Man blames Jonathan for pregnant daughter’s murder

President Goodluck Jonathan

The father of a 26-year-old pregnant woman, who was murdered in the Arepo area of Ogun State last week, has blamed President Goodluck Jonathan for the incident.

Mr. Babafemi Ojo, whose daughter Damilola Fajana, was killed on April 28, said this in a statement on Monday.

Ojo explained that his daughter was killed by a stray bullet during a gun battle between the members of the Odua Peoples Congress and pipeline vandals.

He said it was unfortunate that Jonathan could hire the services of the OPC and award the group a huge contract just because he wanted to win an election.

The bereaved father wondered why men who were not trained professionals were allowed to secure government facilities in residential areas.

He said, “The unconstitutional empowerment of ethnic militias has resulted in the deaths of many innocent Nigerians, particularly in Arepo area of Ogun State.

“My daughter was killed in a crossfire while driving back home after a hard day’s job. Damilola was a 26 year old pregnant lawyer. She was a graduate of the University of Ado Ekiti.

“President Jonathan is linked to her death by the reason of his patronage of people who have no basic training in arms and weaponry —in the business of pipeline protection, a very dangerous security enterprise which is supposed to fall under the purview of trained Nigerian security agencies.”

Ekiti crisis: Fayose sacks Perm Sec

Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose

A Permanent Secretary in the Ekiti State Civil Service, Mr. Tunde Alokan, has been sacked by Governor Ayodele Fayose, it was learnt on Monday.

Alokan until his removal was the Permanent Secretary in charge of the Office of Establishment.

A source said Alokan was relieved of his job because of his closeness to a former state governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi.

It was learnt that Fayemi attended the burial of Alokan’s late father held in Efon Alaaye in February which the source said did not go down well with the powers that be in the state.

But Fayose, while confirming the dismissal of Alokan on Monday night, said it had nothing to do with Fayemi attending his late father’s burial ceremony.

The governor, who reacted through his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Idowu Adelusi, said, “The governor has the power to hire and fire. The position of a permanent secretary is political and is at the discretion of the governor; enough of this blackmail.

“Fayemi also sacked some permanent secretaries while in office, so what has happened is not new. The governor is not aware that Dr. Fayemi attended Alokan’s late father’s burial, so attributing his sack to that is cheap blackmail.”

Fayemi appointed Alokan as permanent secretary in January 2012.

Another Government House source explained that Alokan’s elder brother, Tokunbo, who is a Director on Grade Level 16 “is also on his way out of the civil service.”

His predicament was also linked to Fayemi’s appearance at their late father’s burial.

A source said, “After the burial, the following week, his elder brother who is also a civil servant was asked to report at the Office of Establishment.

“A panel was set up to investigate Mr. Tokunbo with the younger brother (Mr. Tunde) mandated to chair the panel an offer which he turned down.

“Although the two of them were to be sacked the same day, that of the elder brother was put on hold to pave the way for his investigation and interrogation by the panel.

“Since his younger brother turned down the offer to chair a panel raised to try Mr. Tokunbo, another person will be appointed to perform the task and your guess is as good as mine on the result that would come out of the panel.”

Jonathan holds private meeting with Adeboye, Oyedepo

Jonathan, Adeboye and Oyedepo.

President Goodluck Jonathan on Monday met separately with two leading pastors in the countries based in Ogun State.

Jonathan met with the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye; and the Presiding Bishop of the Living Faith Church Worldwide a.k.a Winners Chapel, Bishop David Oyedepo.

The headquarters of Winners Chapel is located in Ota, Ogun State while the Redemption Camp of the RCCG is situated at Mowe along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

The President arrived the Presidential Wing of the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos in the afternoon and was conveyed to the venues of the separate meetings in a helicopter.

The two meetings were said to have been described as “private” and hence were not opened to journalists.

After the closed-door meetings with the two clergymen, Jonathan who was accompanied on the trip by a few aides, returned to Abuja immediately.

Details of discussions at the meetings were not known as of press time.

The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, could not be reached to comment on the purpose of the meetings as of the time of filing this report.

