MOURINHO SIGNS FOR MANCHESTER UNITED

Jose Mourinho

Jose Mourinho has signed a contract with Manchester United to become their next manager with an announcement expected before the end of the season. The former Chelsea manager has been linked with replacing Louis van Gaal for months and he is widely expected to take over at Old Trafford. 

The odds of him doing so have become incredibly small. However a potential complication arose when it emerged recent;y that Paris St Germain were also willing to offer the Portuguese coach a return to management. It’s understood that development has focused minds at Manchester United on securing the services of the serial winner. Mourinho The Express claim that Mourinho penned a contract at Old Trafford at the end of last week. 

They also claim that an announcement could be made in the next two weeks. That would mean acknowledging a change before the season finishes on 15 May. It would also mean, following Manchester United’s win over Everton, that the FA Cup final on 21 May would be Van Gaal’s final game in charge. Finally, the story that leads the back of Express newspaper claims that Mourinho will have full control over the club’s transfer policy. Top of his wish-list will be Benfica’s Renato Sanches, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and John Stones. Louis van Gaal has a year to run on his contract at Old Trafford but refused to be drawn on his future after United’s 2-1 FA Cup semi-final win over Everton at Wembley. 

United are currently fifth in the Barclays Premier League and there has been plenty of talk this season about boss Van Gaal being replaced in the summer. And having praised his team for their efforts on Saturday, the Dutchman – asked how important winning the FA Cup could be for the team’s development heading into next season – said: “I am not looking beyond this competition and FA Cup, because we live in the present.

Source: vanguardngr.com

SHAYKH ADAM ABDULLAHI AL-ILORY

SHAYKH ADAM ABDULLAHI AL-ILORY

Shaykh Adam Abdullahi Al-Ilory, a native of llorin, was born in 1917 at Waza in Dendi Local Government of the Republic of Benin. His father was an Islamic Scholar, preacher and Imam of Waza in his life time. Shaykh Adam himself was actually born during one of his father's Dawah activities in the birth place of his mother. At that time, his mother, Aishah, was a princess of the reigning king of the town. Sheikh Adam grew up in Benin Republic and started learning the Quran under his father until about the age of 13 when he returned with his parents to the city of llorin. He also studied under Shaykh Umar in Lagos and later furthered his studies under Sheikh Adam Nam'aji. After which a Kano born Islamic Scholar, he was sufficiently confident of himself and satisfied with his acquired knowledge so far.

In 1946, he travelled to Cairo and submitted himself for examination at Al-Azhar University. The results of the examination proved his confidence right as he passed with credits and was awarded the University's Certificate in Arabic and Islamic Studies that year. He then travelled to Mecca to perform that year's Hajji where through interactions with some scholars there, he was adjudged to be a brilliant and talented young scholar.

Shaykh also travelled widely. Apart from Egypt and Saudi Arabia, other countries visited in search of Islamic materials and exposure included Sudan, Senegal and Somalia where he also attended many conferences. Shaykh Al-llory founded Markazu't-ta limi l-Arabi al-lslami in the year 1952 at Abeokuta, Ogun State. The institution later moved to Agege, Lagos State in 1957. The school was the first organized Arabic School with distinct physical structures of classrooms, hostels, mosques clinic and block of offices for teachers in Yorubaland. The school attracts students from within and outside Nigeria with graduates spread all over, occupying different posts while further spreading the message of Islam.

Shaykh Adam was a prolific writer and a multi-talented scholar. He wrote well over hundred books, journal articles and manuscripts on Islam and other related subjects. A lot of his books have been used as source documents for a number of B.A., long essays, M.A dissertations, Doctoral Thesis and articles in recognized journals. His book, al-lslam fi nijiriya, is one of the most consulted references on the history of Islam in Nigeria by different scholars all over the world. Another book, misbau-d dirasat'l-Adabiyyah fi'd-diyari'n-nijiyyah is a text book for Arabic literature on Nigeria at University of llorin M.A. syllabus for Arabic. Shaykh Adam delivered several lectures within and outside Nigeria during his life time. He led congregations at many international seminars organized by the Muslim Students' Society of Nigeria. He was regarded as the first person to present Friday Khutbah in both Arabic and Yoruba. Aside this, he conducted daily tafsir for about four hours in the morning periods of Ramadan and public lectures in the evenings.

