship with you, that all they want is sex. There will always be pressure and it’s not an easy process but it’s good to stick to one’s values. Sometimes, one may even be tempted to give it all up but I believe that people shouldn’t have sex until they’re married. I don’t need to talk about the kind of man I like because I already have a man I love. Fashion I like anything fancy and decent. I believe you don’t have to reveal any part of your body to be fashionable. You can be all covered and still look very good. There is no fashion item that I’m crazy about but I like accessories though I don’t really wear them. However, I appreciate it when I see it on people. Relaxation I hang out with friends or go to see a movie. I also like dancing and that’s how I unwind. The post ‘Only Married People Should Have Sex’ – Juliana Olayode aka Toyo Baby appeared first on Nigerian Celebrity News + Latest Entertainment News.

‘I Was Happy About Kemi Olunloyo’s Arrest’ – Seyi Law Posted: 02 Apr 2017 07:00 AM PDT Ace Nigerian comedian, Seyi Law, who once had a face-off with arrested controversial Nigerian Journalist, Kemi Olunloyo, who made a public post that Seyi Law’s daughter is obese, has disclosed that he was very happy to hear that Kemi was arrested. He said this will serve as deterrent to people who put out things on social media, to malign others. He went further to disclose that he will be suing an Abuja-based blogger, Emmanuel Oko Ekpo Bricks for writing and trying to defame him for popularity. He wrote: “PLEASE READ THROUGH. I was one of the few who was happy when they heard Madam Kemi Omololu-Olunloyo was arrested as I believed it will serve as deterrent to others who will just put out things to malign others. I was also particularly happy that there is a cybercrime law as I was going to sue a blogger, Emmanuel Oko Ekpo Bricks in Abuja for writing and trying to defame my personality for popularity and even went as far as touring radio stations and granting video interviews claiming I was threatening his life despite the fact that I haven’t spoken with him before up till now. Then, I thought of the mistakes I have made in life that could have kept me behind bars if the victims have decided to pursue the case(s) and I decided to take the path of forgiveness. Madam Kemi Omololu-Olunloyo has never been entirely right and we must acknowledge that and instead of just going after the Pastor, we must ask that he should be kind enough to forgive. I don’t know if what Madam Kemi wrote about the Pastor was true, but what if it is not, we know what it means to have your character questioned, nonetheless we plead for his forgiveness. We can’t force it and so we plead for his forgiveness. I have read from people shouting hell on the Pastor and I just laughed as I know what some would have done if it was them. Please don’t forget that we are Humans first before Pastoral call. I therefore, plead with whoever is behind the case against Madam Kemi Omololu-Olunloyo to forgive for Christ’s sake. Thanks.” See photo: The post ‘I Was Happy About Kemi Olunloyo’s Arrest’ – Seyi Law appeared first on Nigerian Celebrity News + Latest Entertainment News.

‘I Feel Blessed To Be Married To Tuface’ – Annie Idibia Posted: 02 Apr 2017 06:00 AM PDT Annie Idibia is a Nollywood actress and celebrity wife to music icon, Tuface Idibia who have been able to stay together despite the fact that they are both in the spotlight. Tuface recently released the remix of his biggest hit song, African Queen, which was used as an original soundtrack in comedian, AY’s new movie, 10 Days in Sun City, and dedicated it to his lovely wife. In a chat with Sunday Scoop recently, Annie lit up like a million stars while describing her marriage. She said: “I feel blessed to be married to 2face and I’m glad that we share something special. In fact, our marriage is a blessing,” she said. On how she feels that Tuface dedicated the remix of the iconic song to her, she said, “Naturally, I feel good about it and I can tell you that any woman would love such a thing. It is a beautiful thing when the person you love appreciates you…it ranks among one of the best feelings in the world.” The post ‘I Feel Blessed To Be Married To Tuface’ – Annie Idibia appeared first on Nigerian Celebrity News + Latest Entertainment News.

‘Since I Became Born Again, My Friends Have Deserted Me’ – Majid Michel Posted: 02 Apr 2017 05:00 AM PDT Popular Ghanaian actor, Majid Michel shocked fans last year when he announced that he had become a born again Christian and was going to let go of all worldly things and romantic movie roles. In an interview with Abusa FM Ghana, Majid revealed that being born again has cost him a lot of friends. Most of his friends, he says, have deserted him after he made the decision to become born again. He also said he had to let go of some friends who are detractors and cannot help him achieve the goals he’s set for himself as a Christian. His vision, he adds, determines his friends and so, to be at a better position in serving God effectively, he has to make room for those who will help him attain that goal. While attributing his success as a good Christian to his friends, Majid said: ‘If you’ve a plan or goal it determines the kinds of books you read, the kind of friends you hold and the kind of people you hang around with. Pascal and Timothy became close to me because we’ve like minds of doing the work of God and they’ve become my friends. ‘Even if we go to a hotel and I’ve a lady friend, I’m monitored by Pascal and he asks who that person is. Sometimes I can have friends who can entertain lady friends and that makes it very important to know which friends you can really move with’. The post ‘Since I Became Born Again, My Friends Have Deserted Me’ – Majid Michel appeared first on Nigerian Celebrity News + Latest Entertainment News.

