Asiwaju Bola Tinubu Backs Sanwo-Olu on Repeal of Ex-Governors’ Pension Law

Former Lagos State governor Bola Tinubu has described the move by the incumbent Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to repeal the Public Office Holder (Payment of Pension Law 2007) as “bold and courageous”.

The law provides for payment of pension and other entitlements to former governors and their deputies. Mr Sanwo-Olu told the State House of Assembly of his intention on Tuesday during his presentation of the proposed N1.155 trillion 2021 budget.

Tweeting on Wednesday, Tinubu expressed his support for the governor’s plan and congratulated him on the budget proposal.

“Congratulations to Governor Sanwo-Olu over the Year 2021 budget which he appropriately christened ‘Budget of Rekindled Hope’. This audacious and enterprising budget will empower our people and begin to rebuild Lagos State,” the APC leader wrote.

“In particular, I would also like to commend the Governor for the plan to commence the repeal of the Pension Law giving pension packages to former governors and their deputies. “This is a bold and courageous move by Mr. Governor and I wholeheartedly support him. I encourage all APC loyalists to do the same.”Sanwo-Olu told the assembly he planned to repeal the law “in light of keeping the costs of governance low and to signal selflessness in public service.”

This bold steps if successful, will put an end to the payment of pension to former governors and their deputies who only work for either 4 or 8 years in office. 

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More Youth Inclusion In Modern Agriculture Will Bolster Economy, Improve Earnings, Says President Buhari

By

Femi Adesina

Special Adviser to the President

President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday in Abuja urged agencies involved in agriculture to further streamline their priorities in the inclusion of youths in driving modern methods of farming while assuring all those interested that an enabling environment will be created for full participation.

In his remark at the launch of National Young Farmers Scheme, designed by the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA) to spur more youth interest in farming, the President said agriculture remains the backbone of the Nigerian economy, being the largest contributor to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

 “We will do more to expand, modernize and revolutionize our agriculture, which is our most important asset. he went further “I have directed that all NALDA’s abandoned farm estates be retrieved to enable thousands of our young men and women to be engaged in farming. This Administration will be achieving agricultural mechanization through this scheme and I am confident that Nigeria under my watch, we will achieve food security in producing most of what we eat. In good harvest years we may even export our surpluses and earn foreign exchange.’’

President Buhari noted that the resuscitation of NALDA will make Nigeria food sufficient and in a few years begin to earn more revenue from export of agricultural commodities. “By virtue of my passion and desire for agriculture and also as a farmer myself, I am directly supervising NALDA as an authority under the Presidency. 

“I am asking the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and State Governments to give full cooperation to NALDA in its activities. With the success of Anchor Borrowers programme spearheaded by the Central Bank of Nigeria and new programmes to revive cotton, palm products and cocoa, the next few years will see a vast difference in our agricultural performance.’’

The President said all the necessary approvals that NALDA requires for effective take-off, beginning with areas of adequate land preparation for crop farming and livestock rearing, had been given, charging the Executive Secretary/CEO of NALDA and his team to continue to live up to expectations and increase their activities in local communities.

“I am told that, so far, 4,333 families have benefited from this scheme and it is expected that many more individuals and families will benefit as the programme is rolled out.

“I now flag off the National Young Farmers’ Scheme.  It is my expectation that the Scheme will take in young Nigerians, graduates and non-graduates alike, and be part of this Government’s effort to reduce unemployment and contribute to the regeneration of agriculture and our economy.’’

The Senate President, Ahmed Lawan, commended the President for his steadfastness in repositioning the agricultural sector since coming to office, opining that the country had already felt the impact of the policies of the administration.

The Senate President said there was a need to encourage agricultural agencies, like NALDA, to work closely with the research institutions in Nigerian universities.

The Executive Secretary/CEO of NALDA, Mr Paul Ikonne, said the discovery of oil in the country hampered the growth of agriculture and increased poverty in rural communities, assuring the President that the concerted effort to revive interest in farming will tackle poverty and create wealth.

Ikonne said the resuscitation of NALDA after close to 20 years of abandonment will go a long way in reducing unemployment in the country, especially among the youth. “Our focus is to engage 1,000 farmers from each of the 774 Local Government Areas, thereby creating 774,000, direct employment annually,’’ he added.

