APC got this one right

Few persons are more qualified to fill the large shoes Lai Mohammed left behind in the governing APC than Bolaji Abdullahi.

APC made the right call with this guy.

This former Sports Minister ticks all the boxes for the position of National Publicity Secretary of a major political party in the 21st century.

Born in 1969, Abdullahi bagged a B.Sc. in Mass Communications from the University of Lagos and a Masters Degree from the University of Sussex, UK.

Abdullahi has served in various capacities in government circles--Special Assistant, Communication and Strategy to then Governor of Kwara State, Dr Bukola Saraki in 2005; Special Adviser to Governor Saraki on Policy and Strategy; Kwara State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology; and Minister of Youth, Sports in the federal cabinet in 2011.

Armed with youthful grace, charm and eloquence, Abdullahi also worked as a Journalist.

Between 1997 and 2000, he served in ThisDay Newspapers in various capacities--from a lowly reporter to Deputy Editor of one of Nigeria's leading titles.

He wrote gripping feature pieces, some of which earned him awards and wide acclaim. 

Abdullahi knows how to wow an audience. He possesses a wry sense of humour and a broad smile.

Those who worked under him in the past also say he's a decent administrator and a good manager of men.

He's shown the capacity to work with younger Nigerians in the past--an asset that will serve him well in his new role.

The case can be made that he owes his rise to prominence to Senate President Bukola Saraki and that he is a dyed-in-the-wool ally of his protégé, but since when did it become a crime to be guided through the murky terrain that is politics by a godfather--albeit a smooth, cunning, untrustworthy one?

Abdullahi is all shades of smarts, though, and can be trusted to be his own man if push comes to shove.

After Lai Mohammed left the role of writing controversial press statements to serve in the Buhari cabinet, the  APC has been scouring the land for a suitable replacement.

In smooth talking Abdullahi, they finally have their man.

I am still the party's spokesman – Timi Franks says

The embattled All Progressives Congress (APC) Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Timi Frank has insisted that he is still the spokesman of the ruling party.

This is coming on the heels of the appointment of Bolaji Abdullahi, an ex- minister of youth and sports, as the APC Publicity Secretary.

Frank has been at loggerheads with the ruling party’s National Chairman, John Odigie Oyegun, who he has described several times as incompetent.

According to Cable News, Frank argued that the APC constitution states that a national officer can only be appointed at a national convention.

He said “I want to congratulate Bolaji Abdullahi for his nomination but he should  know that this matter is still in court and until the court say otherwise I am still the authentic acting national publicity secretary of APC,” the statement read.

“I will wait patiently for the party leadership to convene a national convention and ratify Bolaji’s nomination as the substantive national publicity Secretary. But until then, I, Timi Frank, remain acting publicity secretary of APC.

“It must be made clear to the plotters of this action that it is only national convention that can produce a national officer according to our party constitution while any other convention like the one north central just held can not do that.

“I will also make it clear that if they go ahead against the court order, that will amount to Contempt of the Court, which I will challenge in the court of law.”

An APC disciplinary committee set up to investigate Timi Frank’s actions, suspended him for alleged anti-party activities in November 2016.

The new APC spokesman’s appointment was ratified by the party’s leadership during a mini convention which held at Chelsea Hotel in Abuja on Thursday, December 1, 2016.

President reportedly proposes N7.2T budget for 2017

President Muhammadu Buhari's proposed budget for the 2017 fiscal year has been reportedly put at a total of N7.2 trillion.

In a report by Daily Trust, the sum was approved by the Federal Executive Council approved during a six-hour meeting presided over by the President.

The 2017 budget is about 24 percent higher than the 2016 budget which was passed and approved at N6.06 trillion.

"The budget estimate that will be laid before the National Assembly for the year 2017 is N7.2 trillion. This is what FEC approved," a source reportedly hinted.

Though Budget and Planning Minister Udoma Udoma, confirmed that the FEC approved the 2017 budget proposal, the exact amount proposed was not disclosed.

Furthermore, Udoma had reportedly hinted that the estimates in the document at the time of its submission were bound to change due to the changes in the exchange rate.

FG to reveal ex-Gov's 30 bank accounts in court

 

The Federal Government on Wednesday sought to tender documents of over 30 bank accounts in evidence against former Gov. Muritala Nyako.

 Nyako and seven others are currently facing trial in the Federal High Court Abuja over money laundering charges.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Nyako, the former governor of Adamawa
and seven others, including companies, are standing trial before Justice Okon Abang on a 37-count charge bordering on money laundering.

The charges against the defendants include criminal conspiracy, abuse of office, opening of multiple bank accounts and stealing to the tune of N29 billion.

The defendants, who were arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), allegedly opened over 30 different accounts with Zenith Bank Plc. with the money between 2011 and 2013.

At the resumed sitting, the prosecution counsel, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), sought to tender the documents used in opening the account through the bank’s officer, Olabode Farinoola, who identified himself as a compliant officer.

“Some of the names used by the defendants in opening these accounts are Tropical Agro Farms Clinic Ltd, Redcapet Protocol Ltd, Tower Asset Management Ltd and Government Service Department account.

“Others are office of the secretary to the state government, Muru Ngbula-Joran, Bincola Engineering Service Ltd, Blue Ribbon Service and Travel Tour Ltd and Blue Opal Nigeria Ltd,” Jacobs said.

Names on the accounts also include Pagoda Petroleum Marketing Ltd, Pagoda Fortunes Nigeria Ltd, Sebore Farms Extension Service Ltd and Blue Opal Nigeria Ltd (Project account).

Also contained in the names of the accounts are Kikary Investment Ltd, Blue Ribbon Multilink Ltd, Russelley Farms Nigeria Ltd, Agric International Tech Trade (Agrited Ltd) and Amdak Investment Ltd, among others.

However, Counsel to Nyako, Kanu Agabi (SAN), raised an objection to the request to tender the documents on the grounds that the defendants needed to go through the documents before they could be tendered in evidence.

Agabi prayed the court to adjourn the matter to enable the defence to go through the documents to ascertain their authenticity as claimed by the prosecution.

He said “I plead for adjournment to enable the defence to go through the documents the prosecution seeks to tender through the witness.”

Other defence counsel agreed with Agabi’s prayer for adjournment to enable them to go through the documents before being tendered in evidence.

Justice Abang agreed to the prayer and adjourned continuation in the matter until Dec. 14 and Dec. 15 to enable the defence counsel to go through the documents sought to be tendered in evidence.