Shaykh Adam was a renowned Islamic scholar of international recognition. He was a distinguished Muslim scholar who contributed immensely to the promotion of Islamic Dawah and to the progress of Arabic and Islamic education. Shaykh Adam, a fearless and tireless preacher, founded the League of Imams in the South West and was its Secretary General till he died in 1992.His work while on earth still enjoys continuous relevance and referrals to date. He was the first scholar from llorin to bear Al-llory meaning Son of llorin. In recognition of his contributions to scholarship, the Egyptian government honored him in 1990 with the country's highest honor.

May Allah grant him janat firdaus.

Read more here

LOCAL GOVERNMENT CHAIRMEN TO ENJOY FOUR YEARS TENURE

Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly - Hon. Mudashiru Obasa 

Lagos State House of Assembly is set to amend the local government administration law to make the tenure of the office of council chairmen four-years instead of three as it is currently.

The proposed amendment is sponsored by the Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa and the sections to be affected by the amendment include sections 27 (1), 24 (a) and an inclusion of 12 (1).

In the motion which was moved on the floor of the House during plenary yesterday, the Chairman, House Committee on Local Government Administration, Hon.Kazeem Alimi explained that the tenures of council chairmen and councilors would be adjusted to be in line with other representatives at the state level.

According to him, the proposed amendment would also take charge of the power of the state Assembly to enforce removal or suspension of any erring council chairman upon a petition from the concerned councillors.

Alimi also disclosed that the law would make categorical statements that any chairman who had served for two terms would not be eligible to contest any election as the head of local administration.

In his contribution, the Majority Leader, Hon. Sanai Agunbiade maintained that the Nigeria constitution gives state Assembly the power to create local government, adding that for such creation to be effective the House should also have the power to sanction any chairman if found wanting.

While stressing the need for the amendment, Hon. Bisi Yusuff (Alimosho 1) commended the courage of the Speaker for coming up with the new Bill, saying “previous efforts aimed at amending the law had proved abortive”. 

Hon. Adefunmilayo Tejuoso (Mushin 2) stated that after the creation of councils, it is crucial for us to monitor the activities of the council bosses, saying “failure to carry out proper investigation and pass resolution that must be obeyed, will be counter-productive”. 

However, the Deputy Majority Leader, Wahab Jimoh cautioned his colleagues over proposed section that empowers the House to remove or suspend defaulting council chairmen.

Jimoh argued that the House should not make councillors handicapped, saying the legislative arm at the third tier of government is also paramount.

While supporting Jimoh’s position, another member, Hon. Ibrahim Layode (Badagry 1) said “section 24 (a) needs better explanation so that we don’t harmstrung the legislature at the local level”. 

The Speaker however explained that there was need to allow the resolution of the House to be enforceable. He explained further that there was no provision that takes over the power of the councillors in the proposed amendments.

Obasa recalled that “we had passed resolutions on two or three council chairmen for them to be removed in the past but the Governor did not comply. With this new amendment, we as a House, can go ahead with the removal”. 

