Cross River State Governor, Professor Ben Ayade, on Tuesday, has said that he won’t accept to step down for any consensus candidate if the process of selection is unfair and unjust.
He said this during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Tuesday.
According to the governor, the decision of the All Progressives Congress supersedes his personal decision, provided the process is transparent and fair enough.
He said, “In a scenario where the party creates very classical elucidations of the basis and selection criteria that I find completely adequate, I will have no objection.
“If the basis for narrowing down to somebody on the consensus basis and I don’t happen to be the one, I need to understand the selection criteria to explain how they arrived at Mr. A and not B. If I feel that is a fair process, of course, I will yield to the supremacy of the party.
“I am a team player and I don’t have any qualms with that. But I must see that it is fair and transparent. I know that capacity will be one of the key factors in consideration.”
Ayade had on April 26 he had secured the approval of President Muhammadu Buhari to hold consultations leading up to unveiling his plans to contest for the presidential ticket of the All Progressives Congress.
He also declared to rally behind former President Goodluck Jonathan if he (Jonathan) emerges as the APC’s Presidential flag bearer ahead of next year’s election.
Ayade disclosed this to State House Correspondents shortly after his meeting with the President at Aso Rock Villa.
CEO of Tesla, Inc, the US electric vehicle and clean energy company, Elon Musk, says he does not have an issue with going to hell when he dies.
The billionaire businessman was reacting to a Twitter user who asked him about his religious views.
In various religions, hell is referred to as a spiritual realm of evil and suffering. It is often traditionally depicted as a place of perpetual fire beneath the earth where the wicked are punished after death.
On Monday, Musk had shared a cryptic post wherein he seems to be reflecting on his fears about death.
“If I die under mysterious circumstances, it’s been nice knowin ya,” he wrote in the terse post.
Reacting to the post, the verified user named Mohammed had advised him to ensure he embrace God and admit to his supremacy before he dies.
“You won’t die before your day Elon. Anyhow, you are/were a unique figure in this world. I’m only wondering one thing: As a genius, haven’t you find out that there is a great creator of this world yet? If you did, make sure you confess this before your last heartbeat. Bless u,” the user wrote.
In his response, the entrepreneur appreciated Mohammed’s advice but said he remains unperturbed about going to hell.
“Thank you for the blessing, but I’m ok with going to hell, if that is indeed my destination, since the vast majority of all humans ever born will be there,” he replied.
Thank you for the blessing, but I’m ok with going to hell, if that is indeed my destination, since the vast majority of all humans ever born will be there.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) yesterday turned down a request by the 18 political parties to alter the timetable for the 2023 general elections.
The commission said acceding to the request would affect its “other activities” and create “unnecessary tension” that could negatively affect the general election scheduled to commence on February 25, next year.
“The commission will not review the timelines,” INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu said during a meeting with Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), the umbrella body of the registered parties in Abuja.
The meeting was attended by All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman Abdullahi Adamu and National Secretary, Iyiola Omisore; Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Chairman, Iyorcha Ayu and National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu; All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) National Chairman Victor Oye and IPAC Chairman Yabagi Sani.
In justifying its call for an alteration to the timetable, IPAC said it discovered that the schedule of activities for the general election was based on “certain circumstances and developments that have hampered timely and strict compliance with the timelines.”
The council specifically urged that the deadline for primaries be extended by 37 days from June 3.
It argued that an adjustment to the timetable would not significantly affect the conduct of the general election.
IPAC Chairman Sani said: “It is within the framework of the enduring bond between the INEC and IPAC in service to the country, that all the 18 registered political parties on the platform of IPAC are joint, without exception, requesting the INEC to consider a slight adjustment to the recently announced timetable and schedule of activities for the 2023 general elections.
“In summary, the general assembly of IPAC …requests for an extension by 37 days to the deadline of the time frame for the conduct of party primaries and resolution of conflicts arising from the primaries:
“By implication, the IPAC leadership is appealing to the INEC to extend the deadline for the conduct of party primaries and resolution of ensuing conflicts from the present INEC given date of June 3, 2022 to 4th August 2022.
“Some of the issues considered by the IPAC general assembly which necessitated the call for extension in the timeframe of the present INEC timetable and schedule of activities are based on certain circumstances and developments that have hampered timely and strict compliance by the political parties to the timetable.
“Some of the constraining developments which, we believe were not considered and therefore, not factored in by NEC while drawing up its schedule of activities include the following; the Christian Lenten season and the Muslim fasting in the month of Ramadan respectively followed by the celebrations of Easter and Eid El Fitr, (Sallah), in which the vast majority of party members were involved.
“It is also, noteworthy that, the scenario was the first time that the two major events in the Christian and Muslim calendars would be occurring around the period of general elections.”