Help us secure oil pipelines," Maikanti Baru tells Oba of Benin

 

Dr. Maikanti Baru, has urged the  Oba of Benin, Oba  Ewuare II, to assist in the  protection of  NNPC’s facilities from vandals.

The Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), said this in Benin on Wednesday  when he paid homage to the monarch.

He said NNPC had two major companies in Benin, the Nigeria Petroleum Development Company (NPDC) and Integrated Data Service (IDSL).

Baru said the  support was needed to end  pipeline vandalism, adding that NNPC was using a  huge  sum of money to repair the  pipelines destroyed.

The NNPC chief executive also appealed to Oba Ewuare II to help educate the people of oil and gas producing communities  to create enabling environment that world,  in the short term,  provide economic benefits to the people.

He assured the Oba  that NNPC would continue to  provide  scholarships to the youth in the  host communities, especially those studying related courses and the orphans.

Oba Ewuare urged Baru and the  NNPC to do more in the provision of contracts and employments to the people in the host communities.

The monarch  further appealed to  the NNPC to do more in providing sufficient food for the people.

Why OPEC exempted Nigeria from oil cut - Minister

 

Minister of State for Petroleum, Dr Ibe Kachikwu has explained why Nigeria has been exempted from the reduction of oil production by OPEC.

After seven hours of deliberation, the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) has agreed to reduce oil production by around 1.2 million barrels per day from Jan. 1, 2017.

However, Nigeria and Libya were exempted from the cut, while Indonesia suspended its membership after refusing to agree to the deal.

Qatar’s Minister of Energy and Industry, Dr Mohammed Al-Sada, said this at a news conference at the end of the 171 meeting of the Conference of the OPEC on Wednesday in Vienna.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting started at about 9:30 a.m and lasted till about 5:30 p.m.

NAN reports that this is the first time since 2008 that an agreement of this nature was reached to reduce supply in spite of several attempts.

“This agreement was reached following extensive consultations and understanding reached with key non-OPEC countries, including the Russian Federation that they contribute by a reduction of 600,000 barrel per day.

“The duration of this agreement is six months, extended for another six months to take account of prevailing market conditions and prospects.

“We also agreed to establish a Ministerial Monitoring Committee composed of Algeria, Kuwait, Venezuela and two participating non-OPEC countries, chaired by Kuwait and assisted by the OPEC secretariat.

“They are expected to closely monitor the implementation of and compliance with this agreement and report to the conference,” Al-Sada said.

He said the next Ordinary Meeting would convene in Vienna, Austria on May 25, 2017 to review the implementation of the agreement.

A breakdown of the agreed oil production adjustment made available to the media by the OPEC Secretariat after the conference shows that Saudi Arabia is expected to make the largest contribution by cutting production by 486,000 b/d.

Also, Algeria is expected to reduce its output per day by 50,000; Angola, 87,000; Ecuador, 26,000; Gabon, 9,000; Iran, 90,000; Iraq, 210,000; Kuwait, 131,000; Qatar, 30,000; UAE, 139,000 and Venezuela by 95,000.

Meanwhile Nigeria’s Minister of State for Petroleum, Dr Emmanuel Kachikwu said vandalism of crude oil pipelines and militancy activities in the Niger-Delta was the reason Nigeria was exempted.

“We are grateful that the OPEC was understanding of the case we made about why Nigeria needs to be exempted from this cut.

“This gives us time to get our house in order by resolving the Niger-Delta crises. Already production in Nigeria is up to 1.9 million barrels and we expect to get it up to 2.2 million but not flood the market.

“We all have the responsibility to contribute to the tightness of this market,” he said.

Kachikwu said the cut would re-balance the price of crude oil globally and projected that oil prices would go up to 60 dollars per barrel from the 50 per cent it traded today.

Govt signs $1.8B light rail contract with Chinese firm‎

 

The Kano State Government has signed contracts valued at 1.8 billion Dollars with China Railway Construction Group C18 for the construction of light rail line in the state.‎

‎Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje signed the contract in a brief ceremony on Wednesday in Kano.

Ganduje said the first phase of the construction was billed to take two years, while the second phase of the four-line rail was expected to take another two years.‎

He added that the project will improve the transport system within the state, as well as drive economic activities in the state.

The governor explained that “the project is part of grand design to upgrade Kano to the status of a truly great city, as it will significantly ease movement of goods and services.

“Upon completion, the light rail is expected to cover Janguza-Bata, Jogana-Bata, Dawanau-Bata and Kwanar Dawaki-Bata routes in Kano city.”

He added that a  Chinese Bank would provide 85 per cent of the total sum, while the Kano State Government would pay the remaining 15 per cent.

He said that the first phase of the project from Dawanau to Bata would cost 555 million Dollars.

The Chairman of the company, Mr Ben Shinxo, assured the state government of the company’s readiness to complete the projects in two years as this would benefit the public.

APC reportedly plans to make ex-minister spokesman

 

Ex-Minister of Youths and Sports, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi is on his way to becoming the spokesman for the All Progressives Congress (APC).

According to a report by TheCable, the ruling party  is set to announce Abdullahi as its national publicity secretary.

It was also reported that to ratify Abdullahi’s appointment, the leadership of the ruling party will organise a mini convention at Chelsea Hotel in Abuja by 11am on Thursday, December 1, 2016.

While no official statement has been released by the party on the reported development, it should be noted that the position has been vacant since Lai Mohammed was appointed minister.

Timi Frank, deputy national publicity secretary, had launched an attack against the Party chairman, John Oyegun over his perceived prevention from taking over from Mohammed.

Meanwhile, Mala Buni, national secretary of APC, has been signing official statements on behalf of the party since Frank was suspended by the party's leadership.

APC says more PDP senators will defect to ruling party

 

The All Progressives Congress (APC) on Wednesday, November 30, mocked the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over the defection of its Senators to the ruling party.

All the three PDP Senators representing Ondo State at the National Assembly had dumped the party for the APC.

The latest to defect to the APC is Mr. Yele Omogunwa of Ondo South.

Omogunwa formally announced his defection in a letter on Wednesday, November 30.

This generated commotion at the Senate, with the Minority Leader of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, asking that the Ondo South’s seat be declared vacant.

But the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, however, ruled Akpabio out of order.

In a twitter post on Wednesday, the APC begged other PDP senators to join the party.