16 OUTSTANDING POLICIES OF COL. GADDAFI OF LIBYA

Late Col. Mahman Gaddafi

1. There is no electricity bill in Libya, electricity is free for all its citizens.
2. There is no interest on loans, banks in Libya are state-owned and loans given to all its citizens at 0% interest by law.
3. Home considered a human right in Libya – Gaddafi vowed that his parents would not get a house until everyone in Libya had a home. Gaddafi’s father has died while him, his wife and his mother are still living in a tent.
4. All newlyweds in Libya receive $60,000 Dinar (US$ 50,000 ) by the government to buy their first apartment so to help start up the family.
5. Education and medical treatments are free in Libya. Before Gaddafi only 25% of Libyans are literate. Today the figure is 83%.
6. If Libyans want to take up farming career, they would receive farm land, afarming house, equipment, seeds and livestock to kick- start their farms – all for free.
7. If Libyans cannot find the education or medical facilities they need in Libya, the government funds them to go abroad for it – not only free but they get US $2, 300/mth accommodation and car allowance.
8. In Libyan, if a Libyan buys a car, the government subsidized 50% of the price.
9. The price of petrol in Libya is $0. 14 per liter.
10. Libya has no external debt and its reserves amount to $150 billion – now frozen globally.
11. If a Libyan is unable to get employment after graduation the state would pay theaverage salary of the profession as if he or she is employed until employment is found.
12. A portion of Libyan oil sale is, credited directly to the bank accounts of all Libyan citizens.
13. A mother who gave birth to a child receive US $5 ,000
14. 40 loaves of bread in Libya costs $ 0.15
15. 25% of Libyans have a university degree
16. Gaddafi carried out the world’s largest irrigation project, known as the Great Man- Made River project, to make water readily available throughout the desert country.

If this is called "Dictatorship" then all Democrats should dictartors.

NIGERIANS REACTS TO PMB'S TRIP TO CHINA ON TWITTER

Mixed reactions have trailed President Muhammadu Buhari's foreign trips since he assumed office about 11months ago. The recent trip is to China to discuss trade, bi-lateral relations as well as financial assistance to take care of the budget deficit. See how Nigerians react on Twitter.

What Is On Senator Saraki's Mind? By Joe Igbokwe (Part 1)

Joe Igbokwe writes from Lagos. 

Senate President, Senator Saraki 

Given the overwhelming weight of evidence against Saraki and the excess baggage of cartons of corruption dating back to his days at Societte General Bank, his days as Governor of Kwara State for 8years, his heavy financial deals across Nigeria via salaries even after serving the State as governor, his massive involvement in Panama Papers scandal, his fraudulent manipulation to get the Senate Presidency, his trials at CCB, High Court, Supreme Court and now CCT, I had not thought that the Senate President, Senator Saraki will learn his lessons and quit the stage when the ovation has ceased to be loudest but this is Nigeria where impunity is not a crime.

In my silent moments, I have been trying to figure out who is beating the drums for Saraki or what is giving this guy the confidence that he will stand tall at the end of the day. It has never ceased to fill me with wonders why a supposed intelligent mind like Saraki who is also a medical doctor thinks he can overcome a precarious and delicate situation like this when somebody like President Buhari is on the throne. I am at a loss that Saraki’s many friends and well-wishers have not been led to see the hand writing on the wall and consequently advise their friend to bow to the exigencies of the moment and follow the path of honour and grace. I am stunned that Senator Saraki cannot understand that we are in a new dispensation that has zero tolerance on corruption and impunity.

How I wish that friends, family members, associates and hangers on will find the need to persuade Senator Saraki that it is all over for him.

• Did Saraki hear the Chief Justice of Nigeria when he lamented on long delays and adjournments that have associated with corruption trials and promised robust support to fight corruption by encouraging speedy trials? 
• Did Saraki take notice that it is the biggest institutional support for fight against corruption in recent times in Nigeria? 
• Did Saraki take mental notice of this signal from the CJN? 
• Did Saraki get the signal from his primary constituency in the Senate when the number of Senators following him to CCT suddenly dropped to 30 from almost 80 Senators?
• Can Senator Saraki deduce anything from this vote of no confidence? Did Saraki get the signal when President Buhari said he would have left the stage if he is Saraki? 
• How can Senator Saraki see the weighty cases against him as an act of witch-hunting and political persecution? 
• Has Saraki sat down to reflect on his political history, his antecedents, his many shady deals, his actions and deeds, his love for money, his many penchant for cutting corners, his many acts of impunity, his many betrayals, and selfish tendencies? 
• Can Saraki overcome these problems and still hold his head high as the President of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria?

