- The chairman of the National Caretaker Committee of the PDP, Ahmed Makarfi, has been accused by Buruji Kashamu of turning the opposition party into a Southern party

- Kashamu claimed that Makarfi had betrayed the North because of his own presidential agenda

- The senator however stated that the Northereners are politically conscious, and expressed confidence that Makarfi’s plan would not succeed

Senator Buruji Kashamu (PDP-Ogun East) has accused the chairman of the National Caretaker Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ahmed Makarfi, of reducing the opposition party to a Southern party.

According to Punch, the senator made his comments as he reflected on the activities which were leading up to the party’s upcoming National Convention.

READ ALSO: Tension in PDP over 'missing' N9b inherited from Muazu

NAIJ.com gathers that he alleged that Makarfi had betrayed his constituency, the North, because of his own presidential ambitions.

He stated: “Makarfi is surprisingly betraying his constituency, the North, and reducing the PDP to a Southern or regional party because of his presidential agenda.

“But, I know that the average northerner is politically conscious, sagacious and dynamic.

“Thus, logic is likely to prevail over the thinking that elections at the National Convention shall be a bazaar for the highest bidder, irrespective of the likely hazard to the existence of the party.

“This will discourage the misappropriation of state funds for unworthy political misadventures.”

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Meanwhile, NAIJ.com previously reported that Senator Buruji Kashamu (PDP-Ogun East) described the tenure of Senator Ahmed Makarfi, the chairman of the National Caretaker Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as a disaster and the worst nightmare for the party.

Kashamu made his comments in a statement issued in reaction to the PDP’s poor performance at the Anambra governorship election which held on Saturday, November 19.

Kashamu stated that Makarfi had brought ill-luck to the PDP.

Nigerians want PDP back in 2019 - Goodluck Jonathan declares at PDP Caucus - on NAIJ.com TV:

Source: Naija.ng

Dr Alex Ekwueme, a former vice president during the tenure of Shehu Shagari, has passed away in a London hospital in the late hours of Sunday, November 19.

A family release confirmed the tragic development.

"The family regrets to announce the peaceful passing away of their patriarch, the former Vice-President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Dr Alex Ifeanyichukwu Ekwueme (GCON).

"The sad event occurred at The London Clinic at 10:00 pm on Sunday 19th November 2017," a statement signed by HRH Prof Lazarus Ekwueme, a younger brother of the deceased, read.

Former Vice President Alex Ekwueme dies at 85 in London hospital

President Buhari approved foreign treatment of Nigeria's former VP two weeks ago. Ekwueme departed for London on Sunday, November 12, with suspected chest infection.

Dr Alex Ifeanyichukwu Ekwueme was born in Oko, Orumba North local government area, Anambra state, on October 21, 1932.

He is a distinguished architect, with a bachelor's degree of the University of Washington, a master's degree in urban planning, and a PhD in Architecture from the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK. The late elder statesman also earned degrees in philosophy, history, sociology and law.

Dr Ekwueme gained national and international recognition after emerging as the first elected vice president of Nigeria, in the period of the Second Republic. He worked in the Shehu Shagari administration from October 1, 1979, till December 31, 1983.

Rest in peace.

Source: Naija.ng

Opposition political parties have described the victory of Willie Obiano in the Anambra state governorship election as a good sign for the country’s democracy.

The Guardian reports that the Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) commended INEC for maintaining fairness and impartiality during the poll.

The Guardian newspaper for Monday, November 20, 2017. Photo credits: Snapshot from NAIJ.com

READ ALSO: Ex-PDP chairman's son stabbed to death by wife

Chief Willy Ezugwu, the secretary general of CNPP in a statement urged INEC to sustain the level-playing field it ensured in Anambra state up till 2019 and beyond.

Ezugwu said: “For us, the people have spoken and the voice of the people is loud and clear in Anambra State. We urge the candidates to continue to embrace themselves, even now that the election is over.

“We rejoice with Governor Willie Obiano on his re-election for a second tenure. We urge him to use this opportunity to build lasting bridges and extend a warm hand of fellowship to his brothers and sisters who contested against him.

"This is with a view to harmonising the huge human and material resources in the state maximally in his next four years, in order to do more for Anambra people."

Meanwhile, This Day reports that the victory of the All Progressives Grand Alliance’s (APGA) candidate, Governor Willie Obiano, in the Anambra state governorship election has created a political level playing ground in the country.

This Day newspaper for Monday, November 20, 2017. Photo credits: Snapshot from NAIJ.com

The newspaper reports that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) had planned to consolidate its hold in the southwest with a victory in the election but failed to do so as its candidate, Tony Nwoye, trailed second with 98,752 votes.