Goodwill messages were given by a representative of the Young Farmers, Fatima Usman Musa and Denmark Ambassador to Nigeria, Amb. Jesper Kamp.

Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu, Kebbi State Governor, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu and Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, also participated in the launch

Ex-Governor's Pension: I won’t Scrap Pensions of Ex-Governors Like Lagos-Okowa

 

Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta, says there are no plans to repeal the pension and entitlements of former governors and their deputies in Delta State.

We reported how Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governor of Lagos, submitted a bill to the state house of assembly on the abolishment of pension payments to former governors and their deputies, a move he said would cut cost of governance.

Speaking on Wednesday, in Asaba, Delta state capital, Governor Okowa said he cannot introduce the policy. “There is an existing law in Delta state on what accrued to the governors and their deputies, that I don’t want to touch,” Okowa said. He went futther “We are not thinking in that direction, my counterpart in Lagos may have reasons why he wants the law repealed but we in Delta don’t want to go into that.

“I don’t want to comment on the decision of Lagos State Governor. Each state has the power to make a decision concerning its governance.”

Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, a former governor of Lagos, had commended Sanwo-Olu for the initiative and advised governors under the All Progressives Congress (APC) to do same.

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#EndSARS:Meet Mr Kenechukwu Okeke- A Nigerian Youth That Sue Pastor Adeyemi, Aisha Yesufu and 48 Others

This is Kenechukwu Okeke. A Nigerian youth in his 40s, that initiated criminal proceedings against suspected top #EndSARS  promoters. He sued Pastor Sam Adeyemi, Aisha Yesufu and 48 others over protest.

Kenechukwu Okeke is a notorious lawyer, with a Twitter handle @HumanRightsNG and also serves as a coordinator for the Good Governance Initiative.

He has records of controversial cases. He attacked Willie Obiano and sued him over the presentation of the state budget for 2019 and as well tackled Anambra State Government for banning the use of tricycles in the state and many more.

He should be reminded of his brother, Daniel Kanu, the youth who promoted Abacha by organizing “YOUTH EARNESTLY ASK FOR ABACHA” (YEAFA). Where is Daniel Kanu today? He is now a shadow of himself! He regretted supporting the late iron man because he was rejected by his people for supporting late General Abacha. Same fate awaits a betrayer young man who thinks money or position is everything in life.

The activist, Kenechukwu Okeke, has filed a criminal complaint before a Chief Magistrate’s court in Abuja against 50 #EndSARS promoters for their alleged roles in the protests, with the looting and destruction of properties, that took place last October.

In the case which was instituted on Monday in pursuant to sections 88, 109(a), 110(1)(c) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, Okeke listed prominent personalities, mostly entertainers and social media influencers as the defendants.

Okeke in his suit alleged that during the riot, his properties were destroyed and the defendants who promoted the #EndSARS protests must be brought to justice.

Those listed as defendants include Musician Damini Ogulu aka Burna Boy, David Adeleke popularly known as Davido, Folarin Falana popularly known as Falz; social media comedians, Debo Adebayo aka Mr Macaroni, and Maryam Akpaokagi aka Taoma.

Other musicians sued include Peter and Paul Okoye, Innocent Idibia aka Tuface, Bankole Wellington popularly known as Banky W, Tiwa Savage, Michael Ajereh aka Don Jazzy and Yemi Alade.

Apart from musicians, others listed as defendants include Senior Pastor, Daystar Christian Centre, Pastor Sam Adeyemi; activist, Aisha Yesufu; ex-Super Eagles legend, Kanu Nwankwo; a former Director-General, Bureau for Public Sector Reform, Dr Joe Abah; journalist, Kiki Mordi, and actors, Yul Edochie and Uche Jombo.

Others are social media influencers – Feyikemi Abudu, Olorunrinu Oduala, Pamilerin Adegoke, Japhet Omojuwa, Ayo Sogunro and Deji Adeyanju were also joined in the suit.

Okeke, who alleged that during the protest, his properties were destroyed, stated that the defendants who promoted the #EndSARS protests must be brought to justice. In his supporting affidavit, Okeke said the defendants played active roles in the #EndSARS protest which later became violent.

