Buhari's Kitchen Cabinet Crumbling?

President Buhari's cabinet has been heavily critized of late for inefficiency and this report focuses on the structural issues faced by the cabinet of change. 

Once touted as closely knit, Buhari’s kitchen cabinet appears to be crumbling in the face of growing ego conflicts, mutual suspicion as well as mounting allegations of corruption among its members, Ripples Nigeria investigations have shown.

Exactly a week ago, June 22 to be exact, the nation’s media space was awash with stories of President Buhari’s meeting with hundreds of State House staff. The gathering which appeared routine has since become subject of intense speculations.

An early pointer to unease within the system was the quiet grumblings that greeted Jalal Arbi, the State House Permanent Secretary, when he told the expectant crowd that they had been assembled to bid President Buhari a warm welcome from his medical trip abroad.

Arbi was quoted as having said to Buhari, “This is the congregation of your children privileged to work in the Villa. We have gathered to welcome you and reassure you of our commitment to integrity, accountability and most importantly fear of God. We pray God to continue to strengthen you and give you peace of mind and tranquility to govern.”‎

No questions were entertained from the motley crowd once Mr President was done with his speech. The show of solidarity and support, inside sources confided in Ripples Nigeria, were meant to conceal growing disenchantment and portray cohesion within and among the fractured leadership of the President’s closest aides.

Coincidentally, on the same day, news broke of a major conflict involving, perhaps, three of the closest members of Buhari’s kitchen cabinet. An ego war was reported to have pitched Buhari’s Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari, and Lawal Daura, DG, DSS against the Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu.

The bone of contention, inside sources claim, was Magu’s “intransigence” over attempts by Abba Kyari and the DG DSS to pervert investigations and cover up corruption allegedly perpetrated by Jide Omokore of Sahara Energy, a known ally of Diezani Allison-Madueke, former Minister of Petroleum who is now embroiled in corruption scandal.

The in-fighting within the ranks is said to have been accentuated with the orchestrated arrest and detention of Air Commodore Umar Muhammed, a member of the presidential panel investigating arms procurement. The arrest was on the orders of the DSS boss, a co-member of the same panel.

Sources say the exercise was meant to nail Magu, the EFCC Chairman, as Commodore Umar is alleged to have acted as a front for him in the massive looting of state resources. Interestingly, Magu who is also a member of the same panel has washed his hands off the allegation, apparently to save his skin.

Sources tell Ripples Nigeria that the quiet rumblings within the kitchen cabinet have not gone un-noticed, and that President Buhari is said to be chewing softly on the matter because of its sensitive nature, and his well-known stance against corruption.

“He does not want to betray any emotions or trigger an alarm”, our source said.
Already, Buhari is said to be at a loss on how to deal with the rumoured move by his Chief of staff, Abba Kyari, to stall Magu’s confirmation which is still pending.

President Buhari’s headaches have not been made lighter as he figures what to also make of the allegations of corrupt enrichment hanging on the neck of his Chief of Army staff, Lt. General Tukur Yusuf Buratai, who is largely seen as a poster boy for the administration.

 

Tori News

Certificateless President! Court to Finally Decide Buhari's Fate Today

Today, 30th of June, 2016 has been slated for a court proceeding challenging President Muhammadu Buhari's educational qualification as the first man of Nigeria's political structure. 

Reports on ThisDay have it that President Muhammadu Buhari may know his fate on his protracted certificate saga today following a scheduled Federal High Court hearing in Abuja.

 

Buhari through his legal representatives had earlier sought to stop the law suit against his educational qualification for the post of president of Nigeria over concerns of the authenticity of his school leaving certificate.

Justice Adeniyi Ademola, who had earlier reserved ruling on the motion for this Wednesday, had to adjourned to Thursday to enable service to be delivered to parties in the case.

When the matter was called up, parties in the suit were not present in court. Justice Ademola, while suggesting that the absence of the parties in the suit may be due to the possibility that they were not served on the new adjourned date, announced an adjournment to enable parties to be served on the new adjourned date.

An Abuja based legal practitioner, Nnamdi Nwokocha-Ahaiwe, had filed an application asking the Federal High Court to nullify the election of Buhari as President of Nigeria on the grounds that he did not possess the minimum academic requirement for the position.