Why I didn't acknowledge APC leader in my victory speech' - Akeredolu

 

The Ondo State Governor-elect, Rotimi Akeredolu, has said it was not necessary for him to acknowledge a national leader of the All Progressive Party (APC), Bola Tinubu in his victory speech.

Akeredolu said mentioning Tinubu's name means he has to acknowledge about 36 other leaders of the party.

He stated this at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Wednesday, November 30, while addressing newsmen.

He said there was no need to be "looking for leaders all over the place" having acknowledged President Muhammadu Buhari for the role he played in his emergence, and John Odegie-Oyegun, chairman of the party "for standing by the truth."

He said: "I thanked the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the leader of our party profusely for the leadership that he showed leading to this election.

"I also thanked our indefatigable chairman for standing by the truth and for his position on this matter that led to this election. I have no reason to do otherwise.

"You see, party structures to the best of my knowledge is very clear. You have the leadership of the party and that is represented by Chief John Odigie-Oyegun. And after the election, a chief executive emerges, he becomes a leader of the party, you don’t have to personalise and be looking for leaders all over the place.

"If we have to do that then I will have to mention 36 or 37 leaders. So I believe the leadership as represented by the president covers all leaders and that tells me it would include Chief Bola Ahmed Tinubu, it would include even Baba Akande, Onu, so many leaders. But president Buhari is the leader of the party so that is my position there."

On his relationship with Tinubu, Akeredolu said, "The relationship with Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has always been the same. I don’t think we have any strain relationship.

"For me as a person, I believe he is one of the leaders of the party and I don’t see any strained relationship between us. And you would observe that he has sent in his congratulatory message after the election, so what else do you expect? I mean all of us see this as victory for the APC, not for Akaredolu, not for an individual but for the party as a whole. I believe he is a member of the party. Mr. Femi Adesina had issued a release but you journalists just want to put words into our mouths."

Reacting to the defection of a PDP senator from Ondo, Yele Omogunwa, to the APC, Akeredolu said the lawmaker had joined the ruling party before the election but only made it official on Wednesday.

The governor-elect reiterated his earlier position on not probing the outgoing Governor of Ondo state, Olusegun Mimiko, but he said if a monumental fraud is discovered like "Dasukigate", "the law of the land will take its course."

He said: "At the centre the government of the President Muhammadu Buhari said we must look back in order to move forward, he has been there for over a year now, has he instituted a probe?"

"Looking back is not a probe and I maintain that I will not probe any regime. This is a responsible leadership and I’m elected to lead the people.

"The task ahead of us is enormous than for us to start instituting probes. My own is not to institute any probe of last regime and that is what President Buhari has done. But if we find out that wrongs were committed we have enough laws of the land to take care of people who have committed wrong. As we start our work as we go ahead if there is any semblance of Dasukigate at the state, the law will take its course; that is different from probing. We will follow what Mr. President is doing at the centre."

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Sunday, November 27, declared Akeredolu winner of the Ondo governorship election.

3 surprising things Senate President said in BBC interview

Senate President, Bukola Saraki, in an interview with the BBC Hausa service said that he made most of his wealth before venturing into politics.

Saraki served as the governor of Kwara state from 2004 to 2011 before becoming a Senator.

Read three surprising things he told the BBC’s Naziru Mikaliu below:

1. Nigeria is not a corrupt country:

“My take is that I must market my country, so I am not gonna be able to label the country as such.”

2. I don’t know how much I’m worth:

Question: “You don’t know how much you are worth? How much did you declare?

Answer: “I can’t remember these figures.”

3. I’ve worked hard for everything I have:

“Question: How did you amass all this wealth?”

Answer: “I come from a blessed family. I come from a family where my parents were opportuned and after that I worked hard in the private sector and I think I have worked hard for everything that I have. I made 95% of my assets before I joined government.”

Saraki also said that he’s innocent of corruption charges leveled against him.

The Senate President is currently facing trial for asset declaration fraud before the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT).

Nigerians criticize governor over planned N200M house

The Edo State House of Assembly has approved the construction of a home worth N200 million for former governor, Adams Oshiomhole.

The Assembly also approved a house worth N100 million for Oshiomhole's deputy, Dr. Pius Odubu after amending the 2007 Pension Rights of the Governor and Deputy Governor Law to make provision for the project.

The move has angered many Nigerians who believe it is insensitive to approve such an expense during a recession.

Senate President doesn’t know how much he’s worth

Senate President, Bukola Saraki has said that he does not know how much he’s worth.

Saraki made the disclosure during an interview with Naziru Mikaliu of the BBC Hausa service.

Excerpts below:

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Many in this country see a lot of politicians as wealthy individuals, for example, you as an individual; how much are you worth?

I don’t know!

You don’t know how much you are worth? How much did you declare?

I can’t remember these figures

That means it’s a huge figure?

I don’t think it’s a crime anywhere for you to either work hard or be blessed. What I think is important is the commitment to serve.

How did you amass all this wealth?

I come from a blessed family. I come from a family where my parents were opportuned and after that I worked hard in the private sector and I think I have worked hard for everything that I have. I made 95% of my asset before I joined government.

You are currently standing trial before a court accused of falsely declaring an asset?

Yeah, that case is ongoing.

So did you declare anything that was not yours?

As I have said many times on this case, I will prove my innocence. These were forms that were declared over 13 years ago and it only emerged in August after I became Senate President.

If there were infractions in those forms the Code of Conduct could have raised those items a long time ago; they didn’t. So I said I am confident that I will clear my name and I don’t believe that I have done anything wrong.

Saraki also refused to describe Nigeria as corrupt saying that he has a duty to market the country properly and as such cannot describe it as such.

President’s government is shameless for talking about 2019,’ Ex-lawmaker says The Presidency spoke out after a former associate of Buhari, Buba Galadima said that he would be abandoned in 2019.

A former lawmaker, Dr. Junaid Mohammed has criticized President Muhammadu Buhari’s government for hinting that the president will seek re-election in 2019.

The Presidency spoke out after a former associate of Buhari, Buba Galadima said that the president would be abandoned by the people in 2019.

“It is very unfortunate and shameless that a government that is yet to do anything is already talking of 2019,” Mohammed said according to Vanguard.

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“It is very unfortunate that a party like APC that is fast becoming moribund is already talking of 2019 when they have nothing to show for the four years Nigerians gave them.