Sani also cited the forthcoming governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states within the timeline of the INEC as “additional distractions and constraints that obviously affect the political parties.”.
He added that “IPAC general assembly regards the time allotted by INEC for the conduct of primaries as too short in view of the efforts required by the parties for effective and scrupulous screening and selection of qualified and quality flag bearers.”
The IPAC boss said that the parties were “not unmindful of the provisions of the 1999 Constitution and the Electoral Act 2022 with respect to timelines in the electoral process” in making the request for an adjustment.
But the INEC chairman reminded the parties that the period earmarked for the conduct of their primaries commenced April 4, 2022, and would end June 3.
“Any review to extend the timeline for one activity will affect other activities and put unnecessary pressure on political parties and the commission,” Yakubu said.
He however acknowledged the fact that the parties had forwarded to INEC, the schedules for their primaries.
His words: “This meeting is the first since the Electoral Act 2022 came into force on February 25 2022. It is also our first meeting since the commission released the timetable and schedule of activities for the 2023 general election over two months ago.
“Already, all 18 political parties have forwarded the schedules of their primaries to the Commission, and some have commenced the process of choosing their candidates by conducting ward and local government congresses.
“The period earmarked for the conduct of primaries by political parties commenced on April 4, 2022, and will end 24 days from today(yesterday.).
“Twice in the last two weeks, the commission had cause to remind political parties of the necessity for strict compliance with the timelines for party primaries. I hereby reiterate the position of the commission that there will be no review of the timelines.
“There are so many inter-related activities that are associated with the timelines which must be carried out. Any review to extend the timeline for one activity.will ultimately result in more complications than what the extension seeks to achieve.
“Therefore, the commission will not review the timelines. Working together, we should ensure fidelity to the timelines in conducting transparent and democratic primaries for the purpose of electing candidates for the 1,491 constituencies for which elections will be held on 25th February and 11th March 2023.
“In the spirit of working together to comply with the requirements of the law, the commission has prepared a document to guide political parties in the conduct of primaries and nomination of candidates for election, including a checklist of the documentation required for a successful nomination..
“Similarly, the commission has prepared a calendar of party primaries for presidential, governorship, national and state assembly seats based on the proposals submitted by political parties as at May 6, 2022.”
Yakubu charged the parties to be committed to “promoting inclusivity in the electoral process” by giving more opportunities to women, youths and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).
No fewer than six soldiers of the 93 battalion, Takun were on Tuesday killed when suspected terrorists/bandits ambushed a convoy carrying the Commanding Officer of the Battalion while on his way to Jalingo.
The ambush attack was said to have occurred at about 6.30am around Tati village on Tuesday morning
Sources said that following the ambush, the whereabouts of the Commanding Officer, Lt. Col Okore could not be ascertained leading to suspicion that he may have been abducted.
According to the source, the six soldiers killed during the ambush include one Staff Sergeant, two Sergeant’s, and three Lance Corporals.
Meanwhile, following a counter-blockade operation by troops at Ananum village, around Donga, troops neutralized two bandits/terrorists while several others escaped into the bush with gunshot injuries.
The troops who were part of reinforcements from Mararaba in Nasarawa state, were said to have embarked on anti-ambush drills to overpower the bandits.
Among items recovered from the bandits were AK 47 rifle, AK47 Magazines, locally made guns, and several rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition.
As at the time of filing this report, the Authorities of the Nigerian Army in Taraba State and Army headquarters are yet to comment on the development
Billionaire businessman and co-founder of Microsoft, Bill Gates has stated that he tested positive for COVID-19.
This was announced on Tuesday by Gates in a post on Twitter.
Gates added that he is experiencing mild symptoms.
“I’ve tested positive for COVID. I’m experiencing mild symptoms and am following the experts’ advice by isolating until I’m healthy again,” he wrote.
“I’m fortunate to be vaccinated and boosted and have access to testing and great medical care.
“The Gates Foundation is coming together today for the first time in two years, and I am lucky to be on Teams to see everyone and thank them for their hard work.
“We will continue working with partners and do all we can to ensure none of us have to deal with a pandemic again.”
Gates has been a vocal advocate for measures to curb the pandemic, especially on access to vaccines and medication for poorer countries.
In his 2021 end-of-the-year message, Gates expressed concern about the unfair distribution of vaccines, adding that with the emergence of new variants and challenges with vaccination, the world is not as close to the end of the pandemic as he had hoped.
“I am hopeful, though, that the end is finally in sight. It might be foolish to make another prediction, but I think the acute phase of the pandemic will come to a close sometime in 2022,” he said.
Flying Eagles head coach Ladan Bosso says his team will go all out for a win against Burkina Faso on Thursday.
