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2019: ADC to field candidates for all elective positions in Adamawa – Chairman

ADC

By Yakubu Uba

Yola, Sept. 23, 2018 (NAN) The Adamawa Chairman of African Democratic Congress (ADC), Alhaji Yahya Hammanjulde, says the party will field candidates for all elective positions in the state in 2019 general elections.

Hammanjulde made this known Sunday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Yola.

Hammanjulde said so far 90 aspirants have purchased forms to aspire for various positions ranging from governorship to house of assembly under the party in the state

Hammanjulde said that one aspirant, the serving senator for Adamawa Central Senatorial District, who defected from APC had picked the form for governorship ticket.

“We have six aspirants for senatorial ticket, nine for House of Representatives and 74 for House of Assembly.

Hammanjulde said that said the forms for Governorship, Senate, House of Representatives and House of Assembly were on sale at the state party secretariat in Yola for easy access.

“You don’t need to go to Abuja like other parties to obtain ADC nomination forms for governorship, senate and House of Representatives.

“Our forms are also cheaper to encourage popular participation; ADC is for the masses,” Hammanjulde said.

While assuring all aspirants of free and fair primaries, Hammanjulde said that he was satisfied with the level of acceptance the party was getting, particularly in the rural areas.

“We are highly impressed with the level of ADC acceptance in the rural areas; from my assessment as at today we have 80 per cent control of the electorate at the grassroots,” Hammanjulde said.

He reiterated the party’s commitment to more grassroots mobilisation and urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other stakeholders to ensure level playing ground and hitch free general elections.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that apart from Sen. Abdul-Azeez Nyako, representing Adamawa Central, other member representing Mubi South Constituency in Adamawa Assembly, Alhaji Abdulrahman Abubakar, and his counterpart of Gombi Constituency, Alhaji Rufai Umar also recently defected from APC to ADC. (NAN)
YMU/AFA

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Edited by Felix Ajide

Inconclusive poll: Refrain from crisis, CDD urges Osun people

Crisis

By Taiye Agbaje

Abuja, Sept. 23, 2018 (NAN) Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) has called on the people of Osun State to refrain from acts that may plunge the state into crisis following INEC’s declaration of the Saturday’s governorship election inconclusive.

The Director of CDD, Idayat Hassan, made the call, on Sunday, in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

She called on the electorate and all political camps to maintain calm.

According to her, at this critical moment in the electoral process, CDD commends the voting public in Osun state `for its very peaceful conduct before and during the election.

”We call on the Osun electorate to continue with its calm and orderly disposition, as INEC works to ensure the electoral process is concluded in line with extant laws and guidelines governing the process.

”CDD, therefore, calls on all partisan camps to refrain from any form of rhetoric, claims or counter-claims capable of disturbing the peace or undermining public order,” she enjoined.

Hassan, who noted that the number of votes separating the front-runner and his closest challenger is 354 votes, said ”Section 44(n) of the INEC guideline empowers the commission to declare an election inconclusive where the margin of votes between the two leading candidates is not more than the total number of registered voters of the polling unit(s) where elections are cancelled or not held.”

”From the results so far released by the electoral umpire, CDD notes that the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ademola Adeleke, is leading the race with 254,698 votes.

”He is closely trailed by Gboyega Oyetola of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who got 254,345 votes.

”The number of votes separating the front-runner and his closest challenger is 354 votes.

”This number is lower than the total number of registered voters in Polling Units where the election was cancelled due to over-voting, ballot snatching and the disappearance of a presiding officer.

”According to INEC, these infractions happened in Orolu, Ife South, Ife North and Osogbo Local Government Areas (LGAs), leading to the cancellation of votes in five polling units with 3,498 registered voters,” she stated.

Against the backdrop, the CDD director called on INEC and the security agencies to thoroughly investigate and prosecute those responsible for acts, which had undermined the electoral process in the affected areas.

”The INEC staffs to be investigated and prosecuted include those involved in the destruction of electoral materials, particularly the staff who tore the Form EC 8A result sheet in one of the Polling Units that was cancelled.

”Also, other ad-hoc staff that engaged in subverting the electoral process must be made to face the full wrath of the law.

”This, in our opinion, will enhance the credibility of the process and boost public confidence in the commission not just in the Osun governorship supplementary elections but the forthcoming 2019 general elections.

”It is pertinent to stress that speedy prosecution of those found culpable would not only sanitise the electoral process but would deter future offenders,” she said.

She also called on the electoral umpire to put in place stringent measures to checkmate a reoccurrence of such acts.