“This development shows they are power-hungry, hypocritical and corruption-ridden. This entire 2019 discussion is ridiculous. I believe a government that has performed will rely on its performance before being considered for another four years in office.

“We are not even in the middle of the four-year term given to them and they are already talking of 2019. This is an unfortunate development and it shows the ineptitude of the government.

“For a man that has led us into the worst recession ever and has got nothing to show Nigerians since he assumed office to be talking of 2019, shows how shameless the government can be,” he added.

Presidential spokesperson, Garba Shehu, who responded to Galadima’s comments, insisted that Buhari still has goodwill with the people of Nigeria.

President Buhari was sworn in on May 29, 2015, and will complete his first term of office in 2019.

I will be Governor – Jimoh Ibrahim

The factional governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Jimoh Ibrahim has expressed hope that he will win the upcoming governorship election.

He said “We are going to win. There is no grammar about that.

“Is anybody saying no? The PDP has been here for 14 years and how can somebody come here yesterday and come and overtake us.”

This is coming as the Supreme Court threw out a suit stopping the Appeal Court from hearing the PDP governorship candidacy case.

The businessman turned politician said his name will be on the ballot paper on election day, November 26, 2016.

He said “It is not possible for my name to be removed for this election, it is not possible. “Nobody can remove it, it is there and it will be there until Saturday.”

According to Premium Times, Ibrahim said the Supreme Court judgement is a welcome development, adding that it still does not stop him from standing for the election.

He said “Has the court changed my name?”

 “If you bring a matter before the Supreme Court and the court says you should go back to the appeal court to hear the case how does that affect me?”

Meanwhile, the PDP has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to postpone Ondo governorship election by three weeks so it can resolve the legal dispute over who will be the party’s candidate.

APC leader not sick, he's hale and hearty' - Afikuyomi

Tokunbo Afikuyomi, an associate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National leader, Bola Tinubu has denied claims that the politician is ill.

Afikuyomi was reacting to the statement credited to the Plateau state Governor, Simon Lalong.

Lalong had said that Tinubu was not present at the APC governorship campaign rally last Saturday because he was sick.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, November 22, Afikuyomi described the Governor's claim as "carelessly disingenuous, patently false, grossly unfair and most embarrassing."

It is believed that Tinubu deliberately boycotted the rally because he is not in support of the party's candidate for the election - Chief Rotimi Akeredolu.

Some state Governors believed to be loyal to Tinubu also shunned the campaign finale which was attended by President Muhammadu Buhari and other APC chieftains.

The Governors include Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State, Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo and Rauf Aregbesola of Osun.

At the governorship primaries conducted in Akure on September 3, Akeredolu defeated Segun Abraham, who is said to be Tinubu's candidate.

The Ondo election will hold on Saturday, November 26.

President promises to leave Nigeria better than he met it

President Buhari, while commissioning the the Edo State University, Iyahmo, has promised to leave Nigeria better than he found it.

The President also called on all ethnic groups in the country to live in peace and harmony.

Buhari also described the country’s over dependence on crude oil, as a grievous mistake, adding that we are paying for it today.

He said “I am not deterred over such criticisms because I am focused and I am happy that many Nigerians have started realizing what we are doing and trying to do, to fix this country for the better. Our problem as a nation started when we abandoned agriculture, our hides and skins, cocoa export, palm kernel and engaged in oil business. Once petroleum was discovered and developed in large quantity, we threw everything to the dust. Now petroleum is diving from 100 dollars to between 40 and 50 dollars per barrel and that is the price we are paying now. What have we done to our agriculture, power, rail, road and social infrastructure; education and health? Just check and find out.

“We have been wasteful. Now, we have to go back to the land, to solid minerals and do a lot of savings so that we can leave a better country for our children and our great nation.”

Buhari also said  “if the rainy season had failed this year, especially, in the Northern part of the country, I wonder what the future would have been because there were no savings, there was no infrastructure, coupled with hunger. I think it is a big recipe for disaster. We thank God for saving us from that disaster.”

He also commended the Edo state Governor, Adams Oshiomhole for his foresight, integrity and hard-work.

Buhari also said the All Progressives Congress (APC) will find a place for Oshiomhole at the federal level.

Country pushes UN to step up scrutiny of Crimea

Ukraine on Tuesday launched a bid at the United Nations to condemn rights abuses in Crimea and press Russia to allow UN monitors to visit the territory.

Backed by 38 countries including the United States, France and Britain, Ukraine presented a draft resolution that for the first time puts Crimea under scrutiny by the General Assembly's human rights committee.

"Crimea is not just a Ukrainian territory occupied by Russia," said Ukrainian Ambassador Volodymyr Yelchenko.

"Crimea is 2.5 million people suffering from the authoritarian regime, frightened and helpless without any chance to defend their rights."

The measure condemns abuses and discrimination in Crimea, which was seized by Russia in February 2014 and later annexed in a move that was not recognized by the United Nations.

It urges Russia to reverse its decision to shut down the Crimean Tatars' governing body, the Mejlis, and to allow cultural and religious institutions to reopen.

Rights groups have raised alarm over the plight of Crimea's Muslim Tatars, who have been subjected to repression for their opposition to Russian rule of the territory.

The text calls on Russia to "take all necessary measures to bring an immediate end to all abuses against residents of Crimea" and to cooperate with the UN rights office seeking to report on the situation in the peninsula.

A UN monitoring mission on human rights set up in Ukraine in 2014 has not been allowed in Crimea.

The draft resolution is expected to come up for a vote on Tuesday.

Taking the floor, Russia's deputy UN ambassador dismissed the measure as "one-sided", saying it ignored Ukraine's decision to cut off trade, electrical power and banking services to Crimeans.

Russian Deputy Ambassador Evgeniy Zagaynov accused Ukraine of "stepping up the information campaign against Russia in an attempt to exert pressure on our country."

Last month, Russia suffered a diplomatic setback at the United Nations when it failed to win reelection to the Human Rights Council during a vote that rights groups said was linked to Moscow's bombing campaign in Syria.

Hillary Clinton has conceded defeat,’ US President-Elect says

President-Elect of the United States of America, Donald Trump has confirmed that his main opponent, Hillary Clinton has conceded defeat.

Trump won 276 Electoral College votes as against Clinton’s 218 in an election that has shocked and stunned the world.

He is currently giving his victory speech and has promised to be a president for all Americans.