Read Part 2

What Is On Senator Saraki's Mind? By Joe Igbokwe (Part 3)

Joe Igbokwe writes from Lagos 

Senate President, Senator Saraki 

Read Part 1

Read Part 2

In same United States, a governor who left his office for almost a week and eloped with a girl friend to another country had to vacate his position and return home to put his house in order. For any responsible and responsive leader this is the path of honour when there is an abuse of position, privilege and power. Saraki’s case is not going to be an exception. It is good to be important but it is more important to be good. A good man, a responsible man and a man who is worried about himself knows when to quit in a situation he cannot help. This is the hallmark of a leader. Kippling, the poet once wrote that the world and everything in it belongs to the man who keeps his head when others are losing theirs.

Now, let me say this: Anybody who knows Senator Saraki and wishes him well should advise him to leave the stage now because the ovation is no longer loudest for him here. The heat is just too much from all corners. He has put up a good fight as a man but he cannot win this war. This is an honest truth and Saraki should find a way to give himself a soft landing and stop disparaging the Senate. His friends should help him at a time like this to do the needful. A school of thought has suggested that we should be wise enough to accept a situation we cannot change. Now with all the friends in the world, with all the armies in the world, with all the connections in the world and with all the wealth in the world, Senator Saraki cannot win this case. It is a bad case.

But will Senator Saraki listen to wise counselling and step out of the Senate Presidency to go defend his parents and family name? Will Senator Saraki do the needful by going the way of the civilized men and women who faced similar situations in the past? Will Saraki respect himself now? Will Saraki respect the Senate? Will Saraki respect Nigeria?

Time will tell!

Read Part 1

Read Part 2

What Is On Senator Saraki's Mind? By Joe Igbokwe (Part 2)

Joe Igbokwe writes from Lagos.

Senate President, Senator Saraki 

Read Part 1

As I write this, the British Prime Minister David Cameron is before the British Parliament defending himself concerning the Panama papers scandal. The Iceland Prime Minister has resigned his position as a result of the Panama papers scandal. Across the world many leaders whose names were mentioned are responding to the scandal but not in this clime. Senator does not see anything wrong in becoming the Senate President through the backdoor.

Senator Saraki did not see anything wrong with fraudulent assets declaration as a public servant. Senator Saraki does not care about receiving salaries even when he has vacated office. Saraki does not worry about using State Government money to service personal loans. The 2016 Budget padding by the National Assembly does not bother Senator Saraki. Moving from one Court to another to try to circumvent justice has not bothered Senator Saraki. Abandoning his duty as the Senate President to go to courts has not worried Saraki. Going to courts with 90 lawyers and tens of Senators does not perturb Senator Saraki. The tide of public opinion on Saraki’s many troubles has not pricked the conscience of Senator Saraki.

The abuse of public office, abuse of public trust, abuse of power and abuse of confidence have not meant anything to Senator Saraki. The abuse of precious gift of time by Saraki to run from one court to another has not worried the Senate President. Few years back, a New York Governor resigned to go and reconcile with his family after being accused of unhealthy and inappropriate relationship with another woman.

Read Part 3

BUKOLA SARAKI MAY EVADE JUSTICE

Senate President,  BUKOLA SARAKI

In another desperate attempt to evade justice, Senate President Bukola Saraki convened a meeting last night at his home with "Likemind" Senators. The invitation to the meeting was sent by Dino Melaye using the mobile telephone number of Peter Makanjuola (0803 390 3330), Saraki's Deputy Chief of Staff to send the invite so as to avoid detection.

When they arrived at the meeting, Saraki and his "like-minded" Senators agreed to go after two major laws that have entangled him at the Code of Conduct Tribunal.

Soon as the Senate resumed from a long recess today, the Senators went into a private plenary session, and two bills were promptly listed on the Senate Order Paper for a "first Reading", the bills were seeking amendments to two crucial laws in the Nigerian Constitution.

They are:

1. Code of Conduct Act CAP C15 LFN 2004(Amendment) Bill,2016 (SB 248) sponsored by PDP Senator Peter Nwaboshi representing Delta North

2. Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015 (Amendment) Bill 2016 (SB 249) sponsored by Senator Isah Misau representing Bauchi Central.

Via Casey Mike Adejuwon &  Omoyele Sowore(culled from Facebook). 