The plaintiff in the suit also alleged that Buhari did not sit for the Cambridge West African School Certificate (WASC) in 1961 as he had earlier claimed.

But Buhari raised a preliminary objection to the suit on the grounds that he was not properly served.

Tori News

Ojo Maduekwe Dies: Nigerians Remember Him for Being a One-time Sycophant of Error

Influential Abia state-born politician and former Foreign Affairs Minister, Chief Ojo Maduekwe is dead. 

Former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ojo Maduekwe, who is a stalwart of the opposition Peoples Democratic Patty, (PDP), has passed away at about 7:00pm on Wednesday at a hospital in Abuja.

 

A close source of the politician who was recently appointed the secretary of the PDP Board of Trustees, revealed to Premium Times that Maduekwe was returning to Nigeria from the U.S via Dubai when he fell ill.

 

“He fell ill while on air from Dubai and he was rushed to the hospital as soon as the plane landed in Abuja, but he died before doctors could do much,” he said.

 

However, the close associate could not provide further details as he broke down while speaking on the phone with a correspondent.

 

Speaking to journalists from Saudi Arabia, the chairman of the PDP BoT, Walid Jibrin, said Maduekwe died at a time his services were most needed.

 

“He passed on at a critical time when we needed him most. I was waiting for him to come back from U.S. where he travelled to so that we can find a way of addressing the problems in the party.

“He was a good man and an intelligent person, who can always find a way out of situations. The party will mourn him. We have lost a great man. I would have loved to come back immediately, but we have started the process already, but I will devote my time here in Saudi Arabia to pray for his family,” he said.

 

He was born May 6, 1945 in Abia State, Nigeria and was appointed Foreign Minister of Nigeria on July 26, 2007 by President Umaru Yar’Adua.

 

Maduekwe was also appointed Culture and Tourism minister by President Olusegun Obasanjo in 1999, Minister of Transport in 2001.

 

As Minister of Transport he got the nick name ‘Ojo oni Keke’ for advocating for the use of bicycles, although critics said that the roads were unsafe for cyclists and Maduekwe himself was pushed into a ditch by a bus while he was cycling to work.

 

He was National Secretary of the ruling political party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Tori News

Must Read: Fani-Kayode Writes Nigerian Christians from Prison

This letter which has gone viral on social media is credited to the former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani Kayode who is currently remanded in prison by the court over financial crimes.

Read the emotional piece which is currently being shared by sympathisers on Facebook:

God willing am in custody of EFCC. But to me is a great time to commune with God just the way Paul and other brethren did in their days.

I am here not only because my party gave me money to campaign for them like every other politician even in APC. But if it might interest you to know,what is going on is the persecution of Christians. Before I forget,this message should be taken to Apostle Johnson Suleiman the founder of Omega fire ministry. I had a revelation that they are planning to attack him. Because he is one of the major voice crying out for justice in the body of Christ. The Muslims are out to persecute the Christians.

I am here under custody because the likes of Kabiru are not comfortable with my position as a Christian. God willing,the dark age will soon be over.

They refused taking me to court to defend my civic right. They want to keep me for the next 4 years. But they don't know it is dangerous. I now have time to pray more,study more, and even meditate.

Before my arrest, Lai Mohammed offered me an amnesty if only i decamp to their anti-Christ party. I refused because i know who i am. No man can cover your sin for you. If am guilty, i will surly come out strong.

This is not just anti-corruption fight. Where are the PDP governors and leaders from the North? They are walking freely today. This is a fight to pocket the voices of Christians. A situation where an office picked offence on me for relating with my God through the name Jesus. He threw my bible to the floor today.

If it where to be the Quran,will he do that? The head of who did that would've been at the gate of Aso rock by now. So many secret plots to eliminate top politicians and pastors who are Christians is on going.

Tukur was right when he raised alarm that, a meeting was held in Dubai to overthrow Jonathan by all means. Part of what they discussed at the meeting,is what Aregbesola and El-Rufai are displaying in their various states.

I am not an infidel and i will never be one. I am a man of dignity. I will not stop fighting even here in prison. I am the John the Baptist of my generation. I will not keep mute and watch anti-Christ imposing policies that are not religious friendly. What has bible got to do with my case with the EFCC?