It would however be recalled that Adeboye and Oyedepo were mentioned to be part of a team that attempted to broker peace between Jonathan and former President Olusegun Obasanjo before the 2015 general elections.

The two pastors were said to have in January led the President to Obasanjo’s mansion on Presidential Hilltop Estate, Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital for a reconciliatory meeting.

Media reports had it then that Adeboye and Oyedepo were at the meeting at the instance of the former President as one of conditions given by Obasanjo before any meeting with Jonathan could take place.

It was learnt that the men of God were called to be witnesses of what would transpire between Jonathan and Obasanjo during the meeting after the terms of the outcome of previous discussions between the two were allegedly not implemented by the President.

#StarMusicTrek Video: Chidinma accepts marriage proposal at Calabar pre-Trek‎ gig.

Pop singer Chidinma may be heading to the altar soon following a hilarious stage proposal at the Calabar pre-Trek gig last night ahead of today’s opening Star Music Trek concert. Chidinma, who came in as a surprise performer for fans, had a wonderful time at the pre-Trek gig. While interacting with a Calabar Comedian on stage, she was asked to repeat a statement in Efik which she did, only for the audience to burst into uncontrolled laughter. Upon asking what it was that she said, it was revealed that she had just accepted a marriage proposal in Efik in front of a huge Calabar crowd. Chidinma will be performing at this year’s inaugural Star Music Trek concert today May 2, 2015 alongside Burna Boy, Cynthia Morgan, Oritse Femi, DJ Big N, Gbenga Adeyinka, Sean Tizzle and others at the Calabar Municipal Garden, Marian Road, Calabar. .

https://youtu.be/qn1VTbPolgw
https://youtu.be/qn1VTbPolgw

Kris Jenner and Kim Kardashian to quit reality TV?.

Kris Jenner and her daughter Kim Kardashian reportedly want to quit their reality TV show ‘Keeping Up with the Kardashians’ because they want to end the show on a high note. The mother and daughter, who achieved worldwide fame on the reality TV show which airs the day to day life of the Kardashian and Jenner family, ‘don’t want it to go on too long’. A source said: Both Kim and Kris want to make sure they end on a high note, leaving fans wanting more, rather than try and stretch the show on for another few seasons and watch it die a death. Plus, they are now moving on in their lives … exploring new options and opportunities., Kris wants to focus on her forthcoming talk show which she is hoping to make a success, while Kim – who had her first child, daughter North, with partner Kanye West in June – wants to make more time for her young family. A source told naughtybutnicerob.com: Kim wants to be with her daughter and Kanye, while Kris wants to focus on being a talk show host and maybe start producing movies. She’s telling everyone that one day she will have an Oscar. They want a break from the cameras – that shouldn’t be too surprising., ‘Keeping Up with the Kardashians’ mainly features Kim and her two sisters Kourtney and Khloe Kardashian, their brother Rob Kardashian, their mother Kris, stepfather Bruce Jenner and half-siblings Kendall Jenner and Kylie Jenner.

Bruce Jenner has sacked ex-wife, Kris Jenner as his manager

The 65-year old reality star has cut his ex-wife – with whom he has two daughters, 19-year-old Kendall and 17-year-old Kylie – out from the deal for his upcoming TV show which will document his gender transition; a move which has reportedly angered the mother-of-six who has looked after his career since the beginning of ‘Keeping Up With The Kardashians’. A source told The Sun newspaper: ‘Kris is as you see on the show – bossy, nosey and controlling. She didn’t want to relinquish control because it makes it harder for her to sort out fees for ‘Keeping Up With The Kardashians’.’ The decision for Bruce to find a new manager comes just a week after E! announced it had snapped up the show chronicling Bruce’s transition, which will be an eight-part series airing this summer. Executive Vice President, Programming and Development of E! Jeff Olde said: ‘Bruce is incredibly courageous and an inspiration, and we are proud to be entrusted with this deeply personal and important story. This series will present an unfiltered look as Bruce boldly steps into uncharted territory and is true to himself for the first time.’ Rumours of the father-of-six’s desire to become a woman were confirmed last month during a sit-down interview with Diane Sawyer, and he now feels ‘relieved’ to have his secret out in the open.... 