Copy of sms sent to like-minded senators

Order Paper for business of the day at the floor of senate

LATEST FOOTBALL TRANSFER NEWS

You will never know who is in, who is out, who is your club's most wanted, until the final deal is done, you just keep speculating.

However, we bring to you the latest transfer gossips around the football world, from done deals to contract rebels and real long shots, we keep you up to date with all the latest transfer news, rumours and gossip from your favorite and rival clubs. 

With Leicester City at the top of the English Premier league (and with all indications of winning it), book makers have been boxed to a corner as no one ever predicted the season would end like this.

Rivals Tottenham piled the pressure with an emphatic 3-0 victory over Manchester United to keep the gap at the top to seven points with five games left to play.

Arsenal in third spot could only manage a 3-3 draw away to West Ham United. 

But the Foxes' championship dream certainly took a giant step closer to reality on Sunday after Jamie Vardy's brace beat Sunderland.

Right now though, they have to watch Europe's premier club competition on TV, as Man City face PSG and Real Madrid meet Wolfsburg, in two massive quarter-final clashes, they will treasure to be on the same stage next season

Gossips

Manchester United forward Anthony Martial has revealed he would like to play alongside Ibrahimovic, who in recent times has spoken about leaving PSG.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Manchester City are keen on signing £35million-rated Athletic Bilbao defender Aymeric Laporte this summer and are expected to beat Premier League rivals to the signing.

Laporte in action against Barcelona

West Ham are following striker Gustavo Bou of Buenos Aires side Racing Club with a view to a £9million move.

Gustavo

Liverpool have leapt to the head of the queue to sign Ipswich wonderkid Andre Dozzell. Reds boss Jurgen Klopp has had his scouts monitoring the youngster for months and looks to have won the race for his signature.

Andre Dozzell

Roma want to sign Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic - and the Blues are open to a swap deal involving Belgium international midfielder Radja Nainggolan moving the other way.

Branislav Ivanovic

Radja Nainggolan

Former Argentina boss Marcelo Bielsa is back in the frame for the Swansea job with the Welsh club set for a £140million takeover.

Marcelo Bielsa

Caretaker boss Eric Black claims there will be ONE HUNDRED managers desperate to take the Aston Villa job despite their impending relegation - as club staff face up to the nightmare possibility of compulsory redundancies, Villa have put David Moyes and Nigel Pearson at the top of their managerial wish list.

Pep Guardiola wants to make Arsenal captain Mikel Arteta part of his coaching set-up at Manchester City. Arteta, 34, is set to retire as a player this summer.

Mikel Arteta

Newcastle defender Daryl Janmaat is understood to have broken two fingers punching the dressing room wall during the defeat at Southampton on Saturday.

Daryl Janmaat

Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund will battle for Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Mahmoud Dahoud this summer; the German under-21 international is rated at £30million by his club. (Guardian)

Mahmoud Dahoud

Another Liverpool target, Piotr Zielinksi, says he has held talks with Jurgen Klopp over a move to the Anfield.

Piotr Zielinski

Diafra Sakho could leave West Ham this summer after a row with Slaven Bilic 

Diafra Sakho

Thibaut Courtois wants a summer move to Real Madrid while Asmir Begovic doesn't want to stay at Chelsea - unless he's first choice 

Manchester United target Renoto Sanches is also being scouted by Arsenal as speculation on the 18-year-old Benfica midfielder's future continues to grow.

Renoto

AC MILAN APPOINTS CRISTIAN BROCCHI TILL THE END OF THE SEASON

Mihajlovic giving instruction to Ballotelli

Cristian Brocchi - Former AC Milan Midfielder

AC Milan have announced the sacking of coach Sinisa Mihajlovic, replacing the Serbian with youth team boss Cristian Brocchi until the end of the season.

A statement from the struggling Serie A giants on Tuesday read: “Sinisa Mihajlovic has been relieved of his role as AC Milan coach.

“The club would like to thank Mihajlovic for the dedication and hard work carried out this season.

“Cristian Brocchi will now be in charge of the first team until the end of the season. AC Milan would like to welcome Mr Brocchi and wish him all the best.”