Bosso’s charges will take on the Young Stallions in their second Group B game at the WAFU B U-20 Championship.
The encounter is billed for the Stade de Seyni Koutche, Niamey.
The Flying Eagles defeated defending champions Black Satellites of Ghana 2-0 in their opening game on Sunday.
A win or draw against the Burkinabes will see Bosso’s boys secure a place in the semi-final of the competition.
“We must approach the match against Burkina Faso with even stronger determination and desire than we did for the Ghana match,” Bosso said ahead of the game.
“A ticket to the semi-finals is key at the moment, and we can then start thinking of a ticket to the final and a place in the AfricaCup of Nations next year.”
The encounter will kick off at 5 pm.
The two finalists in the competition will advance to the Africa U-20 Cup of Nations scheduled to take place in Egypt next year.
Former heavyweight champ Mike Tyson will not be prosecuted by the authorities after he was recorded on video punching a fellow first-class passenger aboard a plane at San Francisco International Airport last month.
The San Mateo County District Attorney’s Office said it has closed the case and decided against pursuing charges based on “the circumstances surrounding the confrontation.”
“These include the conduct of the victim leading up to the incident, the interaction between Mr. Tyson and the victim, as well as the requests of both the victim and Mr. Tyson that no charges be filed in this case,” District Attorney Stephen Wagstaffe said in a statement.
Police previously said that the victim had provided few details about the altercation and refused to cooperate with the investigation.
Representatives for Tyson previously said the boxer was on a flight with “an aggressive passenger who began harassing him and threw a water bottle at him while he was in his seat.”
The April 20 video shows Tyson leaning over the back of his seat and repeatedly striking the unidentified man in the head, drawing blood.
The footage was first shared by TMZ, which said it was recorded on a JetBlue Airways plane bound for Florida.
Prior to the physical altercation, the other passenger was seen on the video standing over Tyson’s seat — waving his arms and talking animatedly while the former boxer sits quietly.
Attorneys for Tyson praised the district attorney’s decision in a statement on Tuesday, thanking law enforcement for “careful, diligent and professional work.”
Another passenger on the flight, Sarah Burchfield, told SFGate that she had seen the man who Tyson punched at an airport bar earlier appearing loud and quarrelsome.
“When I boarded the flight, I thought, ‘Oh, no, that drunk guy is on our flight,’” Burchfield told the media outlet.
Since Tyson, 55, retired from boxing, he has worked as an actor, podcaster, and cannabis entrepreneur. He was in San Francisco in April for the annual 420 cannabis festival in Golden Gate Park, where he was promoting his cannabis brand Tyson 2.0, SFGate reported.
Tyson became the youngest heavyweight champion in history in 1987 at age 20. During his career, he had 50 wins, 44 of them by knockout.
In the 1990s, Tyson served three years in prison after being convicted of rape. He has maintained his innocence in that case.
Tyson was briefly barred from boxing after infamously biting off part of Evander Holyfield’s ear during a fight in 1997.
CAF has today announced that Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Nigeria will host 2021/22 TotalEnergies Confederation Cup final.
The final is scheduled for Friday, May 20, 2022.
CAF will confirm the kick-off time in due course.
This is the first intercontinental major cup final to be hosted in Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo. Uyo is the capital of Akwa Ibom State – the home of Nigeria’s Premier League side Akwa United.
Last year (2021), the TotalEnergiesConfederation Cup was hosted in Cotonou, Benin where Morocco’s Raja Club Athletic beat Algerian side, JS Kabylie 2-1.
Four teams remain in the race to win 2021/22 TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup. In the first match of the first leg of the semi-finals, DR Congo’s TP Mazembe scored a late goal to secure 1-0 victory over RS Berkane of Morocco.
In the second semi-final, the first leg between Libya’s Al Ahli Tripoli and Orlando Pirates from South Africa saw Orlando Pirates take a 2-0 advantage to the second leg.
The second leg of the semi-finals will be played on Sunday, 15 May 2022.
CAF announced on Monday, that Rabat, Morocco will host the final of the Champions League.
After two hours of meeting with leaders and members of Fulani community, who procured the N100 million presidential nomination forms for him, former President Goodluck Jonathan, is considering running on the ticket of the All Progressives Congress, ABN TV learned.
The former president reportedly met with the Fulani pastoralists between 11p.m on Monday and 1a.m on Tuesday to sort out issues regarding their purchase of the presidential nomination forms without his consent, a development, which made him to reject the offer and denounce those involved in the action.
“We wish to categorically state that Dr. Jonathan was not aware of this bid and did not authorise it,” Jonathan had said in a statement by his media aid, Ikechukwu Eze.