Justin Bieber and Jimmy Kimmel stole the spotlight in opposing entourages

Cape Town – If you weren’t exhausted from watching the birth of the royal baby you might’ve caught Floyd Mayweather take on Many Pacquiao.

Dubbed the ‘Fight of the Century’ the boxers entered the ring and fought with all their might and while it’s obvious the attention would be on them, their entourages did a good job at stealing a minute in the spotlight.

In the one corner, Mayweather was proudly backed by a clean looking Justin Bieber as they walked out at the beginning of the match.

The 21-year-old is reportedly a close friend of the undefeated boxer, thanks to his daughter’s fancy in his music.

In the other corner Comedian Jimmy Kimmel, dressed the part to walk on with Manny Pacquiao.

While appearing on Jimmy Kimmel Live, Manny agreed to allow Jimmy to be a part of his entourage.

Jimmy tried his luck by wanting to perform Pacman’s famous entrance song, however a spot in his entourage was more than enough to put a smile on Kimmel’s face.

Jose Mourinho's Chelsea challenge: can they dominate?

When Jose Mourinho returned to Stamford Bridge for a second spell as Chelsea manager in June 2013, owner Roman Abramovich turned to him with one mission in mind.

And after Chelsea clinched the title following a season of Premier League domination - Mourinho's third such triumph at the club - it meant phase one had been accomplished.

Mourinho's first term at Stamford Bridge saw him exert superiority over rivals such as Manchester United's Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger with back-to-back titles in 2004-05 and 2005-06.

The next part of Mourinho and Abramovich's modern plan will be to replicate this success while embarking on an age of greater achievement in Europe.

So is this latest Premier League triumph the start of a new era of domination for Mourinho's Chelsea or will he find it harder to repeat those previous achievements?

Is the Premier League title tougher to retain?

Recent evidence suggests it is - not that a manager of Mourinho's confidence will be worried by that.

Manchester United under Ferguson were the last club to retain the title, having won it three times in succession in 2006-07, 2007-08 and 2008-09.

Since then Chelsea reclaimed the league under Carlo Ancelotti before the title was passed back and forth across Manchester between United and City over four seasons.

In the last two seasons United took the title back from City with a gap of 11 points, inspired by the signing of Robin van Persie. Last season City edged out Liverpool by two points but finished 22 points ahead of a struggling United, with Ferguson's replacement David Moyes sacked before the end of that campaign.

Sir Alex Ferguson's Manchester United were the last side to win back-to-back Premier League titles

Chelsea will hope Mourinho has already moved the pieces into position (as well as adding more and promoting youngsters such as Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Nathan Ake, Lewis Baker, Dom Solanke, Izzy Brown and Jay Dasilva) to ensure a continued presence at the top of the table.

They have retained the FA Youth Cup and their under-19 team won the Uefa Youth League, so the foundations for the future are there - but continuing the success is easier said than done.

In recent seasons, either the champions have faded or the challengers have stepped up. So what will be the obstacles to Mourinho delivering another back-to-back success?

Will Chelsea face resurgent rivals?

No-one can seriously doubt Chelsea's right to be Premier League champions. They have been the outstanding team from the starting line to the finishing tape.

The task Mourinho and Chelsea now face - and it is one the Portuguese will address with relish - will be to keep three main rivals who could be resurgent for different reasons at bay.

Deposed champions Manchester City have had a desperately disappointing season in defence of their title, as they did the year after Roberto Mancini's team claimed the crown for the first time in 44 years in 2011-12.

Expect a powerful reaction after City's end of season review that will examine all aspects of the performance and pose serious questions of manager Manuel Pellegrini, his players, director of football Txiki Begiristain and chief executive Ferran Soriano.

The financial shackles will also be released somewhat as transfer policy last summer was dictated by a £49m fine, £32m of which was suspended, for failing Uefa's Financial Fair Play rules. They could only spend £49m on players last summer plus any transfer fees raked in - and their wage bill for 2014-15 had to remain the same.