Speaking after Saturday’s 2-1 loss to Juventus, Serbian Mihajlovic acknowledged he could be fired.

“This year at Milan I’ve felt removed, not because of the pressure from what’s been written,” he said.

“I believe in myself but in trying to find the right solutions I feel we’ve tried everything.

“Like every other coach in the world, I’m judged on the work done and results obtained.

“If in the seven remaining matches, also the Italian Cup, or even before, if we mess up it’s right for the coach to be the first to pay for it.

“It’s always been that way. I’ve always said, there are two categories of coach, those that have been sacked and those that will be sacked.”

Mihajlovic, 47, lasted only eight months in the job after replacing former club and Italy striker Filippo Inzaghi but failed to resurrect the flailing giants’ past glories.

Milan currently lie sixth following Saturday’s home defeat to the reigning champions and leaders.

They sit a point above Sassuolo in the race for the final European qualification position with six games to play but are 15 points behind Roma in the final Champions League spot.

Since last winning the league in 2011, they finished second a year later, third in 2013 but then eighth and tenth in the two subsequent campaigns.

According to Italian media, the decision to fire Mihajlovic came during a conversation between club owner Silvio Berlusconi and CEO Adriano Galliani on Monday night.

Mihajlovic, who was hired for his fighting spirit, has been linked with a move to Lazio.

Under his tutelage, Milan won just 13 of 32 matches, losing nine times and drawing the other 10.

ZAKZAKY WAS FUNDED BY IRAN - BROTHER TELLS COMMISSION

Nasiru El-Rufai (Kaduna State Governor)

Zakzaky

The Judicial Commission of Inquiry set up in Kaduna State in the aftermath of the December 12 clash between Shiites also called Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) and soldiers in Zaria, was yesterday told that no fewer than 347 unidentified bodies were given mass burial in Kaduna.

Secretary to the Kaduna State Government, (SSG), Balarabe Abbas Lawal who made this known while appearing before the commission said the bodies were given a mass burial on 14 December, along Mando – Zaria road.

He said a total of 191 unknown corpse and another 156 unknown corpses from the Army depot in Zaria and Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, ABUTH, Shika respectively were conveyed to the burial site.

Lawal also told the panel that the Gyelasu resident of the leader of Shiites and two other houses owned by Alhaji Aminu Idris and Alhaji Tijjani Mohammed were demolished on ground of safety and not out of any ulterior or political reasons.

In a related development, Muhammad Sani Yaqoob an elder brother to the leader of the Shiites , Sheikh Ibraheem El-Zakyzaky, told the panel his brother’s sect was funded by Iran.

He also commended the action of the military against the Shittes during the bloody clash with soldiers in Zaria, insisting that the Nigerian Army would have been the worse for it if the soldiers had turned back on the spot of the Zaria clash where the Shiites barricaded the convoy of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai.

Yaqoob who spoke in Hausa told the judicial panel that he shared the same father with El-Zakzaky, but different mothers, pointing out that there was no clash between him and El-Zakzaky while growing up except that he has different ideology.

He argued that “ El-Zakzaky is fourth child in the family of 16”, describing him as very sharp and intelligent.

credit: guardian.ng

Scores killed in Taraba, as Fulani Herdsmen attack villages

herdsmen

The rate of ethnic clashes and herdsmen attack in recent time necessitates a holistic view of the activities of the Fulani herdsmen. From kidnapping to willful killing, it is high time the government enact a law to check their excesses.

Just yesterday, Fulani herdsmen attacked Angai and Ndole villages in Gashak Local Council area of Taraba State, killing several persons.

Following the incident, a large number of the local population has reportedly fled to the neighbouring Cameroun Republic and nearby local council areas.

Though the exact number of casualties are yet to be confirmed by the authority, sources told our reporter that no fewer than 44 persons, have been feared killed with several numbers of houses and domestic animals burnt to aches.

Confirming the disaster, the Police Public Relations Officer, Joseph Kwaji, agreed that there was an attack by the herdsmen, but could not ascertain the numbers of persons killed.

