Saraki Denies Forming New Party; Declares Support For PMB

Bukola Saraki, the Senate president has denied speculations that he is in alliance with some prominent politicians to form a new party ahead of the 2019 general elections and also reiterated his support for President Muhammadu Buhari who he said he had a cordial relationship with.

Daily Independent reports that this was made known by Yusuph Olaniyonu, the special adviser to the Senate president on media on Wednesday, December 30.

Olaniyonu claimed that those plotting the downfall of Saraki were behind the rumour that he wanted to go and form a new party and emphasized that the Senate president was committed to the All Progressives Congress.

He said the Senate president did not contemplate forming a new party when he was trying to survive politically over the alleged false declaration of asset trial.

The media adviser said: “It is a stupid claim by some unscrupulous elements to link the Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki with the plot to form a new political party. He has pledged his allegiance to the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and nothing is going to change that”.

Just look at the cordial and perfect relationship between the President of the Federal Republic and the Senate President in recent times. Even when he had problem and had to appeared before the tribunal, it never crossed his mind to dump the APC and align with other political parties not to talk of forming a new one”.
 
“As we speak, those opposing the Senate president can no longer enter Aso Rock today but he goes there everyday. Cast your mind back on the birthday of Mr. President, how many of the accusers of the Senate president were around? Only the Senate president was there. Even on Christmas day, the senate president was there”.

“So, the talk of the Senate president ganging up with some faceless people to form a new political party is nonsense”.

“Those who have problem with the president or the party should go and sort it out themselves. The senate president does not have any problem either with the president or the leadership of the party.”
Meanwhile, Saraki advised the citizens to endeavour they behave in a way of love and peace. He also preached that the spirit of one Nigeria is needed in order to foster the growth and development of the nation.

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U.S condemns Boko Haram attacks

United States on Wednesday condemned the recent attacks carried out by Boko Haram in Nigeria, as well as other recent attacks in Cameroon, Chad, and Niger in which several people were killed.

A statement issued by Mark Toner, U.S. Department of State Deputy Spokesperson Washington, D.C, said America reaffirmed its commitment to helping Nigeria win the war against insurgency.

The statement said U.S stands with the people of Nigeria and the region in the fight against Boko Haram.
It reads:  “The United States remains committed to helping Nigeria and its neighbors counter Boko Haram’s senseless acts of terror.  Despite much progress over the past year—due in large part to newly bolstered Nigerian and regional efforts—more work remains to ensure the people of Cameroon, Chad, Niger and Nigeria can live in peace.

“The conflict has affected the lives of communities across the Lake Chad Basin region, with some 2.5 million internally displaced people and more than 170,000 Nigerian refugees forced to flee their homes.

“The United States provides advisors, intelligence, training, logistical support, and equipment to our African partners as they work to defeat Boko Haram.  We also support those affected by Boko Haram’s violence through ongoing humanitarian aid and victim support services.  The United States will continue working with our partners in the region to identify new opportunities to support their efforts to stop Boko Haram’s wanton violence and restore order in the Lake Chad Basin region.”

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Missouri Governor Warns of 'Historic and Dangerous' Floods

Missouri's governor warned Tuesday of flooding and swollen river levels that could exceed levels seen in a devastating flood in 1993, and he pleaded with drivers to stay off inundated roadways.
Thirteen people in Missouri have died in floods caused by severe storms over the weekend, and although the rain has moved on, swollen rivers are still rising and won't crest for days, Gov. Jay Nixon said.

"It's very clear that Missouri is in the midst of a very historic and dangerous flooding event," Nixon told reporters Tuesday. "The amount of rain we've received, in some places in excess of a foot, has caused river levels to not only rise rapidly, but to go to places they've never been before."

Nixon declared a state of emergency Monday, and on Tuesday he activated the National Guard to assist first responders and to secure areas evacuated because of the winter storms.

In the St. Louis-area town of West Alton, the Mississippi River spilled over a levee, prompting the mayor to urge everyone in the town of 520 people to evacuate. Interstate 44 was closed near the central Missouri town of Rolla, and a section of Interstate 70 was shut down in southern Illinois.

Flooded homes Tuesday in Pacific, Missouri. J.B. Forbes / St. Louis Post-Dispatch via AP

In some parts of the MIssouri, rivers are expected to crest as high as they did during devastating flooding in 1993, which is known as the "great flood," Nixon said.