Why are they keeping me here when we have a competent court to prove if am guilty or not? I am blowing the whistle now for Christians to go on their knees. This was how i warned my brothers against Sheriff whose mission is to destroy the PDP and give room for Buhari to install one party system.

We gave them opportunity to be opposition.

Why are they depriving us such right if they don't have interior motive. A democratic system without vibrant opposition is said to be dictatorship government.

God willing, i will be alive to witness Nigerians glamouring for referendum like what took place in great Britain.

And such referendum will tell if we truly saw the future under president Buhari's government. Arresting Kayode is the greatest achievement they've achieved. But for me,God used them to keep me here, in order to prepare for the challenges ahead.

Today is pregnant. Let's see what tomorrow will deliver. They were not elected to be permanent. They have maximum 8years to stay. And is already counting.

Thank you all for your prayers.

-Femi Fani-Kayode. (The Voice Crying From The Prison).

Tori News

Catholic bishops condemn election violence in South Africa

Cape Town - Young people should not let politicians use them in the build-up to the elections, the Southern African Catholic Bishops' Conference and the Justice and Peace Commission said on Monday.

The commission was concerned about the rising levels of violence and political intolerance ahead of the August 3 local government elections, Bishop Abel Gabuza said. 

“Do not allow yourselves to be used by the politicians who show signs that their primary interest is greed for power and government tenders,” he said.

ANC supporters in several parts of Tshwane began protesting, looting, and destroying property last Sunday, after the party announced Thoko Didiza as its mayoral candidate for the metro.

Gabuza condemned political party leaders who mobilised young people to take part in violence.

"We are disappointed that our political leaders have not been visible and loud enough in their condemnation of factional violence and political assassinations. They have also not been vigorous enough in disciplining their candidates and members who are involved in disrupting campaign rallies of other parties and in creating no-go zones," he said.

NEWS 24

Euro 2016: Conte Masterplan Sends Defending Champions, Spain Home

Andres Iniesta, Cesc Fabregas, Sergio Ramos, Gerard Pique, Sergio Busquets: names that hold no fear any more. A side that ruled the world was prematurely dumped out of its second consecutive tournament by an Italy side who looked sharper, smarter and newer. Italy looked like the future. Spain looked like the past: a gilded and garlanded past, but a past all the same.

Four years ago, when Spain demolished Italy 4-0 in one of the most ruthlessly one-sided finals of the modern age. It was the high watermark of one of the great international sides of modern times, but in the intervening period the Spanish school has become the orthodoxy. Their method has spread around the world, and ossified in the process: the same conventional style, the same predictable movement, the same metronomic passing game. Teams have had eight years to work it out, and Italy certainly have. They defended ruthlessly, they attacked intelligently and they chased with passion and aggression.

In the first minute of injury time, Italy finally drew the curtains. Substitute Matteo Darmian charged down the right on the break, Pelle timed his run to perfection and jabbed the ball past De Gea to secure victory. Italy’s bench stormed the pitch. Spain hunched their shoulders as if protecting themselves from the rain. The last 10 minutes had seen them hoisting endless crosses into the box, working the ball meaninglessly around the edge of the area.

And so one of the great modern teams is now consigned to the past. All great sides pass into legend, but few quite so definitely as this. Nothing will quite be the same again after this: Spain is a name that no longer holds any fear, and that is perhaps the greatest sadness of all. 

At last, it was Spain-0; Italy-2, courtesy of goals from Giorgini Chielleni and Graziano Pelle. Conte magic just did it... Welcome to Chelsea!

The Telegraph

War Against Corruption or the Economy! FIRS Seals Ifeanyi Uba's Capital Oil

The Federal Inland Revenue Service on Monday shut down the premises of Capital Oil Plc, owned by business mogul Ifeanyi Ubah, in Lagos state.

In a bid to shut down tax defaulting companies in Lagos State and Imo State, the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) on Monday, sealed the Lagos premises of Capital Oil Plc, owned by billionaire business mogul and politician, Dr. Ifeanyi Ubah.

 

According to an exclusive report by SaharaReporters, the FIRS enforcement team, led by Mrs. Anita Erinne, sealed the mogul's properties evicting the staff of the company over a reported N30million tax debt.

 

It was gathered that the Capital Oil management told FIRS officials that they were ready to pay its tax liabilities. However, FIRS officials said it was not possible because normal banking hours had ended and that they now had to shutter the gates.