“I just received a call from Secretary Clinton, she congratulated us…and I congratulated her and her family for a long fight,” he said, after being introduced by his deputy, Mike Pence.

“I pledge that I will be president for all Americans and this is so important to me,” he added.

Trump’s unbelievable victory became apparent after he won the majority of Electoral College votes.

Mrs Clinton is yet to issue an official statement.

AGF to prosecute alleged corrupt judges

The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami is set to prosecute judges accused of corrupt practices.

According to Punch, Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mahmud Mohammed, said Malami told him of the decision.

Speaking on why the NJC asked the indicted judges to step down, Mohammed said “Justice is rooted in confidence and where confidence in our judges is undermined and independence eroded, it is the nation that ultimately suffers most while true democracy is fatally undermined.

“Certainly, the decision of the National Judicial Council at its last meeting reflects our desire to preserve this independence.

“Hence, we proclaimed to the world that any judicial officer that is standing trial will cease to perform judicial functions.

“The council took this stand following communications it received from the Hon. Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice that he was embarking on the prosecution of the affected judicial officers for the offences disclosed against them from the evidence on the ground.”

Adding that “We must not forget that we operate a constitutional democracy which clearly prescribes the powers accorded to each organ of the state.

“I therefore wish to state without fear of contradiction that the third arm of government will remain resolute in its commitment and resolve to uphold its independence and to adjudicate with utmost fairness and justice prescribed in our constitution and the law.”

The National Judicial Council (NJC) had earlier said that it is not its responsibility to hand over corrupt judges to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) or any anti-graft agency.

Nearly 60 percent of flights delayed in 3 months

Nearly 60 percent of domestic flights were delayed in Nigeria in just three months to the end of September, local media reported on Monday, citing statistics from the country's aviation regulator.

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) recorded 7,722 delays of the 13,097 scheduled flights operated by eight airlines in the third quarter; 253 services were cancelled in the same period.

Arik Air, Nigeria's biggest airline, was responsible for the bulk of delayed and cancelled flights, followed by Air Peace.

Airlines have blamed the delays on a shortage of aviation fuel because of a shortage of foreign currency to pay suppliers.

Nigeria slipped into recession in August after being hit by months of dwindling revenue caused by the fall in global oil prices.

Gross domestic product is expected to shrink in 2016 by 1.6 per cent, the African Development Bank said in a recent statement.

Nigeria's aviation sector in particular has taken a beating. Some international airlines have halted flights altogether and at least one domestic carrier, Aero Contractors, suspended operations indefinitely.

International carriers United Airlines and Iberia have stopped flights to Nigeria because of difficulties getting revenue out of the country.

The result has made travelling even more of a headache in Nigeria, which was already notorious for shoddy airports and bribe-hungry staff.

Last year, a travel website rated the West African country's Port Harcourt International Airport the worst in the world, describing it as "the dirtiest and most corrupt airport in Africa."

John Ojikutu, the head of an aviation security consultancy in Lagos, said these delays could have been avoided with better industry regulation.

"Quite a lot of them are indebted to the service providers and they are also indebted to the fuel marketers, that's why they keep on having delays," Ojikutu told AFP.

"When the price of fuel went up, a lot of the businesses had been owing for fuel quite some time, and the marketers are not ready to continue selling for them on credit," Ojikutu said.

"It's poor financial mismanagement."

All Nigerians should be like Lt Col Abu Ali

Lt Colonel Muhammad Abu Ali was buried on Monday, November 7, 2016, and his death made the Chief of Army Staff cry.

He was killed by Boko Haram on November 4 during an operation in Mallam Fatori, Borno State, in a night attack which led to the deaths of four other soldiers.

Ali was such a fierce fighter and commander that he was feared by the terrorists and highly respected by his fellow soldiers; subordinates and superiors alike.

However, what made him even more special was his decision to repeatedly put his life on the line for a country that did nothing to deserve it.

Ali died for a country in which soldiers on an anti-terrorist mission at night did not have night goggles to identify their targets; he died for a country in which an entire battalion of soldiers is forced to share two pairs of night goggles.

“If you’re going for night attacks, you need your night sight — your night vision goggle — so that you can identify your targets clearly. You know what it means to fight in the dark? Confusion. You don’t know who is who. But I tell you what, there are only two night vision goggles to an entire battalion. In some cases, you will even find a battalion that has no single night vision goggle,” a senior army official told The Cable after Ali’s death.

Another remarkable thing about Lt Col Abu Ali was that he did not have to fight Boko Haram but he chose to.

The brave soldier was the son of former Bauchi State governor, Brigadier General Abu Ali, meaning he could have had strings pulled to ensure that he remained in a cushy office  for the rest of his military career, but he did not.

Abu Ali made the conscious decision to fight Boko Haram in the worst of conditions and with the worst of equipment, yet he showed the terrorists who was boss and has effectively etched his name in the sands of time.

The heroic officer’s sacrifice brings to mind the words of former American President, John F. Kennedy “My fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you- ask what you can do for your country.”

Lt Colonel Abu Ali didn’t ask what his country could do for him, instead he asked what he could do for his country, and he did it, he did it very well.

As we remember and honour Abu Ali’s memory, it is perhaps time for us to ask one another “My fellow Nigerians, what can you do for your country?"

ALGON calls for arrest of those involved in printing fake INEC sheets

The Rivers State Chapter of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria ( ALGON) has called on security agencies to arrest and prosecute those involved in the printing of fake election sheets.

On Sunday, November 6, 2016, the Rivers state police command announced that it had arrested three persons for allegedly printing fake ballot papers.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) also called for thorough investigation into the matter.

Speaking further, ALGON Secretary, Samuel Wonosike, said the group will resist any attempt to sweep the issue on the carpet.

Wonosike also called on President Buhari to order an investigation into the matter.

He said “The case of Atonye Peterside is that of a man with a bad case. A man who was caught pants down printing INEC election materials. Even the APC are struggling to cover-up their mess.

“We are aware that the Commissioner of Police in Rivers state is under pressure not to arrest those mentioned as sponsors of the printing press.

“We as the custodians of the 23 Local government areas of this great state have mobilized our people to be on standby to resist any attempt by anybody to try to cover up this mess of the APC, anybody that tries to sweep this under the carpet.

“Thank God INEC has come out to disown them and call for more investigation into the matter and we want to at this point join INEC in that call for the arrest and invesgigation of everyone whose name has been mentioned in this discovery.”