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The National Weather Service predicts that the Mississippi River at Chester, Illinois, across from Perry County, is expected to crest at 49.7 feet on Friday, matching the 1993 record, the governor's office said. The Mississippi at Thebes was expected to crest Saturday at a record-breaking 47.5 feet.
The Mississippi River is expected to reach nearly 15 feet above flood stage on Thursday at St. Louis, which would be the second-worst flood on record, behind only the devastating 1993 flood.

In the 1993 flood, about 50,000 homes were destroyed across nine states, and losses were estimated at $15 million to $20 million, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Forty-seven people died.

"All of us remember the devastating impact of the Great Flood of 1993. and that's why we have been working proactively with our local and federal partners to prepare and respond," Nixon said.

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Ex Banker, Roch Marc Christian Kabore sworn in as Burkina Faso president

 

A former banker has been sworn in as Burkina Faso's president in front of thousands of cheering supporters.

 

Roch Marc Christian Kabore won elections last month, the first since long-serving ruler Blaise Compaore was ousted in a popular uprising last year.

Mr Kabore was an ally of Mr Compaore before the two fell out.

About 20 soldiers were detained on Monday for plotting to free the jailed leader of September's short-lived coup, Gen Gilbert Diendere, officials said.

Several African heads of state attended Mr Kabore's inauguration in the capital, Ouagadougou.

Mr Kabore said he would defend the constitution and "ensure justice for all".

He once served as Mr Compoare's prime minister, but gained popularity after opposing his bid to change the constitution and run for a third term.

Mr Compaore fled to Ivory Coast after being forced out of office.

Gen Diendere, a powerful ally of the ousted president, staged a coup in September.

He was forced to return power to a transitional government seven days later, after the army sided with protesters opposed to the coup.

Gen Diendere was charged in October with 11 crimes, including threatening state security. He denies the charges.

The 20 soldiers accused of trying to free him were arrested during a raid in Ouagadougou, outgoing Prime Minister Isaac Zida said.

The group had also planned to free other coup plotters, and re-establish the elite presidential guard which organised the short-lived coup, he added.

At least 57 people, including about 20 presidential guard officers, are being held over the coup.
Both Gen Diendere and Mr Compaore have also been charged with the 1987 murder of former President Thomas Sankara.

They have denied any wrongdoing.

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Governor Wike in a Sad Mood as His Key PDP Allies Decamp To APC

Some of Governor Nyesom Wike’s trusted political allies have started pitching tent with the opposition party, the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Rivers state.

This is happening at a time when the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is preparing to face the electorates once again in rerun elections following the massive nullification of federal and state legislative elections by the Court of Appeal.

The latest member of Governor Wike’s ‘kitchen cabinet’ to jump ship is Ndubuisi Nwankwo, who was only last month appointed as member of the governing council of the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Port Harcourt, Rivers state by the same governor.

Nwankwo, who led 87 leaders of the PDP in Omuma local government area of Rivers state to the APC on Sunday was a onetime commissioner for energy and natural resources during Dr Peter Odili’s administration.

The former PDP man and other members of the party were received by Asita O Asita, the deputy governorship candidate of the APC and praised them for their courage to make the shift as the PDP was no longer capable of leading Nigeria to the expected destination.

Similarly, Chief Matthew Aleru, a stalwart of the PDP in Ikwerre local government area and former managing director of the Niger Delta Development Basin Authority has decamped for APC.

In a similar fashion, Igochukwu Dim who ran for the Emohua/Ikwerre federal constituency seat under the PDP has moved with his teeming supporters to the APC.

Some weeks back, Chief Bekinbo Soberekon, a chieftain of the PDP, a two-time governorship aspirant who contested in the governorship primaries with Wike and others walked into the state secretariat of the APC to register and obtain a membership card.

The continued movement of some leaders of the PDP into the APC in Rivers state despite the avalanche of appointments recently released by Governor Wike, may be a fulfillment of an initial statement by the governorship candidate of the APC, Dr Dakuku Peterside, who claimed that 50% of the people Wike is appointing into various offices were already talking with his party on how to dump the PDP.

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As at the last count, the governor had appointed about 30 Special Advisers and 24 commissioners.
Some of the Special Advisers yet to be assigned portfolios are already grumbling over “floating appointments”.

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Buhari vs Jonathan: Who Wastes More of the Nation's Resources?

President Muhammadu Buhari is going to spend N18.1 billion in 2016 to run the State House, Nigerian presidential complex, which is much more than former president Goodluck Jonathan spent in 2015.