According to him “It is true that there was an attack by the herdsmen, but for now, I don’t have the full details of the crisis, so I can not tell you the number of casualties now.”

Sources close to people who narrowly escaped the attack, told The Guardian in a telephone chat, that the herdsmen ignited the crisis “when one of them was prevented from raping a woman.”

Dissatisfied by the actions of the communities, the herdsmen were said to have began terrorist attacks on the people, which eventually led to the death of several persons. Concerned watchers have called on the state government to marshal out plans that would checkmate the activities of the herdsmen, which according to him “have been giving us sleepless nights in this area.”

source: guardian.ng

AMBODE PLANS TO STOP EXAMINATION BEFORE PROMOTION

Akinwunmi Ambode (Mr.) Governor, Lagos State. 

The Executive Governor  of Lagos State,  Mr Akinwunmi Ambode in his quest to ensure industrial peace & harmony in the state held a meeting with the Joint Negotiating Council (JNC) today. The meeting which was attended by seventeen (17) industrial unions in the state civil service have Comrade Folabi Ajose,  President of NULGE as the representative of the Union in attendance. 

Far reaching decisions were taken after a lot of deliberations among which are :

1. Restoration of incremental dates  (step)
2. Request for "non - examination " promotion. After a lot of discussion for and against, His Excellency instructed the Head of Service (HOS)  and permanent Secretaries (PS)   present to fashion out a way/work out a framework to replace the examination.  This will be effective in 2017 (meaning no promotion exams again )
3. His Excellency also brought happiness to the minds of those present when he agreed that  leave bonus will henceforth be paid once in a year and this will  take effect     from  May, July,  Oct or November 2016.
4. The joy of all would-be pensioners were also raised when the governor agreed to implement the new pension scheme (10% by employer & 8% by employee) he further announced that substantial amount of money has been released  to be paid to LG pensioners.
5. As an icing on the cake, the governor graciously approved the replacement of utility vehicles for seventeen industrial unions. To this end , he directed the HoS to put all machinery in motion towards achieving this.

Consequent upon all these , the president of NULGE, Lagos State,  Comrade Folabi Ajose enjoins all members to support the government of His Excellency,  Mr  Akinwunmi Ambode who happens to be one of our own. 

The president while briefing other State Working Committee members thank and appreciate His Excellency  for his good gesture and pray that God in His infinite mercies will continue to give the governor wisdom and understanding to lead Lagos to greater heights.

"Osise a se rere ju bayi lo "

Itesiwaju Eko lo je mi logun.

FRESH EVIDENCE AGAINST BUKOLA SARAKI (PART 2)

Senate President, Sen. Bukola Rasaki

Wetkas also testified that one Bayo, a GTBank official, lodged $8000 in two tranches and another $4000 into the dollar account of Saraki at the GRA Branch of GTBank in Ilorin, all in the same day.

“On Feb.  27th 2007, there was a cash deposit of N3million by one Josiah Samuel,” he said. “On 3rd April 2007 there was a telegraphic transfer of N180,675,000:00 as part payment to the Presidential Implementation Committee on Landed Properties. Also on 5th Sept. 2007 there were some cash lodgments by one Ubi who made cash lodgment in five tranches on the same day in the sum of N11million, N20million, N20million, N20million, N6million in total was N77million. The position of the account was in a debit balance of N81,960,289.

Continuing his testimony on Wednesday, Wetkas told the court in a written statement about how the EFCC investigated Saraki’s accounts various accounts and the loans on them: Naira (Account No 0034967455); US (Account no 0034967479); and his Pound Sterling (Account No. 441953/3/1/0.)

He noted that from GTB the commission obtained the certificate of identification of accounts.  “From the statement of account they used 441441953/1/1/0,” he said.  “The bank also provided us with an offer letter of the loan of the sum of the N375million which was used to purchase properties in London and the letter was dated 10th of Feb. 2010.”

Continuing, he said, “On 23th March 2005 a cash lodgment of N10million was made by one Abdul Adama. On 24th March, 2005, there was a cash deposit of N8,000,240,000 at GRA Brach of the GTBank  Ilorin.