We can expect a powerful reaction from Manchester City after a disappointing season

City's Abu Dhabi-based owners talked of a "holistic" approach when the more measured Pellegrini replaced the turbulent personality of Mancini in 2013 but this does not mean they will stand idly by and let a gap open up between themselves and their Premier League rivals.

This season will have hurt, such is the scale of their ambitions, and the response will be seen in an influx of younger, hungrier talent (perhaps with an English emphasis) and the potential departure of big names such as Yaya Toure.

Over at Old Trafford, Louis van Gaal has got the superpower that is Manchester United heading back in the right direction after the failings of the brief Moyes era. They are poised for a return to the Champions League and appear transformed from 12 months ago.

Not all of last summer's heavy spending has been a success - £59.7m Argentine Angel Di Maria has been a disappointment - but the second tranche of big spending in this close season will elevate expectations even higher for the start of next season.

United bow to no-one in their belief they should be the pre-eminent force in English football and this will be the priority, with Van Gaal understood to be armed with around £150m to restore their status as champions.

Borussia Dortmund defender Mats Hummels is thought to be a top target and expect United to try and sign more, such as Southampton right-back Nathaniel Clyne, to be in prime shape to challenge Chelsea next season.

And what of Arsenal?

There have been real signs of progress from Arsenal, particularly in the second half of the season. Boss Wenger is the eternal optimist but there now seems genuine substance to his assertion that they are on the move again.

If he can make some key additions - perhaps Chelsea's Petr Cech in goal and Southampton's excellent Morgan Schneiderlin to add presence and stature to midfield - they might be in a position to make even more of a challenge next season.

John Terry standing firm

Some things have changed in Mourinho's second spell at Chelsea. Some things have remained the same.

And one of the constants has been the presence of John Terry as Mourinho's voice on the pitch, captain and leader of the "band of brothers" spirit he demands.

Terry captained Chelsea to those two previous titles under Mourinho and his enduring presence has been a key factor once more in bringing the title back to Stamford Bridge, a decade after the 34-year-old picked up his first Premier League winners' medal.

Mourinho said Terry deserved his new one-year deal at Chelsea "because he continues to perform"

The spine of the outstanding Chelsea side is slowly being replaced. Thibaut Courtois has removed Cech as first-choice keeper, Cesc Fabregas has replaced Frank Lampard in the hub of midfield while legendary striker Didier Drogba's career is winding to a close.

Terry stands firm and many who have watched him this season remain convinced he is still England's best central defender. Freed from the demands of international football, Terry's body, which showed signs of betraying him a couple of years ago, has remained reliable throughout an outstanding campaign.

It has only emphasised the task Mourinho will face when it comes to replacing Terry, although 20-year-old Kurt Zouma looks to be equipped with the raw materials.

But Terry is still Mourinho's man and has signed a new one-year contract with the manager saying: "This new contract is not to say 'thank you very much'. It is because John continues to perform."

One thing is certain: the longer Terry remains at his current level, the better it is for Chelsea. How long can he do it? Can he add to the 14 major honours he has won?

Is Mourinho the man to build a Chelsea dynasty?

Mourinho's career path shows he is not a manager who stays at a club for the long haul. He spent just over three seasons at Chelsea in his first spell then two seasons at Inter Milan and another three at Real Madrid.

He is a combustible, polemic character which has led to tensions - but there is a different feel about his Chelsea reign this time.

Firstly, he has now satisfied any desire to work at the likes of Inter and Real. Secondly, he looks happy to stay, saying only in February: "I'm very, very happy. If somebody tells me I'm going to make 10 years at Chelsea I would say 'yes'.

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Mourinho's weird vision of the future

"I'm happy to be part of this new Chelsea and hopefully I can stay for many years."

One target will be to bring the Champions League trophy back to Chelsea. The club won it in his absence under Roberto Di Matteo in 2012 but Mourinho, despite having won the Champions League twice, with Porto and Inter Milan, has suffered semi-final disappointment on three occasions with Chelsea, losing twice to Liverpool and again last season against Atletico Madrid.

Mourinho has the opportunity to fashion further successes with Chelsea's wealth of finance, talent, experience and a gifted group of youngsters coming through.