In 2015, Goodluck Jonathan spent N6.6 billion on the State House, and in 2014, he spent N12.2 billion; the odds are N11.5 billion and N5.9 billion respectively, Premium Times reports.

However, Buhari will reduce the cost of feeding for the first and second families, when compared to what the Jonathan administration spent in previous years.

The president presented a N6.08 trillion budget to the National Assembly last week, promising more jobs, economic growth and a cut-down on frivolous spending.

According to the budget 2016, the State House will cumulatively receive N18.1 billion.

The costs cover the State House Headquarters, the president’s office and the office of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, as well as the budgets of the State House medical centre and the Lagos Liaison office.

One of the most notable State House spending in 2016 will become the purchase of BMW saloon cars at N3.63 billion.

The budget also contains a repeat of projects the Jonathan administration repeatedly allocated funds for. For example, the purchase of computers, which has featured in budgets of previous government each year.

In 2016, the State House will spend N27. 5 million on computers, while N268.9 will finance computer software acquisition. Aso Rock will also spend N764.7 million on recreational activities.
The installation of electrical lighting and fittings will cost N618.6 million next year.

The feeding cost for State House in 2016, if approved by the National Assembly, will be reduced to N445.5 million for all meal-related expenses. In 2014, Jonathan spent N542.86 million, and in 2015, N526.17 million on food.

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Nigerian Students Appeal to Buhari over ATM Card Ban

Nigerians living in Malaysia, especially students have pleaded with Nigeria’s president, Muhammadu Buhari and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) not to ban customers abroad from using their Naira debit and credit card.

CBN in a bid to slow the flow of foreign exchange out of the country ordered commercial banks to stop customers from using their debit and credit cards abroad. The ban on usage of ATM card abroad is proposed to take effect from for January 1, 2016.

Students who spoke with Daily Trust complained that many are already finding it difficult to withdraw money for their school fees and other expenses due to the recently introduced cash withdrawal limit imposed on customers abroad.

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The students pleaded that usage of ATM card should not be banned. One said: “There are over 5,000 Nigerians schooling in Malaysia. Most of us rely on money being sent from Nigeria. There is no job here. We use our ATM card to pay for our expenses. Banning it usage will cause a lot of hardship for us and may lead to the termination of some students education. Government should help us.”

Other students suggested that the government should devise another means of controlling capital flight and strengthen naira without making the innocent suffer unnecessarily from the sins of the few corrupt Nigerians.

Just recently, CBN said that the recent restriction will remain until the country’s foreign reserves grow to significant levels.

Moses Tule, CBN’s director, monetary policy, said restrictions were likely to be lifted when reserves increase to between $50 billion and $200 billion, adding that all hands must be on deck to achieve the target.

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Christmastime storms, tornadoes kill at least 43 in USA

Powerful tornadoes are a staple of spring and summer in central states but occur less frequently in winter, according to U.S. weather data.

Storms hit the U.S. South, Southwest and Midwest over the Christmas holiday weekend, unleashing floods and tornadoes that killed at least 43 people, flattened buildings and snarled transportation for millions during a busy travel time.

 

The bad weather, or the threat of it, prompted the governors of Missouri and New Mexico to declare a state of emergency for their states.

 

Flash floods killed at least 13 people in Missouri and Illinois.

 

In Missouri, emergency workers have evacuated residents from their homes and conducted dozens of water rescues, Governor Jay Nixon said on Sunday. He said at least eight people had been killed and numerous roadways had been closed.

 

Nixon declared a state of emergency, saying continued rains would make already widespread flooding conditions worse.

 

Three adults and two children were near the village of Patoka, Illinois, 85 miles (137 km) east of St. Louis, Missouri, when their car was washed away by floodwaters on Saturday night, according to Marion County Coroner Troy Cannon.

 

In Texas, at least 11 people were killed in the Dallas area over the weekend by tornadoes, including one packing winds of up to 200 miles per hour (322 km per hour). The twister hit the city of Garland, killing eight people and blowing vehicles off highways.

 

"It is total devastation," Garland Police spokesman Lieutenant Pedro Barineau said. "It is a very difficult time to be struck by such a horrible storm the day after Christmas."

 

Three other deaths were reported in the Dallas metropolitan area, the United States' fourth most populous with about 7 million residents. Scores of people were injured in the region and officials estimated some 800 homes may have been damaged.