 

In the Apapa area of Lagos, the FIRS visited the offices of Folawiyo Energy Trading Company along Creek Road. But the company, which the FIRS says owes N450 million in tax since 2013, maintained that it is only owing for last year. The FIRS team did not seal the company, but advised its management to clear the matter up at the FIRS office in Ikoyi.                                

 

Also in Lagos, the FIRS enforcement team visited the offices of Makon Engineering and Technical Services Limited, located on 11 Babatunde Anjos Street, Lekki Phase 1.                       

 

However, the enforcement team, which was prepared to lock up the company, changed its mind after the company's Chief Financial Officer, Lanre Anafi, agreed to the immediate commencement of the payment process of its N26 million tax debt.

 

Speaking to the media after the exercise, FIRS enforcement team leader, Chinazo Udeh, explained that all due processes laid down by law were exhausted before the businesses were sealed.

 

"We assessed and gave them notice of what they owe as tax. They did not respond to our communication. This was followed up with two separate reminders. Thereafter, a demand notice was sent to them with all these largely ignored. After the expiration of the one month window following the final notice, we were left with no option but to enforce the law."

Tori News

Uche Ogah Declared Abia Governor as Court Sacks Okezie Ikpeazu

A federal high court sitting in Abuja has ruled that Okezie Ikpeazu, the Abia State governor, was not qualified to hold the office and also ordered the Chief Judge of the state to swear in Uche Ogah, his opponent in the December 2014 guber election. 

At the Federal High Court sitting today in Abuja, Justice Okon Abang, directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to cede the certificate of return to the opponent of Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia state as he was never qualified to run for the party primaries in the People's Democratic party (PDP) as a guber candidate.

 

The judge also ordered the Chief Judge of the state to swear in, Uche Ogah, his opponent in the December 2014 gubernatorial election in state as the substantive governor of Abia state. The judge ruled that on the account of fake tax returns during the primaries, and that Dr. Ikpeazu was never qualified to run in the primaries.

 

Below is a brief profile of Uche Ogah - the probable governor of Abia state.

 

Uchechukwu S. Ogah (born 22 December 1969) is a Nigerian oil magnate, entrepreneur, investor and philanthropist. Ogah is the President of Master Energy Group, a conglomerate with over 15 subsidiaries and interests across a variety of industries. Ogah holds the Nigerian national honour, the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON).

 

Early life and Education

 

Ogah was born to Chief Wilson and Ezinne Pauline Ogah of Onuaku Uturu, Isuikwuato Local Government Area of Abia State.

 

Ogah attended Ishiagu High School, after which he worked at West African Examination Council (WAEC) from 1986–89, before he proceeded to the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu State where he obtained Upper Credit at Ordinary National Diploma (OND) in 1992 and Distinction at the Higher National Diploma (HND) Level in 1995 in Accounting.

 

He also attended University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) where he obtained a Postgraduate Diploma in 2005. He also has a Bachelor of Science degree (Banking and Finance) from Ogun State University and a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) from University of Lagos. 

 

He obtained his ACA in 2007. He is a Fellow, Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN); Fellow, Institute of Brand Management of Nigeria; Fellow, Nigerian Institute of Shipping; Fellow, Employment & Career and member, Chartered Institute of Bankers.

 

 

Career

 

Ogah began his career as a banker with a year of National Youth Service year at NAL Bank Plc. Thereafter, he took up full employment at All States Trust Bank where he worked for around two years before joining Zenith Bank in 1997. At Zenith Bank, he set a record of growing a new branch from zero balance sheets to over N9 billion and rose to the position of an Assistant General Manager (AGM) in Zenith Bank. He resigned in 2007 to pursue a career in entrepreneurship.

 

Business Concern

 

As he left Zenith bank, Ogah founded Master Energy Group. Ogah is currently the President of Master Energy Group – a conglomerate with workforce of about 42,000 with interests in oil & gas, banking, insurance, aviation, shipping, dredging, logistics, construction, travel services, and power.

 

Masters Energy Oil and Gas Limited has grown into a conglomerate with investments worth tens of billions of naira. At a time when investors were exiting the Niger Delta because its security challenges, Masters Energy City invested billions of naira in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. As single investment, a 158,000 tonne petroleum products storage facility provided direct employment to over 600 citizens of the Niger Delta region, and over 4,000 ancillary positions.