While the effort by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to expand its dominance in the southeast region by snatching the only APGA controlled state in the region suffered setback.

In a related development, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Anambra poll, Oseloka Obaze, has rejected outcome of the Anambra election.

Vanguard reports that Obaze insisted that the election result did not reflect the will of the people.

Vanguard newspaper for Monday, November 20, 2017. Photo credits: Snapshot from NAIJ.com

He said: “The over voting and inconsistencies between the counted ballots and card reader data remains exceedingly worrisome.

“The uniformity of the incumbent governor wining 21 local governments is a political aberration in the context of Anambra politics.

The Punch reports that Obaze maintained that the poll results had been predetermined.

The Punch newspaper for Monday, November 20, 2017

He said: “It has never happened in Anambra politics that the winner wins 21 local governments. So, we need to look closely at what happened, why the incumbent governor is coming out top consistently.

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“That questions whether the other candidates have no stronghold as individuals and their respective parties. There is a certain dubious consistency that, just on the face of it, is an aberration.”

“INEC has to give an account on why there was over-voting, why there was inconsistency between what was uploaded and what was actually voted. If you have a higher number on the chart and there were no issues where people were fully accredited and left, then how did you have higher figures in the card readers than the voting itself?”

In other news, the federal government has accused banks of working to derail its anti-corruption war, the Nation reports.

The Nation newspaper for Monday, November 20, 2017. Photo credits: Snapshot from NAIJ.com

The government alleged that the CBN and the banks are opposing effort to ensure strict implementation of the Bank Verification Number (BVN) policy.

Anambra election: Awka residents speak on who they will vote for and why on NAIJ.com TV

Source: Naija.ng

- Osita Chidoka, United Progressive Party (UPP) governorship candidate, has spoken up on just concluded election in Anambra state

- Chidoka said he had accepted defeat in the election even before INEC announced the result

- He, however, declared that he lost because he would not play the usual money politics

Chief Osita Chidoka, United Progressive Party governorship candidate, has accepted defeat even before Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC)’s final declaration of the winner.

News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Chidoka, the former minister of aviation, accepted the defeat in a statement entitled:''Politics Anambra election: Why I lost polls” in Awka on Sunday, November 19.

''I have accepted defeat in the Anambra governorship election even as result is still being announced by the INEC.''

READ ALSO: Why I did not implement Confab report - Jonathan

Chidoka said that he lost because he would not play the usual money politics. Our campaign attracted the finest and brightest of Anambra.

According to him, ''The bold and the courageous were with us as we exerted our best in running the most robust issue-based and technology-driven campaign in the history of our dear state. We attempted to change the course of events and chart a new beginning for our state.

''We believed and we dared; we engaged with all patriotic vigour as we held strongly that the long awaited time for our people to experience a new opportunity had come and we laboured for it. In all, our focus was the people; the forgotten, the poor and the disadvantaged.

''They were the prime impetus for our involvement. We beheld their agony and we strived to redirect and vent that energy through a genuine political process.''

He said the UPP heard the complaints of the people and worked to redirect them from the streets to the ballot box.

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Chidoka said he rejected god-fatherism and money politics and made personal sacrifices with small donations and goodwill of a few good men and women.

He said his campaign remained issues-based, adding that he did not attack anybody before, during and after the campaigns.

According to him, ''But from the ballots, we heard the voice of our people. We heard it loud and clear. On November 18 our people announced strongly their rejection of politicians. They traded their votes because they doubted we would truly represent their interest.

''While our message resonated with the people they doubted that the political class cared about them. They voted for the highest bidder.''

Meanwhile, NAIJ.com had reported that he congratulated Governor Obiano for recording victory in the poll even though the official results have not yet been announced by INEC.

The UPP candidate in a tweet said he called and congratulated Nkem Okeke, deputy governor of Anambra for their election victory, adding that he was unable to reach Governor Willy Obiano on the phone.

Anambra election: Awka residents speak on who they will vote for and why on NAIJ.com TV:

Source: Naija.ng

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), on Monday, November 20, reports that Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), grew in third quarter of 2017 by 1.40 per cent.

In a report titled ‘Nigeria Gross Domestic Product Report’, the NBS noted that the development represents the second consecutive positive growth since the emergence of the economy from recession in the second quarter of 2017.

The report read: "The nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew in Q3 2017 by 1.40% (year-on-year) in real terms, the second consecutive positive growth since the emergence of the economy from recession in Q2 2017.

READ ALSO: N-power releases details on how to check pre-selection status for 2017 candidates

"This growth is 3.74% points higher than the rate recorded in the corresponding quarter of 2016 ( –2.34%) and higher by 0.68% points from the rate recorded in the preceding quarter, which was revised to 0.72% from 0.55% (Q2 was revised following revisions by NNPC to oil output and hence led to revisions to Oil GDP) .