The suit from Okeke partly reads, “That the 1st to 50th accused persons between the 3rd day of October 2020 and the 28th day of October 2020, using Twitter, an Internet web source with URL https://www.twitter.com within the jurisdiction of this honourable court did conspire amongst themselves to commit misdemeanour, to wit, promoting and acting in such a manner, with intent to assist in the promotion of #EndSARS and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 97(2) of the Penal Code Act, C53 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

“That the 1st to 50th accused persons with intent to carry out some common purpose, assemble in such a manner or being assembled under the composition of #EndSARS as to cause persons in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, to fear on reasonable grounds that such assembly needlessly and without any reasonable occasion may provoke other persons tumultuously to disturb the peace.

“Properties belonging to the complaint were egregiously destroyed by some riotous and tumultuous persons instigated and incited by the 1st to 50th accused persons.”

While instigating a private criminal prosecution against all the alleged perpetrators and coordinators of the #EndSARS riots on Twitter, the plaintiff said the nation bled, lost lives, and properties worth billions destroyed as a result of the sheer recklessness of some persons.

One of the prominent faces of the #EndSARS movement, Deji Adeyanju, has filed a complaint against Kenechukwu Okeke, before the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee for “acts unbecoming of a legal practitioner.”

 

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US Finaly Promise to Support Nigeria to End Boko Haram – Pompeo

 

The United States Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, said on Wednesday Washington would deploy all the tools at its disposal in the fight against Boko Haram and other terror groups in Nigeria and West Africa.

Pompeo, according to a statement on his Twitter handle, made the promise at the end of a virtual meeting of the Global Coalition to Defeat the Islamic State co-hosted by Nigeria on Tuesday.

An 82-member global coalition led by the US expressed their full commitment to defeating ISIS and other terror groups including Boko Haram at the meeting.

The US secretary of state added that a “great progress” was made at the meeting with the Nigerian government.

Pompeo said: “Great progress was made at yesterday (Tuesday)’s virtual Global oCoalition to Defeat ISIS meeting on West Africa. We will use all tools at our disposal to counter ISIS and its affiliates anywhere in the world. My thanks to Nigeria for co-hosting the event.”

Can United States walk their talks about Boko Haram terrorists in Nigeria and other terrorist groups in Africa. When and how will they support Nigeria? Let's know your views on this article in the comment section. 

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National Association of Nigerian Students Gives ASUU and FG 14-day Ultimatum

 

The National Association of Nigerian Students  (NANS) held a crucial meeting on 9th November,2020 to discuss the unending squabbles between the Federal Government of Nigeria and Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU)

PREAMBLE:

The NANS under the leadership of Comr. Chidi Ilogebe, summoned an emergency students' leaders meeting, with the sole aim of fashioning collective views and way Forward approach to the lingering ASUU prolonged strike.

ATTENDANCE:

The meeting had in attendance the NANS president, members of NANS National Executive Council, Senate President, Principal Officers of the NANS Senate, Zonal Coordinators, JCC Chairmen, Selected SUG Presidents and Some Prominent Students' Leaders from the six geopolitical zones of the federation.

DELIBERATIONS:

The meeting after exhaustive discussions, heated debates and constructive arguments considering the legitimacy and validity of ASUU demands and the Federal Government response and position thus far, resolved as follows:

1. That NANS declares the necessity of minimum of two academic session school fees waiver for Nigerian students in both State and Federal Institutions in the spirit of Covid-19 palliative to ameliorate the economic effects of the lockdown occasioned by the global pandemic to avert mass drop out of students which may increase crime and criminality among youths in the country.

2. That the government has failed to prioritize education, hence the failure to deploy necessary fund for complete overhauling of education sector and total revitalization of university education in Nigeria, through a meaningful budgetary allocation to the sector in line with the recommendation of UNESCO 26% educational budgetary allocation, which can be traced as the root cause of incessant strike by the Academic Staff Union(s) in all Nigeria Tertiary Institutions.