 

In December 2011, the Executive Governor of Abia State, Chief Theodore A. Orji, laid the foundation stone of Masters Energy Industrial City in Isikwuato. This industrial complex is expected to grow the economy of Abia State by attracting investment from across Africa.

Awards and Recognition

 

In 2014, Ogah was awarded, a national award - the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) by the Federal government of Nigeria

Tori News

Shameful! Messi/Ronaldo Superiority Argument: Youths Fight Dirty in Abakaliki

Fans of two of the world's best football players, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have been involved in a massive brawl that has led to severe injuries.

Three football fans were wounded in a free-for-all in a bar in Abakaliki on Saturday night over an argument about who is a better player between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, Vanguard reports.

 

A correspondent who witnessed the melee reports that the incident occurred at the Kpirikpiri area of the town during the EURO 2016 second round match between Portugal and Croatia. Portugal won the match 1-0 courtesy of a Ricardo Quaresma 114th minute-extra time goal that sent them into the competition’s quarter-finals.

 

Trouble started when a Ronaldo supporter identified as “Marshal’’ celebrated widely as the Real Madrid star’s shot was parried into Quaresma’s path for the goal to the consternation of the Messi’s supporter named Obinna. The duo had argued all night over the better player between both mega stars. Immediately Quaresma scored, Marshal rushed to Obinna and mocked him, chanting “I told you, I told you Ronaldo is the best’’.

 

Obinna who apparently was reeling with anger pushed Marshal and a fight ensued which made others inside the bar to intervene. Matters, however, went out of hand when Marshal’s friends felt that Obinna’s friends were indirectly aiding him in the fight, thus making the fight instantly a free-for-all.

 

The bar owner, identified simply as Simon, rushed outside to invite people within the compound as those inside couldn’t control the situation.

 

However, calm was eventually restored but three persons, including Obinna were seriously wounded, while Simon immediately closed before the match could end. On the development, Simon said that both fans always argued on the issue of Real Madrid and Barcelona superiority.

 

“I banned them from coming to my shop but this is their first visit since the commencement of the competition. 

“It took the intervention of others inside the shop for me to allow them, as I was sure that their acrimony toward each other goes beyond Ronaldo and Messi supremacy,’’ he said.

 

Dr Obiora Ike, a youth activist, decried the level of fanaticism being displayed by young soccer fans in the state, especially over foreign clubs and players. “This sort of incident occurs regularly and one wonders why people should fight and disturb themselves over clubs and footballers who do not even know that they exist. 

“It is time the relevant authorities should seriously address this issue before it gets out of hand and curiously, none of these fanatics has such sentiment for Nigerian clubs and players,’’ he said.

 

DSP George Okafor, the State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, said that the incident had not been officially reported. He added that the command always dealt with such issues decisively.

 

“Football hooliganism is a societal malaise as it is only foolish people who indulge in it,’’ he said.

Tori News

Four Electoral Commission Bosses Set to Resign in Kenya

Four electoral commissioners have offered to resign just as Parliament is getting ready for talks on the future of the commission after demands by Cord that all the nine top bosses be sent home ahead of the 2017 General Election.

Sources revealed that commissioners Yusuf Nzibo, Albert Bwire, Kule Galma Godana and Abdullahi Sharawe had written to President Uhuru Kenyatta on Tuesday this week declaring their readiness to quit. The four said they wanted to avoid being dragged through the process initiated by Parliament to remove them from office.

The letter was delivered to the Head of the Public Service, Mr Joseph Kinyua, on Wednesday.

Their decision has split the IEBC because the other five commissioners including Chairman Issack Hassan have resolved to stay put and adopt "a wait and see" position.

"It is true they wrote a letter on Tuesday. They don't want further delays," said a source at the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).

Dr Nzibo and Mr Sharawe did not answer calls from the Nation. The former sent a text message saying: "Sorry, I can't talk right now".

Besides Mr Hassan, the commissioners who have opted to stay are Vice Chairperson Lilian Mahiri-Zaja, Mr Thomas Letangule, Mr Muthoni Wangai and Mr Mohamed Alawi Hussun.