According to her, in line with world best practices, CDD call on INEC to make open its results collation processes.

”Also, the commission should publicly release the material tracking report in the spirit of openness and electoral transparency,” Hassan remarked. (NAN)

TOA/AFA

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Edited by Felix Ajide

Bamigboye

Omu-Aran (Kwara), Sept. 23, 2018 (NAN) The Omu-Aran community in Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara has called for adequate recognition for the late Retired Brig.-Gen. David Bamigboye.

Oba Abdulraheem Adeoti, the traditional ruler of the community and the Olomu of Omu-Aran, Oba Abdulraheem Adeoti, made the appeal in a tribute on the late Bamigboye in Omu-Aran on Sunday.

Adeoti said the deceased being the first Military Governor of the State coupled with the landmark achievements his tenure entrenched across the state deserved to be immortalised.

According to him, the people of Omu-Aran believe that Bamigboye did his best with the resources available to lay a solid foundation for the state as the first governor.

“In as much as we remain grateful to the state government for its love, assistance and support at all time.

“Most recently, we will remain indebted to the government over its supportive roles in ensuring a peaceful selection processes culminating in my coronation as the new Olomu of Omu-Aran.

“But regrettably, it is saddened and disheartening that not a single street or building had yet to be named in recognition of our illustrious son, Bamigboye.

“We are therefore, using this medium to appeal to the government and other relevant agencies to make it a point of duty and address this anomaly,” he said.

Oba Adeoti described Bamigboye as a community leader with sincere for passion for unity and development.

“He is always keen on contributing his quota to the transformation of the community with many infrastructure to his credit.

“As the Esinkin-Omu of Omu-Aran, he will surely be missed and remembered for his fatherly roles and advices,” he said.

Also, Mrs Raliat Oyinloye, the immediate sister of the deceased, described Bamigboye as the rallying point of the family while alive.

“The vacuum left behind by Bamigboye will be very difficult to fill, especially as he was always the rallying point of the family on all issues.

“He is a family man to the core, his love for both the young and old is unquantifiable and surely will be missed in all ramifications.

“We want the government to appreciate him and give him a befitting recognition for his legacies,” Oyinloye, Directress, Omoniyepe Hotels, Omu-Aran said.

NAN reports that Bamigboye died in the early hours of Friday at his residence in Lagos after a brief illness at the age of 78.

Many people across the state have continued to throng the residence of the Bamigboye’s in Omu-Aran to sympathise with the family over the incident.

Born on Dec. 7, 1940, he was credited with establishing the Kwara State Polytechnic, former Kwara State School of Technology in 1972, among his landmark achievements. (NAN)
ISHO/PDE
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(Editing by Peter Ejiofor)

Draw

London, Sept. 23, 2018 (Reuters/NAN) Chelsea lost their 100 per cent Premier League record when London rivals West Ham United held them to a 0-0 draw on Sunday.

Needing a two-goal win to depose Liverpool at the top of the table, Chelsea struggled to make clear chances despite having the majority of possession.

They stay third behind the Merseysiders and champions Manchester City.

The home side could have punished them but Michail Antonio, who was deputising for the injured Marko Arnautovic, missed two first-half chances and Andriy Yarmolenko headed wastefully wide.

West Ham, with only one win so far from their six matches, remain 17th, one place above the relegation zone.

Despite having barely 30 per cent of possession in the first half, West Ham finally came alive after 30 minutes with two good chances for Antonio.

Sent through by record signing Felipe Anderson he shot too high but then forced goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga into a good save after being set up by Yarmolenko.

For all their dominance, Chelsea made barely one real opportunity before the interval when N’Golo Kante arrived to head wide from Willian’s smart volleyed cross.

In the second half it was two of Chelsea’s substitutes who went closest.

Alvaro Morata’s first attempt hit goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski in the face and later Ross Barkley’s curler was also kept out by the home goalkeeper.

Chelsea’s third substitute was experienced defender Gary Cahill, getting a first opportunity under new manager Maurizio Sarri when replacing the injured Antonio Rudiger.

The best chance of the game, however, fell West Ham’s way when Yarmolenko was alone at the far post to meet a perfect cross from Robert Snodgrass, but put his header wide.

After losing their first four games but winning at Everton last weekend, West Ham are showing signs of improvement.

“Signing nine players and with a new manager it was always going to be difficult,” Antonio told Sky Sports.

“Now we’re starting to gel.”