"Quarter on quarter, real GDP growth was 8.97% Year to date Real GDP growth stands at 0.43% In the quarter under review, aggregate GDP stood at N29,451,303.99million in nominal terms higher when compared to N26,537,651.01 million in Q3 2016, resulting in a Nominal GDP growth of 10.98%

"This growth is higher relative to growth recorded in Q3 2016 of 9.15%,” the report noted.

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NAIJ.com had reported that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said that the growing debt profile of the Nigerian government could be worse and needs to be carefully managed.

IMF said in its 2017 Economic Outlook released on Thursday, November 16, that public debt rose above 50% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 22 sub-Saharan African countries at the end of 2016 and could rise to as high 60% in countries that had hitherto depended on oil, especially in Nigeria, Gabon and Angola.

Are Nigerians truly tired of President Buhari? on NAIJ.com TV:

Source: Naija.ng

- Southeast governors have reacted to the death of Nigeria’s former vice president, Dr Alex Ekwueme

- The governors’ forum stated that Ekwueme’s death is a huge loss to Ndigbo and the nation in general

- The governors disclosed that they would soon map out a strategy to honour the late statesman, and stated that Ekwueme left at a time when his advice was needed the most

The South East Governors Forum on Monday, November 20, joined millions of Nigerians to mourn the death of former Nigeria’s vice president, Dr Alex Ekwueme, NAN reports.

Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi and chairman of the forum described Ekwueme’s death as the end of an era, in a statement in Abakalilki.

READ ALSO: Makarfi has betrayed the North and turned the PDP to a Southern party - Kashamu

NAIJ.com notes that the elder statesman died at a London clinic at about 10pm. on Sunday, November 19, according to his brother, Igwe Laz Ekwueme.

Ekwueme, who turned 85 years in October, was reported to have collapsed in his residence in Enugu a few weeks ago.

He was immediately taken to Memfys Neurosurgery Hospital in Enugu from where he was moved to London for further medical attention on the orders of President Muhammadu Buhari.

Ekwueme was the vice president to Alhaji Shehu Shagari between 1979 and 1984.

According to the forum, the death is a rude shock and a great loss to Ndigbo in particular and Nigeria as a whole.

“I commiserate with the Anambra Government and the entire Ekwueme family of Uga in Orumba North Local Government Area of the state over the loss,” the chairman said.

He prayed God to grant the deceased eternal rest in His bosom.

Umahi continued: “The death of our father and leader is devastating, especially during this period that his advice is needed most.

“He was a great Nigerian who believed in the unity of the country and we have learnt a lot from his deep political sagacity, as his children.

“We have lost a gem, gentleman, decent politician and academia; and the South-East through its governors would soon map programmes to pay its last respect to the fallen iroko tree.”

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Meanwhile, NAIJ.com previously reported that Chief Willie Obiano, the governor of Anambra state described the death of the former vice president of Nigeria, Alex Ekwueme, as painful.

Obiano confirmed the death of the statesman and stated that Anambra state would miss the late vice president.

Who is Nigeria greatest president ever? - on NAIJ.com TV:

Source: Naija.ng

There is one thing that makes every wedding special and it is a drop dead gorgeous bride. Newly-wed bride, Adesua Etomi knew just that when she stole the show at her traditional wedding with Banky W.

The pretty bride Adesua Etomi defined style when she stepped out in four different avant garde outfits for the single occasion. With a pretty face and perfect figure, Adesua managed to make fans love her even more with her style and fashion

READ ALSO: See photos of your favourite celebrities at Banky W and Adesua Etomi’s traditional wedding

The wedding which shut down the city of Lagos on November 19 witnessed the beauty showing off her Edo culture and warming up to her husband's Yoruba culture. Adesua made a pretty bride and dazzled in three colours; pink, blue and black on her special day.

NAIJ.com brings you four gorgeous dresses worn by Adesua for her traditional wedding.

4 stunning dresses Adesua Etomi choses for her wedding with Banky W

1. The Edo bride

The Edo bride was Adesua's first look and most peopl's favorite. The pink satin dress was adorned with stones and beads which made the bride look royal.

2. Side view of the Edo bride

2. Yoruba princess

The stylish lady dress is one that mixed class and style in the perfect combination. The dark blue dress is one that has left people loving tube dresses.

READ ALSO: BAAD17: Adesua Etomi looks absolutely beautiful on her traditional wedding day

3. Stylish lady

Showing a bit of thighs, Adesua looked elegant in her black and grey dress.

4. Black and proud

5. The hot diva

Lovely photos of Adesua Etomi's traditional wedding dresses Source: Gistreel

The last dress which was embellished with silver is the ultimate party dress.