Yesterday, a source in the Presidency said the resignation letter had not been received "and is not expected". The source also said that a vacuum at IEBC "would be undesirable".

Commissioners held a meeting on Monday where the issue of voluntary resignation was discussed at length. However, they failed to reach a unanimous decision.

"The four decided they no longer want to be the topic of political discussion," said a source.

As part of their condition for resigning, the four have asked to be paid a cumulative sum of the salaries they would have earned had they served their entire term. They also want to be paid gratuity for the work they have done and additional payment as compensation because they feel their reputations have been damaged.

In offering to leave office quietly, the commissioners believe they have served the country according to their oath of office and the Constitution and have made the decision in the interest of the country. A source said commissioners were also afraid that the political temperatures could easily escalate to violence and destruction of property, with serious consequences to the economy. They also said they would not want to see the country go back to a situation similar to the 2007-8 post-election violence.

Furthermore, the four are said to have argued that leaving early would give their successors adequate time to prepare for next year's General Election. Their letter to the President emphasises that their decision was in good faith. They asked the President to consider their offer as a nationalistic gesture.

Those offering to quit also brought to the attention of the President that the Constitution dictated they could only be removed from office after being investigated by tribunals. To them that could be a lengthy process, starting with petitions to Parliament and setting up individual tribunals to investigate each commissioner. The process, they reasoned, is bound to consume time and money and the commissioners would still be free to challenge the recommendations in court.

In a related development, Jubilee and Cord leaders yesterday finalised preparations for a Motion to give the mandate to the select committee that will investigate the IEBC to be tabled on Tuesday next week.
Jubilee reduced its 11-member team to seven; Meru Senator Kiraitu Murungi, senators Kipchumba Murkomen (Elgeyo Marakwet, URP), Beatrice Elachi (nominated, APK) and MPs Naomi Shaban (Taveta, TNA), Mohammud Mohammed (Mandera East, URP) and Jimmy Angwenyi (Kitutu Chache North, TNA).

The announcement was made in Parliament last evening by National Assembly Majority Leader Aden Duale and his Senate counterpart, Prof Kithure Kindiki.

Cord named its representatives as senators James Orengo (Siaya, ODM) and Johnson Muthama (Machakos, Wiper) and MPs Junet Mohammed (Suna East, ODM), Mishi Mboko (Mombasa Woman Rep, ODM), Prof Hellen Sambili (Mogotio, Kanu), Mutula Kilonzo Junior (Makueni, Wiper) and Dr Eseli Simiyu (Tongaren, Ford-K).

The Motion to have the committee set up will be presented to the two committees of the National Assembly and Senate that set the agenda at their meetings on Tuesday morning. Once the names are approved, the select committee could start working on Wednesday or Thursday.

The two Majority Leaders said the creation of the committee had been a compromise from the Jubilee Coalition as all the work it has been given can be undertaken by Parliament.

Mr Duale ruled out claims that President Kenyatta and Cord leader Raila Odinga would address a joint press conference to rally support for the final product of the select committee.

Mr Duale said that while the Jubilee Coalition had insisted that all this could be done by committees in Parliament, they ceded ground to spare the country trouble.

"For us, the IEBC is not a big issue. For us, it is the people of Kenya who vote, so we want to go sell our policies," said Mr Duale.

All Africa

All Police Officers to Declare their Assets: New Police IG Blows Hot!

The newly appointed Inspector General of Police, has swung into action already as all senior officers are told to declare their assets. 

Ibrahim Idris, the Acting Inspector-General of Police, has declared that all officers from the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Police to the Inspector-General of Police will henceforth declare their assets.

 

According to the News Agency of Nigeria, Idris made the statement on Thursday in Abuja when he paid a courtesy visit to the Minister of Interior, Lieutenant General Abdulrahman Dambazau (rtd).

 

He said the directive was in line with Section 13 cap 15 Code of Conduct Act.

 

“Every police officer from the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Police to Inspector-General, who are commissioned officers, must declare their assets,” Idris said.

 

He added that the directive would guide the conduct of police officers in carrying out their duties.

 

The police boss promised that under his administration, the integrity of the force would be further enhanced.

 

“I assure you sir that we will raise the integrity of the Nigeria Police Force to be more accountable to the people,”he said.

 

The acting I-G added that under his command, the police would operate within the rule of law.