“On 29th march, 2005, bank draft of N200,640,000:00 was made in favour of Presidential Implementation Committee on sale of Federal Government Properties for the purchase of the property [Saraki] bought from the committee. On the same 29th march 2005, there was a loan disbursement by GTBank of N200million which preceded the bank draft of N200million.  On 16th Oct, 2006, there was a disbursement of N380million from the GTBank. On the same day there were two bank drafts combine in one transaction in sum of N256,312,000:00 815 in favour of Implementation Committee. On the same day, there was another draft of N12,000,815:00 in favour of Implementation Committee on Landed Property. On the 5th Jan, 2007 there was a loan disbursement of the sum of N380million.”.

Read Part 1

Read Part 3   

                                      

Credits: SaharaReporters

FRESH EVIDENCE AGAINST BUKOLA SARAKI (PART 3)

Senate President, Sen. Bukola Saraki

 

According to the statement, “On 27th Feb, 2007, there was a cash deposit of N3million by one Josiah Samuel.   On 3rd April 2007 there was a telegraphic transfer of N180, 675,000:00 as part payment to the Implementation Committee.  On 5th Sept, 2007, there was a cash lodgment by one Ubi who made cash lodgment in five tranches on the same day in the sum of N11million, N20million, and 20million. N20million, N6million with total of N77million. The position of the account was in a debit balance of N81,960,289:00.

 

“On 22nd Nov. 2007 there were cash lodgments by one Abdul Adama in 50 different transactions. Before the lodgment, the account was in a debit balance of N80,210,976:00. On 29th Nov.2007 there were cash lodgment by Ubi in over 20 transaction of about N20million. On 14th march 2008 there were cash lodgments but the account balance was N96, 857,885. On the 18th April 2008 there were cash lodgments by several individuals with different names. On 23th Sept, 2008 also there were several cash lodgments by individual with different names.  On 30th April 2009, there was a draft in favour of EGL Asset Management Limited with sum of N400million. Also there a loan disbursement of N400million on same day followed by several cash lodgments by individuals.

 

With reference to “Exhibit E8,” (US Dollar Account), Wetkas testified as follows: “On 18th May 2009 there was a cash lodgement by one  Kodimu  of $8000 at  GRA Branch of GTBank  Ilorin. Also he lodged another $8000 same day.  On the same date there was another lodgment by one Bayo (a banker) of $4000. On 19th there were cash lodgment of $180,000 in 18 times. While the last three deposit was made  by the defendant (Saraki)  himself.”

 

Testifying further about large dollar deposits into Saraki’s account, Wetkas said:

 

On June12th 2009, a $50,000 lodgment was made by one Garba Dare, as well as a payment of $49,000,969 made by Calie Property and Investment limited and one Bureau de Change Companies. 

On Sept  7th 2009 there was $69,000,964 lodgment made by the same company.  Also there was transfer to American Express Services Europe limited account of $3,000 400,000. Part of the outflow was also made to the Pound sterling account of the defendant. 

 

“According to the telex we have which was dated  August 26th 2008 for the transfer to the beneficiary bank America Express Bank New York was $73,000,223. Pound sterling account has three deposits and three outflows of over £1.516million .  Also from the Telex we have the money was transferred to Fortis Bank SA/MV for mortgage redemption.”    

                          

Wetkas contested the claim by Saraki that No 15A and 15B McDonald Ikoyi was bought in March 2009 in the name of Calie Properties limited with the sum of N160million with the income of N7million. 

 

“But this company was missing in the asset declaration form where the defendant claimed that he has  substantial shares in some companies in the country,” he pointed out. 

              

The prosecution tendered the three statements of account as evidence, but when confronted with the documents, should the defence have any objection regarding the evidence, lead defence counsel Kanu Agabi said that they reserved their objection on the matter.   

 

Petitions by Kwara Freedom Network and three others, as well as the Kwara State chapter of Concerned Pensioners of Nigeria were submitted as evidence alongside a letter written to the investigating team by the Presidential Committee on Landed Property.

Read Part 1

Read Part 2

Credits: SaharaReporters