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How long should it take between a proposal and the actual wedding? on NAIJ.com TV

Source: Naija.ng

- Former President Goodluck Jonathan clocks 60th on November 20

- Ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar sent him a congratulatory messgae

- In the message, Atiku called him the face of democracy in Nigeria

Atiku Abubakar, the former vice president of Nigeria under the regime of Olusegun Obasanjo, sent a birthday congratulatory message to former President Goodluck Jonathan.

The former president, who was born on November 20, 1957, and turned 60 on Monday, November 20, 2017, ruled Nigeria as President from 2010 to 2015 after succeeding the late President Umar Musa Yar'adua.

READ ALSO: Why I did not implement Confab report - Jonathan

Atiku, in his congratulatory message to Jonathan, said: "A very happy 60th birthday to Dr. Goodluck Jonathan @GEJonathan, the Face of Democracy in Africa. Your words that your ambition isn’t worth the blood of our citizens will stand forever.

I wish you continued good health and wisdom."

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Meanwhile, NAIJ.com previously reported that President Muhammadu Buhari has felicitated with former President Goodluck Jonathan on his 60th birthday, slated for Monday, November 20.

The President in a statement by the special adviser on media and publicity, Femi Adesina, joined members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), professional colleagues, associates of Dr. Jonathan, and his family in celebrating the unique history of the Nigerian leader.

Jonathan was never a bad president - on NAIJ.com TV

Source: Naija.ng

- The Anambra state governorship election is still a trending topic in Nigeria

- The election was largely free and fair according to various observers

- One group that stood out in its commitment to ensuring a free and fair contest is the Youth Initiative for Advocacy, Growth & Advancement (YIAGA)'s Watching The Vote (WTV).

The Youth Initiative for Advocacy, Growth & Advancement (YIAGA)'s Watching The Vote results verification for statement the Anambra governorship election is out.

The results verification statement by the youth-based organisation, covers the accuracy of the official results announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

In a press briefing attended by NAIJ.com immediately after the election result was announced by INEC, YIAGA's board chairman, Professor Hussaini Abdu read out its observations.

Dr Abdu reading out YIAGA's results verification statement after INEC announced the final results

READ ALSO: APC, PDP, other party agents protest as INEC refuses to hand over copies of result sheets to them

Their observations below:

1. Accurate official results

The INEC official results for every candidate fall within the WTV estimated range giving confidence that the results announced reflect the ballots cast at polling units. Further, INEC's turnout and rejected ballot figures are consistent with the WTV estimates announced earlier today.

2. Accessibility of results collation centers

The results collation centres were accessible to accredited observers and journalists. It was obvious the electoral commission took deliberate steps to addres concerns expressed by YIAGA WTV and other observers in the pre-election period.

3. Quality of results counting and collation

Our data reveals procedural lapses and poor handling of counting and data entry by the polling officials and collation officers. This no doubt impacts on the quality of the result collation process.

4. Data issues

The existence of multiple voting points at some polling units as well as multiple polling units at some locations creates data issues for INEC official reporting results. Further there are some anomalies in the results as announce by INEC (for example 40 polling units with zero rejected ballots).

5. Timeline for announcement of results

The delay in the collation and announcement of results at the state collation centre raised unnecessary suspicion amongst key election stakeholders.

YIAGA's WTV center was active before, during and after the elections

YIAGA however called on the winner of the electoral contest, Governor Willie Obiano of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and his supporters to be magnanimous in victory.

They also urged the other candidates that to accept the results, stressing that they reflect the votes cast, even as they urged them to show political maturity and maintain peace.

YIAGA recommended that INEC take all the necessary steps to address all the challenges witnessed in the Anambra election.

“This includes to improve distribution of materials and to re-double efforts to train ad-hoc staff particularly around arrival, opening and election day responsibilities.

“YIAGA further recommends, as WTV had during the Ondo 2016 polls, to improve the ability of the card readers to reliably verify fingerprints and ensure voter accreditation procedures are adhered to,” the report said.

YIAGA commended the dedication of the permanent INEC staff in Abuja and Anambra state for their patience in concluding the voting exercise even late in the evening.

They assured Nigerians of their determination to promote credible elections in the country by providing independent information on the conduct of elections and independently verifying the accuracy of election results.

NAIJ.com had visited the #WatchingTheVote center which was set u at Finotel hotel in the state capital, Awka.

The center is an open data driven technology tool deployed to ensure citizens votes and voices counts in the Anambra governorship election.

YIAGA deployed 500 observers to 250 polling units and had 29 roving reporters in the 21 local governments of the state.