 

He said the presence of police officers would be felt in all villages and streets across the country.

 

Responding, Dambazau urged the acting I-G to focus on the three key issues of corruption, economy and security for the success of this administration.

 

“You have a lot of challenges as the chief law officer of the country,” he said.

 

The minister urged the new police boss to collaborate with other security agencies to address the issues crimes and post conflict resolution in the North East.

 

“The post conflict resolution in the North East has to be comprehensive and holistic,” he said.

 

Dambazau advised his guest to carry everybody along and put the right persons in the positions of command commissioners and zonal commanders.

 

He said: “No matter how smart you think you are, you cannot do it alone without the support of others.”

 

He advised Idris to make the welfare of his officers a priority.

 

He assured him of the support of the ministry to discharge his mandate.

Tori News

Breaking! David Cameron Quits as British Prime Minister!

David Cameron QUITS as Prime Minister and the markets descend into turmoil after voters trigger a political earthquake by backing Brexit in historic referendum. 

The British Prime Minister, David Cameron has announced his resignation after the historic EU referendum delivered clear backing for Brexit.

 

He said he accepted the verdict of the 'great democratic exercise' which saw the Leave campaign triumph after stacking up votes across England and Wales - despite massive support for Remain in Scotland and major cities including London.

 

The British pound fell to a 31-year low on Friday, its lowest since 1985, as the United Kingdom (UK) voted to leave the European Union (EU).

 

With 85.3 percent of all results in, the UK has voted to leave EU: 51.6 percent, representing 14,159,480 votes are for leaving the EU, while 48.4 percent, which represents 13,268,066, voted to stay.

 

Flanked by wife Samantha in Downing Street, David Cameron said he had been 'proud' to serve as PM for the past six years. But he said it would not be right for him to be the 'captain of the ship' while the UK negotiated its exit from the EU.

 

'I held nothing back. I was absolutely clear about my belief that Britain is stringer, safer and better off inside the EU. And I made the referendum was about this and this alone – not the future of any single politician including myself.

 

'But the British people have made a very clear decision to take a different path and as such I think the country requires fresh leadership to take it in this direction,' he said.

 

Cameron who is choking back emotions, said he would not depart immediately and would seek to calm the markets over the coming 'weeks and months', adding that a new Prime Minister should be in place for the Conservative Party conference in October.

 

'I will do everything I can as Prime Minister to steady the ship over the coming weeks and months but I do not think it would be right for me to try to be the captain that steers our country to its next destination.

 

‘This is not a decision I have taken lightly but I do believe it is in the national interest to have a period of stability and then the new leadership required.

 

‘There is no need for a precise timetable today but in my view we should aim to have a new Prime Minister in place by the start of the Conservative Party conference in October.’

 

'Delivering stability will be important. And I will continue in post as Prime Minister with my cabinet for the next three months.

 

'The Cabinet will meet on Monday, the Governor of the Bank of England is making a statement about the steps the Bank and the Treasury are taking to reassure financial markets.

 

'We will also continue taking forward the important le3gislation we set before parliament in the Queen’s Speech – and I have spoken to Her Majesty the Queen this morning to advise her of the steps that I am taking,' he said.

Tori NEWS

Shocking! Britain Votes to Leave European Union!

The British people have voted to leave the European Union, as Britain and European leaders will soon begin negotiating the terms of Britain's departure. 

Britain has voted to leave the European Union, results from Thursday's referendum showed, a stunning repudiation of the nation's elites that deals the biggest blow to the European project of greater unity since World War Two.

 

Global financial markets plunged as complete results showed a near 52-48 percent split for leaving, on fears that the decision will hit investment in the world's 5th largest economy, threaten London's role as a global financial capital and foment uncertainty in the world's biggest trading bloc.

 

The pound suffered its biggest one-day fall in history, falling more than 10 percent against the dollar to hit levels last seen in 1985, while the euro slumped more than 3 percent.

 

“It’s a momentous day. It's an extraordinary event and the it will change the course of British history," said British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond who had campaigned for a "Remain" vote.

 

The leader of the anti-EU UK Independence Party, Nigel Farage, hailed it as "independence day".

 

Quitting the EU could cost Britain access to the EU's trade barrier-free single market and mean it must seek new trade accords with countries around the world. President Barack Obama says it would be at the "back of a queue" for a U.S. pact.