3. That NANS has affirmed the perpetual and continue industrial actions by the ASUU as the only tool to press home her demands as an organized crime against students' career and educational pursuits. Consequently, NANS with no hesitation declares: 14 days Ultimatum for both parties (ASUU and FG) to resolve their impasse for our campuses to re-open or risk Mass Protest #EndASUUStrike Nationwide with economic shut down as the major target.

4. That while both Government and ASUU lose nothing at the end of every strike actions, both salaries, promotions and other emoluments among others flows uninterrupted; Nigerian students are the greatest losers as their career stand delayed, Stay on Campus Extended, House Rent/Hostel Fee Incurred, NYSC age limit Exceeded, Federal/State Job age requirement exceeded among other negative effects and impacts on general life plan of an average Nigerian student which are considered an act of deliberate wickedness.

5. That NANS, on behalf of Nigerian students shall approach the Federal High Court to seek legal redress on ASUU and FG in demand for compensation/Damages for Nigerians students' time wastage, life plan disruption and career delay. These shall include; Mandatory Alternative Modalities for ASUU to press home her members’ demand without interrupting academic calendar; NYSC age limit extension, mandatory removal of age limit for Federal and State job employment, unconditional two academic session school fees waiver and among others respectively.

6. That the leadership of NANS, lead by Comr. Chidi Ilogebe will proceed to have a press conference to address Nigeria students, Federal Government and ASUU on our positions and next line of action as resolved therein.

Signed:

Amb Salahudeen A Lukman (Comr)

Chairman Communiqué Drafting Committee.

Ahmadu Bello University Zaria.

Comr. Danladi Jonah

Vice Chairman

Communique Drafting Committee

Modibo Adama Federal University Yola, Adamawa State

Comrade Ogunsanya Rasheed

JCC Chairman Lagos

Michael Otedola College of Primary Education, Noforija-Epe, Lagos State

Member.

Comr. Nwafor Joshua (JP)

Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki.

Member

Rt. Comr. Adai Pius

SUG President, Federal University of Agriculture Markurdi (FUAM), Benue State. Member

Rukkayya Yusuf

ABU Zaria,Kaduna State.

Member

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Another Protest Looms if We Fail to Do These Things

The President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, on Monday warned political office holders and policymakers against paying lip service to youth unemployment.

He challenged his colleagues in positions of authorities to factor youth employment and empowerment into the 2021 budget so as to escape another round of #EndSARSprotests.

Lawan gave the warning when the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr Sabo Nanono, led top officials of his ministry to defend its 2021 budget before the Senate Committee on Agriculture.

The Senate President said, “Recently, we had protests by some of our youths. Some of them, very genuine, were seeking the attention of leaders and they got the attention.

“So, our budget, especially for 2021, should be mindful of what we do to provide employment opportunities for these youths.

“They demonstrated, they protested because they could do so. There are so many other people who may not be youthful but are also in the same need. They didn’t protest.

“Let us meet them where they are, we don’t want to wait until they also start to grumble or protest we should be proactive.”

Lawan said the oil sector and the white collar jobs could no longer provide the required employment to keep the youths busy and financially stable.

Sanwo-Olu to Save Billions for Lagos by Scrapping Pension for Tinubu and Others

 

The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tuesday announced his bold intention to abolish the payment of pension and other entitlements to former Governors and their Deputies.

He made his intention to repeal the Public Office Holder Act 2007 while presenting the 2021 budget to the Lagos State House of Assembly.

Abolishment of the Payment of Pension Law 2007 will mean the stoppage of pension payment to Bola Tinubu, Babatunde Fashola, Akinwunmi Ambode and other individuals that served as governors and deputy governors in Lagos State.

Apart from pension running into millions, ex governors are entitled to a house in Lagos and FCT with 3 exotic cars every 3 years.  Their ex-deputy Governors are only entitled to a mighty house in Lagos with 2 cars. 

This is the same practice across Nigerian states. Some former Governors are in the Senate, house of Representatives and many are political office holders on appointments like ministers etc and still collecting money meant for the development of Lagos and other states. 

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PDP Asks Buhari to Draw Lessons of Unity from Biden's Speech

The Peoples Democratic Party has urged the President Muhammadu Buhari, to draw lessons from the post-election remarks of the President-elect of the United States, Joe Biden, by addressing the divisiveness, nepotism and marginalisation which are plagueing his regime.