READ ALSO: Osita Chidoka congratulates Obiano on his victory in Anambra poll

Anambra election: Awka residents speak on who they will vote for and why - NAIJ.com TV

Source: Naija.ng

- Senator Eyinnaya Abaribe has arrived at the Federal High Court, Abuja, ahead of the trial of Nnamdi Kanu

- The senator had stood as surety alongside 2 others for the IPOB leader who has since gone into hiding

- Abaribe had previously filed a motion to be dismissed as Kanu’s surety but the motion was denied

One of the three sureties for Nnamdi Kanu, Senator Eyinnaya Abaribe, has appeared in court for the missing IPOB leader’s trial continuation, Punch reports.

The senator was reportedly spotted on the Abuja Federal High Court premises at 9.45am on Monday, November 20.

READ ALSO: Ekwueme was a great Nigerian who believed in the nations’ unity - S/East governors

NAIJ.com gathers that Abaribe had taken his seat in the courtroom by 9.50am.

Senator Eyinnaya Abaribe (Photo credit: Guardian)

The senator and his two co-sureties had been ordered to appear in court to explain Kanu’s whereabouts by Justice Binta Nyako on October 17, 2017.

At the earlier proceeding, the trial judge had been informed by Abaribe’s counsel, Ogechi Ogunna, that a motion had been filed by his client, seeking to be discharged as Kanu’s surety.

However, the request was not granted as Justice Nyako said the senator’s motion could not be heard until the IPOB leader was produced in court.

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Recall that NAIJ.com previously reported that a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja ordered the senator representing Abia south, Enyinnaya Abaribe, to produce Nnamdi Kanu or forfeit his bail bond of N100 million which he paid to the court in respect of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

The court gave the ruling on Tuesday, October 17, after Senator Abaribe applied to the court to discharge him from the surety-ship, bond and recognizance of the bail of Kanu.

Justice Binta Nyako ordered the senator to appear before the court to give reasons why the IPOB leader failed to appear for his trial.

Nnamdi Kanu is absent as court begins hearing on his case - on NAIJ.com TV:

Source: Naija.ng

- ZANU-PF party removes Robert Mugabe as party leader

- The president refuses to resign despite the political turmoil in Zimbabwe

President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe has reportedly drafted a resignation letter where he agreed to terms for his exit.

READ ALSO: Ex-PDP chairman's son stabbed to death by wife

CNN, citing a source familiar with the negotiation, stated that Mugabe drafted a letter which he might likely submit as pressure mounts on him to step down.

But uncertainty still clouds Mugabe's future as the president failed to honour a deadline given to him by his party to resign.

The ZANU-PF party which he co-founded removed him as party leader on Sunday, November 19, and told him to resign in the 24 hours or face impeachment in parliament.

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However, Mugabe has so far failed to step aside despite the political turmoil that has gripped the country since the military partially took over control of government.

NAIJ.com had reported that the president in an address to the nation vowed to stay in power for several weeks, despite intensifying pressure on him to stand down.

In a live TV address, Mr Mugabe said he would preside over the ruling party's congress in December.

Who is Nigeria's greatest president ever? - on NAIJ.com TV

Source: Naija.ng

- The umbrella group for Fulani herdsmen in Nigeria, Miyetti-Allah Kautal Hore, has disclosed why it would not accept cattle ranching

- The group stated that Nigeria’s geographical location was not suitable for ranching, and described the whole ‘experiment of ranching’ in Nigeria as a total failure

- The herdsmen stated that the anti-open grazing law being enacted in some states was an agenda by visionless and desperate politicians to destroy their means of livelihood

Miyetti-Allah Kautal Hore, the umbrella group for Fulani herdsmen in Nigeria, have stated that they would not accept cattle ranching because Nigeria’s geographical location was not suitable for it, Vanguard reports.

The association’s position was made public by its national secretary, Saleh Alhassan, in a chat with newsmen in Abuja on Sunday, November 19.

READ ALSO: Abaribe arrives court for Nnamdi Kanu's hearing

NAIJ.com gathers that Alhassan stated that the anti-open grazing law which has been established in some states would die a natural death like ‘political sharia law’ in Zamfara; and called on the federal government to stop state governments from enacting the law.

He stated: “The whole experiment of ranching in Nigeria is a total failure. You can google it; it’s there on the Internet for everyone to see.

“Right from the 70s, the old Gongola state had experimented ranching, the same with Kaduna state and even the old Plateau state. All the ranches collapsed because the geographical location of this country is not suitable for ranching.

“In places where there are successful ranching in the world, the volume of rain per annum in those areas is at least four to seven months, that’s why you have grasses that can naturally be sustained.

“At the same time, you must have the necessary breeds that will support even ranching. The current breeds we have in this country cannot be supported by ranching.