That new man in charge, the Chilean Manuel Pellegrini, understandably felt his side were well worth their first home point of the season.

“A good point in a very close game,” he said. “We played a good tactical game, defended well and created some chances.

“If you don’t score (from) your chances, you must pay. But if you don’t win, then don’t lose.”

Chelsea have another chance to knock Liverpool off the top when they play them at Stamford Bridge on Saturday — three days after the clubs meet in the League Cup at Anfield.

Manager Sarri is likely to make a number of changes on Wednesday but will want to see greater energy and more penetration in the league game after Sunday’s subdued performance.

“Today was a very difficult match,” he said.

“West Ham are a very good team and after they won at Everton they had confidence.” (Reuters/NAN)

KIA/AFA

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Edited by Felix Ajide

Ligue 1

Rennes (France), Sept 23, 2018 (Reuters/NAN) Paris St Germain stretched their perfect Ligue 1 start to six wins after coming from behind to beat Rennes 3-1 away in a rip-roaring clash on Sunday.

The result left PSG top of the French league on a maximum 18 points, five clear of second-placed Lille.

But Angel Di Maria and Thomas Meunier had to cancel out an early Adrian Rabiot own goal which fired the adventurous home side ahead.

Second half substitute Eric Choupo-Moting added the third in the closing stages for the visitors, who rebounded from a 3-2 Champions League defeat by Liverpool on Tuesday.

Roared on by their vocal fans, Rennes twice went close before they stunned the more fancied visitors in the 11th minute.

Towering striker Mbaye Niang glanced on an in-swinging corner which cannoned into the net off Rabiot.

The visitors quickly regained their composure and levelled on the stroke of halftime thanks to a superb Di Maria strike.

The Argentina midfielder unleashed a low shot after Edinson Cavani’s clever dummy from a Julian Draxler cut-back.

PSG continued to pile on the pressure after the break, with Cavani hitting the post and Rennes twice clearing off the line in a frantic goalmouth scramble.

Belgium international Meunier drilled his shot from just inside the penalty area into the bottom right corner of the net after a defence-splitting pass from Neymar.

The Brazilian himself came to life in the second half after a quiet opening half.

Rennes threw men forward in search of an equaliser and were punished after Choupo-Moting volleyed home from close range to put the icing on the cake for PSG.

Stoppage time drew a warm round of applause from the home crowd when a schoolboy fan got past security stewards to embrace Neymar.

The Brazil forward gave him his jersey before ushering the tearful youngster off the pitch. (Reuters/NAN)

KIA/AFA

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Edited by Felix Ajide

Weather
By Sumaila Ogbaje
ABUJA, Sept. 23, 2018 (NAN) The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted chances of scattered rainfall and thunderstorm activities over most parts of the country on Monday.

NiMet’s Weather Outlook by its Central Forecast Office (CFO) on Sunday, predicted prospects of rains over the central cities like Yola, Jalingo, Mambilla Plateau, Lokoja, Markurdi, Jos, Kaduna and bauchi during the morning hours.

It predicted cloudy morning over the remaining parts and prospects of scattered thunderstorms later in the day with day and night temperatures of 26 to 33 and 15 to 23 degrees Celsius respectively.

The agency predicted that Northern cities would experience partly cloudy to cloudy conditions in the morning hours.

It also predicted prospects of scattered thunderstorm over the northeast, Kano, Maiduguri and Dutse in the afternoon with day and night temperatures of 34 to 36 and 21 to 24 degrees Celsius respectively.

According to NiMet, Southern cities will experience rains over Enugu, Obudu, Ogoja, Calabar, Uyo, Eket, Ikom and Yenegoa with cloudy conditions over the remaining parts during the morning hours.

“These conditions are likely to persist later in the day with chances of thunderstorms over most places on the inlands while rains will prevail over the coastal axis.

“Day and night temperature values are expected to be in the range of 28 to 32 and 20 to 23 degrees Celsius respectively over the southern region,“ NiMet predicted. (NAN)

OYS/AFA
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Edited by Felix Ajide

EPL

London, Sept. 23, 2018 (Reuters/NAN) Arsenal broke down a determined Everton defence to win 2-0 on Sunday, with Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scoring two second-half goals in two minutes to give the Gunners their fourth straight Premier League win.

Everton had created most of the early chances as they looked for their first victory at Arsenal since January 1996, but they were unable to find their way past goalkeeper Petr Cech.

French striker Lacazette broke the deadlock just short of the hour mark for the Gunners.