History tells us that shaping an era of dominance in England and in Europe is harder than ever - but Mourinho will give it a try.

Pacquiao: Disappointed Filipinos cry foul

Manny Pacquaio

Boxing fans in the Philippines cried foul and groaned in bitter disappointment on Sunday as national hero Manny Pacquiao lost to American rival Floyd Mayweather in the “fight of the century”.

Filipinos filled gymnasiums, cinemas and bars as the Southeast Asian nation of 100 million people stopped for Pacquiao’s battle with Mayweather in Las Vegas, which he lost in a unanimous points decision.

A devastated Pacquiao said immediately afterwards that he thought he had won, and many at home agreed with him as they lashed out at the judges while heaping praise on their inspiration.

“Pacquiao was cheated. Mayweather didn’t land a single solid punch,” cable television technician Romeo Rivera, 41, told AFP.

Rivera was among thousands of mostly poor people who had gathered in the main public square of Manila’s Marikina suburb to watch the battle on a giant screen mounted on the back of a flat-bed truck.

In the southern port city of Zamboanga, loud boos echoed inside an army gymnasium where thousands of soldiers and their relatives watched Pacquiao given just the sixth defeat of his career.

“The decision was unfair. From the start, the commentators were for Manny. Everyone is disappointed,” Lieutenant Colonel Noel Precioso said as others nearby expressed similar sentiments.

Even the nation’s military chief, General Gregorio Catapang, weighed in with emotional comments immediately afterwards.

“I think the decision was not fair. Like Manny said, he thought he was ahead with points. Both fought carefully but Manny was more aggressive. He was hitting Floyd,” Catapang said.

On social media, popular television host and swimsuit model Georgina Wilson expressed outrage to her 2.76 million Twitter followers: “Mayweather did nothing !!!!!!!!!!!!! Such a joke!!!!!!!!!!!!!”.

Pacquiao, 36, is a unifying figure in a country beset by grinding poverty, natural calamities and corruption.

His rags-to-riches story, from high school dropout to millionaire world boxing champion in an unprecedented eight weight divisions, is a huge source of hope and pride in the Philippines.

His fights throughout his career have caused the nation to grind to a halt, with nearly everyone stopping to watch them. Famously, even crime has dropped to nearly nothing during Pacquiao fights.

President Benigno Aquino said before the Mayweather clash that Pacquiao, who has recorded 57 victories and two draws in his career, was an “inspiration for every Filipino”.

Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said immediately after the loss that it had not diminished Pacquiao’s standing.

“Pacquiao is truly the People’s Champ. He fought for respect, not points. He won the hearts of the world,” Lacierda said in a statement.

We won because we selected ourselves –Okagbare

Blessing Okagbare

Hours after winning the 4x200m gold medal at the International Association of Athletics Federations in Bahamas on Saturday, Nigeria’s sprinter, Blessing Okagbare has revealed the secret to the team’s success.

The quartet of Okagbare, Regina George, Dominique Duncan and Christy Udoh set a new national record in the race after they arrived ahead of the Jamaican and Bahamas teams.

But the 2014 Commonwealth double gold medallist believes the team won the title because they were allowed to select the best legs themselves and not the ones the officials would have chosen.

She wrote on her Facebook wall on Sunday, “For the first time, we the athletes made some decisions as a team to choose who can deliver and deserves to run this race since the officials are very good at messing up things and yes, we did it.

“Sometimes it’s not about what they want but, our feelings and opinions should be taken into consideration. I am really thankful to God everything worked out to the glory of His name because, we weren’t the best team out there but we came to win regardless…Congratulations ladies…”

Mikel wins second EPL title with Chelsea

Mikel Obi

Nigeria’s current biggest export in football, Mikel Obi, on Sunday won his second English Premier League title with Chelsea after a 1-0 win over Crystal Palace at the Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea won the match to emerge league winners with three matches to spare as they have amassed 83 points from 35 matches. The closest team to them, Manchester City, have 70 points from their 35 matches played but prove to be no threat to Chelsea as they cannot catch up even if Chelsea lose the remaining three matches.