“Anywhere you keep these volume of cows we have now for two weeks, they will eat out everything and you will have ecological disaster.”

He continued: “We view the anti-grazing law as an agenda to destroy our means of livelihood by visionless and desperate politicians.

“Anti-grazing laws are nothing but populist agendas designed by visionless and desperate politicians to destroy our means of livelihood.

“This dangerous gambit must be nipped in the bud by the federal government through the security agencies as it portends a great danger to the cooperate existence of the country.

“These laws are oppressive and negative and are fundamentally against our culture as Fulani pastoralists, against our economic interest and against the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria."

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Meanwhile, NAIJ.com previously reported that the newly enacted anti-open grazing law was described as a time bomb by the umbrella group for Fulani herdsmen, Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore.

The national president of the association, Abdullahi Bodejo, and Sale Alhassan, its secretary, stated that the law was an attempt to destroy the means of livelihood of the herdsmen.

Fulani herdsmen are also Boko Haram - on NAIJ.com TV:

Source: Naija.ng

- The Middle Belt Youth Forum says the entire region wants a president from the zone

- President of the forum, Comrade Pius Attah, calls on the far north to support the aspiration of the Middle Belt in producing the next president

- Professor Ango Abdullahi, the national chairman of Northern Nigeria Union (NNU), says President Muhammad Buhari must earn north’s endorsement for re-election in 2019

The Middle Belt Youth Forum has called on former Senate president, Senator David Mark, to contest for president election in the 2019 election.

READ ALSO: Ex-PDP chairman's son stabbed to death by wife

The youths made the statement on Sunday, November 19, when speaking with Tribune in Jos, Plateau state.

President of the forum, Comrade Pius Attah, said the entire Middle Belt is solidly behind the move for the region to produce the president of Nigeria.

He said: “It is now or never. We cannot continue to be kingmakers; we want to be king also. We have helped others, so we want to be helped also. So the Far-North should be willing to support our aspiration. Any attempt to relegate us will be counter-productive.

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“We are pleading with the former Senate President, Senator David Mark, to contest come 2019. He ranks among the best that presided over the senate since Independence. He presided over the senate for eight years without any crisis. He has not declared his intention, but we are saying he should run."

Meanwhile, Professor Ango Abdullahi, the national chairman of Northern Nigeria Union (NNU), has said President Muhammad Buhari must earn north’s endorsement for re-election in 2019.

Abdullahi said the only way President Buhari can do this is through his performance in his first term.

Leadership reports that Professor Abdullahi said the issue of unity in a country like Nigeria could not be a settled matter.

Abdullahi said Buhari has demonstrated that he is the president of Nigeria and will serve in the best interest of the whole country.

Who is Nigeria's greatest president ever? on NAIJ.com TV

Source: Naija.ng

A notorious assassin in Rivers state, Don Wanny, has allegedly been shot dead by Isakaba Security Outfit in the creeks of Omoku on Sunday, November 19 after a gun battle.

News of the death of the notorious assassin sparked wild jubilation in the state as the people troop to see his lifeless body.

Alasuonyo Mathias who shared the news on his Facebook page said Wanny was feared by the people of the state.

He wrote:"The incumbent political cycle in Rivers state assassin squad and killer number 1 in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA of Rivers state has been shot dead this morning by the Omoku Community Isakaba security outfit called OSPAC after a chase and a gun battle in the creeks of Omoku.

READ ALSO: N-power releases details on how to check pre-selection status for 2017 candidates

Don Wanny was allegedly shot dead by Isakaba Security Outfit in the creeks of Omoku on Sunday, November 19. Credit: Alasuonyo Mathias

"The Don Wanny on this video and pictures is the terrorizer of the Omoku people who is behind all the killings in Omoku and Onelga local government area in general.

"He was feared like a god. He feels he is untouchable and invisible because he has the backing of an incumbent governor in the South.

News of the death of the notorious assassin sparked wild jubilation in the state as the people troop to see his lifeless body. Credit: Alasuonyo Mathias

"He wears military uniforms and moves around in the day with sophisticated weapons to kill but today KARMA has used OSPAC to visit him

"Omoku Community and Onelga LGA is now celebrating and thanking God for rescuing them from the hands of Don Wanny."

However, NAIJ.com, as at the time of filing this report, has not been able to independently verify the death of Wanny.

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Meanwhile, NAIJ.com had reported that a militant group in the Niger Delta region, on Wednesday, September 15 threatened attack oil and gas facilities belonging to Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) in Ekeremor local government area of Bayelsa state.

The militant group which known as the supreme Egbesu Tigers of Africa accused the company of neglecting the local content law in the state.