This was contained in a statement titled, ‘US Election: PDP Congratulates Joe Biden, Americans…Says US Election is a Lesson To Leaders,’ signed by the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Kola Ologbondiyan, on Sunday.

The party congratulated the US President-elect, Joe Biden, on his successful election as the 46th President of the United States.

The statement reads partly, “The election is a lesson to leaders that power resides with the people and that there is a limit to how any individual can hold a people to ransom.

“The PDP charges President Muhammadu Buhari to draw lessons from the post-election remarks of the US President-elect by addressing the divisive tendencies, nepotism and marginalization which characterize his administration as well as other actions and policies that threaten the stability, unity and development of our nation.

Also, in congratulating the US President-elect, the PDP urges him to use his new office to promote world unity, peace, global economic, political and international trade collaborations with focus on Africa as well as the developing world.

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#EndSARS: Maintain Peace as We're Leaving The Stage Soon Buhari Urges Protesting Youths

President Muhammadu Buhari, on Monday, told Nigerian youths who have been protesting under the auspices of #EndSARS that it is in their interest to maintain the peace. He further said his own generation “is on the last lap, we are exiting.”

According to a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, the President spoke while receiving the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, Amina Mohammed, Nigeria’s former Minister of Environment, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The statement was titled, “It’s in the interest of our youths to keep the peace, says President Buhari.”

Speaking specifically on the recent #EndSARS protests and the aftermath destruction of public and private property, the President was quoted as saying that, “Our own generation is on the last lap, we are exiting.

“It is in the interest of the youth to keep the peace. They want jobs, infrastructure, and development.

“I have sent a team led by the Chief of Staff (Prof Ibrahim Gambari) to go round the country, talk to traditional rulers, who will then talk to the youths. The views of the youth have been heard.”

Buhari was also quoted to have said that his regime inherited severe infrastructural deficits.

He said that was what his regime was working hard to correct and that it is doing its best within the limits of the available resources.

“That (infrastructural deficit) is what we are fighting to correct. We can’t just sit, fold our hands, and do nothing. We are doing our best within the limits of resources,” he said.

The President was also said to have rued the fact that COVID-19 has shrunk the global economy, noting that “this is something you can’t see, smell, or hear,” but which has wrought devastation on lives and livelihoods around the world.

On climate change, he said Nigeria was concerned about the recharge of Lake Chad, which has great implications on security, irregular migration, and livelihoods.

The Deputy Secretary-General was quoted as telling the President that she was on a courtesy call with her team to flag interest in challenges that concern the UN, particularly COVID-19, climate change, security, and humanitarian responses to the diverse challenges.

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#ENDSARS: FGN is Trying the Resolve of Nigerian Youths

Nigerian Youths protested against the high handedness, extortion and barbarism of an offshoot of the Nigerian Police, Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) for over 2 weeks, lives were lost and properties damaged

The FG and many respected Nigerians appealed to the youths to end the protest because of hijack by same government sponsored hoodlums. The #EndSARS protesters were promised  to stop the protest with a promise to look into their demands.

They agreed and stopped the protest only for the government to freeze the accounts of notable amongst the protesters and have some in jail. Those in hospitals are being threatened instead of being cared for. Families of those who lost their dear ones cannot come out for the fear they will be killed or jailed. 

Is this the right way  of looking into our Nigerian youths demands? The best thing expected of a responsible government is to critically look  into every point raised in the course of the protest and address them squarely to avoid the repeat of such embarrassing events in Nigeria. 

Honestly, FG of Nigeria should know by now that there's a massive hunger in the land. An hungry man is an angry man. Angry Nigerians are more than the happy ones. The implications are that angry Nigerians are like time bombs waiting to explode with little provocation.

Instead of government addressing the serious issues raised with other burning issues affecting Nigerians,   It's been widely reported that the bank accounts of notable 20 EndSARS supporters were frozen by the Central Bank of Nigeria after it got court order to do so. This particular act by the Central Bank has sparked a lot of negative and angry reactions from Nigerians on social media as they expressed their displeasure towards this recent development. Why would a government that ought to be handling burning issues be busy pursuing shadows? Why can't FGN devotes more energy to freezing Boko Haram terrorists sponsors accounts all over the world?