Although Mikel played for 45 minutes in the match, as he was a 46th minute substitute for Juan Cuadrado, he played a part in the build up to the goal which was scored by Eden Hazard from a rebound after his initial penalty kick had been saved.

Mikel has played 16 times for Chelsea in the EPL this season but has only started four times while appearing as a substitute on 12 occasions.

Mikel’s elder brother, Tony Obi, told AfricanFootball.com that they are very happy with Mikel’s achievement and they hosted family members and friends at their home after the game.

He said, “We were all glued to the TV screen few minutes before the game started to watch the game and see Mikel winning the title.

“We are all very happy here to see him winning the title; it has been God all the way for his life and career. It was not an easy feat.

“We prepared delicious food and bought drinks for the celebration because we believed he was winning the title today (Sunday). All the family members and some friends watched the game together and we ate and drank together to celebrate. As you know us here, this is a Christian family, we always give God thanks for everything, and we will be holding a thanksgiving service for this achievement next Sunday at St. Theresa Catholic Church in Jos.”

Meanwhile in the French Ligue 1, Super Eagles captain, Vincent Enyeama, could not keep a clean sheet in Lille’s 3-1 win over Lens on Sunday.

Enyeama last kept a clean sheet on April 19 in their 2-0 win over Bordeaux. He was in goal last week, when they suffered a 6-1 loss to Paris St Germain as they battle for a spot in the UEFA Europa League qualifications.

Also, Brown Ideye was an 80th minute substitute for Saido Berahino on Saturday as Westbromwich Albion defeated Manchester United 1-0.

Ideye has been on a dry spell for the club since last scoring on March 14 in their 1-0 win against Stoke City. He has six goals in all competitions for the club so far.

Odion Ighalo was also a substitute for Watford on Saturday in their 1-1 draw against Sheffield Wednesday. Although they have qualified for the EPL, they missed out on a chance to win the Championship title

Mayweather pockets $100m

Floyd Mayweather
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Fifty is a nice round number, but it can’t compare to the nine figures on the check Floyd Mayweather collected after beating Manny Pacquiao on Saturday (Sunday, Nigerian time).

“For my team to hand me a $100m check is remarkable,” said Mayweather, whose take from the long-awaited mega-fight with Pacquiao could eventually swell to as high as $200m once all the record-breaking revenue is counted.

The man who has named himself “Money” said the payout was all part of a “brilliant game plan” for his career.

“My goal was to make nine figures in one night,” he said.

The 38-year-old American, an 11-time world champion in five weight divisions, would have you believe that aim has been the driving force of a 19-year career, in which he’s now won all 48 of his fights.

We won’t be Fayose’s rubber stamp, Ekiti lawmakers-elect

Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose

The lawmakers-elect for the Ekiti State House of Assembly have said they would not be tools in the hands of Governor Ayodele Fayose, whom they described as their mentor and leader.

All the 26 state lawmakers are members of the Peoples Democratic Party and loyalists of the governor.

At a press conference in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, the lawmaker-elect for Moba Constituency 1, Kola Oluwawole, who spoke on behalf of his colleagues, said that matters brought before the Assembly by Fayose would be subjected to thorough debate in the interest of the people.

He said that the next Assembly would protect the principles of separation of powers, in spite of belonging to the same party with the governor.

Oluwawole said, “The next Assembly won’t be a rubber stamp. We are going to give the people robust legislation through thorough and dispassionate debate of issues brought before us.

“We can disagree with the governor if that will make Ekiti better, but that will not truncate our relationship as brothers and sisters. We will do exactly what the constitution empowers us to do, which is to serve as checks and balances to the executive.

“The Lagos and Osun assemblies in the South-West were populated by members of the All Progressives Congress, does that make them a rubber stamp? So, it will be wrong for people to think we are going to be a rubber stamp because we are Fayose’s loyalists.”

On the impeachment crisis rocking the Ekiti Assembly, the lawmakers-elect claimed that they had reached out to Speaker Adewale Omirin on the need to tread the path of honour but that the overtures were rebuffed.