STREET GIST: Is Operation "Crocodile smile II" necessary? - on NAIJ.com TV:

Source: Naija.ng

- Two communities in Borno state have been attacked by Boko Haram terrorists

- The attackers on Sunday, November 19, struck the communities and killed six people

- Ahmed Jidda, brother to one of the deceased said the insurgents killed them on their farmland

Boko Haram terrorists, on Sunday, November 19, attacked two communities in Borno state, killing six people and carting away harvested foods.

Daily Sun reports that the insurgents attacked Binge village in Lawanti, Jere local government and Masu, Mafa local government on Sunday afternoon, November 19.

Residents said Boko Haram first hit Binge where they killed two people and then proceeded to Masu, killing another four others. Both communities, which have experienced about three attacks by Boko Haram in the past, are located few metres from Maiduguri, Borno capital.

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Ahmed Jidda, brother to one of the deceased said the insurgents caught some farmers on farmland at Binge on Sunday at about 2:30pm, and killed their throats. They thereafter proceeded to Masu few metres away on another killing mission.

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''Some of our people escaped from the farmlands and brought report,” Jidda told newsmen during the visit to Lawanti where residents of Binge now take refuge on Monday. He said the military was yet to give them clearance to evacuate the corpses for burial.

Meanwhile, NAIJ.com had reported that the terrorists launched a deadly attack in the early hours of Saturday, November 18.

A lone bomber detonated an Improvised Explosive Devices just opposite gate/entrance of Giwa Military Barracks which is located on the outskirts of the city.

Survivors of Boko Haram - on NAIJ.com TV:

Source: Naija.ng

- Some persons ask the minister of finance, Kemi Adeosun, to refrain from paying the wrong whistle-blower until their claims have been thoroughly investigated and justice done

- The petitioners state that it would amount to injustice if they are side lined from the entitlement on the commission

Some persons have asked the minister of finance, Kemi Adeosun, to halt the proposed payment of the five per cent commission to the whistle-blowers who informed the EFCC about the huge sum of money stashed in the Osborne Towers in Ikoyi, Lagos.

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The petitioners in a letter asked the finance minister to refrain from paying the wrong whistle-blowers until their claims have been thoroughly investigated and justice done, Tribune reports.

The complainants in a letter dated November 15 and delivered to the office of the finance minister the same day, drew the attention of Adeosun to an earlier petition written to the AGF since September for which no action was taken.

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The petitioners stated that the silence of the top government officials run counter to the Muhammadu Buhari-led administration’s stance on corruption in all its ramifications.

The letter read in part: “It is, therefore, the brief of our clients that we request you to hold on payment of the whistle-blowers’ fee/entitlement until our clients’ complaints are sorted out.

“That considering the vital role our client played in exposing the whereabouts of the recovered money, our client cannot be side lined or denied his entitlement, doing so will amount to injustice to our client.”

Meanwhile, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has clarified remarks credited to its Acting Chairman, Ibrahim Magu, concerning the Ikoyi whistleblower recently.

Spokesman of the commission, Wilson Uwujaren, said in a statement that Magu never said the whistleblower had been paid his compensation as being insinuated in a section of the media.

The informant had provided intelligence that led to the recovery of $43.5 million, £27,800 and N23.2 million stashed in an apartment on Osborne Towers in Ikoyi, Lagos on April 7.

Whistle blowing in Nigeria on NAIJ.com TV

Source: Naija.ng

- Nigerian groom rides keke to his wedding

- The tricycle was decorated with balloons and had the groom with his ring bearer and best man in it

- The photos from the wedding ride has now gone viral

A Nigerian groom has made headlines after proudly riding a keke napep to his own wedding. Many people are aware of the excesses of throwing a Nigerian wedding. It came as a shock when a photos of a groom in blue suit, heading to his wedding in keke emerged online.

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Tricycle known as keke in Nigeria is one mode of transportation not regarded by the rich. For weddings, where most people go all out, making keke your official car just seems off to many people but not this excited groom who was seen in the ride with his ring bearer and best man.

The chosen keke was decorated with balloons and drapes to fit the special occasion. They were spotted happily making it to their wedding in Umuahia

Groom heads to his wedding ceremony in a Keke in Umuahia Source: Gistreel

Meanwhile, a solar-powered keke napep car was recently designed in Nigeria, enabling the use of sunlight as opposed to the fuel for the running of the tricycle.

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If your son changes his gender to female, will you accept his bride price? on NAIJ.com TV:

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President Muhammadu Buhari mourned former Vice President of Nigeria, Alex Ekwueme, who died on November 19 in a London clinic.

The president, who spoke through his special special adviser on media and publicity, Femi Adesina, said Ekwueme's death is a great loss to the nation.