 

The EU for its part will be economically and politically weakened, facing the departure not only of its most free-market proponent but also a member with a U.N. Security Council veto and powerful army. In one go, the bloc will lose around a sixth of its economic output.

 

The vote will initiate at least two years of divorce proceedings with the EU, the first exit by any member state. Prime Minister David Cameron is expected to notify his European counterparts within days.

 

Cameron had called the referendum in 2013 in a bid to head off pressure from local eurosceptics, including within his own party, and had led the campaign for a "Remain" vote.

 

His political future is now in doubt, with his Conservative Party rival Boris Johnson, the former London mayor who became the most recognizable face of the "leave" camp, now widely tipped to seek his job.

 

But Foreign Secretary Hammond said Cameron would stay on. "What the country needs now is a sense of continuity and stability," he said.

 

Futures trading predicted massive opening losses on share markets across Europe. Britain's FTSE futures and Germany's Dax futures fell about 9 percent. The euro zone's Euro Stoxx 50 futures sank more than 11 percent. Investors poured into safe-haven assets including gold, and the yen surged.

 

"We're in uncharted territory," an aide working in Cameron's office told reporters.

 

Yet there was euphoria among Britain's eurosceptic forces, claiming a victory over the political establishment, big business and foreign leaders including U.S. President Barack Obama who had urged Britain to stay in.

 

"Dare to dream that the dawn is breaking on an independent United Kingdom," said Nigel Farage, leader of the eurosceptic UK Independence Party. "This will be a victory for real people, a victory for ordinary people, a victory for decent people ... Let June 23 go down in our history as our independence day."

 

Asked if Cameron should resign, Farage said: "Immediately."

 

The United Kingdom itself now faces a threat to its survival, as Scotland voted 62 percent in favor of staying in the EU and is likely to press for a new referendum on whether to become independent after its 2014 vote to stay in the UK.

 

Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said Thursday's vote "makes clear that the people of Scotland see their future as part of the European Union". Northern Ireland's largest Irish nationalist party, Sinn Fein, said the result intensified the case for a vote on whether to quit the United Kingdom.

 

European politicians reacted with shock. "Please tell me I'm still sleeping and this is all just a bad nightmare!"former Finnish Prime Minister Alexander Stubb tweeted.

 

The world's biggest trading bloc could even face an existential crisis as surging populist and anti-immigrant movements across the continent issue their own calls to quit. Far-right leaders in France and the Netherlands immediately demanded referendums of their own.

 

French National Front leader Marine Le Pen declared "Victory for freedom!". Dutch far right leader Geert Wilders said: “We want be in charge of our own country, our own money, our own borders, and our own immigration policy."

ANTI-ESTABLISHMENT

 

Britain, which joined the then European Economic Community (EEC) in 1973, has always been an ambivalent member. A  firm supporter of free trade, tearing down internal economic barriers and expanding the EU to take in ex-communist eastern states, it opted out of joining the euro single currency or the Schengen border-free zone.

 

Cameron's ruling Conservatives in particular have risked being torn apart by euroscepticism for generations.

 

World leaders including Obama, Chinese President Xi Jinping, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, NATO and Commonwealth governments had all urged a "Remain" vote, saying Britain would be stronger and more influential in the EU than outside.

 

The four-month campaign was among the divisive ever waged in Britain, with accusations of lying and scare-mongering on both sides and rows on immigration which critics said at times unleashed overt racism.

 

It also revealed deeper splits in British society, with the pro-Brexit side drawing support from millions of voters who felt left behind by globalization and believed they saw no benefits from Britain's ethnic diversity and free-market economy.

 

A pro-EU member of parliament was stabbed and shot to death in the street a week ago by an attacker who later told a court his name was "Death to traitors, freedom for Britain".

Older voters backed Brexit; the young mainly wanted to stay in.

 

But in the end, concerns over uncontrolled immigration, loss of sovereignty and remote rule from Brussels appear to have trumped almost unanimous warnings of the economic perils of going it alone.

 

"People are concerned about how they have been treated with austerity and how their wages have been frozen for about seven years," said John McDonnell, finance spokesman for the opposition Labour Party, which had favored a Remain vote.

"A lot of people's grievances have come out and we have got to start listening to them."

- Culled from Reuters

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