Also speaking on the issue, Governor Nyesom Wike alleged that there is a plot by INEC, the police and the All Progressives Congress (APC) to rig the December 10, 2016 rerun election.

PDP calls for calm ahead of Supreme Court ruling on governorship election

The Supreme Court is slated to deliver its ruling on the Bayelsa state governorship election which held on January 9, 2016,  today, Tuesday, November 8, 2016.

The state Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chairman, Cleopas Moses has also called on party members to remain calm and maintain law and order.

Moses, who expressed confidence in the judiciary, called on the judges to resist all forms of pressure from interested parties.

He said ‘‘Governor Seriake Dickson of the PDP overwhelmingly won the December 5 and January 9 governorship elections in Bayelsa State in 7 out of 8 local government areas of the state. Timipre Sylva and the APC were roundly rejected by Bayelsans in the elections. Both the trial court and the Appeal Court justifiably upheld the election of my Governor and it will be preposterous for the Supreme Court to cancel the election just because the Presidency wanted it cancelled.

‘‘ For me, cancelling the election will stab justice on the head and make mockery of democracy and it is against this backdrop that I urge the judiciary to always stand up to be counted in dispensing justice and in the defence of democracy in our fatherland.”

The National President of the Movement for the Independence of the Judiciary in the Niger Delta (MIJN), Patrick Egribido, alleged that some politicians are mounting pressure on the Supreme Court to cancel the governorship election.

The Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, on Thursday, September 8, 2016, upheld the election of Seriake Dickson as Governor of Bayelsa state.

APC's legal adviser steps down over bribery allegation

Dr Muiz Adeyemi Banire (SAN) has stepped down as the National Legal Adviser of the All Progressives Congress (APC) following an allegation that he bribed a judge with N500,000.

In a letter to the APC Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, on Monday, November 7, Banire said he decided to step down on moral grounds until the investigation into the allegation is concluded.

The senior lawyer also wrote to the Attorney-General of the Federation Abubakar Malami (SAN) about his decision to quit his membership of the Electoral Reform Committee.

Banire’s letter is entitled: 'Offer to Step Aside as National Legal Adviser Pending Conclusion of Investigation of My Person by the EFCC.'

He copied President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo (SAN).

Banire said he read an online publication on October 29 alleging that he offered a federal judge N500,000 bribe.

According to him, he voluntarily reported himself to the EFCC to help clarify the issues.

The letter reads:

"The allegation, as I have come to understand it, is that a Statement of Account of one judge of the National Industrial Court, the Honourable Justice J. T. Agbadu-Fishim, who is the subject of an ongoing EFCC’s investigation, contained a June 2013 entry of a ‘N500,000.00’ payment ascribed as being from one ‘Dr. Muiz B’.

"I did not hesitate in confirming that this probably referred to me because I remember that about three years ago, I received a text message from someone I recollected at the time to be an old colleague in my days as a lecturer at the University of Lagos, an ‘Agbadu-Fishim’ who was then a Research Fellow at the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, informing me of the death and funeral programme of his mother.

"The last contact (of any sort) I had with this person before that text would have been about 14 years earlier, that is, before I was appointed Special Adviser to the Governor of Lagos State at the inception of civil rule in 1999 (now 17 years ago).

"Indeed, it was with considerable difficulty that I was able to eventually recognise his face when I eventually saw him again (after 17 years of my leaving the University of Lagos) on my attendance at the EFCC on Thursday the 3rd day of November, 2016.

"When I received the said message and his information to me of the death and funeral programme of his mother in which he solicited for financial assistance in a tone suggesting great distress, I considered it necessary to assist an old friend in dire need.

"Without any further prompting, he sent his account details to me and I made a cash gift of N500,000.00 to him."

He said while he personally never appeared before the judge, two cases worth less than N2million in legal fees were handled by lawyers in his chambers.

Banire added: "As I have now come to realise after my interactions with the EFCC, that payment is being investigated from the angle of whether or not it was to influence the receiver in the performance of his judicial duties on the Bench of the National Industrial Court.

"This is perfectly understandable to me within the general context of the investigation in which the allegation had arisen, and considering that I have lately come to also realise that two of my colleagues in chambers had been involved as defence counsel in two cases before the subject judge amongst 12 cases in all they have ever done at the Industrial Court since inception.

"My review of the two case files which I came to be conscious of after my interactions with the EFCC shows that one of them was amicably settled between the parties for a sum less than N1.2m, thereby technically losing the case, whilst they won the other and that the combined professional fees (net of taxes) for the two cases was less than N2m.

"While protesting my innocence, and will therefore do everything within legal limits to defend myself, I have, from the first instance, become aware of the allegation, offered my full cooperation to the EFCC and will continue to cooperate with, and give it all the assistance it may require of me in the course of its ongoing investigation into the matter."

Governor planning to spend N5b before he leaves office - PDP

The Edo state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has alleged that Governor Adams Oshiomhole wants to spend N5b before he leaves office.

The PDP said Oshiomhole wants to spend the money under the guise of a supplementary budget which he sent to the Edo House of Assembly.

According to the Edo PDP Chairman, Chief Dan Orbih, “We have observed with displeasure the despicable financial actions of the governor. They range from the approval of inflated contracts to proposed presentation of a supplementary budget of N5 billion that he wants to spend in less than eight days to his exit as governor.”

Orbih also alleged that Oshiomhole used the state's money to build the private University that President Buhari commissioned on Monday, November 7, 2016.

Meanwhile, the Edo Governor has been commended by his party (All Progressives Congress) members for transforming the state.

Oshiomhole is one of APC’s best,’ Minister says

Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi has described Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole as one of the best products of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Amaechi also said that the APC is proud of Oshiomhole adding that he is admired by the people of Edo and Nigerians as a whole.

The minister made the comments during a send-off party organized for Oshiomhole who will soon be vacating the office.

“We are proud of him because he has done APC proud not only in Edo State but in the South-South,” Amaechi said.

“He is one of our best and we are grateful to God today that he will bow out having finished strongly to the admiration of not only Edo people but Nigerians as whole,” he added.

Oshiomhole will be handing over to Godwin Obaseki who represented the APC in the September 28 governorship elections.

Obaseki won 319,483 votes to defeat Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Osagie Ize-Iyamu who won 253, 173 votes.

APGA national vice chairman not bothered with suspension

The APGA National Vice Chairman (South East), Ozo Okafor has reacted to his suspension saying he is not bothered.