Adesina wrote: "President Muhammadu Buhari sends condolences to Nigerians, and to the government and people of Anambra state, on the passing away of elder statesman and former Vice President, Dr Alex Ifeanyichukwu Ekwueme (GCON), on Sunday, November 19, 2017.

"President Buhari commiserates with the entire Oko Kingdom, the Aguata Council of Traditional Rulers, and the Ekwueme family, over the loss of the family’s patriarch, whose regular counsels on national issues and mediations for peaceful co-existence would be sorely missed.

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"The President affirms that Dr Ekwueme’s unwavering commitment to the unity of Nigeria had been a major encouragement to many governments, recalling the personal sacrifices he made in helping to lay the foundation for sustainable democracy in Nigeria.

"President Buhari believes Dr Ekwueme worked assiduously to improve the livelihood of many poor and underprivileged people through the Alex Ekwueme Foundation, describing him as a man who served his country and humanity.

"The President prays that the almighty God will receive the soul of the former vice president, and grant his family the fortitude to bear the loss."

The president also took to his twitter page to lament the death of the icon.

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Meanwhile, NAIJ.com previously reported that the South East Governors Forum on Monday, November 20, joined millions of Nigerians to mourn the death of former Nigeria’s vice president, Dr Alex Ekwueme.

Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi and chairman of the forum described Ekwueme’s death as the end of an era, in a statement in Abakalilki.

Who is Nigeria's greatest president ever? - on NAIJ.com TV:

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- The Christian education has contributed to western education in Nigeria

- The institution is said to have contributed to the establishment of hospitals in the country

- Information reveals that University College Ibadan, Oyo state was modelled after the University College London, United Kingdom (UK)

At the turn of 19th century when the British first set their foot on the shores of Badagry, Goree Island and most of West Africa, Nigeria and most of Africa were mostly traditional and rustic communities. However, the societies had their system of government, traditional institutions, customs and beliefs. But the coming of Europeans brought western civilisations.

1. Missionary schools: Christian education brought missionary schools which were established in Nigeria. For example schools such as Kings College, Queens college are products of Christian education. The schools contributed in no small measure to the education of Nigerians

2 Hospitals: Christian education also contributed to the establishment of hospitals, maternity and clinics which contributed to providing good health for Nigerians. Many common tropical diseases that used to cause high mortality rates among children were treated at the hospitals.

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3. Scholarship schemes: Christian missionaries who established schools also instituted scholarships for students to study in overseas universities

4. Establishment of University college Ibadan: The University College Ibadan was established and modelled after the University College London. The school, established with the input of the British missionaries produced the first generation of Nigeria's intelligensia and work force.

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Christian education contributed a lot to the western education in Nigeria. It can be said that the two go hand in hand because with Christianity came western education.

Meanwhile, NAIJ.com had reported that the minister of education Adamu Adamu urged President Buhari to declare a state of emergency in education in Nigeria and to substantially increase government’s investment in the sector.

The minister made the appeal on Monday, November 13, at a retreat the Presidency held for ministers on education. The event was at the old Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

Who is the most influential Nigerian pastor? - on NAIJ.com TV:

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- BILPAN, an association of cattle breeders demands an end to anti-grazing law in some states

- The group accuses some governors of technically infringing on the fundamental rights of herdsmen by signing the anti-grazing bill into law in their states

- Miyetti-Allah, the umbrella group for Fulani herdsmen in Nigeria say it will not accept cattle ranching because Nigeria’s geographical location is not suitable for it

An association of cattle breeders, the Billital Moroobe Association of Nigeria (BILPAN), has faulted the anti-grazing law enacted in some states as a violation of the fundamental human rights of herdsmen.

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The national president of BILPAN, Alhaji Ali Rimindako, who made the statement on Monday, November 20, demanded for an end to anti-grazing law in states that had enacted the law.

The group said it was against the principles of natural law, equity and good conscience to prevent herdsmen from doing their business.

BILPAN accused some governors of technically infringing on the fundamental rights of herdsmen by signing the anti-grazing bill into law in their states.

In a related report, the Miyetti-Allah, the umbrella group for Fulani herdsmen in Nigeria, has stated that it would not accept cattle ranching because Nigeria’s geographical location was not suitable for it, Vanguard reports.

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The association’s position was made public by its national secretary, Saleh Alhassan, in a chat with newsmen in Abuja on Sunday, November 19.

The association’s position was made public by its national secretary, Saleh Alhassan, in a chat with newsmen in Abuja on Sunday, November 19.

NAIJ.com gathers that Alhassan stated that the anti-open grazing law which has been established in some states would die a natural death like ‘political sharia law’ in Zamfara; and called on the federal government to stop state governments from enacting the law.

Southern Kaduna killings: part 2 on NAIJ.com TV

Source: Naija.ng