A CBN that can't manage or regulate Nigeria economy very well is now pursuing innocent Nigerians while failing in all its primary responsibilities to Nigerians. It is debasing and abuse of office as against international best practices all over the world. 

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10 Things to Know as Joe Biden Becomes the 46th President of United States of America

 

Democrat Joe Biden is the 46th President of the United States of America with over 290 electoral college votes while the incumbent Republican president Donald Trump is still struggling with 214 votes

There are many things you need know about Joe Biden electoral victory:

1. He is the oldest, 78, to contest for American presidency. 

2. The first to have a black woman as Vice President in America history. 

3. The 4th to win an incumbent President in America history. 

4. Kamala Harris is the first woman Vice President 

5. First Democrat to win in Arizona in the last 24 years. 

6. The first Democrat to win in Georgia in the last 28 years.

7. Also a democrat to win the heartland of America; Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Michigan.

8. Joe Biden won both popular votes and electoral College. 

9.   A President that was elected through both normal voting and vote mailings due to COVID-19 pandemic.

10.  Garnered the highest votes in the history of US Presidential elections. 

What's your take on these great feats? 

WTO Postpones Meeting to Pick New WTO DG

 

The World Trade Organisation has postponed a meeting slated for 9 November 2020 where members are expected to pick a new Director-General after the United States blocked the favoured candidate, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.

The WTO earlier announced that the meeting would hold next week. But a communication seen by AFP showed that the meeting has been postponed indefinitely.

“It has come to my attention that for reasons including the health situation and current events, delegations will not be in a position to take a formal decision on 9 November,” the head of the selection committee told member states.

“I am therefore postponing this meeting until further notice during which period I will continue to undertake consultations with delegations,” he added.

Platform Blog had reported that the United States opposed Nigeria’s Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as the consensus candidate to lead the WTO.

The US said it is supporting South Korean trade minister, Yoo Myung-hee, to become the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation because she is a “trade expert”.

But China, the European Union, African Union and WTO’s ambassadors backed Okonjo-Iweala for the position.

Platform Blog can automatically say WTO is strategically waiting for the outcome of US election to make things easy for them coupled with other reasons for the postponement of the scheduled meeting. 

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Ultimate Love: Kachi Finally Breaks Silence on Breakup with Rosie

 

Barely a  week after Rosie broke the news of her broken relationship with Kachi, the reality Show star Kachi has addressed fans and supporters following rumours about his relationship with Rosie.

Kachi in a note of apology shared on Instagram said he never carried out the actions he was accused of on his partner Rosie. The reality star while apologising to his fan base said he feels hurt to see what they have had to go through.

The former Ultimate Love housemate, Onyekachi Uchagwu aka Kachi, shared on his official Instagram page stated that those who know him very well can attest that he is not capable of some of the things he was accused 

Recall there were rumours that Kachi cheated on his fiancée, Rosie, and allegedly failed to visit her after she lost her pregnancy.

According to him, he needed to find strength before addressing the issue. He wrote: "I sincerely apologize for my long silence. I needed to find strength before addressing the public because I have never been in such a situation before. Those that know me, know what I stand for. We all make mistakes in this journey of life as humans, but I am very much not capable of doing the things that have been circulating on social media.

Still speaking on the matter, the reality star said he feels hurt to see people who have been on the journey with him hurt.

Kachi also apologised to his fan base, Roknation, for the emotional stress that they have had to endure for his sake.

"Roknation, sincerely from the bottom of my being, I am sorry for the emotional stress these past few days have put you through. You have been part of my journey right from the house through the trying times, the sweet times, the joyful times to the teary times, you stood right by me without doubts and unshaken."

The Ultimate Love co-winner made the revelation on Instagram where she stated that they were still on good terms.

Rosie’s disclosure came barely a few days after Kachi released a video of them together in an attempt to quell the breakup rumours.