Okafor further said the decision was void and not binding on him, saying that he was not aware of the meeting.

“I am not disturbed because they do not have power to sack me. I belong to the National Working Committee of APGA; so, it has no bearing on me,’’ Okafor said.

Okafor further said the Zonal Working Committee lacked the power to suspend him, hence he remains a member of the National Working Committee of the party.

Party suspends South East's National Vice Chairman

Ozo Okafor, has been suspended by the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) as the National Vice Chairman (South-East).

According to a report by Daily Trust, Okafor's suspension is coming following his alleged anti-party activities.

Okafor's suspension was made known to the public by the South East Working Committee in Awka on Thursday, November 3, 2016.

The committee reportedly found Okafor's recent activities to be against the interest of the political party.

The communiqué was signed by eight members out of the nine members of the NWC which include Ocheze Ubani, Woman Leader; Eugene Obi, Financial Secretary; John Iwuala, Organising Secretary and Henry Uzom, Youth Leader; Alex Ani, Treasurer; Francisca Ogadi, Ex-Officio; Jones Salem, Ex-Officio and Chief Smart Iheoma.

The communique read: "It said that the anti-party activities contravened Articles 21(1) (g) (k) (i) (n) and 22(1) (C) (d) (e) (h) and (h) of APGA’s Constitution as amended.

“Sequel to the self-induced crisis currently instigated by some members of NWC of APGA and spearheaded by National Vice Chairman South-East, Ozo Okafor, we resolve as follows:

“That Ozo Okafor is suspended as a result of glaring anti-party activities, which he has been engaged in and in total breach of Articles 21(1)(g)(k)(i) (n) and 22(1)(C)(d)(e)(h) and (h) of APGA Constitution as amended.

“That we the South-East Working Committee appoint Chief Smart Iheoma as the Acting National Vice Chairman, in addition to his position as Assistant National Publicity Secretary, pending outcome of report of our disciplinary committee,” the communiqué stated.

PDP candidate yet to pay lawyer's legal fees for appearance

Jimoh Ibrahim's legal counsel, Alex Izinyon(SAN) has said the billionaire is yet to pay for some his legal fees.

In a recent report by Daily Post, Izinyon in a letter addressed to his ex-client said he had not been paid for four appearances.

“You will recall my earlier letter to you on 27/10/2016 stating the status of the various cases we handled at the federal high court and currently at the court of appeal. For ease of reference a copy is enclosed here with.” he wrote.

Continuing, Izinyon said: “On the federal high court group of cases, it was really only one that I was briefed on enforcement, which is No.2 on the list which we did and the N15 million was paid for that.

“For the remaining 3, 4, 5 and 6 on the list, we did not receive fees and I recall informing you on this and you said you were not inclined to pay anything but only secretarial bill of N5 million.

“As for the one which brought me to the court of appeal – CA/A/551/M/2016, Ahmed Makarfi and Ben Obi VS PDP, we filed our counter-affidavit and the motion was heard on 28/10/2016 and ruling was reserved”, he added.

The lawyer further revealed how the unpaid legal fees can be paid saying he will get N5million from the N10million a Senator promised to pay on behalf of Ibrahim.

“Meanwhile, I have done the motion for joinder for you which is 50-50 chances as I discussed with you before. Your senator friend was to assist in this respect as he promised to pay me N10 million.

“Also, I have done Nos 2, 3 and 4 in the list sent on 27/10/2016 without any payment. In this connection, kindly take out N5 million from the N10 million given as we have done half with N5 million you had promised to give for secretarial service of all other cases as listed as set off in the circumstances for the balance.

“The joinder application we filed was on the instruction of your senator friend as stated above as at the cost he promised but nothing so far. Kindly bear with me the circumstances I find myself and thank you for the confidence repose in me in conducting the matter so far”, he further stated.

Izinyon recently withdrew from representing the PDP's candidate in the legal matters concerning him few weeks to the Ondo governorship election

APC chieftain threatens to go on hunger strike if Buhari declines second term

Hajia Fatima Mohammed, one of the members of the APC Board of Trustees (BoT) has said she will go on hunger strike if President Muhammadu Buhari refuses a second term ticket.

The All Progressives Congress chieftain made this known in a recent interview with Leadership Newspaper.

“He will not (decline). We will go on hunger strike to ensure he contests. We will go on the streets, I mean it. I will mobilise women and youths for Buhari. Four years is not enough to change this country. The anti- corruption war cannot be finished in four years. This is barely two years and we are having more corruption cases happening,” she said.

Mohammed has reiterated that the President's mission is an eight years cause and she will mobilize women and men to go on hunger strike should Buhari refuse the ticket.

The APC chieftain further warned politicians eyeing the presidential seat against 2019 to drop the idea as she will do everything within her powers to see that the President returns for a second term

In her words: "…Buhari is for 2019. So, all those people eyeing 2019 should sleep. They should put their minds to rest. In 2019, there is no vacancy. We will mobilize for Buhari to contest in 2019. Four years is not enough for him to set Nigeria fully on the right path.

"He needs eight years to do that. He cannot bring somebody and expect him to work like him. We have seen instances where governor’s bring successors and they turn back to fight them and make a mess of the work," she said.

Continuing, Mohammed said: "The gravity of work to be done in Nigeria requires a personality like Buhari to do it. Over the years things went wrong in the system. There have been systemic corruption which made it difficult for us to develop at a faster pace. We want Buhari to continue and we will take up placards, go to the streets and campaign for him to continue. I am one of those championing Buhari’s second term."

The ruling party is currently facing internal rancour with the national leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu not in good accord with the party's chairman, John Oyegun.

American Airline flight goes on fire in O'Hare airport

An American Airline flight caught fire at the O'Hare Airport in Chicago on October 28, 2016.

According to by tweets from an eyewitness, Chad Mitchell, the plane caught fire while passengers while aboard but didn't produce any casualties.

It was further gathered that emergency crews responded to fire outbreak, which was reportedly caused by an engine malfunction. A recent statement by officials reads: "American Airlines flight 383 from Chicago to Miami experiences an engine malfunction; passengers deplaned; no reports of injures."

FBI reviewing new emails 11 days to U.S. presidential election

A new twist has been added to the Hilary Clinton's email saga as the FBI has revealed it has began a review of new emails in the classified information probe.

According to a report by CNN, FBI Director, James Comey disclosed that the bureau is looking into new emails of the U.S Presidential candidate.