He said, “Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State inherited a PDP-dominated Assembly from Prof. (Oserheimen) Osunbor, but he was not driven out of town because of this. Omirin and the other APC lawmakers should forget about personal ambitions and give the needed cooperation to the governor.

“It is an understatement to say that the APC has continued to find ways to destroy the government and make Ekiti ungovernable. You cannot but notice the underhand deals of these legislators, the scandalous and moral bankruptcy that had reduced Ekiti to a state of anomie in the last six months.

“It is disheartening to see supposed men of honour descend so low and bring shame and odium, not only to the government but to their state and made their people a laughing stock in the eyes of other Nigerians.

“Ekiti people are people with high integrity. This unnecessary hullabaloo has dealt a devastating blow on our moral psyche and our image as a people has been seriously battered.

“We are calling on the people to appeal to the conscience of the APC lawmakers and their sponsors to stop the demonisation of our governor and the PDP as a party.

“They are advised to stop these destructive campaigns and focus on issues of development.”

Senators-elect seek reduction in cost of governance

Mr Dino Melaye

Some senators-elect have described as unacceptable the high cost of running government in the country, demanding immediate review so that the incoming administration of the President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari, can achieve meaningful development.

Specifically, the senators-elect, who spoke in separate interviews with our correspondent in Abuja, advocated a drastic reduction in the allowances accruable to top government functionaries and the lawmakers.

Ben Bruce (PDP, Bayelsa East), described as unjustifiable the fact that the National Assembly consumed three percent of the national budget.

He said, “If a company’s management spends 88 percent of its income to run the organisation, it will collapse. So, government in Nigeria at the moment is inefficient. It is now time to talk about how to reduce the cost of running the government.

“First, only the President and Vice – President must fly first class. Members of the senate, governors and ministers should fly business class. Everyone else should fly economy class. Commissioners, permanent secretaries, everybody else, should fly economy.

“When you go abroad as public servant, you stay in Holiday Inn, which is just about $200 a night. At the moment civil servants travel out of the country on official assignment and sleep in hotels worth $4,000 a night. Any government official who sleeps in such hotels should go to jail.”

Bruce said if leadership is by example and leaders live a humble lifestyle, billions of dollars would be saved to improve the lives of Nigerians and create enough jobs for the youths.

“The amount being spent on overseas treatment is enough to build a modern hospital that would be of international standard in each state capital,” he added.

Bruce pledged to sponsor a bill that would seek to reduce the cost of running the government immediately after the inauguration of the 8th National Assembly.

He said the bill would prescribe specific punishment for defaulters even as he vowed to move against any of his colleagues who would try to oppose his bill.

He said, “I am bringing a bill to that effect and I will publish names of any of my colleagues who voted against it. We will deal with them.

“I will also move a motion that all allocation accruable to the federal parliament should be published and any of my colleagues who oppose it will have his names, phone numbers, addresses and pictures published.

“Nigerians would see them and ask them why they voted against the poor. Why should a government official ride N50m jeep when they can make do with N2m Kia vehicle? The police are protecting the rich when the poor are suffering insecurity.”

Another senator-elect, Dino Melaye (APC, Kogi West), also pledged to champion the cause for a drastic reduction in the allowances payable to lawmakers after the inauguration in June.

He said, “I am actually championing the cause of a cut in our pay. There is a need to cut down our pay because if we talk about change, there is the need to demonstrate that change. We must sacrifice as legislators.

“Nigerians are going through a perilous time. That change is to cut down our own pay and remuneration. So instead of increasing our earning, we should enhance the committees to start proper oversight functions.

“The satanic collaboration between the executive and the legislature would not be there. When we are going for oversight function, you don’t need the MDAs to provide logistics for our movement.

“I think that should be taken seriously and everyone who means well for this country should support the cut in pay to legislators. The 8th senate should take their oversight function very seriously; fight corruption, check the executive and check themselves also.”

Samuel Anyanwu (Imo East) said legislative activities would no longer be business as usual in the 8th National Assembly if the nation must move forward.

“We will do our best not to truncate the economy of this country .We are going to ensure that peace and unity of this country still remains, yet we must play our roles,” Anyanwu said.