 

Powerful tornadoes are a staple of spring and summer in central states but occur less frequently in winter, according to U.S. weather data.

 

Three tornadoes were reported in Arkansas on Sunday, the weather service said, but there were no initial reports of significant injuries or damage.

 

The service has issued tornado watches and warnings for areas in that state, as well as in parts of Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Mississippi.

 

A tornado watch means a storm is likely, while a warning means a storm or storms have been sighted.

The storms came on the heels of tornadoes that hit two days before Christmas, killing at least 18 people, including 10 in Mississippi.

 

In Texas, Governor Greg Abbott said his office had declared Dallas County and three nearby counties disaster areas. He also warned people to be wary of snow in western parts of the state and rivers spilling their banks in other places.

 

The National Weather Service issued severe weather advisories for large parts of the central United States, including a blizzard warning for parts of New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma and a flash flood watch stretching from Texas to Indiana.

 

New Mexico Governor Susana Martinez declared a state of emergency for the entire state due to a winter storm that had dumped up to two feet of snow by Sunday night.

 

The New Mexico city of Roswell bested its one-day snowfall record, receiving 12.3 inches by Sunday evening, the Weather Service said.

 

The bad weather forced the cancellation of nearly 1,500 flights in the nation on Sunday, according to tracking service FlightAware.com. About half of the canceled flights were in Dallas, a major U.S. flight hub.

 

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Ijaw Accuses Buhari Of Under-funding Of Niger Delta

The Ijaw Youths Council has accused President Muhammadu Buhari-led federal government of making policies towards the Niger Delta region as deliberately vindictive to cause conflicts.

Udens Eradiri, the president-general of group  alleged that  the 2016 budget proposal by the federal government  is anti-Niger Delta as the allocation for amnesty was deliberately trimmed down for the exploration of oil in the Chad basin area .

According to Eradiri said: “The budget for Amnesty programme was about N40 Billion has been reduced to about N20 million which has been cut to be used to funding the exploration of oil  in Chad basis where nobody is living because of insurgency. This is a calculated attempt to create conflict in the Niger Delta region in Nigeria in the coming year.”


He also allege: “If you cut the amnesty budget it shows clearly that you don’t want to engage the people of the region. How much is the allocated the Niger Delta Development Agency, NDDC.What the budget of the Ministry of Niger Delta? He has forgotten that cost of running government in hinged on the peaceful Niger Delta region. And the amnesty programme is the reason Nigeria has the peace and revenue it has been enjoying and all is an attempt to cause conflict that would deny the government from realising the N6 Trillion Budget the government is expecting in the 2015 budget.”

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Eradiri claims that Buhari’s administration is rolling out anti-Ijaw policies.
Meanwhile, Femi Fani-Kayode, former minister of aviation had described the 2016 budget presented to the joint sitting of the National Assembly by the President Muhammadu Buhari as being fuel by insincerity.

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Heavy Security Presence In Court For Nnamdi Kanu's Arraignment

The director of the Indigenous People Of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu has been arraigned before a Federal High Court in Abuja amid heavy security presence.

Outside the court premises, scores of heavily armed police officers were seen jumping down from a long truck. Both uninformed and uninformed security operatives can be seen around the court house.

On Friday, December 18, after a court’s order that Kanu should be released immediately and unconditionally, the Nigerian government filed fresh charges against the Biafra agitator.

The six-count charges bordering on illegal possession of arms and treasonable felony is expected to be heard before Justice A. R. Mohammed.

Kanu was arrested by operatives of the State Security Services (SSS) on Wednesday, October 14 in Lagos on his arrival to Nigeria from the United Kingdom.

He was earlier charged for criminal intimidation of the Nigeria government among others at a Magistrate Court in Abuja.

The court later discharged and struck out all cases against kanu after the SSS applied for the discontinuation of the case for lack of jurisdiction by the Magistrate Court to entertain the matter.

Also on Thursday, December 17, the Federal High Court presided over by Ademola Adeniyi ordered an immediate and unconditional release of the accused.

Meanwhile, Vincent Egechukwu Obetta, counsel to the detained director of Radio Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, had also accused the federal government of instituting unnecessary legal bottlenecks to frustrate his release.
In a related development, a statement signed by MASSOB leader Uchenna Madu in Enugu on Wednesday, and the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) accused Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra state of involvement in the killings of people who were jubilating following the release Nnamadi Kanu on bail in front of Abuja Federal High Court.

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