He ran in from the left before elegantly curling the ball into the far corner just beyond the reach of outstretched England keeper Jordan Pickford.

Gabon international Aubameyang doubled the lead two minutes later from what appeared to be an offside position, sending Pickford the wrong way from close range.

The win — and Arsenal’s first clean sheet of the season — pushes the Gunners up to sixth in the table, while the Toffees stay in 12th place. (Reuters/NAN)

KIA/AFA

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Edited by Felix Ajide

Defection

By Deborah Coker

Okpella (Edo), Sept 23, 2018 (NAN) Mr Kassim Afegbua, former Special Adviser on Media to the immediate past Governor of Edo and APC National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, has defected with thousands of his supporters to the PDP.

Afegbua, who was also Commissioner for Information in Edo, was received by the party’s Chairman, Chief Dan Orbih, at Okpella, Etsako East Local Government Area of the state on Sunday.

The former aide to Oshiomhole said he took the “bold step” in rejoining his former party, because of infrastructural deficit in his community.

He said that though he served under the APC- led administration in the state for 8 years, he felt dissatisfied, because of the state of roads and lack of development in Okpella community..

Afegbua also lamented the absence of electricity in the community and complained of high inflation and rising costs of commodities across the local markets.

He said the APC members were defecting to the PDP on account of poor roads and neglect of the community by the state government.

He said that the PDP was sympathetic with flood victims in the locality and blamed the state government for what he termed “slow response” to the problem.

Afebgua said the PDP was aware of donation of relief materials by some Federal Government agencies and appealed against diversion of the items.

The spokesman of other defectors, Chief Ekpen Abu, pledged their readiness to work with the party to win the next election in the area and the state in general. (NAN)

DCO/PD/EMO
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Edited by Philip Dzeremo/Ejike Obeta

Strike

By Edith Ike-Eboh

Abuja, Sept. 23, 2018 (NAN) The Group Managing Director (GMD), NNPC, Dr Maikanti Baru, has urged oil workers to halt their planned strike over a labour dispute involving Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL) management and the staff.

The unions are National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN).

Baru made the appeal in a statement by NNPC’s Group Public Affairs Manager, Mr. Ndu Ughamadu, in Abuja on Sunday.

The GMD, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, said he had directed the management to work with other stakeholders to resolve the issues raised by the leadership of the unions.

He appealed to the unions not to do anything that would disrupt the industrial harmony that had pervaded the sector.

The group managing director expressed fears that the gains of the recent past in the sector, if care was not taken, could be frittered away inadvertently.

He however expressed optimism that the current dispute would be settled amicably.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the unions had recently called on the National Assembly to intervene in the brewing impasse between CNL and its staff in Nigeria

The unions further urged the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources, the NNPC and the Department of State Services (DSS) to also intervene.

The disagreements borders on the company’s disclosure that the contracts with all its manpower services providers would expire by the end of October, 2018.

Consequently, NUPENG and PENGASSAN, last week Wednesday, put their members on red alert.

Meanwhile, the NNPC has allayed concerns of petroleum product consumers over possible hiccups in supply in parts of the country due to the workers’ ultimatum.

It gave the assurance that the corporation had adequate storage of petroleum products across the country to take care of the national demand.

ENO/EMO

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Edited by Ejike Obeta

2019: We will all support whoever emerges PDP presidential candidate – Bafarawa

Support

By Mohammed Ahmed Kaigama

Bauchi, Sept. 23, 2018 (NAN) A presidential aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Attahiru Bafarawa, has said that all the aspirants are committed to supporting any of them that emerges the party’s candidate.

Bafarawa, former governor of Sokoto State, stated this in an interview with journalists in Bauchi on Sunday.

“Two aspirants come from Sokoto my home state, the present Governor, Aminu Tambuwal and me, Attahiru Bafarawa,

“That is not a problem at all because we the aspirants pledged that whoever emerged the candidate, we will all support him as our presidential candidate.”

Bafarawa said what the aspirants wanted was to “rescue Nigeria from All Progressives Congress (APC).

“I am a democrat and therefore ready to support any aspirant who emerges as the party’s flag-bearer in order to move the country forward.

“We all, however, need to be screened before the final decision on the party’s candidate is taken.

“I am not into politics to make money but to serve and I remain the best among the aspirants with 8 years’ experience as Governor of Sokoto State.”

The presidential aspirant presented two books on his eight years of stewardship as governor and pledged to do more as president. (NAN)

MAK/YMU/EMO

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Edited by Yakubu Uba/Ejike Obeta