Comey reportedly told U.S. lawmakers on Friday, October 28, 2016 that the bureau is reviewing new information related to Hillary Clinton's personal email server.

The news is coming barely 11 days ahead of the highly anticipated U.S. election.

In a letter to an eight congressional committee chairmen, Comey said investigators are examining newly discovered emails that "appear to be pertinent" to the email probe.

"In connection with an unrelated case, the FBI has learned of the existence of emails that appear pertinent to the investigation. "

I am writing to inform you that the investigative team briefed me on this yesterday, and I agreed that the FBI should take appropriate investigative steps designed to allow investigators to review these emails to determine whether they contain classified information, as well as to assess their importance to our investigation," Comey reportedly wrote.

Speaking further, Comey said he was not sure how long the additional review would take and said the FBI "cannot yet assess whether or not this material may be significant."

CNN reported that Clinton's campaign learned of the news while they were aboard a flight to Iowa and one of her aides said: "We're learning about this just like you all are."

In a swift reaction, Trump's campaign manager, Kellyanne Conway, tweeted after the news broke.

She wrote, "A great day in our campaign just got even better."

In September 2016, The FBI released a summary of its July 2 interview with Clinton concerning its investigation of her use of a private email server while secretary of state.

Presidential candidate has money advantage in last weeks of campaign - Documents

Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, has a clear advantage over Republican Donald Trump in the money she has to spend in the final days of the US presidential election, campaign documents show.

Trump sought to narrow the gap by sending 10 million dollars of his own money to his campaign on Friday morning, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing unnamed campaign advisers.

Clinton’s campaign had 62.4 million dollars of cash on hand as of Oct. 19, while Trump’s campaign had just 16 million dollars, according to new documents filed with the Federal Elections Commission.

Clinton’s campaign had raised 52.8 million dollars during the first two and a half weeks of October, and Trump had taken in 30.5 million dollars, the filings showed.

Those figures include only funds that went directly to the campaigns not those raised by Clinton or Trump for other party candidates or for outside groups that aid in their campaign.

Trump plans to use his personal contribution towards television advertising in crucial states.

Vote on new constitution may not heal old wounds

Ivory Coast's President Alassane Ouattara hopes Sunday's referendum on a new constitution will finally turn the page on years of crisis and bloodshed.

But as he scrutinised newspaper front pages pinned up at a roadside in the commercial capital Abidjan, Brice Bosse, 44, wasn't buying it.

"I don't think this referendum should happen," said the construction worker. "They rushed this through, and no one even knows what's in it."

Ivorians, along with the investors who have poured into French-speaking West Africa's largest economy since its civil war ended in 2011, crave stability.

But rights groups and diplomats say a process that could have helped heal a deeply divided society has instead rushed out a document that few Ivorians have had time to read, much less debate.

"It looks like a fait accompli," said one Abidjan-based diplomat. "You can say what you like about the text, but the process could have been more transparent. It's a missed opportunity."

The authorities say they have respected the legal timetable for the referendum process, and that a vote on the constitution must be held before legislative elections in December.

Opposition groups are boycotting the vote, accusing Ouattara of tailoring the text to consolidate his power.

And with no public debate, many on both sides are falling back on adversarial positions that caused nearly a decade of bloodshed and economic stagnation.

"This constitution formalises the colonisation of a big part of our country by people who have come from somewhere else," Innocent Anaki Kobena, a minister under former President Laurent Gbagbo, told a crowd in Abidjan's Port Bouet neighbourhood on Wednesday.

Most of his audience were Gbagbo supporters whose refusal to accept Ouattara's 2010 election win sparked a war that killed over 3,000. Gbagbo is now in The Hague, on trial for crimes against humanity.

"LIKE A VOLCANO"

The constitution drafted under military rule after a 1999 coup has been at the heart of Ivory Coast's prolonged crisis.

It said presidential candidates must have both parents be Ivorian - a deliberate swipe at northerners, many of whom, like Ouattara, have family ties that straddle the borders with Burkina Faso and Mali. It was used to disqualify him from poll in 2000.

The new constitution scraps that rule - only one parent must be Ivorian, it says. It also creates a post of vice president and a senate.

Rights groups are worried that it allows future changes to go ahead with a two thirds majority in parliament, a body now heavily dominated by Ouattara's allies.

"If a president has a majority in parliament, he can do whatever he likes with the constitution. That, for us, is problematic," said Nathalie Kouakou Yao N'Guessan, the head of Amnesty International in Ivory Coast.

Civil society groups lobbied for a delay of the vote on the text, which was drafted behind closed doors. They were rebuffed.

So by voting day, Ivorians will have had just two and a half weeks to consider the proposed 184-article charter.

Human Rights Watch this week accused the authorities of clamping down on opposition to the constitution by closing newspapers, breaking up demonstrations, detaining political leaders and blocking their access to state media.

Government spokesman Bruno Kone denied all the accusations.

Brice Bosse fears the referendum will only deepen divisions between Ivorians. He plans to stay at home on Sunday.

"Just because no one's shooting doesn't mean the war is over," he said. "It's like the fire from a volcano. The fact it's under the surface doesn't mean it's not there."

Lawmaker reveals how Dogara blackmailed Reps not to speak up

The suspended House of Representatives member, Abdulmumin Jibrin is not letting his woes keep him silent.

Jibrin has alleged that the House Speaker, Yakubu Dogara blackmailed lawmakers not to speak up concerning the budget padding scandal.

He said members of the House were not happy about the alleged fraudulent practises of the Speaker, but kept quiet because Dogara used the controversial running cost issue to blackmail them.

Jibrin also said “If you remember during our recess, you had the Transparency Group and the Integrity Group talking; then soon after we resumed, they continued to talk but immediately after my suspension, everybody went quiet.

“There is one issue that unites the House and that is the issue of running costs. I had never thought that the Speaker could go into a meeting and blackmail his colleagues”

Adding that “When the Speaker came into the hall, the first thing he said shocked everybody. He said, ‘Look, the issues that Jibrin is bringing are not only going to bring down Dogara, Lasun, Leo Ogor, and Alhassan Doguwa. They are going to involve the whole House because when they start investigations, it will include the issue of running costs.

“The issue of running cost, which is an entrenched systemic corruption, involves almost every member.”

Abdulmumin Jibrin, former chairman of the House Appropriations committee, was suspended for 180 days by the House, following the recommendation of the ethics and privileges committee.