BB Naija Housemates Get Emotional As Their Family Members Visit Them In The House Posted: 02 Apr 2017 04:00 AM PDT It was an emotional moment in the Big Brother Naija house yesterday 1st April, as family members of the contestants paid them a visit in the house. They were however not allowed to respond to the words said to them by their family members. Efe, Debbie Rise, TBoss, Bisola were in tears as their family members spoke to them. See video: The post BB Naija Housemates Get Emotional As Their Family Members Visit Them In The House appeared first on Nigerian Celebrity News + Latest Entertainment News.

“I Can Still Win A Grammy, Buhari Tried Four Times” – 9ice Posted: 01 Apr 2017 11:00 AM PDT Nigerian singer, 9ice  the Gongo Aso has revealed that as long as he’s still doing music, the dream of winning a Grammy award remains alive. Speaking with The Punch, he said,” “I am still working on bringing the Grammy to Nigeria. Abraham Lincoln tried several times before he became the president of the US while Buhari tried about four times before he became president.”  As long as I am still doing music, I can still get the Grammy” he said. The singer also said he maintains a cordial relationship with his former Coded Tunes label mates, Olamide and Reminisce.  “There is no issue between myself, Olamide and Reminisce. The reason I was not at one of Olamide’s concerts was because I was not in the country and that was the same reason I missed Reminisce album listening party. “It is just that our schedules are tighter now. I was on Olamide’s first album and he was on my last album. I have so many songs with Olamide that are yet to be released. I also feature in about four songs with Reminisce that have not yet been released. I am on his recent album. “It is just that I have a busy schedule now.” The post “I Can Still Win A Grammy, Buhari Tried Four Times” – 9ice appeared first on Nigerian Celebrity News + Latest Entertainment News.

BB Naija: Bisola & Debbie Rise Fight Over Big Brother Naija Game Posted: 01 Apr 2017 10:00 AM PDT Big Brother Naija reality TV show, Bisola and Debie-Rise on Friday, March 31 engaged in a heated argument, resulting to Derby-rise calling Bisola “senseless.” Biggie gave the housemates a task to create a game tournament and after setting it all up, Debie-Rise pushed for a change in the rules and Bisola immediately opposed. Both housemates got into a disagreement. Debie-Rise walked past Bisola and told her to “keep shut!”. Bisola would not take that as she retorted and rounded up by telling Debie-Rise to “close her fears and be bloody deaf. The post BB Naija: Bisola & Debbie Rise Fight Over Big Brother Naija Game appeared first on Nigerian Celebrity News + Latest Entertainment News.

Lil Kesh & Little Girl Set The Stage On Fire & It Will Blow Your Mind Posted: 01 Apr 2017 09:00 AM PDT YAGI boss, Lil Kesh was spotted competing against a little girl on stage during a performance in Indigo. The little girl and the ‘Shele gan gan crooner’ set the stage on fire. Watch video below: The post Lil Kesh & Little Girl Set The Stage On Fire & It Will Blow Your Mind appeared first on Nigerian Celebrity News + Latest Entertainment News.

NIGERIA:Civil Society Condemns Executive Recklessness

Executive/Legislature Face-Off: Enough of this Executive Recklessness

We have observed with great shock the relentless campaign of calumny orchestrated by the executive arm of government to silence the legislature with the inordinate aim of riding roughshod over Nigerians without being checked.

This severe campaign follows impudent acts of autocracy and tyranny against the senate in particular and the national assembly in general by the executive with the sole aim of undermining the senate and emasculating the national assembly for very obvious reasons.

After having succeeded in intimidating, harassing and nearly emasculating the judiciary, it is only natural that to complete the job of routing every democratic impediment to the excesses and recklessness of the executive, the legislature is their next port of call.

These unfortunate developments have put us as a nation at the great risk of descending speedily into the unenviable state of anomie, anarchy, chaos and doom where impunity reigns supreme.

These follows the continued denigration, humiliation and scurrilous attacks visited on the other arms of government by an overbearing executive that has found it extremely difficult to subject itself to the principles and tenets of democracy which include “separation of powers” and “checks and balances”.

The latest attacks on the senate in particular has not come to discerning Nigerians as a surprise as we all saw the handwriting on the wall a long time ago.

For an executive which disobeys court orders with impunity, insolently defying the judiciary in the process and ridiculing that arm of government with disparaging comments from government officials just to serve their own pecuniary interests, we knew it was only a matter of time for the legislature to become its next victim.

We are even more appalled by the defence put up by some prominent Nigerians for the excesses of the executive. These hypocrites who have joined in bitterly criticizing the senate over its rejection of Ibrahim Magu as the substantive chairman of the EFCC, hailed the DSS reports that were used to intimidate and harass the judiciary recently but have turned around to ignore, reject and even criticize the same DSS’ report with all its weighty allegations against Magu.