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US Election 2020: Former President Jonathan Counsels US Presidential Election Likely Loser

 

The much awaited presidential election of the United States of America is gradually coming to an end. The results are not over yet as the president-elect is yet to be declared. Even Joe Biden is leading with highest popular and Electoral College votes, ahead of incumbent President Donald Trump, no winner has been announced yet. Based on many assertions by the incumbent president, there are speculations that President Trump might not want to relinquish power if he lost the election.

Former Nigeria's President Goodluck Jonathan has sent a message to Donald Trump. In his characteristic peaceful style Goodluck Jonathan posted on his social media handle few hours ago urging President Donald Trump to maintain peace and order as his election or ambition is not worth the blood of anybody or citizens.

Goodluck Jonathan wrote saying, "Nobody's ambition is worth the blood of any citizen. It is better to gain honour at the cost of losing power, than to gain power at the cost of losing honour."

"At any point in time, the power of love should matter more than the love of power. This is my philosophy, I have lived it."

"It has brought great peace to my beloved nation and I. And I recommend it to all leaders facing challenging situations, either in government, or at the polls, or even in their dealings with fellow political actors."

Emphatically, nobody's political ambition is worth the blood of anybody or citizens. In a moment like this, the only thing the incumbent United States President Donald Trump could do if he eventually lose to VP Joe Biden is to honourably relinquish power to the winner. Gaining power at the cost of losing honour is far better than gaining power at the cost of losing honour. Let's all allow the power of love to flow not just in US but everywhere.

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US Election: How Electoral College Works

 

The whole world is interested in USA elections for obvious reasons but many people don't know how election works in US even many residents of America. Let's take a look at it. 

The candidate who wins a state’s popular vote typically earns the support of that state’s electors, who are chosen by state legislatures. Each state is allocated a different number of electors based on census results.

Winning 270 electoral votes or more puts you in the White House. And because some states carry more electors than others, it is possible — and perfectly legitimate — for a candidate to lose the popular vote but win the election. That’s why presidential candidates typically focus on winning states like Texas (38), Florida (29) and New York (29) as opposed to Vermont, Wyoming or Alaska, which all have just three electoral votes. Winning three states can mean 96 electoral votes or just nine.

Out of the last 45 contests, five have produced commanders-in-chief who did not win the majority of the popular vote, including George W. Bush in 2000. In 2016, Donald Trump lost the national popular vote to Democrat Hillary Clinton by 2.87 million votes, but secured 304 electoral votes to her 227.

Why are there 538 electors?

There is one for every seat in Congress — 100 senators and 435 representatives — plus three for the unrepresented District of Columbia.

Here, in descending order, is the number of electors pledged by each state:

55: California

38: Texas

29: Florida, New York

20: Illinois, Pennsylvania

18: Ohio

16: Georgia, Michigan

15: North Carolina

14: New Jersey

13: Virginia

12: Washington

11: Arizona, Indiana, Massachusetts, Tennessee

10: Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, Wisconsin

9: Alabama, Colorado, South Carolina

8: Kentucky, Louisiana

7: Connecticut, Oklahoma, Oregon

6: Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Mississippi, Nevada, Utah

5: Nebraska, New Mexico, West Virginia

4: Hawaii, Idaho, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island

3: Alaska, Delaware, D.C., Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Vermont, Wyoming

Total: 538

When does this voting take place?

While we’re all accustomed to finding out who won on election night, the president is not formally elected until the electors cast their votes. They always meet the Monday after the second Wednesday in December following the election. This year, the electors will meet on Dec. 14 to cast their votes. Both chambers of Congress will meet on Jan. 6 to count these votes and officially name the winner.

Electors are “pledged” to a presidential ticket based on the results of the popular vote in each state or district. In most cases, all of a state’s electors go to the candidate who gets the most votes in the state; Maine and Nebraska also use the results at the district level to allocate a share of their votes.

But, yet, it’s not that straightforward. “Faithless electors” can still cast their vote against the candidate that they are pledged to vote for. Seven such “faithless electors” actually voted in 2016 for someone other than the candidate to whom they were pledged: two in Trump’s column and five in Clinton’s.

The rules, you see, are enshrined in the U.S. constitution. But so, too, is the power the states have to decide amongst themselves how to follow them.

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FG To Roll Out One Million Free Prepaid e Meters

The Federal Government says funding has been made to roll out 1,000,000 free meters across the country. President Muhammadu Buhari disclosed this on Wednesday 4, November 2020 via his verified Twitter handle.