However, it was learned that at the meeting with the Fulani community in Abuja, the leader of the team that procured the form for him, Dr. Ibrahim Abdullahi, apologised to the former president and pleaded with him to pardon their indiscretion and accept the offer to run.
The pastoralists are reported to have told Jonathan that they bought the form for him as a demonstration of their appreciation for the N60 billion investments he made for the Almajiris during his tenure in the form of schools and investment opportunities.
A source at the meeting pointed out that after listening to the Fulani community, Jonathan reluctantly accepted their plea to consider running for the APC ticket as suggested by them and promised to give them a feedback as soon as possible but did not, however, give a specific date.
The former president also asked the Fulani community never to embark on any political assignment on his behalf without first clearing with him given his position in Nigeria and the international community.
Jonathan is said to have also told the Fulani delegation that he was uncomfortable to hear about the purchase of the nomination form for him just like any other person, an action, which he considered insulting to his status as a former president of Nigeria.
ABN TV learned that majority of the inner caucus of the former president’s loyalists, who had vehemently opposed his running on the APC platform, had gradually withdrawn their opposition to the idea and had given him the nod to go ahead.
As a result, some of the key loyalists are reported to have joined with the Fulani community in completing the APC presidential nomination form for Jonathan so as to meet the deadline for the return of the document to the party secretariat in Abuja.
“I can tell you that Jonathan’s loyalists cut across party lines and majority of them have really been encouraging him to run. That is why some of them are helping with the completion of the nomination form for the former president,” a reliable source said.
“The Fulani Group of 10 led by Dr. Ibrahim Abdullahi said they purchased the form out of the gladness of their hearts as a way of paying back former president Jonathan for being kind to them while in office.
“The Fulani community recalled that Jonathan built hundreds of Almajiri schools during his tenure and also allocated the pastoralists cattle seed funds,” the source said.
It will be recalled that Jonathan had on Monday rejected the nomination form presented to him by the Fulani community and upbraided them for insulting him with their action.
He, however, later met with the National Chairman of the APC, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, in a move seen as an acceptance of the offer to run for the ticket of the party, if given the chance.
On a day that the APC scheduled the screening of aspirants to begin on Friday after raking in N2.63 bn from sale of presidential nomination forms, former President Jonathan’s moves elicited mixed reactions in the polity.
Former president, Olusegun Obasanjo, has restated his position that the South-East should be allowed to produce Nigeria’s President in 2023, insisting that it would ensure peace, justice, fairness and sustainable national development in the country.
Similarly, former secretary to the Government of the Federation, Olu Falae, also threw his weight behind a South-East presidency, noting that it is the only zone that has not produced the president in recent times.
Obasanjo, who addressed members of Political Action Committee, PAC, of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, who visited him at his Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Abeokuta, to solicit his support for the quest for a Nigerian President of South-East extraction, said the minimum Nigerians would accept is that the next president should come from the South.
Ime Obi Ohanaeze Ndigbo, at its meeting, last week, mandated its president general and the secretary to constitute a political committee to go around the country to solicit support for a president from the South-East.
The Ohanaeze team consists of Ambassador George Obiozor, the President General; Ambassador Okey Emuchay, the Secretary-General; former president generals of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Nnia Nwodo, and Gary Igariwey.
Others are Professor Anya Anya, former Chairman, Police Service Commission, Simon Okeke, and Dr. Chiedozie Ogbonnia, the National Publicity Secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.
“The next president of Nigeria must come from the South East. The least acceptable minimum is a president from the Southern part of Nigeria”, Obasanjo was quoted by Ohanaeze Ndigbo’s spokesman, Alex Ogbonnia, as saying.
The former President, who commended Ohanaeze Ndigbo for demanding their rights, told the delegation that what he “owes Nigeria is sincerity, objectivity and guidance.”
He maintained the need for morality, equity and justice in a multi-ethnic, multi-religious and multi-cultural country like Nigeria, warning that “it is inconceivable to have peace and progress in a country that is rooted in injustice.”
Obasanjo said: “Federal character, rotation of power and such other measures are meant to help our nation-building process and more sure-footedly, move Nigeria forward” and warned that “riding over these measures rudely, shoddily and roughly cannot augur well for our nation-building process and progress.”
In his remarks, Obiozor commended the former president for his unwavering commitment to peace and unity of Nigeria, saying that Obasanjo remains one of the strongest voices in Nigeria and one of the most respected Nigerians in the world because of his track records of accomplishments while his tenure lasted as the President of Nigeria.
He commended him for his courage, sincerity, steadfastness and passion for justice, especially as it affects the Igbo and the future of Nigeria.
The people of Ebem Ohafia Ancient Kingdom have rolled out warm tributes to Hon. Chief Ibe Okwara Osonwa, Member representing Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency in...
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