Would it have been advisable for the senate to ignore such security report and confirm Magu just to satisfy the whims and caprices of a few individuals in the executive at the expense of national security and image? Even the DSS report concluded that “Magu has failed the integrity test and will eventually constitute a liability to the anti-corruption drive of the present administration”. Why should any right thinking citizen expect the senate to ignore this warning?

In fact, in other climes where there is still a modicum of morality and integrity among the executive arm of government, Mr Ibrahim Magu should by now have been arrested and prosecuted based on the report of the DSS against him, rather he is enjoying the patronage of those who are too blind to see the incurable injury they are causing our democracy just to spite the senate.

Furthermore, it is quite laughable that the same Magu who has been described as fearless by his patrons has not been able to muster the necessary courage to move against Dr Kayode Fayemi, Rotimi Amaechi and a plethora of other executive officials serving in this “saintly” government despite the petitions and evidence against them.

It is very obvious that the senate has become a scapegoat and an instrument of distraction in the hands of the executive to divert the attention of Nigerians from the biting hunger in the land, infrastructural coma, collapse of power and the abysmal state of the nation’s economy which the Buhari-led government has plunged us into.

Rather than dissipate energy on undermining the senate just to score needless cheap political points, we urge the executive to wake up to its responsibilities and stop the wanton killings going on all over the nation, obey court orders, stem the nation’s unabated descent into autocracy and rescue the economy. It is only after this has been done that they can boast of any moral right to criticize other arms of government.

Finally, we hereby call on the Senate and the House of Representatives not to allow themselves to be cowed by the antics of anti-democratic forces in the executive and other places trying to impose military-styled rule upon the nation through the backdoor. We shall resist such antics to the last!

Based on the foregoing, we have concluded plans and started mobilizing other CSOs and good-spirited Nigerians to defend democracy and the institution of the legislature by staging a solidarity rally to the national assembly on 6^th of April, 2017.

This has become necessary because we know there cannot be democracy without the legislature and where there is a weak legislature fascism rules.

We say enough of this executive recklessness!

 

Signed:

1)      Jude Ndukwe

            Convener, Movement for the Advancement of National Transformation (MANTRA)

2)      Ariyo Dare-Atoye

Co-Convener, Coalition in Defence of Nigerian Democracy and Coalition (CDNDC)

Let Your Life Shout

Let Your Life Shout

The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good.

– Psalm 14:1

Most of us would never dream this verse could apply to us. After all, we’re believers! We’d never say that there is no God.

But maybe we should think again. It’s true that with our mouths we would never say something like that...but don’t we sometimes say it with our actions?

We say it by sinning just a little here and there and thinking it won’t matter. We’ll go to an immoral movie or have a gossip session about the pastor, ignoring God’s command to the contrary.

With our actions we’re saying, “There is no God.”

Psalm 14:1 connects that kind of thing to corruption. Whether you realize it or not, the more you act that way, the more corrupt you’re going to become.

Don’t make the foolish mistake of publicly proclaiming Jesus as your Lord, and then privately denying Him one little action at a time. Use wisdom in everything you do so that both your heart and your life shout loudly, “My God reigns!”

Scripture Reading: Psalm 14:1-7, 15:1-5

© 1991 Eagle Mountain International Church, Inc. aka: Kenneth Copeland Publications All rights reserved.

Kenneth Copeland

Buhari Makes More Appointments for Boards

PRESIDENT BUHARI APPROVES EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT OF SOME GOVERNMENT AGENCIES

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved appointments into the executive management of some government agencies and parastatals.

The new chairman of the board of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) is former newspaper editor and ex-presidential spokesman, Chief Duro Onabule.
Other executive directors of NTA include: Dr Steve Egbo, Administration and Training; Abdul Hamid Salihu Dembos, Marketing; Mohammed Labbo, News; Fatima M. Barda, Finance; Stephen Okoanachi, Engineering; and Wole Coker, Programmes.

At the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Aliyu Hayatu is new chairman, while Buhari Auwalu and Yinka Amosun, are Zonal Directors, Kaduna and Lagos, respectively.

Under the Ministry of Information and Culture, the following agencies have new appointees: Nigerian Film Corporation, Dr Chika Maduekwe, General Manager; National Theatre and National Troupe of Nigeria, Comrade Tar Ukoh, Artistic Director; National Council for Arts and Culture, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, Director-General; National Film and Video Censors Board, Folorunsho Coker, Director-General.

At the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, is chairman, while the new Director-General is Engr. Mustapha Yunusa Maihaja.

Other members of the NEMA Board are the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Engr. David Babachir Lawal; Captain Talba Alkali, representing Ministry of Transport and Aviation; Amb. Rabiu Dagari, Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Dr Ngozi Azadoh, Ministry of Health; Alhaji Muhammadu Maccido, Ministry of Interior; Engr. Ajisegiri Benson Akinloye; Ministry of Water Resources, AVM Emmanuel Anebi; Nigerian Armed Forces; and AIG Salisu Fagge Abdullahi, Nigerian Police Force.


FEMI ADESINA
Special Adviser to the President
(Media and publicity)
March 31, 2017