He noted that electricity distribution companies would distribute the meters under the first phase of the Presidential Mass Metering Initiative.

“Under the first phase of the Presidential Mass Metering Initiative, we are making funding immediately available for DisCos to roll out 1,000,000 Meters in the first phase, at no cost to consumers. Deployment has already started in parts of Kano, Kaduna, Lagos, and Abuja,” he said.

“Future phases of this Metering Initiative will help us fully meet the 6.5 million deficit of meters nationwide and will impact an estimated 30 million consumers.

“All meters under this program will be sourced from local manufacturers and in-country stock, to create jobs.

“We are committed to ending estimated billing in all forms in Nigeria, and ensuring that Nigerians pay only for the electricity they consume.”

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FGN Set to Borrow Another $1.2b from Brazil

 

The Federal Government of Nigeria has said that it is seeking a loan of $1.2bn from Brazil to finance agricultural programmes in the 2021 budget.

The Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed, made this known during a meeting with the Houses of Representatives Committee on Finance in Abuja on Tuesday.

Ahmed said that a request has been sent to the National Assembly to approve the loan from the Brazilian government.

She said the loan will be used to address issues in agriculture, adding that 100,000 hectares of land will be acquired in each state for food production.

“I request for the approval for loan for the Green Imperative Programme which is for loan of $1.2bn from the Brazilian government.

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Joe Biden About to Make History

 

Biden has already broken the record for most votes ever received by a presidential candidate in United States history.

Joe Biden, 77, has so far received the votes of 70,005,568 people, breaking the record set by his former running mate Barack Obama, who earned 66,862,039 votes during his successful presidential run in 2008, according to the Associated Press and The New York Times.

The numbers also dwarf those of President Donald Trump’s 2016 bid for the White House, in which he received 62,985,106 votes, according to the Times. Joe Biden now has an electoral path to 270 that does not include North Carolina and Pennsylvania. 

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WTO: More Boost for Dr Okonjo-Iweala from Powerful Forces Despite US Opposition

Nigerian nominee for the World Trade Organization (WTO) top job, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has received major boost ahead of the November 9 voting despite US stiff opposition against her nomination.

Recall that the US opposed her and backed her opponent, South Korea nominee, Yoo Myung-hee for the top job. Interestingly, indication emerge that Okonjo-Iweala is still favoured to win as powerful forces have determined to backed her to win the post in defiance of US position on the issue. These powerful forces include top European countries who are ready to defy US pressure to vote for Okonjo Iweala.

 

Another strong forces backing Okonjo-Iweala are WTO Ambassadors who believe in her ability and competence to head the institution. The WTO Ambassadors also have a great role to play in the selection process as their support for a candidate they believe in can help favour the candidate to win the post. More so, the WTO Ambassadors can help to convince their various countries to vote for the candidate they are backing.

Another advantage Okonjo-Iweala has is that she has the full backing of another powerful super power, China. China can stand tall and boldly against the US to ensure that she wins the post. China has many loyal allies just like the US. China also enjoys all the privileges that US enjoys.

China is a major rival to the US and can do all within its powers to prove US wrong by backing Okonjo-Iweala to win the top job against the wish of the US. China is the major Asian giant that many other countries in the continent look up to. Undoubtedly, China will help her secure more votes from other Asian countries to ensure that she wins despite the opposition against her by the US.

Additionally, Okonjo-Iweala has the full backing of her home country Nigeria which nominated her in the first place. She also has the full backing of African countries which is her own continent which means that the coast is clear for her on her home front.

The US would hopes to pressurize more countries including its allies to vote for Myung-hee to ensure that Okonjo-Iweala does not win. Donald Trump's country may use different methods to pressurize these countries including telling them the gains they would benefit from the US if they vote for Myung-hee as instructed and the sanctions as well as other losses they would suffer if they fail to do so. Some poorer countries that depend on the US very well may dance to its tune while some may not and they will be ready to face the consequences. Stronger countries like the powerful China and other European countries that are backing Okonjo-Iweala do not have much to lose and they are most likely to still vote for her to win.  

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